File No. 8-21/2014-FC

1 Government of vide their letter dated 7th March 2014 submitted a proposal to obtain prior approval of the Central Government, in terms of the Section-2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of 174.1595 ha of forest land in favour of National Highway Authorities of for Four /Six laning , Widening and Strengthening of existing two lane of national Highways No. 215 from 163.00 Km to 269.000 Km (Rimuli - Rajmunda Section) in Keonjhar and , Odisha.

2 Details indicated in the proposal submitted by the Government of Odisha are as below:

FACT SHEET

1. Name of the Proposal Diversion of Diversion of 174.1595 ha of forest land in favour of National Highway Authorities of India for Four /Six laning , Widening and Strengthening of existing two lane of national Highways No. 215 from 163.00 Km to 269.000 Km (Rimuli -Rajmunda Section) in Keonjhar and Sundergarh District, Odisha.

2 Location:

State Odisha

District Sundargarh and Keonjhar

3. Particular of Forests

i Name of Forest Division Keonjhar/ Bonai/

ii Area of Forest land for Keonjhar Division: 77.7115 Ha. Diversion Bonai Division: 83.2330 Ha. Rourkela Division: 13.2150 Ha. Total: 174.1595 Ha.

iii Legal Status of Forest land R.F.- 100.5301 Ha. Rev. Forest: 53.2914 Ha. DLC Forest: 5.2300 Ha. Kisam Jungle: 8.4150 Ha. Sabik Kisam Jungle: 6.6930 Ha. Total: 174.1595 Ha. iv Density of Vegetation Keonjhar Division Thakurani RF- Density 0.2 Sidhamatha RF- Density-0.7 Revenue Forest- Density-0.2 Sabik Jungle Density- 0.2 Deemed Forest (DLC) Density- 0.2 Bonai Division Kathmal RF Density- 0.7 Karo RF Density-0.8 Toda RF Density- 0.8 Roxy RF Density- 0.6 Rengalbeda Rev. Forest Density – 0.5 Kasira Rev. Forest Density – 0.4 Kusumdihi Rev. Forest Density – 0.3 Toda Rev. Forest Density – 0.4 Jamdihi Rev. Forest Density – 0.5 Karuadarh Rev. Forest Density – 0.5 San- Roxi Rev. Forest Density- 0.5 Kusumdihi DLC Forest Density – 0.6 Toda DLC Forest Density – 0.6 Dalimdihi Kisam Jungle Density – 0/.4

Rourkela Division Revenue Forest - Density – 0.2 Kisam Jungle Density – 0.2 v Species-wise and diameter Total tree enumeration has been carried out class wise enumeration of over 174.1595 ha of forest land existing within trees the alignment from 163.000 Km to 269.000 Km (Rimuli - Rajamunda Section) of NH215. In all, 46,073 nos. of trees above 30 cm girth (17,868 trees in Keonjhar Division, 27,632 trees in Bonai Division and 573 trees in Rourkela Division) have been enumerated.

Hence, 46,073 nos. of trees above 30 cm girth may be required to be felled during widening/strengthening work the road over the forest land proposed for diversion.

Tree Species which are commonly noticed in the area are Shorea robusta, Pterocarpus marsupium, Gmelina arborea, Xylia xylocarpa, Ardina cordi/olia, Anogeissus latifolia, Syzygium cumini, Diospyros melanonxylon, Mangifera indica, Bridelia retusa, Terminalia tomentosa, Buchanania lanzan, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Madhuca indica, Tamarindus indica, Mitragyna parviflora and misc. species etc. Shorea robusta is the predominant species.

4. Vulnerability of area to This is a linear project. The degree of erosion vulnerability to erosion varies. Over all vulnerability is not significant.

5 Approximate distance of The proposed areas are coming within proposed site for diversion Sidhamath RF, Thakurani RF, Sabik Jungle, from boundary of forest Deemed Forest and Revenue forest of Keonjhar Division, Toda RF, Karo RF, Roxy RF, Kathamal RF, Toda Revenue Forest, Jamdihi Revenue Forest, Karuadarh Revenue Forest, San-Roxy Revenue Forest, Kusumdihi DLC Forest, Toda DLC Forest, Dalimdihi Kisam Jungle of Bonai Division and Revenue forest and Kisam Jungle of Rourkela Division.

