Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR

CHHATRU HEP (120 MW), IN LAHAUL & SPITI DISTRICT, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Proponent: DCM Shriram Infrastructure Limited

Prepared By:

EQMS INDIA PVT. LTD. INDIA, Delhi

Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh TABLE OF CONTENT Chapters ABBREVIATIONS ...... i 1. CATCHMENT AREA TREATMENT PLAN ...... 1 1.1. Introduction ...... 1 1.2. Himachal Pradesh ...... 1 1.3. Chhatru H.E. Project ...... 1 1.4. Catchment Area Treatment Plan ...... 4 1.4.1. Objectives ...... 5 1.4.2. Methodology ...... 5 1.5. Catchment Area Treatment ...... 6 1.5.1. Drainage basin ...... 6 1.5.2. Drainage Network ...... 7 1.5.3. Glaciers and glacial activity ...... 8 1.5.4. Lakes ...... 9 1.5.5. Slope and Relief ...... 9 1.5.6. Delineation of Sub-watersheds ...... 14 1.5.7. Land use/ land cover ...... 15 1.5.8. Climate ...... 19 1.5.9. Soils ...... 19 1.5.10. Erosion Intensity Mapping ...... 25 1.6. Sediment Yield Index ...... 26 1.6.1. General ...... 26 1.6.2. Critique of SYI equation ...... 27 1.7. Prioritisation of Sub-Watersheds for Treatment Requirement ...... 27 1.7.2. Area requiring treatment vis-à-vis area actually treatable ...... 29 1.8. Area to Be Taken Up For Soil Conservation Measures ...... 29 1.8.2. Problem Areas to be treated in Chhatru HE Project CAT- Plan ...... 30 1.9. Activities To Be Undertaken ...... 31 1.9.1. Preventive Measures ...... 31 1.9.1.1 Contour Trenching ...... 31 1.9.1.2 Contour Trenching/Afforestation Programme ...... 32 1.9.1.3 Choice of Species ...... 34 1.9.1.4 Fencing ...... 34 1.9.1.5 Creation of Nurseries ...... 34 1.9.1.6 Pasture Improvement ...... 35 1.9.1.7 NTFP (Non Timber Forest Products) Regeneration ...... 35 1.9.1.8 Wildlife Management ...... 35 1.9.2. Engineering Measures ...... 35 1.9.2.1 Gully Control ...... 35 1.9.2.2 Slope modification by Stepping/ Bench Terracing ...... 37 1.9.3. Eco-Tourism Development ...... 38 1.9.4. Monitoring of Silt Load ...... 38 1.9.5. Sub-watershed-wise Treatable Areas and Measures ...... 39 1.9.5.1 Karcha Khol (ChR7) ...... 39 1.9.5.2 Bara Shigri (ChR8) ...... 44 1.9.5.3 Chhota Dara (ChR9) ...... 48 1.9.5.4 Stretch between weir site to powerhouse site (ChR10) ...... 52 1.10. Implementation Infrastructure Development ...... 58 1.11. Period And Schedule Of Implementation ...... 58 1.12. Cost Estimates ...... 58 1.13. Monitoring and Evaluation...... 58 2. WILDLIFE AND BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 68

Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

2.1. Introduction ...... 68 2.2. Objective ...... 68 2.3. National Park & Sanctuaries ...... 69 2.4. Wildlife Management and Conservation ...... 69 2.4.1. Habitat Improvement: ...... 69 2.5. Rural Infrastructure and Community Development ...... 72 2.6. Eco-Tourism and Environmental Awareness...... 73 2.7. Capacity Building and Skill-Up Gradation ...... 73 2.8. Research and Monitoring ...... 73 2.9. Financial Allocation ...... 74 3. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 76 3.1. Introduction ...... 76 3.2. Fisheries Status ...... 76 3.3. Impact on Fisheries...... 76 3.4. Management Measures ...... 76 3.4.1. Release of minimum flow ...... 76 3.4.2. Sustenance of Riverine Fisheries ...... 76 4. PUBLIC HEALTH DELIVERY SYSTEM ...... 79 4.1. Introduction ...... 79 4.2. Public Health Delivery System ...... 79 4.2.1. Residential Colonies for Workers ...... 79 4.2.2. Immunization and Health Check-up Camps ...... 79 4.2.3. Development of medical facilities ...... 79 5. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN LABOUR CAMPS...... 83 5.1. Introduction ...... 83 5.2. Facilities in Labour Camps ...... 83 5.3. Provision of Water Supply ...... 83 5.4. Sanitation and Sewage Treatment Facilities ...... 83 5.5. Solid Waste Management from Labour Camps ...... 84 5.6. Provision of Free Fuel ...... 84 5.7. Budget ...... 86 6. MUCK MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 87 6.1. Introduction ...... 87 6.2. Muck Generation ...... 87 6.6. Budget ...... 94 7. Restoration AND LANDSCAPING OF CONSTRUCTION SITES ...... 100 7.1. Introduction ...... 100 7.2. Restoration of Quarry Areas ...... 101 7.3. Landscaping and Restoration Plan ...... 103 7.4. Budget ...... 103 8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION ...... 104 8.1. Introduction ...... 104 8.2. Impacts Due to Construction of Roads ...... 104 8.3. Management Measures ...... 104 8.4. Budget ...... 106 9. GREENBELT DEVLOPMENT PLAN ...... 107 9.1. Introduction ...... 107 9.2. Scheme For Greenbelt Development ...... 107 9.3. Budget ...... 107 10. CONTROL OF AIR POLLuTION ...... 108 10.1. Impacts on Air Quality ...... 108 10.2. Mitigation Measures ...... 108 10.3. Budget ...... 110 11. MEASURES FOR NOISE CONTROL ...... 111 11.1. Impacts on Noise Levels ...... 111

Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

11.2. Mitigation Measures ...... 111 11.2.1. Control measures for DG sets ...... 111 11.2.2. Measures for labour population ...... 111 11.3. Budget ...... 112 12. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ...... 113 12.1. Control of Water Pollution during Construction Phase ...... 113 12.2. Control of Water Pollution during Operation Phase ...... 113 13. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME ...... 114 13.1. The Need ...... 114 13.2. Water Quality ...... 114 13.3. Air Quality and Meteorology ...... 115 13.4. Noise ...... 115 13.5. Ecology ...... 115 13.6. Cost for Implementing Environmental Monitoring Programme ...... 115 14. CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM (CDM) ...... 117 14.1. Introduction ...... 117 14.2. Clean Development Mechanism ...... 117 14.3. The CDM Process ...... 118 14.4. Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction From Chhatru Hydro ...... 119 14.4.1. Electric Power Project ...... 119 14.5. Estimation of CERs ...... 119 15. COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION ...... 121 15.1. General ...... 121 15.1.1. Compensatory Afforestation Scheme ...... 121 15.1.2. Plant species identified for afforestation ...... 122 15.2. Methodology and Components ...... 122 15.2.1. Seedling Requirements ...... 123 15.2.2. Nursery Development ...... 123 15.2.3. Fencing and Closure ...... 123 15.2.4. Beating Up ...... 123 15.2.5. Delineation of Area for Compensatory Afforestation ...... 123 15.3. Cost Estimate of Compensatory Afforestation Works ...... 124 16. SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT MANAGEMENT ...... 125 16.1. Introduction ...... 125 16.2. Resettlement & Rehabilitation ...... 125 16.3. Local Area Development ...... 125 16.4. Aims & Objectives: ...... 125 16.5. Institutional Arrangement for Administration of Fund ...... 126 16.6. Functions and Responsibilities of LADC ...... 126 16.7. Definitions: ...... 126 16.7.1. Project Affected Area ...... 126 16.7.2. Project Affected Zone: ...... 126 16.7.3. Project Affected Family: ...... 127 16.7.4. Preparation of Shelf of Schemes ...... 127 16.8. Execution and Monitoring ...... 128 16.9. Management of Fund And Utilization of Interest Amount ...... 128 16.10. Employment ...... 128 16.11. Other Benefits ...... 129 16.12. Cost Provision ...... 129 17. DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 130 17.1. Preamble ...... 130 17.2. Project Brief ...... 130 17.3. Hydrological Details ...... 130 17.4. Vulnerable Zones ...... 131 17.4.1. Weir ...... 131

Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

17.4.2. Balancing cum Desander Reservoir ...... 131 17.4.3. Head Race Tunnel (HRT) ...... 131 17.5. Disaster Management Plan ...... 132 17.5.1. Safety and Maintenance Manual ...... 132 17.5.2. Emergency Action Plan (EAP) ...... 132 17.5.3. Administration and Procedural Aspects ...... 132 17.5.4. Preventive Action ...... 133 17.5.5. Vulnerability Management under GLOF Scenario ...... 134 17.5.5.1 Communication System ...... 134 17.5.5.2 Evacuation Plans ...... 135 17.5.5.3 Evacuation Team ...... 135 17.5.6. Public Awareness for Disaster Mitigation ...... 135 17.5.6.1 Notifications ...... 136 17.5.6.2 Notification Procedures ...... 136 17.5.6.3 Management after receding of Flood Water ...... 136 17.5.6.4 Communication between Different Projects ...... 137 17.5.7. Flood Forecasting ...... 137 17.6. Cost Estimate ...... 137 18. Cost Estimates ...... 139 18.1. Cost for Implementing Environmental Management Plan ...... 139

List of Tables Table 1.1 : Area under different slope categories of Chhatru H.E. Project catchment .... 14 Table 1.2 : Area under different land use/ land covers categories of Chhatru H.E. project catchment area ...... 19 Table 1.3 : Soil types, associations and their description in the free-draining catchment area of Chhatru H.E. Project ...... 22 Table 1.4 : Legend for Composite Erosion Intensity Unit ...... 26 Table 1.5 : Prioritisation of sub-watersheds for treatment requirement ...... 28 Table 1.6 : Prioritised SYI value of erosion intensity rates with sub-watershed code ..... 29 Table 1.7 : Area (sq km) under different erosion intensity categories in sub-watersheds of Chhatru H.E. Project area ...... 30 Table 1.8 : Requiring area (ha) for treatment measures in the Chhatru H.E. project ...... 30 Table 1.9 : Watershed-wise details of various activities ...... 33 Table 1.10 : Physical details of CAT Plan of Chhatru H.E. project ...... 60 Table 1.11 : Component-wise cost estimate for upstream of weir site catchment area treatment works ...... 61 Table 1.12 : Component-wise cost estimate for downstream of weir site catchment area treatment works ...... 62 Table 1.13 : Per unit cost estimates for different types of check dams for gully control measures ...... 63 Table 1.14 : Cost estimate for various biological treatment measures per hectare ...... 63 Table 1.15 : Cost estimates for year-wise maintenance of upstream of weir site of various biological measures ...... 65 Table 1.16 : Cost estimates for year-wise maintenance of downstream of weir site of various biological measures ...... 66 Table 1.17 Cost estimates for implementation infrastructure ...... 67 Table 2.1 : Financial Abstract for Activities under the plan ...... 74 Table 3.1 : Cost required for development of hatcheries ...... 77 Table 3.2 : Recurring expenditure for hatchery ...... 77 Table 4.1 : Details of Para-medical staff for Dispensary ...... 80 Table 5.1 : Cost Estimate for sanitary facilities for labour camps ...... 83 Table 5.2 : Details of Expenditure required for solid waste management ...... 84 Table 5.3 : Year-wise employment of construction staff ...... 84

Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Table 5.4 : Cost estimate for LPG distribution ...... 85 Table 5.5 : Cost estimate for Kerosene distribution ...... 85 Table 5.6 : Cost estimate for provision of fuel ...... 85 Table 5.7 : Cost required for implementation of various measures for environmental management in labour camps ...... 86 Table 6.1 : Abstract of Muck Generated and it’s Disposal ...... 88 Table 6.2 : Details of disposal area Identified near diversion site...... 90 Table 6.3 : Details of disposal area Identified near Power house site ...... 90 Table 6.4 : Quantity of Muck To Be Used ...... 91 Table 6.5 : Break-up of cost for stabilization of muck disposal sites ...... 94 Table 7.1 : Potential of raw material available at each of the quarry sites ...... 100 Table 7.2 : Cost estimates for restoration works and landscape designing ...... 102 Table 8.1 : Project Roads to the different work sites ...... 104 Table 8.2 : Details of expenditure for implementation of measures for management of Impacts due to construction of roads ...... 106 Table 10.1 : Emission limits for DG sets prescribed by CPCB ...... 109 Table 10.2 : Cost estimate for implementation of air pollution control measures ...... 110 Table 11.1 : Maximum Exposure Periods specified by OSHA ...... 112 Table 11.2 : Cost estimate for implementation of various noise control measures ...... 112 Table 13.1 : Cost for Implementing Environmental Monitoring Programme during construction phase ...... 116 Table 13.2 Cost for Implementing Environmental Monitoring Programme during operation phase ...... 116 Table 14.1 : Weighted average emission factor, Simple Operating Margin (OM), Build Margin (BM) and Combined Margin (CM) of all Indian regional grids (adjusted for inter-regional and cross-county electricity transfers) in tCO2/MWh ...... 120 Table 15.1 : Cost Estimation of Compensatory Afforestation Plan ...... 124 Table 16.1 : Cost estimates for community development ...... 129 Table 17.1 : Location of reserve stock materials in emergency situation ...... 133 Table 17.2 : Cost Estimate for Implementing DMP ...... 137 Table 18.1 : Cost for Implementing Environmental Management Plan ...... 139

List of Figures

Figure 1.1 : Location map of the proposed Chhatru HEP ...... 2 3 Figure 1.2 Layout map of the proposed Chhatru HEP showing main features ...... 3 Figure 1.3 :Drainage map of different sub-watershed of free draining catchment of proposed Chhatru HEP ...... 8 Figure 1.4 : Relief map of the Chhatru HEP up to proposed weir site ...... 11 Figure 1.5 : 3-D map of Chhatru HEP upto the proposed weir site ...... 12 Figure 1.6 : Slope map of the free draining catchment of the proposed Chhatru HEP ... 13 Figure 1.7 : Index map of different sub-watershed of free draining catchment of Chhatru HEP ...... 15 Figure 1.8 : False colour composite (FCC) generated from IRS-P6 LISS-3, 2006 of the Chhatru HEP ...... 16 Figure 1.9 : Land-use / Land-cover map of the free draining catchment of the proposed Chhatru HEP ...... 18 Figure 1.10 : Soil map of the Chhatru HEP up to the proposed weir site ...... 20 Figure 1.11 : Area (ha) under different soil series associations in catchment of Chhatru HEP (for details see the soil unit No. in Table 1.3) ...... 21 Figure 1.12 : Soil depth map of the free draining catchment of the proposed Chhatru HEP ...... 24 Figure 1.13 : Composite erosion intensity unit (CEIU) map of the free draining catchment upto the proposed weir site of the Chhatru HEP ...... 25

Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.14 : Year-wise Treatment index map for Chhatru HEP of free draining catchment area showing schedule of implementation of different measures ...... 28 Figure 1.15 Area (ha) under different soil series associations in catchment of Chhatru HEP (for details refer soil unit No. in Table 2.3) ...... 40 Figure 1.16 : Land use / land cover map of the sub watershed ChR7 of Chhatru HEP .. 41 Figure 1.17 : Erosion intensity map of the sub-watershed ChR7 of Chhatru HEP ...... 42 Figure 1.18 : Map showing area required treatment in sub watershed ChR7 for free draining catchment of Chhatru HEP ...... 43 Figure 1.19 Landuse / Land cover map of sub watershed ChR8 of Chhatru HEP ...... 45 Figure 1.20 : Erosion intensity map of the sub watershed ChR8 of Chhatru HEP ...... 46 Figure 1.21 : Map showing area requiring treatment in sub watershed ChR8 of free draining catchment of Chhatru HEP ...... 47 Figure 1.22 Landuse / Landcover map of the sub watershed ChR9 of Chhatru HEP ..... 49 Figure 1.23 : Erosion intensity map of the sub watershed ChR9 of Chhatru HEP ...... 50 Figure 1.24 : Map showing area requiring treatment in sub-watershed ChR9 of free draining catchment of Chhatru HEP ...... 51 Figure 1.25 : Slope map of Sub water shed ChR10 (weir site to power house site stretch) of Chhatru HEP ...... 53 Figure 1.26 : Soil map of sub watershed ChR10 (weir site to power house site stretch) of Chhatru HEP ...... 54 Figure 1.27 : Landuse/ landcover map of the ChR10 sub watershed (weir site to power house site stretch) catchment of Chhatru HEP ...... 55 Figure 1.28 : Erosion intensity map of sub watershed ChR10 for Chhatru HEP ...... 56 Figure 1.29 : Map showing area requiring treatment in subwatershed ChR10 of free draining catchment of Chhatru HEP ...... 57 Figure 6.1 : Muck Disposal Area – 1 Details ...... 95 Figure 6.2 : Muck Disposal Area – 2 Details ...... 96 Figure 6.3 : Muck Disposal Area – 3 Details ...... 97 Figure 6.4 : Muck Disposal Area – 4-1 Details ...... 98 Figure 6.5 : Muck Disposal Area – 4-2 Details ...... 99

List of Appendix Annexure 2.1 : COMPUTATION OF SILT YIELD INDEX (SYI) ...... i Annexure 2.2 : AFFORESTATION DETAILS ...... iii Annexure 2.3 : PASTURE IMPROVEMENT DETAILS ...... x Annexure 2.4 : NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCT REGENERATION DETAILS ...... xv

Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

ABBREVIATIONS AISLUS All India Soil & Land Use Survey BM Build Margin BOD Biological Oxygen Demand BOQ Billing of Quantities CAT Catchment Area Treatment CCGT Combined Cycle Gas Turbine CDM Clean Development Mechanism CEA Central Electricity Authority CEIU Composite Erosion Intensity Unit CER Certified Emission Reduction CM Combined Margin CO Carbon Monoxide COD Chemical Oxygen Demand CPCB Central Pollution Control Board Cu. m Cubic Meter dB(A) Decibel DG Diesel Generator DPR Detailed Project Report DRSM Dry Rubble Stone Masonry EMP Environment Management Plan ER Emission Reduction FGD Flue gas Desulphurization FRL Full Reservoir Level GHG’s Green House Gases GIS Geographical Information System GLOR Glacial Lake Outburst Flood GSI Geological Survey of India Ha Hectares HC Hydrocarbons HEP Hydro Electric Project HFRI Himalayan Forest Research Institute HRT Head Race Tunnel KVA Kilo Volt Ampere LGM Last Glacial Maxima lpcd Litres Per Capita per day LU/LC Land Use / Land Cover MT/Month Metric Tonnes per month MU Million Units MW Mega Watt MW/Hr Mega Watt per hour NATMO National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organisation NBSS&LUP National Bureau Of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning NOx Oxides Of Nitrogen NPV Net Present Value NTFP Non-Timber Forests Products OD Dissolved Oxygen OM Operating Margin OSHA Occuptation Safety & Health Administration PM Particulate Matter RBM River Borne Material RCC Reinforced Cement Concrete

Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

REC Renewable Energy Certificates RSPM Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter SO2 Sulphur Dioxide SPM Suspended Particulate Matter STP Sewage Treatment Plant SYI Sediment Yield Index UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change VAM Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrizae

Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

1. CATCHMENT AREA TREATMENT PLAN

1.1. Introduction 1. Catchment Area Treatment Plan (CAT) forms an integral mandatory component of state-of-the-art hydroelectric power development projects in India and abroad. Viewed from reductionist standpoint, it would prima facie appear that a hydel power project is concerned only with the parameters at the project site but holistically analysed, it would transpire what happens at a station of a river channel is dependent on the entire gamut of natural and anthropogenic factors at play across the board of its catchment area above the project site. It follows from the basic premise of physics that in the energy matrix of a catchment continuum, the weir site is at the lowest level of potential energy. Hence, all geological material has to gravitate down and pass through this gate unless and until it is obstructed by a sufficient force of resistance. 2. The Chhatru H.E Project is no exception to this general paradigm but with a major relief because the diversion structure would be a low height free-flow weir with insignificant impoundment/storage in the river. In fact the weir will form the river bed after the first snowmelt flow arrives in the very first season of its operation. 1.2. Himachal Pradesh 3. The state of Himachal Pradesh is located in north - west Himalaya. The total geographic area of the state is 55,673 sq km. Lahaul-Spiti is the largest district of the state having an area of 13,833 sq km comprising 3 tehsils viz. Lahaul, Spiti and Udaipur. The region is drained by major river systems belonging to the Indus basin viz. Chandra & Bhaga (Chenab), Ravi, Beas and Satluj. These perennial rivers are snow and rain fed. The state is bound to the North by the state of Himachal Pradesh, to the north-east by Tibet, to the south-east by Uttarakhand, to the south by Haryana and to the west by Punjab. The entire state is mountainous with an altitude varying from 350 m to 7000 m above mean sea level (masl). There is general increase in elevation from west to east and from south to north. The state is divided into 12 districts, 52 sub-divisions and 75 tehsils for administrative purpose. The catchment of the proposed Chhatru H.E.P. project is in Lahaul tehsil (Figure. 1.1). 1.3. Chhatru H.E. Project 4. This project has been conceived to generate 120 MW of electricity by exploiting the water resources of the Chandra River at an average elevation of 3446 m above sea level. It is located near Chhatru in Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh (Figure. 1.1). 5. Chhatru is connected with Manali town by a motorable road at a distance of around 100 km. The Manali–Rohtang-Gramphu–Spiti road follows the left bank of the river upto the Chhatru Bridge, after which runs along the right bank of the river up to the project diversion site. 6. The diversion weir site is located about 5.5 km upstream of the Chhatru Bridge and the proposed power house is located around 5 km downstream of it. 7. The layout and working plan of the project is shown in (Figure. 1.2) and the salient features are given below

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 1 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.1 : Location map of the proposed Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 2 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.2 Layout map of the proposed Chhatru HEP showing main features

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 3 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

State Himachal Pradesh District Lahaul-Spiti River Chandra river Wier site About 5.5 km u/s of Chhatru Powerhouse site About 5 km d/s of Chhatru on right Bank of Chandra river Type of powerhouse Underground Installed Capacity 120 MW (3 x 40) Catchment area 1583 sq km River Bed Level 3446 m Pool Level/Full Reservoir 3452 m Level (FRL) in River H.R.T. length & size 10.480 km & 5.00 m dia Tail Water Level 3242.10 m

1.4. Catchment Area Treatment Plan 8. The catchment area of Chandra river above the proposed weir site and the project area fall in the glacial, nival and periglacial domain of the Pir Panjal Range and the Greater Himalaya. The entire area is beyond the timber line. The permanent snow line in the catchment area is 4800 m. 9. Since the monsoon clouds are intercepted by the lofty Pir Panjal range in south west, the terrain is in a rain shadow zone. Precipitation falls mostly as snow. 10. In its totality, the catchment is a rugged, remote, inhospitable, inaccessible, barren, cold desert with patchy streaks and spreads of green alpine meadows. It is characterised by snow covered or barren rocky peaks, steep slopes, valley glaciers, emerald placid lakes, springs creeks, gullies and streams which collectively contribute their load of sediment, ice and water into the trunk channel of the Chandra River. The active geomorphic agents and processes which are responsible for sculpturing and shaping of the landscape are: glaciers, streams, blizzards, snow avalanches, debris flow, scree slips, intense frost shattering due to freeze-thaw cycles, thermal contraction and expansion of rock substrate, nivation sapping, solifluction flows and landslides. 11. In general, because of the low temperature regime, mechanical processes of mass wasting and transport dominate over chemical weathering. Biotic processes play a limited role due to extreme winter conditions and rainfall constraints. Wood lots are virtually absent. Vegetation is confined to alpine shrubs and meadows and lichen covered rock out crops. Anthropogenic intervention is presently at a very low key being confined to only one very important arterial road (the Manali–Rohtang-Gramphu-Khoksar-Keylong) and a few scattered settlements downstream of Khoksar (about 20 Km away from Chhatru). These are deserted (to a large extent) in winter and reoccupied in the summer months when the road is opened to traffic. With the return of the settlers, the rhythm of human activity gains momentum. Tourist flow resumes and nomads arrive with their livestock to feed them on the verdant alpine meadows. 12. The Chhatru HEP will affect the extant placid scenario during the construction phase on a temporary basis and will have a limited long term impact during its operational life cycle. The catchment is endowed with geological, ecological, environmental, aesthetic and some religious value. It has economic importance as a tourist attraction. Strategically, the Gramphu-Spiti road serves as a critical

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 4 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

linkage with the Indo-Tibetan road in Kinnaur (Spiti). Chhatru HEP will open up an opportunity for monitoring the glaciers as well. It is, therefore, necessary to evolve a CAT plan which addresses development of the catchment from a holistic standpoint. 1.4.1. Objectives 13. Keeping in view the basics stated in the previous section, the following objectives have been identified for evolving an appropriate CAT plan for the Chhatru H.E.P: a. Undertake civil engineering intervention measures to check erosion, to arrest landslide, to stablise slopes, treatment/ deflection of avalanche routes that disrupt the Gramphu-Chhatru-Kaza road and minimize influx of geological material (debris / soil / sediments) which may potentially endanger the diversion weir, underground access points located close to river bank, road network, bridges, offices and residential quarters. b. Since the catchment area is above the timber line, afforestation mechanism will not be effective and viable in checking soil erosion and slope stabilization. c. Develop pasture and grazing ground for sustenance of cattle herded by nomadic people during the summer months and provide support to them for sustainable livelihood. d. Cultivate medicinal plants and develop nurseries for innovative experimentation with different species of medicinal plants, vegetables, flowering plants, horticultural and hard wood species keeping in view the terrain situation, extant climatic factors and futuristic impact of global warming. This activity will add value to the landscape by augmenting its primary productivity. e. Develop ecological park at Chandra Tal and promote eco-tourism by creating appropriate logistic support system. f. Establish a Centre for Monitoring Impact of Global Warming on Environment and Ecology to systematically document secular changes in behaviour pattern of the network of glaciers and rivers in particular and environment and ecology in general. g. Develop experimental wood lots in the river terraces and flood plains in accessible areas in and around the project sites utilizing available water resources in the proximity. h. Undertake civil engineering activity in an aesthetic and eco-conformable manner adhering to the Clean Development Mechanism requirements. i. Undertake tunnelling, quarrying and dumping of muck in a well planned manner by ensuring minimal damage to the aesthetic value of the Chandra river valley and by taking adequate effective measures to maximize recycling and reuse of excavated material. j. Establish appropriate health care facility keeping in view the health hazards in high altitude area. k. Improve quality of roads and bridges for routine movement of men and material to the extent permitted by resource constraint. l. Construct helipad to ensure connectivity during emergency 1.4.2. Methodology 14. To understand the geomorphic framework and modality of the geomorphic processes, a detailed analysis of the available data has been carried out. This includes analysis of – 1) Remote Sensing imagery. 2) Survey of India Maps.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 5 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

3) NATMO (DST) maps of Lahaul and Spiti districts. 4) Geological maps of GSI. 5) Watershed Atlas of India prepared by All India Soil and Landuse Survey (Dept. of Agriculture, Government of India). 6) District Gazetteer of Lahaul and Spiti. 7) Pre-feasibility report of the project. 8) Scientific papers published in National and International Journals pertaining to Himachal Pradesh in particular and the Himalaya in general. 9) Data from internet sources and 10) Field work in and around the project site. 15. The corpus built-up on the basis of this exercise is presented in this report, duly illustrated by a set of thematic maps and photographs. An elaborated account of various analyses has been presented in respective sections. 1.5. Catchment Area Treatment 16. Prescription of treatment depends on prognosis of geomorphic metabolism of a catchment. Prognosis requires critical situational analysis of the entire gamut of natural and anthropogenic factors and processes operative across the board of the entire matrix of the catchment. Comprehensive studies have been conducted in a systematic manner following the methodological steps outlined in previous section to arrive at a correct prognosis. The results of this exercise are documented below. 1.5.1. Drainage basin 17. The Chandra Bhaga basin happens to be the largest snow / ice covered terrain of Himachal Pradesh. Situated between the Pir Panjal range in the south and the Great Himalayan range in the north, it spans an area of 7510 sq. km. Two hundred (200) valley glaciers have been identified in the basin of which forty three (43) lie in the Pir Panjal range and one hundred fifty seven (157) in the Greater Himalaya. The largest glacier is Bara Shigri (length 29 km, area 157 sq. km). The other glaciers are: Samudra Tapu (18 km ), Mujkilagang (13.25 km), Ghuddon (12 km), Miyar (25 km) and Chhota Shigri (9 Km). The glaciers are confined to the altitude range of 4400m to 6632m msl (mean sea level). 18. The catchment of Chhatru HEP, a part of Chandra Bhaga basin, is located in the headwaters of the Chandra river basin. The sub-set covers an area of 1583 sq. km. amounting to 21% of the Chandra Bhaga basin. The perimeter of the catchment is well defined by drainage divides. To the north lies the Zanskar basin of Jammu, to the east is the Spiti valley, to the south lies the Kullu valley of the Beas basin and to the west is the Bhaga sub-basin of the Chandra Bhaga River. In the Watershed Atlas of India on 1:1000000 scale (published by All India Soil & Land Use Survey), the catchment is shown in Sheet No. 17, covering part of the Indus basin, and is given the 1D address as 1D1E1 & 1D1E2. The elevation of the perimeter varies from 6517m to 3446 m. The important passes on the divide are: Hamta pass (4268 m), Sara Umga pass (5019 m), Kunzom pass (4551 m) and Rohtang pass (3978 m) which is beyond the perimeter but forms the gateway to the Chhatru HEP site and its catchment. The prominent peaks in the catchment are: Mulkila (6517 m), Deo Tibba (6001 m) and Indrasan (6200 m). There are fifty five (55) valley glaciers of which 33 are in the Greater Himalaya and 22 in Pir Panjal. The important ones are: Bara Shigri, Chhota Shigri and Gaglu. There are three picturesque glacial lakes: Chandra Tal (4270 m), Suraj Tal (4800 m) and Deepak Tal (3770 m). There is only one arterial motorable road which winds its way along the Chandra valley EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 6 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

connecting Rohtang pass (3978 m), Gramphu, Chhatru, Chhota Dara, Batal and Kunzom pass (4551 m) which forms the gate to the Spiti valley. Besides this road, there are important trekking routes from Batal to Baralacha La through Chandra Tal, Chhatru to Hamta pass and Putinani to Sar Umga pass. 1.5.2. Drainage Network 19. The Chandra River originates from Bara Lacha La at an elevation of 4883 m. It receives the discharge from the Sarchu River which joins it at a distance of 8.64 km from the origin. After 9.67 km further downstream, the Kalakhola Nala meets the Chandra at Likhim Gongma. Overflow from the Chandra Tal on the left bank augments the discharge of the river. Around 12 km downstream of the confluence of the Chandra Tal Nala and the Chandra river, it is joined by the Karcha Khal near Batal on its left bank. The Karcha Khal is fed by melt water from the glaciated slopes (Figure 1.3). Further downstream, the Chandra receives the melt water from the famous Bara Shigri valley glacier system which has it origin on the Pir Panjal. The Bara Shigri glacier is 29 km long and covers an area of 157 sq. km. Further downstream, the melt water from the Chhota Shigri glacier meets the river Chandra at Chhota Dara, and in the reach between the weir site and the powerhouse site the river Chandra is fed by Chhatru nala, Humta nala and many small and big gullies and springs from slopes on both banks. The channel length of the Chandra River from its origin to the weir site is 78 km and the vertical drop is about 1447 m indicating a gradient of around 2% or a slope factor of 0.02.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 7 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.3 :Drainage map of different sub-watershed of free draining catchment of proposed Chhatru HEP 1.5.3. Glaciers and glacial activity 20. In general, the valley glaciers of Himachal vary in length between 2 and 29 km and occur at elevation above 4000m msl in mountain slopes and depressions. EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 8 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Most of the glaciers have their zones of accumulation at elevations of 4500 m and above. The snouts come down to 3500m-4000m in the southern slopes of the Great Himalaya but in the northern slopes, the snouts are confined to 4250m-4500m. All the glaciers are in a state of active recession. Glaciological studies conducted by GSI revealed that the recession rate of Bara Shigri, Gaglu and Sonapani is of the order of 10 to 20m per year. However, the situation was different in the geological past. During the Last Glacial Maxima (LGM) around 18000 ybp (years before present =1950), the glaciers were much more extensive and considerable part of the Lower Himalaya and the entire Great and High Himalaya was blanketed by ice. The extensive spread of glacial moraines and glacial landforms well below the position of the snouts of the extant glaciers bear eloquent testimony to the robust past of the glacial domain. The existing glaciers are lingering relics of their ancestors. 21. The glacial and fluvio-glacial system of the Chandra catchment is very dynamic. The Bara Shigri glacier has undergone significant morphological changes during the last century. Egerton (1864) and Col Tyache (1893) reported the existence of a lake between Batal and Baradara, formed due to damming of the Chandra River by terminal moraine of the Bara Shigri glacier. The lake ceased to exist in 1907 when Walker and Pascoe of GSI mapped the area. Subsequent sequential studies conducted by GSI in 1950s and 1970s conclusively demonstrated progressive recession of the Bara Shigri at a rate of about 31 m per year during the period 1956 to 1963. The morphology; hydrology and sediment discharge of the Chandra River concurrently changed and continues to change in tune with transformation in the upstream glacial regime. 1.5.4. Lakes 22. In contrast to the brackish water lakes of Ladakh, the lakes in Himachal Pradesh contain fresh water. In Greater Himalaya of Himachal, there are three lakes: Chandra Tal, Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal (Patseo). The first two are in the Chandra catchment. Tucked away between ice capped peaks and glaciers on all sides; these lakes have a sublime beauty which attracts adventure loving tourists and ecologists. Considering the intrinsic merit of Chandra Tal (crow flight distance of about 30Km upstream from Chhatru), it has been proposed for inclusion under international Ramsar Convention for preservation of wetlands. There is excellent scope for transforming Chandra Tal into an ideal destination for eco-tourism. The prospect has brightened after its registration under Ramsar Convention. 1.5.5. Slope and Relief 23. Slope and relief play a critical role in downhill movement of solid ice, snow, water, sediments and soil because the quantum of the force of gravity which pulls down the material depends on the slope angle and the potential energy factor depends on elevation differential. It is maximum when the slope is vertical and becomes zero on a horizontal plane. All other parameters remaining same, the erodibility potential of a terrain depends on slope. Hence, it is a standard methodology in geomorphic analysis to classify a landscape into different slope categories which enable formulation of suitable conservation measures for minimizing intensity of soil erosion. The following slope classes and ranges are recommended by All India Soil & Land Use Survey (AIS&LUS).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 9 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh S. No. Slope Class Categories Slope Range Slope 1. A 0 - 5% Gently sloping 2. B 6 - 8% Moderately sloping 3. C 9 - 15% Strongly sloping 4. D 16 - 30% Moderately steep 5. E 31 - 50% Steep 6. F 51 - 70% Very steep 7. G Above 70% Escarpments 24. The slope model for the catchment of Chhatru H.E.P was generated from the contours of Survey of India Toposheet at 1:50,000 scale following a 40 m contour interval. The toposheets were scanned and the contours were digitized using ArcGIS 9.1. The Relief and 3-dimensional maps, generated for the project, are shown in Figure 1.4 & 1.5 while the slope map of the project is shown in Figure. 1.6. These thematic maps were then used for erosion mapping and forest cover mapping.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 10 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.4 : Relief map of the Chhatru HEP up to proposed weir site

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 11 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.5 : 3-D map of Chhatru HEP upto the proposed weir site

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 12 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.6 : Slope map of the free draining catchment of the proposed Chhatru HEP 25. More than 37% of the catchment area of Chhatru H.E.P falls under two slope categories viz. strongly sloping (20.22%) and moderately sloping (17.25%) (Table 1.1). A substantial part (22.64%) of the catchment falls in the gently sloping category. Steep and Very steep slope categories cover 18.27% of the catchment, while moderately steep category covers 21.61% of the catchment area. Gentle slopes are mostly present in the glaciated areas. Along most part of the river course moderately steep and steep slopes are present on either bank.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 13 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

26. Major part of the area between weir site and powerhouse site is under moderately steep and strongly sloping category covering an area 39.85 sq km and 27.61 sq km respectively. The steep slopes (26.40 sq km, 20.48%) of the area are mostly on the higher elevations and very steep slope (3.63%) on the ridge crests. Gently and moderately sloping areas are confined to the terraces and flood plains on both banks of the Chandra River (see Table 1.1 and Figure 1.6).

