Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of Vopur-Rupatola Road Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road Sub-project

Road Alignment of Vopur-Rupatola Road Section along Seti river in Bajhang District

Submitted to: Ministry of Local Development Government of Nepal

Submitted by: District Development Committee Bajhang, Chainpur May/2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABBREVIATIONS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (NEPALI)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

1.0 Introduction 1-1 1.1 Background 1-1 1.2 Relevancy of the proposal 1-1 1.3 Name and address of the proponent 1-2 1.4 Description of the proposal 1-2 1.5 Construction approach 1-4 1.6 Objectives 1-5 1.5 Methodology adopted 1-5

2.0 Review of Relevant Acts, Regulations and Guidelines 2-1

3.0 Existing Environmental Conditions 3-1 3.1 Physical environment 3-1 3.2 Biological environment 3-4 3.3 Socioeconomic and cultural environment 3-5

4.0 Project Alternatives 4-1 4.1 No action option 4-1 4.2 Proposal alternatives 4-1 4.3 Alternative design and construction approach 4-2 4.4 Alternative schedule and process 4-2 4.5 Alternative resources 4-2

5.0 Identification and Assessment of Impacts 5-1 5.1 Beneficial impacts 5-1 5.2 Adverse impacts 5-3

6.0 Mitigation measures 6-1 6.1 Benefit augmentation measures 6-1 6.2 Adverse impacts mitigation measures 6-2

7.0 Environmental Management plan 7-1 7.1 Institution and their roles 7-1 7.2 Reporting and Documentation 7-2 7.3 Environment Management Plan 7-3 7.4 Mitigation Cost 7-6

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 2 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

7.5 Environmental Monitoring 7-6 7.5.1 Monitoring responsibility 7-6 7.5.2 Types of Monitoring and Monitoring Parameters 7-7

8.0 Conclusion and recommendation 8-1

9.0 Miscellaneous 9-1

Figures

1-1 Map of Nepal showing road location in the district 1-3 1-2 Map of Bajhang district showing Vopur-Rupatola road sub-project 1-4 1-3 Map showing alignment of Vopur-Rupatola road sub-project 1-5 7-1 Environmental Management Organization Structure 7-3

Tables

1-1 Project activities of the road 1-2 3-1 Topography, geology and soil type 3-2 3-2 Streams along the road 3-3 3-3 Land use pattern 3-3 3-4 Community forest along the road 3-4 3-5 Settlements and population 3-5 5.1 Summary of environmental impacts 5-6 7-1 Framework of implementation environmental management plan 7-4 7-2 Environmental monitoring cost 7-7 7-3 Framework for monitoring environmental issues 7-8

ANNEXES

Annexes Annex I Terms of Reference for IEE study Annex II Abstract of cost Annex III Public notice Annex IV Deed of enquiry (muchulka) Annex V Name of organizations Annex VI Recommendation letters from VDCs Annex VII 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 VIII List of persons contacted Annex IX List of tress Annex X Minimization of slope cutting and preservation of vegetation cover Annex XI Photographs

Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 2 of 2 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

ABBREVIATIONS

A EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ADB Asian Development Bank EMP Environmental Management Plan EMS Environmental Management Section B EPA Environmental Protection Act BG Building Group EPR Environmental Protection Rules ESD Environment Screening Document C Ch Chainage F CBO Community Based Organization FGD Focus Group Discussion CEA Country Environmental Analysis CF Community Forest G CFUG Community Forest Users Group GoN Government of Nepal CISC Central Implementation Support GIS Geographical Information System Consultants CITES Convention on International Trade in H Endangered Species of Flora and Ha Hectare Fauna Hh Household

D I DADO District Agriculture Development IEE Initial Environmental Examination Office DDC District Development Committee J DFO District Forest Office/Officer DG Director General K DISC District Implementation Support Km Kilometer Consultants DIT District Implementation Team L DoLIDAR Department of Local LDO Local Development Officer Infrastructure Development and LEP Labour based, environment friendly Agricultural Roads and participatory DPO District Project Office LRMP Land Resource Management Project DRCC District Road Coordination Committee M DTO District Technical Office M meter DRILP Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project MoPE Ministry of Population and DTMP District Transport Master Plan Environment MoEST Ministry of Environment, Science E and Technology EA Environmental Assessment Ml Milliliter EAS Environmental Assessment Specialist MLD Ministry of Local Development

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 2 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

N SM Social Mobilizer NGO Non-Governmental Organization SMC Social Mobilization Coordinator NRs Nepali Rupees NTFPs Non timber forest products T TA Technical Assistance O ToR Terms of Reference OP Operational Plan TWS Technical Walkover Survey

P PAM Project Administrative Memorandum U PCU Project Coordination Unit V Q VDC Village Development Committee VWRCC Village Works and Road R Construction Committee RES Rapid Environmental Screening RIDP Rural Infrastructure Development W Project RS Resettlement Survey X

S Y SA Social Appraisal SDC Swiss Agency for Development and Z Cooperation ZoI Zone of Influence

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 2 of 2 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

Executive Summary

The proposed 17.923 km long Vopur-Rupatola road section is the part of the Chainpur-Kanda Road (55km) in Bajhang district of Far-Western Development region. The road starts from Vopur bazar of Chainpur VDC (1.5 km east of Chainpur) and passes through Sunnikot VDC and ends at Rupatola in Dhamena VDC. The altitude of the road alignment ranges from 1350 meter at Vopur to 1700 meter at Rupatola. The road width is 5m while the total length of proposed road section for construction is 17.923 km up to Rupatola. The total project cost is NRs. 148,581,614.40 and per km cost is NRs. 8, 289,996.90 (equivalent to US $ 129,531)

Bajhang district is connected with the other part of the country by Jai Prithivi Bahadur Singh Marg, an earthen feeder road up to Tamail. However, the district headquarter, Chainpur is about to be linked from Tamail which is two hours walking distance. The main means of transportation for the large area of the district is trail routes. Consequently, transportation of goods and services from the market centers to the rural areas and vice-versa has been difficult, insufficient and costly. The proposed road project provides connectivity to district headquarters of Bajhang for the people of north eastern part of the district. Similarly, this road will also open the easy accessibility for the people to visit Mansarovar and Kailash Parbat in Tibet which are the religious sites for the Hindus. Moreover, this road will provide better opportunities to the tourist for adventurous trekking and expedition of Saipal Himal.

This road will save considerable travel time and improve income generation potentials, enhance commercial opportunities, improve market facilities due to easy access to Tibet, an autonomous region of China. This road project will also provide short term employment opportunity by engaging the rural poor people in the construction of road. Such people based development efforts will reinstall economic activities in the area by creating long term employment and other opportunities.

The District Development Committee (DDC), Bajhang is the executing agency at the district level under DRILP and the proponent of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study for Vopur- Rupatola road sub-project.

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: ƒ 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, ƒ recommend practical and site specific environmental mitigation and enhancement measures, prepare and implement environmental monitoring plan for the sub-project, and ƒ 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.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 4 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

The findings and conclusions of the report are based on the analysis of the information collected from the field during May 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.

The dominant forest and fodder species reported in the lower part of the road alignment are Grewia oppositifolia (Bhimal), Celtis australis (Khari), Khirro, Bauhinia variegate (Koiralo), Sapindus mukorissi, (Ritha), Toona ciliate (Tooni) and in the upper part Prunus cerasoides (Paiyu), Rhododendron arboreum (Lali Gurans), Myrica esculenta (Kaphal), Alnus nepalensis (Utis), Pinus roxburghii (khote salla), Quercus semecarpifolia (Bajh), etc. The main NTFP species found along the road alignments are: Allo, Rubia manjith (Majitho), Gaultheria fragrantissima (Dhasingare), Acorus calamus (bojo), Barberis aristata (Chutro), Ruspberry (Aiselu) etc.

There are four community forests namely, Masta, Sitalikhola, Tirmalikhan and Golibhid Comminity Forest and Deusini proposed CF (under the process of handing over) along the road alignment. The road does not fall under any protected area or buffer zone.

Panthera pardus (Leopard), 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 area. Similarly birds are Lophura lencomelana (kalij pheasant), Lophophorus (Danphe), Columba livia (Pigion), etc. The road does not fall under any protected or buffer zone area. The main species of fish found in Seti River (which falls in the watershed of proposed road) is Schizotharax sps. (Asla).

There are 30 settlements along the ZoI of the proposed road alignment in Chainpur, Sunikot, Dhamena, Bhatekhola, Melbisauna, Rilu and Kot Dewal VDCs. with total population of 11,498 persons (1,981 households) and average family size of 5.8. Diverse ethnic groups such as, Brahmin (Joshi), Chhetri (Rokaya, Bam, Khati, Khadka, Kuwar, Dhami, Bohara, Aidi, Kathayat, Rawal) Newar and occupational caste (Damai, Kami, Sarki) live along the ZoI of road alignment. Occupational caste households are distributed in almost all the settlements.

The main occupation of the people residing in the ZoI of the proposed road alignment is agriculture and livestock. Due to the lack of transportation facilities and mountainous terrain, agriculture farming is not enough for subsistence level. Therefore, people are carrying out other economic activities like employment as porter and labour, working in government and non government organizations, business and cottage industries. A significant section of the economically active male population goes out to various parts of India to obtain employment as porter, labour and watchman. Earnings of people going to India play 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 (13,592 skilled and 444,367 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, an improved 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 ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 2 of 4 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) 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.

Once this road is on operation, 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 Vopur, Sunikot, Sera, Basti and Dhamena. 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 and rehabilitation will be loss of 4.46 ha of forest area and disturbance to wildlife and bird habitat. From these forests and private land, total 503 numbers of trees will be cleared. Socio-economic impacts during road construction and rehabilitation will be loss of 13.143 ha of agricultural land, 0.30 ha of temple land, loss of private properties and 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, change in social behavior, loss of occupation by the porters and discontinue in the transportation by ram and sheep during road operation.

Mitigation Measures Impacts from the proposed road projects 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.

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 Bajhang 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 team from the CISC for the environmental monitoring.

Conclusion and Recommendation The IEE study of the proposed Vopur-Rupatola section of Chainpur-Kanda road 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

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 3 of 4 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) recommended for implementation with incorporation of mitigation measures and environmental monitoring plan.

A Resettlement Plan will be required to ensure that the persons affected by the losses are properly compensated.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 4 of 4 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

ef]k'/ - ?kftf]nf ;8s v08sf] k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f k|ltj]bg sfo{sf/L ;f/f+z k|:tfljt !&=(@# ls=dL= nfdf] ef]k'/–?kftf]nf ;8s v08 %% ls=dL= nfdf] r}gk'/ ;8s pk–cfof]hgfsf] Ps efu kb{5 . of] ;8s ;'b"/ klZrdf~rn ljsf; If]q cGtu{t aemfË lhNnfsf] k"j{–pQ/ efudf kb{5 . of] ;8s v08 r}gk'/ uf=lj=;= sf] ef]k'/af6 z'? eO{ ;'lgsf]6 uf=lj=;= x'“b} wd]gf uf=lj=;= sf] ?kftf]nfdf 6'lËG5 . of] ;8s v08 !#%) dL6/ b]lv !&)) dL6/sf] prfO{ eP/ hfG5 . of] ;8ssf] rf}8fO{ % dL= / hDdf nDafO{ ?kftf]nf ;Dd !&=(@# ls=dL= kb{5 h'g gof lgdf{0fsf] nflu k|:tfljt ul/Psf] 5 . k|:tfljt ;8ssf] hDdf nfut g]? !$*,%*!,^!$.$) kb{5 . aemfË lhNnfnfO{ b]zsf] cGo efu;“u ho k[YjL axfb'/ l;+x /fhdfu{ -w'n] ;8s_ n] hf]8]sf] 5 . h'g xfnnfO{ td]n;Dd ag]sf] 5 . td]naf6 r}gk'/ ;b/d'sfd k'Ug @ 306f lx+8\g' kb{5 . lhNnfdf 3f]86f] ] tyf uf]/]6f] af6fx?af6 oftfoft ;+rfng ul/G5 . o;} sf/0f u|fdL0f If]qjf6 ahf/ If]qdf / ahf/ If]qjf6 u|fdL0f If]qdf ljleGg ;fdfgsf] cf];f/ k;f/ ug{ s7Lg x'g'sf ;fy} dx+uf] kg{ hfG5 . k|:tfljt ;8sn] k"j{ tyf pQ/ If]qsf afl;Gbfx?sf] ;b/d'sfd ;Ddsf] kx“rnfO{ ;lhnf] t'Nofpg] 5 . ;fy} dfg;/f]j/ tyf s}nfz hfg] lty{ofqLx?nfO{ ;lhnf] x'g]5 . o;sf ;fy} o; ;8sn] ko{6sx?nfO{ ;fOkfn lxdfn;Ddsf] ;fxl;s kbofqf cleofgdf hfg /fd|f] cj;/ k|bfg ug]{5 . of] ;8ssf] lgdf{0f tyf ;+rfngjf6 ;dosf] jrt x'g'sf ;fy} cfo cfh{gsf ;+efjgfx? a9ghfg] tyf rLgsf] :jzfl;t If]q tLAatsf] ahf/ ;Ddsf] kx'“r ;lhnf] eO{ Joj;fosf cj;/x? a9g]5g\ . ;fy} ;8s lgdf{0f x'“bf :yfgLo jfl;Gbfn] /f]huf/Lsf cj;/ kfpg] 5g\ . o:tf k|ToIf kmfO{bf lbg] sfo{s|djf6 To; If]qsf] cfly{s ultljwL a9g'sf] ;fy} cGo /f]huf/Lsf cj;/x? >[hgf x'g] 5g\ . ljs]Gb|Lt u|fdL0f k"jf{wf/ tyf hLljsf]kfh{g ;'wf/ sfo{s|d cGt/ut lhNnfdf sfof{Gjog lgsfosf] lhDd]jf/L lhNnf ljsf; ;ldlt, aemfËsf] ePsf]n] ef]k'/–?kftf]nf ;8s v08sf] k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0fsf] k|:tfjs klg lhNnf ljsf; ;ldlt, aemfË xf] . k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f k|ltj]bg cWoogsf] d'Vo p2]Zo pk-cfof]hgf If]qsf] ef}lts, h}ljs, ;fdflhs, cfly{s tyf ;f+:s[lts jftfj/0fdf kg]{ k|efjx? kQf nfufpg' xf] . cGo p2]Zox? lgDgfg';f/ 5g\ M ¾ pkcfof]hgf If]qdf ul/g] ljleGg lgdf{0f sfo{x?n] ubf{ ef}lts, h}ljs, ;fdflhs, cfly{s tyf ;f+:s[lts jftfj/0fdf kg]{ d'Vo c;/x? kQf nufpg' . ¾ jftfj/0fdf kg]{ gsf/fTds k|efjsf] Go"lgs/0fsf pkfox? / ;sf/fTds k|efj a9fpg] pkfox? af/] ;'emfj lbg'sf ;fy} jftfj/0fLo cg'udg of]hgf agfO{ sfof{Gjog u/fpg' . ¾ k|:tfljt ;8s cfof]hgfsf] nflu k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo kl/If0f dfq u/] k'U5 ls jftfj/0fLo c;/n] ubf{ p7g] ;jfnsf sf/0f jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"NofÍg cWoog ug'{ kg]{ s'/fsf] lgSof}{n u/L ;'emfj ug]{ . dO{ @))& df lkmN8 ;j]{If0fjf6 lnOPsf tYofÍ tyf cGo pknAw tYofÍx?sf] ;fy} ;fdflhs tyf k|fljlws 6f]nLjf6 k'gjf{; sfo{sf] ;e]{If0fsf] nflu ;+sng u/]sf tYofÍx? s]nfP/ k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f k|ltj]bg tof/ u/L lgisif{ tyf ;'emfjx? lbOPsf 5g\ . o; ;8s v08sf] tNnf] e]udf kfOg] ?vx?sf] k|hftLx?df eLdn, v/L, lv/f]{, sfkmn, af“em, sf]O/fnf], /L¶f, 6'gL cflb / dflyNnf] efudf k}o'+, nflnu'/f“;, plQ;, vf]6] ;Nnf, af“em tyf u}¥x sfi7 jg k}bfjf/df cNnf], dlh7f], w;L+u]/], af]emf], r'qf], P]+;]n' cflb kb{5g\ . of] ;8s v08 d:6f, l;tnLvf]nf, lt/dnLvfg / uf]nLle+8 ;fd'bflos jgsf ;fy} b]p;LgL k|:tfljt ;fd'bflos jg eP/ hfG5 . lrt'jf, d[u, b'D;L, :ofn, h+unL lj/fnf ] cflb jGo hGt'sf ;fy} sflnh, 8f“km], k/]jf, cflb k+IfLx? o; ;8s v08 eP/ hfg] jgdf kfOG5g\ . ;8s v08sf] hnfwf/ If]qdf kg]{ ;]tL gbLdf c;nf df5fx? kfOG5g\ . of] ;8s v08sf] k|efljt If]q leq r}gk'/, ;'gLsf]6 / wd]gf uf=lj=;=sf] #) j6f j:tLx? kb{5g\ . hDdf 3/w'/L ;+Vof !(*! / hg;+Vof !!$(* /x]sf] 5 . oxf“ j;f]jf; ug]{ ljleGg hft hfltsf dflg;x?df d'Vo u/L a|fxd0f, If]qL, g]jf/ tyf blnt -bdfO{, sfdL / ;fsL{_ hfltx? kb{5g\ . blntx? ;j} j:tLx?df 5l/P/ a;]sf 5g\ . oxf“sf afl;Gbfx?sf] d'Vo k];f s[lif / kz'kfng xf] . oftfoftsf] c;'ljwfn] ubf{ tyf kxf8L If]q ePsf]n] s[lif pAhgLn] dfq kof{Kt gx'g] x'“bf oxf“sf dflg;x?sf] cGo k]zfdf s'NnLsf] ?kdf sfd ug]{, ;/sf/L tyf cGo ef]k'/–?kftf]nf ;8s v08sf] k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f k|ltj]bg 1 ;+:yfdf sfd ug]{ / Jofkf/ Joj;fo ug]{ ub{5g\ . clwsf+z k'?ifx? sfdsf] vf]hLdf ef/tsf ljleGg 7fp“df hfg] ub{5g\ h'g\ hLljsf]kfh{gsf] d'Vo cfwf/ xf] .