6. Whether forms part of The areas does not form part of National Park, National Park, Wildlife Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve. It also Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, does not come under any wild life corridor. Tiger Reserve, Elephant The area of Keonjhar Division is coming under Corridor etc. (if so, the details Elephant Habitat Zne-2 as per ORSAC report. of the area the comments of In Bonai and Rourkela Division there is the Chief Wildlife Warden to movement of wild elephants often noticed in be annexed) the nearby areas.

7. Whether any rare/ There is movement of wild elephants often endangered/ unique species noticed in the area. of flora and fauna found in the area if so, details thereof

8. Whether any protected No protected archaeological/ heritage site/ archaeological/ heritage site/ defence establishment or any other important defence establishment or any monument is located in the area. other important monument is located in the area. If so, the details thereof with NOC from competent authority, if required

9. Whether the requirement of The forest land proposed by the User Agency forest land as proposed by in col.2 of Part-I is unavoidable and bare the User Agency in col.2 of minimum for the project. Part-I is unavoidable and bare minimum for the project. If no, recommended area item-wise with details of alternatives examined

10. Whether any work in Keonjhar Division

violation of the Act has been An area of 2.0985 ha. of forest land has been carried out (Yes/ No). If yes, disturbed and construction of earthen details of the same including embankment of road has taken place. Break-up period of work done, action is as below: taken on erring officials. Rev. Forest – 7120 Sq. mt. Whether work in violation is Sabik jungle- 4865 Sq. Mt. still under progress Deemed Forest – 9000 Sq. mt.

Total- 20,985 Sq. mt.

Besides, 1875 trees have been illicitly removed from DL No. 11 of 2008-09 in non-forest area. The report of range Officer in-charge, Barbil Range is enclosed. Bonai Range

The alignment of NH- 215 road passes through the ML area of Narayanposhi Mines of M/s. AMTC (P) Ltd. M/s. AMTC (P) Ltd. has filed W.P. (C) No. 24097 of 2011 in the Hon’ble Orissa High Court to stop felling of trees and degrading the lease hold area of the petitioner (AMTC) by the NHAI.

The user agency has felled 421 nos. of trees inside the proposed Reserve Forest and Khesra Forest without obtaining clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

The Counter affidavit has already been filed in the case by the Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Division on 28.06.2012, and the matter is now sub-judice in the Hon’ble High Court f Odisha. Rourkela Division

Nil

11. Details of Compensatory The Project involves an area of 174.1595 ha of Afforestation Scheme: forest land. The User Agency i.e. National Highway Authority of India is a Central PSU. As per para 3.2(ix) (a) of Forest (Conservation) Act guideline of Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, twice the above forest land of 174.1595ha. proposed for diversion for this project i.e. 348.319ha.ha of degraded forest land has been identified in different Reserved Forests of Bonai Forest Division.

The site is reported to be suitable for Compensatory Afforestation and also free from any encroachment and encumbrance as per report of Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Forest Division. Considering the existence of forest growth belonging Sal and its associated species over the identified degraded forest land, the CA Scheme has been prepared for RDF plantation for planting 300 nos. of plants per hectare for the entire area. The scheme has provision for planting species like Amla (EmbeIlica officinalis), Pongamia pinnata (Karanja), Sissoo (Dalbergia sisoo), Azadiracta indica (Neem), Terminalia tomentosa(Asan), Terminalia belerica(Bahada), Terminalia chebula Harida), Terminalia arjuna (Arjun) Simaruba glauca (Simaruba) and Teak (Tectona grandis) etc. with a financial forecast of Rs.4,03,78,000/- at current wage rate of Rs. 150/- per manday. The CA scheme has been technically approved by the Addl. Pro CCF (Forest Diversion) & Nodal Officer, FC Act. The Copy of approved CA scheme is at page 433-473/DP. This also includes the Maps of three degraded forest patch identified by the DFO, Bonai for compensatory afforestation. The User Agency has furnished an undertaking to bear the cost of the Compensatory Afforestation Scheme

12 Status of FRA compliance Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued guidelines vide their letter dated 3.8.2009 for compliance of FRA pertaining to forest land proposed for diversion under FC Act, 1980. In this context, the Collectors of Sundargarh and Keonjhar district have issued the required certificate on five items under Scheduled Tribe and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 for the forest area. The Collector, Keonjhar has furnished certificate under FRA for 66.49ha. and 1.4558ha. separately ( total 67.9458ha) excluding 9.7657ha. of forest land coming within Joda Municipality, where FRA guidelines is not applicable out of 77.7115ha. of forest land proposed for diversion for the project in Keonjhar district. Similarly, the Collector, Sundargarh has issued FRA certificate for 4.3120ha.offorest land and 92.136ha. separately totalling 96.448ha. The copies of certificates and proceedings of the Gram Sabhas in Regional language and their English version are enclosed in two Volumes for Sundargarh and Keonjhar district separately.

