Environmental Assessment Report
Initial Environmental Examination Project Number: 30232 May 2008
NEP: Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihoods Project
Prepared by [Author(s)] [Firm] [City, Country] Prepared by District Development Committee, Bajura for the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Prepared for [Executing Agency] [Implementing Agency]
The views expressed herein are those of the consultant and do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s The initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not members, Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABBREVIATIONS ...... I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (NEPALI) ...... II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... VI SALIENT FEATURES ...... X
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 BACKGROUND ...... 1 1.2 RELEVANCY OF THE PROPOSAL ...... 1 1.2.1 OBJECTIVES ...... 2 1.2.2 METHODOLOGY ADOPTED ...... 2 1.3 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PROPONENT ...... 4 1.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE SUB-PROJECT ...... 4 1.5 CONSTRUCTION APPROACH ...... 6 2.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE ...... 8 3.0 REVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES ...... 10 4.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION ...... 12 4.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 12 4.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 14 4.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 15 5.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ...... 18 5.1 NO ACTION OPTION ...... 18 5.2 PROPOSAL ALTERNATIVES ...... 18 5.4 ALTERNATIVE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION APPROACH ...... 18 5.5 ALTERNATIVE SCHEDULE AND PROCESS ...... 19 5.6 ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES ...... 19 6.0 IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACTS AND BENEFIT AUGUMENTATION/MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 20 6.1 BENEFICIAL IMPACTS AND BENEFIT AUGMENTATION MEASURES ...... 20 6.2 ADVERSE IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 22 7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 30 7.1 INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR ROLES ...... 30 7.2 REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION ...... 31 7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 32 7.4 MITIGATION COST ...... 35 7.5 IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 35 7.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ...... 36 8.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 40 8.1 CONCLUSION ...... 40 8.2 RECOMMENDATION ...... 40 9.0 MISCELLANEOUS ...... 41
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Tables Table 1.1 Project Activities Of The Proposed Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-Project ...... 4 Table 1.2 Sub-Project Implementation Schedule ...... 7 Table 2.1 Table Showing Public Involvement And Issues ...... 8 Table 3.1 Review Of Environmental Acts, Regulations And Guidelines ...... 10 Table 4.1 Topography, Geology And Soil Type Along The Road ...... 12 Table 4.2 Summary Of Streams And River Along The Road Alignment ...... 13 Table 4.3 Summary Of Land Use Pattern Along The Road Alignment ...... 14 Table 4.4 Community Forest Along The Road Alignment ...... 14 Table 4.5 Settlements And Population Within The Zoi Of Road Alignment ...... 15 Table 6.1 Evaluation Of Environmental Impacts And Benefit Augmentation/Mitigation Measures ...... 27 Table 7.1 Framework Of Implementing Environmental Management Plan ...... 32 Table 7.2 Cost Estimate For Environmental Enhancement And Mitigation Measures ...... 35 Table 7.3 Environmental Monitoring Cost ...... 37 Table 7.4 Framework For Monitoring Environmental Issues ...... 38
Figures Figure 1.1 Map Of Bajura District Showing The Location Of Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-Project ...... 5 Figure 1.2 Map Showing Martadi-Majhigaon Road Alignment ...... 6 Figure 4.1 Road Alignment Showing Existing Landuse, Vegetation And Settlements ...... 13 Figure 7.1 Environmental Management Organization Structure ...... 32
ANNEX Annex I Terms of Reference for IEE study Annex II Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist Annex III Abstract of cost Annex IV DRILP Environmental Checklist Annex V Public notice Annex VI Deed of enquiry (muchulka) Annex VII Name of the organizations Annex VIII List of persons contacted Annex IX Recommendation letters from Municipality and VDCs Annex X a. Distribution of household by major occupation b. Summary of public services and infrastructures according to settlement c. Land holding pattern of settlements within ZoI d. Number of households belonging to different food security category Annex XI List of tress Annex XII Minimization of slope cutting and preservation of vegetation cover Annex XIII Photographs
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
ABBREVIATIONS
ADB Asian Development Bank GIS Geographical Information System AP Affected Person Ha Hectare BG Building Group Hh Household Ch Chainage IEE Initial Environmental Examination CBO Community Based Organization IUCN The World Conservation Union CDC Compensation Determination Km Kilometer Committee LDO Local Development Officer CEA Country Environmental Analysis LEP Labour based, environment friendly CF Community Forest and participatory CFUG Community Forest Users Group LRMP Land Resource Management Project CISC Central Implementation Support M meter Consultants CITES Convention on International Trade in MoPE Ministry of Population and Endangered Species of Flora and Environment Fauna MoEST Ministry of Environment, Science DADO District Agriculture Development and Technology Office Ml Milliliter DDC District Development Committee MLD Ministry of Local Development DFO District Forest Office/Officer NGO Non-Governmental Organization DG Director General NRs Nepali Rupees DISC District Implementation Support NTFPs Non timber forest products Consultants OP Operational Plan DIT District Implementation Team PAM Project Administrative DoLIDAR Department of Local Memorandum Infrastructure Development and PCU Project Coordination Unit Agricultural Roads REA Rapid Environmental Checklist DPO District Project Office RES Rapid Environmental Screening DRCC District Road Coordination RIDP Rural Infrastructure Development Committee Project DSCO District Soil Conservation Office RP Resettlement Plan DTO District Technical Office RS Resettlement Survey DRILP Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and SF Social Funding Livelihood Project SA Social Appraisal DTMP District Transport Master Plan SDC Swiss Agency for Development and EA Environmental Assistant/Assessment Cooperation EAS Environmental Assessment Specialist SM Social Mobilizer EIA Environmental Impact Assessment SMC Social Mobilization Coordinator EMP Environmental Management Plan TA Technical Assistance EMS Environmental Management Section ToR Terms of Reference EPA Environmental Protection Act TWS Technical Walkover Survey EPR Environmental Protection Rules VDC Village Development Committee ESD Environment Screening Document VWRCC Village Works and Road FGD Focus Group Discussion Construction Committee GoN Government of Nepal ZoI Zone of Influence
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura i Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
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1 This is the Executive Summary in Nepali and an English version is given at page vi.
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Executive Summary
Background The Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project (DRILP) is a project being implemented with Loan 2092-NEP (SF) from Asian Development Bank (ADB), grant from Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), counterpart funding from Government of Nepal (GoN), participating districts and contributions from project beneficiaries. The project goal is to reduce rural poverty in 18 very poor remote hill and mountain districts affected by the conflict. The purpose is to achieve sustainable increased access to economic and social services, and enhanced social and financial capital for people in the project area, particularly poor and disadvantaged groups. The Project through specific rural transport subprojects will also extend the network of improved rural transport infrastructure, consisting of roads, trails and pedestrian bridges.
Labor-based, environmentally friendly, and participatory (LEP) approaches will ensure that the investment in construction and construction of infrastructure results in sustainable, improved access to economic and social services, and enhanced social and financial capital.
Project Proponent The District Development Committee (DDC), Bajura is the executing agency at the district level under DRILP and the proponent of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study for Martadi- Majhigaon road sub-project.
Objective The main objective of the IEE study is to identify the impacts of physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment of the sub-project area. The specific objectives of the proposed IEE study include to: identify the major issues that may arise as a result of proposed works on bio-physical, socio- economic and cultural environment of the project area, recommend practical and site specific environmental mitigation and enhancement measures, prepare and implement environmental monitoring plan for the sub-project, make sure that IEE is sufficient for the proposed road sub-project, and provide information on the general environmental setting of the Martadi-Majhigaon area as baseline data.
Relevancy of the Proposal This IEE report of Martadi-Majhigaon Road sub-project in Bajura district is prepared based on the Terms of Reference (ToR) approved on 2064/03/28 (12 July 2007) by the Minister level decision of the Ministry of Local Development (MLD). The findings and conclusions of the report are based on the analysis of the information collected from the field during November 2007 by undertaking a walk- through environmental survey along the proposed route and secondary information supplemented by information collected by the social and technical teams working on the resettlement survey and detail survey.
Project Description The proposed Martadi-Majhigaon road sub-project lies in Bajura district of Far Western Development region. The proposed road is a district road connecting Martadi and Jugeda VDCs to the Sanfe- Martadi feeder road at the distance of 63 km from Sanfe. The road starts from Baduwalbada, Gadakhet of Martadi VDC-9 and passes through Martadi and Jugada VDCs and ends at Majhigaon. Martadi-Majhigaon road is a new construction and proposed for fair weather road. The total length of Martadi-Majhigaon section of Martadi-Thamlek road sub project is 7.045 km with 5 m width. The
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura vi Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
total project cost is NRs. 83,936,039.23 and per km cost is NRs. 11,914,271.00 (equivalent to US $ 189,115.41).
Bajura is still not linked with national road network. It has an airport situated at Kolti VDC, which is a day walk from district headquarter Martadi. The nearest road head to district headquarter is Sanfe Bagar in Achham district, which is one and half day walk from Martadi. Sanfe–Martadi feeder road is under construction by the Department of Road and is expected to be completed within 5 years. This road will save considerable travel time and improve income generation potentials, enhance commercial opportunities and improve market accessibility when it is connected with Sanfe-Martadi feeder road. Moreover, this road will also provide short term employment opportunity by engaging the rural poor people in the construction of the road. Such people based development efforts will reinstall economic activities in the area by creating long term employment and other opportunities.
Existing condition The road section comprises of different types of rocks like, gneisses and migmatites. In general soil type along the road can be classified as alluvial and colluvial. Water quality in the proposed road section is observed to be good. The proposed area does not have any sources of noise nuisance.
Land use pattern of the area through which the road passes have been classified into cultivated land and forest land. The dominant forest and fodder species reported along the road alignment are Bombax ceiba (Simal), Rhododendron arboreum (Lali Gurans), Myrica esculenta (Kaphal), Quercus leucotricophora (Banjh), Alnus nepalensis (Utis), Pinus roxburghii (Khote salla) etc. The main NTFP species found along the road alignments are: Allo, Rubia manjith (Majitho), Gaultheria fragrantissima (Dhasingare) etc. There are four CFs along the road alignment.
Muntiacus muntjak (Barking deer), Hystix indica (Porcupine), Canis aureus (Jackal), Macaca mulatta (Monkey), Felis chaus (Jungle Cat) are the wild animals reported in the proposed road corridor. Similarly birds are Lophura lencomelana (Kalij pheasant), Alectoris chukur (Chyakhura), Columba livia (Pigion), etc. The road does not fall under any protected or buffer zone area.
There are 9 settlements along the ZoI of the proposed road alignment in Martadi and Jugada VDCs with total population of 3,050 persons (571 households). Diverse ethnic groups such as, Brahmin, Chhetri and occupational caste (Damai, Kami, Sarki) are living along the ZoI of road alignment. Occupational caste households are distributed in almost all the settlements.
The main occupation of the people residing within the ZoI of the proposed road alignment is agriculture and livestock. Due to limited transportation facilities and mountainous terrain, agriculture farming is not enough for subsistence level. Therefore, people are carrying out other economic activities like working as labour and porters, business, working in government and non government organizations. Significant section of the economically active male population goes to India for the employment which plays significant role in the livelihood of the people.
Beneficial Impacts The development efforts particularly the development of transportation network will have multifold beneficial impacts. The immediate beneficial impacts from road development are apparent in the construction phase like there will be various employment opportunities (5,514 skilled and 208,452 unskilled person days) for the local population, supports for the transfer of construction work skills and technical know-how to the local workers.
During operation stage if Sanfe-Martadi road is completed, road access will bring an improvement of food security situation and overall economic and social stability. The road will also provide cheap, safe and fast transport of goods and services from rural areas to urban centers and vice versa. The farmers will be more interested to increase agricultural production due to market accessibility. This will contribute significantly to increase the productivity in rural areas and eventually improve the overall socio-economic condition of the people. Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura vii Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Once this road is on operation and connected with Sanfe-Martadi feeder road, trade and business activities will be further promoted. There is a possibility of increased economic opportunities and significant growth and extension of the local markets along the road alignment like in Baduwalbada and Bhaunera. In addition, construction of road will lead to appreciation of land values particularly near the market and settlement areas.
Adverse Impacts The physical adverse impacts during construction will be due to change in land use, slope instability and air, dust and water pollution, quarry sites and spoil disposal. Similarly, biological impacts during construction will be loss of total 562 numbers of trees from the private land and community forests. The proposed area is not significant habitat for wildlife and bird species, however, the construction of road may disturb wildlife and bird species due to increased noise level. Socio-economic impacts during road construction will be loss of 1.780 ha of agricultural land and 3.136 ha of forest land as well as exposure to health and safety problems during road construction.
The adverse physical impacts during road operation are slope instability and management, air and noise pollution, road safety. Likewise, biological impacts are depletion of forest resources and disturbance to wildlife. Socioeconomic impacts are due to new settlement and market center development.
Benefit Augmentation and Mitigation Measures Impacts from the proposed road project can be both beneficial as well as adverse. An effective implementation of benefit maximization measures and adverse impacts mitigation measures would optimize the benefits expected from the project and avoid/minimize the adverse impact from the project. Based on the impact assessment and identification, beneficial augmentation and adverse impact mitigation measures are presented in both constructions as well as in operation stage of the road.
Benefit Augmentation Measures Life skill training like, income generation activities, construction of soft engineering structures and bioengineering works for workers and members of BGs will be conducted to improve their livelihood. Cooperatives will be promoted and linkage with bank and other financial institutions for setting up business enterprises will be provided. Agricultural support services will be improved for the increased income from the farm products and market linkages will be developed. Sewerage and other basic facilities will be supported in the market centers.
Mitigation Measures Spoils should be safely disposed and managed with minimum environmental damage using LEP approach which includes balanced cut and fill volume, re-use of excavated materials and minimum quantity of earth works and adoption of bio-engineering techniques. Adequate slope stabilization measures will be provisioned in design for the stabilization of slopes. Unstable sites, erosion prone area, dense forest area, settlements, fertile farm land will be avoided for quarrying operation.
Loss of trees will be compensated by encouraging local people to plant trees in their private land and CFUGs will be supported for the compensatory plantation in their community forests. The construction activities near forest area will be appropriately managed so that there will be least disturbance to the wildlife and birds. A separate Resettlement Plan will be prepared to address land and property acquisition as well as compensation issues.
The workers will be provided with helmets, masks, muffles depending on the nature of the construction work. Drinking water facility and temporary pit latrine will be established and disposal of excavated materials in the water bodies will be avoided. Workers will be provided with medicines and group accidental insurance facility.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura viii Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
During operation stage, minor landslide and mass wasting will be immediately cleared and slope restored with appropriate technology. CFUGs will be supported to conserve and manage their CFs according to operational plans and installation of improved stoves will be promoted. Vehicle emission standard and speed limit of the vehicles will be maintained. Appropriate sign boards will be erected informing drivers about prohibition of blowing horns in the forest areas and potential areas for wildlife crossing. Appropriate road safety measures with the help of 3-Es i.e. engineering, enforcement and education will be applied.
Environmental Management Plan Environmental management plan is an important tool to ensure the implementation and monitoring of mitigation measures for minimizing adverse impacts and maximizing the beneficial impacts. Similarly, environmental monitoring generates useful information and improves the quality of implementation of mitigation measures. The proponent, DDC Bajura will develop monitoring mechanism to show its additional commitment for environmental improvement and mitigate undesirable environmental changes, if any during construction and operational stage. DDC will be supported by DIT (DPO and DISC) team in the district and Environmental Assessment team from the CISC for environmental monitoring.
Conclusion and Recommendation The IEE study of the proposed Martadi-Majhigaon road sub-project reveals that the benefits from the implementation of the proposed road project are more significant and long term in nature against the adverse impacts most of which could be mitigated or avoided. Therefore, this IEE is sufficient for approval of the proposed sub-project. This sub-project is recommended for implementation with incorporation of mitigation measures and environmental management plan.
A Resettlement Plan will be required to ensure that the persons affected by the losses are properly compensated.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura ix Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
SALIENT FEATURES
1. Name of the Project : Martadi-Majhigaon Road 2. Location 2.1 Geographical Location 2.1.1 Start Point : Baduwalbada, Gadkhet 2.1.2 End Point : Majhigaon : 2.2 Geographical Features 2.2.1 Terrain : Hilly 2.2.2 Alignment : Valley and ridge 2.2.3 Altitude : 1,100 m to 1,440 m 2.2.4 Climate : Sub tropical 2.2.5 Soil : Colluvial soil and alluvial soil 3. Classification of road : District Road (Rural Road) Class A 4. Length of road : 7.045 km 5. Road type : New construction proposed for fair weather road 6. Standard of pavement : Earthen 7. Traffic Forecast : 25 vehicles per day 8. Design speed : 20 km/hr 9. Major settlements 9.1 Major settlements : Gadakhet, Ukhadi, Bhaunera, Pinalekh, Majhigaon 9.2 No. of households : 571 9.3 VDCs along the road : Martadi and Jugada 10. Cross-section 10.1 Right of Way : 10.0m on either side of the road 10.2 Formation Width : 5.0m having 5% outward slope 10.3 Carriage Way : 4 m 11. Structures 11.1 RCC Bridges : 3 no. 11.2 Cause Way : 30 no. 11.3 Retaining Structures 11.3.1. Masonry work : 958.70 cum 11.3.2. Gabion wall : 13695.783 cum 12. Bio-Engineering : 3% to total cost (NRs. 1,250,259.08) 13. Earthwork 13.1 Cutting : 121,999.511 cum 13.2 Filling : 27,604.669 cum 14. Project Cost 14.1 Net Cost (NRs.) : 83,931,473.90 14.2 Cost per km. (NRs.) : 11,913,622.98 15. Employment generation 15.1 Total person days 15.1.1 Skilled : 5,514 15.1.2 Unskilled : 208,452 15.2 Total employment generation (no. of labourer) for 90 working days 15.2.1 Skilled : 61 15.2.2 Unskilled : 2,316
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura x Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background 1. The Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project (DRILP) is a project being implemented with Loan 2092-NEP (SF) from Asian Development Bank (ADB), grant from Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), counterpart funding from Government of Nepal (GoN), participating districts and contributions from project beneficiaries. The loan agreement was signed by GoN and ADB on December 23, 2004 (2061/09/08) and the loan has become effective from October 31, 2005 (2062/07/15).