;sf/fTds k|efjM oftfoftsf] ;'ljwfn] :yflgo afl;Gbfx?sf] hLjgdf y'k}| ;sf/fTds k|efj kb{5g\ . ;8s lgdf{0f ubf{ :yfgLo jfl;Gbfx?n] >dLssf] ?kdf -!#,%(@ bIf >dLs / $$$,#^& cbIf >dLs_ /f]huf/Lsf cj;/x? k|fKt ug]{ / k|fljlws zLk tyf 1fg ;d]t k|fKt ug]{ 5g\ .

;8s lgdf{0f eO{ ;+rfngsf] cj:yfdf To; If]qdf vfBfgsf] cfk"lt{ ;'rf? x'g uO{ cfly{s tyf ;fdflhs :yfoLTj a9\g hfg]5 . ;fy} ;8s oftfoftn] ubf{ u|fdL0f e]ujf6 ahf/ If]q / ahf/ If]qjf6 u|fdL0f e]udf ;]jf tyf ;fdfgx?sf] cf];f/ k;f/ l56f], 5l/tf], ;'ne tyf ;:tf] x'g hfg]5 . ahf/df kx'“r ePsf] sf/0f s[lif pTkfbg a9fpg s[ifsx? pT;fxL x'g]5g\ . o:n] ubf{ pTkfbsTjdf j[l4 eO{ cGttf]uTjf u|fdL0f e]usf afl;Gbfsf] hLjg :t/df ;'wf/ x'g hfg] 5 .

;8s ;+rfng x'“bf Jofkf/ Joj;fodf j[l4 x'g hfg]5 . ef]k'/, ;'gLsf]6, ;]/f, j:tL tyf wd]gfdf Jofkf/ If]qsf] ljsf; eO{ oxf“sf afl;Gbfx?sf] hLjg :t/df ;'wf/ x'g hfg]5 . ahf/ If]qsf] ljsf;n] ubf{ hUufsf] d"Nodf ;d]t j[l4 x'g hfg]5 . gsf/fTds k|efjM ;8s lgdf{0f ubf{ ef}lts jftfj/0fdf kg]{ gsf/fTds k|efjx?df e-" :jfdLTjsf] k|of]udf jbnfj, le/fnf] hUufdf klx/f] hfg], jfo' tyf kfgLdf k|b"if0f, vg]sf] df6f] kmflnbf kg]{ k|efjx? d'Vo 5g\ . o:t} k|sf/ h}ljs k|efj cGt/ut $=$^ x]S6/ jg tyf JolQmut hUufx?jf6 %)# ?vx? sfl6g] 5g\ . ;fy} jGohGt'sf] a;f]jf;df cK7\of/f] kg{ hfg]5 . cfly{s tyf ;fdflhs k|efj cGt/ut ;8s lgdf{0f ubf{ !#=!$# x]S6/ v]tL ul/g] hdLg, tyf )=#) x]S6/ dlGb/sf] hdLg gf]S;fgL kg'{sf ;fy} cGo ;DklQ ;d]tsf] gf]S;fgL x'g hfg]5 . o;sf ;fy} >dLs tyf cGo afl;Gbfx?sf] :jf:Yodf ;8s lgdf{0f x'“bf k|lts'n c;/ kg{ hfg]5 . :yfgLo jfl;Gbfsf 3/, s6]/f, 6x/f, r/Lr/0fsf hUufx? ;8sdf k/L gf]S;fgL x'g]5g\ .

;8s ;+rfngsf] bf}/fg ef}lts jftfj/0fdf kg]{ gsf/fTds c;/x?df le/fnf]kgsf] :yfloTj / o;sf] Joj:yfkg, jfo' tyf WjgL k|b'if0f tyf ;8s ;'/Iffsf ;d:ofx? kb{5g\ . o;} k|sf/ h}ljs k|efjdf jGo >f]t 36\g', jGo hGt'x?nfO{ cK7]/f] kg'{ x'g\ eg] ;fdflhs tyf cfly{s k|efjx?df gof“ j:tL / ahf/sf] cJojl:yt lj:tf/, ;fdflhs Jojxf/df kl/jt{g tyf el/ofx?sf] /f]huf/L aGb x'g' tyf e]8f tyf Rofª\u|faf6 ul/g] 9'jfgL aGb x'g' cflb kb{5g\ . k|efj Go"gLs/0fsf pkfoM o; ;8ssf] lgdf{0fjf6 ;sf/fTds tyf gsf/fTds b'j} k|sf/sf k|efjx? kg]{ b]lvG5g\ . ;sf/fTds k|efj a9fpg] pkfox? tyf gsf/fTds k|efj Go"gLs/0f ug]{ pkfox?sf] k|efjsf/L sfof{Gjogn] ubf{ ;sf/fTds k|efj j9\g hfg'sf ;fy} gsf/fTds k|efj Go"g ug{ ;lsg] jf x6fpg ;lsg] 5g\ . k|efjx?sf] cf+sngsf] cfwf/df ;8s lgdf{0f tyf ;+rfng b'j} r/0fdf ;sf/fTds k|efj a9\g] pkfo / gsf/fTds k|efj 36fpg] pkfox? pNn]v ul/Psf 5g\ . jftfj/0fLo Aoa:yfkg of]hgfM ;sf/fTds c;/x?nfO{ a9fpg] / gsf/fTds c;/x?nfO{ 36fpg jftfj/0fLo Aoa:yfkg of]hgf Pp6f dxTjk"0f{ pkfo xf] . o;n] ubF{ cfjZosLo ;"rgfx? k|fKt eO{ k|efj Go"gLs/0fsf pkfox?sf] sfof{Gjogdf ;'wf/ ug{ ;lsG5 . o;sf] nflu lhNnf ljsf; ;ldlt -lh=lj=;=_, aemfËn] cg'udg k|0ffnLsf] ljsf; u/L jftfj/0fLo ;'wf/df cfkm\gf] k|ltj4tf b]vfpg] 5 . o; sfdsf] nflu lh=lj=;= nfO{ lhNnfdf /x]sf] of]hgf sfof{Gjog sfo{fno / lhNnf sfof{Gjog ;xof]u k/fdz{bftfx? / s]Gb|Lo sfof{Gjog ;xof]u k/fd{zbftfn] ;xof]u k'¥ofpg] 5g\ . lgisif{ tyf ;'emfjx?M ef]k'/–?kftf]nf ;8s v08sf] k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f k|ltj]bgn] ;sf/fTds k|efjx? gsf/fTds k|efjsf] t'ngfdf j9L dxTjk"0f{ /x]sf] / nfdf] ;do;Dd /xg] / gsf/fTds k|efjx? Go"gLs/0f ug{ ;lsg] s'/f b]vfp“5, o; sf/0f of] ;8s pkcfof]hgfsf] :jLs[tLsf] nflu k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f k|of{Kt /x]sf] 5 . k|efjx?sf] Go"gLs/0f / ;+nUg jftfj/0fLo cg'udg of]hgf sfof{Gjog u/L k|:tfljt pkcfof]hgf sfof{Gjogsf] nflu l;kmfl/; ul/G5 .

;8s lgdf{0f ubf{ k|efljt JolQmx?sf] ;DklQsf] IftLk"tL{ ug{ k'gjf{; of]hgsf] cfjZostf kg]{5 .

ef]k'/–?kftf]nf ;8s v08sf] k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f k|ltj]bg 2 SALIENT FEATURES

1. Name of the Project : Vopur-Rupatola Road Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road Sub-project 2. Location 2.1 Geographical Location 2.1.1 Start Point : Vopur bazar of Chainpur VDC 2.1.2 End Point : Rupatola in Dhamena VDC 2.2 Geographical Features 2.2.1 Terrain : Hilly 2.2.2 Alignment : Valley and hill 2.2.3 Altitude : 1350 m to 1700 m 2.2.4 Climate : Sub-tropical 2.2.5 Soil : Alluvial, colluvial and residual 3. Classification of road : District "A" Road 4. Length of road : 17.923 km 5. Major settlements 5.1 Name of settlements : Vopur, Ruinabagar, Sahilabagar, Sunigad, Sunikot, Seragaon, Dhamena, Basti and Rupatola 5.2 No. of households : 1981 5.3 VDCs along the road : Chainpur, Sunikot and Dhamena 6. Cross-section 6.1 Right of way : 10.0m on either side of the road 6.2 Formation width : 5.0m having 5% outward slope 6.3 Carriage way : 4.0 m 7. Structures 7.1 Dry stone causeway : 41 no. 7.2 RCC bridges : 2 no. 7.3 Irrigation crossing with slab culvert : 5 no. 7.4 Dry stone scupper : 1 no. 7.5 Retaining structures 7.5.1. Dry stone wall : 11,578.48 cum 7.5.2. Gabion wall : 6596.00 cum 7.5.3. Stone masonry : 379.81cum 7.5.4. Stone pitching : 252 no. 8. Bioengineering works : NRs.1,600,000.00 9. Earthwork 8.1 Cutting : 172,742.05 cum 8.2 Filling : 26544.80 cum 10. Project Cost 9.1 Net Cost (NRs.) : 148,581,614.40 9.2 Cost per km. (NRs.) : 8, 289,996.90 11. Employment generation 11.1 Total person days 11.1.1 Skilled : 13,592 11.1.2 Unskilled : 444,367 11.2 Total employment generation (no. of labourer) for 90 working days 11.2.1 Skilled : 151 11.2.2 Unskilled : 4,937 ______Vopur-Rupatola Road,, Bajhang Page 1 of 1 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

1.0 Introduction

______1.1 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 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).

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.

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.

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 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. It is a legal requirement by the Government of Nepal (GoN) according to article 3 of Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1996 and rule 3 of Environmental Protection Rules (EPR) 1997 (amended in 2007) as mentioned in schedule 1. 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 according to Project Administrative Memorandum (PAM) subject to prior review of an agreed sample of sub-project IEEs by ADB. DRILP falls under ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

category B project where IEE is mandatory according to Environmental Assessment Guidelines of ADB (2003). 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.

This IEE report of Vopur-Rupatola Road sub-project in Bajhang district is prepared based on the Terms of Reference (ToR) approved on 2063/12/28 by the secretary level decision of the Ministry of Local Development (MLD). The approved ToR is given in Annex 1.

The findings and conclusions of the report are based on the analysis of the information collected during May 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.

1.3 Name and Address of the Proponent The District Development Committee (DDC), Bajhang is the executing agency at the district level under DRILP and the proponent of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study for the rehabilitation and construction of Vopur-Rupatola road sub-project.

1.4 Description of the proposal The proposed 17.923 km long Vopur-Rupatola road section is the part of the Chainpur-Kanda Road (55km) in Bajhang district of Far-Western Development region. The road alignment starts from Vopur bazar of Chainpur VDC (1 km east of Chainpur) and passes through Sunnikot VDC and ends at Rupatola in Dhamena VDC. Thus, it passes through three VDCs namely, Chainpur, Sunnikot and Dhamena. The major settlements along the road are: Vopur, Ruinabagar, Sahilabagar, Sunigad, Sunikot, Seragaon, Dhamena, Basti and Rupatola. The altitude of the road alignment ranges from 1350 meter at Vopur to 1700 meter at Rupatola.

