Initial Environmental Examination

May 2021 Addendum

India: Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program - Tranche 3

Prepared by Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL) for the Asian .Development Bank. This is an addendum to the initial environmental examination report originally posted in October 2020 available on https://www.adb.org/projects/documents/ind-43464-027-iee-1

This addendum to the initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

` Recd. 27.5.21 SFG Log 4638

Addendum to Initial Environmental Examination Report

Project Number: 43464-027 Loan 3733-IND May 2021

India: Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program - Tranche 3

Prepared by Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL), Government of Himachal Pradesh for the Asian Development Bank.

This addendum to initial environmental examination report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section of this website. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Contents Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 The Tranche 3 Project 1 1.3 Scope of Work and Methodology Adopted 3 2.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 5 2.1 Indian - National, Local, Other Applicable Environmental Laws, Regulations, and Standards as applicable to the project. 5 2.2 Asian Development Bank’s safeguard Policies 6 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 8 3.1 Project overview 8 3.2 Need for the Project 8 3.3 Location of the sub-projects 8 3.4 Proposed Sub-projects interventions 12 4.0 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT 18 4.1 Sub-projects overview 18 4.1.1 Physical Resources 18 4.3 Ecological Resources 24 4.3 Economic Development 26 4.4 Social and Cultural Resources 31 5.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 33 5.1 Environmental Impacts 33 6.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 38 6.1 HPPTCL’s Approach for Site Selection 38 7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 39 7.1 Environment Management Plan 39 7.2 Monitoring 42 7.3 Institutional arrangements 43 8.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, AND GRIEVANCE MECHANISM 44 8.1 Public Consultations 44 8.2 Information Disclosure and Future Consultations 44 9.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 45 ANNEXURES 46 Annexure 1: Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist 46 Annexure 2: Copy of the designs/plans for four sub-projects 51 Annexure 3: Environmental Management Plan 56 Annexure 4: Measurement of Environmental Parameters & Periodicity 62 Annexure 5: National Standards for Water, Air, and Noise quality as per CPCB 63 Annexure 6 Results of Environment Monitoring for Air, Water, Noise and Soil Sampling at different sub-project sites 65 Annexure 7: Photographs of Consultations carried through Social Media at different project sites 84

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB – Asian Development Bank ACSR – Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced AMSL – Average Mean Sea Level CEA – Central Electricity Authority CPCB – Central Pollution Control Board, Government of India DPR – Detailed Project Report EARF – Environmental Assessment and Review Framework EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment EMoP – Environmental Monitoring Plan EMP – Environmental Management Plan EHV – Extra-High Voltage EPC – Engineering, Procurement, and Construction ESC – Environment and Social Cell GHG – Green House Gases GoHP – Government of Himachal Pradesh GoI – Government of India GRM – Grievance Redressal Mechanism HPCEDIP – Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Development Investment Program HPCETIP – Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program HPSPCB – Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board HPPCL – Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited HPPTCL – Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited HPSEB – Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board IEE – Initial Environmental Examination LILO – Line – in- Line- out MFF – Multi-tranche Financing Facility MOEF&CC – Ministry of Environment, Forests& Climate Change, Government of India PCB – Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl PGCIL – Power Grid Corporation of India Limited PMU – Project Management Unit RoW – Right of Way

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ha (hectare) – 10,000 sq m km (kilometer) – 1,000 m kV – kilovolt (1,000 volts) kW – kilowatt (1,000 watts) kWh – kilowatt-hour MVA – Megavolt-Amperes MW – Megawatt

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state in northern India with a population of slightly over 6 million, has abundant water resources in the five major rivers flowing through the state from the western . The hydropower generation potential of Himachal Pradesh is about 23,000 MW, which is about one-fourth of the total hydropower potential of India. In its Hydropower Policy (2007) 1 , the Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP) targets its comparative advantage in hydropower with the goal to become the "hydropower state" of the country. 2. The Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program (HPCETIP) is a $350 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which will contribute to economic development in Himachal Pradesh through expanded power supplies from clean energy sources and support a sustainable electricity sector in the state. With ADB support, the proposed program will sustain the energy sector reform agenda and is expected to help attract other long-term financiers to the state. 3. The proposed Tranche 3 project, located in , Kinnaur, Kangra, Chamba, , Mandi, and Sirmaur districts of Himachal Pradesh, involving the construction of approximately 135 km of transmission lines of various voltages 220/132/66/ and four substations of 583 MVA transformation capacity and one switching substations, consists of the Power Transmission lines, EHV Pooling Substations and Capacity building & Training. 4. This addendum to ADB-cleared Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report, October 2020 has been prepared due to additional scope of four subprojects under loan 3733-IND (Tranche-3). Details of the additional scope of four subprojects under loan 3733-IND (Tranche- III) are provided below: (i) Construction of Residential quarters Type-1 & Type-2 at 400/220/66kV Wangtoo substation and Type 3 & Type-4 at Bhabha Nagar (in HPSEBL’s residential colony), including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement and electric installation with Quality Assurance at of Himachal Pradesh; (ii) Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, type-3 & Type-4 at Chambi substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement and electric installation with Quality Assurance at of Himachal Pradesh; (iii) Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, type-3 & Type-4 at Charor substation (in Phosal), including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement and electric installation with Quality Assurance at of Himachal Pradesh; and (iv) Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, type-3 & Type-4 at Lahal substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement and electric installation with Quality Assurance at of Himachal Pradesh. 5. The projects, listed in the schedule of Government of India’s (GoI) Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 and its subsequent amendments are required to obtain Environment Clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC)/SEIAA. The project in concern is about construction of auxiliary buildings for residential quarters at four different sites and is proposed to be built in an area of 3973m2. As

1 Government of Himachal Pradesh. 2007. Hydro Power Policy (2007). Shimla.

per schedule 8(a) of the EIA, Notification, 2006 on Building and Construction; the Project in areas less than 20,000m2 do not require environmental clearance. Since, the total built-up area (3973m2) for all four auxiliary buildings proposed sub-projects is less than 20,000m2, hence it does not trigger for the Environmental clearance from GoI or State. 6. Description of the scope of the work for the sub-projects is summarised in table 1 below. Table 1: Description of the Project Type of quarters No of buildings No of sets No of Total plot area Required built storey (super areas) up area Lot 1 at Wangtoo & Bhabanagar (in HPSEBL’s residential colony) in Kinnaur district Type 1 1 4 2 Type 2 1 4 2 3,805m2 2029m2 Type 3 1 4 2 Type 4 1 1 1 Lot 2 at Chambi in Kangra district Type-2 1 4 2 Type 3 1 4 2 2,250m2 733m2 Type 4 1 1 1 Lot 3 at Phosal in Kullu district Type 2 1 4 2 Type 3 1 4 2 1,200m2 550m2 Type 4 1 1 1 Lot 4 at Lahal in Chamba district Type 1 2 4 2 Type 2 2 2 1 925m2 661m2 Type 3 2 2 1 Type 4 1 1 1 Total 8,180m2 3,973m2 7. Collection of baseline parameters of water, air, soil, and noise have been done at the substations, premises of which these subprojects have been located, except at Phosal substation site. These have been used for the establishment of baseline data and the same has been provided in this addendum to IEE report at Annexure 6. The quality of air, noise, water & soil is generally found good in the sub-project sites. There is no negative impact envisaged on environmental baseline during construction of sub-projects. 8. All the four sub-projects are not located in notified protected area (Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park or Conservation Reserves, etc.) or its Eco sensitive zones. No endangered or protected species of flora or fauna are reported at any of the subproject sites. No Forest or any type of trees are required to be felled that fall in subproject area. 9. No archaeological/protected monument is located in the project vicinity. 10. Overall, the major environmental impacts associated with construction of auxiliary building subprojects are in the construction & operation period and can be mitigated to an acceptable level by implementation of recommended measures in the EMP and by best engineering and environmental practices. The impact matrix depicts that the project will not have significant negative environmental impacts and the project would help in improving the socio-economic conditions of this developing State. Adverse impacts, if noticed during implementation will be mitigated using appropriate design and management measures. The environment category of the loan continues to be “B” in accordance with ADB’s SPS, 2009 even

iii after inclusion of additional scope of work. 11. The project also anticipates some beneficial impacts such as business growth and job opportunities for the local inhabitants during construction and operation phases. 12. The consultations were carried through social media (due to covid-19 pandemic) and one to one interaction with the local people reflects awareness of the construction activities to be taken at these subproject’s sites. Consultations will also be carried during the construction phase of the project. 13. Executive summary of the addendum to IEE report will be translated in and made available at the offices of HPPTCL, PIUs and also displayed on their notice boards. Electronic version of the addendum in English and Executive Summary in English and Hindi will be placed in the official website of the HPPTCL after approval of the same by ADB. 14. The Executing Agency (HPPTCL) shall ensure that EMP of the addendum to IEE forms part of works contract for these subprojects. The same shall be revised if necessary, during project implementation or if there is any change in the project design and with approval of ADB.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1. For improvement, strengthening of existing and building of new infrastructure for effective power evacuation, GoHP through the Government of India (GoI), had requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) to partly finance the power sector investment program in the state. The investment program covers investments for transmission of clean energy to the National Grid of India by the construction of pooling substations and EHV transmission lines. To implement this activity, GoHP has established Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL) vide Himachal Pradesh Government Notification Nos.: MPP-A (1)-4/2006-Loose dated 11th September 2008 as the State Transmission Utility (STU). 1.2 The Tranche 3 Project 2. The $350 million investments in the MFF will contribute to support the economic development in Himachal Pradesh through expanded power supplies from clean energy sources, and support a sustainable state electricity sector in the state. The Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program (HPCETIP) will produce the following outcomes: (i) increase availability of clean energy downstream at pooling stations for effective power evacuation in a financially sustainable manner, (ii) improve state finances and power sector financial viability from sales revenue earned from power exports, (iii) improve sector governance, (iv) improve capacity in HPPTCL for better planning, implementation and management of power evacuation infrastructure, and energy efficiency through a better power management program and (v) improvement in implementation standards of environmental and social safeguards in the sector. With ADB’s support, the proposed program will sustain the energy sector reform agenda and is expected to help attract other long-term financiers to the state. 3. The proposed Tranche 3 subproject (including Construction of Auxiliary buildings), located in Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur districts of Himachal Pradesh, consists of the following components: Table 1.1 gives the investment component costs for Tranche 3. The following sections present each of these components. Table 1.1: Tranche 3 Subprojects S No Name of Sub Project Cost in Million Cost in Million dollar dollar (Awarded) (Allocated) COMPONENT I. Bhabha Nagar PIU (Kinnaur District) subprojects T1 66 kV D/C transmission line from 66/22 kV GISS Nirmand 3.14 to 66/220 kV Kotla Substation. S1 66/22 kV ,2x10 MVA GISS at Nirmand (Bagipul). 5.43 COMPONENT II. Chamba PIU (Chamba District) subprojects T2 400kV D/C transmission line (Twin Moose) from 400/220 15.74 kV,2x315 MVA Lahal GISS to 400/220 kV Chamera (Rajera) Pooling station of PGCIL. S2 132/220 kV, 2x80/100 MVA GIS substation at Mazra 9.56 (Distt.Chamba) T3 220 kV D/C transmission line from 132/220 kV GISS Mazra 5.25 33/220 kV Karian T4 220 kV D/C transmission line (Twin Moose) from Bhajoli 9.57 Holi HEP to 400/220 kV Lahal GISS

COMPONENT III: Rohroo PIU (Shimla Districts) subprojects S3 220 kV Switching substation at Hatkoti

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S No Name of Sub Project Cost in Million Cost in Million dollar dollar (Awarded) (Allocated) COMPONENT IV: Sarabhai PIU (Kullu and Mandi Districts) subprojects 89.94 S4 33/132 kV 2x25/31.5 MVA GIS substation at Barsaini 6.74 T5 132kV D/C transmission line from Barsaini to Charor 5.95 COMPONENT V: Additional Subprojects SP1 Augmentation of existing 220/132 kV Kangoo Sub Station 7.00 and stringing of 2nd circuit of 220 kV S/C line (3.2 Km) on D/C Towers from Dehar Power House of BBMB to Kangoo sub-station in ; SP2 Construction of 2 No. AIS Bays in the existing 220/66kV 7.72 Baddi substation and loop-in and loop-out (LILO) 2nd circuit of 220 kV Kunihar to Panchkula transmission line (2.5 Km) at Baddi sub-station in district Solan; SP3 Construction of 66/220 kV, 80/100 MVA transformer in 6.13 400/220 kV Gumma sub-station in district Shimla; SP4 Creation of a joint control and operations center for - transmission line assets in district Solan and Sirmaur SP5 LILO of 132 kV D/C Kurthala-Bathri line (3.5 Km D/C) at 1.627 Mazra sub-station in district Chamba. COMPONENT VI: Auxillary Buildings Lot 1 Construction of Residential quarters Type-1 & Type-2 1.8 3.24 at 400/220/66kV Wangtoo Substation and Type 3 & Type-4 at Bhabha Nagar, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh Lot 2 Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, type-3 & Type-4 at Chambi Substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh Lot 3 Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, type-3 & Type-4 at Chharor Substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh Lot 4 Construction of Residential Quarters Type1, Type2, Type3 & Type4 at Lahal Substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh under HPPTCL Sub Total for Sub-projects 83.85 89.94 ERP AND RELATED HARDWARE 10.70 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 0.36 UNALLOCATED 0.16 INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING 0.14 0.6 Total 85.316 105.00 4. This document is an addendum, intended to be part of ADB-cleared Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report, October 2020 (for Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission

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Investment Program-Tranche 3) prepared to reflect the associated environmental impacts & mitigation measures due to the following four additional scope of works under loan 3733-IND (Tranche-3). i. Construction of Residential quarters Type-1 & Type-2 at 400/220/66kV Wangtoo substation and Type 3 & Type-4 at Bhabha Nagar (in HPSEBL’s residential colony), including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh; ii. Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, type-3 & Type-4 at Chambi substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh; iii. Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, type-3 & Type-4 at Chharor substation (in Phosal), including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh; and iv. Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, type-3 & Type-4 at Lahal substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. 5. The Tranche 3 subprojects including the construction of Auxiliary buildings are estimated to cost Rs 746.96 crore (including contingencies and interest during construction). HPPTCL is both the executive agency and implementation agency for the project. The Project Management Unit (PMU), headed by the Dy General Manager (Planning), has been established at a corporate level located in Shimla who is assisted by corresponding personnel from various functions – Administration and Finance, Planning and Design, Procurement and Contracts, Environment and Social Cell (ESC) and Project Construction. Project Implementation Units (PIUs) at the divisional level are headed by Executive Engineers at four geographic locations in the state. 1.3 Scope of Work and Methodology Adopted 6. The addendum to the ADB-cleared IEE report, October 2020 for Tranche-III sub-projects covers the environmental implication and mitigation measures due to Auxiliary buildings (residential quarters) construction under loan 3733-IND. The broad scope of the addendum to the report is: i) To conduct field visits to collect data relevant to the study area and also collect secondary data (Kangra and Kinnaur district) to establish the baseline environmental status of the study area; ii) To assess the impacts on environmental attributes due to the location, design, construction, and operation of the proposed Project; iii) To prepare an Environment Management Plan (EMP) outlining the measures for mitigating the adverse environmental impacts, as well as institutional arrangements; iv) To identify critical environmental parameters required to be monitored after the implementation of the proposed project; v) To carry out consultation with local people to identify public perception regarding the project; and vi) To establish an Environment Monitoring Plan (EMoP) for HPPTCL to submit environmental monitoring reports to ADB at regular intervals. 7. This addendum to the IEE report comprises baseline data of existing conditions on

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physical, ecological, economic, and social aspects for Kangra and Kinnaur districts, which were not covered earlier in the IEE report. The addendum also highlights the anticipated environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures for the construction of Auxiliary buildings. Field surveys were undertaken to assess the physical and biological environment. A detailed assessment of the baseline environment has been conducted for the proposed sub-project sites and data collection from secondary sources has been done to support the findings of the field survey. The field studies were supported by data collected from secondary sources such as the internet, forest atlas, and published GoI’s data from 2011 population census statistics data, as well as from authorities such as HPPCL, Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB), Forest and other departments. 8. The construction of Auxiliary building (for residential quarters) will be done on already acquired land for the substation sites for which the site-specific topographic surveys were done earlier during the pre-construction stages of the specific substation sites. At Wangtoo, the Auxiliary buildings will be constructed at two different sites; one in the premises of the substation and 2nd in the premises of HPSEBL’s (a sister’s concern of HPPTCL) residential colony. The topographic survey at this location is in progress. The data regarding soil, topography, contour, land cutting and filling required distance from water bodies and distance from major roads, details of forest/non-forest, fruit/non-fruit trees being affected, and land details have been collected and updated in the addendum to IEE by HPPTCL. 9. The consultations were carried through social media (due to covid-19 pandemic) and one to one telephonic interaction with the local people reflects awareness of the construction activities to be taken at these subproject’s sites. Consultations will also be carried during the construction phase of the project. 10. The HPCETIP does not involve activities that have significant adverse impacts, the present addendum to IEE has been prepared as per ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 and Environment Assessment and Review Framework (EARF) for the Project. The categorization of four subprojects (Auxiliary buildings) about environmental safeguards has been done with updating of the ADB’s Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (REA) checklist (given in Annexure 1). The environment category of the loan continues to be “B” in accordance with ADB’s SPS, 2009. The addendum to IEE report conforms to national environmental regulations and is also consistent with the EARF and ADB’s SPS 2009.