2. The project goal is to reduce rural poverty in 18 very poor remote hill and mountain districts affected by the conflict. The purpose is to achieve sustainable increased access to economic and social services, and enhanced social and financial capital for people in the project area, particularly poor and disadvantaged groups. The Project will invest in small, community socio- economic infrastructure; and provide jobs, empower rural communities for development, increase institutional capacity and improve accountability and transparency. The Project through specific rural transport subprojects will also extend the network of improved rural transport infrastructure, consisting of roads, trails and pedestrian bridges.
3. Labor-based, environmentally friendly, and participatory (LEP) approaches will ensure that the investment in construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure results in sustainable, improved access to economic and social services, and enhanced social and financial capital.
4. Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads (DoLIDAR) is the executing agency for DRILP supported sub-projects. The implementing arrangements are as following: DoLIDAR has established a Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in Kathmandu, headed by a project coordinator to coordinate all project activities. The PCU will be responsible for guiding and monitoring District Development Committees (DDCs) as they implement project components. At the district level, project implementation will be the responsibility of the District Project Office (DPO) within the District Technical Office (DTO) of each DDC. A local engineering consultant to cover technical issues, and a local Non-Government Organization (NGO) engaged for social mobilization and support for rural infrastructure building groups, will support the DPO as District Implementation Support Consultants (DISC). Overall back stopping support to the district will be provided by Central Implementation Support Consultants (CISC).
1.2 Relevancy of the proposal 5. An IEE of the proposed road is necessary in order to assess the environmental consequences of the proposed rural road rehabilitation and construction activities and suggest appropriate, practical and site specific mitigation and enhancement measures. This is Rural Road Class "A" District road according to Nepal Rural Road Standard (2055) as given in Annex II-2 of APPROACH for the Development of Agricultural and Rural Roads, 1999. Therefore, it is a legal requirement by the Government of Nepal (GoN) according to article 3 of Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1997 and rule 3 of Environmental Protection Rules (EPR) 1997 (amended in 2007) as mentioned in schedule 1.
6. Preparation of IEE report by concerned District Development Committee (DDC) and approval of IEE report by the Ministry of Local Development (MLD) according to Nepali legal provision is considered sufficient subject to prior review of an agreed sample of sub-project IEEs by ADB. DRILP falls under category B project where IEE is mandatory for all sub projects according to ADB Environmental Assessment Guidelines, 2003. According to Appendix 12, Schedule 6, para Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 1 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
29 of Loan Covenants as given in Project Administration Memorandum (PAM) all sub-projects shall be identified, implemented and reported with an IEE. Nepali legal provisions in essence satisfy ADB's requirements, however, ADB approval is also required if the project cost exceeds more than $ 30,000 per km according to Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors.
7. This IEE report of Martadi-Majhigaon Road sub-project in Bajura district is prepared based on the Terms of Reference (ToR) approved on 2064/03/28 (12 July 2007) by the Minister level decision of the Ministry of Local Development for Martdai-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek road as given in Annex I. However, IEE report is prepared for Martadi-Majhigaon section of the road. This proposed road sub-project is the part of Martadi-Pata section. Rapid Environmental Assesment (REA) Checklist was also considered during IEE report preparation as given in Annex II.
8. The findings and conclusions of the report are based on the analysis of the information collected during November 2007 from the field by undertaking a walk-through environmental survey along the proposed route (for which a checklist was used) and secondary information, supplemented by information collected by the social and technical teams working on the resettlement survey and detail survey.
1.2.1 Objectives 9. The main objective of the IEE study is to identify the impacts of physical, biological, socio- economic and cultural environment of the sub-project area. The specific objectives of the proposed IEE study include to: identify the major issues that may arise as a result of proposed works on bio-physical, socio-economic and cultural environment of the project area, recommend practical and site specific environmental mitigation and enhancement measures, prepare and implement environmental monitoring plan for the sub-project, make sure that IEE is sufficient for the proposed road sub-project, and provide information on the general environmental setting of the Martadi-Majhigaon area as baseline data
1.2.2 Methodology adopted 10. The IEE approach, methodology and procedure were generally followed according to the provisions of the EPA, 1996 and EPR, 1997. Data collection was done in November 2007 by the staff of DISC team (Sub-Engineer, Social Mobiliser (SM), Enumerators) and Environmental Assessment team from CISC.
Desk review 11. The following steps were followed during the desk review: Collection and review of secondary information from various sources Initial interaction and consultation with the local community and district level stakeholders Delineation of geographical boundary of the influence area on the topographical map Preparation of project specific checklist
12. Collection and review of secondary sources of information from various sources - Secondary information was collected through published and unpublished reports and interpretation of maps and photographs. The sources of information were District Development Committee (DDC), District Forest Office (DFO), other line agencies, related NGOs and other project offices in the district.
13. Initial interaction and consultation with the local community and district level stakeholders - During the IEE report preparation, EAS, EA and DISC team met, discussed and interacted with concerned staff of the Government of Nepal, DDC, VDCs in the district head
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 2 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
quarter and teachers, community based organization member and knowledgeable key persons of surrounding areas within the Zone of Influence (ZoI).
14. Delineation of geographical boundary of the influence area on the topo-map - The geographical boundary of ZoI (one and half hours walk from the road or 5 km distance) was drawn on the topographical maps with the help of DISC Sub-Engineer and SM. For the collection of environmental features related to biophysical environment, maximum 100 meter distance observable from the center of the road alignment was taken as an influence area.
15. Preparation of project specific checklist - A checklist was prepared to collect physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment related information in the field as given in Annex IV. This check list was based on APPROACH manual produced by DoLIDAR. In addition, ZoI household survey questionnaire was used to collect socio-economic information of the households. Similarly, household listing survey report was used for the listing of agricultural land, forest, trees, houses and other affected properties prepared during resettlement survey.
Field survey 16. Field survey comprised of walkthrough survey, consultation with community, site inspection and observation. The road alignment from the starting point at Baduwalbada, Gadkhet to end point at Majhigaon was visited and observed. The following tools were used for the collection of primary data. Focus group discussion (FGD) - To conduct consultation with the local communities at different settlements, FGD was organized with key informants and other knowledgeable persons. It was done to collect biological, socio-economic and cultural environment related information using a checklist as given in Annex IV. ZoI household survey - Questionnaire was used to collect socio-economic information of all the households within the ZoI. Household listing survey - Total enumeration was done for the listing of agricultural land, forest, trees, houses and other affected properties. Stripe map - It was used during walkthrough survey to document environmental features according to the chainage. Topographical map - It was used to show environmental features on the map during walkthrough survey. Photographs - Necessary photographs were taken to show different environmental features.
Compilation of existing information, impact identification and prediction 17. The information collected from different sources were processed and analyzed according to the physical, biological, socioeconomic and cultural environment within the zone of influence. The collected secondary data were the major sources for verification and crosschecking of primary data during the field survey. The generated information from primary source was analyzed, tabulated and prioritized.
18. Based on the identification of the impacts, their prediction was done to forecast the changes in local environment. The methods adopted in impact predictions were done by using various methods, such as trend analysis, cause and effect relationship, expert judgment etc. The assessment of environmental impact was derived exclusively in terms of magnitude, duration and extent. The significance of positive and negative impacts associated with construction and subsequent operation of the road were identified and predicted considering the ZoI.
Mitigation Measures and Management Plan 19. Based on the identified impacts their nature, extent and magnitude, the mitigation and monitoring prescriptions were developed. A realistic approach was applied for the application of the mitigation measures in the local context. Environmental monitoring and management plan was developed to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and implementation status.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 3 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
The Final Report 20. The IEE report was prepared by Environmental Assessment Specialist and Environmental Assistant with DISC support and submitted to DDC for review through DTO. After reviewing the final IEE report, it will be submitted to MLD and ADB for approval.
1.3 Name and Address of the Proponent 21. The District Development Committee (DDC), Bajura is the executing agency at the district level under DRILP and the proponent of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study for the construction of Martadi-Majhigaon road sub-project.
Proponent Address: District Development Committee, Bajura Telephone No: 097-541069 Fax: 097-541024
Consultant: Frisa-Iteco Joint Venture (in association with SKAT) Central Implementation Support Consultants Jawalakhel, Lalitpur P.O. Box 113 Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: (++9771) 5547755 Fax/Tel: (++9771) 5543144 E-mail: [email protected] website: www.drilpnepal.org
1.4 Description of the Sub-project 22. The proposed Martadi-Majhigaon road sub-project lies in Bajura district of Far Western Development region. The proposed sub-project is a district road connecting Martadi and Jugeda VDCs to the Sanfe-Martadi feeder road at the distance of 63 km from Sanfe. The sub-project starts from Baduwalbada, Gadakhet of Martadi VDC-9 and passes through Martadi and Jugada VDCs and ends at Majhigaon. The major settlements along the road are: Gadakhet, Ukhadi, Bhaunera, Pinalekh, and Majhigaon. Martadi-Majhigaon road sub-project is a new construction and proposed for fair weather road. The total length of Martadi-Majhigaon section of Martadi-Thamlek road sub project is 7.045 km with 5 m width.
23. Bajura is still not linked with national road network. It has an airport, situated at Kolti VDC, which is a day walk from district headquarter Martadi. The nearest road head to district headquarter is Sanfe Bagar in Achham district, which is one and half day walk from Martadi. Sanfe–Martadi feeder road is under construction by the Department of Road and is expected to be completed within 5 years. The description of the sub-project works is given in the Table 1.1 and the location and alignment of the road is given in the Figure 1 and 2. The total sub-project cost is NRs. 83,936,039.23 and per km cost is NRs. 11,914,271.00 (equivalent to US $ 189,115.41) as shown in Annex III.
Table 1.1 Project activities of the proposed Martadi-Majhigaon road sub-project SN Road section Chainage Length (km) Descriptions Remarks 1 Gadkhet-Ukhadi 0+000 to 0.900 New 15m span bridge 0+900 construction 2 Ukhadi- 0+900 to 0.850 New Thin community Melkandh 1+750 construction forest 3 Melkandh- 1+750 to 3.250 New 20m and 60m span Budhiganga 5+000 construction bridges 4 Budhiganga- 5+000 to 2.045 New Dense community Majhigaon 7+045 construction forest area Total 7.045
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 4 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Figure 1.1 Map of Bajura District showing the location of Martadi-Majhigaon Road sub- project
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 5 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Figure 1.2 Map showing Martadi-Majhigaon road alignment
24. This road will save considerable travel time and improve income generation potentials, enhance commercial opportunities and improve market accessibility. Moreover, this road will also provide short term employment opportunity by engaging the rural poor people in the construction and rehabilitation of the road. Such people based development efforts will reinstall economic activities in the area by creating long term employment and other opportunities.
1.5 Construction Approach 25. This road will be constructed using the labour-based, environment-friendly and participatory (LEP) approach, the important features of which are: ¾ Use of local people as labour, hand tools and small equipment, rather than heavy machinery, for construction. ¾ Balancing cut and fill and reuse of excavated materials as construction materials, and thus not generating excess spoils, as far as possible. ¾ Use of bio-engineering techniques: integrated use of vegetation, simple civil engineering structures and proper water management systems for slope protection.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 6 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
1.5.1 Proposed Schedule for Implementation of Sub-project 26. Following table shows the proposed implementation schedule for Martadi-Majhigaon road sub-project:
Table 1.2. Sub-project implementation schedule 2007 2008 2009 SN Activity I II III IV I II III IV I II 1 Detailed survey, design and estimate 1.1 Detailed engineering survey 1.2 Detailed engineering design 1.3 Centre line pegging 1.4 Quantity, cost & report preparation 2 Preparation of resettlement plan 2.2 Cadastral survey 2.3 HH census and socio-economic survey 2.4 Data processing 2.5 Preparation of resettlement plan 2.6 Determining the compensation 2.7 Disbursement of compensation 2.8 Monitoring of progress 2.9 Transfer of land ownership 2.10 Life skill and income generation training 3 Environment feasibility and implementation 3.1 Screening and ToR preparation for IEE 3.2 ToR for IEE submission and approval from MLD 3.3 Notice publication for IEE and collection of deed of enquiry 3.4 Desk review 3.5 Field survey for data collection 3.6 Analysis and report writing 3.7 IEE report review and submission to MLD and ADB 3.8 IEE report approval from MLD and ADB 3.9 Implementation of EMP 3.10 Environmental monitoring 4 Work implementation 4.1 Civil construction work by contractors 4.2 Civil construction work by BGs
Note: I - January, February, March II - April, May, June III - July, August, September IV - October, November, December
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 7 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
2.0 Public consultation and information disclosure
2.1 Public Consultation 27. In order to ensure the public involvement, the following procedures were followed during IEE report preparation: Publication of notice- a 15 days public notice was published on 17 August 2007 (32 Srawan 2064) in the Gorkhapatra, a national daily newspaper (see Annex V) seeking written opinion from concerned VDCs, DDC, schools, health posts and related local organizations. A copy of the public notice was also affixed in the above mentioned organizations and deed of enquiry (muchulka) was collected (see Annex VI for deed of inquiry and Annex VII for the names of organizations). IEE team also carried out interaction with local communities and related stakeholders during field survey to collect the public concerns and suggestions as presented in Table 2.1 (see Annex VIII for the list of persons consulted). Moreover, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to collect and solicit information regarding the bio-physical and socio-economic and cultural aspects of Martadi-Majhigaon road. The FGDs were held at different 9 settlements along the ZoI of the road (refer table 3.5 for the names of settlements) and the results of FGD are mentioned under the chapter III, Existing Conditions and summary tables are given in Annex X a, b, c, d. Community members and other stakeholders were also consulted during detail survey, estimate and deign work and development of environment management plan (EMP). Recommendation letters were also obtained from Martadi and Jugada VDCs as given in Annex VI.
Table 2.1 Table showing public involvement and issues Date Name Address Issues 4 Nov. 07 District Development Martadi, Bajura Environmental sensitivity, Committee, Bajura importance of rural raod and its importance 4 Nov. 07 District Forest Office, Martadi, Bajura Impact on community forests along Bajura the road alignment and their management 5 Nov. 07 Community Members Bhaunera, Jugada Information sharing about working VDC modality of DRILP 5 Nov. 07 Sub Healthpost Jugada VDC Environmental impact due to the road construction 6 Nov. 07 Martadi VDC Office Martadi Environmental protection and management 6 Nov. 07 Jugada VDC Office Jugada Environmental protection and management 7 Nov. 07 NGO Federation of Martadi Environmental impacts and Nepal, District Executive mitigation measures Committee, Bajura 7 Nov. 07 Shree Malika Higher Thapathali, Environmental impacts and Secondary School Maratdi mitigation measures
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2.2 Information Disclosure 28. Draft IEE was also kept in information center of DDC Bajura for public disclosure. Information was also disseminated through person to person contacts and interviews and group discussions. However, available institutions at the local level were informed through notice distribution or posting at concerned VDCs, school, health posts and public places within the road alignment corridors. The approved IEE report will be accessible to interested parties and general public through information center of DDC Bajura and websites of ADB, DoLIDAR and DRILP. Following offices will get the IEE report: 1. District Development Committee, Bajura 2. District Technical Office, Bajura 3. District Project Office, Bajura 4. District Implementation Support Consultants, Bajura 5. Martadi VDC 6. Jugada VDC 7. Ministry of Local Development 8. Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads 9. Project Coordination Unit, DRILP 10. Asian Development Bank, Nepal Resident Mission
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3.0 Review of Relevant Acts, Regulations and Guidelines
29. Government of Nepal has adopted various acts, regulations and guidelines to ensure the integration of development and conservation of environment. The IEE study was being guided by the requirements and provisions of the applicable acts, rules and guidelines as given in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1 Review of environmental acts, regulations and guidelines
SN Environmental Acts, Regulations and Description of Requirements Guidelines 1 Environmental Protection Act, 1997 Any development project, before implementation, to pass through environmental assessment, which may be either IEE or an EIA depending upon the location, type and size of the projects. 2 Environmental Protection Regulation Obliges the proponent to inform the public on the 1997 (amendment, 1999) contents of the proposal in order to ensure the participation of stakeholders. 3 Forest Act, 1993 Requires decision makers to take account of all forest values, including environmental services and biodiversity, not just the production of timber and other commodities. 4 Forest Rules, 1995 Elaborates legal measures for the conservation of forests and wildlife. 5 National Park and Wildlife Addresses for conservation of ecologically Conservation Act, 1973 valuable areas and indigenous wildlife. 6 Local Self Governance Act (1999) and Empowers the local bodies for the conservation of Rules (2000) soil, forest and other natural resources and implements environmental conservation activities. 7 Land Acquisition Act, 1977 and Land Specifies procedural matters of land acquisition Acquisition Rules, 1969 and compensation. 8 National Environmental Impact Provides guidance to project proponent on Assessment Guidelines, 1993 integrating environmental mitigation measures, particularly on the management of quarries, borrow pits, stockpiling of materials and spoil disposal, operation of the work camps, earthworks and slope stabilization, location of stone crushing plants etc.