The Vopur-Rupatola road section is also continuation to the Jai Prithivi Bahadur Singh Marg presently under construction by the Department of Road (DoR) from Vopur bazaar of Chainpur VDC. The proposed road alignment passes through the right bank of the Seti River for about 3 km and negotiates 300m of elevation to pass through the Mastamandir Temple to reach Rupatola. The road width is 5m while the total length of proposed road section for construction is 17.923 km up to Rupatola for fair weather road. The total project cost is NRs. 148,581,614.40 and per km cost is NRs. 8, 289,996.90 (equivalent to US $ 129,531) as shown in Annex II.

The description of the project works is given in the table 1.1 and the location of the road is illustrated by the figure 1.1 and 1.2. Likewise, the road alignment is shown by the figure 1.3.

Table 1.1 Project activities of the proposed Vopur-Rupatola road section Road section Chainage Length Description Vopur-Sunigad 0+000 to 3+000 3.0 km Rehabilitation of 1 km road. Sunigad-Mastamandir 3+000 to 7+000 4.0 km New construction. Mastamandir-Dhamena 7+000 to 10+000 3.0 km New construction. Dhamena - Sukgad 10+000 to 12+300 2.3 km New construction. Sukgad-Basti 12+300 to 15+600 3.3 km New construction. Basti-Rupatola 15+600 to 17+903 2.323 km New construction. Total 17.923

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 2 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Bajhang district is connected with the other part of the country by Jai Prithivi Bahadur Singh Marg, an earthen feeder road up to Tamail. However, the district headquarter, Chainpur is about to be linked from Tamail which is about 2 hours walking distance. Construction of this road is in progress and expected to be completed before coming rainy season. The main means of transportation for the large area of the district is trail routes. Consequently, transportation of goods and services from the market centers to the rural areas and vice-versa has been difficult, insufficient and costly. The proposed road project provides connectivity to district headquarters of Bajhang for the people of north eastern part of the district. Similarly, this road will also open the easy accessibility for the people to visit Mansarovar and Kailash Parbat in Tibet which are the religious sites for the Hindus. Moreover, this road will provide better opportunities to the tourist for adventurous trekking and expedition of Saipal Himal.

The proposed Vopur-Rupatola road will start from Vopur which is 1.5 km east of Chainpur connecting Jai Prithivi Bahadur Singh Marg. Direct beneficiaries of this road project will be the people of Chainpur, Sunikot and Dhamena VDCs and indirect beneficiaries will be the people living in Rilu, Melbisauna, Kotdewal and Bhate Khola VDCs of Bajhang district. This road will save considerable travel time and improve income generation potentials, enhance commercial opportunities, improve market access due to easy access to Tibet, an autonomous region of China. 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.

Figure 1.1. Map of Nepal showing the location of Vopur-Rupatola in Bajhang District

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 3 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Figure 1.2. Map showing Vopur-Rupatola road in Bajhang district

1.5 Construction Approach 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.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 4 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Figure 1.3. Map showing road alignment of Vopur-Rupatola road in Bajhang District

1.6 Objectives 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: ƒ 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, ƒ recommend practical and site specific environmental mitigation and enhancement measures, prepare and implement environmental monitoring plan for the sub-project, and ƒ 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.

1.7 Methodology adopted 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 May 2007 by the staff of DISC team (Engineer, Overseer, Social Mobiliser, Enumerators) and Environmental Assessment Specialist from CISC.

1.71 Desk review The following steps were followed during the desk review: ƒ Collection and review of secondary information from various sources ƒ Initial interaction and consultation with the local community and district level stakeholders ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 5 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

ƒ Delineation of geographical boundary of the influence area on the topographical map ƒ Preparation of project specific checklist

1.7.1.1 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.

1.7.1.2 Initial interaction and consultation with the local community and district level stakeholders During the IEE report preparation, EAS and DISC team met, discussed and interacted with concerned staff of the Government of Nepal, DDC, VDCs in the district head quarter and VWRCC members, teachers, community based organization member and knowledgeable key persons of surrounding areas within the Zone of Influence (ZoI).

1.7.1.3 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) was drawn on the topographical maps with the help of DISC Engineer and SM.

1.7.1.4 Preparation of project specific checklist A checklist was prepared to collect physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment related information in the field. 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.

1.7.2 Field survey Field survey comprised of walkthrough survey, consultation with community, site inspection and observation. The road alignment form the starting point at Vopur to end point at Rupatola was visited and observed. The following tools were used for the collection of primary data. ƒ 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 ƒ ZoI household survey - Questionnaire was used to collect socio-economic information of all the households within the ZoI. ƒ Household listing survey - Total enumeration was done for the listing of agricultural land, forest, trees, houses and other affected properties. ƒ Stripe map - It was used during walkthrough survey to document environmental features according to the chainage. ƒ Topographical map - It was used to show environmental features on the map during walkthrough survey. ƒ Photographs - Necessary photographs were taken to show different environmental features.

1.7.3 Compilation of existing information, impact identification and prediction 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 ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 6 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

during the field survey. The generated information from primary source was analyzed, tabulated and prioritized.

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.

1.7.4 Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Plan 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 plan was developed to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and implementation status.

1.7.5 Public consultation In order to ensure the public involvement, the following procedures were followed during IEE report preparation: ƒ Publication of notice- a 15 days public notice was published on 10th of Baisakh, 2064 in the Gorkhapatra, a national daily newspaper (see Annex III) 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 IV for deed of inquiry and Annex V for the names of organizations). Written responses from relevant stakeholders on the public notice were also reviewed and documented in the report. ƒ IEE team also carried out interaction with local communities and related stakeholders during field survey to collect the public concerns and suggestions. Moreover, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to collect and solicit information regarding the bio-physical and socio- economic and cultural aspects of Vopur-Rupatola section of Chainpur-Kanda road. The FGDs were held at different 30 settlements along the ZoI of the road (refer table 3.3 for the names of settlements). ƒ Draft IEE report was sent to Chainpur, Sunikot and Dhamena VDCs for public disclosure and recommendation letters were also obtained and given in Annex VI. Draft IEE was also kept in information center of DDC Bajhang for public disclosure. After reviewing draft IEE report and incorporating the suggestions from the concerned stakeholders, final IEE report was prepared and sent to PCU for approval from MLD and ADB. ƒ The approved IEE report will be accessible to interested parties and general public.

1.7.6 The Final Report The IEE report was prepared by Environmental Assessment Specialist with DISC support and submitted to DDC for review. After reviewing the final IEE report according to ToR, it will be submitted to MLD and ADB for approval.

1.7.7 Organization of the IEE Report The IEE report is organized as following:

Table of Contents Abbreviations Executive Summary (Nepali) ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 7 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Executive Summary Salient Features Section 1.0: Introduction Section 2.0: Review of Relevant Acts, Regulations and Guidelines Section 3.0: Existing Conditions Section 4.0: Project Alternatives Section 5.0: Identification and Assessment of Impacts Section 6.0: Mitigation Measures Section 7.0: Environmental Management Plan Section 8.0: Conclusion and Recommendation Section 9.0: Miscellaneous

Annexes Annex I Terms of Reference for IEE study Annex II Abstract of cost Annex III Public notice Annex IV Deed of enquiry (muchulka) Annex V Name of the organizations notice pasted and deed of inquiry obtained Annex VI Recommendation letters from Municipality and VDCs Annex VII 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 VIII List of persons contacted Annex IX List of tress Annex X Minimization of slope cutting and preservation of vegetation cover Annex XI Photographs

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 8 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

2.0 Review of Relevant Acts, Regulations 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 was being guided by the requirements and provisions of the following acts, rules and guidelines as applicable.

2.1 Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1996 Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1996 and Environmental Protection Regulation (EPR) 1997 were enforced by the government which became effective with the enforcement of Environment Protection Regulations (EPR) in June 1997 and later its amendment in April 1999. The Act requires 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. The Act recognizes the interdependence between development and the environment and shows the concerns for minimizing the impacts of environmental degradation on people, animal, and plant species and their physical surroundings.

The Act obliges the proponent to undertake IEE and EIA of proposal, plans or projects which may cause changes in existing environmental condition and authorizes then (MoPE) now MoEST) to clear all EIA and line ministries for IEE study.

2.2 Environmental Protection Regulation (EPR) 1997 (amendment, 1999) The EPR, 1997 obliges the proponent to inform the public on the contents of the proposal in order to ensure the participation of stakeholders. EPR contains the elaborative provisions on the process to be followed during the preparation and approval of projects requiring IEE and EIA including scoping document, terms of reference, information dissemination, public consultation and hearing and environmental monitoring and auditing. Article 12 of the EPR, requires the proponent to comply with the matters mentioned in the report and other conditions, if any, prescribed by the approving agency or concerned agency, while Rule 13 and 14 are related to environmental monitoring and environmental auditing.

2.3 Forest Act, 1993 The use of forestland for rural road project is subject to forest law and regulation. The road projects need to comply with the provisions of forest law when it requires the use of forestland for road construction. The Act requires decision makers to take account of all forest values, including environmental services and biodiversity, not just the production of timber and other commodities.

The Forest Act, 1993 (amendment, 1998) contains several provisions to ensure the development, conservation, management and sustainable use of forest resources, based on an approved work plan. It also recognizes the importance of forests in maintaining a healthy environment. Sections 68 of the Forest Act, 1993 empowers the government in case of no alternatives, to provide parts of any types of forests for the implementation of a national priority plan with assurance that it does not adversely affect the environment significantly. Section 49 of the Act prohibits reclaiming lands, setting fires, grazing, removing or damaging forest products, felling trees or

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 3 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) plants, wildlife hunting and extracting boulders, sand and soil from the national forest without prior approval.

2.4 Forest Rules, 1995 The Forest Rules, 1995 further elaborate legal measures for the conservation of forests and wildlife. Rule 65 of the Forest Regulation stipulates that in case the execution of any project having national priority in any forest area causes any loss or harm to any local individual or community, the proponent of the project itself shall bear the amount of compensation to be paid. Similarly the entire expenses required for the cutting and transporting the forest products in a forest area to be used by the approved project shall be borne by the proponent of the project.

2.5 National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 addresses for conservation of ecologically valuable areas and indigenous wildlife. The Act prohibits any movement of a person without written permission within the parks and the reserves. The Act further prohibits wildlife hunting, construction of houses and huts, damage to plants and animals etc. within the park and reserve, without the written permission of the authorized person. The Act has also listed 26 species of mammals, 9 species of birds and 3 species of reptiles as protected wildlife.

2.6 Local Self Governance Act (1999) and Rules (2000) The Local Self Governance Act has been enacted to provide greater political, administrative and financial autonomy to local bodies and facilitate community participation at the local level. The Local Self Governance Act, 1999 empowers the local bodies for the conservation of soil, forest and other natural resources and implements environmental conservation activities. Sections 28 and 43 of the Act provide the Village Development Committee (VDC) a legal mandate to formulate and implement programs related to the protection of the environment during the formulation and implementation of the district level plan.

2.7 Land Acquisition Act, 1977 and Land Acquisition Rules, 1969 The Land Acquisition Act, 1977 and the Land Acquisition Rules, 1969 are the two main legal instruments that specify procedural matters of land acquisition and compensation. Government can acquire land at any place in any quantity by giving compensation pursuant to the Act for any public purposes or for operation of any development project initiated by government institutions. The powers given under these two sections are very broad as government is empowered to acquire any land in the name of public works. However, the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 1990 has provision for compensation to be paid to the individual if the state takes land for development purposes.

2.8 National Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, 1993 In order to integrate the environmental aspects in development projects and programs, the government has developed the National EIA Guidelines (1993). The guidelines provide guidance to project proponent on 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.

2.9 APPROACH for the Development of Agricultural and Rural Roads, 1999 With respect to agriculture sector, roads and irrigation sub-sectors play an important role since these are directly related to agriculture. The rural roads that are termed as "Agricultural Road" link farms to market centers or to nearby strategic road. The existing rural road network, at present has a limited economic impact because of its low density. Therefore, among all the rural ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 2 of 3 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) infrastructure development activities, rural road sub-sector is considered vital. The approach given in this manual is, therefore prepared in line with the poverty alleviation objectives and the decentralized participatory development concepts of the government. In addition of poverty alleviation objectives, this manual emphasizes labor based technology and environmental friendly, local resource oriented construction methods to be incorporated actively in rural infrastructure process.

1.10 Reference Manual for Environmental and Social Aspects of Integrated Road Development, 2003 This Manual is designed to help integrate social and environmental considerations, including public involvement strategies, with technical road construction practices. It suggests stepwise process of addressing environmental and social issues alongside the technical, financial and others. The main objective of the Manual is to assist in the effective implementation of environmental and social plans and actions, to advice and suggest appropriate methodologies to achieve sustainable development. The Manual recommends various environmental and social approaches, actions and strategies to assist developers in following mandatory requirements of the law and improving public involvement.

2.11 Green Roads in Nepal, Best Practices Report: An Innovative Approach for Rural Infrastructure Development in the Himalayas and Other Mountainous Regions, 1999 The green road concept is a new conservation oriented rural mountain road construction approach mainly focusing on participatory, labor based and environment friendly technology that has been gradually developing in Nepal since the mid 1970's. Proper alignment selection, mass balancing, proper water management, and bioengineering are the major features of the Green Road technology, yet some of them are sometimes difficult to apply. Green Roads are fair weather, low volume earth roads that are built in different phases using labor-based methods. Many of the environmental advantages of the technology are obviously not immediate. The Green Road Concept comprises a "phased construction" approach meaning construction of road in different phases.

2.12 Batabaraniya Nirdesika (Nepali), 2057 The directive is focused in the practical implementation of small rural infrastructures through the minimization of environmental impacts. This directive includes the simple methods of environmental management in the different phases of the project cycle. More emphasis is given to prevention rather than cure. So, the recommendations for the mitigation measures are provided only when it is necessary.

2.13 IEE Rural Access Programme (RAP) Guideline The Rural Access Programme guidelines for IEE, 2003 clearly indicates the objectives and process of IEE in terms of project screening, preparation of terms of reference, desk review, field work, data analysis and interpretation (identification, prediction and analysis of impacts), mitigation measures, monitoring plan and reporting.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 3 of 3 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

3.0 Existing Environmental Condition

Baseline information on the existing physical, biological as well as socio-economic and cultural environment of the proposed sub-project are described here.

3.1 Physical Environment 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.

3.1.1 Topography The proposed road lies in Middle and High mountain region. The elevation of the road ranges form 1,350 m at Vopur to 1,700 m at Rupatola. The location of the road is at 29°33'30" to 29°37' 18" north (latitude) and 81°12'30" to 81°17' 53" east (longitude). The topographical setting of the road section is characterized by river valley in the beginning (3 km) and hill after Sunigad up to the end point.

This is an ascending road runs to the north. In the starting, it passes along the right bank of Seti River up to Sunigad (Ch 3+200) and then ascends gradually up to the end point i.e. Rupatola. The alignment passes through river floors, gentle to steep and rocky slope areas. The slope varies from 15° to 55°. The ZoI of this road lies within 30 settlements of Chainpur, Sunikot, Dhamena, Bhatekhola, Melbisauna, Rilu and Kot Dewal VDCs.