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2.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

2.1 Indian - National, Local, Other Applicable Environmental Laws, Regulations, and Standards as applicable to the project. 11. The projects, listed in the schedule of Government of India’s (GoI) Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 and its subsequent amendments are required to obtain Environment Clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC)/SEIAA. The project in concern is about construction of auxiliary buildings for residential quarters at four different sites and is proposed to be built in an area of 3,973m2. As per schedule 8(a) of the EIA, Notification, 2006 on Building and Construction; the Project in areas less than 20,000m2 do not require environmental clearance. Since, the total built-up area (3,973m2) for all four auxiliary buildings proposed sub-projects is less than 20,000m2, hence it does not trigger for the Environmental clearance from GoI or State. Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 of ADB and procedures and guidelines thereto apply to all components/subprojects funded by ADB. 12. The proposed project involves the construction of Auxiliary buildings (residential quarters) in the already completed or under construction substation project premises funded by ADB at four different locations in an area of about 8180m2. 13. HPPTCL has notified an “Environment and Social Safeguards Policy (ESSP) May 2011”, a “Resettlement, Relief, Rehabilitation and Compensation Policy May 2011” which includes various safeguards principles and strategies as well as outlines methods for calculation of compensation, taking into account the prevailing market prices. 2.1.1 Indian Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework 14. The major Indian acts, rules, and policies which are relevant to the project including its applicability and objectives are given below in table 2.1 below. Table 2.1: Indian Regulations as Applicable for the project S No Name of Regulation Objective Applicability ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS 1 The Environment (Protection) Act To protect and improve the overall environment Yes 1986 and Environment (Protection) Rules 1986 & its amendments 2 GoI’s Environment Impact To provide guidance on environmental No Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006 clearance requirements and clarification on and its subsequent amendments related specific technical issues 3 The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 To protect wild animals and birds through the No creation of National Parks and Sanctuaries 4 The Hazardous Waste To protect the general public against improper Yes (Management, Handling and Trans- handling, storage and disposal of hazardous boundary Movements) rules, 2009 wastes 5 Forests (Conservation) Act, 1980 To manage and protect forests. No and Rules 1981 6 The Air (Prevention and Control of To provide for the prevention, control and Yes Pollution) Act, 1981 Including Rules abatement of air pollution, and for the 1982 and 1983 establishment of Boards to carry out these purposes. 7 Noise Pollution (Regulation and To provide for prevention of noise pollution Yes Control) Rules, 2000 and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) (Amendment) Rules, 2010

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S No Name of Regulation Objective Applicability 8 The Water (Prevention and Control To provide for the prevention and control of Yes of Pollution) Act 1974 and water pollution and the maintaining or restoring subsequent amendments of wholesomeness of water. 9 Construction & Demolition, Waste To protect the environment against improper Yes Management Rules, 2016 handling, storage and disposal of Construction and Demolition Waste 10 Ancient Monuments and Conservation of Cultural and historical remains No Archaeological Sites and Remains found in India. (1958) 11 Building and Other Construction To regulate the employment and conditions of Yes Workers Act 1996 service of building and other construction workers and to provide for their safety, health and welfare measures 12 The Child Labour (Prohibition and To regulate the employment of children Yes Regulation) Act, 1986 including age limits, type of employment, timing of work, information disclosure and health and safety. 13 Central Motor Vehicle Act (1988) To control vehicular air and noise pollution. To Yes and Rules (1988) regulate development of the transport sector, check and control vehicular air and Noise pollution.

2.1.2 National Government Environment Classification 15. Under the GoI’s Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006, the environmental classification of projects is determined by MoEF&CC, GoI and there are two possible outcomes: • Category A: A project is classified as Category A; if it is likely to have significant negative impacts and is thus one of the types of projects listed in this category in the EIA Notification. Such projects require EIA, plus Environmental Clearance (EC) from MoEF&CC; • Category B: A project is classified as Category; B if it is likely to have fewer negative impacts and is listed in this category in the EIA Notification. These projects require EC from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), who classify the project as B1 (requiring EIA) or B2 (not requiring EIA), depending on the level of potential impacts. Projects classified as B2 require no further study. 2.2 Asian Development Bank’s safeguard Policies 16. ADB’s SPS 2009 is applicable to all projects. These projects can be categorized as A, B, C or FI. Table 2.4 below provides a list of categorizations of the activities related to the Environment, as per ADB’s SPS 2009 requirements: Table 2.4: Environment Safeguards Categorization: Definition Category Environment A — Significant Investments that anticipate significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. B — Less Investments with potential adverse impacts that are site-specific, few if any of them Significant are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be more readily designed than for Category A investments. C — Minimal or Investments that have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts.

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Category Environment No Impacts FI — Financial Investment of ADB funds through financial intermediaries (FI) Intermediation 17. The categorization of four additional scopes of works (Auxiliary buildings) pertaining to Environmental Safeguards has been done as per ADB’s Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (REA) checklist (given in Annexure 1). The environment category of the loan continues to be “B” in accordance with ADB’s SPS, 2009. The addendum to the IEE report, October 2020 conforms to the national environmental regulations and is also consistent with the EARF and ADB’s SPS 2009.

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3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 3.1 Project overview 18. The sub-projects, Construction of Auxiliary buildings at four different locations are part of the HPCETIP programme under tranche-III. In the substation premises at four different locations, auxiliary buildings for residential quarters of different categories like Type-I, II, III, and IV are have been proposed. The scope of the subprojects covers the construction of residential quarters including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation. Other facilities like roads, telephone lines, and parking, etc have already been part of substation construction projects and will be used commonly for residential quarters. 3.2 Need for the Project 19. The substation projects, where auxiliary buildings for residential quarters have been proposed are either under construction or have been completed/commissioned. The operation of the substations would require regular 24X7 working of the staff in shifts. Most of the locations are in areas surrounded by village settlements and employees will struggle to find suitable accommodation near the substation site. Since employees will be working in the day and night shifts hence, residential facilities/quarters have been proposed to cater to the living requirements of staff who will be posted there during the operational stage of the project. 3.3 Location of the sub-projects 20. Based on the land availability, HPPTCL has selected four locations in District Kinnaur, Kangra, Kullu, and Chamba for the construction of residential quarters. The selection of sites was based on the requirement of residential quarters and hindrance-free land availability. There are no wildlife sanctuaries, protected areas, and eco-sensitive zones/areas notified by the MoEF&CC located within a 10 km radius of the selected sub-project sites. Locational details of the sub- projects are given below in table 3.1. Table 3.1: Location of Sub-projects Project Name of Sub-Project Tehsil District PIU Lot 1 C/o Residential quarters Type-1 & 2 at Nichar Kinnaur Bhabhanagar 400/220/66kV Wangtoo Substation and Type-3 & 4 at Bhabha Nagar, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh Lot 2 C/o Residential quarters Type-1, 2, 3 & 4 at Shahpur Kangra Chambi Chambi Substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh Lot 3 C/o Residential quarters Type-1, 2, 3 & 4 at Manali Kullu Phosal Chharor Substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh Lot 4 C/o Residential quarters Type-1, 2, 3 & 4 at Bharmour Chamba Lahal Lahal Substation, including site development,

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Project Name of Sub-Project Tehsil District PIU sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh 21. Figure 3.1 below shows the sub-project's location in different parts of the state. Figures 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5 show the specific location of the subprojects in Kinnaur, Kangra, Kullu, and Chamba districts respectively.

Figure 3.1: Subprojects located in different parts of Himachal Pradesh

Figure 3.2: Residential Quarters at Wangtoo Figure 3.3: Residential Quarters at Chambi Substation in Kinnaur district (Lot 1) Substation in Kangra district (Lot 2)

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Figure 3.4: Residential Quarters at Charor Figure 3.5: Residential Quarters at Lahal Substation in Phosal in Kullu district (Lot 3) Substation in Chamba district (Lot 4) 22. Google images of the Lot 1, 2, 3 & 4 sub-project locations have been shown in figure 3.6/3.6a, 3.7, 3.8, and 3.9 at Wangtoo/Bhabanagar, Chambi, Phosal, and Lahal respectively.

Figure 3.6; Google image of Lot 1 sub-project at Wangtoo Substation premise (Site 1)

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Figure 3.6a; Google image of Lot 1 sub-project at Bhabhnagar (Site 2)

Figure 3.7; Google image of Lot 2 sub-project at Chambi Substation premise

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Figure 3.8; Google image of Lot 3 sub-project at Phosal Substation premise

Figure 3.9; Google image of Lot 4 sub-project at Lahal Substation premise 3.4 Proposed Sub-projects interventions 23. Salient features of the sub-project sites are presented below. 24. Lot 1: Construction of Residential quarters Type-1 & Type-2 at 400/220/66kV Wangtoo Substation and Type 3 & Type-4 at Bhabha Nagar (in HPSEBL’s residential colony) including site

13 development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The Wangtoo Substation was constructed under ADB’s loan no-2794. Salient features of the subproject are described below in table 3.2. Table-3.2; Salient features of the Lot 1 sub-project Features Description Total plot area 3805 m2 Built-up area 2029 m2 Site Co-ordinates 31032’57” N 78001’03” E Types of Quarters Type-I, II, III, and IV No of Type-I 04 sets Type-II 04 Type-III 04 Type-III 01 No of Type-I 02 buildings Type-II 02 Type-III 02 Type-III 01 No of Type-I 02 (Height 8.55m) stories Type-II 02 (Height 8.55m) Type-III 02 (Height 8.55m) Type-IV 01 (Height 5.35m) Topography HIlly Road Connectivity Wangtto and Bhabanagar sites are 3 kms and 1.5 kms away from NH-5 respectively. Both sub-project sites are accessible through link roads. Site nearby Wangtoo/Bhabanagar Sensitive receptors Satluj River at a distance of 100m from the sub-project site. A PHC nearby (Primary Health Centre) is within 500m of Bhabanagar site. No other sensitive receptors are in proximity of the proposed sites. Both the sub- project sites are fenced. Protected areas No wildlife sanctuary or other protected area or eco-sensitive zone within 10kms from sub-project site Ancient monument/ No ancient monument or archaeological sites & remains of National archaeological sites importance in the proximity of the sub-project site Electricity Electric supply for the users during construction and operational phases will be taken from Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL). Water Supply Water supply for the users during construction and operation phases will be taken from Irrigation and Public Health Department of Himachal Pradesh. Solid waste The solid waste generated in the residential quarters during the management operational phase will be segregated and its disposal will be integrated with the local waste disposal system. Sewerage There is a provision of toilet blocks with septic tanks and soak pits. The management septic tanks will be maintained and emptied regularly. 25. Photographs of the sub-project site for lot-1 are shown in figure 3.10/3.10a.

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Figure 3.10: Photograph of the lot-1 sub-project site (in Wangtoo Substation)

Figure 3.10a: Photograph of the lot-1 sub-project site (in HPSEBL residential colony) 26. Lot 2: Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, type-3 & Type-4 at Chambi Substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric

15 installation with Quality Assurance at Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The Chambi Substation was constructed under loan no-2794. Salient features of the subproject are described below in table 3.3. Table-3.3; Salient features of the Lot 2 sub-project Features Description Total plot area 2250 m2 Built-up area 733 m2 Site Co-ordinates 32011’13” N 76013’9’E Types of Quarters Type-II, III, and IV No of Type-II 01 buildings Type-III 01 Type-IV 01 No of Type-II 04 sets Type-III 04 Type-IV 01 No of Type-II 02 (Height 6.30m) stories Type-III 02 (Height 6.30m) Type-IV 01 (Height 3.15m) Topography Rolling terrain Road Connectivity The sub-project site have an access to NH-154 by link road of 4 kms. Site nearby Suri village Environmental There are no sensitive receptors in proximity of the proposed site. Sub- sensitivity project site is fenced with brick wall. Protected areas No wildlife sanctuary or other protected area or eco-sensitive zone within 10kms from the sub-project site. Ancient monument or No ancient monument or archaeological sites & remains of National archaeological sites importance in the proximity to the sub-project site. Electricity Electric supply for the users during construction and operational phases will be taken from Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL). Water Supply Water supply for the users during construction and operation phases will be taken from Irrigation and Public Health Department (IP&H)/Jal Shakti Vibhag of Himachal Pradesh. Solid waste The solid waste generated in the residential quarters during the management operational phase will be segregated and its disposal will be integrated with the local city waste disposal system. Sewerage There is a provision of toilet blocks with septic tanks and soak pits. The management septic tanks will be maintained and emptied regularly 27. Lot 3: Construction of Residential quarters Type-2, type-3 & Type-4 at Chharor substation (in Phosal), including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Salient features of the subproject are described in table 3.4.

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Table-3.4; Salient features of the Lot 3 sub-project Features Description Total plot area 1200 m2 Built-up area 550 m2 Site Co-ordinates 32005’42’N 77006’36’E Types of Quarters Type-II, III, and IV No of Type-II 04 sets Type-III 04 Type-III 04 No of Type-II 01 buildings Type-III 01 Type-III 01 No of Type-II 02 (Height 6.30m) stories Type-III 02 (Height 6.30m) Type-III 01 (Height 3.15m) Topography HIlly Road Connectivity The sub-project site have access to NH-154 by link road of 4 kms. Site nearby Dobhi village Environmental A stream (Phosal Nala) at a distance of 100m from the sub-project sensitivity site. No other sensitive receptors are in proximity of the proposed site. The sub-project sites are fenced. Protected areas No wildlife sanctuary or other protected area or eco-sensitive zone within 10kms from the sub-project site. Ancient monument or No ancient monument or archaeological sites & remains of National archaeological sites importance in the proximity to the sub-project site. Electricity Electric supply for the users during construction and operational phases will be taken from Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL). Water Supply Water supply for the users during construction and operation phases will be taken from Irrigation and Public Health Department (IP&H)/Jal Shakti Vibhag of Himachal Pradesh. Solid waste The solid waste generated in the residential quarters during the management operational phase will be segregated and its disposal will be integrated with the local city waste disposal system. Sewerage There is a provision of toilet blocks with septic tanks and soak pits. management The septic tanks will be maintained and emptied regularly 28. Lot 4: Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, 2, 3 & 4 at Lahal Substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The Lahal Substation was constructed under loan no-3001. Salient features of the subproject are described in table 3.5.

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Table-3.5; Salient features of the Lot 4 sub-project Features Description Total plot area 925 m2 Built-up area 661 m2 Site Co-ordinates 32028’13” N 76028’08”E Types of Quarters Type-II, III, and IV No of Type-I 04 sets Type-II 02 Type-III 02 Type-III 01 No of Type-I 02 buildings Type-II 02 Type-III 02 Type-III 01 No of Type-I 02 (Height 6.30m) stories Type-II 01 (Height 3.15m) Type-III 01 (Height 3.15m) Type-IV 01 (Height 3.15m) Topography HIlly Road Connectivity The sub-project site is adjoining NH-154. Site nearby Khada Mukh Sensitive receptors A river, named and Budhil river at a distance of 100m from the sub- nearby project site. A Government’s middle school and a PHC (Primary Health Centre) is also located within 500m of sub-project site. Protected areas No wildlife sanctuary or other protected area or eco-sensitive zone within 10kms from sub-project site Ancient monument or No ancient monument or archaeological sites & remains of National archaeological sites importance in the proximity of the sub-project site Electricity Electric supply for the users during construction and operational phases will be taken from Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL). Water Supply Water supply for the users during construction and operation phases will be taken from Irrigation and Public Health Department of Himachal Pradesh. Solid waste The solid waste generated in the residential quarters during the management operational phase will be segregated and its disposal will be integrated with the local waste disposal system. Sewerage There is a provision of toilet blocks with septic tanks and soak pits. The management septic tanks will be maintained and emptied regularly. 29. Copies of the design/plan for sub-projects under Lot-1, 2, 3 & 4 are given in Annexure 2.