9 APPROACH for the Emphasizes labor based technology and Development of environmental friendly, local resource oriented Agricultural and Rural construction methods to be incorporated actively Roads, 1999 in rural infrastructure process.
10 Reference Manual for Suggests stepwise process of addressing Environmental and Social environmental and social issues alongside the Aspects of Integrated Road technical, financial and others. Development, 2003
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
SN Environmental Acts, Regulations and Description of Requirements Guidelines 11 Green Roads in Nepal, Focuses on participatory, labor based and Best Practices Report: An environment friendly technology with proper Innovative Approach for alignment selection, mass balancing, proper water Rural Infrastructure management, bioengineering and phased Development in the construction. Himalayas and Other Mountainous Regions, 1999 12 ADB Environmental Assessment Requires that environmental considerations be Guidelines, 2003 incorporated into ADB operations where environmental assessment is the primary administrative tool to integrate environmental considerations into decision-making of all types of development initiatives. 13 Three Years Interim Plan, 2007/08- Requires all projects will be formulated and 2009/10 constructed based on methods that optimally utilize the local skill and resources and generate employment opportunities.
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4.0 Existing Environmental Condition
30. Baseline information on the existing physical, biological as well as socio-economic and cultural environment of the proposed sub-project are described here and also illustrated by the Figure 4.1.
4.1 Physical Environment 31. This section describes the physical condition of the area that comes under the ZoI of the road section along its entire length and surrounding area. The data has been collected from both secondary and primary sources.
4.1.1 Topography 32. The proposed road lies in Middle mountain region. The elevation of the road ranges form 1,100 m at Budhiganga to 1,440 m at Melkandh. The road alignment starts at Gadkhet and gradually ascends up to Melkandh and then descends up to Khaharigad stream and then road alignment follows the mule trail along the stream up to Budhiganga River (Bhaunera). After crossing Budhiganga river, the road alignment ascends from Bhaunera to Majhigaon. The slope varies from 20° to 65°. The ZoI of this road lies within 9 settlements of Martadi and Jugada VDCs.
4.1.2 Geology and soil type 33. Martadi-Majhigaon Road passes through the lower valley slope and ridge. The road section comprises of different types of rocks. The road corridor falls in the Higher Himalayan Crystallines zone that comprises gneisses and migmatites. Soils are alluvial and colluvial and their thickness vary between 0.2-5m. The colluvial soil contains rock fragments and boulders of various sizes. The detail topography, geology and soil type along the road alignment is presented in the Table 4.1.
Table 4.1 Topography, geology and soil type along the road
SN Section Chainage Length Elevation Aspect Geology Soil type (m) 1 Gadkhet- 0+000 to 0.900 1,300 to NW, SW Gneiss, Alluvial Ukhadi 0+900 1,380 North migmatites 2 Ukhadi- 0+900 to 0.850 1,380 to SW Gneiss, Alluvial Melkandh 1+750 1,440 migmatites 3 Melkandh- 1+750 to 3.250 1,440 to West, Gneiss, Colluvial Budhiganga 5+000 1,100 WN migmatites 4 Budhiganga- 5+000 to 2.045 1,130 to WN, Gneiss, Colluvial Majhigaon 7+045 1,260 West migmatites Total 7.045 Source: Field survey, 2007
4.1.3 Climate 34. This section of the road lies in the sub-tropical climatic region and annual rainfall is 2,580 mm. Generally, rainy season starts from June and ends in September. The general climatic condition is cold in winter and hot in summer with average minimum temperature of 3° C and average maximum temperature of 25° C.
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Figure 4.1 Road alignment showing existing landuse, vegetation and settlements
4.1.4 Hydrology and Drainage System 35. There are two streams and one river along the road alignment as given in the Table 4.2
Table 4.2 Summary of streams and river along the road alignment SN Chainage Name of the Stream Remarks 1 0+223 Thulisanghu stream 15m span bridge 2 4+300 Khaharigad stream 20m span bridge 3 5+000 Budhiganga river 60m span bridge Source: Field survey, 2007
36. In addition, there are dry streams along the road alignment. No wetlands are found within the vicinity of the road. There are irrigation canals (kulo) along the road alignment in the following chainage: • Ch 4+300 to Ch 4+350 • Ch 4+400 to Ch 4+800
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4.1.5 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation 37. The stability of slopes along the road corridor depends upon slope angle, the material constituting the slope, rock discontinuities and hydrological conditions. From Ch 1+900 to Ch 2+190, the road passes from erosion prone area due to loose soil. Likewise, there is another erosion prone area at Ch 4+305.
4.1.6 Land use 38. Land use pattern of the area through which the road passes have been classified into two types: cultivated land and forest land as shown in Table 4.3.
Table 4.3 Summary of land use pattern along the road alignment SN Land use Area in (ha) Remarks 1 Cultivated land 1.780 Average road width is taken as 7 m. 2 Forest area 3.136 Four community forests. Total 4.916 Source: Field survey, 2007
4.1.7 Air, Noise and Water Quality 39. The air quality observed was good and expected to be within national ambient air quality standards of Nepal. Likewise, water quality in the proposed road section is observed to be good since it is free from any kind of pollution sources. There is no defecation problem observed around the drinking water sources. However, during the monsoon season the quality of water may be polluted due to the accumulation of silt, landslide, gully erosion etc. The proposed area does not have any sources of noise nuisance.
4.2 Biological Environment 4.2.1 Vegetation 40. The dominant forest and fodder species reported along the road alignment are: Bombax ceiba (Simal), Rhododendron arboreum (Lali Gurans), Myrica esculenta (Kaphal), Quercus leucotricophora (Banjh), Alnus nepalensis (Utis), Pinus roxburghii (Khote salla) etc.
NTFP 41. Non timber forest products (NTFPs) are defined as any kind of products derived from forest species other than timber and fuel wood. The main NTFP species found along the road alignments are: Allo, Rubia manjith (Majitho), Gaultheria fragrantissima (Dhasingare) etc.
Community Forest 42. Community forest (CF) is a national forest handed over to a community forest user group (CFUG) for its development, conservation and utilization for the collective interest of the user group according to the Forest Act, 1993 and the Forest Rules, 1995. In Bajura district, there are 228 CFUGs having 13,020.55 ha of community forest benefiting 19,110 households (DFO, 2006). There are four CFs along the road alignment as shown in the Table 4.4.
Table 4.4 Community Forest along the road alignment SN Community Address Chainage Length Main Remar Forest (km) Species ks 1 Katho Martadi VDC-3 0+954 to 1+785 0.831 Khote Salla Sparse 2 Jannaute Martadi VDC-3 1+785 to 3+904 2.119 Salla, Gurans Dense 3 Krishi Martadi VDC 4+500 to 4+700 0.200 Uttis, Salla Dense 4 Dhaulapurim Jugada VDC-2 5+715 to 7+045 1.330 Salla, Uttis, Dense andu Gurans Total 4.480 Source: Field survey, 2007
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Leasehold Forest 43. In Bajura district, there are 81 leasehold forest groups having 1,206.25 ha of leasehold forest benefiting 1175 households (DFO, 2006). However, there are no leasehold forests along the road alignment.
4.2.2 Wildlife 44. Muntiacus muntjak (Barking deer), Hystix indica (Porcupine), Canis aureus (Jackal), Macaca mulatta (Monkey), Felis chaus (Jungle Cat) are the wild animals reported in the proposed road corridor. Similarly, birds are Lophura lencomelana (Kalij pheasant), Alectoris chukur (Chyakhura), Columba livia (Pigion), etc. However, none of these wild lives are endangered species and there is no habitat fragmentation for the wildlife. The road does not fall under any protected or buffer zone area.
4.2.3 Aquatic fauna 45. The road alignment crosses Thulosanghu, Khaharigad and Budhiganga River. The main species of fish found in Budhiganga River is Schizotharax species (Asla).
4.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment 4.3.1 Population, Household and Ethnicity 46. There are 9 settlements along the ZoI of the proposed road alignment in Martadi and Jugada VDCs with total population of 3,050 persons (571 households) and average family size of 5.34 as illustrated by Table 4.5. Diverse ethnic groups such as Brahmin, Chhetri and occupational caste (Damai, Sarki, Kami) live along the ZoI of road alignment. Occupational caste households are distributed in almost all the settlements.
Table 4.5 Settlements and population within the ZoI of road alignment
S.N. Major Settlements VDCs & ward Total Total no. Households Population 1 Baduwal Wada, Gadkhet Martadi-9 22 118 2 Ukhadi Martadi-3 35 187 3 Chaurata Martadi-3 78 417 4 Denjugada Jugada-1 51 272 5 Majhi Gaun Jugada-2 81 433 6 Nuwakot Jugada-3 82 438 7 Pinalekh Jugada-4 82 438 8 Sateda Jugada-6 77 411 9 Sallena Jugada-4 63 336 Total 571 3,050 Source: Field survey, 2007
4.3.2 Main occupation 47. The main occupation of the people residing within the ZoI of the proposed road alignment is agriculture and livestock. Apart from this, people are carrying out other economic activities like employment as porter and labour (19%), business (10%), working in government and non government organizations (11%), and cottage industries (0.5%). Moreover, earnings of people going to foreign countries (51%), mostly in India, play significant role in the livelihood of the people. Details of occupations of the people according to the settlements are shown in Annex IX a.
4.3.3 Public Services and Infrastructures 48. There are various social sector facilities and infrastructures in different settlements. Details about public services and infrastructures according to the settlements are shown in Annex IX b.
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Education 49. There are 6 educational institutions in the proposed project area ranging from primary schools to secondary level school. However, there are no educational institutions in Baduwalbada, Ukhadi, Denjugada settlements. Also, none of the settlements has the educational institutions for the higher studies.
Health Facility 50. In health sector, there is only one health post in Nuwakot settlement, ward no. 3 of Jugada VDC. For serious health problem, people go to district hospital in Martadi.
Communication 51. Regarding communication, there are CDMA facilities in 4 settlements (8 no.) covering total 276 households and there is 1 post office in Majhi Gaun of Jugada VDC, ward no.2.
Electricity 52. There is no national grid for electricity supply. However, there is power supply from micro hydro in Denjugada, Majhi Gaun, Nuwakot and Pinalekh settlements covering 150 households.
Business Facilities 53. There are 11 shops, restaurants and tea stalls available in Ukhadi and Denjugada settlements of Martadi VDC.
Water Supply 54. Drinking water supply facility is available in 5 settlements. The water supply schemes generally use spring sources located at higher altitudes. The water is conveyed by pipes from the sources to the public taps. These taps are located in common places so that each serves a few households. No house has a private connection. The total number of taps is 16 distributed in Baduwalbada, Ukhadi, Chaurata, Denjugada and Pinalekh settlements.
Irrigation 55. Irrigation facility is available in total 51 ha of cultivated land covering 6 settlements. Mostly the irrigation facility is available through gravity fed canal except in some settlements where irrigation is possible only during rainy season.
Other Infrastructures 56. Water mills (31 no) are found in all settlements except Sallena settlement mainly used for grinding purpose. There are 2 trail bridges (wooden) in various streams in Baduwalbada and Chaurata settlements.
Industries 57. There is only one rice and flour mill in Nuwakot settlement of Jugada VDC-3.
Financial Institutions 58. There are no financial institutions in the project area.
Community Development Facilities 59. Community based organizations particularly, mothers group, women saving and credit groups are found in 3 settlements. Play grounds, ghat (cremation site) and community center (8 no.) are found in more than half (6 no.) of the settlements.
4.3.4 Land holding pattern 60. Two third of the households (68%) from these settlements belong to less than 5 ropani (approximately 1 ha = 20 ropani) land holding category. One sixth of the hhs (16%) belongs to 5-10 ropani land holding category. While few (9%) households have 10-20 ropani land and another few
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(7%) are big farmers having more than 20 and less than 50 ropani land. Details about land holding pattern are given in Annex IX c.
4.3.5 Food Security 61. Greater percentage of the households is food deficit for varied time period shown in the table as given in Annex IX d. One third households of the project area (32%) have food sufficiency for whole year. A higher percentage of households (53%) are reported as food sufficient for 3-9 months while few households (12%) have food sufficiency for less than three months only which further demonstrates the poverty situation within the ZoI of the project area. Very few percent households (3%) are reported as food surplus ones who are in the well off category of selling their surplus farm products. The main agricultural crops produced are rice, millet, wheat, maize etc. There are potential areas for cash crop production like beans, oil seeds, potato, vegetable and fruits.
4.3.6 Migration pattern 62. Permanent migration takes place in limited scale towards Terai (Kailali and Kanchanpur) and other places like Kathmandu. However, mostly people go to India in search of employment opportunity. From all the settlements, people from more than half household (51%) go to India for more than six months.
63. Seasonal migration occurs during slack farming period in Poush and Magh as a labour and porter mainly in various parts of India like, Gadhawal, Simla, Gangolihat, Delhi, Pithauragarh, Berinag in search of work. This shows poor economic status of the people in the proposed road corridor. This could be reduced by providing employment opportunities at the local level.
4.3.7 Potential Development area 64. The proposed road passes through potential area for vegetable production in Gadkhet of Martadi VDC-9 and Sallena of Jugada VDC-4. Similarly Gadkhet is also potential for the cultivation of banana and Pinalekh of Jugada VDC-4 for sugarcane cultivation. Likewise, Ukhadi of Martadi VDC-3 is potential for herbal plants cultivation. Potential areas for furniture making are Ukhadi and Chaurata.
65. People will get direct benefit in education, agriculture, health and communication sector due to easy accessibility.
4.3.8 Religious, Cultural and Historical Sites 66. The following historical and religious sites are within ZoI of the proposed project area (outside road alignment and RoW): Mastathan temple - 10m above, Selamandu temple - 8m away, Thali durbar (palace) – 100m down, Shivalaya mandir (temple) – 500m up and Mastamandu temple – 1.2 km away from the road alignment.
67. These sites are not popular or famous outside the locality and these sites don't fall in the proposed road alignment. Therefore, displacement is not required.
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5.0 Project Alternatives
68. Alternative analysis has been considered as an integral part of IEE study, which involves an examination of alternative ways of achieving objectives of the proposed project. The aim of alternative analysis is to arrive at a development option, which maximizes the benefits while minimizing the adverse impacts. The various alternatives to achieve the project objectives with minimum environmental degradation are discussed as follows:
5.1 No action option 69. This alternative does not allow the implementation of the proposal. This alternative has both beneficial and adverse impacts on the environment. If the proposal is not implemented, the present poor condition of road will increase the transportation time and cost for the local people to the district headquarter and markets and vice versa resulting into low level of productivity and prevalence of poverty. The no action option will conserve some of the environmental adverse impacts at the cost of poverty and hardship of the people.
5.2 Proposal alternatives 70. The people living within the ZoI require an efficient and safe mode of transportation to have the access to the market and other service centers. At the same time, there is need to conserve the physical, biological and socio-economic and cultural environment. Therefore, construction of ropeway, airport and road could be the options for achieving the above mentioned objectives.
71. Ropeway can be another mode of transportation to enhance accessibility of the people within ZoI. The ropeway primarily serves to transport goods and it normally does not provide facilities for human mobility except it is built with cable car facilities. It is very costly if built with cable car. Hence, ropeway without cable car will not serve the transportation need.
72. Air connection will be expensive and out of reach for poor people. There is an airport in Kolti but transportation by air will be very expensive and bulk transportation may not be feasible. Moreover, there is a limited flight in operation.
73. Considering the project alternatives, the proposed road project can be the best option to serve the purpose of efficient transportation requirement.
5.3 Alternative Alignment 74. The road alignment from the Melkandh ridge at Ch 2+000 was assessed from its both left and right side. The road alignment from the right side of Melkandh ridge follows the existing trail route; however, there is steep slope, fragile topography and dense forest making the road alignment environmentally unfeasible. Therefore, the alighnment passing from the left side of Melkandh ridge is appropriate.
5.4 Alternative Design and Construction Approach 75. There are two types of road design and construction methods. They are conventional and green road approach. In conventional method, heavy machineries and equipment, explosives, heavy concrete structures with the application of bituminous surfacing, side drains, bridges and culverts etc. are extensively involved.
76. Green road approach which is normally referred as a labour based, environmental friendly and participatory (LEP) focuses to conserve the delicate mountain ecology through the protection of Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 18 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
vegetation cover as means of soil conservation. Under this approach, construction work is done manually from the local labour without using heavy machinery and explosives. Spoil disposal is balanced with cutting and filling volume. Simple dry stone walls and stone causeways will be used at maximum possible extent. Instead of up hill side side-drains, the cross slope of road itself is maintained with 5% outward slope. Preservation of vegetation cover is maintained. The proposed road has been designed considering the green road design concept and construction will be done accordingly.