Table 1.1 : Area under different slope categories of Chhatru H.E. Project catchment Sl. No. Slope category Percentage Area in % Sq. km A. Up to weir site 1 Escarpments (> 70%) 0.16 0.01 2 Very Steep (51-70%) 62.85 3.97 3 Steep (31-50%) 226.37 14.30 4 Moderately Steep (16-30%) 342.09 21.61 5 Strongly Sloping (9-15%) 320.08 20.22 6 Moderately Sloping (6-8%) 273.07 17.25 7 Gently Sloping (0-5%) 358.38 22.64 Total 1583.00 B. Downstream of weir site up to powerhouse site stretch 1 Very Steep (51-70%) 4.68 3.63 2 Steep (31-50%) 26.40 20.48 3 Moderately Steep (16-30%) 39.85 30.91 4 Strongly Sloping (9-15%) 27.61 21.42 5 Moderately Sloping (6-8%) 18.76 14.55 6 Gently Sloping (0-5%) 11.61 9.01 Total 128.91

27. Hypsometric analysis provides a synoptic idea of the relationship between surface area and elevation distribution in a drainage basin. This exercise was done in respect of the catchment area above the proposed weir site. It revealed that out of the total area of 1583 sq. km, 14 sq. km (0.88%) was above 6000 m, 979 sq. km (62%) was above 5000 m, 1535 sq.km (97%) was above 4000 m and 1583 sq. km (100%) was above 3436 m. (All elevations are above mean sea level). 1.5.6. Delineation of Sub-watersheds 28. For demarcation of the sub-watersheds, hierarchical delineation system developed by AIS & LUS (AIS&LUS Technical Bulletin 9) and the codification system as given in Watershed Atlas of India (AIS&LUS) were followed. The Chhatru HEP catchment comprised watersheds – 1D1E1 and 1D1E2 belonging to 1D1E sub-catchment which in turn forms a part of the Chenab (1D1) catchment as per the AISLUS watershed Atlas of India. The catchment treatment plan is mainly limited to the free-draining catchment of the Chhatru H.E P above the proposed weir site. For preparation of the CAT plan, part of the Chandra river watershed (1D1E1 and 1D1E2 as per AISLUS) comprising the free-draining area has been classified into ten sub-watersheds ChR1 to ChR10 following the codification system given in Watershed Atlas of India (AIS&LUS) (Figure. 1.7). The valley area between the weir and the power house has been separately analyzed.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 14 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.7 : Index map of different sub-watershed of free draining catchment of Chhatru HEP 1.5.7. Land use/ land cover 29. Land use - land cover (LU / LC) mapping was carried out by standard methods of analysis of remotely sensed data. Validation through ground truth collection was perforce very limited due to inaccessibility of the glaciated and snow covered areas above 4000 m. Digital data on CDROMs were procured from the National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad. Digital image processing and analysis were carried out using ERDAS Imagine 8.7.Digital data of IRS P6

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 15 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

LISS-3 for Path 95 and Row 48 of 05-Oct-2006 and Landsat-7 full scene for Path 147 and Row 37 of 28-Oct-2002 were used for image processing and thematic map preparation (Figure 1.8). Data from Survey of India toposheets on 1:50,000 were utilized for annotation and geo-referencing the base map and drainage map.

Figure 1.8 : False colour composite (FCC) generated from IRS-P6 LISS-3, 2006 of the Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 16 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Satellite Sensor Path/Row Date Data type & Bands IRS P6 LISS-3 95/48 05-10-2006 Digital (2, 3, 4,5) LANDSAT 7 ETM+ 147/37 28-10-2002 Digital (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,7)

Classification Scheme

30. The base map, drainage map and the land use / land cover maps, prepared on the basis of the satellite data interpretation, were digitized for further processing and analysis using combination of ArcGIS 9.1 and Geo Media Professional 5.2. The sub-watershed boundaries were then overlaid on the drainage map and land use map of the Chandra river watershed up to the weir site in order to extract the drainage and landuse of the sub-watersheds, which were further used for overlay analysis by Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The standard classification scheme is as follows: S. No. Density Class Forest Type Tropical semi-evergreen Dense forest 1. Sub-tropical wet hill forest (Crown density > 40%) Wet-temperate broadleaved forest Open forest Sub-tropical pine forest 2. (Crown density 10 - 40%) Temperate dry coniferous forest Secondary moist bamboo brakes Temperate scrub 3. Scrub Alpine scrub/ meadow Slope grassland 4. Non-forest Agriculture 5. Snow/ Glaciers Barren/ rocky land

31. The Chandra river catchment has virtually negligible forest cover. About 23.4% of the catchment up to the proposed weir site is covered with scrub, alpine meadows and lichen covered rocky outcrops. (Table 1.2, Figure 1.9). Of the total catchment area, major part (39.45%) comprises Barren / Rocky outcrops. Area under higher elevation above 4000m (25.03%) is under snow and glacier cover of which 396.22 sq km is glaciated. Unconsolidated gravel and sand transported by glaciers and reworked by the river system, cover around 11.70% of the catchment. These are confined to valley glaciers and river flood plains. Human settlements and agricultural croplands are minimal and their expressions on the imagery are almost beyond recognition.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 17 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.9 : Land-use / Land-cover map of the free draining catchment of the proposed Chhatru HEP 32. In the downstream stretch (weir site to powerhouse site), the strip of land along the valley bottom of the Chandra river has moderate slope, covered by alpine scrub and meadow (3.98 sq km, 31.01% of the ChR10 sub-watershed of the catchment). Satellite imagery gives the faint and not very definitive impression of degraded forest spread over 9.70 sq km); Barren / rocky land cover 19.05 sq km and area under snow / glaciers 27.73 sq km (Table 1.2 and Figure 1.9).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 18 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Table 1.2 : Area under different land use/ land covers categories of Chhatru H.E. project catchment area Sl.No. Land use/ land cover Area % Percentage category (sq km)

A. Up to weir site 1 Scrub 95.77 6.05 2 Alpine scrub 273.07 17.25 3 Degraded forest 2.69 0.17 4 Barren/ Rockyland 624.49 39.45 5 River 4.12 0.26 6 Lakes/ Waterbody 1.42 0.09 7 Sand 185.22 11.70 8 Snow/ Glaciers 396.22 25.03 Total 1583.00 B. Downstream of weir site up to powerhouse site stretch Land use/ land cover Area % Percentage category Ha 1 Scrub 39.98 31.01 2 Alpine scrub 20.14 15.62 3 Degraded forest 9.70 7.52 4 Barren/ Rockyland 19.05 14.78 5 River 0.6 0.47 6 Sand 11.71 9.08 7 Snow/ Glaciers 27.73 21.51 Total 128.91

1.5.8. Climate 33. Himachal Pradesh has two distinct climatic zones. The northern half, including Lahaul and Spiti where Chhatru HEP is located, falls in rain shadow zone with no summer monsoon. Winter is severe and average annual rainfall is below 50 mm. It is a cold desert. The climate of the catchment is characterized by long cold winter from October to April. The onset of winter is felt in the last week of August when night temperature usually falls below the freezing point. In summer, the maximum temperature is around 30C. Snow fall exceeds 8 m in the valley. The permanent snow line is around 4800 m in catchment area of Chhatru HEP in Lahaul. Glaciological studies conducted on the ground and on the basis of analysis of satellite imagery by GSI and academics demonstrate that all the glaciers are receding at a fast rate. The climatic regime is characterized by incidence of unpredictable extreme events like (i) unusual rainfall, (ii) unusual snow fall (iii) erratic hot summer spells, (iv) unusual heavy winter snow fall and blizzard. Lahaul witnessed a spell of heavy rainfall in September 1962 and an event of heavy snowfall in September 2008. Catchment area treatment measures have to take note of potential danger zones like (i) snow avalanches, (ii) glacial paths, (iii) scree cones, (iv) landslides and (v) permafrost springs and solifluction zones which are very sensitive to climatic signals. 1.5.9. Soils 34. Soil cover on the geological substrate of the Chhatru H.E.P catchment has been classified by pedologists into 11 soil series (Source: NBSS&LUP, 1996) (Table 1.3). Major part of the catchment (specially the higher elevation domain above 4000m) comprises barren rock outcrops with cover of glaciers, snow and moraine. Typic Cryorthents group of soil is predominant in the catchment

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 19 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

covering about 28% of the total area. Soil belonging to series 7 (Typic Udorthents) sub-group is locally dominant. This type is characterized by loamy- skeletal structure and is vulnerable to severe erosion (Figure 1.10 & 1.11). Some part (5%) of the river stretch comes under the soil series 11 comprised of deep-moderately, well drained soil on gentle slope.

Figure 1.10 : Soil map of the Chhatru HEP up to the proposed weir site

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 20 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

500

450

400

350

300

250

Area (sq Area km) 200

150

100

50

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Soil Series Association Unit

Figure 1.11 : Area (ha) under different soil series associations in catchment of Chhatru HEP (for details see the soil unit No. in Table 1.3)

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 21 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

35. The valley bottom stretch between the weir site and powerhouse is gently sloping. It is flanked by flood plain and terraces built up of gravel. It has deep, moderately well-drained loamy-skeletal soil resting on a substrate of gravel near banks of the river. Vulnerable to severe fluvial erosion, this type covers 10.62 sq km area. An area 38.83 sq km, blanketed by -skeletal soil and susceptible to severe erosion by creeks, gullies, springs and tongues of glaciers, occur on very steep slope (Figure 1.10).

Table 1.3 : Soil types, associations and their description in the free-draining catchment area of Chhatru H.E. Project Soil Map Description Soil Series Unit Taxonomy Rock outcrops with glaciers; associated with: Lithic 1. 1 Shallow, excessively drained, sandy- cryorthents skeletal soils with sandy surface, severe erosion and strong stoniness Rock outcrops and valley glaciers; associated with: Shallow, excessively drained, sandy- Lithic 2. 4 skeletal soils on very steep slopes with cryorthents sandy surface, severe erosion and moderate stoniness. Mountain and valley glaciers and rock outcrops; associated with: Medium deep, excessively drained, Typic 3. 5 sandy-skeletal soils on very steep cryorthents slopes with sandy surface, severe erosion and moderate stoniness. Rock outcrops; associated with: Medium deep, excessively drained, Typic 4. 6 loamy-skeletal calcareous soils on very cryorthents steep slopes with loamy surface, severe erosion and moderate stoniness. Rock outcrops; associated with: Medium deep, excessively drained, Typic 5. 7 loamy-skeletal soils on very steep cryorthents slopes with loamy surface, severe erosion and moderate stoniness. Rock outcrops; associated with: Medium deep, excessively drained, Typic 6. 8 loamy-skeletal calcareous soils on cryorthents steep slopes with loamy-surface, severe erosion and strong stoniness.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 22 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Soil Map Description Soil Series Unit Taxonomy Rock outcrops; associated with : Deep, well drained, mesic, loamy- Typic 7. 9 skeletal soils on very steep slopes with Udorthents loamy surface, severe erosion and strong stoniness.

Rock outcrops; associated with: Deep, excessively drained, sandy- Typic 8. 16 skeletal soils with loamy surface, very cryorthents severe erosion and moderate stoniness. Deep, somewhat excessively drained, coarse loamy calcareous soils on gentle terraces on very steep slopes with loamy surface, severe erosion and Typic 9. 18 moderate stoniness; cryorthents associated with: Medium deep, well drained, loamy skeletal, calcareous soils with loamy surface and moderate erosion. Medium deep, excessively drained, sandy-skeletal soils on moderately steep slopes with sandy surface, severe erosion and strong stoniness; Typic 10. 22 associated with: cryorthents Deep, excessively drained, loamy- skeletal soils with loamy surface, severe erosion and moderate stoniness. Deep, moderately well drained loamy- skeletal soils on gentle slopes with loamy surface, moderate erosion and slight stoniness; Typic 11. 24 associated with : cryorthents Deep, moderately well drained, calcareous coarse-loamy soils with loamy surface and slight erosion.

36. The soil-depth of the free-draining catchment has been given in Figure 1.12. More than 58% of the free-draining catchment area of proposed Chhatru H.E. Project is characterized by Rock Outcrops – Medium Deep soil. However, there are certain pockets and areas in the sub - watersheds located in the vicinity of proposed weir site, which are characterized by deep to medium deep soil prone to severe erosion. Shallow soils are restricted to ridges.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 23 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.12 : Soil depth map of the free draining catchment of the proposed Chhatru HEP 37. In the ChR10 sub-watershed (weir site to powerhouse site), the flood plain and terraces, covering an area of 10.63 sq km, is characterized by loamy soil resting on a substrate of gravel. The valley slopes in this sub-watershed expose barren Rock outcrops which are sporadically covered by scree and /or land slide material (50.57 sq km) (see Figure 1.12).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 24 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 1.5.10. Erosion Intensity Mapping 38. Integrating the thematic maps of slope, drainage, soil and land use / land cover, a Composite Erosion Intensity Unit (CEIU) map on 1:50,000 scales was prepared. The composite erosion intensity map was then superimposed on the drainage map with sub-watershed boundaries to obtain CEIU on sub-watershed basis (Figure 1.13 and Table 1.4).

Figure 1.13 : Composite erosion intensity unit (CEIU) map of the free draining catchment upto the proposed weir site of the Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 25 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

39. Estimation of erosion intensity and mapping of its variation in space are based on intuitive analysis and synthesis of data generated on multiple variables: relief and slope, drainage net work, soil blanket, land use / land cover, substrate geology, active geomorphic agents / processes, climatic and anthropogenic factors. This is achieved through super-imposition of different thematic map overlays .on the basic map prepared by interpretation of satellite imagery Based on validation through ground truthing conducted during the field work, weightage value and delivery ratio were assigned to each erosion intensity unit. Delivery ratio, which depends on the type of material, soil erosion, relief length ratio, land cover conditions, etc. were assigned to all erosion intensity units depending upon their distance from the nearest stream. The criteria adopted for assigning the delivery ratio are as follows: Distance of Nearest Stream From Corresponding Delivery Erosion Unit ratio 0 - 0.9 km 1.00 1.0 - 2.0 km 0.95 2.1 - 5.0 km 0.90 5.1 - 15.0 km 0.80 15.1 - 30.0 km 0.70

Table 1.4 : Legend for Composite Erosion Intensity Unit S. Landuse/ Weightage Erosion Slope Soil depth DR No. Landcover DR Unit Very very Open forest, scrub 1. Very Severe (a) Shallow 20 0.95 steep>50% forest Steep to very Open forest scrub, Moderately 2. Severe (b) 18 0.90 steep 25 -50% cultivation shallow Strongly sloping Moderate to Dense forest open Moderately 3. to moderately 13-15 0.90 slight (c) forest, cultivation deep steep 10-25% Gently sloping Slight to Dense forest, 4. to moderately Deep 11 0.85 Negligible (d) open forest sloping 5-10%

1.6. Sediment Yield Index 1.6.1. General 40. To calculate sediment yield index, the methodology developed by All India Soil & Land Use Survey (Department of Agriculture, Govt. of India) was followed, where each erosion intensity unit is assigned a weightage value. When considered collectively, the weightage value represents approximately the relative erosion intensity. A basic factor of K = 10 was used in determining the weightage values. The value of 10 indicates a static condition of equilibrium between erosion and deposition. 41. Delivery ratios were adjusted for each of the erosion intensity unit. The delivery ratio suggests the percentage of eroded material that finally finds entry into dam/reservoir or river/stream. Area of each composite unit in each sub- watershed was then measured. 42. Sediment yield index (SYI) was calculated using following empirical formula (for SYI of individual sub-watersheds see Annexure-I) (A x W x DR)  ei ei SYI =    x AW where, EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 26 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

SYI = Sediment yield index Aei = Area of composite erosion intensity unit Wei = Weightage of composite erosion intensity unit DR = Delivery ratio AW = Total area of the sub-watershed

1.6.2. Critique of SYI equation 43. AIS & LUP developed this equation way back in 1969 primarily on the basis of empirical data gathered from non-glacial, tropical and sub-tropical regime. Its applicability in glacial, nival and periglacial domain, where geomorphic processes operate in a qualitatively different manner, is open to serious scrutiny and revalidation. Erosion intensity modeling does help in visualizing the pattern of geomorphic activity in inaccessible terrains but to be useful in specific situation, it has to be well constrained. The model outputs need to be checked against reliable empirical data to establish the degree of congruence and verify the model’s capacity to mimic reality. The problem demands rigorous research which was beyond the scope of the current exercise.

1.7. Prioritisation of Sub-Watersheds for Treatment Requirement 44. Notwithstanding the limitation, based on computation of Sediment Yield Index (SYI), sub-watersheds that require treatment measures to check silt yield, were prioritized (See Annexure-I). The sub-watersheds like ChR5, ChR3, ChR7 and ChR9 would be treated on priority for their proximity to the reservoir and weir site (Table 1.5). An index map of year-wise treatment measures to be undertaken in different sub-watersheds is given in Figure 1.14.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 27 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.14 : Year-wise Treatment index map for Chhatru HEP of free draining catchment area showing schedule of implementation of different measures

Table 1.5 : Prioritisation of sub-watersheds for treatment requirement Sub-watershed Area of sub- Silt Yield Index* Priority Ranking code watershed (sq. km) ChR5 159.79 1670.19 1 ChR3 31.27 1669.31 2 ChR7 103.24 1664.31 3 ChR9 201.10 1609.39 4

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 28 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

ChR8 386.57 1597.37 5 ChR10 128.91 1574.66 6 ChR6 40.90 1542.63 7 ChR2 149.49 1356.22 8 ChR4 237.35 1355.62 9 ChR1 273.29 1334.11 10 * For details see Annexure – I

45. The SYI value for classification of various categories of erosion intensity rates with sub-watershed code were taken in the present study as given in the Table 1.6.