3.1.2 Geology and soil type The road section comprises of different types of rocks. The road corridor falls in the Higher Himalayan zone that comprises metamorphic rocks such as quartzites, slates and schists. The rocks are moderately to highly weathered and fractured. Soils are residual and colluvial, and their thickness varies between 0.2-5m. The colluvial soil contains rock fragments and boulders of various sizes. Larger boulders are generally bigger than 0.5m in size some are more than 4m. The larger rock fragments are mainly composed of quartz. Bhopur-Sunigad section runs following the almost same contour. There has already been excavated 3.5 to 4 meter wide road up to 1.08 kilometre by Rural Community Infrastructure Works (RCIW). This section (0+000 to 1+300) of slope is physically fragile and highly susceptible to sliding. It may trigger localized slope instability as a result of road construction. Apart from this there exist two landslides at kilometer 1+480 and in 1+680. Sunigad to Mastamandir is the major ascending part of alignment. This section of the road passes through colluviums soil and cultivated land on steep slope. There are exposed rock outcrops of slates with the stable bedding planes. Hence, proposed alignment does not possess treat of slope instability. However, spoil disposal and quarry sites need be specified and strictly follow during construction and immediately rehabilitate the tipping sites with the use of bio-engineering where necessary.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

The road runs following almost same contour in Mastamandir to Dhamena section. This section of the road passes through cultivated land with modest slopes of about 15°-20°. The slopes are stable with agriculture land except from Tatari Kholsi to Kuwar Gau (Ch 8+400 to 10+460) which is steep and rocky and composed of quartzite and slates. It is most difficult terrain of this alignment. Sukgad to Basti section passes through cultivated land with almost in same contour. The last section of this road alignment, Basti -Rupatola passes through the forest area.

In general soil type along the alignment can be classified as alluvial, colluvial and residual. The detail topography, geology and soil type along the road alignment is presented in the table 3.1.

Table 3.1 Topography, geology and soil type along the road SN Section Chainage Length Elevation (m) Aspect Geology Soil type 1 Vopur- 0+000 to 3.0 km 1350 to1400 Southern Phyllite, Residual Sunigad 3+000 fractured and quartzite colluvium and slate 2 Sunigad- 3+000 to 4.0 km 1400-1620 Western Phyllite, Colluvium Mastaman 7+000 fractured dir quartzite and slate 3 Mastaman 7+000 to 3.0 km 1620-1610 Southern Quartzite Alluvium dir- 10+000 and slate and Dhamena colluvium 4 Dhamena - 10+000 to 2.3 km 1620-1570 Southern Fractured Colluvium Sukgad 12+300 quartzite and slate Sukgad- 12+300 to 3.3 km 1570-1630 Southern Phyllite, Colluvium Basti 15+600 fractured quartzite and slate Basti- 15+600 to 2.323 1630-1700 Southern Phyllite, Colluvium Rupatola 17+923 km fractured quartzite and slate Source: Field survey, 2007

3.1.3 Climate Vopur-Rupatola road lies in the sub-tropical zone. Generally, rainy season starts from June and ends in September. Alignment passes through southeast slopes and rain shadow area. The meteorological record from nearby station at Bhopur shows unevenly distributed monsoon rain in the project area with the total annual rainfall is 200-500 mm. In Vopur, the climate is sub-tropical and as the road ascends, the climatic condition also changes to warm temperate at Rupatola area. The general climatic condition is cold in winter and hot in summer with average minimum temperature of 2° C and average maximum temperature of 18° C.

3.1.4 Hydrology and Drainage System The main river is Seti which passes parallel to the road alignment from Vopur up to Sunigad. There are several streams and gullies crossing the road alignment as given in the table 3.2 ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 2 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Table 3.2 Summary of streams along the road alignment SN Chainage Name of the Stream Remarks 1 3+200 Sunigad river 20-25m span 2 8+400 Tatari kholsi 3 12+300 Sukgad stream 10-15m span 4 14+800 Sitala stream 5-10m span Source: Field survey, 2007

In addition, there are many dry streams along the road alignment. No wetlands are found within the vicinity of the road. There are following irrigation canals along and below the road alignment. • Ch 1+020 to Ch 1+160 – Canal follows the road alignment • Ch 1+160 to Ch 1+720 – Canal passes below the road alignment • Ch 2+580 to Ch 2+760 – Canal passes below the road alignment • Ch 3+140 – Canal crossing • Ch 11+260 to 11+400 – Canal passes below the road alignment • Ch 11+600 to 12+00 – Canal passes below the road alignment • Ch 12+000 – Canal crossing • Ch 12+100 12+900 – Canal passes below the road alignment • Ch 14+830 – Canal crossing • Ch 14+830 to 15+100 – Canal passes below the road alignment

3.1.5 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation The stability of slopes along the road corridor depends upon slope angle, the material constituting the slope, rock discontinuities and hydrological conditions. There exists two landslides at Ch 1+480 and 14+500 and one fragile hill slope at Ch 0+000 to 1+300. From Ch 0+000 to Ch 1+300, the slopes are made up of very loose landslide debris which is still unconsolidated form and freely movable even by gravity. At Ch 1+480, the road passes through the middle of landslide. The landslide occurred within Seti River valley in 2001 monsoon with its dimensions of 250 meter wide and 200 meter high, having a complex nature. The prime factor of slope failure is river under cutting that initiated rotational failure. The failure has been characterized by two series of rotational slides and currently there are several series of tension cracks developed. The failure mechanism is very complex. There is another landslide at Ch 14+500 measuring 40 meter wide and 30 meter high.

3.1.6 Land use Land use pattern of the area through which the road passes have been classified into three types: cultivated land, forest and public land (temple) as shown in table 3.3.

Table 3.3 Summary of land use pattern along the road alignment SN Land use Area in (ha) Remarks 1 Cultivated land 13.163 2 Forest area 4.460 Includes handed over community forests and government forest under the process of handing over as CF 3 Public land (temple 0.300 area) Total 17.923 Source: Field survey, 2007 ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 3 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

3.1.7 Air, Noise and Water Quality The air quality parameters of the proposed road section are within the acceptable limits as there is no vehicle plying. 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 the accumulation of silt, landslide, gully erosion etc. The proposed area does not have any sources of noise nuisance.

3.2 Biological Environment 3.2.1 Vegetation The dominant forest and fodder species reported in the lower part of the road alignment are Grewia oppositifolia (Bhimal), Celtis australis (Khari), Sapium insigne (Khirro), Bauhinia variegate (Koiralo), Sapindus mukorissi, (Ritha), Toona ciliate (Tooni) and in the upper part Prunus cerasoides (Paiyu), Rhododendron arboreum (Lali Gurans), Myrica esculenta (Kaphal), Alnus nepalensis (Utis), Pinus roxburghii (khote salla), Quercus semecarpifolia (Bajh),) Barberis aristata (Chutro), Ruspberry (Aiselu) etc.

3.2.1.1 NTFP 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), Acorus calamus (bojo) etc.

3.2.1.2 Community Forest 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 Bajhang district, there are 281 CFUGs having 10,955.64 ha of community forest benefiting 19,140 households. This is about 20% of total potential community forest area (52,682 ha)∗. There are 5 CFs along the road alignment as shown in the table 3.4.

Table 3.4 Community Forest along the road alignment SN Name of the Community Chainage Main species Remarks Forest 1 Masta Comminity Forest 8+420 to Pinus roxburghii 10+460 2 Sitalikhola Comminity 14+240 to Pinus roxburghii Forest 14+360 and 14+800 to 14+820 3 Tirmalikhan Comminity 15+260 to Pinus roxburghii Forest 15+840 4 Golibhid Comminity Forest 15+840 to Pinus roxburghii 16+400 5 Deusini Comminity Forest 16+400 to Pinus roxburghii 17+560 Source: Field survey, 2007

∗ Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Report of Community Forests, DFO, Bajhang, 2005. ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 4 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

3.2.1.3 Leasehold forest There are total 840.6 ha of leasehold forests handed over to 37 leasehold groups comprising of 654 households in Bajhang district. However, no leasehold forest falls within the proposed road alignment.

3.2.2 Wildlife Panthera pardus (Leopard), 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 area. Similarly birds are Lophura lencomelana (kalij pheasant), Lophophorus (Danphe), Columba livia (Pigion), etc. The road does not fall under any protected or buffer zone area.

3.2.3 Fishes The road alignment passes parallel to Seti River in the beginning. Residents of Chainpur specially Badi (occupational caste) carry out fishing for their livelihood. The main species of fish found in Seti River (which falls in the watershed of proposed road) is Schizotharax species. (Asla).

3.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment 3.3.1 Population, Household and Ethnicity There are 30 settlements along the ZoI of the proposed road alignment in Chainpur, Sunikot, Dhamena, Bhatekhola, Melbisauna, Rilu and Kot Dewal VDCs. with total population of 11,498 persons (1,981 households) and average family size of 5.8 as illustrated by table 3.5. Diverse ethnic groups such as, Brahmin (Joshi), Chhetri (Rokaya, Bam, Khati, Khadka, Kuwar, Dhami, Bohara, Aidi, Kathayat, Rawal) Newar and occupational caste (Damai, Kami, Sarki) live along the ZoI of road alignment. Occupational caste households are distributed in almost all the settlements.

Table 3.5 Settlements and population within the ZoI of road alignment S.N. Major Settlements VDCs & ward no. Total Households Total Population 1 Dadagaon Chainpur-6 72 418 2 Kaprikot Chainpur-7 47 273 3 Vopur, Ruinabagar, Chainpur-8 77 447 Sailabagar 4 Dalitbasti Chainpur-1 86 499 5 Damyur Chainpur-2 42 244 6 Kheira Chainpur-3 117 679 7 Pithalek Chainpur-4 86 499 8 Dhamilekh Chainpur-5 68 395 9 Kuwargaon Dhamena-7 87 505 10 Dhamena Dhamena-6 50 290 11 Dharashi Dhamena-5 70 406 12 Korsel Dhamena-1 60 348 13 Rupatola Dhamena-2 70 406 14 Basti Dhamena3,4 59 343 15 Bayarpala Dhamena-8 49 285 16 Dhungana Dhamena-9 36 209 17 Seragaon-4 Sunikot-4 37 215 ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 5 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

18 Seragaon-3 Sunikot-3 31 180 19 Bikulli Sunikot-5 36 209 20 Dadagaon Sunikot-7 35 203 21 Kharayal Sunikot-8 26 151 22 Ghattebagar, Sunikot-6 46 267 Aidigaon 23 Chaud Sunikot-1 26 151 24 Bhatgaon Sunikot-2 42 244 25 Kinada Rilu-9 79 459 26 Dwari Rilu-8 220 1276 27 Agar Bhatekhola-1 85 493 28 Jinnada Kotdewal-8,9 105 609 29 Bhelat, Maura Melbisauna-4 120 696 30 Samdev Kotdewal-7 17 99 Total 1,981 11,498 Source: Field survey, 2007

3.3.2 Main occupation The main occupation of the people residing within the ZoI of the proposed road alignment is agriculture and livestock. Due to the lack of transportation facilities and higher altitude, agriculture farming is not enough for subsistence level. Therefore, people are carrying out other economic activities like employment as porter and labour (74%), working in government and non government organizations (13%), business (6%) and cottage industries (5%). A significant section of the economically active male population goes out to various parts of India seasonally and more than 6 months period to obtain employment as porter, labour and watchman. Earnings of people going to India play significant role in the livelihood of the people. Details of occupations of the people according to the settlements are shown in Annex VII a.

3.3.3 Public Services and Infrastructures There are various social sector facilities and infrastructure in different settlements. Details about public services and infrastructures according to the settlements are shown in Annex VII b.

3.3.3.1 Education Primary schools are found in all the settlements except Kaprikot and Bhatgaon. In addition, there is a campus in Vopur and five high schools in Vopur, Dharashi, Seragaon, Ghattebagar and Bhelat.

3.3.3.2 Health Facility In health sector, there is a district hospital in Chainpur and there are 5 health and sub-health posts in all three VDCs. For serious health problem, people go to district hospital in Chainpur. At Sunikot, there is a sub-health post run by an auxiliary health worker (Mr. Keshav Bhattarai) providing excellent services to the people of surrounding areas. This sub-health post is maintained properly and open to twenty four hours for the patients. This health post demonstrates an excellent example of committed and devoted field staff working for the benefit of rural people.

3.3.3.3 Communication Regarding communication, there are 4 settlements with telephone facilities within the ZoI.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 6 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

3.3.3.4 Electricity There is national grid for electricity supply in all the settlements of Chainpur VDC. Kinada and Bhelat settlements have mini-hydro power (peltric sets) for electricity supply built and managed by the individuals and local communities. One to fifteen hhs in the rest of each settlements (total 60 hhs) have solar power for lighting.

3.3.3.5 Business Facilities There are grocery shops, tea stalls, restaurant and lodges available in one third settlements and number is more in potential market centers like Chainpur, Vopur, Sunikot, Kuwargaon.

3.3.3.6 Water Supply Drinking water supply facility is available to all settlements except Jinnada and Samdev. 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.

3.3.3.7 Irrigation Irrigation facility is available to the majority of settlements covering 153 ha of cultivated land.

3.3.3.8 Other Infrastructures Water mills (58 no) mainly used for grinding purpose are distributed in half of the settlements. There are 19 bridges in various streams.

3.3.3.9 Industries There are small industries like flour mills (3 no) and weaving mills (20 no.) in Chainpur and Rilu VDCs of the district.

3.3.3.10 Financial Institutions Financial institutions are found in Chainpur market of Chainpur VDC only.

3.3.3.11 Community Development Facilities Community based organizations particularly, women saving and credit groups are found in three settlements. Play grounds, ghat (cremation site) and community center are found in four settlements.

3.3.4 Land holding pattern Majority of the households (41%) from these settlement belongs to the less than one ropani (approximately 1 ha = 20 ropani) land holding category. Few hhs (8%) are landless. This shows that half of the population belongs to below one ropani and landless category. Where as about one third hhs are having 1-5 ropani land and one fifth hhs have 5-10 ropani land and rest of hhs (3%) fall in 10 to 50 ropani land holding category. The main agricultural crops grown are millet, maize, rice, wheat, phapar etc. Details about land holding pattern are given in Annex VII c.

3.3.5 Food Security Bajhang district is reported as food deficit district for all major food grains. The food deficit situation of the project area is also same as of the whole district. Figures in Annex VII d indicate that large percentage of the households is food deficit for varied time period. A higher percentage of households (60%) are reported as food sufficient for three and less than three months and even one third hhs have food sufficiency for three to nine months only which further demonstrates the ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 7 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) poverty situation within the ZoI of the project area. A few households (7%) of the project area have food sufficiency for whole year while only one and half percent households 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 millet, maize, rice, wheat, oilseed etc. Rice is grown mainly along the bank of Seti River where irrigation facility is available.