13. Recommendation

DFO After examining the project proposal and verifying the ground reality through field visit it is convinced that the widening of NH -215 is badly needed and diversion of 174.1595 of forest land cannot be avoided. For facilitating easy vehicular traffic for greater benefit of the general public as well as the Govt. the above forest land is the minimum requirement. Hence, the Diversion proposal is recommended which may be considered and accepted.

Regional CCF Recommended

PCCF Recommended

State Govt. Recommended

3 Government of Odisha in their said letter dated 7th March 2014 submitted following additional information:

(i) National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been entrusted with the development, maintenance and management of National Highways under National Highways Development Programme (NHDP), Phase-Ill for 4/6 laning of 10,000 km of Highways on Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis including high density corridor /Section of National Highways in the country. The Government of India (GOI) through NHAI (Under the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Government of India) is contemplating to enhance the traffic capacity and safety for efficient trans-shipment of goods as well as passenger on the heavily trafficked National Highway Sections. This includes Rimuli- Rajamunda road section (Km 163.000 to Km 269.000) ofNH-215 in Odisha.

(ii) National Highway (NH-215) acts as one of the most important communication corridors of Odisha. It caters to the need of most of the mines and industrial traffic movement. This road corridor, Rimuli-BhadrasalIi-Koida-Roxy-Rajamunda runs through two major mineral rich districts of Odisha i.e. Keonjhar and Sundargarh district. This project provides access for transhipment of raw materials and iron ore to several industries in Odisha and adjoining States in the eastern part of the country. Raw materials for Tata Steels, Rourkela Steel Plant are transported from the surrounding mines along this road corridor. The raw minerals and iron ore extracted from mines of Keonjhar and Sundargarh district are being transported through this corridor on the way to Paradip Port as national and international consignment.

(iii) As ascertained from the part-I of the application form, the total land requirement for widening/strengthening of NH 215 (Rimuli-Rajamunda Section from 163.00km to 269.00km) is 571.21ha. that includes 174.1595ha. of forest land, 252.8385ha. of Government non forest land, 144.2120 ha. of Private land etc. The project corridor passes through three forest divisions namely Keonjhar, Bonai and Rourkela Forest Division. The forest land of 174.1 595ha. required for diversion for this road project is comprised of 100.5301 ha of Reserved Forest, 53.2914 ha of Revenue Forest, 5.230 ha of DLC Forest, 8.4150 ha Jungle Kisam land and 6.693 ha of Sabik Kisam Jungle. The Reserved Forest to be diverted lies in (i) Thakurani Reserved Forest and Sidhamath Reserved Forest of Keonjhar Forest Divisions, (ii) Kathamala, Karo, Toda, and Raksi RF of Bonai Forest Division. The land schedule of the total land required for the project including forest kisam land from 163.00 Km. to 269.00 Km. i.e. (Rimuli to Rajamunda Section) of NH 215 has been furnished at page 77-247/DP. The land schedule for forest land duly authenticated by the DFOs of Keonjhar and Bonai Forests Division and Tehsildars of Koira, Tehsilar, Barbil, Tehsildar, Champua has also been appended to the proposal. As informed in the Part-I of the application form, the existing RoW of NH-215 within the forest area is within 10mts to 20mts.

(iv) As reported by Pro CCF, Odisha, Rimuli-Rajamunda Section of NH-215 in course of proposed expansion/widening, will pass through the following Mining Leases in Barbil Range of Keonjhar Forest Division.

SI. Name of the Lease Reserve Forest Revenue Total No (area in ha) Forest (area in ha)

Bonaikela Iron Mines of 1.9329 2.7600 4.6929 1 M/s Tata Steel Ltd.

Serenda·Bhadrasahi Iron 4.0876 1.3930 5.4806 2 & Mn. Mines of Mis OMC Ltd.