Table 1.6 : Prioritised SYI value of erosion intensity rates with sub-watershed code S. No. Priority Category SYI Values Sub-watershed Code 1 Very High > 1100 ChR5, ChR3, ChR7,ChR9, ChR8,Chr10,ChR6, ChR2, ChR4, ChR1 2 High 1000-1100 – 3 Medium 900-1000 - 4 Low 800-900 - 5 Very Low < 800 -

1.7.2. Area requiring treatment vis-à-vis area actually treatable 46. Most of the area requiring treatment in free draining catchment is inaccessible as the area has a slope of more than 45% and above 4000 m. The treatment in such area is not feasible because of limitations of diurnal variations, seasons, accessibility, technological constraints and logistics. Therefore, actually treatable area is less than the area requiring treatment. 1.8. Area to Be Taken Up For Soil Conservation Measures 47. The areas in the different sub-watersheds of Chhatru H.E. Project that require treatment were calculated from the composite erosion intensity unit map. For this a number of simple as well as complex spatial querries were run in a step- wise manner using GIS software (ArcGIS 9.1 & GeoMedia Professional 5.2). These queries included different attributes of parameters that have been defined earlier in the chapter viz. slope, soil, landuse, etc. For executing these queries all the thematic maps of different attributes and parameters were geo- referenced to maintain the accuracy of the resultant outputs. In case of slope, the spatial queries were undertaken for different slope categories ranging from gently sloping category to escarpments with different soil classes like shallow soils, deep soils, etc. The subsequent queries were executed with resultant outputs from the first level queries with different attributes of land use/ land cover. In all, about 100 such spatial queries were executed for the purpose. From these queries a thematic map of areas prone to erosion in the entire free- draining catchment area was prepared. The area under different erosion intensity categories is given in Table 1.7. From the thematic map of erosion intensity the areas that require treatment measures were extracted with the help of further spatial queries. Areas which were found inaccessible i.e. areas with more than 45 (100%) slope and areas above 4,000 m with little human interference were excluded to arrive at those areas where appropriate treatment measures can be undertaken. Such areas were extracted for each individual sub-watershed and in all total area of 870.55 ha (8.71 sq km) would require treatment measures with 14.46 ha (0.15 sq km) under very severe category and

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 29 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

856.09 ha (8.56 sq km) under severe erosion intensity category (Table 1.8).

Table 1.7 : Area (sq km) under different erosion intensity categories in sub-watersheds of Chhatru H.E. Project area Sub- Very Severe Moderate Slight Snow/Glaciers Total water- Severe (b) (c) (d) /Lakes, etc. shed No. (a) ChR1 52.65 108.50 10.86 0 101.28 273.29 ChR2 58.78 51.94 2.76 0 36.01 149.49 ChR3 5.90 14.38 0.13 0 10.86 31.27 ChR4 55.50 66.35 19.27 1.56 94.67 237.35 ChR5 42.92 43.40 9.75 1.07 62.64 159.79 ChR6 6.72 20.34 3.43 1.01 9.40 40.90 ChR7 31.44 44.59 4.44 0.01 22.76 103.24 ChR8 107.40 101.50 25.49 0.93 151.25 386.57 ChR9 30.43 75.28 14.30 0.79 80.30 201.10 ChhR10* 25.60 58.70 2.27 2.30 40.04 128.91 *ChR10 sub-watershed = Sub-watershed is located between weir and powerhouse site

Table 1.8 : Requiring area (ha) for treatment measures in the Chhatru H.E. project Site Requiring Treatment Area (ha) Very Severe Severe Total Upstream of weir site 1,451.40 8,801.97 10,253.37 Downstream of weir site 1,088.89 3,010.51 4,099.40 Total 2,540.29 11,812.48 14,352.77

48. In the downstream stretch (weir site to powerhouse site) ChR10 sub-watershed the area 933.03 ha (9.33 sq km) would require treatable area with 196.33 ha (1.96 sq km) under very severe and 736.70 ha (7.37 sq km) under severe categories (Table 1.8a). 49. The total area earmarked for treatment comprises more than 0.54% of the free- draining catchment area, and about 56.98% of the total area under very severe and severe erosion intensity categories requiring treatment measures for upstream of weir site. Table 1.8a Sub-watershed-wise area (ha) treatable measures in the Chhatru H.E. project area Sub-watershed No. Treatable Area (ha)

Very Severe Severe Total ChR7 - 5.59 5.59 ChR8 1.95 249.55 251.50 ChR9 12.51 600.95 613.46 Total 14.46 856.09 870.55 ChR10* 196.33 736.70 933.03 Grand Total 210.79 1592.79 1803.58 *The sub-watershed is located between weir site and powerhouse site 1.8.2. Problem Areas to be treated in Chhatru HE Project CAT- Plan 50. The catchment area of the Chandra River above the proposed Chhatru HEP weir site is beyond the timber line. The catchment represents a cold desert with spreads of green alpine meadows. The steep slopes, valley glaciers, gullies and streams collectively contribute to the load of sediment into the main channel of Chandra River and ultimately these factors are likely to pose threat to the weir

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 30 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

and other project appurtenances downstream. Being above the timber line, suitable engineering intervention measures have been proposed to check erosion, landslide and influx of geological material (debris / soil / sediments which may damage/erode the weir surface to some extent. Development of pastures and grazing lands in the catchment above weir site has also been given due importance to sustain the traditional livelihood pattern of the nomadic people who graze their livestock in summer months in the area. 51. The segment of the Chandra river catchment between the weir and powerhouse has been given special consideration for afforestation activities on an experimental basis. The moderately sloping river terraces and flood plains have been given preference for proximity to water sources and evidences of existence of degraded forests and scrub. Experimental wood lots of suitable tree species like Betula utilis, Salix elegans, S. fragilis would be developed. Cultivation of medicinal plants to enhance income of local people would be undertaken in the flood plain where the moisture regime is capable to support the activitiy. Medicinal plants like Podophyllum hexandrum, Picrorhiza kurruooa, Ephedra gerardiana etc. would be selected for cultivation. 1.9. Activities To Be Undertaken 52. For undertaking soil conservation measures in the Chhatru H.E. project catchment area up to powerhouse site various indirect or preventive measures like biological measures and direct or remedial measures like engineering measures (Table 1.9) have been discussed in the following paragraphs. Even as suggestions have been made regarding certain specific treatment measures to be undertaken in a particular sub-watershed, these measures, however, will require meticulous planning during the implementation stage. 1.9.1. Preventive Measures 53. It is always better to undertake preventive measures than to mitigate the factors that ultimately lead to soil erosion. Such preventive measures will indirectly help to conserve soil in the long run, keeping in view the importance of integrating eco-restoration strategy with socio-economic needs of the local community wherein both ecology and economics are developed. The preventive measures that are suggested for the project area have been discussed below. 1.9.1.1 Contour Trenching 54. Construction of trenches on slope contours to detain water and sediment transported by water or gravity down slope generally constructed with light equipment. These are also known as contour terraces or contour furrowing, lined with geo-textiles and filled with rock, stacked or placed to form an erosion resistant structure. Staggered Contour Trenches with Grass Patches 55. These trenches act as trap for the water and minimize soil erosion. The trenches do not need to be very large to be effective. A trench about 10 feet long, one foot wide and one foot deep is very effective. Try to stagger them on the hillside so that water is slowed evenly across the entire slope. These staggered trenches would be interspersed with grass patches which would further minimize the flow of runoff and reduce soil erosion. Contour Trenching / Afforestation 56. In the hilly region like the project area, the trees and vegetation cover play an important role in the conservation of soil and ecology. Afforestation programme would be taken up in such forest areas that contain large patches of barren grassy slopes that are generally devoid of trees. In critically degraded areas,

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 31 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

plantation of locally useful, diverse and indigenous plant species such as Betula utilis, Salix elegans, S. fragilis, Hippophae spp. (Sea-buckthorn) etc. would be undertaken. 57. Staggered Contour Trenching/ Afforestation measures would be taken up under catchment area treatment plan on 88.25 ha. An outlay of Rs. 39.71 lakhs @ Rs.67,500/- per ha has been made to cover 43.25 ha of area in upstream of weir site catchment [creation of contour trenching (Rs.29.19 lakhs) and maintenance (Rs.10.52 lakhs)] and an outlay of Rs.41.83 lakhs to cover 45 ha [contour trenching/ afforestation along both the banks of river (Rs.30.38 lakhs) and maintenance (Rs.11.45 lakhs)] for downstream of weir site up to at least 5 years [Ref. Annexure-2.2 (i-vi) Tables 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.14 and 2.15]. 1.9.1.2 Contour Trenching/Afforestation Programme 58. Different types of plantations would be undertaken under afforestation programme according to the methodology described below. The plantations that would be undertaken in the forest blanks would have a planting density of 1500 plants per ha and vegetative hedge in contour trenches. Contour planting conserves soil and enhances moisture regime and adverse effect of surface run off of rain water is reduced considerably. Trenches, pits and plants along the contour reduce velocity of water, increase soil moisture and facilitate seepage of water in soil and reduce soil loss resulting in better growth of plants. Hence, soil working and planting along contours would be strictly followed in the project. 59. In the afforestation areas, the digging of trenches and pits would be along the contour. About 20 to 30 m long contour trenches would be dug leaving a space of 50 cm (septa) between the two consecutive trenches. Soil would be dug on the lower side of the trench and after removing pebbles and weeds, the trench to be half refilled with soil and remaining soil would be collected to form berm on lower side of trench. On the berm, seeds of shrubs/hedges would be sown to raise vegetative barrier. The size of pits would be 45 cm3.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 32 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Table 1.9 : Watershed-wise details of various activities Sl.No. Name of COMPONENTS watershed Engineering Measures Biological Measures DRSM/ Bench Afforestation/ NTFP Pasture Total Avalanche Terracing contour Regeneration/ Improvement Deflection Trenching Medicinal Plants Cultivation (ha) (ha) (ha) (ha) (ha)

Treatable area of the catchment of Chhatru HEP (Upstream of the weir site) 1 ChR7 (Karcha - - - - 5.59 5.59 Khol) 2 ChR8 (Bara Shigri) 77 102 18.25 15.25 39.00 251.50 3 ChR9 (Chhota 148 241 25.00 53.05 146.41 613.46 Dara Total 225 343 43.25 68.30 191.00 870.55

Treatable area of the catchment of Chhatru HEP (Downstream of the weir site up to power house site) 4 ChR10 (weir site to - - 45.00 363.03 525.00 933.03 Powerhouse site)*

*In the downstream area, there is an urgent need for treatment/deflection of avalanche routes that disrupt Gramphu-Chhatru-Kaza road every year and cause soil erosion. The area of biological measures would be taken up for treatment in the downstream stretch.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 33 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

60. For digging 1500 pits per ha, pits would be dug 15 cm uphill side from the contour trenches. The spacing of pits along contour trench will not be closer than 1.25 m. It is important that filling of pits and half filling of trenches to be completed before the onset of monsoon, otherwise dug soil will be washed away by rains leaving only stones and pebbles near the pit. Extreme care would be taken in transporting the plants from nurseries to the plantation site to avoid any damage. Planting would be completed before the monsoon period is over. 1.9.1.3 Choice of Species 61. The tree species that would be planted under this programme are: Betula utilis, B. elegans, B. gragilis, Salix sp., etc. The plant species suitable for fodder/ fuelwood plantations are Betula spp., etc. 62. It has been observed that downstream of Chhatru bridge upto the Powerhouse site, only two species each of willow (Salix alba Linn. and Salix fragilis Linn.) and poplar (Populus balsamifera Linn. and Populus nigra Linn.) have adapted well to the climate better than all other species. 63. In consultation with local people near Sissu and Khoksar, species such as S.fragilis, is cultivated extensively under the indigenous agroforestry and forestry systems around these areas. The trees are used during winter for fuelwood and fodder. Additionally, bark of the branch cuttings is peeled off and given to cattle during winter as a substitute for green fodder. 64. Nursery trials have been conducted by the Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla (HFRI), in polyhouses and open nurseries to develop saplings of Salix spp. and Populus nigra and after successful trials nursery protocols have been developed. A combination of these two species could be tried to be developed on both the banks of the river at the downstream of weir site. 65. Extensive Surveys have been conducted by HFRI and some dominant species of shrubs and herbs have been identified for afforestation / rehabilitation of cold desert and pasture management. These are: Ribes orientale, Rosa webbiana, Hippophae rhamnoides, Colutea nepalensis, Ephedra gerardiana, Caragana gerardiana, Capparis spinosa, Eleaegnus angustifolia etc. 66. For pasture improvement, the palatable species in the area are Festuca gigantea (Neeru), Cyperus sp. (Bagarmuth), Sibbaldia sp. (Trodu) Phleum sp. (Jawara), Artemesia sp. (Masreen), Potentila sp. (Muthi). 67. The plantation of Hippophae spp. (Sea-buckthorn) can be given preference due to its tolerance to the freezing environment and survival above tree line in the subalpine zone. The species is also known as Sandthorn or sallowthorn or seaberry. The species is a key species which helps in soil and water conservation in the frozen open places. Its fruits are small round and yellow colour berries. These berries are rich sources of various nutrients like vitamin c, carotenoids, vitamin E, amino acids, dietary minerals, β-sitostero and polyphenols etc. Pulps of the berries are used in various juices. The bark and leaves also have medicinal values and are being used for cure of diarrhoea and dermatological disorders. 1.9.1.4 Fencing 68. Stone wall 120 cm high and 45 cm wide or 4 strand barbed wire fencing would be erected only for afforestation areas during first year along with soil working. The cooperation of nearby villagers would be sought for the success of the plantation programmes. 1.9.1.5 Creation of Nurseries 69. For taking up various activities like afforestation, NTFP/ medicinal plants, etc., 3

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 34 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

new nurseries (2 near weir and upstream of weir site and 1 near powerhouse site) will be created. The amount of 30.00 lakhs has been made for creation and maintenance nurseries in upstream of weir site catchment and Rs. 15.00 lakhs for downstream of weir site catchment (Tables 1.11 & 1.12). 1.9.1.6 Pasture Improvement 70. The local people exert tremendous impact on pasturelands of the division by way of grazing their sheep, goat and cattle. In order to improve the pasture and to make pastures sustainable against grazing pressure the low lying pasturelands will be taken up for treatment under silvi-pastoral model. An outlay of Rs. 75.42 lakhs @ Rs.26,738/- per ha has been made to cover about 191 ha for creation (Rs.51.07 lakhs) and its maintenance (Rs.24.35 lakhs) in the upstream of weir catchment and an outlay of Rs. 334.87 lakhs has been made to cover 525 ha for creation ( Rs.140.37 lakhs) and its maintenance (Rs.194.50 lakhs) for downstream weir catchment for five years [(Ref. Annexure-2.3 (i to v) and Tables 2.11, 2.12, 2.14 and 2.15]. 1.9.1.7 NTFP (Non Timber Forest Products) Regeneration 71. Lahaul Forest Division has a good variety of non timber forest product. However, in past uninhibited exploitation of NTFP has led to depletion of this valuable resource. Therefore, in order to augment natural stock of NTFP in the forests, it is proposed to take up planting of NTFP and establishing their nursery. Special care for medicinal plants like- Podophyllum hexandrum, Picrorhiza kurrooa, and Nardostachys grandiflora shall be taken. and An outlay of Rs. 61.99 lakhs @ Rs.60,000/- per ha has been made to cover about 68.30 ha for creation (Rs.40.98 lakhs) and its maintenance (Rs.21.01 lakhs) for upstream of weir site catchment and an outlay of Rs. 260.77 lakhs to cover 363.03 ha for creation ( Rs. 217.82 lakhs) and maintenance (Rs. 42.95 lakhs) has been made for downstream of weir site catchment five years [(Ref. Annexure-2.4 (i to ii) Tables 2.11, 2.12, 2.14 and 2.15]. 1.9.1.8 Wildlife Management 72. The area of the Chhatru HEP is very lowly used by the wild mammals for their foraging & feeding ground as the biodiversity in the area is very low. In plantation programme, efforts would be made to include local species which are palatable by local wildlife. A detailed study on the feeding habbits of Ibex is carried by Anjali et. al., 20031. The cost for this activity, an outlay of Rs. 40.00 lakhs has been made (Table 1.11). 1.9.2. Engineering Measures 1.9.2.1 Gully Control 73. The gullies would be treated with engineering/ mechanical methods. Check dams would be constructed in some of the areas to promote growth of vegetation that will consequently lead to the stabilization of the slopes/area and prevention of further deepening of gullys and erosion. For controlling the gullys, the erosive velocities are reduced by flattening out the steep gradient of the gully. This is achieved by constructing a series of checks which transform the longitudinal gradient into a series of steps with low risers and long flat treads. Vegetative measures like brushwood check dams are very effective as they are quick and easy to construct and inexpensive as they are constructed by using readily available materials. But in case of Chhatru HE Project, they are not feasible because brushwood is not available in the area therefore, construction

1 Anjali Awasthi, Sanjay Kr. Uniyal, Gopal S. Rawat and S. Sathyakumar, 2003. Food Plants and Feeding Habbits of Himalayan Ungulates, Current Science, 85, No.6, pp. 719. EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 35 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

of brushwood check dams has been ruled out. For engineering measures following type of check dams are suggested. i) Dry Rubble Stone Masonry (DRSM) check dams 74. The site where DRSM check dams are to be constructed is cleared and the sides are sloped 1:1. The bed of gully is excavated for foundation to a uniform depth of 0.45 m to 0.60 m and dry stones are packed from that level. Over the foundation, DRSM super structure of check dam is constructed (Plate 1.1). The stones are dressed and properly set in with wedges and chips. The width of checkdam at the base should be approximately equal to maximum height and successive courses are narrower so the section is roughly a trapezium. It is common to find upstream face of check dams vertical with all slopes on the downstream face but while there is sound engineering reason for this in case of large check dams but it is not of any consequence in small gully control dams. In the centre of the dam portion sufficient waterway is allowed to discharge the maximum run off. The dry stone work should go up to 0.30m to 0.60m in the stable portion of the gully side to prevent end-cutting. Sufficient apron is provided to prevent scouring of the structure. The thickness of the apron packing would be about 0.45 m and gully sides above the apron have to be protected with packing to a height of at least 0.30 m above the anticipated maximum water level to prevent side scour being formed by the falling water. For gully control measures 225 ha DRSM check dams would be constructed.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 36 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Plate 1.1: Shows the section of DRSM

1.9.2.2 Slope modification by Stepping/ Bench Terracing 75. Bench terracing is one of the most popular mechanical soil conservation practices adopted by farmers in India and other many countries. It is constructed in the form of step like fields along contours by half cutting and half filling and would result in the conversion of the original slope into leveled fields. Thus, hazards of erosion are eliminated and manure and fertilizers applied are retained in the leveled fields. The sloping fields in the valley need to be bench terraced by cutting and filling with the latter supported by retaining stone wall. While making bench terraces, care will be taken not to disturb the top soil by

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 37 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

spreading earth from the lower terraces to higher terraces. The vertical intervals between the terraces will not be more than 1.5 m and cutting depth would be kept at 50 cm. The minimum average width of the terrace would be 4 to 5 m to enable the usage of prolong hinge. The shoulder bunds of 30 x 15 cm would also be provided. The excess water from the terraces will be drained off by staggered channels. An area of 343 ha will be covered under this plan. 1.9.3. Eco-Tourism Development 76. In Lahaul & Spiti district, the Chhatru catchment area has very beautiful lake name “ChandraTal”, the sacred lake on the elevation 4,324 m (Plate 1.2). Chandra valley is one of the major attractions for tourists due to its natural aesthetic beauty and scenery. This lake is also known as Moon Lake. The lake is 1 km long and 0.5 km wide. A circular trek can be attempted from both Batal on the Manali-Kaza road and the Baralacha pass on the Manali-Leh Highway. Its meadows nestle many wild flowers. From June to September a large number of tourists visit the lake.