3.3.6 Migration pattern Permanent migration takes place in limited scale towards Terai and other places like Kathmandu. However, people migrate to India in search of employment opportunity. Almost from all the settlements, more than 41% households (821 person) work in various parts of India like Govindghat, Nainital, Khadikhan, Kedarnath, Delhi, Banglore for more than six months. Seasonal migration occurs during slack framing season from Jestha to Bhadra (returning) and Mangsir to Chaitra (returning) as a porter mainly in hilly towns of India. This shows very poor economic status of the people in the proposed road alignment. This could be reduced by providing employment opportunities at the local level.

3.3.7 Potential Development area The proposed road alignment passes through a potential area for orange and lemon cultivation in Bhategaon of Sunikot VDC and Golkanda of Rilu VDC. Similarly, some of the areas like Ghattebagar, Chainpur, Dhamena, Sailabagar, Ruinabagar are also potential for the production of vegetables and vegetable seeds. Dhamena is potential area for potato production. Pithalek in Chainpur-4 is also potential for apple farming.

Tatopani in Sunikot VDC is potential for rural tourism development for pilgrimage as this is religious place and having hot water springs considered for curing diseases. More pilgrims will visit this area due to easy accessibility. Similarly, this road will also open the easy accessibility for the people to visit Mansarovar and Kailash Parbat in Tibet which are the religious sites for the Hindus.

There are slate quarry areas in Dhamena-6, 7 and 8 which could be developed for the production of slates used for making the house roofs. It is reported that Kuwargaon in Dhamena-7 has iron mine in the past but now it has been closed. Vopur, Sunikot, Kuwargaon, Dhamena, Basti areas have potential to become market centers for local trade in future.

3.3.8 Religious, Cultural and Historical Sites The following historical and religious sites are within ZoI of the proposed project area : ƒ Masatmandir temple, Surma temple, Ghaldeu temple, Kalika temple, Dandadeo temple, Lagamandu temple, Surmadevi temple, Nandev temple, Siddhadeo temple, Pathapale temple. ƒ Sunikot (fort of the Bamm kings in the past) ƒ Pipal Chautari at Sunikot and Rodan Chautari at Dhamena.

These sites are visited, and used for worship, by the local residents. Tapoban is a religious place and visited by the people especially in the month of Magh and Falgun during Shivrati. Likewise, Mastamandir is a famous religious site and there is big fair (jatra) in Bhadra Krishna Astamai, Kartik and Chaitre Dashain. Pathapale temple at Ch 11+220 and Rodan Chautari at Ch 13+269 fall along the road alignment will be displaced.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 8 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

4.0 Project Alternatives

______

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:

4.1 No action option 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 condition of remoteness and isolation exists and it will limit the access of 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.

4.2 Proposal alternatives 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, improvement of trails, construction of ropeway, airport and road could be the options for achieving the above mentioned objectives.

There is a trail in the proposed road project area which is used by the local people for transportation of goods and services. The development of new trails or improvement of existing trails cannot provide services for vehicular movement. As a result, the local people will not be benefited to the desired extent. However, this alternative can conserve the environment better than the road construction, but will fail to serve the transportation need of people living within the ZoI.

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.

Air connection will be expensive and out of reach for poor people. There is an airport in Chainpur but transportation by air will be very expensive and bulk transportation may not be feasible. Moreover, there are limited flights in operation which are also not so regular.

Considering the project alternatives, the proposed road project can be the best option to serve the purpose of transportation requirement.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 2 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

4.3 Alternative Design and Construction Approach 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.

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 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.

4.4 Alternative schedule and process 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.

4.5 Alternative Resources The physical resources consumed for the construction of the proposed road will mainly include boulders for gabions and stone for dry masonry wall. The proposed construction will optimally use the local labour force and local materials.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 2 of 2 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

5.0 Identification and Assessment of Impacts

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. The impacts generated are both beneficial as well as adverse. The environmental impacts have been identified for a number of issues based on the analysis of the environmental baseline information and activities that are to be undertaken (during construction, rehabilitation and subsequent operation phase). Most of the identified impacts have been quantified to the extent possible.

The impacts have been predicted in terms of their magnitude if significance (minor, moderate and high), extent (site specific, local and regional) and duration (short, medium and long term) as illustrated in table 5.1. The possible impacts from the proposal during the construction and operation stages are presented as following:

5.1 Beneficial Impacts 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 socioeconomic environment as given below:

5.1.1 Construction Stage 5.1.1.1 Employment Generation and Increase in Income 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 444,367 of unskilled and 13,592 skilled person days work. Total 151 skilled and 4,937 unskilled persons will get employment for 90 days. Numbers of skilled, semi skilled and unskilled manpower will be required for construction work. Construction of the road will be done by the building groups (BGs) from the local communities as far as possible. However, some works will also be done by the contractors. For this, provisions are made in Particular Conditions of the Contract with contractor. As majority of the people go to India for working as porter, labour and watchman, construction of this road will generate employment for them which will minimize seasonal migration to India. Consequently, it will reduce their vulnerability to STD and HIV AIDS. The amount of money that is earned by the wages will directly enhance the operation of various economic activities and enterprise development.

5.1.1.2 Enterprise Development and Business Promotion 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

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

increased demand by labors during construction period. This will increase local trade and business in the area.

5.1.1.3 Enhancement of Community Development Service Due to increase in employment opportunities, trade, business and agricultural income, considerable amount of money may be channeled in to 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.

5.1.1.4 Skill Enhancement 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. 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.

5.1.1.5 Awareness on Resource Management The project will adopt bioengineering treatments. This activity will enhance the local understanding on the importance of vegetation, particularly the trees and shrubs, including grasses for road slope stabilization. It is also likely that local people will have the opportunity to be aware about the importance of plants and its contribution to the stability of the road.

5.1.2 Operation Stage Following beneficial impacts of the proposed road project are anticipated during the operational stage:

5.1.2.1 Access to Inputs and Services due to Transportation Facility Access to inputs and services is severely constrained at present due to lack of road transportation facilities in the area. Porters and mules are the only means of transportation in this area which makes transportation very expensive. Once the road is in operation, people would have improved access to many inputs such as seeds, chemical fertilizer and technology leading to increased agricultural production and diversification. The cost is expected to come down by more than hundred percent for many of the inputs that are used by farmers in the farm and other goods.

5.1.2.2 Trade and Business When completed, the road connectivity will bring about opportunities for the promotion of trade and business. The proposed road will ensure transportation facility from the district headquarter of Bajhang to other rural areas in the north eastern part of the district. This will ensure continuous flow of products and commodities to Chainpur, Vopur, Sunikot, Rupatola and other market centers along the road alignment. Once this road is operational, trade and business activities will be further promoted.

5.1.2.3 Increased Crop Productivity and Sale of Farm Products The operation of road will benefit to the local communities in terms of increased productivity and diversification of crops including cereals as well as cash crops. Due to easy and cheaper availability of agricultural inputs and technologies, productivity will be increased along the road.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 2 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Sale of farm and livestock products will be increased in the settlements along the road corridor like, Vopur, Ruinabagar, Sailabagar, Sunikot, Sera, Dhamena, Basti and Rupatola.

The major areas for the production of oranges, vegetables and seed production are Bhategaon and Golkanda. Similarly, some of the areas like Ghattebagar, Chainpur, Dhamena, Sailabagar, Ruinabagar are also potential for the production of vegetables and vegetable seeds. Dhamena is potential area for potato production. Pithalek in Chainpur-4 is also potential for apple farming.

5.1.2.4 Development of Market centers The district headquarter of Bajhang, Chainpur may grow to bigger town due to road facilities. Likewise, there is a possibility of increased economic opportunities and significant growth and extension of the minor local markets along the road alignment like in Vopur, Sunikot, Sera, Dhamena, Basti and Rupatola. The farmers will be more interested to increase agricultural production due to market accessibility.

5.1.2.5 Appreciation of Land Value The construction of road leads to appreciation of land values particularly near the market and settlement areas. The land price would increase due to the availability of reliable transportation facilities. 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.

5.1.2.6 Enhancement of Community Development Services Local people may spend more on health and sanitary facilities, education facilities and other community services due to reduced transportation cost. The operation of road will also contribute to raise quality services in social sectors as more competent agencies and people will enter in the area to provide services. Road transportation will also encourage students to enroll in campuses for higher studies. People will get health services easily due to the transportation facilities.

5.1.2.7 Promotion of Tourism Activity Tatopani in Sunikot VDC is potential for rural tourism development for pilgrimage as this is religious place and having hot water springs considered for curing diseases. More pilgrims will visit this area due to easy accessibility. Tourists can visit this area to see the scenic beauty of Himalayan range including Saipal and other peaks. Similarly, this road will also open the easy accessibility for the people to visit Mansarovar and Kailash Parbat in Tibet which are the religious sites for the Hindus. Flow of tourists due to road construction will contribute in the enhancement of economic activities of the area which will increase the living condition of the local people.

5.1.2.8 Women Empowerment All the people will be benefited from the road construction. However, women in particular may be benefited more from improved access to the market centers and various service providing agencies like health centers, banks, training institutions, women development office etc. Frequency of visit to such agencies will increase awareness level and empower the women. Girl students will be encouraged to go to school due to road accessibility.

5.2 Adverse Impacts The proposed road project activities during construction and operation will create following adverse impacts on the local environment.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 3 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

5.2.1 Construction Stage 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.

5.2.1.1 Physical Impacts 5.2.1.1.1 Change in Land Use 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, forest, and public spaces into built up area. Approximate 13.143 ha of cultivated land of the local people will be permanently lost during road construction. Similarly, 4.46 ha of community forest and 5.84 ha of public (temple) 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.

5.2.1.1.2 Slope Instability 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. There exist two landslides at Ch 1+480 and. 14+500 and one fragile hill slope at Ch. 0+000 to 1+300. The degree of sliding increases during the road excavation and it may cause regular sliding during operational phase.

5.2.1.1.3 Air Dust, Noise and Water Pollution The ambient air quality data of the project area is not available at present. The road construction and rehabilitation work is carried out manually by the local labour. For rock cutting, hand tools will be used and if the rock is hard, drilling machine will be used. The road side dwellers and workers may be affected by emission of dust during road construction. This may affect the health of the labourers and people living nearby areas. The proposed project area does not experience 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. However, the water quality of water bodies within the project area appears to be good and without pollution. During the road construction, these water bodies may be affected due to excavated materials.

5.2.1.1.4 Quarrying and Borrow Pit The construction of road requires large quantity of stones and boulders and other type of construction materials. Stones will be extracted using optimum rock cutting techniques like chiseling and hammering, heating and breaking and drilling and breaking. Blasting will not be done for quarrying purpose. The extraction of materials from inappropriate places or in excessive amount can seriously damage the local environment. The potential adverse impacts of quarry and borrow pit operation are accelerated erosion, landslides, disturbance in natural drainage patterns, water logging and water pollution.

5.2.1.1.5 Spoil Disposal Large amount of spoil can be generated during road construction. 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

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 4 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

combined with unmanaged surface water runoff, damage to farm lands, destruction of vegetation, crops and property at downhill through direct deposition or indirectly as result of mass flow.

5.2.1.1.6 Decline in Aesthetic Value The construction of access route is likely to create wear and tear in the existing landscape along the road alignment at least temporarily during the construction period. This cannot be avoided, however, can be minimized by developing greenery through bioengineering. Landscape degradation relates particularly to poorly designed or monitored activities resulting from borrow pit and quarrying operations, from landslides that could have been avoided, and from indiscriminate dumping of spoil material. Road induced activities may lead to the generation and mismanagement of wastes in the roadsides and create scars on the landscape.

5.2.1.2 Biological Impacts The following are possible identified impacts based on baseline information related with the construction and rehabilitation of the proposed road.

5.2.1.2.1 Loss of Forest Vegetation Total of 4.46 ha of community forests will be lost due to road construction (road width is taken as 10 m). The proposed road passes through 4.680 km long stretch in five CFs. From these forests and private cultivated land, total 503 numbers of trees will be felled during road construction. In addition, various NTFP species will also be cleared during road construction.

5.2.1.2.2 Disturbance to Wildlife and Bird Habitat The proposed area is the habitat for wildlife and bird species; however, the construction of road may have impact on loss or fragmentation of their habitat. Moreover, bird and wildlife species may be disturbed during construction phase due to increase noise level and frequent travel of workers.

5.2.1.3 Socio-economic Impacts 5.3.1.3.1 Loss of Agricultural land There will be loss of 13.143 ha of 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.

5.3.1.3.2 Loss of Private Properties There are 6 houses, 1 cattle shed, 2 kitchens, chautara (resting place) and 1 temple which need to be displaced along the road alignment. The magnitude of impact is nominal because the house and other asset owners have enough land to relocate their structures.

5.3.1.3.3 Health and Safety Matters During construction, workers of building groups will be exposed to various risks and hazards. Many of the health hazards will be caused during rock cutting slope cutting etc. Other 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.

5.3.1.3.4 Cultural, Religious and Historical Sites There is one temple namely Pathapale at Ch 11+200 found in the proposed road alignment which will be displaced. The local people are ready to relocate it in another place. Therefore, the impact is not so significant. ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 5 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

5.2.2 Operation stage The following are possible identified impacts based on baseline information related with the operation of the road.

5.2.2.1 Physical Environment 5.2.2.1.1 Slope Instability and Management 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 and mule trek. 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.

5.2.2.1.2 Air and Noise Pollution The operation of vehicles can disturb silent ambience of the existing area. Similarly, in long-term operation period, air pollution will be increased by the emission from the vehicles as well as dust from the earthen road.

5.2.2.1.3 Road safety Measures 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.

5.2.2.2 Biological Environment 5.2.2.2.1 Depletion of Forest Resources 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 resources. However, provision of forest products distribution in community forest operational plan will minimize the depletion of forest resources.

5.2.2.2.2 Disturbance to the wildlife 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 habitat area will have impact on the wildlife and bird species. Sometimes collision of birds and other wildlife species may also increase in the road operation.

5.2.2.3 Socioeconomic and Cultural Impacts 5.2.2.3.1 New Settlement and Market Center Development 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. 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 and the population pressure on the roadside settlement may cause road accident.

5.2.2.3.2 Change in Social behavior Flow of tourists and other visitors may influence the changes in the social behavior. This may increase economic opportunities along the road corridor. People may leave their family in their villages to dwell near the new spots for economic incentives. This will ultimately affect the ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 6 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

traditional bonds, norms and functions of the family. This will also cause impact on social and cultural transition.

5.2.2.3.3 Loss of Occupation by Porters All the goods are transported from Chainpur by porters as well as ram and sheep to the east northern parts of Bajhang district. These porters will be displaced by the construction of road. This might put them into further hardship to sustain their livelihood. There will also be discontinuation of transporting goods by ram and sheep which will ultimately affect the life of their owners as they have to find out another alternative for livelihood.