5.5 Alternative schedule and process 77. During the rainy season, the construction work is stopped to allow the natural compaction of the road. Rehabilitation and construction work will be carried out during the remaining months. The construction period is more appropriate from October to June as the local people are more or less free from farming activities.
5.6 Alternative Resources 78. The physical resources consumed for the construction and rehabilitation of the proposed road will mainly include stone for gabions, dry masonry walls and stone pitching. The proposed construction will optimally use the local labour force and local materials.
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6.0 Identification of Impacts and Benefit Augumentation/Mitigation Measures
79. The identification and assessment of impacts has been carried out by considering the proposed proposal activities in terms of construction and operation stage. The impact of the activities will be on physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural resources within the ZoI. Impacts from the proposed road sub-project can be both beneficial as well as adverse. Most of the identified impacts have been quantified to the extent possible.
80. An effective implementation of benefit maximization measures and adverse impacts mitigation measures would optimize the benefits expected from the sub-project and avoid/minimize the adverse impact from the sub-project. The impacts have been predicted in terms of their magnitude if nature (direct, indirect), significance (minor, moderate and high), extent (site specific, local and regional) and duration (short, medium and long term) and appropriate benefit enhancement and mitigation measures are suggested as following (see also Table 6.1.).
6.1 Beneficial Impacts and Benefit Augmentation Measures 81. The development efforts particularly the development of transportation network will have multifold beneficial impacts. Road projects are generally intended to improve the economic and social welfare of the people. The largest beneficial impacts will be on the physical and socio- economic environment as given below:
6.1.1 Construction Stage Employment Generation and Increase in Income 82. One of the major direct beneficial impacts of the road during construction stage is the creation of employment opportunity to the local community. This road construction will create 208,452 of unskilled and 5,514 skilled person-days work. Total 61 skilled and 2,316 unskilled persons will get employment for 90 days. Employment generation for the local people will minimize seasonal migration to other parts of the country as well as in foreign countries. The amount of money that is earned by the wages will directly enhance the operation of various economic activities and enterprise development. This will also increase their economy and keep them occupied in earning and skill learning job during agricultural lean season.
83. Benefit augmentation measures will be implemented as much as possible through the local building groups (BGs). They will be given training to do the job. To utilize their money earned from the project works, DRILP will implement life skill training for income generation activities to improve their livelihood. These programmes will generate multiplier effect in the local economy and support significantly to uplift the socioeconomic condition of the local people particularly poor, dalit (occupational caste), ethnic minority and women.
Enhancement of Tehnical Skill 84. The construction of the road will not only provide employment opportunities but also supports for the transfer of skills and technical know-how to the local labourers.
85. Building group members will be given on the job training during road construction which will enhance their skills and capability in works like masonry, gabion wires, construction of dry and foundation walls, slope cutting and stabilization as well as bioengineering works. These skills will not only benefit the local workers by providing long-term employment opportunity but also contribute to local human resource development. This will help them to find job as skilled worker in other future projects as an alternative occupation in addition to agriculture. Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 20 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Enterprise Development and Business Promotion 86. During construction period, different types of commercial activities will come into operation in order to meet the demand of workers. Since they will have good purchasing power, they will regularly demand for different types of food, beverage and other daily necessary items. To meet these demands, many local and outside people may operate a number of small shops and restaurants around the vicinity of the construction sites. Various farm based enterprises including wide range of agricultural and livestock products will also gain momentum as a result of increased demand by labors during construction period. This will increase local trade and business in the area.
87. The benefit augumentaion measures will include providing support to local entrepreneurs, promotion of cooperatives and linkage with bank and other financial institutions.
6.1.2 Operation Stage Access to Inputs and Services due to Transportation Facility 88. Access to inputs and services is expensive and not regular at present. Once the road is in operation and connected with Sanfe-Martadi feeder road, people would have cheaper and improved access to many inputs such as seeds, chemical fertilizer and technology leading to increased agricultural production and diversification.
89. Agricultural support services will be improved for the increased income from the farm products.
Development of Market centers 90. There is a possibility of increased economic opportunities and significant growth and extension of the minor local markets along the road like in Baduwalbada, Bhaunera and Majhigaon area. The farmers will be more interested to increase agricultural production due to market accessibility.
91. Sewerage and other basic facilities will be supported in the market centers.
Appreciation of Land Value 92. The construction of road leads to appreciation of land values particularly near the market and settlement areas. There will be rapid increase in the commercial production of agricultural crops due to road accessibility which is also a major factor to raise the land value. This activity would likely uplift the economic condition of the local people.
93. Benefit enhancement measures will be promotion of land development activities and control of encroachment within RoW. The local people will be made aware of the fact that high value lands are easily acceptable to the banks and microfinance institutions to provide loans. Local people can start their own business.
Enhancement of Community Development Service 94. Due to increase in employment opportunities, trade, business and agricultural income, considerable amount of money may be channeled into the local economy in the area. This will increase the income level of the individual household and the local community of the area. It is possible that some money may be spent by the individual for the community development activities such as education, school, health and sanitation services.
95. The project will help to enhance this beneficial impact by generating awareness to the people about the ways of enhancing community development activities. Likewise, project will support to promote linkage of social infrastructure services.
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6.2 Adverse Impacts and Mitigation Measures 6.2.1 Construction Stage 96. The proposed road will be constructed according to LEP approach. Therefore, there will not be severe damage to environment compared to conventional construction approach. However, it is likely to occur following impacts on physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural resources of the proposed road area.
Physical Impacts Change in Land Use 97. The land acquired for the implementation of the project can undergo a long-term permanent change in the land use. Changes of land use due to the construction of road are mainly conversion of agricultural land and forest into built up area. Approximate 1.780 ha of cultivated land of the local people will be permanently lost during road construction. Similarly, 3.136 ha of forest land will be lost due to road construction work. The changes in land use will have impact on loss of agricultural land, which directly reduce the agricultural production.
98. Following mitigation measures will be adopted: Plantation in community forest and improving agricultural extension services. Applying additional protective measures that the remaining land will not be lost due to erosion.
Slope Instability 99. Removal of vegetation and open cuts with exposed soil to rain will cause soil erosion as well as landslide. This can become a major source of silt that the monsoon runoff carries away. The stability of slopes along the road corridor depends upon slope angle, the material constituting the slope, rock discontinuities and hydrological conditions. From Ch 1+900 to 2+190, the road passes from erosion prone area due to loose soil. Likewise, there is another erosion prone area at Ch 4+305. The degree of sliding increases during the road excavation and it may cause regular sliding during operational phase. These slides are still active and will undoubtedly cause more problems during monsoon period.
100. The proposed road adopts green road approach. Adequate slope stabilization measures will be provisioned in design. The following mitigation measures will be adopted during the construction and rehabilitation of the proposed road and the cost has been included in the project cost: Ensuring minimum cut slope Selecting cut and fill slope at correct angle depending upon the soil type Re-vegetation of cut and fill slope or exposed areas as soon as possible by using native plant species Adoption of bio-engineering techniques Ensuring minimum damage of vegetation during construction No construction work during rainy season
Spoil Disposal 101. Fresh cuts whenever is required, invites landslides and erosion during the monsoon. The common likely problems from the inappropriate disposal of spoils are: gullying and erosion of spoil tips especially when combined with unmanaged surface water runoff, damage to farm lands, and destruction of vegetation, crops and property at downhill through direct deposition or indirectly as result of mass flow.
102. Spoils should be safely disposed and managed with minimum environmental damage using LEP approach which includes balanced cut and fill volume, re-use of excavated materials and minimum quantity of earth works. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: Wherever possible, surplus spoil will be used to fill eroded gullies, quarries and depressed areas etc. Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 22 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Excess spoils will be disposed in specified tipping sites in a controlled manner and the tipping sites should be covered by vegetation by bio-engineering techniques after surplus material is tipped. Spoils should not be disposed on fragile slopes, farmland, marshy land, forest areas, natural drainage path, canals and other infrastructures. After the disposal, the site will be provided with proper drainage, vegetation and adequate protection against erosion. Provisions of toe walls and retaining walls would protect the disposal of soil.
Drainage and Cross Drainage Works 103. The concentrated water from the road outlet causes erosion and landslide eventually affecting the stability of the road itself.
104. For this, following mitigation measures will be adopted as appropriate: Adequate numbers of drainage structures will be provided in order to have minimum interference on natural drainage pattern of the area Drain water discharge into farmland or risky locations will be avoided. No diversion of water away from natural water course unless it is absolutely necessary
Air Dust, Noise and Water Pollution 105. The ambient air quality data of the project area is not available at present. The road construction work is carried out manually by the local labour. The road side dwellers and workers may be affected by emission of dust during road construction works. This may affect the health of the labourers and people living nearby areas. The proposed project area does not experience significant noise pollution. However, the increased construction activities like rock cutting may cause noise pollution to some extent to the workers and people living in nearby areas. Water quality data of water sources within the project area is not available. It has been observed that the water quality of water bodies within the project area appears to be good and without pollution. Since the road will be constructed with LEP approach, there will no significant impact due to pollution from oil, grease and fuel spills as heavy machines will not be used during the road construction.
106. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: Use of face mask by the workers to minimize air pollution due to dust generation Plantation of local species along the roadside Use of ear muffles to lessen noise pollution during rock breaking and quarrying Avoiding the disposal of excavated materials in the water bodies
Quarrying 107. The construction of road requires boulders and other type of construction materials. The extraction of materials from inappropriate places or in excessive amount can damage the local environment. The potential adverse impacts of quarrying are accelerated erosion, landslides, disturbance in natural
108. Following mitigation measures will be adopted against the impacts of quarrying: Unstable sites, erosion prone area, dense forest area, settlements, fertile farm land will be avoided for quarrying operation. After the extraction is completed, the quarry sites will be rehabilitated to suit the local landscape. Blasting will not be done for quarrying.
Biological Impacts Loss of Forest Vegetation 109. The proposed road passes through four community forests (CFs) and private cultivated land. In total 562 trees will be removed (refer Annex XI for number and volume of trees). Out of which 404 trees will be removed from the following CFs during road construction: Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 23 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
• Katho CF – 75 trees • Jannaute CF- 177 trees • Krishi CF - 91 trees • Dhaualapurimandu CF - 61 trees
110. Likewise, from private cultivated land 158 trees will be felled during road construction. Some NTFPs will be removed but there will not be any significant impact in the rural economy as these NTFPs are not commercially used. Details about the species wise data are included in the separate Resettlement Plan.
111. The loss of trees can not be minimized; however, it can be compensated by the plantation. According to the Work Procedure for Providing the Forest Land for Other Use, 2063 of Government of Nepal, project has to carry out plantation equivalent to the forest area lost from the construction of the road or pay for the plantation and protection cost for five years to the District Forest Office. Concerned CFs will carry out 3.136 ha of plantation in their community forests with project support. The forest products from the CFs will be utilized by the community forest users groups (CFUGs) according to community forest operational plan.
Disturbance to Wildlife and Bird Habitat 112. The proposed area is not significant habitat for wildlife and bird species, however, the construction of road may disturb wildlife and bird species due to increased noise level.
113. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: The construction activities near forest area will be appropriately managed so that there will be least disturbance to the wildlife and birds. Restriction to work during night time. Restriction to wildlife harassment by the workers. Coordination with DFO and CFUGs to control the activities like illegal hunting and poaching by enforcing acts and regulations strictly. The project will launch wildlife conservation awareness program for the construction workers.
Impacts on Flora and Fauna (as listed in CITES and IUCN list) 114. There will be no impact on flora and fauna (listed in CITES and IUCN category) as these are not reported in the proposed project area.
115. As there are no such species, mitigation measures are not warranted.
Socio-economic Impacts Loss of Agricultural Land and Private Properties 116. There will be loss of 1.780 ha of cultivated land due to road construction. This will lead to loss of food grain production among the families losing lands to the project. Moreover, spoils on farm land will also affect the production of agricultural crops. Consequently, it will affect the livelihood of the households residing near the road alignment.
117. Productive land and house acquisition for the road alignment will be minimized as far as possible. Compensation for the loss of land will be provided to the 54 affected households. Similarly, compensation for the loss of trees will be provided to 16 households. No structures need to be removed for the construction of the road. A separate Resettlement Plan has been prepared to address land acquisition as well as compensation issues.
Disruption of Community Infrastructures 118. The irrigation canals (kulo) along the road alignment at Ch 4+300 to Ch 4+350 and at Ch 4+400 to Ch 4+800 will be affected during road construction.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 24 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
119. For this, following mitigation measures will be adopted as appropriate: Restoration/reinstating of all disturbed infrastructures Coordination with concerned local authorities like District Irrigation Office and water users groups for the maintenance of disturbed infrastructure
Health and Safety Matters 120. During construction, workers will be exposed to various risks and hazards. Potential impacts to health are respiration and eye diseases due to exposure to dust, risk of accident during work, stomach problems due to drinking water. There will be no temporary breeding habitats for mosquito vectors as the proposed road sub-project lies in the mountainous area where mosquitoes are not found.
121. The workers will be provided with helmets, masks, muffles depending on the nature of the construction work. Drinking water facility and temporary pit latrine will be established at construction sites to control open defecation and pollution of water bodies by the workers. Workers will be provided with first aid and health facilities. Group accidental insurance will be done for the workers. First aid training will be provided to field staffs like sub-engineer, social mobilizers and supervisors.
Cultural, Religious and Archaelogical sites 122. No temples and other historical sites lie in the road alignment. Therefore, it is predicted that there will be no impact due to the construction of the road.
123. No mitigation measures are needed.
6.2.2 Operation stage Physical Environment Slope Instability and Management 124. The destabilization of slope may also be expedited due to human activities in the road neighborhood such as quarrying stones or soil, animal grazing, irrigated cultivation. This may cause damage to road section, disruption to transportation and other social impacts in the nearby areas. The inadequate maintenance of the road due to the blockage of drains damages the road surface that can lead to slides and slope failure.
125. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: Correction of maintenance of the slope protection measures and drainage works Minor landslide and mass wasting will be immediately cleared and slope restored with appropriate technology (bioengineering) Soil conservation will be promoted in the right of way and vulnerable areas beyond the road alignment CFUG will be promoted to conserve and manage their CFs properly
Air, Noise and Water Pollution 126. The operation of vehicles can disturb silent ambience of the existing area. There will be no significant impact from the pollution from oil, grease and fuel spills form vehicles as the road is earthen with low speed limit (<20km/hour). However, in long-term operation period, air pollution will be increased by the emission from the vehicles as well as dust from the earthen road. Similarly, run-off from road surface may cause water pollution.
127. Following mitigation measures will be adopted: Community and road user awareness program will be organized to enhance public understanding Plantation will be done near the settlements Use of horns should be restricted near dense forest, health posts, schools and settlements
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 25 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Biological Environment Depletion of Forest Resources 128. The forest resources depletion may occur due to ineffective drainage works, inappropriate spoil disposal and construction practices. The development of market centers may exert pressure on forest and eventually deplete the forest resources. However, provision of forest products distribution in community forest operational plan will minimize the depletion of forest resources.
129. The pressure on forest resources during road operation is likely to occur. The mitigation measures recommended are: CFUGs will be supported to conserve and manage their CFs according to operational plans Promotion of the installation of improved stoves to minimize the consumption of fire wood
Disturbance to the Wildlife and Illegal Hunting 130. Although the wildlife population is reported low, however, they may be disturbed due to the frequent movement of the vehicles. Vehicular flow, horn blowing in the forest area will have impact on the wildlife and bird species. There may occur illegal hunting during operation period by the people from market areas due to accessibility.
131. Wildlife and birds will be disturbed due to the vehicle movement. Appropriate sign boards will be erected informing drivers about: Prohibition of blowing horns in the dense forest areas Potential areas for wildlife crossing
Socioeconomic and Cultural Impacts New Settlement and Market Center Development 132. The existing trend is to settle along the road side for the economic activities. This is primarily attributed to increased opportunities for trade and commerce through the establishment of shops, restaurants, stalls and hotels. So, there is expansion of settlement area and development of market centers. This may trigger the practice of encroaching right of way (RoW). Consequently, this will reduce road capacity and increase road accidents. The increasing trend of roadside settlement is likely to increase household waste as well as wastewater on the road.
133. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: Awareness raising programme through local organizations to plan proper settlements. Regulate settlement growth with proper planning along RoW. Plantation of trees along the road.