Plate 1.2: Chandra Tal 77. During construction phase of the proposed project, it is envisaged that tourism and related activities would increase, which are likely to exert immense pressure on this ecologically fragile area. To minimize the adverse impact, pasture improvement around the lake would be done. An outlay Rs. 3.34 lakhs for pasture improvement has been proposed. 1.9.4. Monitoring of Silt Load 78. The catchment upstream of weir site being devoid of any tree vegetation is susceptible to severe soil erosion. Keeping in view the life of weir and efficiency of power generation by Chhatru HEP, a silt monitoring programme in this catchment area has been suggested. A network of 4 silt load monitoring stations (one in each sub-watershed) would be setup for daily data collection and volumetric & weight analysis of silt would be done during snowmelt period. An outlay of Rs. 25 lakhs has been proposed for this purpose (Table 1.11).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 38 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 1.9.5. Sub-watershed-wise Treatable Areas and Measures 79. The amount of area and type of treatment to be undertaken is based upon the stream drainage pattern, extent of forest cover, accessibility of the area, landuse, soil profile and slope. The areas with very severe erosion intensity having very steep slopes and which are inaccessible would be left alone for natural rejuvenation. In some of the sub-watersheds a few areas under high erosion intensity category also have been earmarked for treatment owing to local conditions and degradational factors. Only three sub-watersheds in this catchment would be taken for treatment. The details of sub-watershed-wise treatment measures are described below. 1.9.5.1 Karcha Khol (ChR7) 80. This sub-watershed is located at the higher elevations on the Chandra River in the project area with an area of 103.24 sq km. It drains the east-northern slopes of free-draining catchment. More than 50% of the sub-watershed area is under steep and moderately steep slope categories while 1.33% of its area is characterized by very steep slope (Figure 1.15). More than 35% of the area is covered with alpine scrub while 38.33% of the area covered by barren /rocky land (Figure 1.16). The area of 31.43 sq km is under very severe erosion category while 44.59 sq km is under severe category (Figure 1.17). The treatment measures would be taken up in an area of 5.59 ha (Figure 1.18). The watershed is located above the tree line therefore afforestation activities could be done. But keeping in view the anthropogenic intervention by nomadic people to feed their livestock in summer months pasture development has been taken up in CAT Plan which would further augment natural pastures and provide livelihood options. The biological treatment measure has been suggested in this sub-watershed. 1. Biological Measures a) Pasture improvement = 5.59 ha

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 39 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

500

450

400

350

300

250

Area (sq Area km) 200

150

100

50

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Soil Series Association Unit

Figure 1.15 Area (ha) under different soil series associations in catchment of Chhatru HEP (for details refer soil unit No. in Table 2.3)

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 40 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.16 : Land use / land cover map of the sub watershed ChR7 of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 41 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.17 : Erosion intensity map of the sub-watershed ChR7 of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 42 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.18 : Map showing area required treatment in sub watershed ChR7 for free draining catchment of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 43 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

1.9.5.2 Bara Shigri (ChR8) 81. This is the largest sub-watershed having an area of 386.57 sq km located on the foothills of Bara Shigri glacier on the left bank of Chandra River. This sub- watershed is characterised by steep to moderately steep slopes which cover more than 37% of its area (Figure 1.15). The patches of scrub and degraded forest cover only 6.24% of the sub-watershed area while 30.24% of the area is under snow and glacier. As much as 46.26% of its area comes under barren/rockyland (Figure 1.19). Total of 208.90 sq km area is prone to very severe to severe erosion (Figure 1.20). Therefore, for the purpose of treatment measures, an area of 251.50 ha has been earmarked for undertaking various treatment measures described below (Figure 1.21). 1. Engineering Measures a) Gully control – DRSM checkdams = 77 ha b) Bench terracing = 102 ha 2. Biological Measures a) Staggered contour trenching = 18.25 ha b) NTFP regeneration = 15.25 ha e) Pasture improvement = 39.00 ha

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 44 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.19 Landuse / Land cover map of sub watershed ChR8 of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 45 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.20 : Erosion intensity map of the sub watershed ChR8 of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 46 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.21 : Map showing area requiring treatment in sub watershed ChR8 of free draining catchment of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 47 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

1.9.5.3 Chhota Dara (ChR9) 82. This sub-watershed is located on the mouth of weir site with an area of 201.10 sq km. About 24.74% of sub-watershed area is characterized by moderately slope category and 20.19% is under steep slope category (Figure 1.15). More than 21% of the sub-watershed covers under sand on the lower elevation near river and about 16.55% of the area is covered scrub patches (Figure 1.22). More than 30.42 sq km of the area is prone to very severe erosion while 75.27 sq km is under severe erosion (Figure 1.23). Keeping in view the proximity to the weir, sedimentation load in the form of sand and scrub patches of vegetation, vigorous engineering and biological measures have been considered in this sub-watershed to prevent the weir from Siltation. An area of 613.46 ha has been earmarked for various treatment measures described below (Figure 1.24) 1. Engineering Measures a) Gully control – DRSM checkdams = 148 ha b) Bench terracing = 241 ha 2. Biological Measures a) Staggered contour trenching = 25 ha b) NTFP regeneration = 53.05 ha d) Pasture improvement = 146.41 ha

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 48 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.22 Landuse / Landcover map of the sub watershed ChR9 of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 49 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.23 : Erosion intensity map of the sub watershed ChR9 of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 50 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.24 : Map showing area requiring treatment in sub-watershed ChR9 of free draining catchment of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 51 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

1.9.5.4 Stretch between weir site to powerhouse site (ChR10) 83. This sub-watershed is not apart of free draining catchment of Chhatru H.E. Project. But a number of tributaries join river Chandra in this sub-watershed, therefore, to improve infiltration, soil moisture regime with a view to regulate water flow throughout the non-winter season as opposed to during snow melt this sub-watershed has been included in treatable area. 84. The stretch is between weir site and powerhouse site with an area of 128.91 sq km. About 21.42% of sub-watershed area is characterized by strongly slope category and 30.91% is under moderately steep slope category (Figure 1.25). Some part of the sub-watershed covers under sand on the lower elevation near river and about 38 sq km of the area is covered by medium deep loamy-skeletal soil (Figure 1.26). Most of the part of downstream of weir site is under scrub and degraded forest (38.5%) on the moderately sloping area. This area is to be further developed by afforestation and by growing medicinal plants. On the higher reaches the area is covered by snow (21.50%) (Figure 1.27) More than 46% of the area is prone to severe erosion while 19.66% is under very severe erosion (Figure 1.28). An area of 933.03 ha (9.33 sq km) has been earmarked for various biological treatment measures described below (Figure 1.29). 1. Biological Measures a) Contour trenching/ Afforestation = 45 ha b) NTFP regeneration = 363.03 ha c) Pasture improvement = 525.00 ha

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 52 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.25 : Slope map of Sub water shed ChR10 (weir site to power house site stretch) of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 53 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.26 : Soil map of sub watershed ChR10 (weir site to power house site stretch) of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 54 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.27 : Landuse/ landcover map of the ChR10 sub watershed (weir site to power house site stretch) catchment of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 55 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.28 : Erosion intensity map of sub watershed ChR10 for Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 56 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 1.29 : Map showing area requiring treatment in subwatershed ChR10 of free draining catchment of Chhatru HEP

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 57 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

1.10. Implementation Infrastructure Development 85. For an efficient implementation of CAT Plan, it is essential that field infrastructure of the Forest Department is adequately supported and developed. The terrain being very tough, there is a need to improve the existing forest roads and paths. However, no jeepable road would be constructed in the catchment area as this would lead to increased siltation. Only bridle paths, inspection paths and footbridges shall be constructed or improved for which an amount of Rs.76.50 lakhs has been kept (Table 1.11). There are no places for shelter for the staff; people and trekkers hence, tent etc need to be required. Therefore, following provisions be made under the CAT Plan. a. Field vehicles b. Computer hardware and office automation equipments c. Office furniture and d. Touring support equipments. 1.11. Period And Schedule Of Implementation 86. The catchment area treatment works have been phased over five year duration, so as to complete them along with the project construction. However, the maintenance of plantations would continue for 6 years. All these works would have to start with the pre-construction activities especially ground identification of treatable areas for each sub-watershed. Based on the silt yield index of the sub-watersheds, the conservation measures would be first taken up in sub- watershed ChR7, followed by that in ChR9, ChR8 and ChR10 (For details see Annexure-1). The year-wise index map of schedule of implementation of different conservation measures under CAT plan has been given in Figure 1.14. Table 10 gives the year-wise physical details of various engineering and biological treatment measures to be undertaken. 1.12. Cost Estimates 87. The total estimated cost of catchment area treatment plan to be spent over a period of five years is 1229.15 lakhs including Rs. 550.58 lakhs for upstream of weir site and Rs. 678.57 lakhs for biological activities in river terraces in the stretch between downstream weir of site and powerhouse site. The details of cost estimates and physical work schedule as well as phasing of expenditure and all the costs towards the administration during the implementation work have been included in the cost estimates of CAT (Table 1.18). 1.13. Monitoring and Evaluation 88. Monitoring and evaluation will be developed as in built part of the project management. Thus, a process of self-evaluation at specified intervals of time will ensure the field worthiness and efficacy of the CAT plan. 89. Annual work plan for each sub-watershed would be prepared well in advance specifying physical and financial targets, sites, locations and beneficiaries of each component of the project activity. Month-wise work schedule of various items of each component for the financial year would also be prepared in advance and its timely implementation would be ensured. Monthly progress report on all activities would be submitted by the Range Officers to Divisional Forest Officer for its subsequent submission to the project authorities. The monitoring committee appointed for this purpose would also monitor on a regular basis the quality and quantity of works carried out in the area. 90. For monitoring, reference points of silt load observation in the river are EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 58 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

suggested to install silt recording station upstream of weir site in Chandra River to evaluate the impact of the soil conservation measures. An outlay of Rs. 75.00 lakhs has been provided for monitoring and evaluation in upstream of weir catchment (Table 1.11).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 59 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Table 1.10 : Physical details of CAT Plan of Chhatru H.E. project Sl.No Item of Work Unit Year-wise Total Breakup Ist Year IInd Year IIIrd Year IVth Year Vth Year VIth Year Upstream of weir site: A. Engineering Measures

Gully Control a) DRSM/ Ha 77 62 42 33 11 – 225 Avalanche Deflection Bench Terracing Ha 115 82 68 55 23 – 343 B. Biological Measures

A Contour Trenching Ha 10.15 9.10 7.00 7.00 6.00 4.00 43.25 B Pasture Development Ha 68 45 30 22 20 6 191.00 C NTFP Regeneration Ha 17 15 10 9 9 8.30 68.30 Grand Total Ha 287.15 213.10 157.00 126.00 69.00 18.30 870.55 Downstream of weir site up to power house site Biological Measures

A Contour Trenching Ha 15.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 4.00 2.00 45.00 B Pasture Development Ha 140.03 90.00 55.00 38.00 26.00 14.00 363.03 C NTFP Regeneration Ha 180.00 120.00 75.00 60.00 50.00 40.00 525.00 Grand Total Ha 335.03 220.00 138.00 104.00 80.00 56.00 933.03

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 60 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Table 1.11 : Component-wise cost estimate for upstream of weir site catchment area treatment works S. No. Item of Work Unit Qty. Rate Amount (Rs.) (Rs. In lakhs) A. Engineering Measures 1 Gully Control (for details see Table ha 225 18,000/- 40.50 2.13) a)DRSM checkdams/ Avalanche Deflection 2 Bench terracing ha 343 7,500/- 25.73 Total (1+2) 66.23 Add 4% for maintenance of 2.65 structures 3 Water harvesting structure 18.00 Sub-total (A) 86.88 B. Biological Measures

Contour Trenching Creation ha 43.25 67,500/- 29.19 Maintenance (see Table 2.15) 10.52 1 NTFP Regeneration/ Medicinal Plants Cultivation 2 Creation ha 68.30 60,000/- 50.98 3 Maintenance (see Table 2.15) 21.01 4 Pasture development 5 Creation ha 191 26,738/- 51.07

6 Maintenance (see Table 2.15) 24.35 7 Nurseries (2) (near weir site and 30.00 upstream of weir site) 8 Wildlife Management 40.00 Sub-total (B) 247.12 Total (A+B) 334.00 C Micro-planning @ 1% of (A+B) 3.34 D Implementation Infrastructure 76.50 (see Table 2.17) Vehicles, machinery & equipment, paths, Office, Rest/ Guest house etc. E Eco-Tourism @ 1% of (A+B) 3.34 F Eco Task Force @ 5% of (A+B) 16.70 G Monitoring of silt load 25.00 H Monitoring and Evaluation 75.00 I Escalation @ 5% of (A+B) 16.70 J Grand Total (A to J) 550.58

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 61 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Table 1.12 : Component-wise cost estimate for downstream of weir site catchment area treatment works S. Item of Work Unit Qty. Rate (Rs.) Amount No. (Rs. in lakhs) Biological Measures

1. Contour Trenching/ Afforestation along river i)Creation Ha 45 67,500/- 30.38

ii)Maintenance (see Table 2.16) 11.45 2. NTFP Regeneration/ Medicinal Plants Cultivation i)Creation Ha 363.03 60,000/- 217.82

ii)Maintenance (see Table 2.16) 42.95 3. Pasture development

i)Creation Ha 525 21,390/- 140.37

ii) Maintenance (see Table 2.16) 194.50 4. Nurseries (1) (near power house 15.00 site) 5. Total (1+4) 652.47 Micro-planning @ 4% of Total (1+4) 26.10 Grand Total 678.57

Total Cost of Catchment Area Treatment Plan: Amount (Rs. in lakhs)

Upstream of weir site = 550.58

Downstream of weir site up to = 678.57 Powerhouse site

Total cost = 1229.15

The catchment area treatment plan has been prepared based on site specific requirement. The cost of feasible project Catchment Area Treatment Plan has been assessed as Rs. 1229.15 million. However, the Company/Proponent will meet the balance cost towards Catchment Area Treatment Plan, as per policy guidelines of the Forest Department, Himachal Pradesh, which can be utilized for treatment / deflection of avalanche routes that disrupt the Gramphu-Chhatru-Kaza road causing soil erosion.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 62 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Table 1.13 : Per unit cost estimates for different types of check dams for gully control measures DfdfdffRSM check dams

Conditions –Gullys: shallow to moderate –Stones available at site locally –Details for a unit area of 5 ha No. of check dams to be erected 12 Nos. Average dimension (8m x 1.5m x 2m) =24 cum Cost @ Rs.200/cum 24 x 200 =Rs.4,800/- Average cost for 15 Nos. 15 x Rs.4,800/- =Rs. 72,000/- Add 25% for hill area and contingency Rs. 18,000/- Total cost per ha 90,000 / 5 Rs. 18,000/- *Rates include 25% increased due to hill area (difficult area)

Table 1.14 : Cost estimate for various biological treatment measures per hectare S. No. Item Amount* (Rs.) Ref. Annexure 1. Contour Trenching/ 67500 II-A(i) Afforestation – Creation (@ 1500 plants/ha) 2. Maintenance of Contour Trenching/ Afforestation (per ha) - 1st Year 11375 II-A(ii) - 2nd Year 7125 II-A(iii) - 3rd Year 4500 II-A(iv) - 4th Year 4250 II-A(v) - 5th Year 4000 II-A(v) Sub Total 31250 Total : Creation + 98750 Maintenance 3. Pasture Improvement – 26738 II-B(i) Creation 4. Maintenance of Pasture (per ha) - 1st Year 4038 II-B(ii) - 2nd Year 3031 II-B(iii) - 3rd Year 2475 II-B(iv) - 4th Year 2275 II-B(v) - 5th Year 2275 II-B(v) Sub Total 14094 Total : Creation + 40832 Maintenance 5 NTFP/ Medicinal Plants 60000 II-C(i) Regeneration – Creation

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 63 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

6. Maintenance of 10000 II-C(ii) NTFP/Medicinal Plants Regeneration (per ha) Each year for 5 years Sub Total 10000 Total : Creation + 70000 Maintenance *These rates include 25% increased due to hill area (difficult area).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 64 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Table 1.15 : Cost estimates for year-wise maintenance of upstream of weir site of various biological measures Physical No. of years of Treatment (Area in ha) I II III IV V VI Total Contour Trenching Ist Year – 14.15 9.10 7.00 7.00 6.00 IInd Year – Nil 14.15 9.10 7.00 7.00 IIIrd Year – Nil Nil 14.15 9.10 7.00 IVth Year – Nil Nil Nil 14.15 9.10 Vth Year – Nil Nil Nil Nil 14.15 Finance (Rs. in – 1.61 2.05 2.09 2.31 2.46 10.52 lakhs) Pasture Improvement Ist Year – 74.00 45.00 30.00 22.00 20.00 IInd Year - Nil 74.00 45.00 30.00 22.00 IIIrd Year - Nil Nil 74.00 45.00 30.00 IVth Year - Nil Nil Nil 74.00 45.00 Vth Year - Nil Nil Nil Nil 74.00 Finance (Rs. in - 2.99 4.06 4.45 4.59 4.92 21.01 lakhs) NTFP (Non-Timber Forest Products) Regeneration/ Medicinal Plants Ist Year - 25.30 15.00 10.00 9.00 9.00 IInd Year - Nil 25.30 15.00 10.00 9.00 IIIrd Year - Nil Nil 25.30 15.00 10.00 IVth Year - Nil Nil Nil 25.30 15.00 Vth Year - Nil Nil Nil Nil 25.30 Finance (Rs. in - 2.53 4.03 5.03 5.93 6.83 24.35 lakhs)