Table 5.1. Summary of Environmental Impacts Beneficial Environmental Impacts Phase Impact Magni Exte Dura Rema tude nt tion rks Employment Generation and Increase in income H Lc St Enterprise Development and Business Promotion M Lc St Enhancement of Community Development Service H Lc Lt Skill Enhancement M Lc Lt

Constructi on Stage Awareness on Resource Management M Lc St Access to Inputs and Services due to Transportation M R Lt Facility Trade and Business M Lc Lt Development of Market centers M R Lt Increased Crop Productivity and Sale of Farm M Lc Lt Products Appreciation of Land value M Lc Lt Enhancement of Community Development Services M Lc Lt Promotion of Tourism Activity M Lc Lt

Operation Stage Women Empowerment M Lc Mt

Adverse Environment Impacts Phase Aspect Impact Magn Exte Durat Remarks itude nt ion Change in Land Use M Lc Lt Slope Instability H Ss Lt Air Dust, Noise and Water Pollution L Lc St Quarrying and Borrow Pit M Ss St Spoil Disposal H Ss St

Physical Decline in Aesthetic Value M Ss Mt Biologi Loss of Forest Vegetation H Lc Lt cal Disturbance to Wildlife and Bird M Lc Mt Habitat Loss of Agricultural land M Lc Lt Socio- Loss of Private Properties M Lc Lt econom Health and Safety Matters H Lc St

Construction Stage ic Slope Instability and Management M Ss St Air and Noise Pollution M Lc Lt

Oper ation Stage Road Safety Measures M Lc Lt Physical ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 7 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Biologi Depletion of Forest Resources M Lc Lt cal Disturbance to the Wildlife M Ss Mt Socio- New Settlement and Market Center M Lc Mt econom Development ic Change in Social behavior M Lc St Loss of Occupation by Porters M Lc St

Note: ƒ Magnitude: This can be low-L (minor), medium-M (moderate), and high-H (major), depending on the scale or severity of change. ƒ 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). ƒ 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).

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 8 of 8 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

6.0 Mitigation Measures

______

Impacts from the proposed road projects 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 below.

6.1 Benefit Augmentation Measures 6.1.1 Construction Stage 6.1.1.1 Employment Generation and Increase in income During the road construction and rehabilitation, large number of local people (444,367 unskilled person days and 13,592 skilled person days) will work as labourer giving more emphasis to women (at least 40%), ethnic minority and dalit (occupational caste). They will get direct employment and it will contribute significantly in their livelihood. This will also increase their economy and keep them occupied in earning and skill learning job during agricultural lean season. In this context, 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 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, ethnic minority and women.

6.1.1.2 Enhancement of Technical Skills During the road construction and rehabilitation work, members of BGs will be given training in road construction, soft engineering structures and bioengineering works. They will also be given on-the-job training for beneficial augmentation measures. This will help them to find job as skilled worker in other future projects as an alternative occupation in addition to agriculture.

6.1.2 Operation Stage 6.1.2.1 Promotion of Small Scale Industries After the completion of the road, local people will have cheaper and easy access to sell their products to bigger markets at better price. This will encourage local people to establish small scale industries, cultivate coffee and other cash crops, timber and NTFPs. The benefit augmentation measures will be to promote cooperative and provide linkage with bank and other financial institutions for setting up business enterprises.

6.1.2.2 Enhancement of community development services Due to increase in employment opportunities, trade, business and agricultural income, considerable amount of money may be channeled into the local economy which will increase the income level of the individual household and the local community of the area. Promotion of community development activities such as education, school, health and sanitation services will be supported and linkage with social infrastructure services will be developed.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 6 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

6.1.2.3 Access to inputs and services Once the road is in operation, people would have cheaper and improved access to many inputs such as seeds, chemical fertilizer and technology leading to increased agricultural production and diversification. The transportation cost is expected to come down heavily for many of the inputs that are used by farmers in the farm and other goods. Agricultural support services will be improved for the increased income from the farm products.

6.1.2.4 Increased crop productivity and sale of farm products Sale of farm and livestock products will be increased in the settlements along the road corridor. Farmers will be more interested to increase agricultural production due to market accessibility. For this, market linkages will be developed.

6.1.2.5 Development of market centers There is a possibility of growth and extension of the minor local markets along the road like in Chainpur, Vopur, Sunikot, Kuwargaon area. Sewerage and other basic facilities will be supported in the market centers.

6.1.2.6 Appreciation of land value 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. Benefit enhancement measures will be promotion of land development activities and control of encroachment within RoW.

6.1.2.7 Promotion of tourism activity Flow of tourists due to road construction will contribute in the enhancement of economic activities of the area which will increase the living condition of the local people. Development of lodges, restaurants and hotels for the tourists will be supported.

6.2 Adverse Impacts Mitigation Measures 6.2.1 Construction Stage 6.2.1.1 Physical Environment 6.2.1.1.1 Spoil Disposal 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: ƒ Wherever possible, surplus spoil will be used to fill eroded gullies, quarries and borrow pits, depressed areas etc. ƒ Excess spoils will be disposed in specified tipping sites in a controlled manner. ƒ Spoils should not be disposed on fragile slopes, farmland, marshy land, forest areas, natural drainage path, canals and other infrastructures. ƒ After the disposal, the site will be provided with proper drainage, vegetation and adequate protection against erosion. ƒ Provisions of toe walls and retaining walls would protect the disposal of soil.

6.2.1.1.2 Slope Instability and Soil Erosion Earth excavation, particularly in unstable zones, drainage work, quarrying and spoil disposal will aggravate slope instability and soil erosion. The proposed road adopts green road approach according to the existing situation and conditions. However, for this road phased wise construction is not needed due to the following reasons: ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 2 of 6 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

ƒ Proposed road alignment mainly follows already existing mule trail which is more than 1.5 m wide and it will be widened to full road width. ƒ Some portion of the road passes through cultivated area with mild slope where terraces are already more than 1.5m wide.

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: ƒ Ensuring minimum cut slope ƒ Selecting cut and fill slope at correct angle depending upon the soil type ƒ Re-vegetation of cut and fill slope or exposed areas as soon as possible by using native plant species ƒ Adoption of bio-engineering techniques ƒ Ensuring minimum damage of vegetation during construction ƒ No construction work during rainy season

6.2.1.1.3 Quarrying Stones and boulders needed for road construction will be extracted from the nearest relatively good quality natural deposits. Following mitigation measures will be adopted against the impacts of quarrying: ƒ Unstable sites, erosion prone area, dense forest area, settlements, fertile farm land will be avoided for quarrying operation ƒ After the extraction is completed, the quarry site will be rehabilitated to suit the local landscape. ƒ Blasting will not be done for quarrying.

6.2.1.1.4 Disruption of Water Resources Related Infrastructures Local water supply pipes and their sources and irrigation canals are likely to be affected during construction work of the road project. In order to avoid/minimize such impacts, the following mitigation measures will be adopted: ƒ Restoration/reinstating of all disturbed infrastructures ƒ Coordination with concerned local authorities like District Irrigation Office, District Drinking Water Supply Office and water users groups for the maintenance of disturbed infrastructure. ƒ These irrigation canals should be maintained in its original state and properly covered where road passes above them. ƒ The sources of water should be maintained as in original state if damaged during the road construction ƒ Contamination of water supply system will be avoided

6.2.1.1.5 Drainage and Cross Drainage works The concentrated water from the road outlet causes erosion and landslide eventually affecting the stability of the road itself. For this, following mitigation measures will be adopted as appropriate: ƒ Adequate numbers of drainage structures will be provided in order to have minimum interference on natural drainage pattern of the area ƒ Drain water discharge into farmland or risky locations will be avoided. ƒ No diversion of water away from natural water course unless it is absolutely necessary

6.2.1.1.6 Air, Noise and Water Pollution

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 3 of 6 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

The road side dwellers and workers may be affected by emission of dust during road construction. This may affect the health of the labourers and people living nearby areas. The increased construction activities like rock cutting may cause noise pollution to some extent to the workers and people living in nearby areas. During the road construction, water bodies may be affected due to excavated materials. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: ƒ Use of face mask by the workers to minimize air pollution due to dust generation ƒ Plantation of local species along the roadside ƒ Use of ear muffles to lessen noise pollution during rock breaking and quarrying ƒ Avoiding the disposal of excavated materials in the water bodies

6.2.1.2 Biological Environment 6.2.1.2.1 Loss of Vegetation and Use of Forest Product During the road construction, total 503 trees will be removed as part of the site clearance. The forest products from the CFs will be utilized by the community forest users groups (CFUGs) according to community forest operational plan. The loss of trees can not be minimized; however, it can be compensated by encouraging CFUGs and local people to plant trees in the CFs and private land respectively.

6.2.1.2.2 Disturbance to Wildlife and Illegal Hunting Road construction may cause the loss of habitat and interruption in wildlife movement path. There may occur illegal hunting during construction period by building group members and project staff. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: ƒ The construction activities near forest area and areas identified as habitat of wildlife and birds will be appropriately managed so that there will be least disturbance to the wildlife and birds. ƒ Restriction to work during night time ƒ Restriction to wildlife harassment by the workers

6.2.1.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment 6.2.1.3.1 Acquisition of Land and Property Productive land and house acquisition for the road alignment will be minimized as far as possible. Compensation for the loss of property will be provided to the affected people.

6.2.1.3.2 Skill Training Skill training will be provided to the BG members so that they can work efficiently and effectively during the construction and rehabilitation of the road.

6.2.1.3.3 Health and Safety 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. There will be provision for group accidental insurance for the workers. First aid training will be provided to field staffs like overseer, social mobilizers and supervisors.

6.2.2 Mitigation Measures During Operation Stage 6.2.2.1 Physical Environment 6.2.2.1.1 Slope Instability and Erosion

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 4 of 6 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

The impact of slope instability and erosion will be in terms of damage of agricultural land, forest area, other properties as well as reduction in agricultural production. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: ƒ Correction of maintenance of the slope protection measures and drainage works ƒ Minor landslide and mass wasting will be immediately cleared and slope restored with appropriate technology (bioengineering) ƒ Soil conservation will be promoted in the right of way and vulnerable areas beyond the road alignment ƒ CFUG will be promoted to conserve and manage their CFs properly

6.2.2.1.2 Air, Noise and Water Pollution The movement of vehicles on the earthen road will cause air and noise pollution. Similarly, run- off from road surface may cause water pollution. Following mitigation measures will be adopted: ƒ Vehicle emission standard will be maintained ƒ Speed limit of the vehicles will be maintained ƒ Plantation will be done

6.2.2.2 Biological Environment 6.2.2.2.1 Depletion of Forest Resources The pressure on forest resources during road operation is likely to occur. The mitigation measures recommended are: ƒ CFUGs will be supported to conserve and manage their CFs according to operational plans ƒ Promote the installation of improved stoves to minimize the consumption of fire wood

6.2.2.2.2 Disturbance to Wildlife and Birds Wildlife and birds will be disturbed due to the vehicle movement. Appropriate sign boards will be erected informing drivers about: ƒ Prohibition of blowing horns in the dense forest areas ƒ Potential areas for wildlife crossing

6.2.2.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment 6.2.2.3.1 Road Accidents During road operation, there are likely chances of accidents. The mitigation measures adopted will be: ƒ Applying appropriate road safety measures ƒ Restriction on vehicle speed ƒ Required safety signs will be used along the road

6.2.2.3.2 New Settlement Along the Road There will be chances of growing ribbon settlements along the road during operation phase. This may cause congestion to road users and invite accidents. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: ƒ Discouraging ribbon settlements along the road ƒ Awareness raising programme through local organizations to plan proper settlements ƒ Regulate settlement growth with proper panning along RoW ƒ Plantation of trees along the road.

6.2.2.3.3 Change in Social Behavior

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 5 of 6 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

People may leave their family in their villages to dwell near the new spots for economic incentives. This will ultimately affect the traditional bonds, norms and functions of the family. This will also cause impact on social and cultural transition. The mitigation measures recommended will be facilitating awareness raising programmes to the communities about negative social behavior like gambling, excess use of alcohol.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 6 of 6 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

7.0 Environmental Management Plan

______

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 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.

The main responsibility for IEE and environmental management plan (EMP) implementation is with DDC, Bajhang. 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.

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 (MoLD): 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): 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): It is the technical unit which is responsible to assist in project implementation in the districts.

Central Implementation Support Consultant (CISC): It is responsible for assisting DRILP implementation in the central and districts.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

District Development Committee, Bajhang: As project implementer at district level, DDC Bajhang is responsible for screening and ToR preparation, commissioning IEE studies, and carrying out mitigating works.

District Technical Office (DTO): It is responsible for managing the implementation of the programme in the district. The DTO chief is the project manager in the district.

District Project Office (DPO): It is the project team in the district which assists DDC for the implementation of the programme.

District Implementation Support Consultant (DISC): With technical and social staff, it supports in the implementation of the project activities in the district.

District Road Coordination Committee (DRCC): 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): It coordinates road issues among beneficiaries and institutions at VDC level.

Building Groups (BGs): Responsible for road construction activities.

7.2 Reporting and Documentation 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..

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.

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.