Road safety Measures 134. Movement of vehicles in the road will invite accidents. Inadequate provisions of road safety measures like no provisions of signals and lack of enforcement of traffic rules during operation period may invite accidents
135. The mitigation measures adopted will be: Appropriate spoil disposal sites should be identified and utilized Applying appropriate road safety measures Required safety signs will be used along the road
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 26 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Table 6.1 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts and Benefit Augmentation/Mitigation Measures
Potential Benefit Augmentation/Mitigation Measures Magn Exte Dura Impacts itude nt tion Benefit Augmentation Construction stage Employment Involvement of women (40%), dalit and ethnic minority H Lc St generation and poor people and providing life skill training for income increase in generation activities and skill development come Enhancement Training in road construction, soft engineering structures M Lc Lt of Technical and bioengineering works for members of BGs. Skills Enterprise Providing support to local entrepreneurs, promotion of M Lc St development cooperatives and linkage with bank and other financial and business institutions. promotion Operation stage Access to Improve agricultural support services for the farmers M R Lt inputs and services Development Support sewerage and other drainage facilities in the M R Lt of market market centers centers Appreciation of Promotion of land development activities and check M Lc Lt land value encroachment within RoW Enhancement Support promotion of community development activities H Lc Lt of community and development and linkage of social infrastructure development services services Adverse impacts and Mitigation Measures Construction Stage Physical Environment Change in land Plantation in community forest and improving agricultural H Lc Lt use extension services. Applying additional protective measures that the remaining land will not be lost due to erosion Slope Ensuring minimum cut slope and re-vegetation of cut and H Ss Lt instability fill slope or exposed areas as soon as possible by using native plant species. Adoption of bio-engineering techniques and no construction work during rainy season. Spoil disposal Balance cut and fill volume within a reasonable haulage M Ss St length. Spoil should not be disposed on fragile slopes, farmland, marshy land, forest areas and natural drainage path. Drainage and Provide adequate numbers of drainage structures and no M Ss Mt cross drainage diversion of water away from natural water course. works Avoid drain water discharge into farmland or risky locations Air, noise and Uses of ear muffles and face masks should be maintained M Lc St water pollution Avoiding the disposal of excavated materials in the water bodies.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 27 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Potential Benefit Augmentation/Mitigation Measures Magn Exte Dura Impacts itude nt tion Quarrying Proper management and rehabilitation of quarry sites M Ss St Biological environment Loss of forest Supporting compensatory plantation to the CFUGs. H Lc Lt vegetation Disturbance to Construction activities near forest area will be properly M Lc Mt wildlife and managed and workers are restricted to disturb and harass bird habitat wildlife Socioeconomic environment Loss of Compensation for the loss of land and trees will be H Lc Lt agricultural provided to the 54 and 16 affected households land and respectively. A separate Resettlement Plan has been private prepared to address land and property acquisition as well property as compensation issues. Disruption of Restoration of all disturbed infrastructures in coordination L Sc St community with concerned local authorities. infrastructure Health and The workers will be provided with helmets, masks, H Lc St Safety matters muffles. Drinking water facility and temporary pit latrine will be established. Workers will be provided with first aid and health facilities. There will be provision for group accidental insurance for the workers. Operataion stage Physical environment Slope Correction of maintenance of the slope protection M Ss St instability and measures and drainage works and soil conservation will be management promoted in the right of way and vulnerable areas beyond the road alignment Air, noise and Community and road user awareness program will be M Lc Lt water pollution organized to enhance public undelantation will be done near the settlements. Use of horns should be restricted near dense forest, health posts, schools and settlements Biological environment Depletion of CFUGs will be supported to conserve and manage their M Lc Lt forest resources CFs according to operational plans. Promoting the installation of improved stoves to minimize the consumption of fire wood. Disturbance to Appropriate sign boards will be erected informing drivers M Ss Mt wildlife and about: Illegal Hunting Prohibition of blowing horns in the dense forest areas Potential areas for wildlife crossing Socioeconomic environment New settlement Regulate settlement growth with proper panning along M Lc Mt and market RoW and discourage ribbon settlement center development Road safety Enforcement of road safety measures like speed limit and M Lc Lt measures erecting road signs.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 28 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
136. Note: Magnitude: This can be low-L (minor), medium-M (moderate), and high-H (major), depending on the scale or severity of change. Geographical extent: If the action is confined to the project area, it is referred as site-specific (Ss), if it occurs outside area but close to project area, the extent of impact is local (Lc), if it occurs far away from the project, it is referred as regional (R). Duration: It can be short term (St - i.e. less than 3 years), medium term (Mt - i.e. 3-20 years), and long term (Lt - i.e. more than 20 years).
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 29 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
7.0 Environmental Management Plan
137. The EMP is prepared to guide implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring requirements. It includes institution and their roles, environmental management activities, environmental management organizational structure and budget for mitigation measures.
7.1 Institutions and Their Roles 138. The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MoEST) is the main institution mandated to formulate and implement environmental policies, plans and programmes at the national level. It is also charged with the responsibility for preparing and issuing environmental regulations and guidelines; development and enforcement of environmental standards; pollution control, commissioning environmental research and studies; and monitoring of programmes implemented by other agencies.
139. The main responsibility for IEE and environmental management plan (EMP) implementation is with DDC, Bajura. During the implementation in the district, DISC team will assist DDC through DPO. The DDC will also receive necessary assistance from the CISC team for the implementation and monitoring of the EMP.
140. The Ministry of Local Development (MLD), District Development Committees (DDCs), and the Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads (DoLIDAR) are the institutions directly involved in the IEEs of DRILP funded sub-projects. The environmental management organizational structure is illustrated by Figure 7.1. The roles of these institutions are as following:
Ministry of Local Development (MLD) 141. As the concerned line ministry, it is responsible for review and final approval of ToRs and study reports of IEEs, and for managing environmental monitoring. MLD has established an Environmental Management Section (EMS) which is mandated with the overall environmental responsibility of the Ministry.
Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads (DoLIDAR) 142. It is the executing department of the DRILP under MLD and responsible for various project implementation activities including environmental management. It is responsible for providing back-up support to DDC in carrying out its tasks and advising MLD as necessary.
Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project – Project Coordination Unit (DRILP- PCU) 143. It is the technical unit which is responsible to assist in project implementation in the districts.
Central Implementation Support Consultant (CISC) 144. It is responsible for supporting the implementation of DRILP activities in the central and districts. It also provides additional human resources capacity, technical assistance and advisory support for project management and monitoring, institutional capacity strengthening and training, social mobilisation and development, planning, engineering design and supervision, maintenance, environmental management and impact evaluation.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 30 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
District Development Committee, Bajura 145. DDC has overall responsibility for the Project implementation at district level. As project implementer at district level, DDC Bajura is responsible for screening and ToR preparation, commissioning IEE studies, and carrying out mitigating works as well as environmental monitoring.
District Technical Office (DTO) 146. The DTO is the office responsible for all infrastructure related works of DDC. It takes responsibility for the implementation of all technical and rural infrastructure development works on behalf of DDC. The DTO chief is the project manager in the district.
District Project Office (DPO) 147. The DPO established within DTO has the responsibility of implementing the project activities in the district.
District Implementation Support Consultant (DISC) 148. With technical and social staff, it supports in the implementation of the project activities in the district.
District Road Coordination Committee (DRCC) 149. It is a sub-committee of the DDC for the implementation of the road construction and operation activities within the district.
Village Works and Road Construction Committee (VWRCC) 150. It coordinates road issues among beneficiaries and institutions at VDC level.
Building Groups (BGs) 151. Responsible for road construction activities.
7.2 Reporting and Documentation 152. As part of EMP, reports should be produced at regular time intervals depending upon type and size of project by the EMP team or unit. Since, the construction period is less than 2 years, three monthly reports will be prepared and submitted to the DDC and DDC will send to the PCU and DoLIDAR.
153. The Contract will need to state that the DDC must approve the building groups/contractor's arrangements for environmental protection, health and safety, waste management and other environmentally related actions identified during the detailed design phase and these must be written into the Contract Document.
154. The environmental consultant will inform the DDC/DTO in case of non-compliance and of any other environmental issues that require immediate attention. The contract will detail the remedies for non-compliance by the BG/Contractor.
155. The monthly reports will be based on recurrent site inspections and will report on the effectiveness of the mitigation measures; the Contractor's compliance with the environmental specifications; measures recommended in the events of non-compliance and recommendations for any other remedial actions, etc.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 31 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Ministry of Local Development (MLD)
DRILP-PCU DoLIDAR CISC DDC Environmental Assessment Advisor
DTO DPO DISC
DRCC
VWRCC
Building Group/Contractor
Figure 7.1 Environmental Management Organization Structure
7.3 Environmental Management Plan 156. The DDC with project support will be responsible for the implementation of mitigation measures and of the monitoring plan. Overall implementation of the EMP will become proponent’s responsibility. Framework for implementing environmental management plan is shown by Table 7.1.
Table 7.1 Framework of Implementing Environmental Management Plan
Potential Benefit Augmentation/Mitigation Concerned Period Verification Impacts Measures Agency Method Benefit Augmentation Employment Involvement of women, dalit and DPO/DISC Construction Records, generation and ethnic minority poor people and discussion increase in providing life skill training for come income generation activities and skill development Enhancement Training in road construction, soft DPO/DISC Construction Records, of Technical engineering structures and discussion Skills bioengineering works for members of BGs. Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 32 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Potential Benefit Augmentation/Mitigation Concerned Period Verification Impacts Measures Agency Method Enterprise Support to local entrepreneurs and DPO/DISC/ Construction Records and development promotion of cooperative and linkage Cottage & discussion and business with bank and other financial Small promotion institutions Industries Development Committee Enhancement Support promotion of community DDC/DPO/ Operation Records, of community development activities and DISC discussion development development and linkage of social services infrastructure services Access to Improve agricultural support services DDC/DADO/ Operation Records and inputs and for the farmers local farmers discussion services Development Support sewerage and other drainage DDC/local club Operation Observation, of market facilities in the market centers records centers Appreciation of Promotion of land development DDC/VDC Operation Records, land value activities and check encroachment discussion within RoW Mitigation Measures Physical Environment Change in land Plantation in community forest and DFO/CFUG/D Construction Records, use improving agricultural extension DC/DISC and operation observation services. Applying additional protective measures that the remaining land will not be lost due to erosion Slope Bio engineering application should be DDC/DSCO/D Construction Observation instability and used to stabilize the mountain slopes ISC/BG/ and operation management Contractor Effective, well designed drainage DSCO/DDC/ Construction Observation system should be utilized DISC & operation Efficient spoil management should be DDC/DPO Construction Observation maintained Spoil disposal Balance cut and fill volume within a DDC/DPO/ Construction Observation reasonable haulage length. Where DISC possible, use surplus spoil to fill eroded gullies and depressed areas. Spoil should not be disposed on fragile slopes, farmland, marshy land, forest areas and natural drainage path. Air, noise and Provide mask to construction workers DDC/DPO/ Construction Observation, water pollution DISC/DFO records Uses of ear muffles should be DDC/DPO/ Construction Observation, maintained DISC records Use of the unwanted horns at the DDC/DPO Construction Observation, public places and settlement area and operation records should be prohibited Avoiding the disposal of excavated DDC/DPO/ Construction Observation materials in the water bodies DISC Quarrying Proper management and rehabilitation DDC/DPO/ Construction Observation of quarry sites DISC Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 33 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Potential Benefit Augmentation/Mitigation Concerned Period Verification Impacts Measures Agency Method Drainage and Provide adequate numbers of DDC/DPO/ Construction Observation cross drainage drainage structures and no diversion DISC works of water away from natural water course. Avoid drain water discharge into DDC/DPO/ Construction Observation, farmland or risky locations DISC & operation records Biological environment
Loss of forest Plantation of trees in the private land. DDC/ Construction Observation, vegetation and Support compensatory plantation to DFO/Local records forest the CFUGs users degradation Supporting CFUG to manage their DDC/CFUG/ Operation Observation, community forests. Promote the DFO records installation of improved cooking stoves. Disturbance to Construction activities near forest DDC/CFUG Construction Observation wildlife and area will be properly managed and /DFO illegal hunting workers are restricted to disturb and harass wildlife Erecting appropriate sign boards for DDC/CFUG/ Operation Observation drivers near the forest area DFO Socioeconomic environment Loss of Promotion of high value crops and DDC/DADO/ Construction Observation, agricultural commercial farming and increase the NGO/local records land and cropping pattern farmers private Compensation for the loss of land and DDC/CDO/DF Construction Records, properties trees will be provided to the 54 and O/DPO/DISC discussion 16 affected households respectively. A separate Resettlement Plan has been prepared to address land and property acquisition as well as compensation issues. Disruption of Restoration of all disturbed DDC/DPO/ Construction Records, community infrastructures in coordination with DISC/District observation, infrastructure concerned local authorities Irrigation discussion Office and water users groups Health and The workers will be provided with DDC/DPO/ Construction Records, safety matters helmets, masks, muffles. Drinking DISC observation, water facility and temporary pit discussion latrine will be established. Workers will be provided with first aid and health facilities. There will be provision for group accidental insurance for the workers. Road safety Appropriate spoil disposal sites DDC/DPO/ Construction Observation measures should be identified and utilized DISC Enforcement of road safety measures DDC/Traffic Operation Observation like speed limit and erecting road police signs Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 34 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Potential Benefit Augmentation/Mitigation Concerned Period Verification Impacts Measures Agency Method New settlement Regulate settlement growth with DDC/DPO Operation Observation, and market proper panning along RoW and records center discourage ribbon settlement development
7.4 Mitigation cost 157. The estimated cost for beneficial augmentation measures like awareness raising program, skill training, promotion of small scale industries, and income generation activities will be covered by the Community Development and Livelihood Restoration component of the DRILP. Costs for income generation and awareness programme activities for Affected Persons (APs) are included in Resettlement Plan. The design and cost estimate for most of the suggested mitigation measures such as slope stabilization, quarry site management, spoil disposal, supply of face masks, helmets, muffles, accidental insurance, bioengineering measures, land slide rehabilitation, plantation, supporting CFUGs shall be incorporated in the design and cost estimates. Therefore, most of the mitigation measures suggested would be a part of road design and construction without additional cost. All proposed mitigation measures will be integrated in the project design so that these measures may automatically form part of the construction and operational phases of the project.
158. The indicative cost for environmental enhancement and mitigation is presented in the Table 7.2.
Table 7.2. Cost Estimate for Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Measures
SN Measures Estimated cost Remarks (NRs.) 1 Benefit Augmentation Measures Included in Resettlement Plan for (APs) and for others will be included in Community Development and Livelihood Restoration component of the project 2 Occupational health and safety Included in particular conditions of contract 3 Bioengineering (3% of total project 1,250,259.08 Included in project cost cost) 4 Plantation and protection cost for 233,744.90 Covered by bioengineering cost CFUGs 5 Resettlement and rehabilitation cost 2,838,257.69 Included in Resettlement Plan
7.5 Implementation of Mitigation Measures 159. The mitigation measures should be integrated into project design and tender documents. Using this approach, the mitigation measures will automatically become part of the project construction and operation phase. By including mitigation measures in the contract or in specific items in the Bill of Quantities, monitoring and supervision of mitigation implementation could be covered under the normal engineering supervision provisions of the contract.
160. Project Design - The mitigation measures should be integrated in the design of the project itself. Such a step will enhance the mitigation measures in terms of specific mitigation design, cost estimation of the mitigation measure, and specific implementation criteria. The mitigation measure integration in the design phase will also help in strengthening the benefits and sustainability of the project.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 35 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
161. Project Contract. - The project contractor should be bound by the parameters identified in the environmental assessment pertaining to specific mitigation measures in the contract. The final acceptance of the completed works should not occur until the environmental clauses have been satisfactorily implemented.
162. Bill of Quantities - The tender instruction to bidders should explicitly mention the site- specific mitigation measures to be performed, the materials to be used, labor camp arrangements, and waste disposal areas, as well other site specific environmental requirements.
163. Supervision and Monitoring- The purpose of supervision is to make sure that specific mitigation parameters identified in the environmental assessment and as bound by the contract is satisfactorily implemented. Likewise, monitoring is necessary such that the mitigation measures are actually put into practice.
7.6 Environmental Monitoring 164. The IEE prescribes the mitigation measures in order to minimize adverse impacts and to enhance beneficial impacts. Environmental monitoring plan is an important tool to ensure the implementation of mitigation measures for minimizing adverse impacts and maximizing the beneficial impacts. Environmental monitoring generates useful information and improves the quality of implementation of mitigation measures.
7.6.1 Monitoring Responsibility 165. Monitoring is an integral part of the project proponent so as to know the unlikely impacts and implement corrective measures. The proponent, DDC Bajura will develop in-built monitoring mechanism to show its additional commitment for environmental improvement and mitigate undesirable environmental changes, if any during construction and operational stage. DDC will be supported by DIT (DPO and DISC) in the district and Environmental team from the CISC for environmental monitoring. There is a need to support these organizations to carry out environmental monitoring effectively. Therefore, environmental monitoring training will be conducted together with technical, social, resettlement and project performance monitoring and evaluation training.
166. According to EPR, 1997, the MLD/DoLIDAR is responsible for monitoring and evaluation of the impact due to implementation of the project. The MLD/DoLIDAR checks whether the DDC is carrying out monitoring activities as per the IEE, and if the prescribed mitigation measures are being implemented.
167. DDC with DRILP PCU support should make arrangements for sub-project level monitoring. It should constitute a monitoring team, which must be independent from the implementation team and should consist of relevant persons in the context of a sub-project being monitored, for example persons from the forest, agriculture, social and NGO sectors. The monitoring team will be constituted separately for each monitoring event. Project's district management team should be responsible for forming the monitoring team, financing the monitoring works, providing logistics and other necessary support. Thus, it is recommended that an external team hired by DDC takes responsibility for periodic monitoring of the environmental performance, in addition to the regular supervision and guidance provided by the DISC at the site. The sub- project specific monitoring plan as given in Table 7.3 should be followed. At least one monitoring in each construction season is necessary.