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4.0 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT 4.1 Sub-projects overview 30. Himachal Pradesh is a north Indian mountainous state. The climate of the state varies from subtropical to temperate. The total area of Himachal Pradesh is 55,663 km2, which is 1.74% of the total area of India. The state is very rich in natural resources especially forest and water resources, as it has many permanent glaciers, dense forests, mountain peaks, and a network of rivers, with the five main rivers including the - Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Pabbar. The outer and lesser Himalayan watersheds of the state covering 28,970 km2 area are of great national importance, as entire northern India depends largely on water and power produced by run-of-the-river projects from this region. Himachal Pradesh extends from the Shivalik Hills in the south to the Great Himalayan ranges including a slice of the trans- Himalayas in the north. This section of the addendum describes the environment of Kinnaur and Kangra district, which have not been covered in ADB cleared IEE report. 4.1.1 Physical Resources 31. Kinnaur district. Kinnaur is situated 77°45' and 79°00’35’’ east longitudes and between 31°55'50'' and 32°05'15'' north latitudes. The district is entirely hilly except few small, deep valleys in between. The district has a total geographical area of 6401 sq. km which covers about 11.5 % area of the state. On the western side lies the and on the north and north- west lies the Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur is surrounded by the Autonomous Region of to the east, in the northeast corner of Himachal Pradesh, about 235 km from Shimla it having the three high mountains ranges i. e. , Greater Himalayas, and Dhauladhar enclosing valleys of , Spiti, Baspa, and their tributaries. The slopes of the valleys are covered with thick wood, orchards, fields, and picturesque hamlets. 32. Kangra district. The Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh is situated in the Western Himalayas between 31°2 to 32°5 N and 75° to 77°45 E. The district has a geographical area of 5,739 km. which constitutes 10.31% of the geographical area of the State. According to the 2001 census, the total population of the district was 1,339,030, which is the highest in the state (22.50% of the population). The altitude of the district ranges from 427 to 6401m above mean sea level, with the lowest being in the plain areas bordering of Punjab in the west and Una and Hamirpur districts of H.P to the south while the highest being amidst the Dhauladhar mountain range which forms the border with Chamba and Kullu districts. The district has considerable diversity in its soils, physiography, land use patterns, and cropping systems. Based on these, the district has further been divided into five sub-regions i.e., Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Kangra Shiwalik, , and Beas Basin. 4.1.2 Atmosphere Climate 33. There are four broad seasons. Winter normally starts from mid-November and continues till mid-March. December, January, and February are severe cold months when the winter season is at its peak. The upper reaches, have snow and sleet while the rains are frequent in the lower areas and snow may fall as early as the beginning of October but usually, the areas have snowfall from the later part of December and continue until mid-March. The higher peaks experience heavier snowfall and snow melting starts from March. From mid-March to mid-May, the climate in most parts of the district is at its bloom because of the springtime. The climate is comparatively hot from mid-May to mid-July and varies from semi-tropical to semi-arctic. The places situated in the lower reaches on the banks of rivers and streams are as hot as plains. The rainy season generally starts from mid-July and extends up to mid-September. The Autumn season is generally very small from mid-September to mid-November. The extended rainy

19 season and early setting of winter are the reasons for its short duration. 34. Kinnaur: The variance of climate, is as varied as the area. One experience change, from the heat of the tropical zone, almost to the freezing temperature of a lowland winter. In the outer Himalayas, which is partly under the influence of the periodical rain, the temperature is much more uniform than in the interior, where, the summer is sultry and the winter extremely cold at an elevation of from 8000 to 10,000 feet, in favourable situations, such as Chango, Leo, and Moorang the temperature of July and August is 20° to 22° C and in October temperature is about 10° C. At an elevation of 12,000 feet, the summer temperature is between 13° C to 18° C and in October it is 3° to 4°C. In summers it is fairly warm in lower hills. The winter is often rigorous, and in some parts, people do not venture out of their homes because of heavy snow. The mean monthly temperature varies from 5° C to 23° C. 35. Kangra: The climate of the district varies from sub-tropical to sub-humid. Winter extends from December to February and summer extends from March to June while July to September is the rainy months. The average annual rainfall of the district is 1751 mm, out of which 83% occurs during June to Sept. Snowfall is received in the higher reaches of the Dhauladhar ranges. The minimum and maximum temperature at varies from 2.9°C in January to 32.9°C in May. Rainfall 36. The rainfall is well distributed from January to September and the other three months receive comparatively less rainfall. Maximum rainfall is received during July. Less rainfall during October to December adversely affects the sowing of rabi crops. Sometimes in April and May, hailstorms are received which causes damage to crops, especially fruits. Heavy rains during the maturity period of rabi crops also sometimes cause damage to the crops. The sunshine hours during December, January, and February are much less (4.9–5.4 average hours) which further intensifies the severity of cold. Natural calamities such as flash floods, cloudbursts, and droughts are common and frequent features in the district and have caused heavy losses to the farmers during the past years. 37. Besides the seasonal variations, the climate of Himachal Pradesh varies at different altitudes. The average rainfall is 1251 mm. The highest rainfall occurs in the Kangra district. The highest precipitation is received in the inter-monsoon period from October to December. The average rainfall in Kinnaur and Kangra districts is shown in Table 4.1. Table 4.1: Average Yearly Rainfall (in mm) Year Kinnaur Kangra 2014 382 1519 2015 643 1996 2016 367 1612 2017 459 1993 2018 417 2339 Source: India Meteriological department. Baseline Air Quality

38. As per primary testing of air quality parameters, SO2, NOx, and RSPM were observed and value of SO2, and NOx are found well below the permissible limits however, value for RSPM is found below National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for annual and 24-hour average in Lahal, Wangtoo, and Chambi substation. The ambient air quality standards are mentioned in Annexure 5, while the baseline information of Ambient Air Quality is attached in Annexure 6 under title results of air quality. Samples were collected during December 2020 for

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Wangtoo (site 1), and Lahal sub-projects sites and for chambi the same was done during November 2019. Air quality monitoring was not done at Phosal sub-project site. Baseline Ambient Noise 39. The National noise quality standards are mentioned in Annexure 5, while the baseline Information of Ambient Noise Quality at the Wangtoo (Site 1), Chambi, and Lahal substation site is attached in Annexure 6 under title results of noise quality. Samples were collected during December 2020 for Wangtoo, and Lahal sub-projects sites and for Chambi site, the same was done during November 2019. Noise quality monitoring was not done at Phosal sub-project site. 4.1.3 Topography and Soils Topography 40. Topographically, the state consists of five distinct sub-regions. These are (i) valley areas with elevations up to 1,000 m, (ii) low hills, between 1,000 and 2,000 m, (iii) high hills which lie between 2,000 and 3,500 m, (iv) the alpine zone with altitudes above 3,500 m, and (v) the land of the perpetual snows. Climatically, the zones identified are the Outer Himalayas, the Inner Himalayas, and the Alpine. 41. The altitudes of Kangra district generally vary from 400 m to over 6,000 m and that of Kinnaur varies from 1500 to 7000m. The following map in figure 4.1 shows elevation variation in Himachal Pradesh state and Kangra & Kinnaur district (encircled specifically).

Figure 4.1: Elevation variation in State, including district Kangra & Kinnaur (encircled) 42. Some of the sub-project sites are on terraced slopes, due to only land availability within the substation site. Site selection and designing are such that the muck generated during construction is minimum and has been utilized in the backfilling, used to raise the level of approach road, landscaping, and levelling the depressions within the substation sites. Soil Regimes 43. The soils of the state can broadly be divided into nine groups based on their development and physicochemical properties. These are: (i) alluvial soils, (ii) brown hill soils, (iii)

21 brown earth soils, (iv) brown forests soils, (v) grey wooded or podzolic soils, (vi) grey-brown podzolic soils, (vii) planosolic soils, (viii) humus and iron podzolic soils (ix) alpine humus mountain skeletal soils. The soil found in the districts of Mandi, Kangra, Bilaspur, Una, Solan, Hamirpur, and Sirmaur is generally brown, alluvial and grey-brown podzolic, Kullu and Shimla have grey wooded podzolic soils, while Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and some parts of Chamba district have humus mountain skeletal soils. Baseline Soil Quality 44. The soil quality standards are mentioned in Annexure 5, while the baseline Information of soil quality at the Wangtoo (Site 1), Chambi, and Lahal substation site is attached in Annexure 6 under title results of soil quality. Samples were collected during December 2020 for Wangtoo & Lahal sub-project sites and for Chambi site, the same was done during November 2019. 4.1.4 Water Resources (Surface and Ground Water) Surface water 45. Himachal Pradesh has snow-fed perennial rivers and rivulets flowing in almost all parts of the state. The , with its important tributaries of Tons, Pabbar, and Giri in the east, and Satluj, Beas, Ravi, and Chenab in the west flow through various parts of the Himachal Pradesh. There are many natural lakes in the whole Himachal State, almost in every district. 46. Kinnaur: The drainage system of the district forms a part of the Indus River basin, except a small part in the northeastern area, which is a part of the Ganga River system. Baspa River, Ropa Gad, Taiti Gad, Wenger Gad, Tidong Gad, Satlej, and Spiti are the main rivers of the district. 47. Kangra: The forms the major drainage system in the district. The river Beas and its tributaries drain almost the entire district, except the northeastern part which is drained by the river Ravi. There are two important lakes in the district, namely Dal Lake and Kareri. Ground Water 48. Hydrogeology. The state essentially is hilly terrain, comprising of fissured formations with a few inter- montane valleys having Quaternary alluvial fill. The sub-mountainous tract is a part of piedmont alluvial plains, which merges with Indo-Gangetic alluvium towards southwest. Kandi belt and the adjoining hill slopes are underlain by boulders, gravels, and clay. The unconsolidated sediments, occurring in the inter-montane valleys and the sub-montane tracts constitute the principal groundwater reservoirs. The yield of the tube wells ranges from 100 to 120m3/hr in valley fills. The yield of bore wells in hard rock is limited. The quality of groundwater is generally good. 49. Richly endowed with perennial rivers that flow down steep gradients in mountain catchments, Himachal has a vast amount of water resources. These resources meet the drinking water and irrigation requirements as well as supplying hydroelectric power to a large population. Drinking and irrigation requirements are also catered to by numerous springs, streams and infiltration galleries in limestone caverns. The use of groundwater sources for irrigation is common in Una, Sirmaur, Solan, and Kangra districts. Due to poor potentialities in hilly hard rock areas and sloping hilly terrain, groundwater development is generally low in Himachal Pradesh. However, in these areas, major water supply and sources of water are ground water-based viz., perennial springs, bowries, and hand pumps. Springs are tapped at the source so that the water can be supplied under gravity. All major towns and villages are supplied water from groundwater sources. The groundwater is distributed along structurally weak/ fractured zones, faults, and landslides zones or along with the contacts of the different

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rock formations in the topographically favorable areas. Baseline Water Quality; 50. The water quality standards are mentioned in Annexure 5, while the baseline Information of water quality at the Wangtoo (Site 1), Chambi, and Lahal substation site is attached in Annexure 6 under title results of water quality. Samples were collected during December 2020 for Wangtoo & Lahal sub-projects sites and for the chambi site, the same was done during November 2019. 4.2 Geology and Seismology Geology 51. Kinnaur district is primarily a hilly district with altitudes ranging from 1,500 to more than 7,000 m above mean sea level. There is a general increase in elevation from west to east and from south to north. The major part of the district is drained by Satluj River except a small part in the south-eastern area, which is drained by the Ganga River. Geo-morphologically the district has been sub-divided into the fluvial terrain, fluvioglacial terrain, alpines/meadows, and rocky terrain. 52. Kangra district presents an intricate mosaic of mountain ranges, hills, and valleys. It is primarily a hilly district, with altitudes ranging from 350 m AMSL to 4880 m AMSL in the hills of Dauladhar. Physiographically, the district can be divided into six units-viz. (i) high hills, which cover almost 60% of the district (ii) Fluvio glacial outwash terraces, which is located in the northeastern part of the district (iii) structural terraces, in the central part (iv) valley fills (v) piedmont plain and (vi) flood plain. Seismology of the State 53. The state of Himachal Pradesh lies almost entirely in the Himalayan Mountains and is part of the Punjab Himalayas. Due to its location, it weathers many mild earthquakes every year. Large earthquakes have occurred in all parts of Himachal Pradesh, the biggest being the Kangra Earthquake of 1905. The Himalayan Frontal Thrust, the main boundary thrust, the Krol, the Giri, Jutogh, and thrusts lie in this region. Besides that, there are scores of smaller faults, like the Fault which triggered the 1975 earthquake. Chamba, Kullu, Kangra, Una, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Bilaspur Districts lie in Zone V. The remaining districts of Lahual and Spiti, Kinnaur, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur lie in Zone IV therefore the HPPTCL need to take adequate measures while designing to avoid damage during earthquake. 54. The sub-project sites, construction of auxiliary buildings fall in Seismic zone IV (High Damage Risk Zone – MSK2 VIII) and at Chambi, Phosal and Lahal fall in Seismic Zone V which indicates a very high damage risk zone (High Damage Risk Zone – MSK IX or more). Hence, HPPTCL has taken adequate measures in the design to ensure the least damage during an earthquake. Figure 4.2 depicts the earthquake hazard risk zonation of the entire state of Himachal Pradesh and sub-project locations for Lot 1 to 4 (encircled) in district Kinnaur, Kangra, Kullu, and Chamba respectively.

2 Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik (MSK) intensity broadly associated with the various seismic zones is VI (or less), VII, VIII and IX (and above) for Zones II, III, IV and V, respectively.

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Figure 4.2: Earthquake hazard risk zonation of the state of Himachal Pradesh and sub-project locations for Lot 1 to 4 (encircled)

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4.3 Ecological Resources 4.3.1 Terrestrial Ecology Forest 55. In Himachal Pradesh, important species of trees such as deodar, kail, chil, , mohru and kharsu are found in the forests and the major forest produce are resin and medicinal herbs. The forests in the district lie mainly in the outer Shivalik to the mid-Himalayas. The soil is generally sandy loam and depth is shallow, except in the areas having vegetation where it is fairly deep. In the regions above 1,500 m, the soil is generally deep and contains a thin layer of leaf moulded species of ban, oak, chil, kail, and deodar. In the lower elevation, shrub forms are found while in the higher altitude chil, deodar, kail etc. are available. In the lower ranges with warmer aspects and sharp slopes, with deep soil and favourable condition, species of mixed forest, bamboo, and shrubs are found. 56. Forests are an important resource of Himachal Pradesh. Although the area classified as "Area under Forest" is 67% of the total area of the State, yet the effective forest cover is much lower than this area, primarily because a very large area in the state is either alpine meadows or is above the tree line. The climatic conditions prevailing in Himachal Pradesh and varying elevations are most suitable for the growth of forests. The forests provide valuable timber, medicinal herbs, raw material for industries and also provide employment and play a vital role in conserving the soil and ensure timely rains. 57. Himachal Pradesh is a predominantly mountainous state. Consequently, its climate is more congenial to forests. It comprises four forest zones—sub-tropical, sub-temperate, wet- temperate, and dry-temperate. 58. The total area under forests in the state of Himachal Pradesh and sub-project districts are shown in table 4.2: Table 4.2: Forest cover of the state and two sub-project districts District Geographical Very Dense Mod. Dense Open Forest Total (km2) Area (km2) Forest (km2) Forest (km2) (km2) Kangra 5739 297 1274 626 2197 Kinnaur 6401 79 266 278 623 Himachal Pradesh 55673 3110 6705 5285 15100 Source: Forest Survey of India Report, GoI – 2018. 59. The total area under forests in the Kangra district is 2197 km². The forests of Kangra district have a great variety of vegetation due to variations in altitude, geological formations, and climatic factors. The forests are situated for the most part on the northern slopes of the hill ranges and contain much useful timber. The vegetation varies from the tropical bamboo which clothes the lower hills to alpine vegetation, oak, and rhododendron of higher ranges. In between, two extremities occur distinctive vegetation zones of chil, ban-oak, mixed coniferous (kail, spruce, ) and Kharsu oak forests. 60. The area of forests in the Kinnaur according to the forest department is 623 km2. Traditionally, Nichar and Kalpa sub-division were known for stately cedar and kail trees. Beyond Karchham, large wild forest of Chilgoza trees abound and their edible nuts fetch handsome income. Based on rainfall, the district can be divided in two zones; wet zone and dry zone. 61. The total land requirement for the subprojects is given in Table 4.3.

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Table 4.3: Total land required for the Auxiliary building sub-projects Lot Name of Sub-project Ownership Total Land no required/ plot area 1 Construction of Residential quarters Type-1 & Type-2 at HPPTCL and 3805 m2 400/220/66kV Wangtoo substation and Type 3 & Type-4 HPSEBL at Bhabha Nagar (in HPSEBL’s residential colony), (under the including site development, sewerage system, water process of supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality ownership Assurance at Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh transfer) 2 Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, HPPTCL 2,250 m2 type-3 & Type-4 at Chambi substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh 3 Construction of Residential quarters Type-1, Type-2, HPPTCL 1,200 m2 type-3 & Type-4 at Chharor substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh 4 Construction of Residential Quarters Type1, Type2, HPPTCL 925 m2 Type3 & Type4 at Lahal substation, including site development, sewerage system, water supply arrangement, and electric installation with Quality Assurance at Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh under HPPTCL Total 8,180 m2 Flora 62. Kinnaur district: Kinnaur is situated high in the Himalaya, where vegetation is sparse and consists primarily of hardy grasses. Alpine species such as , pine, fir, cypress, and rhododendron can be found at elevations between 3,500 and 5,000 meters, primarily in the middle Kinnaur. At lower altitudes, temperate-climate trees are found, including oak, , , , alder, magnolia, apple, and apricot. 63. Kangra: The vegetation varies from the tropical bamboo which clothes the lower hills to alpine vegetation, oak, pine and rhododendron of higher ranges. In between, two extremities occur distinctive vegetation zones of chil, ban-oak, mixed coniferous (kail, spruce, fir), and Kharsu oak forests. Fauna 64. Kinnaur district. In Kinnaur district, serow, blue sheep, red fox, musk deer, goral, ibex, leopard, snow leopard, brown bear, Himalayan black bear are found in different wildlife sanctuaries of the district. Yaks, donkeys, and ponies are reared by local farmers in the higher areas. 65. Kangra district is rich in animals and birds which includes some of the rare species. The animals and birds found in the district include Ghoral, Kakar, Kastura, Aimu, Ibex, Blue Mountain Sheep, Thar, Black Bear, Brown Bear, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer or Chital, Sambar, Porcupine, Flying Squirrel and Himalayan Pine Martin. Animals like Jackal, Monkey, Langoor, Fox etc. are also found within this area.