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.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 2 of 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Ministry of Local Development (MLD)

DRILP-PCU DoLIDAR CISC DDC Environmental Specialist

DTO DPO DISC

DRCC

VWRCC

Building Group/Contractor

Figure 7.1 Environmental Management Organization Structure

7.3 Environmental Management Plan 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.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 3 of 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Table 7.1 Framework of Implementing Environmental Management Plan Potential Benefit Augmentation/Mitigation Concerned Period Verificati Impacts Measures Agency on Method Benefit Augmentation Employment Involvement of women, dalit and ethnic DPO/DISC Constructi Records, generation minority poor people and providing life on discussion and increase skill training for income generation in come activities Enterprise Support to local entrepreneurs and DPO/DISC/D Constructi Records development promotion of cooperative and linkage epartment of on and and and business with bank and other financial Cottage and operation discussion promotion institutions Small Industries Enhancement Support promotion of community DDC/DPO/D Constructi Records, of development activities and development ISC on and discussion community and linkage of social infrastructure operation development services services Access to Improve agricultural support services DDC/DADO/ Operation Records inputs and for the farmers local farmers and services discussion Increased Promotion of market linkages and DDC/DADO/ Operation Observatio crop networking for better market price NGO/local n, records productivity farmers and sale of farm products Development Support sewerage and other drainage DDC/local Operation Observatio of market facilities in the market centers club n, records centers Appreciation Promotion of land development DDC/VDC Operation Records, of land value activities and check encroachment discussion within RoW Promotion of Facilitate development of lodges, DDC/VDC/lo Operation Observatio tourism restaurants and hotels cal people n activity Physical Environment Change in Plantation in community forest and DFO/CFUG/ Constructi Records, land use improving agricultural extension DDC/DISC on and observatio services. Applying additional protective operation n measures that the remaining land will not be lost due to erosion Slope Bio engineering application should be DDC/DSCO/ Constructi Observatio instability used to stabilize the mountain slopes BG/Contract on n or Effective, well designed drainage DSCO/DDC Constructi Observatio system should be utilized on & n Operation ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 4 of 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Efficient spoil management should be DDC/DPO Constructi Observatio maintained on n Spoil Balance cut and fill volume within a DDC/DPO/D Constructi Observatio disposal reasonable haulage length. Where ISC on n 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 pollution Provide mask to construction workers DDC/DPO/D Constructi Observatio and plantation of local species along the ISC/DFO on n, records road side Vehicle emission standard and speed DDC/DPO/D Operation Observatio limit will be maintained ISC n Noise Uses of ear muffles should be DDC/DPO/ Constructi Observatio Pollution maintained DISC on n, records Use of the unwanted horns at the public DDC/DPO Constructi Observatio places and settlement area should be on and n, records prohibited operation Water Avoiding the disposal of excavated DDC/DPO Constructi Observatio pollution materials in the water bodies on n Quarrying Proper management and rehabilitation DDC/DPO/D Constructi Observatio of quarry sites ISC on n Decline in Discouraging indiscriminate dumping DDC/DPO/D Constructi Observatio aesthetic of spoil material. ISC on n value Road Appropriate spoil disposal sites should DDC/DPO Constructi Observatio accidents be identified and utilized on n Enforcement of road safety measures DDC/Traffic Operation Observatio like speed limit and erecting road signs police n

Biological Loss of forest Plantation of trees in the community DDC/CFUG/ Constructi Observatio vegetation forest and private land. DFO on n, records and forest Supporting CFUG to manage their DDC/CFUG/ Operation Observatio degradation community forests. Promote the DFO n, records installation of improved cooking stoves. Disturbance Construction activities near forest area DDC/CFUG/ Constructi Observatio to wildlife will be properly managed and workers DFO on n and bird are restricted to disturb and harass habitat wildlife Erecting appropriate sign boards for DDC/CFUG/ Operation Observatio drivers near the forest area DFO n Socioeconomic Loss of Promotion of high value crops and DDC/DADO/ Constructi Observatio agricultural commercial farming and increase the NGO/local on n, records land cropping pattern farmers Health and Workers will be provided with helmet, DDC/DPO/D Constructi Observatio safety masks and muffles depending on the ISC/VWRCC on n, records ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 5 of 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

matters nature of work. Drinking water facility and temporary pit latrine will be established. Workers will be provided with first aid and health facilities They will be insured for accidental insurance. New Regulate settlement growth with proper DDC/DPO Operation Observatio settlement panning along RoW and discourage n, records development ribbon settlement Change in Aware, educate and prohibit DDC/DPO/V Operation Observatio social communities about negative social WRCC n, records behavior behavior like gambling, excess use of alcohol

7.4 Mitigation cost 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. 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.

7.5 Environmental Monitoring 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.

7.5.1 Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring is an integral part of the project proponent so as to know the unlikely impacts and implement corrective measures. The proponent, DDC Bajhang 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) team in the district and Environmental Assessment Specialist 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.

According to EPR, 1997, the MLD/DoLIDAR is responsible for monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the 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.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 6 of 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

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.

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. 450,000 as given in Table 7.2.

Table 7.2 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 75,000 Report preparation LS 20,000 Total 450,000

7.5.2 Types of Monitoring and Monitoring Parameters 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.

The nature and purpose of environmental monitoring will be different in the pre-construction, stage, construction stage and operation stage of the project.

7.5.2.1 Pre-construction Stage Monitoring at this stage of project is to:

ƒ Confirm that plan, route selection and design of the road has considered the recommendation made by IEE ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 7 of 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

ƒ Judge the level of preparation for implementing the construction related mitigation, and ƒ Prepare up-to-date environmental status of specific site where the impacts are assessed to be significant

7.5.2.2 Construction Stage 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: ƒ Disposal of spoil and construction wastes and its consequences ƒ Disruption of natural water courses, drainage work and its consequences ƒ Slope protection measures ƒ Loss, stratification or degradation of forest vegetation ƒ Care, sensitivity or disruption of community infrastructures ƒ Loss or degradation or threat to private properties ƒ Care, sensitivity or disruption to cultural sites ƒ Quarrying and borrow pits

7.5.2.3 Operation Stage 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:

ƒ Drainage structures, their outfall and damage to private properties, community properties and natural resources ƒ Effectiveness of the slope protection and soil erosion measures ƒ Encroachment into road side, public land, forest or marginal land ƒ Status of waste disposal sites, quarry sites, and borrow pits ƒ Road accidents ƒ Symptoms of emergence of road side settlements, changes in agricultural pattern ƒ Activities of road neighbouring communities ƒ Illegal felling of trees and hunting of wildlife

Table 7.3 presents environmental issues, methods, schedule, and responsible agency for environmental monitoring.

Table 7.3 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 ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 8 of 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

codes of conduct into provisions are included designs B. During Construction phase 4 Construction and Site inspections at places During DISC location of drainage where 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 During and DISC community and seeking of feasible immediately infrastructures solutions 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 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, ______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 9 of 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

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

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 10 of 10 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

8.0 Conclusion and Recommendations

8.1 Conclusion The IEE study of the proposed Vopur-Rupatola section of Chainpur-Kanda 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.

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 The proposed road project is recommended for implementation with incorporation of mitigation measures and environmental monitoring plan.

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 and possibly some built areas will have to be acquired for construction of the proposed road. A Resettlement Plan will be required to ensure that the persons affected by these losses are properly compensated.

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 1 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

______

9.0 Miscellaneous

References

ADB 2005 Aide Memoire for Loan No. 2092-NEP (SF): Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project, January 2005 ADB 2003 Environmental Assessment Guidelines. Asian Development Bank, Manila, The Philippines DFO 2005. Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Report of Community Forests, District Forest Office, Bajhang. 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

______Vopur-Rupatola Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road, Bajhang Page 1 of 1 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

ANNEXES

Annex 1

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of Vopur-Rupatola Road Section of Chainpur-Kanda Road Sub-project

Submitted to: Ministry of Local Development, Government of Nepal

Proponent: District Development Committee Bajhang, Chainpur Telephone No. – 019-461506 Fax No. – 019-461506

February, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENT

DESCRIPTION PAGE

1.0 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PROPONENT 3

2.0 INTRODUCTION 3 2.1 General introduction 3 2.2 Background of the proposal 3 2.3 Objectives 6 2.4 Relevancy of the proposal 6

3.0 REVIEW OF RELEVANT LAWS, RULES AND GUIDELINES 7

4.0 PROCEDURES TO BE ADOPTED WHILE PRERPAEING REPORT 7 4.1 Desk review 7 4.2 Public consultation 7 4.3 Field work 8

5.0 ALTERNATIVES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PROPOSAL 8

6.0 REQUIREMENT OF THE IEE STUDY 8 6.1 Time schedule 8 6.2 Estimated budget and study team 9

7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE 9

8.0 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 10

9.0 IDENTIFICATION, PREDICTION AND EVALUATION OF IMPACTS 10 9.1 Beneficial impacts 10 9.2 Adverse impacts 10

10.0 MITIGATION MEASURES 12

11.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN 12

12.0 IEE REPORT FORMAT 12

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 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 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

1.0 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PROPONENT The District Development Committee (DDC), Bajhang is the executing agency at the district level and the proponent of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study for the construction of Vopur-Rupatola road section of Chainpur-Kanda 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, Bajhang, Chainpur Telephone No. – 019-461505 Fax No. – 019-461506

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 Vopur-Rupatola road section of Chainpur-Kanda road sub-project in Bajhang District. This is a high priority road in Bajhang district and is proposed for construction under DRILP.

2.2 Background of the proposal The proposed Vopur-Rupatola road section is the part of the Chainpur-Kanda Road (55km) in Bajhang district of Far-Western Development region. The road starts from Vopur bazar of Chainpur VDC and passes through Sunnikot VDC and ends at Rupatola in Dhamena VDC. Thus, it passes through three VDCs namely, Chainpur, Sunnikot and Dhamena. The major settlements along the road are: Vopur, Sunigad, Dhamena, Basti and Rupatola.

The Vopur-Rupatola road section is also continuation to the Khodpe-Chainpur road presently under construction by the Department of Road (DoR) from Vopur bazar of Chainpur VDC. The proposed road alignment passes through the right bank of the Seti River for about 3km and negotiates 300m of elevation to pass through the Mastamandir Temple to reach Rupatola.

The total length of this road section is 18km and it is new construction. 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, 2 and 3.

Table. 1 Project activities of the proposed Vopur-Rupatola road section SN Road section Chainage Length Descriptions Remarks 1 Vopur-Sunigad 0+00 to 3+000 3 km Bridge Bridge span 22m 2 Sunigad- 3+000 to 7+000 4 km Causeway Causeway span Mastamandir 12m 3 Mastamandir- 7+000 to 11 km Causeway Causeway span Rupatola 18+000 5m Total 18 km

Figure 1. Map of Nepal showing the location of Vopur-Rupatola road section in Bajhang District

Figure 2. Map of Bajhang showing Vopur-Rupatola road section

Figure 3. Map showing the alignment of Vopur-Rupatola road section

2.3 OBJECTIVES The objectives of the proposed IEE study includes to: ƒ 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, ƒ recommend practical and site specific environmental mitigation and enhancement measures, prepare and implement environmental monitoring plan for the sub- project, and ƒ 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 The Vopur-Rupatola road section is the initial part of Chainpur–Kanda (55km long) road. It links northeastern part of Bajhang district with Chainpur which is district headquarter. This road is considered as lifeline for the people of Bajhang, Doti, Baitadi and Dedeldhura districts as after completion, it will provide connectivity to Terai and other parts of Nepal. It is also continuation to Jaya Prithive Bahadur Singh Marg presently under construction by the Department of Road (DoR) from Vopurbazar in Chainpur.

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) • 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 PROCEDURES TO BE ADOPTED WHILE PRERPAEING THE REPORT The IEE approach, methodology and procedure should generally follow the provisions of the EPA, 1996 and EPR, 1997. 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: ƒ Collection and review of secondary sources of information from various sources ƒ Initial interaction and consultation with the local community and district level stakeholders ƒ Delineation of geographical boundary of the influence area on the topographical map ƒ 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: ƒ 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. ƒ Recommendation letter from concerned VDCs and/or municipality will also be obtained. ƒ 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: ƒ No action option ƒ Project alternatives ƒ Alternative alignment ƒ Alternative design and construction approach ƒ Alternative schedule and process ƒ Alternative resources, and ƒ 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

SN Activities Week 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: ƒ Landslides, slope stability and erosion ƒ Forestry and wildlife ƒ Geology ƒ Road engineering

ƒ 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.

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 crosschecked and analyzed.

9.0 IDENTIFICATION, PREDICTION AND EVALUATION OF IMPACTS 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:

ƒ Slope instability and soil erosion due to various activities including slope cutting, spoil disposal, concentrated flows due to water diversions and inappropriate drain outfalls. ƒ Quarry site operation. ƒ Impacts on water resources (irrigation, drinking water and other water bodies) and drainage pattern. ƒ Degradation of air quality (particularly dust) and increase in vibration/noise and its impact to the local people. ƒ Change in land use including development or expansion of roadside settlements. ƒ 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: ƒ Loss or degradation of forests and vegetation. This includes all forest areas including state or community or leasehold or religious or private forest. ƒ Impact on wildlife including birds due to loss or degradation of habitat, increased hunting and other form of human pressure. ƒ Impacts on flora and fauna (as listed in CITES and IUCN Red data book). ƒ 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: ƒ Loss or degradation of farmland 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.). ƒ Loss or degradation of private properties such as houses, farm sheds, and other structures, crops and fodder/ fruit trees. ƒ Impact on community infrastructure such as irrigation, water supply, schools, health post, trail and trail bridges. ƒ Impacts on cultural, religious and archeological sites. ƒ Impacts on social structures, employment opportunities, economy, cultural values. ƒ 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 ƒ Road slope stability and management ƒ Impact on water resources ƒ Impact due to air pollution ƒ Impact due to noise pollution ƒ Road safety measures 9.2.2.2 Biological environment ƒ Impact on forest resources ƒ Illegal poaching and impact on wild life ƒ Impact of natural habitat ƒ Increased access to and demands on forests due to road construction 9.2.2.3 Socio-economic and cultural environment ƒ Population pressure and impact due to new settlement along the road alignment ƒ Impact on economic activities ƒ Impact on living condition ƒ Impact on farming practices ƒ Changes in employment and income pattern of the local people ƒ Impact on cultural and religious activities ƒ 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.

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: ƒ Objective of the sub-project ƒ Impacts on land use ƒ Adverse Impacts on environment, effects on people’s livelihood, and population pressure ƒ Loss or degradation of local properties and assets ƒ Main mitigation measures ƒ Conclusions and recommendations

If the IEE report is prepared in English, executive summary will be given in Nepali also. 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 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 ƒ ToR of IEE ƒ Summary of consultations and meetings ƒ Deed of inquiry (muchulka) ƒ Notices published and pasted ƒ Recommendations from the concerned VDCs or Municipality ƒ Photographs, Maps, Drawings, Checklists, Questionnaires ƒ List of persons and institutions consulted

ANNEX-II ABSTRACT OF COST

Item Description of Works Unit Quantity Amount (NRs.) Remarks No.