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 65 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Table 1.16 : Cost estimates for year-wise maintenance of downstream of weir site of various biological measures Physical No. of years of Treatment (Area in ha)

I II III IV V VI Total Contour Trenching/ Afforestation Ist Year - 17.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 4.00 IInd Year - Nil 17.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 IIIrd Year - Nil Nil 17.00 10.00 8.00 IVth Year - Nil Nil Nil 17.00 10.00 Vth Year - Nil Nil Nil Nil 17.00 Finance - 1.93 2.35 2.39 2.42 2.36 11.45 (Rs. in lakhs) Pasture Improvement Ist Year - 154.03 90.00 55.00 38.00 26.00 IInd Year - Nil 154.03 90.00 55.00 38.00 IIIrd Year - Nil Nil 154.03 90.00 55.00 IVth Year - Nil Nil Nil 154.03 90.00 Vth Year - Nil Nil Nil Nil 154.03 Finance – 6.22 8.30 8.76 8.93 10.74 42.95 (Rs. in lakhs) NTFP (Non-Timber Forest Products) Regeneration/ Medicinal Plants Ist Year - 190.00 150.00 75.00 60.00 50.00 IInd Year - Nil 190.00 150.00 75.00 60.00 IIIrd Year - Nil Nil 190.00 150.00 75.00 IVth Year - Nil Nil Nil 190.00 150.00 Vth Year - Nil Nil Nil Nil 190.00 Finance - 19.00 34.00 41.50 47.50 52.50 194.50 (Rs. in lakhs)

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 66 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Table 1.17 Cost estimates for implementation infrastructure

A. Machinery and Equipment

SI. Item Quantity Amount (Rs. in No lakhs) 1 Field vehicles 2 Nos. 8.00 2 Mini truck 1 No. 8.50 3 Computers-Hardware and 3 Nos. 4.50 Software, Printer & Fax 4 Misc. office equipment, L.S. 7.00 furniture, etc. 5 R&M of vehicles and L.S. 18.00 machinery for 9 years @ Rs. 2.00 lakhs per year 6 TA/ DA 10.50 Total 56.50 (Sr. No.1 to 4 to be provided in kind by the user agency)

B. Buildings(Office, Rest/ 20.00 Guest House) Grand Total (A + B) 76.50

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 67 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

2. WILDLIFE AND BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

2.1. Introduction 91. Conservation is the sustainable use of natural resources, and is achieved through implementation of various measures that minimize the adverse impacts likely to accrue as a result of any developmental activity or any other form of human interferences. About 56.2 ha forest land (devoid of any tree/green cover or any permanent habitation or any fish or historic monuments or place of religious significance) is to be diverted for the proposed Chhatru project. 92. However, some adverse impacts are envisaged as a result of construction of a low height weir, HRT, underground power house with auxiliary structures etc., and associated activities of the proposed project. In view of the foreseen disturbance and degradation of natural ecosystems, though minimal in the present case, a biodiversity conservation plan has been proposed for the project. The area of Chhatru HEP is very lowly used by the wild mammals for their foraging & feeding ground as the biodiversity in the area is very low. In the plantation programme efforts will be made to include local species which are palatable by local wildlife. 2.2. Objective 93. This plan envisages the conservation of biodiversity and sustenance of mountain livelihood as long term goals. A plan for conserving the biodiversity of the area, ecological rehabilitation of the tract by pasture development and enrichment, afforestation and land stabilization measures, improving water regime, control of illicit poaching are some of the steps to protect and conserve the biodiversity of the area. 94. Eco-development of the area in addition of aforementioned factors will include sustaining mountain livelihoods, community development, eco-tourism promotion and protection of cultural values. To achieve these goals, the objectives of the plan are as under: i. To improve the habitat and protect the species found in the sanctuary.

ii. To support mammalian fauna including a number of rare and endangered species found in Lahaul & Spiti region in general and nearby, Pin valley national park and Chandra Tal Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh.

iii. Carrying out soil stabilization works in erosion prone areas by constructing bio- engineering/engineering structures to consume and reduce soil erosion.

iv. Promotion of LPG and non-conventional energy to resources so as to reduce pressure on natural resources.

v. To promote eco-tourism and generate awareness regarding environmental values among local masses especially school children.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 68 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 95. The priority will be to conserve and protect the biodiversity of the sanctuary. The eco-development to promote and sustain the livelihood support systems, promotion of eco-tourism and creating environmental awareness will be the other key areas requiring varied management efforts to achieve the long term goal. In order to achieve the above objectives, activities under following components based on the objectives outlined above are required to be implemented. 2.3. National Park & Sanctuaries 96. The Great Himalayan National Park is located about 50 km (Aerial distance) from the weir site of the proposed Chhatru hydroelectric project. The Pin Valley National Park covering an area of 675 sq. km. in the district of Lahaul & Spiti of Himachal Pradesh is about 40 km (Aerial distance) from the weir site. Chandertal Wildlife Sanctuary is about 30 km (Aerial distance) away from the weir site. 2.4. Wildlife Management and Conservation 97. Himalayas representing very fragile ecosystems inhabits unique faunal and floral species. The key stone species sustaining the critical natural food web require appropriate management strategy and effective implementation of the plan. The tough rugged mountains with harsh climatic conditions and less working season during the year, makes the natural resource management more challenging. The management inputs have to be appropriate so as to allow nature to function within natural parameters. The preference of key stone species of the catchment area has to be analyzed for habitat manipulation and management intervention. Cost provision of Rs.4.0 million towards wildlife management and conservation has been earmarked under the CAT Plan. The following activities are proposed under the plan.

2.4.1. Habitat Improvement: 98. Pasture improvement and afforestation; Improvement of alpine pastures and planting of indigenous useful species will be undertaken. Rotational grazing in alpine pastures and stocking by genetically superior and improved varieties of grass involving stakeholders will decrease overgrazing and pasture degradation. Alpine grass species like, Poa alpina, P. versicolor, Chrysopogon echinulatum, Bothrochoea, Agrostis gigantea, Bromus gracillimus, B. inermis and legumes such as Melilotus alba and Medicago falcata will be taken up for pasture improvement. Conservation of RET/endemic species identified in the report, in the submergence zone, besides medicinal plants shall be under taken under the programme as has already been mentioned in Section 1.8.2 under the CAT plan. Weed control will also be factored in while carrying out pasture improvement activities. 99. Creation of water resources: Construction of water ponds and check- dams at appropriate places will help in augmentation of the water regime. Diversion of water to northern facing slopes and thereby 100. Soil conservation measures: Himalayas are prone to landslides due to precipitous terrain and shallow soil depth. Construction of Bio-engineering/ engineering structures to arrest the soil erosion and land degradation will help in stabilization of the strata. Soil conservation along steep slopes improves water regime, which is conducive to support vegetation and thereafter get stabilized.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 69 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 101. Strengthening the protection mechanism: Wild populations are to be protected against poaching for which support in the form of equipment and training will be required. Wildlife health initiation by inoculating local cattle to minimize the spread of diseases to the wild population required support. 102. Soil Stabilization and Bio- engineering works; To arrest soil erosion for improvement of moisture regime and productivity, construction of bio-engineering /engineering structures on private land has to be carried out. Check-dams, spurs (preferably vegetative) and check walls at appropriate places as per requirement will be constructed. 103. Promotion of Non-Conventional Energy Sources: Energy saving devices like improved Chullahs/ Solar Cookers, Crematoriums, Solar Lanterns/ Lights, LPG, Gobar Gas Plants, etc. will be introduced in the villages located within and outside the protected area to reduce the requirement of fuel-wood and minimise over dependency of villagers on wood. The activities will be demand driven and location specific. 104. Support to sustainable mountain livelihoods: Himalayas are also referred to as Living Mountain due to high population concentration as compared to other mountainous regions of the world. However, as the altitude rise and we approach high Himalayan Ranges the density of population decreases whereas the dependency on natural resources of the people increases. In this plan following issues will help in sustaining the livelihoods of the local population. 105. Livestock and Fodder Improvement: The aim is to improve productive potential through improvement of fodder, management practices and genetic upgrading of the livestock. It will also contribute towards restoration of health, vigour and purity of the production environment. As targeted support to nomadic groups, this subcomponent will include implementation of Development Plans which are aimed at better flock management, improved animal health care and promotion of income generating activities for the migratory glazier’s. Special emphasis will be given on reducing man – animal conflict in the area and due compensation will be paid to the farmers for loss of human and cattle life and agriculture produce done by wild animals after identifying mutually agreeable criteria. Livestock health will be improved by completing existing practices with additional support in terms of medicines, de-worming, vaccination, veterinary, aid-kits and organizing veterinary health camps on a regular basis making use of the existing veterinary facilities. Support will also be provided for activities like nutritive food for rearing young calves by complementing the existing system in place. Based on the need, support will be provided in terms of facilities for artificial insemination as well as natural breeding by strengthening the existing veterinary services already available in the area. 106. Fodder Production and Community Woodlots: Agro-forestry, silvi-pasture and alpine pasture development in the degraded land will be encouraged. Mini-Kits will be provided to facilitate quality fodder and fuel-wood production. Improved planting material of grass and other local potential fodder crops will be encouraged on the field boundaries. Community woodlots through panchayats will be created and managed on PFM principles on community / forest lands. Existing community management practices in the region will be supported in the natural resource management sector. Innovation in existing forestry and wildlife management practices will be adopted and promoted. Fodder will be the main focus in all forestry based plantations to attract the community participation. Stall

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 70 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh feeding will be encouraged by providing one time subsidy/ support for (a) renovation of cattle shed (b) construction of livestock sheds, only for the poorest of the poor and (c) chaff cutters. Conservation and value addition of fodder will be encouraged through encouraging practices of hay and silage making and quality will be improved by demonstrating and encouraging Urea-Molasses treatment of crop residues. 107. Water Harvesting Structures: Depending on the local potential and suitable terrain, water resources will be developed for livelihood enhancement in the surrounding of the project area. Depending on the physiographic and local conditions, the component will include following indicative activities: . Developing new and improving existing water resources; . Construction of village ponds, tanks, check-dams; . Support and encouragement for roof water harvesting and irrigation; . Efficient use of water by improving conveyance systems, channels and kuhls, sprinkler and drip irrigation. 108. The issue of developing new and improving existing water resources gain special significance in cold areas to promote vegetation to produce soil. The catchment is to be rehabilitated for recharging the natural water delivery mechanism. Efforts to conserve water have to be taken well in time as there is no conceivable substitute for such natural services. 109. Agriculture and Allied Sector: Agriculture and allied activities are the main stay of the mountain communities’ livelihoods. Strategic investments will be made to create on-farm based livelihood opportunities and income generation through improved agriculture, horticulture, forestry, poultry, bee-keeping, livestock and other farm based activities. Based on local potential and demand, high value crops, aromatic and medicinal plants and horticulture will be introduced and provision for its grading, processing, storage, branding, packaging and marketing will be facilitated by the project and will co-finance private sector entrepreneurs/NGOs (on a one time subsidy basis). Activities that will be carried out under this sub-component can be categorized into two focus area; (i) farming systems development and extension support, and (ii) value addition and marketing. 110. Support to Farming System and Extension Support: Investments will be made to enhance farm input services and extension, which includes appropriate technologies generation and dissemination, provision for improved quality of seeds, integrated pest management, vermin-composting, soil testing and support for introduction of high value crops on market demand, medicinal and aromatic crops especially in locations where water resources are created for supplemental irrigation. Finances from the project will be directed towards introduction or further development of decentralized, collaborative technology generation and dissemination activities in villages inside the sanctuary. The mobilization will ensure greater farmer involvement in planning and implementation of extension and adaptive programs. The implementation of this sub-component will tactically depend on the nature of collaboration between the project and other line departments responsible for agriculture and allied sectors; and public-private partnership with private sector and NGO service providers. Introduction of innovative agricultural, livestock and poultry production systems would be actively promoted.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 71 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 111. Demonstration, field days, exposure visits, mass-media, development of local resource persons and master trainers and wherever feasible information technology will be used as extension tools. The precise nature of demonstrations, training programme and other interventions will be detailed out in the project implementation plan. Substantial capacity building and training of extension staff of line departments and farmers would be undertaken to employer producers and link them with multi sources of information and markets. 112. Value Addition and Farming: Value addition and marketing is critical for ensuring sustainable economic growth in the mountains. Providing private entrepreneurs with an enabling environment, efforts will made to create a congenial environment for promoting private entities. Finances (on a one-time subsidy basis) will be made available to assist potential entrepreneurs to establish sustainable backward linkages with producers and producer groups, identify business opportunities, identify domestic and export markets through market surveys, trade fairs, etc. prepare marketing and business plans, and also access investment funds from GOI sponsored schemes and commercial banks. Basically the value-addition element will cover investment on product diversification, processing, grading storage, packaging, branding, credit linkages and marketing. 2.5. Rural Infrastructure and Community Development

113. Infrastructure development: This sub-component covers construction of footpaths and small bridges to improve the accessibility to market and other public institutions for small and isolated habitations where conventional road construction is not feasible either due to topographical or economic considerations. It will also contribute towards improvement in the availability of potable water and rural health and sanitation. Public Health Centres and Aganwadis will be strengthened. 114. The project will prepare plans showing paths, footbridges, and culverts required and indicating how these provide access to each habitation to nearby roads or market centres. These plans would be prepared in such a way that they complement the existing master plans for rural roads prepared under the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY). The traditional bridle paths, existing in many areas, will also be included in the plans. These plans will be finalized in consultation with the Panchayats and local communities. The component will also include construction of ropeways in identified areas to transport agriculture produce or other goods from the area of production to nearby roads (for onward transport to the marketing centres).Several of the roads in the project area require slope treatment and other improvements to check soil erosion and environmental degradation. Soil conservation activities on the rural infrastructure should be undertaken so that the main dam, roads as well as environment could be saved from further degradation. Use of appropriate plantation and drainage improvement would be promoted for this purpose. Ridge to valley approach will be adopted for catchment treatment. 115. Community development: Local institutions like, Panchayats, Self Help Groups, Yuvak and Mahila Mandals will be strengthened. Exposure and study tours of local groups to places and institutions, which demonstrate innovative ideas/ models to improve their living standards, will be planned. This will widen their knowledge and enhance their understanding of natural resources resulting in

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 72 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh developing site specific solutions to sustain mountain livelihood and retain cultural heritage. 116. The financial provision of Rs. 20.0lacs made under the plan shall be funded from the budgetary provision of Rs.131.25 lacs provided in Chapter 16, captioned as ‘Socio-Economic Impact Management’. 2.6. Eco-Tourism and Environmental Awareness 117. Eco-tourism: Himalayas are well known for trekking and mountain expeditions. Sighting of wildlife species i.e. as Snow-Leopard and Ibex along well defined trails inside the sanctuary can boost the tourism in the area. Local youths can get employment by acting as local Guides. Organizing trekking expeditions is another field having good adventure tourism potential. Local youth will be imparted training in this field in places which are well-developed having expertise in similar areas. 118. Environment Awareness Centre: Environmental Awareness Centre is proposed to be established at appropriate place, preferably at district Headquarters, which is not far off from the sanctuary, for general environmental awareness. With children as target group, centre will act as knowledge centre about environmental values. This will inculcate the sense of belongingness among them helping in environmental protection and understanding the biodiversity richness of the Himalayas. The centre will also develop publicity material; organize environmental awareness meetings and workshops. 119. The capital outlay of Rs. 3.34 lac for eco-tourism has already been incorporated in the CAT Plan (Table 1.11). 2.7. Capacity Building and Skill-Up Gradation 120. For quality management inputs, the capacity of the field staff deployed will be enhanced with appropriate training inputs in relevant fields at regular intervals. Exposure visits and on field study tours to the well managed protected areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir on high altitude and well managed sanctuaries will be organized. Besides training in wildlife management field staff will also be sent to human and social development management courses. A provision of Rs. 5.0 lac has been made on this count. 2.8. Research and Monitoring 121. As is well known that Himalayan biodiversity is not well studied at present. Research parameters are to be prioritized to study the habitat preferences of the species found in the sanctuary and accordingly devise and apply the management practices in the sanctuary. Research and monitoring is an important part of natural resource management. It has become more significant today as more species are being added to the endangered list. A mechanism to monitor and evaluate the objectives proposed under the plan will be established in the beginning for effective implementation. Monitoring wildlife population trends, non- timber forest produce shall be taken up on priority. Research will also be required to uplift the socioeconomic condition of the local population for harmony between man and nature. An Implementation and monitoring committee is proposed to be constituted for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project components under the chairmanship of the Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Division Keylong. The committee shall have local Panchayat Pradhan, two

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 73 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh reputed NGOs, representatives of Mahila Mandals and Youth clubs as members. The committee will meet once in each quarter in the sanctuary area. Besides this the research programmes for high altitude plan being carried out by HFRI Shimla shall be assisted by notional funding.

2.9. Financial Allocation 122. The comprehensive biodiversity management plan requires a detailed biological diversity assessment in the project area and in the downstream. The financial allocation is based on the identified components under the plan. An amount of Rs. 100.0 lac has been proposed for biodiversity conservation plan along with Wildlife Conservation and Community development, the break-up of which is shown in Table-2.1. However, the net debitable cost under the plan shall be Rs. 4.0 million.