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66. Birds: Monal Pheasant, Snow Cock, Western Horned Tragopan, Peacock, Ring Dove, Spotted dove, Shikra, Parrot, Tawny eagle, Green Pigeon, Pigeon, Gritton Vulture, Nut Cracker, Pies, Wood Pecker, Crow, Himalayan Fly Catcher etc. are found in the district. 67. No endangered or protected species of flora or fauna are reported at any of the subproject sites. Wildlife Sanctuary 68. While selecting sites for the substation subprojects earlier, care was taken and wildlife sanctuaries and other protected areas were avoided at least by an adequate distance in a manner that it does not infringe into any wildlife sanctuary, protected area or its Eco sensitive areas. Since, auxiliary buildings have been sited in these substation premises, hence do not trigger any protected area or wildlife clearance requirements. Table 4.4 shows aerial distances from the subproject sites to the nearest protected areas/ wildlife sanctuaries.

Table 4.4: Distance from WLS and National Parks for all Tranche 3 Subprojects Sub-project Nearest wildlife sanctuary/protected area Arial distance Lot 1 (at Wangtoo) Rakcham Wildlife Sanctuary 16.3 km Lot 2 (at Chambi) Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary 11.5 km Lot 3 (at Charor in Phosal) Manali Wildlife sanctuary 15 km Lot 4 (at Lahal) Dhauladhar Wildlife sanctuary 23 km 4.3 Economic Development 4.3.1 Demography 69. As per the Census 2011, the total Population of Himachal Pradesh is 68.6 Lacs. Thus, the population of Himachal Pradesh forms 0.57% of India in 2011. Himachal Pradesh has a total population of 6,864,602 in which males were 3,481,873 while females were 3,382,729. The total area of Himachal Pradesh is 55,673 square km. Thus, the population Density of Himachal Pradesh is 123 per square km which is lower than the national average 382 per square km. District Kinnaur: 70. In 2011, Kinnaur had a population of 84,121 of which male and female were 46,249 and 37,872 respectively. In 2001 census, Kinnaur had a population of 78,334 of which males were 42,173 and the remaining 36,161 were females. In the previous census of India 2001, Kinnaur District recorded an increase of 9.91 percent to its population compared to 1991. 71. The initial provisional data released by census India 2011, shows that the density of Kinnaur district for 2011 is 13 people per sq. km. In 2001, Kinnaur district density was at 12 people per km2. Kinnaur district administers 6,401 km2 of areas. 72. The average literacy rate of Kinnaur in 2011 was 80.00 compared to 75.20 in 2001. If things are looked out at gender-wise, male and female literacy were 87.27 and 70.96 respectively. For the 2001 census, the same figures stood at 84.30 and 64.40 in Kinnaur District. Total literate in Kinnaur District were 60,699 of which male and female were 36,697 and 24,002 respectively. In 2001, Kinnaur District had 51,913 in its district. 73. With regards to the Sex Ratio in Kinnaur, it stood at 819 per 1000 males compared to the 2001 census figure of 857. The average national sex ratio in India is 940 as per the latest reports of the Census 2011 Directorate. In the 2011 census, child sex ratio is 963 girls per 1000 boys compared to the figure of 979 girls per 1000 boys of 2001 census data.

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District Kangra: 74. In 2011, Kangra had a population of 1,510,075 of which male and female were 750,591 and 759,484 respectively. In the 2001 census, Kangra had a population of 1,339,030 of which males were 661,254 and the remaining 677,776 were females. In the previous census of India 2001, Kangra District recorded an increase of 14.05 percent to its population compared to 1991. 75. The initial provisional data released by census India 2011, shows that the density of Kangra district for 2011 is 263 people per sq. km. In 2001, Kangra district density was at 233 people per km2. Kangra district administers 5,739 square kilometers of areas. 76. The average literacy rate of Kangra in 2011 was 85.67 compared to 80.08 in 2001. If things are looked out at gender-wise, male and female literacy were 91.49 and 80.02 respectively. For the 2001 census, the same figures stood at 87.54 and 73.01 in Kangra District. Total literate in Kangra District were 1,152,640 of which male and female were 606,443 and 546,197 respectively. In 2001, Kangra District had 940,505 in its district. 77. With regards to Sex Ratio in Kangra, it stood at 1012 per 1000 males compared to the 2001 census figure of 1025. The average national sex ratio in India is 940 as per the latest reports of the Census 2011 Directorate. In the 2011 census, the child sex ratio is 876 girls per 1000 boys compared to the figure of 836 girls per 1000 boys of 2001 census data. Employment 78. In Himachal Pradesh out of the total population, 3,559,422 were engaged in work activities. 57.9% of workers describe their work as Main Work (Employment or Earning more than 6 Months) while 42.1% were involved in Marginal activity providing a livelihood for less than 6 months. Of 3,559,422 workers engaged in Main Work, 919,786 were cultivators (owner or co-owner) while 68,668 were Agricultural laborers. (Source: Census of India, 2011). 79. Kinnaur: In the Kinnaur district out of the total population, 56,273 were engaged in work activities. 83.1% of workers describe their work as Main Work (Employment or Earning more than 6 Months) while 16.9% were involved in Marginal activity providing a livelihood for less than 6 months. Of 56,273 workers engaged in Main Work, 25,890 were cultivators (owner or co- owner) while 1,759 were Agricultural laborers. 80. Kangra: In Kangra district out of the total population, 675,170 were engaged in work activities. 46.5% of workers describe their work as Main Work (Employment or Earning more than 6 Months) while 53.5% were involved in Marginal activity providing a livelihood for less than 6 months. Of 675,170 workers engaged in Main Work, 69,424 were cultivators (owner or co-owner) while 11,122 were Agricultural laborers. 4.3.2 Infrastructure facilities Rural Roads and Communication System 81. Total motorable roads in the Kinnaur district are 4,171 km out of which 4,010 are motorable. 2,048 km are metalled and 1,172 km is kutcha. In absolute terms, road length works out to be 78.15 km per 100 sq. km against the state average of 46.64. Telephone density is 74.5 per 2000 population but the telecommunication revolution in the state has increased communication to a great extent. Distances from health institutions, travel time, and means of transport affect the utilization of services in health facilities and also affect the timely referral of emergencies. Water Supply 82. As per the planning department of Himachal Pradesh, all 16,997 villages in the state

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were provided with a safe drinking water facility by March 1994. Availability of piped and potable water supply affects the health of people. As of December 2006, a number of partially covered villages was 479 and the number of fully covered villages was 6,031. None of the villages in the district remains uncovered. In addition, 938 hand pumps were functional in the district. Though the piped water supply is ensured but the quality of water is still a question mark. Water-borne diseases constitute the single largest group of all diseases. Electrification 83. As per the district statistical abstract, 100% rural electrification has been achieved in the Kullu, Shimla and Chamba districts. 4.3.3 Land Use 84. The Himachal Pradesh state is spread over deep small valleys and high elevations and cultivation are possible only in small terraces of holdings in the high hills or in the basins of streams/khads. However, in the deep valleys though very few in numbers, the cultivation is spread in a vast area. Most of the land is either under shrub forests or greasy land with Chil, Pine trees up to the height of 1,500 m from mean sea level and Kail, Deodar, Rai, Ban, Mauru, Rhododendrons, and Kanor on the high altitude. Near the basins of rivers and khads, the land is flat and fertile and the cultivation of cereals and pulses and seasonal vegetables is done extensively. Sloping areas of high altitudes are most suitable for horticulture purposes for apples, almonds, walnuts, apricots, and others. Table 4.8 below gives the land use pattern of the state. Table 4.8: Land use pattern of Himachal Pradesh No Class Area (km2) Percent 1 Forest 18,003.22 32 2 Agriculture 7,933.37 14 3 Grass/Shrub 9,482.18 17 4 Rocks/Non-vegetation 14,089.85 25 5 Snow/Clouds 3,769.54 7 6 Glaciers 1,952.27 4 7 Water body 442.42 1 Total 55,672.95 100 Source: Statistical Abstract of Himachal Pradesh2015 Link http://admis.hp.nic.in/

85. There are lots of variations in land physiographic and agro-climatic conditions in Himachal Pradesh and consequently, land use pattern varies widely from one region to another. Figure 4.3 shows the land use pattern of the state and specifically encircled two districts.

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Figure 4.3: The land use pattern of the state and sub-project districts (encircled) 4.3.4 Agricultural Development/Other income sources Agriculture 86. Horticulture and agriculture play very important roles in the economy of Himachal Pradesh. The economy of Kinnaur district is predominantly agriculture-based where as large as 67.09% of the total working force is engaged in tilling the cultivable land. The space of arable land is small and the cultivation is common on narrow strips along the browse of the mountains. The crops for the most part are poor and a great scarcity of grain pervades. In times of scarcity, horse are dried and ground into flour. The standard grains of Kinnaur are barley, phaphra (Fagopyrum esculentum) and ogla (Fagopyrumemerginatum); barley is sown in March- April and harvested in July after which the fields are prepared for the ogla and phaphra which are harvested in October. At the places where one cropping season is undertaken, the important crops grown are Ooa (Hordeumcoeleste), wheat, phaphra and barley which are sown in April and harvested in August-September. The other grains are bathu (Amranthus), cheena (Panicummiliaceum) and koda (Paspalumocribiculatum). Generally, the local millets are grown as cereals. A long and typical winter season is responsible for low production. Non-food crops do not have much of importance. Farming is dependent on irrigation and the main sources are the Kuhls (water channels) drawn from the streams fed by glaciers. Due to high profits, the

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people have enthusiastically taken to raising off-season vegetable crops like cabbage, peas, tomatoes, beans, seed potato and pulses. Bee Keeping 87. Beekeeping is a rural cottage industry having its connections with agriculture & horticulture. Due to the commercial importance of products obtained from beekeeping, it can contribute in the economy of the state/nation but it requires a lot of improvement in beekeeping as well as in agricultural practices. Most of the beekeepers are facing problems due to lack of knowledge of bee management technology and related skills. This small cottage industry is still underdeveloped in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Animal Husbandry 88. Given the difficult geographical features of the Kinnaur district, livestock is indispensable for agriculture and horticulture development in the district. Cross breeding of jersey and Holstein breed cows, marino and rembuilt in sheep, and white leg horn and rhode island red birds in poultry were introduced in the district. Number of veterinary hospitals, dispensaries, outlying dispensaries artificial insemination centres are also functioning in the district to prevent common ailments and control of infectious diseases. For improving the quality of sheep and wool, Government Sheep Breeding farm at Jeori is supplying improved sheep to the breeders of the district. The livestock census data in Himachal Pradesh state for the last 5 livestock indicates that the total livestock population has declined by about 4.502 million heads between 1987 and 2012. Though the pastoral and livestock-based livelihood is declining in number, the stock is improving in quality as the output is increasing: 4.3.5 Industries 89. Because of the difficult geographical terrain and topography of the Kinnaur district, the chances to set up modern, medium, and large-scale industries are quite limited. Therefore, there are only cottage and small-scale industries that rely on varied types of local raw materials, like wool, juices, fruits, and wood. The cool and dust-free climate of the district is also quite congenial for the growth of the electronic industry in the district. 90. The Kangra district is almost developed district of the State from the point of view of setting up of MSMEs. A total number of 9,223 Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises have been set up in the district as on August 2015. Maximum no. of units registered with the State Industries Department are in the product group of Agro & Food Processing, Mechanical Engineering based, Steel Fabrication, Wood & wooden based, Mineral based, Chemical based & repairing & service-based etc. As the total number of 07 medium scale enterprises have been functioning in the district. Two large scale enterprise has been functioning in the district are as i) M/S Met trade India Limited at Damtal and ii) M/S Steel Authority India Limited (SAIL) (CPU) at Kandrori. Mineral Development 91. As per the investigation of the Geological Survey of India, the minerals available in Himachal Pradesh include limestone, birytes, clays, mica, iron pyrites, salt, gypsum, slate, antimony and lead. The distribution of these minerals is scattered all over the state and includes lime stone in Bilaspur, Sirmaur, and Kangra districts; salt and slates in Mandi district; gypsum in Rajban, Bharli in Sirmour district; Lahaul and Spiti and Sapatu in ; pyrite in Sirmour, iron ore in Mandi and Kangra; and uranium in Kullu and Hamirpur districts. 4.3.6 Tourism Facilities 92. Kinnaur district. Kinnaur district is a tourist hub that has many places of historical,

31 archaeological and religious importance such as Kalpa, , Sangla, Chango, Chhitkul, Kothi, Leo, Lippa, Moorang, and Nichar. 93. Kangra district. Kangra district is one of the tourist attractions and very famous for places like Bir Billing, triund, Mcleodganj, Pong dam, Kangra fort, Dal lake, Kareri lake and Palampur tea gardens opposite to Dhauladhar range, mostly covered with snow. 4.4 Social and Cultural Resources Population and Community 94. According to the Surveyor General of India, the total area of Himachal Pradesh is 55,673 km2. Area-wise, Hamirpur is the smallest district of the Himachal Pradesh which covers an area of 1,118 km2 (2.01%) and Lahaul and Spiti have the largest area of 13,835 km2 (24.85%). The total population of Himachal Pradesh, according to 2011 census was 6,856,509, which gives a population density of 129 persons per km2. 95. In 2011, Kinnaur had a population of 84,298 of which male and female were 46,364 and 37,934 respectively. In the 2001 census, Kinnaur had a population of 78,334 of which males were 42,173 and the remaining 36,161 were females. 96. In 2011, Kangra had a population of 1,510,075 of which male and female were 750,591 and 759,484 respectively. In 2001 census, Kangra had a population of 1,339,030 of which males were 661,254 and the remaining 677,776 were females. There was a change of 12.77 percent in the population compared to the population as per 2001. In the previous census of India 2001, Kangra District recorded an increase of 14.05 percent to its population compared to 1991. Education Facilities 97. According to the 2011 census, the overall literacy percentage of Himachal Pradesh was 83.78% (90.83% for males and 76.60% for females). Comparatively, it is much higher than the all-India literacy rate, which is 65.38%. The literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh has been improving faster than the all-India figures. Himachal Pradesh is characterized by a very strong correlation between sex ratio (females per thousand and males) and literacy. Districts with a higher density of female population vis-à-vis male population have high literacy rates. Sites of Cultural, Archaeological, and Historical Significance 98. Kinnaur district: There are several temples in Kinnaur district that date back to ancient times. The Chandika Temple at Kothi (also called Koshtampi) is an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Chandika, more especially designated as Shuwang Chandika. The Mathi Temple at Chhitkul (3450m), which is the last and highest village in the , has three temples, the main one was said to have been constructed about five hundred years ago. The Narayan-Nagani temple is situated at Kalpa (2759 m) which lies on the old Hindustan Tibet Road at a distance of 260 km from Shimla. There are couple of Buddhist monasteries at Kalpa including the Hu-Bu-Ian-Car Gompa, said to be founded it by Rinchensang-Po (950-1055AD). Kalpa is located close to the foot of 6050-meter high Kinner Kailash, the legendary winter home of Shiva. Kinner Kailash mountain is regarded as one of the mythical homes of Lord Shiva, where a 79 feet high rock formation resembles Sivalinga. This Sivalinga changes the colour as the day passes. Also visible on the stretch is the peak of Raldang (5499 m). At Chango (3058m), Buddhism is generally practiced, but there are some local Hindu deities too namely Gyalbo, Dablaand Yulsa. In Lippa (2438m), there are three Buddhist temples dedicated to Galdang Chhoikar, Dunguir and Kangyur. Apart from the Buddhist temples there is yet another old sanctuary dedicated to Tangtashu, a local deity. Other important sites in Kinnaur district are Moorang, Nichar, Nako, Namgya, Pooh, Chango Temples at Chango, Rakchham, Ribba, Maheshwar Temple at Sungra, Rarang Monastery at Rarang, Durga

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Temple at Ropa, Charang Temple, Brelengi Gompa at Brelengi near Peo. 99. Kangra district: From archaeological history to iconic Kangra miniature paintings, the Museum of Kangra Art in Dharamshala is one of the best examples of art and cultural heritage being preserved. Established on 17 January 1990, it is not only conserving a splendid heritage but also spreading awareness among the people about their rich cultural past. It presents source material and evidence of human creativeness and enterprise and thus serves as a major tool of awareness. It holds artifacts from a wide timeline, including paintings from the 17th century and even works of modern artists. It is a treasure trove of Kangra valley arts and crafts. There is also a section that displays anthropological items as also one that showcases the traditional dresses of the area. It showcases and preserves wooden carvings and a wide selection of wooden household wares. “Kangra Art Museum displays some fine miniature paintings from the Kangra and Chamba Rumal embroideries which provides a spectacular glimpse of traditional art and culture.