168. The sub-project level monitoring team should submit its report to DRILP district management, which should forward a copy to the DRILP Project Coordination Unit. Total cost of environmental monitoring (field visits, observation, review of reports and report preparation) is estimated NRs. 425,000 as given in Table 7.3.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 36 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Table 7.3 Environmental Monitoring Cost Manpower requirement Duration (month) Rate (NRs) Amount (NRs) Team Leader/Environmentalist 2 75,000 150,000 Engineer 1 60,000 60,000 Forester 1 60,000 60,000 Socio-economist 1 60,000 60,000 Support staff 1 25,000 25,000 Transportation cost LS 50,000 Report preparation LS 20,000 Total 425,000
7.6.2 Types of Monitoring and Monitoring Parameters 169. Monitoring is an on going component of the environmental assessment process and subsequent environmental management and mitigation activities. There are basically two types of environmental monitoring: 1. Compliance Monitoring - It verifies whether contract environmental clauses and the mitigation measures are properly implemented in the field. 2. Impact Monitoring - It confirms whether the environmental mitigation measures specified in the project design and contract are correctly formulated.
170. The nature and purpose of environmental monitoring will be different in the pre- construction, stage, construction stage and operation stage of the project.
7.6.3 Pre-construction Stage 171. Monitoring at this stage of project is to: Confirm that plan, route selection and design of the road has considered the recommendation made by IEE Judge the level of preparation for implementing the construction related mitigation, and Prepare up-to-date environmental status of specific site where the impacts are assessed to be significant
7.6.4 Construction Stage 172. This stage of monitoring is to check compliance with the best practices, norms and standards and on implementation of the mitigation measures prescribed by IEE. The following parameters will mainly be focused on: Disposal of spoil and construction wastes and its consequences Disruption of natural water courses, drainage work and its consequences Slope protection measures Loss, stratification or degradation of forest vegetation Care, sensitivity or disruption of community infrastructures Loss or degradation or threat to private properties Care, sensitivity or disruption to cultural sites Quarrying and borrow pits
7.6.5 Operation Stage 173. The monitoring in this stage is mainly related to road features, road induced activities and their impacts on receiving environment. The following parameters are mainly monitored during operation stage: Drainage structures, their outfall and damage to private properties, community properties and natural resources Effectiveness of the slope protection and soil erosion measures Encroachment into road side, public land, forest or marginal land Status of waste disposal sites, quarry sites, and borrow pits Road accidents
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 37 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
Symptoms of emergence of road side settlements, changes in agricultural pattern Activities of road neighbouring communities Illegal felling of trees and hunting of wildlife
174. Table 7.4 presents environmental issues, methods, schedule, and responsible agency for environmental monitoring.
Table 7.4 Framework for Monitoring Environmental Issues SN Issues/Monitoring Procedure/Method Schedule Responsible indicators agency A. Pre Construction 1 Integration of local Review of study and design During the study DDC with people's reports, discussion with local and design DISC environmental residents, representatives, and process and support concerns designers prior to approval 2 Undertaking level of Review of screening and IEE Prior to project DDC with environmental documents approval DISC assessment support 3 Incorporation of Review detail design and During project DDC with mitigation measures drawings to ensure approval DISC and environmental environmental monitoring support codes of conduct into provisions are included designs B. During Construction phase 4 Construction and Site inspections at places where During DISC location of drainage such drains are required construction facilities 5 Care and safe storage Inspection of site clearance Weekly during DISC of top soil for later activities construction use 6 Care for vegetation Inspection of site clearance Weekly during DISC, DFO, in the immediate activities construction CFUG vicinity 7 Safeguarding of Site observation, discussion and During and DISC community seeking of feasible solutions immediately infrastructures after construction 8 Safe disposal of Disposal site observation and Weekly DISC excavated materials disposal practice and other construction wastes 9 Impacts on Site observation and discussion Weekly DISC agricultural land due with local residents to spoil, soil erosion, water logging etc 10 Proper reclamation Observation of finished Before starting, DISC of disposal sites disposal sites in between, and after completion 11 Plantation of Site observation Periodically as DISC, DFO, vegetation in the cut per season CFUG slope 12 Timely construction Community based Immediately DISC of other slope planting/slope maintenance after protection measures programme construction Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 38 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
SN Issues/Monitoring Procedure/Method Schedule Responsible indicators agency 13 Quality of surface Use field kit / visual Weekly or DISC water observation during construction near water body 14 Air pollution near Observation of good Monthly DISC settlements construction practices and discussion with residents and workers 15 Protection of Site observation, discussion Upon demand DISC culturally sensitive with local residents spots 16 Operation and Site inspection, discussion with During quarry DISC closure of quarries local residents operation or and burrow pits weekly C. Operation Period 17 Encroachment/ Field visit to forest, discussion Half yearly DDC, DTO, degradation of forest with local people, CFUG, local DFO forest authority 18 Inappropriate use of Discuss with local people, Upon demand, DDC, DTO, marginal lands reference to prior mapping Half yearly DRCC 19 Surface flow Visit the area, mapping, Upon demand, DDC, DTO, Interruption and its discussion with local people. Half yearly DRCC consequences 20 Air pollution, Travel along the road, Upon demand, DDC, DTO, vehicular emission, discussion with local people, Half yearly DRCC noise, traffic volume pedestrians, passengers, transport operators 21 Maintenance of road Check maintenance record, Annually DDC, DTO, inspection of road and road DRCC structures 22 Condition of Inspection and discussion with Annually DDC, DTO, environmental maintenance workers DRCC mitigation measures used in the road
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 39 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
8.0 Conclusion and Recommendations
8.1 Conclusion 175. The IEE study of the proposed Martadi-Majhigaon road sub-project does not pass through any environmentally sensitive area and have minimal detrimental effects associated with loss of forest and agricultural land. Most of the adverse impacts predicted are of low significance and short term as well as of reversible nature. The beneficial impacts with the facility of access to market centers and location of social services will enhance productivity in rural area and improve the quality of life of the people. In addition, local people will get direct employment as workers which will contribute significantly in improving their livelihood. These benefits from the implementation of the proposed road project are more significant and long term in nature against the adverse impacts most of which could be mitigated or avoided.
176. The IEE has shown that none of the anticipated environmental impacts of constructing the proposed road is significant enough to need a detailed follow-up EIA or special environmental study. Therefore, this IEE is sufficient for approval of the sub-project.
8.2 Recommendation 177. The proposed road project is recommended for implementation with incorporation of mitigation measures and environmental monitoring plan.
178. A key consideration in selecting the road alignment is to minimize the acquisition of valuable agricultural and forest land. However, some agricultural and forest land will have to be acquired for construction of the proposed road. A Resettlement Plan has been prepared to ensure that the persons affected by these losses are properly compensated.
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 40 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
9.0 Miscellaneous
References
ADB 2005 Project Administration Memorandum for Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project in Nepal (Loan No. 2092-NEP [SF]), January 2005. Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Division (SAAE), ADB. ADB 2003 Environmental Assessment Guidelines. Asian Development Bank, Manila, The Philippines. DDC 2002 District Profile of Bajura. District Development Committee, Bajura. DFO 2006. Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Analysis Report of Community Forest, 2063/064. District Forest Office, Bajura. DoLIDAR 1999 APPROACH for the Development of Agricultural and Rural Roads. Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads, 1999 DRILP 2006 Project Procedural Manual (Final Draft), Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project, GoN, DoLIDAR. DRILP 2006 Environmental Guidelines (Draft), Decentralized rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project, GoN, DoLIDAR. GoN 2006 Environmental and Social Management Framework. Road maintenance and Development Project, Department of Roads, Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, November 2006. GTZ, SDC, 1999 Green Roads in Nepal, Best Practices Report – An Innovative Approach for Rural Infrastructure Development in the Himalayas and Other Mountainous Regions. HMG/N 1998 Environmental Guide for Small Rural Infrastructure Projects. Government of Nepal, Ministry of Local Development in collaboration with IUCN, July 1998 HMG/N 1996 Environmental Protection Act, 1996. Ministry of Law and Justice, GoN, Kathmandu HMG/N 1997 Environmental Protection Rules, 1997. Ministry of Law and Justice, GoN, Kathmandu HMG/N 2003 REFERENCE MANUAL for Environmental and Social Aspects of Integrated Road Development. Ministry of Physical Planning and Works Department of Road, Kathmandu 2003 HMG/N 1993 Forest Act, 1993 HMG/N 1995 Forest Rules, 1995 HMG/N 1973 National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 HMG/N 1999 Local Self Governance Act, 1999 Land Acquisition Act 1977 HMG/N 2000 Local Self Governance Rules, 2000 RAP 2001 Initial Environmental Examination Guidelines (Draft). Department for International Development (UK) Rural Access Programme Nepal, March 2001 Uprety B K 2003 Safeguarding the Resources ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Process and Practice. December 2003
Martadi-Majhigaon Road Sub-project, Bajura 41 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
ANNEX
Annex I Terms of Reference2
2 IEE report of Martadi-Majhigaon road sub-project was prepared based on the approved ToR for the IEE of Martadi-Pata Road Section.
Annex 1
Terms of Reference (ToR) for Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of Martadi-Pata Road Section of Martadi-Thamlek Road Sub-Project
Submitted to: Ministry of Local Development, Government of Nepal
Proponent: District Development Committee Bajura Telephone No. – 097-541069 Fax No. – 097-541024
June 2007
Table of Content 1.0 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PROPONENT ...... 1 2.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 2.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION ...... 1 2.2 BACKGROUND OF THE PROPOSAL ...... 1 2.3 OBJECTIVES ...... 4 2.4 RELEVANCY OF THE PROPOSAL ...... 4 3.0 REVIEW OF RELEVANT LAWS, RULES AND GUIDELINES ...... 4 4.0 PROCEDURE TO BE ADOPTED WHILE PREPARING THE REPORT ...... 5 4.1 DESK REVIEW ...... 5 4.2 PUBLIC CONSULTATION ...... 5 4.3 FIELD WORK ...... 5 5.0 ALTERNATIVES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSAL ...... 5 6.0 REQUIREMENT OF THE IEE STUDY ...... 6 6.1 TIME SCHEDULE ...... 6 6.2 ESTIMATED BUDGET AND STUDY TEAM ...... 6 7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE ...... 6 8.0 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION ...... 7 9.0 IDENTIFICATION, PREDICTION AND EVALUATION OF IMPACT ...... 7 9.1 BENEFICIAL IMPACTS ...... 7 9.2 ADVERSE IMPACTS ...... 7 10.0 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 8 11.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ...... 8 12.0 IEE REPORT FORMAT ...... 9
ABBREVIATIONS
ADB- Asian Development Bank CISC- Central Implementation Support Consultant DDC- District Development Committee DFID- Department for International Development DISC - District Implementation Support Consultant DIT- District Implementation Team DoLIDAR- Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads DoR- Department of Road DTO- District Project Office DTO- District Technical Office/Officer DTMP- District Transportation Master Plan DRILP- Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project DRCC- District Road Coordination Committee DTMP-District Transport Master Plan EA- Environmental Assessment EIA-Environmental Impact Assessment EPA- Environmental Protection Act EPR- Environmental Protection Rules ESD- Environment Screening Document EMP-Environmental Management Plan EMS- Environmental Management Section FY- Fiscal Year IEE- Initial Environmental Examination Km- Kilometer LDO- Local Development Officer LRMP- Land Resource Management Project MLD- Ministry of Local Development NGO-Non-government Organization PCU- Project Coordination Unit RAP - Rural Access Programme RES- Rapid Environmental Screening SDC- Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation TA- Technical Assistance ToR- Terms of Reference VDC-Village Development Committee
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road
1.0 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PROPONENT The District Development Committee (DDC), Bajura is the executing agency at the district level and the proponent of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study for the rehabilitation and construction of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek road sub-project. The Ministry of Local Development (MLD) is the concerned authority for the approval of IEE study report.
Address of the Proponent District Development Committee, Bajura Telephone No. – 097-541069 Fax No. - 097-541024
2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 General Introduction Government of Nepal has received a loan from ADB and grant assistance from Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to finance the Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project (DRILP). The project goal is to reduce rural poverty in 18 very poor remote hill and mountain districts affected by the conflict. The purpose is to achieve sustainable increased access to economic and social services, and enhanced social and financial capital for people in the project area, particularly poor and disadvantaged groups. Labor-based, environmentally friendly, and participatory approaches (LEP) will ensure that the investment in construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure results in sustainable, improved access to economic and social services, and enhanced social and financial capital.
Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads (DoLIDAR) is the executing agency. The implementing arrangements are as following: DoLIDAR has established a project coordination unit (PCU) in Kathmandu, headed by a project coordinator to coordinate all project activities. The PCU will be responsible for guiding and monitoring district development committees (DDCs) as they implement project components. At the district level, project implementation will be the responsibility of the district project office (DTO) within the district technical office of each DDC. A local engineering consultant to cover technical issues, and a local non-government organization (NGO) engaged for social mobilization and support for rural infrastructure building groups, will support the DTO.
This Terms of Reference (ToR) is prepared to conduct an IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek road sub-project in Bajura District. This is a high priority road in Bajura district and is proposed for construction under DRILP.
2.2 Background of the proposal The proposed Martadi-Pata road section of Martadi-Thamlek road lies in Bajura district of Far-Western Development region of Nepal. The proposed road section of the sub-project in Bajura district is a district road connecting Martadi and Jugeda VDCs to the Sanfe-Martadi feeder road at the distance of 63 km from Sanfe. This section of the sub-project starts from Gad Khet of the Martadi VDC and ends at Pata of Jugeda VDC. It is the first priority district road in Bajura as proposed in the District Transport Master Plan (DTMP). The total length of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek road sub project is 12.81 km.
The district is sparsely populated with a total population of 108,781 (CBS, 2001). There are people of different caste and ethnicity in Bajura district of which 19% are Dalit, 52% are Chhetri and others are 29% of the total population.
Bajura is still not linked with national road network. It has an airport, situated at Kolti VDC, which is a day walk from district headquarter Martadi. The nearest road head to district headquarter is Sanfe Bagar in Achham district, which is one and half day walk from Martadi.
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road 1
Sanfe–Martadi road is under construction by the Department of Road and is expected to be completed within 4 years. The description of the project works is given in the Table 1 and the location and alignment of the road is given in the Figure 1 and 2.
Figure 1. Map of Nepal showing the location of Martadi-Pata road section of Martadi- Thamlek road in Bajura district
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road 2
Figure 2. Map of Bajura district showing Martadi-Pata road section of Martadi- Thamlek road sub-project
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road 3
Table. 1 Project activities of the proposed Martadi-Pata road section of Martadi- Thamlek road sub-project SN Road section Chainage Length (km) Descriptions Remarks 1 Gadkhet- 0+000 to 0.90 New 15m span bridge Ukhadi 0+900 construction 2 Ukhadi- 0+900 to 0.85 New 80m landslide area Melkandh 1+750 construction 3 Melkandh- 1+750 to 3.25 New 20m and 70m span Budhiganga 5+000 construction bridges 4 Budhiganga- 5+000 to 3.50 New Dense community Pinalekh 8+500 construction forest area 5 Pinalekh-Pata 8+500 to 4.31 New Dense community 12+810 construction forest area Total 12.81
2.3 OBJECTIVES The objectives of the proposed IEE study includes to: • identify the major issues that may arise as a result of proposed works on bio-physical, socio-economic and cultural environment of the project area, • recommend practical and site specific environmental mitigation and enhancement measures, prepare and implement environmental monitoring plan for the sub-project, and • recommend whether the IEE is sufficient for the proposed road or whether EIA will be required as a result of the environmental issues that may arise due to the project implementation. 2.4 RELEVANCY OF THE PROPOSAL Construction of this road will provide easy access to the markets like Martadi and Kolti which will facilitate the sale of agricultural crops. It will also reduce the time taken to reach markets and other places within the district as well as outside of the district. In addition, this road will also provide physical and economical access to the people of north-western part of the district with district head quarter.
An IEE of the proposed road is necessary in order to assess the environmental consequences of the proposed rural road construction activities and suggest appropriate, practical and site specific mitigation and enhancement measures. An IEE of a district road is a legal requirement according to Environmental Protection Act, 1996 (EPR, 1996) and Environmental Protection Rules, 1997 (EPR, 1997). Preparation of IEE report by concerned District Development Committee (DDC) and approval of IEE report by the Ministry of Local Development (MLD) according to Nepali legal provision is considered sufficient by the ADB.
3.0 Review of relevant laws, rules and guidelines Government of Nepal has adopted various acts, regulations and guidelines to ensure the integration of development and conservation of environment. The IEE study will be guided by the requirements and provisions of the following acts, rules and guidelines as applicable. • Environment Protection Act, 1996 and Environment Protection Rules, 1997 (amended 1999) • Batabaraniya Nirdesika (Nepal; MoLD), 2057 • National Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, 1993 • APPROACH for the Development of Agricultural and Rural Roads, 1999 (DoLIDAR) • REFERENCE MANUAL for Environmental and Social Aspects of Integrated Road Development, 2003 (Department of Road)
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road 4
• Green Roads in Nepal, Best Practices Report – An Innovative Approach for Rural Infrastructure Development in the Himalayas and Other Mountainous Regions. GTZ, SDC, 1999. • Forest Act, 1993 and Forest Rules, 1995 • National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 • Local Self Governance Act, 1999 and Local Self Governance Rules, 2000 • Land Acquisition Act 1977 • DFID/RAP Initial Environmental Examination Guideline (Draft), 2001
4.0 Procedure to be adopted while preparing the report The IEE approach, methodology and procedure should generally follow the provisions of the EPA and EPR. Following approach and methodology will be adopted during the IEE report preparation.