Table 2.1 : Financial Abstract for Activities under the plan S. No. Item Amount (Rs. Lac) A Wildlife Management and Conservation 1 Awareness program for protection of Wildlife 9.00 2 Wildlife survey & research a) Survey of wildlife & wildlife habitats 6.50 b) Survey for sensitive / unique wildlife habitats in the project area 1.50 3 Development of habitat improvement measures in the degraded areas of the impact area d/s of barrage a) Normal Plantation 10.0 b) Infrastructure/Vehicle support & rescue operation facility to 8.0 watch the wildlife* c) Construction of Watch Towers & drinking water ponds for 5.0 wildlife Sub Total A 40.0 B Comprehensive Biodiversity Management Plan 1 Financial aid to Pin Valley National Park and Chandra Tal Wildlife 25.0 Sanctuary restoration and conservation (One Time Assistance) 2 Research and Development (One time assistance to HFRI, 10.0 Shimla) 3 Capacity Building 5.0 Sub Total B 40.0 C Rural Infrastructure and Community Development 1 Linking community development with Wild Life conservation 5.0 a) Providing pressure cooker / Gas connection / solar cooker/ Lantern /Water heating devices (Hammam) to 15 household for IRDP and assess their response and acceptance 2 b) The micro credit schemes in the area may be effective tool e.g. 5.0 organic farming, education of girl child. Training to school teachers, use of LPG in place of fuel wood, Vermicompost etc. 3 c) Support to SHG,s to increase their income level. There may be 5.0 a need for capacity building of staff and community for this purpose 4 d) Vaccination and Medical facilities to domestic cattle 5.0 Sub Total C 20.0

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 74 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh D Grand Total A+B+C 100.00 E Less cost of Sub Total A included in the CAT Plan Chapter 1 40.00 F Less cost of Sub Total C included in the aggregate cost of 20.00 Socio-Economic Impact management Chapter 16 G Net Debitable to the Biodiversity & Wildlife Management Plan 40.00

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 75 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

3. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN 3.1. Introduction 123. A river valley project may have adverse or beneficial effects on the fish fauna, depending upon the particular situation and the fish fauna inhabiting the concerned river. Similarly, it has various impacts on the people, the livelihood of which depends on the fish. The regulation of a river leads the fragmentation of habitat and may have adverse effects on indigenous and migratory fish. 3.2. Fisheries Status 124. No fishes were observed in Chandra River during the field visits flowing through the project area; hence there may be no impact on the fishery. 3.3. Impact on Fisheries 125. As no fishes were observed in the project area, no impact during construction or operation phases is foreseen. Although it has been proposed to support development of fishery in the region for the benefit of local people, if feasible. 3.4. Management Measures 3.4.1. Release of minimum flow 126. The construction of weir on Chandra River would facilitate diversion of water for power generation. The tail race channel would confluence again about 10 km downstream of the weir. However, self-regulated minimum flow of 1.75 cumec (15% of average flow of 11.67 cumec in four consecutive months from November to February corresponding to 90% dependable year i.e. 2001-2002) will be ensured downstream of the weir. It shall be ensured through four number unregulated independent pipe of nominal bore 300mm, embedded in the sluice gate pier and discharging on the sloping apron of the diversion weir. The discharge shall be supplemented by contribution of numerous small khads and streams in the intervening river stretch downstream of weir to Power House site, having a combined catchment area of 128.91 sq. km. On pro-rata basis during the four consecutive leanest months the average contribution from this catchment shall be of (11.67 X 128.91)/1583 = 0.96 cumecs, the large portion of which being contributed by Chattru Nala located 4.5 km downstream of the weir site. During monsoon period the average contribution from the d/s catchment upto power house would be (123.93 X 128.91)/1583= 10.09 cumec. Thus, the water available d/s of the weir site up to power house during the lean season shall in no way lesser than 2.71cumecs which is about 23.22% of the lean season flow. Since the impact area of the project also receives heavy snow fall, like the upper catchment area above weir site, the entire river section and the hill slopes interspersed with small and big gullies and springs get heavily snow covered and contribute discharge continuously in the form of tickles from melting of snow at numerous places, which results in minimum riparian flow of not less than 20% even in the low flow season. 3.4.2. Sustenance of Riverine Fisheries 127. Although the project area does not support any fishes, but efforts will be made through the support of local people and fisheries department to attempt for sustenance of riverine fisheries through supplementary stocking. Therefore, the

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 76 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh project proponent will support implementation of supplementary stocking programs through the Fisheries Department, state Government of Himachal Pradesh. To achieve this objective, facilities to produce seed of possible riverine fishes will be developed at suitable sites. The cost required for developing of hatcheries shall be Rs. 3.61 million. The dimension of the hatching nurseries and rearing unit and their approximate cost is given in Table-3.1. The recurring expenditure for hatchery will be 1.755 million/year. The total recurring expenditure for 5 years including 10% escalation will be Rs. 10.71 million. The details of recurring expenditure are given in Table-3.2.

Table 3.1 : Cost required for development of hatcheries Farm Component Area (m) Number Rate of Cost (Rs. flow (lpm) million) Hatchery building 15x 6 x 5 1 - 0.50 Hatching trough each with 4 trays each 2.0x0.5x 0.4 20 3.0-5.0 0.30 Nursery ponds (Cement lined) 3.0 x 0.75 x 0.5 9 25-50 0.36 Rearing tanks (cement lined) 10.0x 1.5 x 1.0 9 75-100 0.45 Stock raceways (cement lined) 30.0 x 6.0x 1.5 2 150-200 0.40 Storage – cum – Silting tank 4.0 x 4.0 1 - 0.20 Office store & laboratory room 8.0 x 6.0 3 - 1.00 Watchmen hut 4. 4.0 1 - 0.2 Other items like Dragnet, wide mouth Lumpsum 0.2 earthen pots miniature happa bucket bamboo patches etc. Total 3.61

Table 3.2 : Recurring expenditure for hatchery S. No. Particular Number Rate Amount (Rs. million 1. Salaries i) Farm Manager 1 25000/month 0.30 ii) Farm Assistants 1 15000/ month 0.18 iii) Farm Attendants 1 10000/ month 0.12 iv) Chowkidars 1 10000/ month 0.12 2. Fish food Lumpsum 0.10 3. Brooders 200 kg 150 0.30 4. Ponds manuring i) Cow dung 20 tons 200/tons 0.004 ii) Urea 100 kg 10/kg 0.001 iii) Potash, phosphate 100 kg 100/kg 0.10 5. Lime 300 kg 10/kg 0.03 6. Training and Research Lumpsum 0.10 7. Chemical Lumpsum 0.10 8. Maintenance Lumpsum 0.10 9. Travel Lumpsum 0.10 10 Miscellaneous Lumpsum 0.10 Sub-total for one year 1.755 Total recurring expenditure for five years including 10% escalation (B) 10.71

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 77 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 128. Thus total cost for fish seed farm will be (3.61 + 10.71 million) Rs. 14.32 million. The above facility can be developed and implemented by Fisheries Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh at an appropriate site. Seeds can be transported from this hatchery. The supply of seeds can also be augmented by collecting them from natural sources. Production, transportation and stocking of fish material is a highly technical subject for which project proponent may not have the required expertise. Thus, implementation of this proposal may be done by the Fisheries Department. The funding will be done by Project Proponent.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 78 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 4. PUBLIC HEALTH DELIVERY SYSTEM 4.1. Introduction 129. The construction of the project may involve diversified activities and require a large number of labours. The change in population density through immigrants/influx may cause new health problems in this region. People may carry different types of contagious diseases if any which may spread in locality. Influx of human work force may also bring stress on available drinking water sources and sanitary facilities. The additional domestic sewage generated may cause drinking water contamination resulting in spread of enteric diseases if not taken proper precautionary measures. 4.2. Public Health Delivery System 4.2.1. Residential Colonies for Workers 130. The site selected for habitation of workers shall be properly planned and shall not be in the path of natural drainage. Adequate drainage system to dispose storm water drainage and sewage water from the labour colonies shall be provided. A thorough medical screening of the labours will be conducted for all the labour coming from outside. 4.2.2. Immunization and Health Check-up Camps 131. Regular health check-up will be held at the construction sites for the labourers and staff in order to assess general health conditions and any other communicable diseases. Immunization camps also will be held for the labourers, staff as well as for their family members (if accompanying) in the labour and staff colonies. A provision for adequate quantity of medicine distribution also will be kept for the requirement of the labourers. Sufficient stock of medicines also will be ensured for meeting the requirement in case of epidemic situation. An amount of Rs. 2.0 million has been earmarked for this purpose. 4.2.3. Development of medical facilities 132. A population of about 1,000 is likely to congregate during the peak construction phase. The labour population will be concentrated at two or three sites. It is proposed to develop a small dispensary with 2 doctors and 2 paramedics and one visiting expert close to the project site which would serve the labour population immigrating in the area during project construction phase. The same facility can be used by the staff of the project proponent during project operation phase as well. The details of manpower, infrastructure requirement for dispensary are given as below. Manpower Doctor : 2 Qualification : M.B.B.S. / M.D

The para-medical staff required for assistance to these doctors is given in Table- 4.1.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 79 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Table 4.1 : Details of Para-medical staff for Dispensary Para medical staff Number

Auxiliary Nurse 2 Male Multipurpose Health worker 2 Attendants 3 Driver 2 Infrastructure 133. A building shall be constructed for the dispensary. The building will have place for the following: - Two rooms for doctors - Two rooms for staff - One room for stores - Two general wards to accommodate 10 beds - One minor operation theater/ dressing room - Residential accommodation is to be provided to the essential staff in the campus. Proposed Health Facilities at Construction sites and labour camp 134. It is possible that during the construction work, the technical staff operating different equipment are not only exposed to the physical strain of work and may also suffer from common manifestations such as insect bites, fever, diarrhea, work exhaustion and other diseases. In addition they may invariably be subject to injuries caused by accidents at work site. A first-aid post is to be provided at each of the major construction sites, so that workers are immediately attended to in case of an injury or accident. 135. Health facilities proposed to be created in the project area will also be made available free of cost to locals from nearby villages and the seasonal population at Chhatru. In addition, periodic free medical camps will also be arranged in nearby villages. 136. For facilitating the movement of the patients and seriously injured persons in accidents provision for purchase of two ambulances under subhead “Q- Equipment” has been made in the DPR. Besides this the provision for O&M of Ambulances during project period has also been earmarked under subhead “O- Miscellaneous” 137. Provision for construction of hospital in 500 sq. m. plinth area amounting to Rs. 55 lac has already been made under subhead “K-Building” in the DPR. 138. Provision for construction of First Aid Centre has also been made in the DPR.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 80 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Cost Estimates 139. The costs estimated are approximate and indicate the order of expenditure likely to accrue.

A. Expenditure on salaries Hospital Post Number Monthly Annual Emoluments (Rs.) Expenditure (Rs.) Doctors 2 75,000 18,00,000 Nurse 2 30,000 7,20,000 Male Multi-purpose 2 30,000 7,20,000 Health Workers Attendants 3 10,000 360,000 Drivers 2 10,000 2,40,000 Total 38,40,000 First Aid Posts Health Assistants 2 10,000 240,000 Dressers 2 5,000 120,000 Total 360,000 Total Expenditure (A) Rs.42,00,000 4.2.4. 4.2.5.

B. Expenditure on Material and Supplies Dispensary Non-recurring i) Furniture, etc. Rs. 300,000 ii)Hospital equipment Rs.2,000,000 Total Rs.23,00,000 4.2.6. 4.2.7.

Recurring i) Drugs and Medicine, Rs. 500,000/yr

ii) Contingencies Rs. 200,000/yr iii) 2 First-Aid Posts at Rs. 96,000/yr construction sites Total Rs. 796,000/yr

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 81 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

140. Budget for Health Facilities at Construction sites and labour camp. The budget for the proposed Health Facilities at Construction sites and labours camp Rs.47.05 million the details are given as below: A. Recurring Expenditure Expenditure on salaries Rs. 42,00,000/yr Expenditure on materials & supplies Rs. 7,96,000/yr Sub-Total Rs. 49,96,000/yr Total expenditure for 8 years (A) Rs. 42.75 million (considering 10% escalation per year period) B. Non-Recurring Expenditure Expenditure on materials, supplies and Rs. 2.3 million equipment Total (B) Rs. 2.3 million (C) Organizing Immunization and Rs. 2.0 million Health Check up Camps Total A + B + C Rs. 47.05 million

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 82 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 5. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN LABOUR CAMPS

5.1. Introduction 141. The congregation of large population of labour and technical staff in the project area during the construction phase is likely to put considerable stress on the ecosystem of the area. The aim of the present chapter is to delineate a plan to minimize these stresses. It shall be made mandatory for the contractor to provide adequate facilities at the labour camp which are described in the following sections. 5.2. Facilities in Labour Camps 142. The contractor shall make a block of two large rooms in which about 30-40 workers can stay. Community toilets for each block shall be constructed close by. During cold weather, a proper heating system will be provided including hot water supply. The area is devoid of tree cover, so there will be no felling of trees. 5.3. Provision of Water Supply 143. The water for drinking purpose will be collected from the rivers or streams flowing upstream of the labour camps. The water will be stored in tanks and supplied for use. The water quality shall be properly disinfected by chlorination. The settlements/ labour camps shall be placed far from the drinking water sources. An amount of Rs. 5 lakh per year has been earmarked for this purpose. Considering construction phase as 8 years and 10% escalation per year, the total cost works out to Rs.0.57 million per year. 5.4. Sanitation and Sewage Treatment Facilities 144. At peak construction phase, about 1000 labour and technical staff would be staying in the labour camps. Considering water requirement as 135 lpcd, the total water requirement works out to 0.135 mld. Considering sewage generation as 80% of the total water supplied, the total sewage generation works out to 0.108 mld. One community latrine will be provided per 20 persons with septic tanks. The sewage from the community latrines will be discharged in septic tanks. The project staff colony (to be used for operation phase) will be provided with an STP. The treated effluent shall be disposed off in nearest water body. 145. To ensure that the sewage from the labour camp do not pollute the river water, it has been estimated that about 160 community latrines with septic tanks and a sewage treatment plant shall be constructed. The total cost required will be Rs.4.70 million (refer Table-5.1).

Table 5.1 : Cost Estimate for sanitary facilities for labour camps S. No. Unit Rate (Rs./unit) Number Total cost (Rs. Million) 1. Community latrines with 20,000 160 3.20 septic tanks 2. Sewage Treatment Plant - 1.50 Total 4.70

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 83 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 5.5. Solid Waste Management from Labour Camps 146. During construction phase, about 800 labour and 200 technical staff is likely to congregate. The solid waste likely to be generated from labour camps shall be of the order of 4.5 MT/month. Adequate facilities for collection, conveyance and disposal of solid waste shall be developed. The solid waste will be disposed at the designated landfill sites or incinerated as found suitable. 147. A landfill can be designed in the way as given below, if we start from the bottom, bottom most layer is impervious clay, then second layer is impervious liner (Geomembrane), Third layer is sand, after that well compacted solid waste is to be put over the sand, then again a layer of clay, finally a layer of soil. Some vegetation can be done at the top most layers. 148. In the proposed project, labour camps are proposed to be located at two or three location. In each of the labour colony, provisions shall be made to separately store the degradable and non-degradable solid waste. A solid waste collection truck will be commissioned to collect the solid waste. Efforts will be made to separately collect the degradable and non-degradable solid waste. For this purpose workers will be provided with two separate dust bins to segregate the bio-degradable as well as non-biodegradable wastes. A total provision of Rs. 4.73 million has been earmarked for this purpose. The details are given in Table-5.2.

Table 5.2 : Details of Expenditure required for solid waste management Item Cost (Rs. million)  One covered truck for conveyance of solid waste up 1.50 to landfill site.  Manpower cost for 4 persons @ Rs.5000/month for 8 2.75 years including 10% escalation/year.  Waste collection hand carts 15 @ Rs.25,000/unit 0.38  Preparation of landfill site 0.10 Total 4.73

5.6. Provision of Free Fuel 149. The schedule of labour requirements during the project construction period is given in Table 5.3. At the time of peak construction work in the project, maximum of 1000 persons may be engaged. The project construction is likely to last for a period of about 8 years. The peak labour strength likely to be employed during project construction phase is about 200 Technical/Clerical/skilled and 800 unskilled staff. Thus, a total of 1000 personnel of various categories are likely to be employed during project construction phase.

Table 5.3 : Year-wise employment of construction staff Year No. of Technical Staff No. of Unskilled Total labourers I 100 500 600 II 200 800 1000 III 200 800 1000 IV 200 800 1000 V 200 800 1000

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 84 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh VI 200 800 1000 VII 200 800 1000 VIII 200 800 1000

150. The project proponents in association with the state government of Himachal Pradesh shall make necessary arrangements for distribution of kerosene oil and LPG. The total cost required for provision of fuel works out to Rs. 42.38 million. The details are given in Tables 5.4 to 5.6.

Table 5.4 : Cost estimate for LPG distribution Year No. of Annual requirement Total Cost Employees @1cylinder per family per @Rs. 400/cylinder month (Rs. million) including 10% (No. of cylinders) escalation per year I 100 1200 0.48 II 200 2400 1.06 III 200 2400 1.16 IV 200 2400 1.28 V 200 2400 1.41 VI 200 2400 1.55 VII 200 2400 1.71 VIII 200 2400 1.87 Total 10.52

Table 5.5 : Cost estimate for Kerosene distribution Year No. of Quantity @10 litre per labour Total Cost @ Rs. 30/litre labours per month (litre/yr) (Rs. million) * including 10% escalation per year I 500 60,000 1.80 II 800 96,000 3.17 III 800 96,000 3.48 IV 800 96,000 3.83 V 800 96,000 4.22 VI 800 96,000 4.64 VII 800 96,000 5.10 VIII 800 96,000 5.61 Total 31.86

Table 5.6 : Cost estimate for provision of fuel S.No. Fuel Cost (Rs. million) 1. LPG for Technical staff 10.52 2. Kerosene for labour population 31.86 Total 42.38

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 85 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 5.7. Budget 151. A total amount of Rs. 52.38 million has been earmarked for Implementation of various measures in labour camps. The details are given in Table-5.7.