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5.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 5.1 Environmental Impacts 100. Any project creating physical infrastructure will cause some minor impacts on the environment. This addendum to IEE examines the potential impacts anticipated during the construction and operation of all the four sub-projects of construction of Auxiliary proposed in Kinnaur, Kangra, Kullu and Chamba districts, including:

I. Location impacts: Impact associated with site selection including effect on the environment and resettlement or livelihood related impacts on communities;

II. Design impacts and Pre-Construction Impacts: Impact arising from project design, including the technology used, the scale of operations, discharge standards, topographic survey, geotechnical survey, etc.

III. Construction impacts: Impact resulting from construction activities including site clearance, earthworks, civil works, etc.; and

IV. Operation and Maintenance impacts: Impact associated with the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure built in the sub-project. 101. ADB’s REA checklist for Buildings was used while screening the site and recommending mitigation measures and is annexed at Annexure 1. 5.1.1 Environmental Problems Associated with Project Location and Design 102. Three sub-project sites are located on unencumbered land owned by the HPPTCL, whereas, at Wangtoo, two types of quarters will be built on the land owned by HPPTCL and two others will be built on HPSEBL’s (a sister concern of HPPTCL) as indicated in table 4.3 above. The HPPTCL owned land is in the premises of already built or under construction substation sites. The location-specific impact analysis and mitigation measures, if required were already taken care of during substation planning stages as per the ADB safeguard policy statement, 2009. Whereas, the building construction-related impact analysis and mitigation measures have been taken in the following sections. 103. All the sub-project sites are accessible to National Highways through link road hence, impacts on account of air and noise are not anticipated significant. 104. Three sub-project sites in district Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu are located within seismic zone V, where, even a small magnitude earthquake may damage residential buildings. Whereas, the project site at Wangtoo in district Kinnaur is located within seismic zone IV, where the impacts due to earthquake tremors would be lesser compared to zone IV. 5.1.2 Environmental Impacts Associated with Pre-Construction Stage 105. As noted above, the proposed sites are owned by HPPTCL or its sister concern (HPSEBL). No issues are arising due to land acquisition or involuntary resettlement in all four sub-project sites. No tree cutting is anticipated at any of the four sub-project sites. Based on the environmental screening of the respective sites, there are no significant adverse environmental impacts during the design and Pre-construction phases. Impacts on Temporary Use of Land 106. The mobilization of construction equipment and construction materials will require space for storage, parking of construction vehicles/equipment, construction material storage yards,

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disposal sites, and labour camps for human resources to avoid environmental impacts and public inconvenience. These locations must comply with the local laws and regulations and need approval from authorities to utilize these facilities (access roads, telecommunication, and pipe-borne water supply). Selection of temporary lands must be at least 500m away, depending on practicability as per local site conditions from highly populated areas, water bodies, natural flow paths, agricultural lands, important ecological habitats, and residential areas. Removal of trees and green cover vegetation will be minimized during the preparation of facilities. 5.1.3 Environmental Problems Associated with Construction and Operation Stage 107. All construction activities to be undertaken at the respective sites of sub- projects will be approved by the PMU. The construction stage impacts due to the proposed project components are generic to the construction activities. The EMP emphasizes the construction impacts and necessary mitigation measures to be strictly followed by the contractor(s) and supervised by the PIUs. The key potential impacts are covered in the following paragraphs. 108. Impact due to stock piles of construction materials: Improper stockpiling of construction materials in and around the sites could obstruct movement along access roads and other left places at the sub-project site (substation premises). Hence, due consideration will be given for proper materials storage on construction sites. Stockpiles will be covered to protect from dust and erosion. Waste materials will be disposed of at identified and approved locations. 109. Disposal of construction waste: The construction waste could lead to untidy conditions at sites and may find its way to local drains and smaller local streams and siltation and obstruction to natural flow in these drains and streams. In the proposed sub-projects, it shall be mandatory for the contractor(s) to ensure proper disposal of the construction waste at the disposal site(s) as designated by the HPPTCL. The quantity of excess debris at different sub- project sites is not significant and will be disposed of next to roads depressions or other low- lying areas and landscaping purposes in substation premises. 110. Quarry and Borrow pits operations: Since the civil works are of small size, all construction material will be procured from the market. There will not be any need for direct procurement of stone dust and sand building material from quarries. Related legal compliances (consents to establish/operate) for the primary material sources will be ensured by the Engineer in charge, PIU at all sub-project sites during the construction stage. 111. Increase in noise levels: Noise levels in the immediate proximity of sub- project sites are expected to increase somewhat during construction. However, these will be largely imperceptible as civil works will be confined to relatively small areas. The duration of construction will also be relatively brief. Transportation of construction materials will be confined to day-time, depending upon the extent of construction activity. The increase in noise levels is expected to be between 5-10 % of ambient noise levels. This increase will be felt up to a distance of 200-300m only mostly within the substation premises. The construction noise will be felt by the staff and workers at Chambi, Lahal, Phosal, and Wangtoo substation sites of HPPTCL and by the residential houses located at the 2nd site of Wangtoo. It may be mentioned that construction noise will be intermittent and is not anticipated to exceed the stipulated limits of working/residential areas. But necessary monitoring of noise levels will be taken up as a part of the environmental monitoring plan. 112. Impacts on biodiversity during the construction phase: No major impacts are expected on the biodiversity during the construction phase as the sites of all the sub-projects are open, and hindrance free of any trees and shrubs. There are no endangered or rare species of flora and fauna at all four subproject sites.

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113. Disturbance to traffic during the construction phase: At the time of construction, there will be some temporary inconvenience due to transportation of construction/building materials and clearance of debris by trucks. However, since the scale of civil works is relatively small, the inconvenience caused will be relatively minor and limited only to the construction phase. 114. Impact on cultural properties: The proposed sub-projects will not have any impact on any religious structure or any other structure of historical and/or cultural significance. 115. Ground Water: Ground water will not be extracted and used for construction purposes. The contractor will arrange for water from the market. It will be supplied by the authorized water tankers/agency. The problem of ground water contamination is also not anticipated during the construction phase since there will be proper disposal of the waste water. 116. Ambient Air Quality: Generation of dust is anticipated during transportation, excavation, and construction activities. Some dust and gaseous emissions will also be generated during the construction period from machines such as mixers, and vehicles engaged in the transportation of construction materials. Pollutants of primary concern at this stage include respirable and suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and gaseous emissions (NOX, SO2, CO, etc.). However, transportation of construction materials will be confined to a few trips per day depending upon the extent of construction activity. Therefore, impact at this stage will be temporary and restricted to the close vicinity of the construction sites only. 117. All vehicles and construction equipment operating for the contractor(s) and the consultant will obtain and maintain “Pollution under Control” (PUC) certificates. To control dust emissions, vehicles deployed for borrow materials, sand, and aggregate haulage, will be covered with tarpaulins to prevent spillage. Regular sprinkling of water during excavations, loading, unloading, vehicular movement and raw material transport will prevent the spread of dust and other contaminants. Periodic air quality monitoring will be conducted to ensure that emissions comply with the vehicle emission standards specified by the Government of India and ambient air quality standards specified by the Central Pollution Control Board. The contractors will submit emission monitoring results in compliance with the environmental monitoring plan. At all subproject sites air pollution-related construction impacts will also be felt at neighbouring substation/residential areas if sites are not properly barricaded. 118. Construction Waste: Some waste will be generated due to excavated earth material and waste from construction. Debris and excavated earth material can be reused subject to the approval of the PIU Engineer during the construction. Waste generated during construction will be disposed of of as per law to the satisfaction of the Engineer. The clean-up and restoration operations will be implemented by the contractor(s) before demobilization. The contractor will clear all temporary structures and dispose of all garbage from the construction site(s). All construction zones used and affected by the sub-projects will be left clean and tidy, at the contractor’s expense as per the satisfaction of the Engineer. Table 5.1 below highlights the total excavated quantity and its disposal management on all four sub-project sites. Table 5.1: Earth excavated quantity and disposal management at different sub-projects Sub-Project sites Total earth Quantity to be Excess debris Remarks excavated used in to be disposed quantity (m3) backfilling (m3) of (m3) Auxiliary buildings 4449 4449 0 Excess debris will be at Wangtoo disposed of at the Auxiliary buildings 72 0 72 preidentified approved site. at Chambi Mostly this will be Auxiliary buildings 4000 1600 2400 disposed of next to roads

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Sub-Project sites Total earth Quantity to be Excess debris Remarks excavated used in to be disposed quantity (m3) backfilling (m3) of (m3) at Phosal depressions or other low- Auxiliary buildings 1372 0 1372 lying areas and at Lahal landscaping purposes in substation premises. Total 9893 6049 3844 119. The Contractors are likely to engage local labor for various construction activities. However, in case of migrant labor has to be engaged, the Contractor will establish properly designed labor camps with all basic amenities such as potable drinking water supply and sanitation facilities (septic tanks and soak pit). Dust bins will be placed in adequate numbers. The EMP lays down some measures to address likely adverse impacts associated with the labor camps.

5.1.4 Environmental Impacts during Operation Phase 120. Since only residential facilities will be undertaken at the proposed sub-projects, hence, it is anticipated that there will not be any adverse environmental impact during the operational stage. The project design provides adequate parking and safe disposal for waste water and solid waste. Toilet blocks with the septic tanks and soak pits have been included in the respective designs of the sub-projects. The solid waste generated at residential buildings during the operation phase will be segregated. Its disposal will be integrated with the respective localities' waste disposal facilities. Since septic tanks have been proposed for disposal of sewage/waste water, therefore, regular maintenance and cleaning of these need to be undertaken as a part of residential quarters operation at all the four subproject sites. 121. Given the relatively small size of the residential buildings, there will not be any significant vehicular traffic increase on account of their operations at their respective locations. Since the proposed residential facilities are away from the National Highway, so there is no need to provide specific protection measures to mitigate impacts due to vehicular pollution and vehicular noise. Though, plantation and landscaping will be undertaken after construction to enhance the authenticity of the location. 122. Safety Measures: The designs of the residential buildings' structural and seismic safety measures are required by India’s latest building codes (in seismic zone IV and V). Necessary first aid facilities will be provided at the residential buildings. 123. Socio-economic Impacts: The subprojects will have a positive development impact since most of the living requirements will be catered from local shops, which will help locals to grow/enhance their businesses. The project will also create some employment opportunities for local inhabitants during the construction and operational/maintenance stages of the project. 124. Flora and Fauna: Since the residential buildings will be located within the Substation premises so no adverse impact on fauna and flora is anticipated during the operational stage. Further, to enhance the natural look of the residential buildings and premises, plantation of shrubs and landscaping will be taken up along the pathways and vacant space. There is no existence of any wildlife park, bird sanctuary, national park, or any other area notified by the GoHP or MoEFCC for ecological importance within an aerial distance of 10 km from all the four sub-project sites. 125. Emergency Plan for Accident and Natural Hazards: For the operation phase, onsite emergency plan will be prepared by the engineer, in charge of respective residential buildings. For natural calamities, the Disaster Management Plan prepared by HP State Disaster Authority

37 for all residential quarters will be followed. The Disaster Management Plans have been prepared by the respective departments of GoHP as per provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005 of the Government of India. Impact on Human Environment 126. Health and safety impacts will be in terms of risk of accidents, contamination of diseases (e.g, Covid-19). The EPC contractor shall provide necessary training/awareness regarding safety aspects to its personnel working at the line as well as provide personal protective equipment like safety gloves, helmet, mufflers, etc. during the construction period and the maintenance work. First aid facilities will be made available with the labor gangs and ambulance/doctors on call from nearby towns when necessary. Workers are covered by statutory workmen compensation as per GoI laws by the contractor. 127. Project activities may create accidental damage to the general public and the construction workers. Therefore, contractors should take necessary action to enhance personal and public safety during construction through the following measures: • Prepare health and safety risk assessment, and develop a health and safety plan which will conform to EHS guidelines. • Organize awareness programs relevant to the personal safety of the workers and the general public in the area. • Installation of warning signs in particular locations. • Provide protective safety belts, footwear, helmets, goggles, eye-shields, and clothes to workers, depending on their duty. • Arrangement of proper first aid unit and transport facilities to take injured people to the hospitals. • Workers should be covered by the statutory Workmen Compensation as per GOI laws by the contractor. • To minimize the risk of public and worker injury appropriate GoI regulations on Occupational, Safety, and Community Health must be applied or the IFC/World Bank EHS Guidelines (2007) that govern the safe and orderly operation of civil works should be followed. • Prevent public access to the construction site with effective fencing, and clear signage indicating the dangers of the different facilities. The public should be kept clear of all equipment maintenance areas. 128. There will be chances of contamination and spreading of novel Covid-19 in the local areas, due to interstate movement of workers/labors. To combat contamination and spreading of novel Covid-19; HPPTCL has prepared a Health and Safety Plan in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the same will be ensured to be implemented by the all the contractors. Contractors will be required to follow the guidelines as per the plan or any other guidelines issued by the Govt of Himachal Pradesh/India from time to time. The plan focuses on (but not limited to) proper health check-up of workers, wearing a mask, sanitization of workplaces/ equipment/vehicles & residences, thermal screening, maintaining social (Physical) distancing, and ensuring training/awareness programmes for workers.

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6.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

6.1 HPPTCL’s Approach for Site Selection 129. As per its Environment and Social Safeguards Policy (ESSP), May 2011, HPPTCL has adopted a proactive site selection approach. Preliminary site selection has been done by HPPTCL based on surveys, usage of tools such as the forest atlas, revenue papers, and 1:50,000 topographical maps of the area from the Survey of India. It strived to move towards using modern tools like Geographical Information System (GIS)/Global Positioning System (GPS) for precision in site selection with the larger picture in view while finalizing the site. 130. As per the policy, discussed above, HPPTCL makes all possible efforts to avoid forest areas or to keep it to the barest minimum during site selection process. Whenever, it becomes unavoidable, due to the geography of the terrain or the heavy cost involved in avoiding it, different alternative options are considered to minimize the requirement of forest area. The selected sites are easily accessible in dry, rainy, and winter (snow) seasons for maintenance purposes. The sites have been selected where the snow is minimum and far from the Avalanche zone. 131. Considering the above, while selection procedures, various sites of each substation were considered by HPPTCL. Final selection options mostly involved no population at the site, lesser cultivated area, and minimum acquisition problems and therefore selected for the detailed survey as final sites. This selection procedure was followed for every substation project site in Himachal Pradesh. Since, the sub-projects, construction of auxiliary buildings (for residential facilities) have been proposed in the premises of these substations only, hence it can be concluded that site selection criteria have been followed for these subprojects too.

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7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 7.1 Environment Management Plan 132. Based on the environmental assessment of the sub-project activities, an Environment Management Plan (EMP) has been developed for the project to mitigate any adverse environmental impacts. The EMP discusses anticipated impacts, mitigation measures, monitoring requirements, and responsible authorities to implement the EMP concerning the following stages: (i) pre-construction, (ii) construction, and (iii) operation and maintenance. Detailed, site-specific mitigation measures and monitoring plans were developed and will be implemented during the project implementation phase. 133. The EMP for the project is attached as Annexure 3, which identifies feasible and cost- effective measures to be taken to reduce potential significant, adverse, impacts to acceptable levels. Here, proper mitigation measures are proposed for each potential impact, including details on responsible parties for the implementation of mitigation measures and supervision. Environmental Impact Matrix 134. The environmental impacts management matrix has been prepared for the subprojects that discusses the anticipated impacts, monitoring requirements, and development of mitigation measures concerning the different project stages. Detailed, site-specific mitigation measures and monitoring plans were developed and will be implemented during the project implementation phase. A summary environmental impact matrix and the mitigation measures are mentioned in Table 7.1.