Roida"C" Iron & Mn. 1.2674 - 1.2674 3 Mines of M/s IDC Ltd.

Nuagaon Iron mines of - 2.9610 2.9610 4 M/s K.J.S. Ahluwalia

Total 7.2879 7.1140 14.4019

(v) The applied areas do not form part of any National Park! Wildlife Sanctuary/ Biosphere Reserve/Tiger Reserve. There is no archaeological monument/heritage site/defence establishment within the applied area. Movement of wild elephants is often noticed in and around the applied area. The total cost of this project is about Rs.734.58 Crores. It has been reported by the Pr. CCF, Odisha that the project will generate direct employment for 500 persons which will increase gradually .Besides, nearly 4,50,000 Man Days will be generated during the construction period. About12, 00,000 populations will be benefited for this project and on an average more than 7,000 road users will also be benefited daily. (vi) In view of the fact that diversion of forest land is now necessitated for widening/strengthening of existing NH 215 of Remuli-Rajamunda Section, the requirement of three feasible alternative alignments for this road project may not be insisted upon. (vii) The improvement of the existing two lane to Four/six laning, widening and strengthening of National Highway-215 from 163.000 Km to 269 Km ( Rimuli- Rajamunda Section) involves 571.210 ha of forest and non-forest land along both side of the road. It comprises 174.1595 ha of forest land and 397.0505 ha of non- forest land. The forest land of 174.1 595ha. required for diversion for this road project is comprised of 100.5301 ha of Reserved Forest, 53.2914 ha of Revenue Forest, 5.230 ha of DLC Forest, 8.4150 ha Jungle Kisam land and 6.693 ha of Sabik Kisam Jungle. As reported by the Nodal DFO i.e. DFO, Bonai Forest Division, l74.1595ha. of forest land is spread over three forest division such as Keonjhar(77.71 l5ha.), Bonai (83.2330ha.) and Rourkela (13.2150h). (viii) The purpose-wise break-up of the total land required for the project is furnished below:

Fores Talu Forest land (in ha ) Non- Forest land (in ha ) Total t ka/t (in ha ) Divis ehsil ion Reserved Kisam Revenue Sabik DLC Total Govt. Private Total Forest Forest/J Forest Kisam forest land ungle Jungle land Keon Barb 52.8001 0.0000 16.7864 5.7240 0.9180 76.2285 110.704 48.7567 159.461 235.68 jhar il 7 4 99 Cha 0.0000 0.0000 0.5140 0.9690 0.0000 1.430 28.5061 9.8385 38.3446 39.827 mpu 6 a bonai Koira 36.1100 0.0000 30.7020 0.0000 4.3120 71.1240 69.1870 22.1159 91.3029 162.42 69 Barsu 11.6200 0.4890 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 12.1090 3.2200 3.7090 6.9290 19.038 an 0 Rour Barsu 0.0000 7.9260 5.2890 0.0000 0.0000 13.2150 41.2207 59.7919 101.012 114.22 kela an 6 76 100.5301 8.4150 53.2914 6.6930 5.2300 174.159 252.838 144.212 397.050 571.21 5 5 0 5 00

(ix) Wild animals such as Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Bear (Melursus ursinus), Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi), Hares (Lepus nigricollis), Langoor (Presbytis entellus), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa cristatus), Garden lizard (Calotes varsiqolor), Monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) snakes and terrestrial avi-fauna are noticed in the area. No rare or endangered flora or fauna is noticed in this area. (x) Though the area does not form a part of National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary/Elephant Corridor, yet the area is coming within the Keonjhar-Bonai region. Hence due care is to be taken for conservation of wildlife available in the region. Taking this aspect in to consideration, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (WL) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha has indicated his views with regard to the essential safeguards/mitigative measures to be adopted at project cost. In this regard the user agency has furnished an undertaking to implement the measures suggested by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (WL) & Chief Wildlife Warden. Therefore a comprehensive wildlife Management Plan is required to be prepared taking note of suggestion! observation of PCCF (WL) for execution of the same at project cost as per approval of the Plan by CWLW, Odisha. Further the user agency is also required to take up plantation of 10 times of no. of trees to be enumerated/felled from the non-forest area of the road alignment. (xi) Parameter for evaluation of loss of forests and parameter for evaluation of benefit for 174.1595 ha of forest land required for diversion for non-forestry purpose i.e. four /six laning and widening of NH 215 from Rimuli to Rajamunda in Keonjhar/ Bonai/ Rourkela forest Division by National Highway Authority of India has been calculated by the Nodal DFO i.e. Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Forest Division. The total benefit out of this road project is estimated to be Rs.2600.l5 crore as against cost of the project estimated to be Rs.27.8l crore. Thus the cost benefit ratio of the project is 1: 93.496. (xii) The user agency has already obtained Environmental Clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India vide Letter No.5-30/2006-IA-III dt.11.6.2007. The State Pollution Control Board, Odisha has granted Consent to Establish in favour of the project vide their Office Memorandum bearing No. 28816 dated 25.11.2006 which was valid for five years. Therefore, the Project proponent needs to produce fresh Consent order of SPCB, Odisha, if not obtained in the