1 Site Clearance Work m2 1,470.00 11,407.20

2 Cutting of Tree Nos. 122.00 35,890.00

3 Excavation in Roadway, drain and foundation of structures in m3 159,592.04 52,460,162.66

4 Excavation in foundation of structures in m3 13,150.01 4016868.037

5 Backfilling and compaction m3 26544.80 1,287,422.73

6 Transporting materials from roadway and drain excavation m3 29924.81 7,256,765.37

7 Dry Stone Masonry Work m3 11,578.48 10,311,385.60

8 Gabion Works 8.1 Supply Gabion wire to the site ,( all heavy coated) 8.1.1 Gabion wire Supply for(size 2x1x1) Nos 2284.0000 6,882,581.00 8.1.2 Gabion wire Supply for(size 1.5x1x1) Nos 1352.0000 2,962,983.45

8.2 Fabrication of gabion boxes 8.2.1 Box size: 2m x 1m x 1m Nos 2284.00 390,586.84 8.2.2 Box size: 1.5m x 1m x 1m Nos 1352.00 168,149.47

8.3 Assembling of gabion baskets and placing them in position 8.3.1 Box size: 2m x 1m x 1m Nos 2284.00 39,878.64 8.3.2 Box size: 1.5m x 1m x 1m Nos 1352.00 17,167.94

8.4 Stone Packing in Gabion Crates, With face stone dressig m3 6596.00 4,189,779.20

9 Stone collection & Transport from For Gabion work m3 6596.00 3,211,883.40 structure 10 20cm Thick Stone Pitching ( For Drain crossing) Nos 252 904,251.60

11 Scour Check including stone supply Nos 1331 530,669.70

12 Stone Masonry Work (1:4 Cement Sand Mortar) m3 379.81 2,548,997.79

13 Road Crossing structure 13.1 Bridge Construction work two Nos 20m,&10 m span LS 15,000,000.00 13.2 Irrigation crossing with Slabe culvert Nos 5 311,132.32 13.3 Dry stone cause way (type I) Nos 7 417,884.01 13.4 Dry stone cause way (type II) Nos 34 263,392.56

13.5 Dry stone Scupper Nos 1 60,753.49

14 Miscellaneous work (Rehabilitation work eg. Water Supply, Ls 266012.00 Irrigation, and Electricity) 15 Bio-Engineering Works Ls 1600000.00 16 Resettlement work Ls 4800000.00

A. TOTAL 119,946,005.02 Provision for tools and equipments (3% of A) 3,598,380.15 Contractor's overhead (15% of (50%A) Which will be done 8,995,950.38 by Contractor VAT (13% of on Contractor work) 8,965,963.88 B. TOTAL 141,506,299.43 Provision for contingencies (5% of B) 7,075,314.97 C. GRAND-TOTAL 148,581,614.40 Cost per Kilometer 8,289,996.90

Annex III Public Notice

Annex IV Deed of Enquiry (Muchulka)

Annex-V

Name of the Organizations (notice pasted and deed of inquiry obtained) SN. Name of organization Address Remarks 1 District Development Committee Chainpur, Bajhang 2 District Technical Office Chainpur, Bajhang 3 District Administration Office Chainpur, Bajhang 4 District Forest Office Chainpur, Bajhang 5 District Education Office Chainpur, Bajhang 6 District Health Office Chainpur, Bajhang 7 Chainpur VDC Chainpur, Bajhang 8 Chhabish Gramin Chetanalaya Chainpur, Bajhang 9 Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) Chainpur, Bajhang 10 Cadastral Survey Office Chainpur, Bajhang 11 Cottage and Small Industry Office Chainpur, Bajhang 12 Women Development Office Chainpur, Bajhang 13 Land Revenue Office Chainpur, Bajhang 14 Sunikot VDC Sunikot VDC 15 Sunikot Sub Health Post Sunikot VDC 16 Dhamena VDC Office Dhamena VDC 17 Nepal Communist Party (UML) Chainpur, Bajhang 18 Dhamena Sub Health Post Dhamena VDC 19 Shree Bishwanath Primary School Dhamena VDC

Annex VI Recommendation Letters from VDCs

Annex VII a.

Distribution of households by major occupation Settlement Number of HH in Name Agriculture Labour & Business/ Cottage Employees Others & Livestock Porter Commerce Industry (specify) Dadagaon 10 60 - - 2 Kaprikot 47 47 - - 18 Vopur, 76 20 4 5 40 Ruinabagar, Sailabagar Dalitbasti 84 50 4 - 14 Damyur 42 20 2 - 20 Kheira 110 90 2 - 10

Pithalek 47 63 4 - 12 28

Dhamilekh 18 63 4 - 11

Kuwargaon 87 40 4 20 6 9

Dhamena 50 20 1 6 8

Dharashi 70 70 3 - - 13 Korsel 60 60 2 25 2 2 Rupatola 70 70 2 10 7 Basti 54 59 3 4 - 8 Bayarpala 37 15 2 10 5 5 Dhungana 36 20 3 4 9 Seragaon-4 37 37 3 - 8 Seragaon-3 - 31 - - - Bikulli 36 20 2 - 5 Dadagaon 35 35 - 4 9 Kharayal 26 26 - - 5 Ghattebagar, 42 40 2 - 6 Aidigaon Chaud 24 18 1 - 5 Bhatgaon 25 15 1 1 - Kinada 62 62 9 1 7 Dwari 195 195 20 - 5 Agar 74 74 4 - 7 Jinnada 83 83 10 - 12 Bhelat, 70 70 30 1 20 Maura Samdev 11 17 6 - 3 Total 1,593 1,475 127 90 257 65 Source: Field survey, 2007

Annex VII b.

Summary of public services and infrastructures according to settlement Settlement

) Name/ no Public (

services and ) no (

Infrastructur e y Community use (no) Industr School (no) School (no) Health post Communication (no) Hydro power (no) (no) Solar Shops/lodge (no) Water supply (no) ha) area Irrigation ( Water mill (no) Bridge (no) Community organization (no) Fin. Institution Dadagaon 1 1 2 2 Kaprikot 1 2 Vopur, 3 1 6 7 20 2 Ruinabagar, Sailabagar Dalitbasti 2 2 1 22 8 4 6 3 2 2 6 Damyur 1 1 2 6 5 Kheira 2 1 5 10 1 Pithalek 1 1 4 Dhamilekh 1 1 6 Kuwargaon 3 3 4 15 4 1 Dhamena 3 1 7 15 5 Dharashi 1 1 1 5 15 1 Korsel 1 1 3 Rupatola 1 3 5 6 2 1 Basti 1 3 4 Bayarpala 1 3 4 2 3 Dhungana 2 3 3 Seragaon-4 2 1 4 1 Seragaon-3 3 Bikulli 1 1 5 Dadagaon 1 5 5 Kharayal 1 2 Ghattebagar, 1 1 2 2 4 1 1 1 1 3 Aidigaon Chaud 1 1 1 1 1 Bhatgaon 4 2 1 1 Kinada 1 1 3 13 10 3 Dwari 1 4 5 16 12 3 Agar 1 3 15 6 1 Jinnada 1 3 18 5 1 Bhelat, 1 1 1 1 15 7 8 10 4 Maura Samdev 1 1 5 2 Total 27 5 4 10 60 41 140 153 58 19 3 2 8 6 Source: Field survey, 2007

Annex VII c.

Land holding pattern of settlements within ZoI Settlement Number of HH Name Landless 50 ropani ropani ropani ropani ropani Dadagaon 10 20 28 10 2 2 Kaprikot 1 30 16 Vopur, 1 46 20 10 Ruinabagar, Sailabagar Dalitbasti 12 72 2 Damyur 15 24 3 Kheira 80 10 20 4 3 Pithalek 1 18 64 3 Dhamilekh 1 10 57 Kuwargaon 84 3 Dhamena 45 5 Dharashi 60 10 Korsel 6 54 Rupatola 70 Basti 10 15 24 10 Bayarpala 3 9 37 Dhungana 10 21 5 Seragaon-4 10 27 Seragaon-3 27 4 Bikulli 15 21 Dadagaon 8 27 Kharayal 26 Ghattebagar, 46 Aidigaon Chaud 1 2 23 Bhatgaon 42 Kinada 2 40 20 10 4 3 Dwari 4 80 76 50 7 3 Agar 2 50 15 15 3 Jinnada 2 60 26 5 2 Bhelat, 2 53 32 23 3 Maura Samdev 1 12 2 2 Total 163 805 574 380 41 18

Annex VII 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 year months months months Dadagaon 2 3 17 30 20 Kaprikot 1 6 40 Vopur, Ruinabagar, 1 20 56 Sailabagar Dalitbasti 2 30 54 Damyur 4 10 20 8 Kheira 5 10 80 22 Pithalek 3 10 23 50 Dhamilekh 2 10 30 26 Kuwargaon 7 75 5 Dhamena 5 35 10 Dharashi 70 Korsel 6 54 Rupatola 3 67 Basti 2 25 20 12 Bayarpala 2 5 32 10 Dhungana 2 15 10 9 Seragaon-4 10 17 10 Seragaon-3 31 Bikulli 5 2 29 Dadagaon 5 30 Kharayal 26 Ghattebagar, 35 1 10 Aidigaon Chaud 19 6 1 Bhatgaon 42 Kinada 11 22 40 6 Dwari 6 17 85 79 33 Agar 4 20 50 11 Jinnada 4 6 30 43 22 Bhelat, Maura 9 56 5 50 Samdev 6 5 6 Total 29 131 641 728 452

Annex VIII

List of persons consulted SN. Name Designation Address 1 Mr. Shyam Raj Adhikari LDO DDC, Bajhang 2 Mr. Kamal Raj Shrestha Engineer DTO, Bajhang 3 Mr. Gorakh Raj Joshi DPO DPO, Bajhang 4 Mr. Lal Narayan Singh DFO DFO, Bajhang 5 Mr. Manoj Khadka Engineer DISC, Bajhang 6 Mr. Arun Singh Sub Engineer DISC, Bajhang 7 Mr. Keshav Timilsina Sub Engineer DISC, Bajhang 8 Mr. Dheb Bahadur Bhandari SM DISC, Bajhang 9 Ms. Manju Joshi SM DISC, Bajhang 10 Mr. Keshav Bhattarai In-charge Sub-Health Post, Sunikot 11 Mr. Karna Bahadur Khati Ranger DFO, Bajhang 12 Ms.Jaya Laxmi Joshi Enumerator Chainpur 1 13 Ms. Kamala Singh Enumerator Sunikot-6, Ghattebagar 14 Mr. Nab Raj Joshi Member VWRCC Chainpur 15 Mr. Ganga Ram Joshi President VWRCC Chainpur 16 Mr. Dabal Bahadur Khadka Member VWRCC Chainpur 17 Mr. Krishna Dev Joshi Member(Maoist) VWRCC Chainpur 18 Mr. Jaya Raj Joshi Member VWRCC Chainpur 19 Mr. Ishwor Nath Joshi Vice President VWRCC Chainpur 20 Ms. Babita Joshi Member VWRCC Chainpur 21 Ms. Suna Khadka Member VWRCC Chainpur 22 Ms. Suna Joshi Member VWRCC Chainpur 23 Ms. Gunkeshari Joshi Treasurer VWRCC Chainpur 24 Mr. Gyan Bahadur Rajak Member VWRCC Chainpur 25 Mr. Narendra Bahadur Bam Secretary VWRCC Sunikot 26 Mr. Prem Bahadur Dhamena Member(NC,D) VWRCC Sunikot 27 Mr. Ram Bahadur Aidi Member VWRCC Sunikot 28 Mr. Madan Bahadur Bam President VWRCC Sunikot 29 Mr. Gorakh Bahadur Aidi Member VWRCC Sunikot 30 Ms. Jhankari Dhami Member VWRCC Sunikot 31 Ms. Dhan Laxmi Thapa Member VWRCC Sunikot 32 Ms. Sundari Kuwar Member VWRCC Sunikot 33 Ms. Piuli Chadara Member VWRCC Sunikot 34 Mr. Karna Bahadur Aidi President VWRCC Dhamena 35 Mr. Rana Dhwaj Kuwar Secretary VWRCC Dhamena 36 Mr. Bam Bahadur Kuwar Member VWRCC Dhamena 37 Mr. Ram Bahadur Kuwar Member VWRCC Dhamena 38 Mr. Jaya Raj Rokaya Vice President VWRCC Dhamena 39 Mr. Maya Dal Rokaya Member VWRCC Dhamena 40 Mr. Nanda Lal Joshi Member VWRCC Dhamena 41 Mr. Dhaule Kandal Member VWRCC Dhamena 42 Ms. Shanku Sarki Member VWRCC Dhamena 43 Ms. Hansa Devi Joshi Member VWRCC Dhamena

Annex IX. List of Trees

S.N. Name of the owner Species Scientific name No. of trees Remarks 1 Dhani Auji Salla Pinus roxburghii 7 2 Siumal Kuwar Khari Celtis australis 1 3 Gore Rokaya Malu Bauhinia vahilii 2 4 Jogi Bahadur Rokaya Salla Pinus roxburghii 100 5 Ganesh Kuwar Salla Pinus roxburghii 2 6 Kaile Jaisi Banjh Quercus spp 6 Ritha Sapindus mukorossi 1 Banjh Quercus spp 1 7 Pyaru Damai Koiralo Bahunia variegata 1 Paiyu Prunus cerasoides 1 8 Mathabir Kuwar Salla Pinus roxburghii 13 9 Masta Mandau Deutasthan Banjh Quercus spp 4 Salla Pinus roxburghii 1 10 Dabal Khadka Malu Bauhinia vahilii 1 Koiralo Bahunia variegata 2 11 Bishnu Bhakta Joshi Siris Albizia labbeck 2 12 Pyaru Joshi Siris Albizia labbeck 2 Siris Albizia labbeck 1 Koiralo Bahunia variegata 2 13 Amar Raj Joshi Sindure Mallotus philippensis 2 Malu Bauhinia vahilii 2 14 Nanda Lal Joshi Sindure Mallotus philippensis 3 15 Jogi Lal Joshi Ritha Sapindus mukorossi 1 Ritha Sapindus mukorossi 2 16 Gorakh Joshi Sindure Mallotus philippensis 5 Siudi Agave spp 4 17 Deb Prasad Joshi Ruina Local species 1 18 Jai Naraya Joshi Ruina Local species 1 19 Laxman Baniya Ritha Sapindus mukorossi 2 Ganuli Local species 1 20 Ram Lal Thapa Kurinu Local species 1 21 Birkha Bahadur Rawal Salla Pinus roxburghii 4 Ruina Local species 7 Betaino Local species 1 22 Ram Chandra Joshi Siris Albizia labbeck 3 Sindure Mallotus philippensis 3 23 Sunikote Mandir Ganuli Local species 4 24 Masta Samudayik Ban Salla Pinus roxburghii 18 Paiyun Prunus cerasoides 1 25 Jayaraj Dhamena Ritha Sapindus mukorossi 1 Banjh Quercus spp 4 26 Kathpalo Mandir Laligurans Rhododendron arboreum 2 Paiyu Prunus cerasoides 1 27 Rodan Chautari Salla Pinus roxburghii 1 Malu Bahunia spps 1

S.N. Name of the owner Species Scientific name Total no. of Remarks trees 28 Jairaj Rokaya Salla Pinus roxburghii 6 29 Sitali Khola Samudayik Ban Salla Pinus roxburghii 13 30 Bam Bahadur Rokaya Salla Pinus roxburghii 3 31 Tirmali Khan Samudayik Ban Salla Pinus roxburghii 107 Salla Pinus roxburghii 49 32 Golibhid Samudayik Ban Malu Bahunia spps 1 Salla Pinus roxburghii 96 33 Deusini Samudayik Ban Uttis Alnus nepalensis 2 Total 503

ANNEX X

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 XI Photographs

Starting Point of Vopur-Rupatola road at Vopur Settlement along the road alignment at Dhamena

Proposed bridge site at Sunigad (left side of existing Sunikot and Pipal Chautara (rest place) at pedestrian bridge) at Ch 3+260 Ch 4+500

Masta Temple at Sunikot Ch 7+500 Road alignment passes above irrigation canal at Ch 1+700

Forest Area along the road alignment at Ch 16+400 End point of the road alignment at Rupatola