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Table 7.1: Environmental Impact Matrix Sl. Nº Environmental Potential impacts Duration Magnitude of impacts Mitigation measures Implementation and attribute Low Medium High Monitoring A. Physical Resources 1. Topography Change in the surface features Direct/Local/ X • The surface soil will be restored to a normal During construction activity and present aesthetics due to the irreversible slope after site development. If there is any construction of the project. excess soil, it shall be disposed of at a suitable location. • The excess soil will be disposed of in consultation as per EMP. 2. Climate No impact on the climatic Direct/Local/ X • No impact on the climatic conditions, hence - conditions irreversible no mitigation is required B. Environmental Resources 1. Air Quality The project will have a marginal Direct/Local/ X • Water sprinkling at the construction site, During construction activity impact on air quality during the reversible limited bare soils, maintenance of vehicles. construction period due to an • Also, all necessary consents, permits, NOCs, increase in dust emission. etc. will be obtained before the start of civil works. • The ambient air quality will be monitored periodically as per ADB approved plan. 2. Noise Noise due to general construction Direct/Local/ X • Restriction of noise-generating activities at During construction activity activities. reversible night and use of personal protective equipment like ear plugs, mufflers. • Also, all necessary consents, permits, NOCs, etc. will be obtained before the start of civil works. • Noise quality will be monitored periodically as per ADB approved plan. 3. Surface and Runoff from the construction site Direct/Local/ X • Careful sitting of foundations, columns and During construction and Ground Water reversible any other concrete works operational stage quality • Also, all necessary consents, permits, NOCs, etc. will be obtained before the start of civil works. Domestic wastewater from Direct/Local/ X • Domestic wastewater treatment will be done During construction and construction sites and during the reversible by providing soak pits at the sites. operation operational phase Sewage disposal Direct/Local/ X • Sewage disposal can be done by the During construction and reversible provision of septic tanks on site operation Increased storm water run off Direct/Local/ X • The design of proposed residential buildings During all the stages of the reversible will allow efficient drainage at the sites and project maintain natural drainage patterns. Soil and Water Pollution due to Direct/Local/ • The fuel storage and vehicle cleaning area at During construction stage fuel and lubricants reversible each sub-project site will be stationed such that water discharge does not drain into the local drain. • Soil and water pollution parameters will be monitored as per the monitoring plan. 4. Soils and Geology Soil erosion due to excavation Direct/Local/ X • Rehabilitation and stabilization of disturbed During and after the activities for column erection etc. reversible land at the substation’s premises. construction activity • To use debris for landscaping around residences

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Sl. Nº Environmental Potential impacts Duration Magnitude of impacts Mitigation measures Implementation and attribute Low Medium High Monitoring Damage due to seismic activity Direct/regional/ X • Site selection and proper building designs Before the construction reversible considering the geological conditions and activity. seismicity (earthquake coefficient) of the area. C. Ecological Resources 1. Terrestrial No significant impacts envisaged Direct/Local/ X • Sites are free of any tree or ecological Before the construction Ecology reversible hindrances. Tree plantation will be carried to phase improve aestheticize of the site. • Limit activities within the work areas. 2. Terrestrial Fauna Disturbance to the local fauna the Direct/Local/ X • Poaching or hunting activities by workers will Before and during the vicinity of the sub-project area reversible be strictly avoided construction phase during construction • Awareness programmes will be organized for construction workers Avifauna No significant impacts envisaged Direct/Local/ X • Poaching activities by workers will be strictly During construction phase reversible avoided. • No avifauna envisaged around the site 3. Aquatic Ecology Disturbance to water resources Direct/Local/ X • Disposal of construction waste and other Before and during the near project sites reversible waste to avoid polluting the river and construction phase streams. • Disposal of debris will be ensured at pre- identified approved sites only. D. Human Environment 1 Health and Safety working at height and working Direct/Local X • Adequate training. More detailed During the construction with electricity occupational safety standards in the contract phase award documents. 2. Agriculture No significant impacts envisaged Direct/Local/ X • Sites have been selected in such a way that Before the construction reversible there are no agricultural impacts phase 3. Socio-economics Beneficial impacts due to Direct/regional X • Unskilled labor and indirect benefits. Overall During the construction and business growth and job economic growth of the region. operational phase opportunities during construction and operation phase 4. Resettlement No significant impacts envisaged Direct/Local/ X • Sites have been selected in such a way that Before the construction reversible there is no resettlement issue. phase. 5. Cultural sites No archaeological, historical or Direct/Local/ X • No archaeological, historical or culturally -- culturally important sites are reversible important sites are affected. affected by the construction of the lines. 6. Traffic and Traffic congestion due to Direct/Local/ X • Proper traffic signs at the construction site, During construction phase Transportation movement of construction reversible ensuring availability and maintenance of vehicles proper access roads 7. Solid Waste Probability of Surface and ground indirect/Local/ X • Minimization, reuse, and recycle whenever During construction and Generation water pollution reversible possible. Final wastes to be collected and operation phase disposed of in compliance with applicable regulations and rules.

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7.2 Monitoring 7.2.1 Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) 135. During the construction and operation phase of this project, the monitoring of the environmental aspects shall be done at the project sites by the PIUs. The mitigation measures suggested in the IEE require monitoring of environmental parameters during the construction and operational phases of the project. The monitoring of the environmental aspects at PMU shall be ensured by the Environment and Social Cell of HPPTCL. During the Construction Phase, the Contractor should ensure that activities like handling of earthworks clearing work, access road construction, putting proper signage is done properly to have minimum impact. This in turn should be monitored by the Head of the sub-project. The Environmental and Social Cell (ESC) will ensure that site engineers and contractors adhere and comply with all measures and procedures identified in the EMP. The PIU will supervise the Contractor. 136. Activities to be monitored include all planning, coordination, and management activities related to the implementation of safeguard issues; the identification of corrective and preventive actions; records of health and safety matters and training activities; worker and community near misses, minor, lost days, fatal accidents during construction and operation with a target of zero- incident; consultations with project-affected people (as and when needed, particularly during the implementation); feedback, trouble shooting and project-related grievances; preparation of progress and monitoring reports as required by the ADB; and verifying the projects overall compliance with safeguard measures and its progress towards achieving the intended loan outcomes. Other environmental good practices include sanitary waste management, noise abatement, maintaining hygienic conditions, maintenance of fire and safety equipment. Environmental Parameters to be monitored 137. To ensure that the project will not generate negative impacts to the overall environmental quality, monitoring of environmental parameters has to be performed by the Contractor as per contract provisions. Monitoring of the quality of water, soil, air, and noise during the construction stage is the responsibility of the contractor by the approved government agency. During the operation stage, monitoring of quality of air, water, soil and noise will be ensured by HPPTCL. The measurement of environmental parameters and their periodicity for the project is summarised in Annexure 4. Reporting 138. Mitigation measures related to construction, as specified in the EMP, will be incorporated into civil works contracts, and their implementation will be the primary responsibility of the Contractors. In addition, contractors will be required to submit monthly progress reports on the implementation of EMP measures to PIU/PMU. The HPPTCL will report on progress achieved against the EMP activities and milestones on a half-yearly basis to ADB. Progress reports will include a description of implementable activities and their status; identify the responsible parties involved in their implementation; and provide project management schedules and timeframes for doing so, along with their associated costs. 139. The ESC, after interaction with project managers of PIUs, will prepare and submit the environmental monitoring reports to ADB twice a year during the construction stage, and once a year during the operation stage. This report will include the implementation of EMP, the results of environmental monitoring to demonstrate that sound environmental management practices are applied, and the set environmental targets are achieved. The environmental monitoring reports will be submitted by the PIU to the PMU. ADB will continue to monitor project compliance with ADB’s safeguard policy and requirements on an ongoing basis throughout the

43 project. Environmental Management Plan Budget Costs 140. Compliance with the EMP has been prepared based upon optimum and reasonable costs that are derived upon minimization of mitigation measures on a “least-cost” basis. Without such expenditures, the project might generate significant environmental impacts, causing the biophysical environment in the area to deteriorate and indirectly depressing the economies of local communities. The main benefits of the mitigation plan are (i) ensuring that environmental standards are met during design, construction, and operation of the project; and (ii) providing offsets to negate project impacts especially ecological impacts. Total project cost also includes Environmental mitigation cost during the construction stage. 7.3 Institutional arrangements 141. For details of institutional arrangement chapter-7 of ADB cleared IEE report (Tranche-III) subproject may be referred.

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8.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, AND GRIEVANCE MECHANISM 8.1 Public Consultations 142. The consultations were carried through social media (due to covid-19 pandemic), and one to one interaction with the local people reflects awareness of the construction activities to be taken at these subproject’s sites. Photographs of the consultations carried through social media are given in Annexure 7. Consultations will also be carried during the construction phase of the project. 8.2 Information Disclosure and Future Consultations 143. Executive summary of the addendum to IEE report, Tranche-III will be translated in Hindi and made available at the offices of HPPTCL, PIUs, and also displayed on their notice boards. Hard copies of this addendum will be accessible to citizens as a means to disclose the document and at the same time creating wider public awareness. The electronic version of the addendum in English and Executive Summary in English and Hindi will be placed on the official website of the HPPTCL after approval of the same by ADB.

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9.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 144. The proposed sub-projects are in line with the sub-project selection criteria for the program. The subproject conforms to all GoI and ADB regulations, policies, and standards including all necessary government permits and clearances. 145. During the subproject construction, the possible minor environmental impacts are envisaged. As per the addendum to Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), the specific management measures laid down in the EMPs will effectively address any likely environmental impacts due to the subproject. The effective implementation of the measures proposed will be ensured through building enhanced capacity through training on environmental management within the PIUs and PMU with overall supervision for environmental issues by the Environment and Social Cell of HPPTCL. Further, the environmental monitoring plans provide adequate opportunity towards course correction to address any residual impacts during construction or operation stages. 146. The EMP is provided for the mitigation of all identified minor impacts and will be reflected in the contract clauses for the environmental provisions, which will be part of the civil works contracts. Consultations were carried through social media like telephonic interaction with the local people and reflects no issues with any construction activities to be carried at these sites. Consultations will also be carried during the construction phase of the project. 147. The water and electric supplies during the operation stage will be taken in the form of a permanent connection from HP Irrigation and Public Health (IP&H) and HPSEBL respectively. Solid waste disposal will be integrated with local settings. 148. Primary data for environmental baseline information of water, air, and noise/vibration at sub-projects located in Kinnaur, Kangra, Kullu, and Chamba districts have been collected concerning substation locations. These baseline parameters shall be used to monitor changes in the quality of water, air, soil, and noise during the construction and operation periods at these sites. 149. Most impacts are expected to occur during the construction phase and are considered to be temporary. 150. A proper GRM will be implemented by HPPTCL to overcome public inconvenience during the proposed project activities. 151. The addendum to IEE report is adequate for purposes of sub-projects implementation. Based on the environmental assessment and surveys conducted for the project, the potential adverse environmental impacts can be mitigated to an acceptable level by the adequate implementation of the mitigation measures identified in the EMP. Adequate provisions are being made in the project to cover the environmental mitigation and monitoring requirements. 152. The environment category of the loan continues to be “B” in accordance with ADB’s SPS, 2009 and MoEF&CC Guidelines of GoI.

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ANNEXURES Annexure 1: Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist Instructions: (i) The project team completes this checklist to support the environmental classification of a project. It is to be attached to the environmental categorization form and submitted to Environment and Safeguards Division (SDES) for endorsement by Director, SDES, and approval by the Chief Compliance Officer. (ii) This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social dimensions are adequately considered, refer also to ADB's (a) checklists on involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples; (b) poverty reduction handbook; (c) staff guide to consultation and participation; and (d) gender checklists. (iii) Answer the questions assuming the “without mitigation” case. The purpose is to identify potential impacts. Use the “remarks” section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures.

IND/Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program – Tranche 3 Country/Project Title:

Sector Division: SARD

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks A. Project Siting Is the Project area adjacent to or within any of the following environmentally sensitive areas? Underground utilities X All the four sub-projects are proposed on vacant land owned by HPPTCL and HPSEBL (2nd site of Wangtoo sub project). There are no underground utilities at any of the sub-project sites. Cultural heritage site X No cultural heritage site is located near any sub- project sites. Protected Area X No protected areas within 10kms distance from any of the sub-project sites. Wetland X No protected or classified wetland is located close to the project site Mangrove X No such area is located in the project vicinity.

Estuarine X No such area is located in the project vicinity.

Buffer zone of protected area X No such area is located in the project vicinity.

Special area for protecting biodiversity X No such area is located in the project vicinity.

B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause… Encroachment on historical/cultural areas, X Ancient or cultural sites have been avoided with disfiguration of landscape and increased adequate distance as required vide Govt waste generation? notifications.

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks Encroachment on the precious X Not applicable. Subprojects have been sited ecosystems (e.g., sensitive or protected away from the precious ecosystems. areas)? Alteration of surface water hydrology of X Any leakage and soil runoff during the rainy waterways crossed by roads and resulting season can be minimized by avoiding civil in increased sediment in streams affected works during rainy seasons and providing by increased soil erosion at the proper boundaries to project sites. construction site? Damage to sensitive coastal/marine X Not applicable. habitats by the construction of submarine cables? Deterioration of surface water quality due X The labor camps will be provided with proper to silt runoff, sanitary wastes from worker- sanitary facilities for minimizing the sanitary based camps, and chemicals used in waste from workers; whereas other wastes will construction? be disposed of in small dug-up pits at the site. Any construction-related oils/chemicals used will be disposed of as per the guidelines of the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Trans-Boundary Movement) Rules, 2008. Local hiring will be given priority. Increased local air pollution due to rock X Rock crushing, cutting, and filling will be minimal crushing, cutting, and filling? in this project. Increased dust and vehicular emissions during the construction stage are temporary and can be minimized by the implementation of EMP. Risks and vulnerabilities related to X Mitigation will be provided. Will comply with the occupational health and safety due to requirements of the Government and World physical, chemical, biological, and Bank EHS guidelines. radiological hazards during project construction and operation? Chemical pollution resulting from the X Not applicable. There is no vegetation on any chemical clearing of vegetation for a sub-project sites. construction site? Noise and vibration due to blasting and X No blasting activities will be done on sub-project other civil works? sites. Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of X Not applicable. Sub-projects are located in people? hindrance free land owned by HPPTCL except for the 2nd site at Wangtoo which is also vacant and in possession with its sister concern. The ownership transfer is under process for this. Disproportionate impacts on the poor, X No such impact anticipated. women and children, Indigenous Peoples, or other vulnerable groups? social conflicts relating to inconveniences X Mostly local labor will be hired. in living conditions

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks Hazardous driving conditions where X Not applicable. All the sub-project sites are free construction interferes with pre-existing of any hindrances in the periphery of the roads? substation premises or residential units (2nd site of Wangtoo). Creation of temporary breeding habitats X All excavations would be filled back to the for vectors of disease such as mosquitoes original level and condition. The groundwater or and rodents? rainwater collected in the excavated foundations/pits would be pumped out immediately. Good housekeeping will be enforced at construction sites. Dislocation and compulsory resettlement X Not applicable. All the sub-project sites are free of people living in the land, identified for of any hindrances. the project. Long-term impacts on local hydrology as X No requirement for draining of water from any of a result of building hard surfaces in or the sub-project sites. None of the sub-project near the building? sites is submerged under the water.

Large population influx during project X The project is not expected to cause a large construction and operation that cause an population influx. Local hiring will be given increased burden on social infrastructure priority. Contractors will provide labor camp if and services (such as water supply and needed for migrant labor only within substation sanitation systems)? campus with a separate water supply and sanitation facilities, which will not cause any burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and sanitation systems) of nearby residents. Poor sanitation and solid waste disposal X The labor camps will be constructed away from in construction camps and worksites, and local habitat areas with proper sanitation and possible transmission of communicable solid waste disposal facilities to avoid possible diseases from workers to local transmission of communicable diseases from populations? workers to the local population. X During the construction phase, waste collection Risks to community health and safety and disposal system will be planned by the caused by management and disposal of contractor(s) and it will be approved by the waste? implementing agency (PIU). For the operation phase, adequate provisions have been made in the building design to take care disposal of wastewater and other solid waste generated. The waste disposal will be integrated with the local disposal systems. Risks to community health and safety due X Will not involve the use of explosives or other to the transport, storage, and use, and/or chemicals during construction and operation. disposal of materials such as explosives, fuel, and other chemicals during construction and operation?

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks Community safety risks due to both X The proposed residential building project are accidental and natural hazards, especially being built out of residential areas except at 2nd where the structural elements or site of Wangtoo. components of the project are accessible The residential buildings are being designed to members of the affected community or following applicable seismic coefficient for where their failure could result in injury to Himachal Pradesh to build safety in structural the community throughout project design. There will be periodic maintenance of construction, operation, and buildings during the operation phase. decommissioning? Annexure:1A Checklist for Preliminary Climate Risk Screening Country/Project Title: Construction of Auxiliary buildings under Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program – Tranche 3 Sector: Energy Subsector: Power transmission Division/Department: SARD

Screening Questions Score Remarks3 Location Is siting and/or routing of the project (or its components) 1 Typically, mountain and Design likely to be affected by climate conditions including ecosystems - floods and of the extreme weather-related events such as floods, landslides occur in the project droughts, storms, landslides? hilly areas in Himachal Pradesh. Would the project design need to consider any hydro- 1 The project design will meteorological parameters (e.g., sea-level, peak river include foundation flow, reliable water level, peak wind speed, etc.)? engineering for extreme events. Materials Would weather, current and likely future climate 0 Weather conditions at and conditions (e.g., prevailing humidity level, temperature proposed sites of Maintenance contrast between hot summer days and cold winter residential quarters do days, exposure to wind and humidity hydro- not demand the usage of meteorological parameters likely affect the selection of any specific construction project inputs over the life of project outputs (e.g., material to counteract construction material)? weather phenomenon Would weather, current, and likely future climate 1 Possible temporary conditions, and related extreme events likely affect the damage to residential maintenance (scheduling and cost) of project output(s)? buildings during extreme events. Performance Would weather/climate conditions and related extreme 0 Not applicable of project events likely affect the performance (e.g., annual power outputs production) of project output(s) (e.g., hydro-power generation facilities) throughout their design lifetime?

3 If possible, provide details on the sensitivity of project components to climate conditions, such as how climate parameters are considered in design standards for infrastructure components, how changes in key climate parameters and sea level might affect the siting/routing of project, the selection of construction material and/or scheduling, performances and/or the maintenance cost/scheduling of project outputs.