(xiii) As reported by the Pro CCF, Odisha, the following violations have been committed by the user agency in the forest land:

(a) In Keonjhar Forest Division

An area of 2.0985 ha of forest land has been disturbed and earthen embankment constituting a part of the road has been constructed. The breakup is as given below:

Revenue Forest- 7120 Sq. mt.

Sabik Jungle- 4865 Sq. mt.

Deemed Forest- 9000 Sq. mt.

Total- 20985 Sq. mt.

Besides, 1875 Nos. of trees have been illicitly removed from DL No.1 1 of 2008-09 in non-forest area without any permission for tree felling.

(b) In Bonai Forest Division

The proposed alignment of the NH-2l5 road passes through the mining lease area M/s AMTC (P) Ltd in Narayanposhi Iron & Manganese Mines. The mining lease area of Narayanposi Iron & Manganese Mine is 349.263 ha. The Mining Lease was granted and executed on 03.02.1945 for a period of 20 years. It was further renewed from 03.02.1965 to 02.02.1985 & 02.02.1985 to 03.02.2005. The copy of the lease deed is enclosed at Page483/515 DP.

During 3rd RML with effect from 03.02.2005, the lease is under deemed extension and lease has got forest clearance for 244.327 ha vide Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India letter F. No. 8-34/2000-FC (Vol-I) dated 15.11.2007 (Page-516 IDP). As per alignment of NH-215 (Rimuli-Rajmunda Section), a portion of the NH-215 passes through the mining lease area of M/s AMTC Ltd. MIs AMTC Ltd has alleged before the DFO, Bonai that NHAI authorities have taken up felling of trees and degrading of forest land within the road alignment coming inside the ML area mentioned above. The Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Forest Division had conducted a joint verification with project proponent, Forest and Revenue Authorities. It is revealed from his report that the user agency i.e. NHAI has felled 421 Nos. of trees inside Kathmal Proposed Reserve Forest and KF Subsequently, the lessee i.e. M/s AMTC (P) Ltd. had filed a W.P. (C) No. 24097 of 2011challenging the illegal and arbitrary action of NHAI in felling trees and degrading land in proposed PRF and KF inside its mining lease area of Naryanposi Iron & Manganese Mines. Hon'ble High Court of Orissa vide their order No.5 dated 22.09.2011 in Misc Case No. 13839 of 2011 arising out of the above Writ Petition No. W.P (C) No. 24097 of 2011 had directed NHAI to restrain from felling trees and degrading the forest land in the lease hold area of the petitioner without taking permission from the competent officer, either under the provision of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 or Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 and Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.

Subsequently Hon'ble High Court vide their order dt. 15.1.2014 has dismissed the Writ petition as withdrawn. A copy of the order is appended to the DP.

(c) In Rourkela Forest Division

As per report of the Divisional Forest Officer, Rourkela Forest Division, no violation has been committed by the user agency.

(xiv) In view of violations reported above, Government of India, MoEF may consider/examine the same and impose appropriate penal measures on the user agency alongside Penal Compensatory Afforestation.

(xv) As reported by Pro CCF, Odisha, the project involves displacement of 767 Nos. of families in Keonjhar, Bonai and Rourkela Division which includes 126(SC), 286(ST), 76(OBC), 16(PH), 2(Women headed families) and 261 (General) families. The User Agency has submitted Rehabilitation and Resettlement Action Plan. A copy of the same is enclosed.