4.1 Desk review The following steps will be followed during the desk review: Collection and review of secondary sources of information from various sources Initial interaction and consultation with the local community and district level stakeholders Delineation of geographical boundary of the influence area on the topographical map Preparation of project specific checklist
4.2 Public consultation The role of public consultation and participation is to ensure the quality, comprehensiveness, effectiveness of IEE as well as to ensure that the public view's are adequately taken into consideration in the decision making process. It is done during the preparation of an IEE. In order to ensure the public involvement, the following procedures will be followed during IEE report preparation: Publication of notice- a 15 days public notice will be published in a national level daily newspaper seeking written opinion from concerned VDCs, DDC, school, health posts and related local organizations. A copy of the public notice will be affixed in the above mentioned organizations and deed of enquiry (muchulka) will be collected. Recommendation letter from concerned VDCs and/or municipality will also be obtained. IEE team will also carryout interaction with local communities and related stakeholders and will also collect the public concerns and suggestions.
4.3 Field work The IEE team will walk through along the road alignment visiting the significant environmental features in the probable influence corridor, and make necessary measurements, inspect/ observe and discuss it with the local stakeholders. The information collection will be made covering physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural aspects of the environment.
5.0 Alternatives for the implementation of the proposal Alternative analysis has been considered as an integral part of IEE study, which involves an alternative ways of achieving the objectives of a proposed sub-project. The aim of alternative analysis is to arrive at a development option, which maximizes the benefits while minimizing the unwanted impacts.
The study team will conduct alternative analysis considering the following issues: No action option Project alternatives Alternative alignment Alternative design and construction approach
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road 5
Alternative schedule and process Alternative resources, and Any other alternatives
6.0 Requirement of the IEE Study This includes time schedule, estimated budget and appropriate manpower (experts) for conducting IEE study.
6.1 Time Schedule IEE report will be completed within eight weeks after the approval of ToR. An indicative time frame for conducting IEE is given in the table 2 below:
Table 2. Proposed work schedule for conducting IEE study S Activities Week N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 Orientation training to the team 2 Desk study and review 3 Public notice publication 4 Field visit for survey and consultation with community
5 Collection of suggestions and recommendations from stakeholders
6 Analysis and interpretation 7 Draft report preparation 8 Comments on draft report 9 Final Report preparation and submission 10 Approval of the final report.
6.2 Estimated budget and study team Most commonly an IEE of an infrastructure sub-project in the district need expert inputs from the following sectors: Landslides, slope stability and erosion Forestry and wildlife Geology Road engineering Social, economic and culture.
The IEE team will consists of DISC Engineer and Social Mobilization Coordinator and they will be trained to provide the above needed expertise for IEE preparation. IEE report preparation work will be supported by CISC environmental team under the supervision of DTO. Since, the IEE report will be prepared by the DISC team with the support of the CISC environmental team, no separate budget and manpower is required.
7.0 Environmental baseline This will describe environmental setting of the project location and surrounding areas and will contain information on relevant bio-physical, socio-economic and cultural factors and features. The updated, processed and analyzed information and data on each of the relevant bio-physical, socio-economic and cultural aspects will be presented in the IEE study. As far as possible, other environmental features such as, sensitive area, population and settlements, forests, geological features will be shown in the map.
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road 6
8.0 Analysis and interpretation Both secondary and primary information and data collected will be analyzed and interpreted. The bio-physical information will be tabulated to the extent possible. The socio-economic, cultural and religious information will be cross checked and analyzed.
9.0 Identification, prediction and evaluation of impact The identification and prediction of impacts shall be carried out by considering the proposed project actions/activities in terms of rehabilitation and construction of the road project. The impacts of the activities shall be on bio-physical, socio-economic and cultural resources in a defined immediate zone of influence (i.e.1.5 hours walking distance from the road alignment). The impacts shall be classified in terms of extent (site specific, local and regional), magnitude (low, medium and high) and duration (short term, medium term and long term) as well as reversible, irreversible, severe, moderate and significant. The likely impact shall be assessed covering both adverse and beneficial ones. The methodology adopted for impact identification and prediction will be checklists and matrix method. The likely impacts of the proposed road construction as well as operation are described in the following sections.
9.1 Beneficial Impacts Beneficial impacts due to the rehabilitation and construction of the road shall be assessed by the study team in terms of impacts on physical, biological, socioeconomic and cultural systems of the project area. The impacts shall also be assessed in the category of extent, duration and magnitude. Based on the identification and prediction of the impacts, the suitable enhance measures to maximize the project benefits shall be explored and designed.
9.2 Adverse Impacts The likely adverse impacts during construction and subsequent operation and maintenance in terms of physical, biological, socioeconomic, cultural and religious aspects due to project actions shall be identified, predicted and evaluated. Based on the identified impacts, appropriate mitigation measures shall be recommended.
9.2.1 Construction Stage - Though the sub-projects will apply LEP approach during the implementation, it may not be possible to avoid all likely impacts; the study shall take into account the following issues:
9.2.1.1 Physical environment - The issues and concerns generally related to physical environment typically include, but not necessarily limited to: Slope instability and soil erosion due to various activities including slope cutting, spoil disposal, concentrated flows due to water diversions and inappropriate drain outfalls Quarry site operation Impacts on water resources (irrigation, drinking water and other water bodies) and drainage pattern Degradation of air quality ( particularly dust) and increase in vibration/noise and its impact to the local people
Change in land use including development or expansion of roadside settlements Impact of road safety
9.2.1.2 Biological environment - The issues and concerns generally related to biological environment typically include, but not necessarily limited to: Loss or degradation of forests and vegetation. This includes all forest areas including state or community or leasehold or religious or private forest. Impact on wildlife including birds due to loss or degradation of habitat, increased hunting and other form of human pressure.
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road 7
Impacts on flora and fauna (as listed in CITES and IUCN Red data book) Impacts on the local ecology and ecological balance/functions.
9.2.1.3 Socio-economic and cultural environment - The issues and concerns generally related to socio-economic and cultural environment typically include, but not necessarily limited to; Loss or degradation of farm land and productivity directly or indirectly (such as due to occupation of land, disposal of spoils, diversion of water/ drain waters, or disruption of hydrology, natural drainage, quarrying, burrow pits etc.) Loss or degradation of private properties such as houses, farm sheds, and other structures, crops and fodder/ fruit trees Impact on community infrastructure such as irrigation, water supply, schools, health post, trail and trail bridges. Impacts on cultural, religious and archeological sites Impacts on social structures, employment opportunities, economy, cultural values Impacts on health and sanitation.
9.2.2 Operation and maintenance stage - The following issues will be taken into account during operation and maintenance stage:
9.2.2.1 Physical environment Road slope stability and management Impact on water resources Impact due to air pollution Impact due to noise pollution Road safety measures 9.2.2.2 Biological environment Impact on forest resources Illegal poaching and impact on wild life Impact of natural habitat Increased access to and demands on forests due to road construction 9.2.2.3 Socio-economic and cultural environment Population pressure and impact due to new settlement along the road alignment Impact on economic activities Impact on living condition Impact on farming practices Changes in employment and income pattern of the local people Impact on cultural and religious activities Impact due to migration of the people
10.0 Mitigation Measures The IEE study will propose site-specific mitigation measures to minimize/mitigate avoid or control of proposal's adverse impacts. The mitigation measures will be selected based upon appropriateness and cost analysis and these will be suggested for pre-construction, construction and post construction phase of the project. Mitigation measures will be proposed for the impacts on physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment.
11.0 Environmental Monitoring Plan The study will identify the key environmental monitoring indicators with respect to activities, methods and responsibilities in order to monitor the environmental condition and adoption of suitable mitigation measures.
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road 8
12.0 IEE report format This format will be in line with provision made in the Schedule 5 of EPR, 1997 and should be adapted to project specific situation. The IEE report will contain the following sections: i. Cover page with name of the proposal and proponent and address ii. Executive Summary that includes: Objective of the sub-project Impacts on land use Adverse Impacts on environment, effects on people’s livelihood, and population pressure Loss or degradation of local properties and assets Main mitigation measures Conclusions and recommendations iii. Table of content iv. List of Abbreviation (acronyms) v. Introduction: This section should describe the project in simple terms and concisely, without missing relevant points but avoiding unnecessary details. The project description should provide following information: 1. Background 2. Name of the proponent 3. Description of proposal 4. Objective of IEE 5. Methodology adopted for IEE study vi. Review of related policy, legislations, standards, guidelines and institutions: During the study relevant policies, legislations and guidelines should be reviewed and their salient features should be mentioned in this section. Similarly related institutions should be consulted. vii. Existing Environmental condition. Baseline information on the existing physical, biological as well as socio-economic and cultural resources of the proposed sub-projects is described here. Environmental features such as sensitive areas, population and settlements, forests should be shown in a map viii. Project Alternatives: This section summarizes the alternatives by environmental comparison. This may include the following sub-headings. a. Project alternative b. Alternative routes c. Alternative design and construction approach d. Alternative schedule and process e. Alternate resources f. Any other alternatives viii. Identification and Assessment of Impacts and Mitigation Measures- This section contains the process, findings and conclusions of analysis and interpretations. The criteria for significance assessment should be summarized with the results of assessment. This may be presented and discussed in the following: a) Physical and Chemical Impacts: such as land, air, water, noise, infrastructure impacts and other factors b) Biological Impacts: such as flora, and fauna, population, and natural habitats and ecosystems
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road 9
c) Socio-economic-cultural impacts: such as agricultural land, human health, social, cultural and religious values, implications of physical and biological impacts and other relevant socio- cultural-economic impacts.
This section also summarizes the recommended mitigation measures including basis for selection and cost if possible. ix. Environmental Monitoring Plan- This section summarizes the recommended monitoring parameters/indicators, activities, methods and responsibilities. x. Conclusion and Recommendations - This section should clearly indicate whether IEE report is sufficient or further assessment is needed. Likewise, it should also be recommended that what aspects should be covered if further environmental assessment is needed. xi. Miscellaneous- Reference materials should be mentioned here if used during IEE report preparation in standard format. xii. Annex ToR of IEE Summary of consultations and meetings Deed of inquiry (muchulka) Notices published and pasted Recommendations from the concerned VDCs or Municipality Photographs, Maps, Drawings, Checklists, Questionnaires List of persons and institutions consulted
ToR for IEE of Martadi-Pata section of Martadi-Thamlek Road 10
Annex II Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist
Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist
Instructions: This checklist is to be completed with the assistance of an Environment Specialist. This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. 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.
Project Title: Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project (DRILP)
Subproject: Martadi-Pata Road Section of Martadi-Thamlek Road Sub-Project
SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS A. Project siting Is the project area adjacent to or within any of the following environmentally sensitive areas?
Cultural heritage site 9
Protected area 9
Wetland 9 Mangrove 9
Estuarine 9
Buffer zone of protected area 9
Special area for protecting biodiversity 9
B. Potential environmental impacts Will the project cause… encroachment on historical/cultural areas; 9 There are no historic or cultural disfiguration of landscape by road areas along the road alignment. embankments, cuts, fills, and quarries? Disfiguration of landscape will occur due to cut and fill, however, cut and fill volume will be balanced. encroachment on precious ecology (e.g. 9 sensitive or protected areas)?
SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS alteration of surface water hydrology of waterways crossed by roads, resulting 9 in increased sediment in streams affected by increased soil erosion at construction site? deterioration of surface water quality due There will be no significant to silt runoff and sanitary wastes from 9 impact. worker-based camps and chemicals used in construction? increased local air pollution due to rock There will be no significant air crushing, cutting and filling works, and 9 pollution as this is an earthen road. chemicals from asphalt processing? noise and vibration due to blasting and 9 Blasting is not allowed. other civil works? dislocation or involuntary resettlement of 9 Resettlement Plan has been prepared people to address involuntary resettlement of people. other social concerns relating to Not envisaged. inconveniences in living conditions in 9 the project areas that may trigger cases of upper respiratory problems and stress? hazardous driving conditions where 9 Since, it is new construction, there construction interferes with pre-existing are no pre-existing roads. roads? poor sanitation and solid waste disposal The road will be constructed by in construction camps and work sites, 9 the local people who will come and possible transmission of from their home for the work. So, communicable diseases from workers there will be no campsites for the to local populations? workers. creation of temporary breeding habitats Road construction is in for mosquito vectors of disease? 9 mountainous region. So, there will be no breeding habitats for mosquitoes. dislocation and compulsory resettlement 9 There will be no dislocation and of people living in right-of-way? compulsory resettlement of the people living in right-of-way. accident risks associated with increased 9 Traffic volume is negligible. vehicular traffic, leading to accidental spills of toxic materials and loss of life? increased noise and air pollution resulting 9 Traffic volume will be minimal from traffic volume? and traffic speed will be very slow (<20km/hour) due to earthen raod. increased risk of water pollution from oil, 9 grease and fuel spills, and other materials from vehicles using the road?
Overall remarks: The proposed road sub-project is new alignment and will be constructed applying labor based, environmental friendly and participatory (LEP) approach. The proposed road sub-project is located in the mountain region of Nepal and far away from any of the environmentally sensitive and protected areas. This project falls on category B project according to ADB environmental guidelines and IEE is mandatory. Based on the above checklist, it is recommended that IEE is sufficient to implement this road sub-project. However, environmental management plan (EMP) should be prepared and implemented during road construction.
Annex III
ABSTRACT OF COST
ABSTRACT OF COST
Amount S. No. Description of Works Unit Quantity Remarks NRs.
1 Site Clearance m2 42014.76 319,312.18 2 Cutting of trees Nos. 556.00 128,801.00 Excavation in roadway and drain and foundation of 3 dry wall and gabion wall sturctures m3 121564.75 17,034,487.92 4 Excavation for structure m3 16103.40 2,166,144.85 Transporting material from roadway and drain 5 m3 47197.42 4,483,755.00 excavation 6 Construction of roadway in embankments m3 10789.34 512,493.60 7 Stone masonry work m3 1850.48 1,757,959.80 8.1 Assembling of wire crates/ Gabion /Revetment a. Box size - 2x1x1 box 4180.00 71,478.00 b. Box size - 2x1x.5 box 1817.00 24,166.10 c. Box size - 1.5x1x1 box 2339.00 31,108.70 8.2 Packing and filling of gabion crates m3 13695.78 10,278,685.14 9 Bedding for stone pitching with granular material m3 600.06 476,448.83 10 Stone pitching work m3 1800.18 1,710,175.28 11 Stone pitching work for drain m3 365.90 347,604.81 12 Laying of Geo-grid m2 23530.00 268,242.00 13 Laying of Geo-Textile fabric. m2 7024.77 80,082.38 14 Providing and laying of filter material for geogrid m3 565.76 449213.44 retaining wall 15 Clay cover for not percolating water for geogrid wall m3 409.60 24576.00 16 Thick plastic sheet m2 2,048.00 4096.00 17 Compaction of soil for geogrid retaining wall m3 12,541.10 595702.25 3 18 Retaining structure for management of soil m 958.70 910,769.57 TOTAL 41,675,302.83 Provision for bio engineering(3% of TOTAL) 1,250,259.08 A. TOTAL 42,925,561.92 Provision for tools and equipment (3% of A) 1,287,766.86 B. TOTAL 44,213,328.77 Provision for VWRCC operational expenses (3% of B) 1,326,399.86 C. TOTAL 45,539,728.64 Provision for contingencies (2% of C) 910,794.57 D. GRAND-TOTAL 46,450,523.21 Gabion procurement 26704581.28 Geogrid procurement 6,579,398.82 Fabrication of gabion 4201535.918 Total project cost 83,936,039.23
Annex IV DRILP Environmental Checklist
A. GENERAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE INFLUENCE AREA3
1. Overview of settlements in the zone of influence (ZoI) area
Settle Name of Settlement and address Household Caste/ethnic General ment and distribution Comment Code* Population A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
* Use the same codes as in strip map and topographical map.
3 Will be collected through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) within ZoI
2. Economic activities/main occupation Settlement Number of HH and Percentage of Population engaged in Code Agriculture Labour & Business/ Cottage GO/NGO Others & Livestock Porter Commerce Industry Employees (specify) A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
3. Existing services and infrastructures S N Service/Infrastructure Settlement Code Category A B C D E F G H I J 1 EDUCATION 1.1 Campus (no.) Students (no.) 1.2 High School (no.) Students (no.) 1.3 Primary School (no.) Students (no.) 2 HEALTH 2.1 Hospital/health centre (no) Capacity (beds) 2.2 Health Post (no.) Sub-Health Post (no.) 3 COMMUNICATION 3.1 Telephone/fax 3.2 Mobile/CDMA 3.3 Post Office 4 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY 4.1 from Micro-hydro 4.2 from Mini-hydro 4.3 from National Grid 4.4 from Solar System 4.5 from Diesel Generator 5 BUSINESS & COMMERCE 5.1 Hotels & Lodges (no.) 5.2 Restaurant & Tea Stall(no)
S N Service/Infrastructure Settlement Code Category A B C D E F G H I J 5.3 Grocery Shops (no.) 5.4 Other Shops (no.) (e.g. stationery, medicine, tailoring, etc.) 6 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES 6.1 Gravity-Flow Scheme (capacity) 6.2 Tube-wells (no.) 6.3 Spring/Dug-wells (no.) 7 IRRIGATION SCHEMES 7.1 Surface Irrigation (ha.) 7.2 Groundwater (ha.) 8 OTHER INFRASTRUCTURES 8.1 Micro-hydro scheme (no. & capacity...... kw) 8.2 Water Mill (no.) 8.3 Suspension Bridges (no.) 8.4 Wooden Bridges (no.) 8.5 Other Bridges (specify) …...... 9 INDUSTRY 9.1 Weaving Industry (no.) 9.2 Rice & flour Mills (no.) 9.3 Other Industries (specify) …...... 10 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS 10.1 Bank (no.) 10.2 Cooperative 11 COMMUNITY USE 11.1 Ghat (no.) 11.2 Hatia/Bazaar (no.) 11.3 Playground (no.) 11.4 Community Centre (no.) 11.5 Others (specify) ......