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Options for answers and corresponding score are provided below: Response Score Not Likely 0 Likely 1 Very Likely 2 Responses when added that provide a score of 0 will be considered low-risk project. If adding all responses will result to a score of 1-4 and that no score of 2 was given to any single response, the project will be assigned a medium risk category. A total score of 5 or more (which includes providing a score of 1 in all responses) or a 2 in any single response will be categorized as a high-risk project. Result of Initial Screening (Low, Medium, High): Medium risk Other Comments: ______Prepared by: E&S Cell, HPPTCL

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Annexure 2: Copy of the designs/plans for four sub-projects

Design/Plan of lot 1 sub-projects (at Wangtoo substation)

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Design/Plan of lot 1 sub-projects (at HPSEBL’s residential colony)

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Design/Plan of lot 2 sub-projects (At Chambi)

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Design/Plan of lot 3 sub-projects (At Phosal)

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Design/Plan of lot 4 sub-projects (at Lahal)

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Annexure 3: Environmental Management Plan Project Activity Potential Mitigation Action Parameters to be Standards/ Measurement Institutional Implementation Environmental Impact Monitored /Frequency Responsibility Schedule PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE A Physical Resources Project planning Lack of sufficient planning The design has included Verification of site- During project design stage - HPPTCL Detailed design to assure long-term provisions for ensuring specific design Once. sustainability of the effective maintenance and parameters improvements and ensure protection of the assets to be the protection of the created to ensure long-term assets created. sustainability.

B Environment Resources Location of land for Impact on the existing Construction facilities should Water and Air Air Quality Standards and HPPTCL Detailed design residential buildings environment have been placed at more than Quality Water Quality standards – 100m from water bodies, Once natural flow paths, important ecological habitats, and residential areas Residential building’s Noise generation Auxiliary buildings are located Expected noise Noise control regulations HPPTCL Detailed design location and design Exposure to noise, to ensure noise will not be a emissions based on Noise levels to be specified in Nuisance to neighboring nuisance to neighboring substation design, tender documents-Once properties properties. noise levels C Ecological Resources Encroachment into Loss of precious No impact as sites have been Floral and faunal Enumeration of flora and ESC of HPPTCL Detailed design precious ecological ecological values/ selected in the substation habitats loss fauna at the site - Once areas damage to precious premises species Cutting of Trees Loss of trees on the sub- No impact as there are no - - ESC of HPPTCL Detailed Design project sites trees on subproject sites and Planning stage D Human Environment Involuntary Loss of lands and Not required as the subproject Public complaints Rates paid as per the ESC of HPPTCL Before resettlement or land structures sites are on already acquired Resettlement construction acquisition HPPTCL’s sites or another plan/Framework for the phase vacant land, for which land project – Once transfer is under process

Explosions/Fire Hazards to life No, such impact anticipated. To ensure the Once- HPPTCL Pre-construction Though fire extinguishers are availability of the period available in Substation, where same at substation the sub-projects have been sites, where projects sited have been sited

57 Project Activity Potential Mitigation Action Parameters to be Standards/ Measurement Institutional Implementation Environmental Impact Monitored /Frequency Responsibility Schedule CONSTRUCTION PHASE A Physical Resources Site clearance Soil erosion and surface Construction near seasonal Soil erosion Visual inspection Contractor Construction runoff rivers, erosion, and flood- (Turbidity and sedimentation) through contract period prone areas should be – Once provisions under restricted to the non-rainy supervision of season. HPPTCL Provision and maintenance of drains and retention ponds. Treat clearing and filling areas against flow acceleration and construction work should be carefully designed to minimize obstruction or destruction to natural drainage. Removal of Public inconvenience Advance notice to the public Disruption to other Visual inspection and HPPTCL and Throughout disturbance to public about the time and the commercial and consultations. Contractor construction utility services-Water duration of the utility public Technical specification – per through contract period supply, sanitation disruption. activities/public public complaint – Once each provisions complaints time Use of well trained and experienced machinery operators to reduce accidental damage to the public utilities - pipelines

Restore the utilities immediately to overcome the public inconvenience Surplus earthwork/soil Runoff to cause water Excess fill from columns Location and Appropriate fill disposal and Contractor Construction pollution, solid waste foundation excavation to be amount (m3) of fill dispersal locations –half through contract period disposal reused on-site or disposed of disposal yearly provisions under next to roads depressions or Soil disposal supervision of other low-lying areas in locations and HPPTCL substation premises. Also, to volume (m3) be used for landscaping. B Environment Resources Construction activities Noise and vibrations Selection of construction Construction Minimal ground disturbance - Contractor Construction on site (excavations, techniques and machinery to techniques and Monthly through contract period foundations, columns minimize ground disturbance. machinery provisions under erection etc) supervision of ESC, HPPTCL Building construction Loss of soil Cutting and filling for the Borrow area siting CPCB norms - Quarterly Contractor Construction building foundations obtained (area of site in m2 through contract period

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Project Activity Potential Mitigation Action Parameters to be Standards/ Measurement Institutional Implementation Environmental Impact Monitored /Frequency Responsibility Schedule by creating or improving the and estimated provisions under local drainage system. volume in m3) supervision of ESC, HPPTCL Water pollution Minimize construction activities Water Quality (pH, GoI water quality standards – Contractor Construction involving significant ground BOD/COD, six-monthly through contract period disturbance (i.e., building’s suspended solids, provisions under land forming) during the other) during major supervision of monsoon season. Provide earthworks ESC, HPPTCL drains and retention ponds, if required. Provision of facilities Contamination of Construction workforce Amenities for Presence of proper Contractor Construction for construction receptors (land, water, air) facilities to include proper Workforce. sanitation, water supply, and through contract period workers sanitation (soak pits/septic waste disposal facilities - provisions under tanks), water supply, and Visual inspection supervision of waste disposal facilities. (Continuous) HPPTCL Mechanised Noise, vibration and Construction equipment to be Construction Technical specifications, Contractor Construction construction operator safety, efficient well maintained. techniques and safety regulations, through contract period operation equipment - Noise control regulations - provisions under Noise, vibration, Construction techniques and estimated noise Half-yearly supervision of equipment wear, and tear Machinery selection to emissions and HPPTCL minimize ground disturbance. operating schedules Construction of roads Increase in airborne dust Existing roads and tracks used Access roads, Use of established roads Contractor Construction for accessibility to particles for construction and routes (length and wherever possible through contract period residential buildings maintenance access to the site width of access Access restricted to a provisions under Increased land wherever possible. roads) minimum of single supervision of requirement for temporary Use of access ways restricted carriageway width-Once HPPTCL accessibility to a minimum of single carriageway width. C Ecological Resources Site clearance Vegetation Marking of vegetation to be Vegetation marking Clearance strictly limited to Contractor Construction removed before clearance, and clearance target vegetation-Once through contract period and strict control on clearing control (area in m2) provisions under activities to ensure minimum supervision of clearance. HPPTCL Wood/ vegetation Loss of vegetation and Construction workers are Illegal Complaints by local people or HPPTCL, Construction harvesting, deforestation prohibited from harvesting wood/vegetation other evidence of illegal Contractor period cut and fill operations wood in the project area during harvesting (area in harvesting – Once through contract their employment. m2, number of provisions. incidents reported) Effect on fauna Prevent the workforce from Habitat loss Complaints by local people or Construction disturbing the flora, fauna other evidence of illegal period including the hunting of hunting - Once animals and fishing in water

59 Project Activity Potential Mitigation Action Parameters to be Standards/ Measurement Institutional Implementation Environmental Impact Monitored /Frequency Responsibility Schedule bodies. Proper awareness program regarding conservation of flora, fauna including ground vegetation to all workers. D Human Environment Construction schedules Noise nuisance to Minimize construction activities Timing of Construction as per HPPTCL, Construction for residential buildings neighboring properties undertaken during the night construction (noise Scheduled timings only Contractor period and local communities emissions, dBA) through contract informed of the construction provisions schedule. Acquisition of cultivable Loss of agricultural Protect /preserve topsoil and Usage of existing Loss of crops-work in the HPPTCL, Throughout lands productivity reinstate after construction utilities post-harvest period but Contractor construction completed Status of facilities before next crop – Once per through contract period Repair /reinstate damaged (earthwork in m3) site provisions bunds etc. after construction Implementation of completed crop compensation Compensation for temporary (amount paid, dates, loss in agricultural production etc.) Temporary use of land Losses to neighboring Contract clauses specifying Contract clauses Incorporating good Contractor Construction land uses/ values careful construction practices. Design basis and construction management, through contract period layout. design engineering practices provisions under As much as possible existing Reinstatement of - Once. supervision of access ways will be used. land status (area Consultation with affected HPPTCL affected, m2). parties immediately after Productive land will be Implementation of completion of construction reinstated following completion Tree/Crop and after the first harvest – of construction compensation Once. (amount paid). Compensation will be paid for loss of production if any. In case of a chance Loss/theft of precious In case of a chance find of Chance finds GOI’s Treasure and Trove Contractor Construction find of cultural artifacts archeological items cultural artifacts and Act. - Continuous through contract period and uncovered in digging at property/archaeological provisions under property/archaeological sites. supervision of features features HPPTCL Transportation and Nuisance to the general Transport loading and Water and Air CPCB Emission standards Contractor Construction storage of materials public unloading of construction Quality and Water Quality standards - through contract period materials should no cause Half-yearly provisions under nuisance to the people by way supervision of of noise, vibration, and dust HPPTCL

Avoid storage of construction materials beside the road,

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Project Activity Potential Mitigation Action Parameters to be Standards/ Measurement Institutional Implementation Environmental Impact Monitored /Frequency Responsibility Schedule around water bodies, residential or public sensitive locations

Construction materials should be stored in covered areas to ensure protection from dust, emissions and such materials should be bundled in an environment friendly and nuisance free manner Health and safety Injury and sickness of Contract provisions specifying Contract clauses HPPTCL and ADB Health Contractor Construction workers and members of minimum requirements for (number of incidents and safety standards - through contract period the public. construction camps and total lost-work Monthly provisions under days caused by supervision of Contractor to prepare and injuries and HPPTCL implement a health and safety sickness) plan and provide workers with required PPE and health and Contract Clauses National Disaster safety measures. Management

Contractor to prepare Contract Clauses Emergency Response Plan. Availability of ambulance or medical facility at work site both for workers and public should be kept by the Half Yearly contractor. Contractor to arrange for health and safety awareness programmes including on AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Regular (until it is declared as Contamination and To comply with HPPTCL’s HPPTCL’s Health pandemic or govt unfreezes Spreading of Novel Covid- Health and Safety plan in and Safety Plan and restrictions on it) 19. response to Covid-19, guidelines as laid by pandemic. the govt time to time.

Capacity Building Improve standards of Training of HPPTCL staff Training schedules Number of the training HPPTCL- ESC Construction implementation and program - period monitoring Yearly

61 Project Activity Potential Mitigation Action Parameters to be Standards/ Measurement Institutional Implementation Environmental Impact Monitored /Frequency Responsibility Schedule OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PHASE Operation/use of Environmental conditions The periodic monitoring of the Switchgear casings Yearly- once HPPTCL Throughout the Residential buildings ambient air quality, noise and substation operation levels, and water quality will be boundary taken up as per the monitoring Substation plan through an approved monitoring agency.

Maintenance of the Damages to buildings due Maintenance activities to be Infrastructure and Half-yearly HPPTCL Throughout the residential to inadequate carried out by Engineer, in paint etc operations infrastructure facilities maintenance charge as and when required. (Visual Inspection) Maintenance registers to be maintained.

Health and hygiene • Un-hygienic • Drinking water quality to Monitoring of water Once in a year HPPTCL Throughout the drinking water be tested at least once a samples operations leading to health year issues • The residents to be • Lack of sufficient made aware on the quantity of water for importance of the drinking and conservation of water. sanitation • The sanitary facilities to be cleaned regularly Noise generation Nuisance to the Tree plantations in the Noise level Noise level (dbA)- Once a HPPTCL Throughout the community around the surroundings to reduce such year operations site nuisance from noise vulnerability Natural disasters Necessary procedures to be Warnings of During the outbreak of HPPTCL/district Operations followed by residents, visitors disasters by disasters administeration etc during natural disasters Meteorological shall be written at prominent Department locations. ESC –Environment & Social Cell of HPPTCL

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Annexure 4: Measurement of Environmental Parameters & Periodicity Environmental Project Parameters to be monitored Location Frequency Standards Rate (Rs.) Implementation Supervision component stage Construction PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, SPM, CO Inside the proposed auxiliary Two times/ National Air Per Contractor by Contractor/ Stage along with Meteorological data- buildings construction site year quality standards sample CPCB approved PMU temperature Humidity, wind speed, of CPCB ₹15,000 laboratory 1.Air Quality wind direction Operation PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, SPM, CO Inside the proposed auxiliary A single time National Air Per Contractor by PMU Stage along with Meteorological data- buildings quality standards sample CPCB approved temperature Humidity, wind speed, of CPCB ₹15,000 laboratory wind direction Construction EC, TSS, DO, BOD, PH, Oil and Nearest downstream two times/ National drinking Per Contractor by Contractor/ Stage grease, Pb spring/handpump around the year water standards of sample CPCB approved PMU 2.Water Quality construction site CPCB ₹1,500 laboratory Operation EC, TSS, DO, BOD, PH Oil, and Nearest downstream A single time National drinking Per Contractor by PMU Stage grease, Pb spring/handpump wells water standards of sample CPCB approved around the Auxiliary buildings CPCB ₹1,500 laboratory Construction Noise level (dB level) Inside the proposed auxiliary two times/ CPCB standards Per Contractor by Contractor/ Stage building construction site year for Noise and sample CPCB approved PMU 3.Noise quality construction site vibrations ₹6,000 laboratory Operation Noise level (dB level) Inside the proposed auxiliary A single time CPCB standards Per Contractor by PMU Stage building for Noise and sample CPCB approved vibrations ₹6,000 laboratory 4. Soil quality Construction PH, Sulfate (SO3), Chloride, ORP, Inside the proposed site of Two times/ Technical Per Contractor by Contractor/ Stage water Soluble salts EC, Organic the proposed auxiliary year specifications sample CPCB approved PMU Matter, Moisture Content building construction site ₹1,500 laboratory Operation PH, Sulfate (SO3), Chloride, ORP, Inside the proposed site, of A single time Technical Per Contractor by PMU Stage water Soluble salts EC, Organic the proposed auxiliary specifications sample CPCB approved Matter, Moisture Content building site ₹1,500 laboratory ESC –Environment & Social Cell of HPPTCL

Abbreviations: SO2- -Sulphur Dioxide; NO2- - Nitrogen Dioxide; CO- Carbon Monoxide; EC – Electric Conductivity; Pb – Lead; PM2.5 - Particulate Matter <2.5µm; PM10 - Particulate Matter <10µm; TSPM- Total Suspended Particulate Matter; EC - Electrical Conductivity; DO - Dissolved Oxygen; TSS - Total Suspended Solids; BOD - Biological Oxygen Demand; NAAQS - National Ambient Air Quality Standards; NWQS - National Water Quality Standards; HPPTCL – Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited; ORP – Oxidation Reduction Potential Notes: Transport/Accommodation & Sample collection cost, VAT are not included for the EMoP. Source for Rates: MoEF&CC (CPCB) New Delhi, Notification Dated 15 June 2008 Nearest Board’s Laboratory: Central Laboratory, H. P. State Environment Protection & Pollution Control Board, SCF 6, 7, 8, Sector-IV, Parwanoo, District. Solan-173 220, Himachal Pradesh

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Annexure 5: National Standards for Water, Air, and Noise quality as per CPCB Drinking Water standards Parameter Standard Drinking Water Specification as per Protocol (Test Method) IS –10500:1991 as amendment up to 3 July 2010 Desirable Limit Permissible Limit in absence of alternate source Essential Characteristics Physical Parameter Color, Hazen Units 5 25 IS: 3025 Part 4 - 1983 Odour Unobjectionable - IS: 3025 Part 5 - 1983 Taste Agreeable - IS: 3025 Part 7,8 -1984 Turbidity, NTU 5 10 IS: 3025 Part 10 - 1984 pH 6.5 – 8.5 - IS: 3025 Part 11 - 1984 Essential Characteristics-Chemical Parameters Total Hardness as CaCO3 300 Mg / L 600 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 21 - 1983 Iron as Fe 0.3 Mg / L 1.0 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 53 - 2003 Chloride as Cl 250 Mg / L 1000 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 32 - 1988 Residual Free Chlorine 0.2 Mg / L - IS: 3025 Part 26 - 1986 Desirable Characteristics- Chemical Parameters Dissolved Solids 500 Mg / L 2000 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 16 - 1984 Calcium as Ca 75 Mg / L 200 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 40 - 1991 Magnesium as Mg 30 Mg / L 100 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 46 - 1994 Copper as Cu 0.05 Mg / L 1.5 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 42 - 1992 Manganese as Mn 0.1 Mg / L 0.3 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 59 - 2006 Sulphate as SO4 200 Mg / L 400 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 24 - 1986 Nitrate as NO3 45 Mg / L No relaxation IS: 3025 Part 34 - 1988 Fluoride as F 1.0 Mg / L 1.5 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 60 - 2008 Phenolic Compounds as 0.001 Mg / L 0.002 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 43 - 1991 C6H5OH Mercury as Hg 0.001 Mg / L No relaxation IS: 3025 Part 48 - 1994 Cadmium as Cd 0.01 Mg / L No relaxation IS: 3025 Part 41 - 1992 Selenium as Se 0.01 Mg / L No relaxation IS: 3025 Part 56 - 2003 Arsenic as As 0.05 Mg / L No relaxation IS: 3025 Part 37 - 1998 Cyanide as CN 0.05 Mg / L No relaxation IS: 3025 Part 27 - 1986 Lead as Pb 0.05 Mg / L No relaxation IS: 3025 Part 47 - 1994 Zinc as Zn 5 Mg / L 15 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 49 - 1994 Anionic Detergents as 0.2 Mg / L 1.0 Mg / L APHA 5540 C MBAS Chromium as Cr+6 0.05 Mg / L No relaxation IS: 3025 Part 52 - 2003 Mineral Oil 0.01 Mg / L 0.03 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 39 - 1991 Alkalinity 200 Mg / L 600 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 23 - 1986 Aluminum as Al 0.03 Mg / L 0.2 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 55 - 2003 Boron as B 1 Mg / L 5 Mg / L IS: 3025 Part 57 - 2005 Bacteriological Characteristics Coliform Organisms 10 CFU 10 CFU IS: 1622 - 1981 E. Coli Absent Absent IS: 1622 - 1981