(xvi) In compliance to the circular No.F.No-11-9/98-FC dated 08.07.2011 of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India the user agency has submitted the required Digital geo-referenced boundary data and digital map (DGPS) of the forest area of 174.1595 ha proposed for diversion in shape file verified by ORSAC and duly authenticated by DFO Keonjhar, Rourkela and Bonai Forest Divisions for the stretch of forest land falling in respective divisions. The DGPS map in shape file along with the soft copy as received from Pr. CCF, Odisha is enclosed herewith in a separate volume. (xvii) As per DGPS survey, the forest area is 174.042 ha. as against recorded forest area of 174.1595 ha . The differential forest area comes to 0.1175 ha which in terms of percentage comes to 0.0674% which is within the permissible limit.

4 Government of Odisha in their said letter dated 7th March 2014 finally requested that GoI, MoEF, may examine the proposal for diversion of 174.1595 ha of forest land in favour of National Highway Authorities of India for Four /six laning, widening and strengthening of existing two lane of National Highways No. 215 from 163 .000 Km to 269.000 Km (Rimuli- Rajamunda Section) in Keonjhar and Sundargarh Districts, Odisha and convey their approval under Section-2 of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 subject to the following conditions.

(i) The User Agency shall pay the evaluated royalty of enumerated trees existing over forest/non-forest land of the alignment before commencement of work on final forest clearance.

(ii) Total enumeration of tree over non-forest/private land of the alignment shall be taken up and plantation of 10 times of the no. of trees to be felled from non- forest/private land of the road alignment shall be taken up at project cost.

(iii) The Comprehensive Wildlife Management Plan shall be prepared taking note of suggestion/observation of CWLW, Odisha for protection and conservation of wildlife in the area. The Plan shall be approved by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha and implemented at project cost.

(iv) Felling of trees from the forest area shall be taken up after obtaining final forest clearance strictly as per the requirement and as per the permission to be accorded by the Divisional Forest Officers, concerned.

(v) Consent to Establish of SPCB, Odisha shall be obtained by the user agency as applicable.

(vi) R&R Plan shall be implemented before displacing the affected persons on final forest clearance.

5 The forest land proposed to be diverted has been inspected by the Regional Office (Eastern Zone), Bhubaneswar. Additional information provided in the site inspection report received from the Regional Office (Eastern Zone), Bhubaneswar vide their letter dated 14th October 2014 are as below:

(i) The site inspection of the above project was carried out by Shri Suman Mohapatra , Conservator of Forests (Central) from 21.08.2014 to 22.08.2014 along with Shri Santosh Banchhur, DFO, Bonai Division, Sri Nalini Kanta Behera, ACF, Bonai Division, Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, DFO, Rourkela Division, Shri S.R.A. Mishra, Range Officer, Champua, Shri P.N. Rout, Range Officer, Barbil, Keonjhar division and Shri V. Durga Prasad, Project Director, NHAI, PIU, Keonjhar