4. Land holding pattern Land holding Settlement (HH No.) Remarks Pattern A B C D E F G H I J Landless less than 1 ropani) 1 to 5 ropani 5 to 10 ropani 10 to 20 ropani 20-50 ropani > 50 ropani
5. Food grain availability (HH no.) Availability Settlements (HH No.) Total Status A B C D E F G H I J Surplus Sufficient for whole year Sufficient for three to nine months Sufficient for three months Less than three months
6. Major existing agriculture production (denote the most dominant by 1, second dominant by 2 and so on). S. Type of Settlements No. Agriculture Production A B C D E F G H I J 1.0 CEREALS 1.1 Rice 1.2 Wheat 1.3 Maize 1.4 Millet 1.5 Junelo 1.6 Phaper 1.7 Others (list) 2.0 CASH CROPS 2.1 Oil Seeds 2.2 Beans/Dal 2.3 Tobacco 2.4 Potato 2.5 Vegetables 2.6 Fruits 2.7 Tea/Coffee 2.8 Amliso 2.9 Sericulture 2.10 Others (list) 3.0 LIVESTOCK & FISHERIES 3.1 Cattle (cows & buffaloes) 3.2 Horses, Mules 3.3 Yak 3.4 Goat 3.5 Sheep 3.6 Rabbit 3.7 Pig 3.8 Fisheries 3.9 Poultry 3.10 Bee-keeping 3.11 Others
7. Migration for employment (a) No. of HHs from where at least one person (may be HH head) is away from home for more than 6 months. Also mention the place. Settlement (No. of HH) A B C D E F G H I J
Name of settlement: (b) Seasonal migration in search of work. Month No. of Total HH Destination Purpose Baisakh Jestha Ashad Shrawan Bhadra Ashwin Kartik Marga Poush Magh Falgun Chaitra
8. Dominant off-farm occupation in the settlement in descending order
...... …………………………….
B. DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL ACCORDING TO SETTLEMENT
B.1. Areas which have significant potential for development, for instance, high agricultural production, tourism development, local mines, etc. (indicate these areas in map/sketch). S. N. Name of Area Description of Development Potential 1
2
3
4
5
B.2. Scope of the proposed linkage in view of promoting socio-economic development (communication, agricultural production, education and health). S. Sectors to get direct benefit Describe how it will benefit No. 1
2
3
4
5
C. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES WITHIN THE SETTLEMENT Type of Resource Name/specification Affecting Location from project activities Temples
Monuments
Others
Annex V Public Notice
A Sample of Public Notice
Government of Nepal Office of District Development Committee, Bajura
Public notice for comments and suggestion on the Initial Environmental Examination
(Date of first publication: 16 July 2007)
An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report is under preparation for the implementation of Martadi-Pata road sub-project in Martadi and Jugada VDCs of Bajura district by Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project. In accordance with the provision of the Rule 7 (2) of the Environment Protection Rules 1997, this public notice has been published to solicit comments and suggestions, in writing, about the impacts of the sub- project on the environment and local people within 15 days from the first date of its publication in Gorkhapatra, national daily newspaper in the following address. Comments and suggestions may be sent to Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads, Jawalakhel and Ministry of Local Development, Pulchowk, Lalitpur.
Address: Office of District Development Committee, Bajura District Technical Office, Bajura Martadi, Bajura Martadi, Bajura Telephone no. 097-541069 Telephone no. 097-541051 Fax No. 097-541024
Annex VI Deed of Enquiry (Muchulka)
A Sample of Deed of inquiry
This is to certify that District Project Office, Bajura has affixed the following notice in the notice board of District Forest Office, Bajura.
Government of Nepal Office of District Development Committee, Bajura
Public notice for comments and suggestion on the Initial Environmental Examination
(Date of first publication: 16 July 2007)
An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report is under preparation for the implementation of Martadi-Pata road sub-project in Martadi and Jugada VDCs of Bajura district by Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project. In accordance with the provision of the Rule 7 (2) of the Environment Protection Rules 1997, this public notice has been published to solicit comments and suggestions, in writing, about the impacts of the sub- project on the environment and local people within 15 days from the first date of its publication in Gorkhapatra, national daily newspaper in the following address. Comments and suggestions may be sent to Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads, Jawalakhel and Ministry of Local Development, Pulchowk, Lalitpur.
Address: Office of District Development Committee, Bajura District Technical Office, Bajura Martadi, Bajura Martadi, Bajura Telephone no. 097-541069 Telephone no. 097-541051 Fax No. 097-541024
Name of person certifying the affix of notice: Mr. Moti Ukheda Designation: Forest Guard Office: District Forest Office, Bajura Office Seal (stamp):
Annex-VII
Name of the Organizations
Name of the Organizations (notice pasted and deed of inquiry obtained)
SN. Name of organization Address Remarks 1 District Technical Office Martadi 2 District Administration Office Martadi 3 District Forest Office Martadi 4 District Health Office Martadi 5 Martadi VDC Office Martadi 6 Federation of Community Forest Users Group Nepal Martadi (FECOFUN) District Office 7 NGO Federation, District Office Martadi 8 Jugada VDC Ofice Jugada 9 Shree Jalpadevi Secondary School Jugada 10 Bhaunera Health Post Bhaunera Source: Field Survey, 2007
Annex VIII List of persons consulted
List of persons consulted
S.N. Name Designation Address 1 Mr. Bharat Bahadur Singh Act. LDO DDC, Bajura 2 Mr. Shiva Lal Jaishi Teacher Martadi-3, Ukhadi 3 Mr. Hans Bahadur Thapa Sub Engineer DPO, Bajura 4 Mr. Dambar Mahat Treasurer MISS Bajura (NGO) 5 Mr. Dilip Yadav Sub Engineer DISC, Bajura 6 Ms. Mina Shahi Social Mobiliser DISC, Bajura 7 Ms. Dipa Nepali Social Mobiliser DISC, Bajura 8 Mr. Madan Raj Joshi Business Man Martadi-3, Ukhadi 9 Mr. Dev Bahadur Bista Ex Ward Martadi-3, Chaurata Chairperson 10 Mr. Kalak Bahadur Badwal Ex Ward Martadi-9, Gadkhet Chairperson 11 Mr. Jay Bahadur Baduwal Teacher Dahakot-4. Kailash Kot 12 Mr. Nar Bir Baduwal User Martadi-9, Gadkhet 13 Ms. Nira Bista Social worker Martadi-3, Chaurata 14 Mr. Junga Bista Teacher Masteswori Primary School, Martadi-3, Chaurata 15 Mr. Keshab Hamal VWRCC Member Jugada-1 16 Mr. Bir Bahadur Hamal Ex Chair Person Jugada-1 17 Mr. Man Bahadur Hamal Teacher Satya Lower Secondary School, Bhaunera 18 Mr. Tanka Rokaya President Malika Cooperative, Martadi 19 Ms. Janaki Sarki SM Peacewin NGO, Martadi, Bajura 20 Mr. Shiva Lal Jaisi Teacher Martadi-3, Ukhadi 21 Mr. Rame Damai VWRCC Vice Majhi Gaun-2 President 22 Ms. Surja Guyal VWRCC Member Majhi Gaun-2 23 Mr. Dil Bahadur B.K Social Mobiliser Local Development Trust 24 Mr. Dhir Bahadur Dati Teacher Jalpadevi Secondary School, Pinalekh-4 25 Mr. Krishna Bahadur B.K VCPC President Pinalekh-4 26 Mr. Ram Bahadur Karki VWRCC Treasurer Sallena-4 27 Mr. Dambar Mahat Miss Bajura Martadi, Bajura Treasurer 28 Mr. Kalak Bahadur Ukheda Teacher Jalpa Secondary School 29 Mr. Bal Bahadur Uthapat LGP member Pinalekh-4 30 Mr. Krishna Bahadur Karki LPG Manager Masteswori Sanstha, Pinalekh-4 31 Mr. Nar Bahadur Hamal User Sallena-4 32 Mr. Janga Bahadur Karki User Sallena-4 33 Mr. Ammar Bahadur Rawat Teacher Jaisi Danda Primary School, Sallena-4 34 Ms. Dhansara Karki Social Worker Sallena-4 35 Ms. Dhana Joshi Social Worker Sateda-6 36 Mr. Dhan Bahadur Rokaya Teacher Devsthali Primary School 37 Mr. Chanda Bahadur Rokaya Social Worker Sateda-6 Source: Field Survey, 2007
Annex IX Recommendation Letters from VDCs
A Sample of Recommendation letter from VDC
Government Of Nepal Ministry Of Local Development Office of Village Development Committee Martadi Martadi, Bajura
Reference No: 44
Subject : Recommendation letter for the implementation of IEE report
To, The Office of District Development Committee, Bajura
We have received the IEE report prepared for the Martadi-Majhigaon road sub project of Martadi-Thamlek road. We reviewed the environmental impacts and mitigation measures as mentioned in the report and satisfied with the IEE report and recommend for the implementation of road sub-project.
Signature Bel Jung Shahi Secretary
ANNEX X
X a. Distribution of households by major occupation Xb. Summary of public services & infrastructures Xc. Land holding pattern of settlements within ZoI Xd. Number of households belonging to different food security category
Xa. Distribution of households by major occupation
Settlement Number of HH in Name Agriculture Labour Business/ Cottage Employees Others & Livestock & Porter Commerce Industry (specify) Baduwal Wada 22 16 - 1 5 - Ukhadi 28 14 5 - 7 - Chaurata 54 16 - - 8 - Denjugada 40 5 4 1 1 - Majhi Gaun 60 2 7 - 12 - Nuwakot 60 3 8 1 10 - Pinalekh 53 4 12 - 8 - Sateda 31 25 13 - 8 - Sallena 30 23 6 - 4 - Total 378 108 55 3 63 - Source: Field survey, 2007
X b. Summary of public services and infrastructures according to settlement
Settlement )
Name/ Public ) no (
services and ) no ( ost
Infrastructure no p ( Communication (no) Hydro power (no. of hhs) School Solar (no) Shops/lodge (no) Water supply (no) Irrigation ( area ha) Water mill (no) Bridge (no) Community (no) organization Fin. Inst. Community use (no) Industry (no) Health Baduwal Wada ------1 10 1 1 1 - - - Ukhadi - - 3 - - 1 2 - 4 - 2 - - - Chaurata 1 - 2 - - - 4 - 3 1 1 - - - Denjugada - - - 15 - 10 5 10 4 - - - 2 - Majhi Gaun 1 - 3 45 - - - - 5 - - - 1 - Nuwakot 1 1 1 35 - - - 8 7 - - - 1 1 Pinalekh 1 - - 55 - - 4 12 4 - - - 2 - Sateda 1 ------5 3 - - - 1 - Sallena 1 ------6 - - - - 1 - Total 6 1 9 150 - 11 16 51 31 2 4 1 8 1 Source: Field survey, 2007
X c. Land holding pattern of settlements within ZoI
Settlement Number of HH Name Landless
X d. Number of Households Belonging to Different Food Security Category
Settlement Name Surplus Sufficient Sufficient Sufficient Less than for whole for 3-9 for three three months year months months Baduwal Wada - 4 6 10 2 Ukhadi - 5 10 8 12 Chaurata - 6 14 41 17 Denjugada 1 5 9 30 6 Majhi Gaun 3 50 18 2 8 Nuwakot 2 47 12 11 10 Pinalekh 6 31 29 14 2 Sateda 3 29 37 2 6 Sallena - 5 26 28 4 Total 15 182 161 146 67 Source: Field survey, 2007
ANNEX XI List of trees to be removed
List of trees to be removed
Total SN. Common name Scientific Name Volume(cum) Cost (NRs) No. 1 Angeri Lyonia ovalifolia 13 6.449 7978.1 2 Bajha Quercus leucotricophora 30 6.203 13738.9 3 Bamboo Dendrocalmus strictus 4 0.053 494 4 Kafal Myrica esculenta 8 3.57 3469.4 5 Kaulo Machilvs odoratissima 2 0.217 336.3 6 Khirro Sapium insigne 4 1.203 2120.4 7 Kharsu Quercus semicarpifolia 6 7.717 11605.2 8 Laligurans Rhododndrone arboretum 160 18.719 85139 9 Mehel Pyrus pashia 15 29.814 27833.1 10 Khote salla Pinus roxburghii 191 166.549 203938.4 11 Shimal Bombax ceiba 4 24.042 18042.4 12 Siris Albizia labbeck 8 1.274 3393.4 13 Uttish Alnus nepalensis 91 25.607 36455.3 14 Others 26 19.478 24548 Total 562 310.895 439,091.9 Source: Field survey, 2007
Annex XII Minimisation of slope cutting and preservation of vegetative cover
Minimisation of Slope Cutting and Preservation of Vegetative Cover Construction of road on a natural mountain slope involves slope cutting that can be compared to an injury on human body. The bigger the injury, the greater are the treatment costs and the time necessary for healing. Therefore the Green Road Concept tries to inflict minimum injury to the natural mountain slope that can be cured fast by self-healing process.
Vegetation cover acts as a "skin" to the slope body. Fast re-vegetation of exposed earth surface acts as an ointment to the injury. Utmost attention to the conservation of natural vegetation is paid in order to reduce future problems and this adopts preventive measures for causing minimum damage to the existing vegetative cover, such as: • Bush clearing is done only within the formation width, not to the edge of the right-of- way. • Uncontrolled disposal of excavated material downhill the road is prohibited, but instead, mass balancing and controlled tipping of excess excavated material is practised. Toe walls are constructed to withhold excess materials. • Felling of trees (approval of which is required form District Forest Office) even in the middle of the road is done only in the last phase just before vehicles begin to ply. • Suitable planting materials are extracted during the construction works and used for bioengineering purposes.
Mass Balancing Mass balancing is the most crucial – as well as the most fundamental -- principle in the Green Road Concept, yet, technically, it is the most difficult one to achieve properly. Mass balancing poses pragmatic problems in implementation if there is no sufficient technical supervision and improper labour management. In addition, non-availability of appropriate tools and materials, lack of funds and proper supervision, and improper technical know-how further influence mass balancing negatively.
Figure showing mass "cut and fill" balancing within a typical cross section
The conventional road construction practice of developing the road width by full cutting and throwing the excavated material downhill, referred to as mass wasting, causes great damage to the vegetation cover. The barren soil creates excessive soil erosion and gully formation. In conventional construction practice for a hill slope of 3:4, where the cut volume is approximately 9.6 cubic meter per meter of road length. This earth volume alone is more than enough to cause unaffordable environmental damage through inundation of large parts of mountain slope. In addition to the large cut volume, the cut height is also larger than the road width, which causes excessive risks of slope failure.
The Green Road Concept on the other hand, attempts to balance the volume of cut and fill and prevent mass wasting. This technique is referred to as mass balancing as illustrated in figure the above figure. For controlling the wastage of fill volume, dry stone or gabion retaining structures are built on the valley side. In this way construction of road can be made possible without wasting even a single particle of soil. However, the fill material needs time for monsoon assisted self-compaction. For making self-compaction more effective, vehicles are not allowed to ply on the road at least one year after completion.
In the cut-and-fill method, the cut slope height becomes half as smaller as compared to cut and throw approach, thereby making the cut slope much more stable and safe. In addition, the Green Road is developed in phases, which helps manage the excavated material easily without posing any environmental hazard.
Mass balancing is not just a two-dimensional issue, but extends to three dimensions. It is therefore not always possible within the cross section alone to achieve mass balancing. Sometimes the excess soil has also to be used somewhere along the longitudinal alignment. Transportation of soil mass sometimes can be a major item for obtaining optimum mass balancing, which is best done by using pneumatic wheelbarrows. Excess excavated material can be properly disposed off at specified tipping sites and gullies. Necessary passing bays and switchbacks can be developed by using such excess materials.
Re-use of Excavated Material as Construction Materials All excavated material is considered as potential construction material and is thus re-used. The idea is to produce minimum wastage and minimum damage to the environment.
Excavated stone blocks, for instance, are stockpiled at the time of collection and re-used for constructing stone structures such as dry stone walls in the later phase. If these stones are rolled down the hill at the time of excavation, existing natural resources are wasted. Later, at the time of need, significant amount of financial resources is required to procure the same, which was once wasted.
Annex XIII Photographs
Starting point at Badawalbada, Martadi VDC-9 FGD with local people for IEE data collection
Settlement along Martadi-Majhigaon road Katho Community Forest along road alignment
Seldeumandu temple, 8m away from road alignment Major bridge required at Budhiganga in Bhanuara at Ch 5+000