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National Ambient Air Quality Standards: Pollutant Time Weighted Concentration in Ambient Air Average Industrial, Residential, Ecologically Sensitive Area Rural and Other Areas (notified by Central Government)

3 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), µg/m Annual* 50 80 20 80 24 hours**

3 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), µg/m Annual* 40 80 30 80 24 hours** Particulate Matter (size less than Annual* 60 100 60 100 3 10 µm) or PM10 µg/m 24 hours** Particulate Matter (size less than Annual* 40 60 40 60 3 2.5 µm) or PM2.5 µg/m 24 hours**

3 Ozone (O3) µg/m 8 hours* 100 180 100 180 1 hour** Lead (Pb) µg/m3 Annual* 0.50 1.0 0.50 1.0 24 hours** Carbon Monoxide (CO) mg/m3 8 hours* 02 04 02 04 1 hour**

3 Ammonia (NH3) µg/m Annual* 100 400 100 400 24 hours**

3 Benzene (C6H6) µg/m Annual* 5 5 Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP)- Annual* 1 1 particulate phase only, ng/m3 Arsenic(As), ng/m3 Annual* 6 60 Nickel (Ni), ng/m3 Annual* 20 20 * Annual arithmetic means of minimum 104 measurements in a year at a particular site taken twice a week 24 hourly at uniform intervals. ** 24 hourly or 8 hourly or 1 hourly monitored value, as applicable, shall be complied with 98% of the time; they may exceed the limits but not on two consecutive days of monitoring. Source: National Ambient Air Quality Standards

National Ambient Noise Quality Standards Area Code Category of Area/Zone Limits in dB(A) Leq * Day Time Night Time (A) Industrial area 75 70 (B) Commercial area 65 55 (C) Residential area 55 45 (D) Silence Zone 50 40 Note 1. Day time shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. 2. Night time shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. 3. Silence zone is defined as an area comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions and courts. The silence zones are zones which are declared as such by the competent authority. 4. Mixed categories of areas may be declared as one of the four above mentioned categories by the competent authority. *dB(A) Leq denotes the time weighted average of the level of sound in decibels on scale A which is relatable to human hearing. A "decibel" is a unit in which noise is measured. "A", in dB(A) Leq, denotes the frequency weighting in the measurement of noise and corresponds to frequency response characteristics of the human ear. Leq: It is energy mean of the noise level, over a specified period. Source: Ministry of Environment and Forests Notification, New Delhi, the 14 February 2000 S.O. 123(E)

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Annexure 6 Results of Environment Monitoring for Air, Water, Noise and Soil Sampling at different sub-project sites Lot 1 Sub-projects • Results of Air Quality Sampling/monitoring:

66

67

68

• Results of Noise Quality Sampling/monitoring:

69

70

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• Results of Water Quality Sampling/monitoring: Sr. Parameter Unit Acceptable Permissible Results No. limit limit Ground Water Soil Water 900 1800 2700 3600 1 pH ---- 6.5-8.5 No Relaxation 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.1 2 Electrical µS/cm 750 0-2000 494 453 475 463 Conductivity 3 Turbidity NTU 1 5 0 0 0 0 4 TDS mg/l 500 2000 316 290 304 296 5 Chloride as Cl mg/l 250 1000 20 23 21 21 6 Acidity mg/l 200 600 14 16 14 16 7 Alkalinity mg/l 200 600 39 37 35 35 8 Total hardness as mg/l 200 600 136 140 138 140 CaCO3 9 Calcium as Ca mg/l 75 200 33 36 35 35 10 Magnesium as mg/l 30 100 13 12 12 13 Mg2+ 11 COD mg/l No guidelines - 27 24 22 21 12 BOD mg/l - 2 <5 <5 <5 <5 13 DO mg/l - 6 5.6 5.8 5.4 5.5 14 Taste* ------Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable 15 Odor ------Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable 16 TSS mg/l <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 17 O&G mg/l N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 18 Lead as Pb* mg/l 0.01 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 19 Color Pt. Co. 5 15 0 0 0 0 Unit 20 Cyanide as (CN)* mg/l 0.05 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 21 Fluoride as F mg/l 1.0 1.5 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 22 Nitrate (NO3) mg/l 45 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 23 Sulphate as SO4 mg/l 200 400 18 N. D. 20 18 24 Phenolic mg/l 0.001 0.002 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. Compound* 25 Copper as (Cu)* mg/l 0.05 1.5 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 26 Cadmium as (Cd)* mg/l 0.003 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 27 Manganese as Mn* mg/l 0.1 0.3 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 28 Zinc as (Zn)* mg/l 5 15 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 29 Chromium as (Cr) mg/l 0.05 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 30 Boron mg/l 0.5 1.0 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 31 Iron mg/l 0.3 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 32 Phosphate* mg/l 0.5 1 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 33 Residual chlorine mg/l 0.2 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil 34 Silica mg/l 0.1 0.4-1 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 35 Sulphide mg/l 0.05 No Relaxation Nil Nil Nil Nil

• Results of Soil Quality Sampling/Monitoring: Sr. No. Parameter Unit Results 900 1800 2700 3600 1. pH (1:2) ---- 6.9 6.8 6.8 6.9 2. EC (1:2) µS/cm 302 298 327 322 3. Water Soluble Salts* mg/kg 1480 1453 1578 1560

4. Chloride as Cl mg/kg 124 124 106 123 5. Total Hardness* mg/kg 389 432 389 473 6. Organic Matter % 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96

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7. Sodium Oxide mg/kg 127 129 128 125 8. Potassium Oxide mg/kg 55 54 53 54 9. Calcium Oxide* mg/kg 97 73 97 96 10. MgO* mg/kg 87 122 87 122 11. Specific Gravity* g/ml 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 12. Water Holding Capacity % 39 39 39 40 13. Moisture % 14 14 14 13 14. ORP* mV 90 90 96 96 15. Total soluble Sulphate mg/kg 30 30 30 20 16. Available Nitrogen mg/kg 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.78

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Lot 2 sub-project (At Chambi) • Results of Air Quality Sampling/monitoring: S. Parameter Sampling Location and Result No. Location-1 Location-2 Location-3 1. Suspended Particulate Matter, μg/m3 67 70 65

2. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), μg/m3 BLQ (LOQ:5.0) BLQ (LOQ:5.0) BLQ (LOQ:5.0) 3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), μg/m3 BLQ (LOQ:6.0) BLQ (LOQ:6.0) BLQ (LOQ:6.0) 4. Particulate Matter (PM10), μg/m3 38 40 35 5. Particulate matter (PM 2.5), μg/m3 18 19 17 6. Ozone(O3), μg/m3 BLQ (LOQ:14) BLQ (LOQ:14) BLQ (LOQ:14) 7. Ammonia (NH3), μg/m3 BLQ (LOQ:20) BLQ (LOQ:20) BLQ (LOQ:20) 8. Carbon Monoxide (CO), mg/m3 1.3 1.2 1.5 9. Lead (As Pb), μg/m3 BLQ (LOQ: 0.1) BLQ (LOQ: 0.1) BLQ (LOQ: 0.1)

10. Benzene (C6H6), μg/m3 BLQ(LOQ:1.0) BLQ(LOQ:1.0) BLQ(LOQ:1.0)

11. Benzo (a) Pyrene Particulate Phase BLQ(LOQ:0.2) BLQ(LOQ:0.2) BLQ(LOQ:0.2) only, ng/m3

12. Arsenic (as as), ng/m3 BLQ (LOQ: 1.0) BLQ (LOQ: 1.0) BLQ (LOQ: 1.0)

13. Nickel (As Ni), ng/m3 BLQ (LOQ: 1.0) BLQ (LOQ: 1.0) BLQ (LOQ: 1.0)

• Results of Noise Quality Sampling/monitoring: S. Sampling Sampling Date Category Area / Observed Value, dB(A) Leq No. Location Zone DAY NIGHT 1 Location-1 07-11-2019 Industrial Area 50.0 39.9 2 Location-2 07-11-2019 Industrial Area 51.3 40.1 3 Location-3 07-11-2019 Industrial Area 50.1 41.8

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• Results of Soil Quality Sampling/Monitoring: Sr. Results No. Test Parameter Units Location 1 Location 2 Location 3 Location 4 1. pH (1:2) ---- 7.7 7.0 7.9 7.57 2. EC (1:2) µS/cm 246.1 261.5 184.6 200 3. Water Soluble Salts mg/l 160 170 120 130 4. Chloride as Cl mg/kg 119.8 119.8 139.7 167.8 5. Total Hardness mg/kg 72 62.4 62.4 52.8 6. Organic Matter % 0.9 1.1 0.9 0.8 7. Sodium Oxide mg/kg 53.9 67.2 53.8 80.99 8. Potassium Oxide mg/kg 95.8 71.7 71.8 59.999 9. Calcium Oxide mg/kg 167.5 143.8 143.8 118.92 10. MgO mg/kg 21.2 17.2 19.2 15.47 11. Specific Gravity mg/ml 2.0 2.0 1.0 2.001 12. Water Holding Capacity % 40 36 36 38 13. Moisture % 17 11 13 8 14. ORP mV 90 68 95 85 15. Total soluble Sulphate mg/kg 16 18 21 20 16. Available Nitrogen mg/kg 1.1 1.3 0.9 1.2

• Results of Water Quality Sampling/monitoring: IS-10500 Requirement Results S. Parameter Units Acceptable Permissible Location Location Location Location No. Limit Limit 1 2 3 4 1 pH ---- 6.5-8.5 No Relaxation 7.6 7.2 7.4 7.6 2 Electrical µS/cm 750 0-2000 Conductivity 233.8 295.3 489.2 489.2

3 Turbidity NTU 1 5 0 0 0 1 4 TDS mg/L 500 2000 152 192 318 318 5 Chloride as Cl mg/L 250 1000 7.9 10.6 7.9 7.9 6 Acidity mg/L 200 600 8.3 12.4 12.4 8.3 7 Alkalinity mg/L 200 600 91.8 199.8 426.6 405 8 Total Hardness as mg/L 200 600 99.3 228.9 406.2 354.2 CaCO3 9 Calcium as Ca mg/L 75 200 8.6 10.3 12.0 8.6 10 Magnesium as mg/L 30 100 18.8 49.2 91.2 80.7 Mg2+ 11 COD mg/L 19.5 - 29.4 12.6 16.8 12.6 12 BOD mg/l <5 2 <5 <5 <5 <5

13 DO mg/l 5.5 6 5.8 6 5.7 5.9 14 Taste ------Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable 15 Odour ------Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable 16 TSS mg/L 7 <10 5.2 5.6 13.2 13.5 17 O&G mg/L N/D N/D N/D N/D N/D N/D

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IS-10500 Requirement Results S. Parameter Units Acceptable Permissible Location Location Location Location No. Limit Limit 1 2 3 4 18 Lead as Pb mg/L N/D No Relaxation N/D N/D N/D N/D 19 Colour Pt. Co. N/D 15 0 0 0 0 Unit 20 Cyanide as (CN) mg/L N/D No Relaxation N/D N/D N/D N/D 21 Fluoride as F mg/L N/D 1.5 N/D N/D N/D N/D 22 Nitrate (NO3) mg/L N/D No Relaxation N/D N/D N/D N/D 23 Sulphate as SO4 mg/L 14 400 12 14 16 12 24 Phenolic mg/L N/D 0.002 N/D N/D N/D N/D Compound 25 Copper as (Cu) mg/L N/D 1.5 N/D N/D N/D N/D 26 Cadmium as (Cd) mg/L N/D No Relaxation N/D N/D N/D N/D 27 Manganese as Mn mg/L N/D 0.3 N/D N/D N/D N/D 28 Zinc as (Zn) mg/L N/D 15 N/D N/D N/D N/D 29 Chromium as (Cr) mg/L N/D No Relaxation N/D N/D N/D N/D 30 Boron mg/L N/D 1.0 N/D N/D N/D N/D 31 Iron mg/L N/D No Relaxation N/D N/D N/D N/D 32 Phosphate mg/L N/D 1 N/D N/D N/D N/D 33 Residual chlorine mg/L Nil 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil 34 Silica mg/L <0.01 0.4-1 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 35 Sulphide mg/L Nil No Relaxation Nil Nil Nil Nil

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Lot 4) 33/220/ 400 kV GIS Lahal Substation • Results of Air Quality Sampling/monitoring:

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78

79

• Results of Noise Quality Sampling/monitoring

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• Results of Water Quality Sampling/monitoring: Sr. No. Parameter Unit Acceptable Permissible Results limit limit Ground Water 900 1800 2700 3600 1 pH ---- 6.5-8.5 No Relaxation 6.8 7 7.1 7 2 Electrical Conductivity µS/cm 750 0-2000 450 438 444 431 3 Turbidity NTU 1 5 0 0 0 0 4 TDS mg/l 500 2000 288 280 284 276 5 Chloride as Cl mg/l 250 1000 20 17 17 18 6 Acidity mg/l 200 600 12 12 12 12 7 Alkalinity mg/l 200 600 29 33 33 35 8 Total hardness as mg/l 200 600 125 125 125 127 CaCO3 9 Calcium as Ca mg/l 75 200 35 36 35 35 10 Magnesium as Mg2+ mg/l 30 100 9 8 9 9 11 COD mg/l No guidelines - 29 32 32 29 12 BOD mg/l - 2 <5 <5 <5 <5 13 DO mg/l - 6 5.3 5.2 5.4 5.6 14 Taste* ------Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable 15 Odor ------Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable 16 TSS mg/l <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 17 O&G mg/l N. D. N. D. N. D.* N. D. N. D. N. D. 18 Lead as Pb* mg/l 0.01 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 19 Color Pt. Co. 5 15 0 0 0 0 Unit 20 Cyanide as (CN)* mg/l 0.05 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 21 Fluoride as F mg/l 1.0 1.5 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 22 Nitrate (NO3) mg/l 45 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 23 Sulphate as SO4 mg/l 200 400 16 16 14 15 24 Phenolic Compound* mg/l 0.001 0.002 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 25 Copper as (Cu)* mg/l 0.05 1.5 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 26 Cadmium as (Cd)* mg/l 0.003 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 27 Manganese as Mn* mg/l 0.1 0.3 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 28 Zinc as (Zn)* mg/l 5 15 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 29 Chromium as (Cr) mg/l 0.05 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 30 Boron mg/l 0.5 1.0 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 31 Iron mg/l 0.3 No Relaxation N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 32 Phosphate* mg/l 0.5 1 N. D. N. D. N. D. N. D. 33 Residual chlorine mg/l 0.2 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil 34 Silica mg/l 0.1 0.4-1 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 35 Sulphide mg/l 0.05 No Relaxation Nil Nil Nil Nil * not under NABL Scope - limits are in reference to IS 10500:2012 - N.D mean not detected

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• Results of Soil Quality Sampling/Monitoring: Sr. Parameter Unit Results No. 0 0 0 0 • 90 180 270 360 1. pH (1:2) ---- 7 7.1 7.1 7 2. EC (1:2) µS/cm 322 322 327 278 3. Water Soluble Salts* mg/kg 1580 1580 1600 1360

4. Chloride as Cl mg/kg 106 124 124 177

5. Total Hardness* mg/kg 1253 1296 1252 1339 6. Organic Matter % 1.06 1.03 1.06 0.87 7. Sodium Oxide mg/kg 119 117 117 125 8. Potassium Oxide mg/kg 65 65 66 58 9. Calcium Oxide* mg/kg 169 145 145 193 10. MgO* mg/kg 384 419 402 402 11. Specific Gravity* g/ml 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 12. Water Holding Capacity % 39 39 39 40

13. Moisture % 13 14 12 10 14. ORP* mV 94 94 94 76 15. Total soluble Sulphate mg/kg 30 30 40 20 16. Available Nitrogen mg/kg 0.86 0.85 0.85 0.90 * not under NABL Scope

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Annexure 7: Photographs of Consultations carried through Social Media at different project sites

Chambi subproject site Phosal subproject site

Lahal subproject site