(ii) The proposal does not involve construction of building. (iii) Total cost of the project at present rates is about Rs. 734.58 Crores. (iv) Though the area docs not form a part of National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary /Elephant Corridor, yet the area is coming within the Keonjhar-Bonai region. Hence due care is to be taken for conservation of wildlife available in the region. Taking this aspect in to consideration, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (WL) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha has indicated his views with regard to the essential safeguards/mitigative measures to be adopted at project cost. In this regard, the user agency has furnished an undertaking to implement the measures suggested by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (WL) & Chief Wildlife Warden. Therefore, a comprehensive Wildlife Management Plan is required to be prepared taking note of suggestion/ observation of PCCF (WL) for execution of the same at project cost as per approval of the Plan by CWLW, Odisha. (v) The DFO, Bonai Division has reported that the density of forest growth is varying from 0.2 to 0.8 over the forest areas existing in the alignment. This has been verified during site inspection. (vi) As reported by the State Government, total tree enumeration has been carried out over 174.1595 ha of forest land existing within the alignment from 163.000 Km to 269.000 Km (Rimuli - Rajamunda Section) of NH-215. In all, 46,073 nos. of trees above 30 cm girth (17,868 trees in Keonjhar Division, 27,632 trees in Bonai Division and 573 trees in Rourkela Division) have been enumerated. Hence, 46,073 nos. of trees above 30 cm girth may be required to be felled during widening/ strengthening work of the road over the forest land proposed for diversion. Further the user agency is also required to take up plantation of 10 times of no. of trees to be enumerated /felled from the non-forest area of the road alignment. (vii) As there are large numbers of trees to be felled, it will naturally adversely affect the ecosystem. (viii) It has been reported by PCCF, Odisha that tree species which are commonly noticed in the area are Shorea robusta, Pterocarpus marsupium, Gmelina arborea, Xylia xylocarpa, Ardina cordifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Syzygium cumini, Diospyros rnelanoxylon, Mangifem indica, Bridelia retusa, Tenninalia tornentosa, Buchanania lanzan, Temlinalia chebula, Tenninalia belerica, Madhuca indica, Tannarindus indica, Mitmgyna parviflora and misc. species etc. Shorea robusta is the predominant species. (ix) As reported by the Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Division, the number of trees of girth below 60 cm are 21671. (x) As reported by the Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Division, the number of trees of girth above 60 cm are 24402. (xi) As ascertained from the part-I of the application form, the total land requirement for widening/ strengthening of NH-215 (Rimuli-Rajamunda section from 163.00 km to 269.00 km) is 571.21 ha that includes 174.1595 ha afforest land, 252.8385 ha of Government non-forest land, 144.2120 ha of Private land etc. The project corridor passes through three forest divisions namely Keonjhar, Bonai and Rourkela Forest Division. The forest land of 174.1595 ha required for diversion for this road project comprises 100.5301 ha of Reserved Forest, 53.2914 ha of Revenue Forest, 5.230 ha of DLC Forest, 8.4150 ha Jungle Kisam land and 6.693 ha of Sabik Kisam , Jungle. The Reserved Forest to be diverted lies in (i) Thakurani Reserved Forest and Siddhamath Reserved Forest of Keonjhar Forest Divisions, (ii) Kathamala, Karo, Toda, and Raksi RF of Bonai Forest Division. As informed in the Part-l of the application form, the existing RoW of NH-215 within the forest area is within 10 mts to 20 mts. (xii) As reported by PCCF, Odisha, Rimuli-Rajamunda Section of NH-215 in course of proposed expansion/widening, will pass through the following Mining Leases in Barbil Range of Keonjhar Forest Division.

Sl. Name of the Lease Reserve Reserve Total No. Forest (area in Forest (area in ha ) ha ) 1. Banaikela Iron Mines 1.9329 2.7600 4.6929 of M/s Tata Steel Ltd.

2. Serenda –Bhadrashahi 4.0876 1.3930 5.4806 Iron & Mn. Mines of M/s OMC Ltd.

3. Roida “C” Iron & Mn. 1.2674 - 1.2674 Mines of M/s IDC Ltd.

4. Nagaon Iron of M/s - 2.9610 2.9610 KJS Ahluwalia

Total 7.2879 7.1140 14.4019

(xiii) The applied areas do not form part of any National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary/Biosphere Reserve Tiger Reserve. There is no archaeological monument/heritage site/defence establishment within the applied area. However, movement of wild elephants is noticed in some patches of the applied area. (xiv) In view of the fact that diversion of forest land is now necessitated for widening/strengthening of existing NH 215 of Rimuli-Rajamunda Section, the requirement of three feasible alternative (xv) The degraded forest land identified is reported to be suitable for Compensatory Afforestation as per inspection report of Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Division. (xvi) The State Government has stated that the site for compensatory afforestation is reported to be free from any encroachment and encumbrance as per report of Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Forest Division. (xvii) As reported by Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Division, the land identified for raising compensatory afforestation is in 3 compact patches situated in East Dandpat RF (35.0 ha in Bonai Range), Sinduria RF (100.0 ha in Bonai Range) and Ulsura RF (213.319 ha in Jarda Range) under Bonai Forest Division of Sundargarh district. (xviii) As reported by the Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Division, the total financial outlay comes to Rs. 4,03,78,000/ - at the wage rate of Rs. 150/- per man-day. (xix) As reported by PCCF, Odisha, the project involves displacement of 767 Nos. of families in Keonjhar, Bonai and Rourkela Division which includes 126 (SC), 286 (ST), 76 (OBC), 16 (PH), 2 (Women headed families) and 261 (General) families. The User Agency has submitted Rehabilitation and Resettlement Action Plan. (xx) Since it is the proposal for widening and strengthening of National Highway, consideration of alternatives does not arise. (xxi) It has been reported by the PCCF, Odisha that the project will generate direct employment for 500 persons which will increase gradually. Besides, nearly 4,50,000 Man Days will be generated during the construction period. About 12,00,000 populations will be benefited for this project and on an average more than 7,000 road users will also be benefited daily. (xxii) No Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes are reported to be benefited by the project: (xxiii) Land being diverted is not reported to have any socio-cultural/ religious value: (xxiv) Any sacred grove or very old growth trees/forests are not reported to exist in the areas proposed for diversion: (xxv) As reported by the DFO, Bonai, the area of Keonjhar division is coming under Elephant Habitat Zone-2 as per ORSAC report. In Bonai & Rourkela Division, there is movement of wild elephants often noticed in the nearby areas. (xxvi) PCCF (WL) & CWLW, Odisha has certified that "The 3 elephant underpasses proposed at the following locations on the proposed four/six laning of NH-215 from 163.000 km to 269.000 km (Remuli-Rajamunda Section) in Keonjhar division have been identified basing on the local enquiry, movement of wild elephants in the past 5 years and forest growth and topography of the forest land. The underpasses at these locations will mitigate the adverse effect of this project of NHAI on the passage of elephants to a great extent:

Sl. Location Chainage GSP Reading No. 1 Near village 187.000 220 03’ 014” 850 24’ Rhoida in 06.6” Sidhamath RF 2 Near Barabaniki 195.860 220 01’ 15.4” 850 20’ in Sidhamth RF 18.8” 3 Near Rugudi 198.070 220 00’ 15.4” 850 19’ Village in 53.6” Sidhamath RF

(xxvii) Conservator of Forests (Central) visited all the three locations proposed for constructing elephant underpasses during site inspection. These proposed passes are said to be of 20 m width and about 6m height. (xxviii) The nearest protected area is Similipal Sanctuary, which is at a distance of about 50 km from the proposed road. (xxix) The Regional Office (Eastern Zone), Bhubaneswar had asked the State Govt. to submit reply to certain clarifications vide letter No. 5-ORA198/2014-BHU, dated 22nd April, 2014. In response to this office letter, the State Govt. vide letter No. 10F (Cons.) 1/2014. 14393/F&E, dated 04.08.2014 has submitted the desired information, which is enclosed as Annexure-B. (xxx) Subsequently, based on the reply of the State Government vide letter dated 04.08.2014, some additional clarifications were asked from this office vide this office letter of even number dated 08.09.2014 to which the State Govt. has submitted their reply vide their letter dated 27.09.2014, which is enclosed as Annexure-C. (xxxi) The proposed road passes through the mining lease area of Narayanposhi Iron & Manganese mines of M/s AMTC Ltd. The total length of the proposed road passing through the lease is about 1100 meters which are in 2 patches. The User agency has been instructed to submit the re-diversion proposal of 4.637 ha, which they have agreed to submit before stage-II approval.

6 Specific observations of the Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Central), Regional Office (Eastern Zone), Bhubaneswar on the proposal are as below: (i) Greening plan and maintenance: The user agency should ensure plantation of adequate number of trees as well as their maintenance as per advice of the Forest Department and guidelines of NHAI so that a continuous long green belt can be maintained. Preference should be given to local indigenous tree species like Ber, Peepal, 1mli, Jamun, etc. so that food is available to the wild animals and birds apart from these trees being shelter to the birds. (ii) An Adequate number of bus bays may be constructed at suitable places on the road side. Parking bays, toilets, especially for women, should be provided along the road at appropriate places. (iii) For construction of road, digging of soil should not be carried out within 100m from the road. (iv) As high speed vehicles may prove to be hazardous for the wildlife while crossing the road, speed breakers at regular intervals should be constructed at such sensitive zones. Appropriate signboards should also be displayed along the road passing through such area. (v) The User agency shall construct elephant underpasses at suitable places as recommended by Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha.

(vi) The observations of the CF (Central) may also kindly be looked into.

7 The Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Central), Regional Office (Eastern Zone), Bhubaneswar finally recommended that Out of 174.1595 ha of forest land, diversion of 169.5225 ha for this project is hereby recommended for consideration. The State Government has to submit re-diversion proposal for the balance 4.637 ha of forest land prior to approval of the current proposal.

8 The proposal along with the site inspection report received from the Regional office (Eastern Zone) Bhubaneswar is placed before the Forest Advisory Committee for their examination and appropriate recommendations.

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