Table 5.7 : Cost required for implementation of various measures for environmental management in labour camps S. No. Activity Cost (Rs. million) 1. Disinfection of potable water in labour camps 0.57 1. Sanitary facilities in labour camps 4.70 2. Solid waste management 4.73 3. Fuel supply in labour camps 42.38 Total 52.38

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 86 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 6. MUCK MANAGEMENT PLAN 6.1. Introduction 152. A large quantity of muck is expected to be generated as a result of excavation activity at diversion site tunneling operations, construction of roads, and other developmental activities etc. Muck generated from excavation of any project component is required to be disposed in a planned manner so that it occupies least possible space and is not hazardous to the environment. The muck disposal sites will be rehabilitated as soon as the disposal sites are full so as to minimize the impact on visual asthetics of the area. 6.2. Muck Generation 153. The total quantity of muck to be generated is 12.275 lac m3, which increases to 17.7973 lac m3, after considering swelling. The details of muck generation and disposal are given in Table 6.1

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 87 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Table 6.1 : Abstract of Muck Generated and it’s Disposal

Project Quantity of Additional Total Estimated Estimated Name of the Capacity of Component muck/debris quantity of quantity of quantity of quantity of dumping site the dumping generated muck due muck/debris muck/debris muck/debris as shown in site to 45% including proposed to proposed to the plan 6.5.2. 6.5.4. swell swell factor be utilized be dumped 6.5.3. factor (lac cum) (lac cum) (lac cum) 6.5.5. (lac cum) (lac cum) (lac cum) 1 2 3 4 = (2+3) 5 6 = (4+5) 7 8 A – Diversion Area Diversion 1.468 0.6606 2.1286 0.14572 1.98288 ZONE-IX 1.48 Channel and (Area 1) & Coffer Dams partly in ZONE-XVIII (Area 2) below Weir and Intake 0.689 0.31005 0.99905 0 0.99905 ZONE- XVIII 8.35 Balancing 3.903 1.75635 5.65935 0.7411 4.91825 (Area 2) Reservoir Silt Flushing 0.403 0.18135 0.58435 0 0.58435 Head Race 1.004 0.4518 1.4558 0 1.4558 Tunnel (Part) Crushing Plant - - - 1.00 (-) 1.00 (for aggregates) Total 8.94033 9.83 B – Power House Complex Head Race 2.372 1.0674 3.4394 0 3.4394 ZONE- XXII 1.08 Tunnel (Area 3) (Balance) Surge Shaft 0.160 0.072 0.232 0 0.232 Valve Chamber 0.037 0.01665 0.05365 0 0.05365 Pressure Shaft 0.077 0.03465 0.11165 0 0.11165

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 88 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Project Quantity of Additional Total Estimated Estimated Name of the Capacity of Component muck/debris quantity of quantity of quantity of quantity of dumping site the dumping generated muck due muck/debris muck/debris muck/debris as shown in site to 45% including proposed to proposed to the plan 6.5.2. 6.5.4. swell swell factor be utilized be dumped 6.5.3. factor (lac cum) (lac cum) (lac cum) 6.5.5. (lac cum) (lac cum) (lac cum) 1 2 3 4 = (2+3) 5 6 = (4+5) 7 8 Power House 0.549 0.24705 0.79605 0 0.79605 ZONE- XXXV 5.10 main Cavern (Area 4) Transformer Hall 0.240 0.108 0.348 0 0.348 MAT & Adits 0.721 0.32445 1.04545 0 1.04545 Tail Race Tunnel 0.126 0.0567 0.1827 0 0.1827 Switch Yard 0.525 0.23625 0.76125 0 0.76125 Crushing Plant - - - 1.00 (-) 1.00 (for aggregates) Total 5.97015 6.18 Total 12.274 5.5233 17.7973 2.88682 14.91048 16.01 Roads 52500 23625 76125 76125 0 - - (for fill, parapets, R/walls & flat road reaches)

Note: On mechanized compaction during the dumping process, efective muck quantity will be less than 14.91 lac. Cum.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 89 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

154. The muck is proposed to be disposed at designated sites, where a capacity of 16.01 lac m3 is available. The capacity/volume of the muck dumping sites is slightly more than the volume of the muck to be disposed. It may appear that the area requirement is in excess but the same is required for temporary storage of usable muck, traffic movement of dumpers and lifters. The spoil from various construction sites would be disposed off at designated sites in a controlled and orderly manner. All measures would be adopted to ensure that the dumping of muck does not cause injury or inconvenience to the people or the property around the area. The general topography of the disposal area is flat or mild sloped. The spillage of muck into the river at any site would be prevented by making concrete toe walls with wire gabions over them to retain the muck pile. It shall be ensured that dumping is carried out at a minimum distance of 50 m away from the active river bank. The top surface would be leveled and graded after the capacity of any dumping site is exhausted. The top surface will be covered with geo-textiles and grass seeding will be ensured to promote vegetation cover. 155. The total area earmarked for muck disposal is 10.541 ha. The details are given in Table 6.2 and 6.3.

Table 6.2 : Details of disposal area Identified near diversion site

Following zones have been identified for Accommodation Capacity accommodating the muck quantity of 9.83 Lakh cum: Zone –IX 1.48 Lakh cum Zone –XVIII 8.35 Lakh cum Total 9.83 Lakh cum

Table 6.3 : Details of disposal area Identified near Power house site Following zones have been identified for accommodating Accommodation Capacity the muck quantity of 6.18 Lakh cum: Zone- XXII 1.08 Lakh cum Zone – XXXV 5.10 Lakh cum Total 6.18 Lakh cum Total capacity of Muck Disposal Areas = 16.01 lac cum.

156. Muck Use in the Project: The possibility of using excavated rock material from civil works for producing coarse and fine aggregates was also examined and three samples thereof were collected and tested. Based on test results, the excavated material proposed to be utilized as coarse aggregate in concrete is not suitable. Since the rock material from the excavated muck of HRT and Power House is unsuitable for use in concrete, sand crushed from this material is also unsuitable. Suitability of rock material from the excavated muck of HRT and Power House will continue to be tested on continuous basis during execution of the project and depending upon test results, its usage in production of aggregate and sand will be established.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 90 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 157. However, possibilities have been explored to utilize the muck generated from various components of the project as much as possible in the construction activities of the project itself. Likely components, which would utilize the muck, are coffer dams, upstream guide bunds and embankments at diversion site, roads (filling material), retaining walls etc. It is estimated to use about 14572 m3 of utilisable excavated muck in construction of coffer dams, 27300 cubic meter in embankment construction and 5810 cubic meter in construction of guide bunds. 158. The detailed estimation of muck utilization in the project activities is given below in Table 6.4:

Table 6.4 : Quantity of Muck To Be Used Quantity to be used S. No. Activity utilizing the muck (in Cum) 1 Coffer Dams 14572 2 Embankments of desanders 27300 3 Guide bund 5810 Retaining/Breast walls in project 4 10000 roads Retaining/Toe walls in dumping 5 20000 sites Retaining walls/footings etc in 6 11000 project colonies Grand Total 88682

159. Free of Cost muck lifting by others: However, after above utilization considerable quantity of muck would still be available which is likely to contain material suitable for other developmental activities and private use as indicated in the Hydro-Power policy of the state. Other developmental agencies would be allowed to lift the remaining material which is unsuitable for use in the project construction free of cost as the royalty of the entire muck would be paid by the project. The local private individuals and their groups including stone crusher owners also, may lift some of the muck, for their use, which will be permitted by the project authorities free of cost. 160. Operational requirements of the project entail need to have some sort of regulation mechanism for allowing free of cost lifting of muck by others in a way that it does not hinder project activities. Besides, the free of cost lifting has to be confined to a specified period as these sites need to be stabilized with suitable engineering and biological measures. As per clearance under Forest Conservation Act, the dumping sites on forestlands are stipulated to be handed back to forest department after stabilization. Safety of stabilization structures and plantations on dumping sites has to be ensured during lifting of muck by others. Not to let a free-of-cost facility resulting in a free-for-all situation, suitable project based regulation mechanism is proposed to be put in place as detailed below. 161. Excavated material, as found suitable, shall be used in various construction works of the Project. Balance suitable excavated material, if any, shall be allowed to be

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 91 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh used free of cost by other developmental departments like PWD, I&PH and even by Private Users such as private crusher owners and individuals etc. 162. Regulation Mechanism for free lifting: Use of suitable excavated material by various users shall be regulated by the following guide lines:  After generation of muck at a particular Project location and before commencement of its disposal, generated muck will be classified by the Engineer-in-charge as usable/non usable.  Non usable muck will be disposed by the contracting agency in the designated dumping area and in specified manner.  Usable muck will be stacked by the contracting agency at a separate location to be identified by the Engineer-in-charge or within the designated dumping area, if deemed necessary.  First right to use of stacked usable muck shall be that of the contracting agency (ies) working on the Project for the project purposes.  Balance usable muck, if any, shall be allowed to be used free of cost to other developmental departments like PWD and I&PH and private users.  Engineer-in-charge shall display at prominent places in the vicinity of the project, notices containing information about the availability of usable spare muck. Such information shall, inter alia, include quantity of available muck, its location and any other information deemed necessary to facilitate quick lifting.  Interested developmental departments/ private users shall inform the Engineer- in- charge in writing within seven days about their willingness to lift the usable muck giving approximate quantities of muck to be used by them. Otherwise, it shall be presumed that no party is interested. In that case, stacked usable muck will be permanently disposed in the area designated for dumping as non- usable muck to have sufficient space for further stacking of usable muck  In case of a response by developmental departments/private users to lift the usable muck, lifting of muck will be regulated in the following manner:

(i) Timing for lifting of muck by various users will be such that there is no interference or hindrance in normal functioning of the Project. It will be notified from time to time or will be written in the permission accorded by the Engineer-in- Charge.

(ii) Conveying arrangements will be plied in such a manner that it does not breach permissible noise levels nor does it interfere with construction sequencing/convenience of contracting agencies working on the project

(NOTE): All activities related to lifting of useable muck shall be performed by private users with the permission of Engineer-in charge so as to meet requirements of the project under Sr. No.(i) and (ii) above and/or any other requirement relating to safety, environment, construction convenience etc.

(iii) Arrangements for loading/ un-loading and transportation of usable muck shall be made by the concerned users at their own cost.

(iv) Other agencies and private users will ensure that no damage is caused to the retaining structures, other stabilizing measures and project components, machinery & equipment. They shall give an undertaking while requesting for

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 92 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh permission to lift the material to repair/restore the damages or pay the cost of restoration.

(v) Unauthorized entry in the muck dumping areas or the area where usable muck is stored shall not be permitted. Engineer-in-Charge may erect barrier to regulate traffic flow and may require the vehicles to make entries at the barrier.

(vi) Once execution of biological measures is started for rehabilitation of the muck dumping area, no free-of-cost lifting shall be allowed. Similarly, the discarded muck in the designated disposal sites, once compacted would not be allowed to be dug up.

(vii) Cost incurred by project on regulation may be recovered in part or in full from free lifters. As regulation would entail deployment of manpower at the barriers, it is proposed to charge Rs 10/- per truck per entry and Rs 5/- per trolley or canters as part recovery of regulation charges.

(viii) Decision of Engineer-in-Charge shall be final and binding in all the matters relating to free-of-cost lifting of muck by other agencies or individuals.

(ix) Unusable waste once lifted from the area shall be the property and responsibility of the free lifters and Project would not be responsible for its unsafe disposal elsewhere by the other users.

(x) Any tax or levy or charges in any form levied by government or local bodies on the lifted material shall be borne by the agency or individuals lifting the material.

(xi)Information on Quantities lifted by various other agencies would be made public by the Project authorities as and when felt necessary or required at its sole discretion. 163. Suitable retaining walls shall be constructed to develop terraces so as to support the muck on vertical slope and for optimum space utilization. Loose muck would be compacted layer wise. The muck disposal area will be developed in a series of terraces of boulder crate wall and masonry wall to protect the area/muck from flood water during monsoons. In-between the terraces, catch water drain will be provided. 164. For stabilization of muck dumping areas following engineering and biological measures have been proposed 165. Engineering Measures i) Wire crate wall ii) Boulder crate wall iii) R.C.C iv) Catch water Drain v) Levelisation of muck in terraces. vi) Provision of Geo-textile cover over the terraces and muck slopes. 166. Biological Measures i) Seeding with soil binding species of grass.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 93 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh ii) Plantation of suitable tree species and soil binding species iii) Plantation of ornamental plants iv) Barbed wire fencing 167. The unused excavated material shall be piled and stacked with proper slopes at the designated muck disposal sites. The slopes are broken up by creating benches across them. This is done to provide stability to the slopes and also to provide ample space for planting of trees that would further help in holding and consolidating biotechnological approach. The traditional methods of afforestation of these areas would be supplemented with the use of fungus, i.e. Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrizae (VAM) and nitrogen fixing bacteria that form partnership with plant roots. These grow on plant roots and provide water and nutrition especially phosphorus to plants at faster rate. The seeding of plants would be inoculated with VAM and nitrogen fixing bacteria before planting. It has been found that plants inoculated with bio-fertilizers grow at faster rate especially in the medium where the soil/rock is devoid of nutrients. 6.6. Budget 168. The total expenditure required for stabilization of muck disposal sites has been estimated to be of the order of Rs.35.45 million. The details are given in Table- 6.5.

Table 6.5 : Break-up of cost for stabilization of muck disposal sites S. No. Items Cost (Rs. million) 1 Construction of RCC retaining/toe walls in designated dumping 45.65 sites including wire crates 2 Provision of Geo-textile cover over terraces and muck slopes 5.00 3 Development of vegetation over an area of about 10.55 ha as 1.65 per norms prescribed by HP Forest Department Total 52.30

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 94 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 6.1 : Muck Disposal Area – 1 Details

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 95 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 6.2 : Muck Disposal Area – 2 Details

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 96 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 6.3 : Muck Disposal Area – 3 Details

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 97 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 6.4 : Muck Disposal Area – 4-1 Details

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 98 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 6.5 : Muck Disposal Area – 4-2 Details

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 99 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

7. RESTORATION AND LANDSCAPING OF CONSTRUCTION SITES 7.1. Introduction 169. The quarrying operations are semi-mechanized in nature. Normally, in a hilly terrain like Himachal Pradesh, quarrying is done by cutting a face of the hill. For Chhatru HEP a huge natural stone-quarry (detached rock) is located available about 2.9 Km upstream of weir site. However, appropriate slope stabilization measures shall be implemented to prevent the possibility of soil erosion and landslides in the quarry sites. 170. The proposed project would entail excavation of various borrow pits listed as below:  Sand Deposit 2.9 km u/s of weir axis  Sand sieved out of RBM in Shoal along Chandra 171. Coarse aggregate will primarily be obtained by crushing the excavated muck from project component sites and scree deposites about 2.9 km upstream of eir axis. It will also be quarried from RBM in shoals along Chandra River from the proposed storage reservoir area. Since river bed mining sites are replenished annually during high flow season, these sites do not require any treatment. Normally these sites are left untreated after excavation of the construction material. The pit so created impedes the natural drainage and increases the potential for soil deposition leading to filling up of dug out areas. 172. The construction material to be extracted from various quarries is given in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1 : Potential of raw material available at each of the quarry sites Potential (Bulk Potential (Borrow Measure) =(Borrow Quarry Measure) Measure)/0.67 lac cum Lac cum Rock Quarry 2.9km u/s of weir 16.75 25.0 axis River borne material in shoal 2.48 3.7 Rock Material excavated from 2.35 3.5 HRT / PH

173. Normally, river beds are utilized for excavation of borrow materials. The extraction of construction material, affects the river water quality by increasing the turbidity levels. This is mainly because of the fact that during excavation of material from river, the dredged material gets released during:  excavation of material from the river bed.  transport of material to the surface.  overflow from the dredger while loading  loss of material from the dredger during transport. 174. The cumulative impact of the above is increased turbidity levels. Good dredging practice can however, minimize turbidity. It has also been observed that slope

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 100 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh collapse is the major factor in increasing the turbidity levels. If the depth of cut is too high, there is slope collapse, which releases a sediment cloud, which goes outside the suction radius of dredged head. 7.2. Restoration of Quarry Areas 175. The impacts of excavation and extraction of material for construction such as clay, rock and sand depend upon quarrying methodology, local hydrology and rainfall pattern. The quarrying in stages by developing different benches leads to lesser impacts and restoration of sites is much faster as compared to haphazard unscientific mining. The environmental degradation of the landscape in and around the quarry and along the haul roads is inevitable. The quarry areas, therefore require restoration measures. Measures before Quarrying 176. The top 6-12” of soil will be removed before starting the quarrying activity or any other surface disturbances. The removed top soil will be kept separate and stock piled so that it could be reused subsequently for the rehabilitation of quarry sites after the completion of quarrying activity. Measures after Quarrying 177. Diversion of Run-off: Effective drainage system will be provided to avoid the infiltration of run-off and surface waters into the ground of quarry sites to avoid its erosion. 178. Filling of the Depressions: Removal of rocks from the quarry sites for different construction works will result in the formation of depression and/or craters. These will be filled up by the dumping materials consisted of boulders, rock, gravel and soil from the near-by plant sites. 179. Construction of Retaining Walls/ Support Structures: Gabion structures and retaining walls will be erected at the filled up depressions of quarry sites to provide necessary support particularly at the quarry sites, where there are moderately steep slopes. 180. Rocks for Landscaping: After the project activity is over, these sites would be splattered with the leftovers of rocks and boulders. These leftovers can support the growth of mosses and lichens which will act as ecological pioneers and would initiate the process of succession and colonization. Boulders of moderate sizes would be used to line the boundary of the path. 181. Laying of the Top Soil: The top soil removed before the start of the project activity would be used for covering the filled up depressions/craters at the quarry sites. Fungal spores naturally present in the top soil would aid the plant growth and natural plant succession. 182. VAM Fungi for Soil Reclamation: Top soil obtained from the project sites, before the start of the quarrying activity, would be reclaimed by using VAM fungi. Seedlings will then be transferred to the enriched top soil for the colonization of their roots with VAM fungi. The procedure will be standardized for each of the plant species to achieve optimal colonization of roots by VAM fungi as climate, soil and vegetation types of the areas to be treated would determine the success of VAM fungi in the reclamation of the degraded areas.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 101 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 183. Re-vegetation: In addition to the use of VAM fungi for the enrichment of the top soil, re-vegetation of the quarry sites and plant areas would require the initial establishment of fast growing grasses. These grasses spread by creeping rootstocks or rhizomes will also help in binding the soil at these sites. This would initiate the process of colonization of the degraded areas by plant species. 184. Once the initial establishment of perennials is complete and the quarry sites are stabilized, the sites would be ready for plantation of permanent reclamation species. Restoration and Landscaping of Construction Areas 185. In the proposed project various locations have been selected for the development of office area and colonies, locations have also been identified for project components and construction facilities. In order to improve aesthetics and also contribute to ecological improvement, landscaping and plantation is proposed. The choice of the species for plantation will depend upon the topography of the area required to be regenerated after the construction activities. In general indeginous species will be grown.  Proper roads and lanes would be provided inside the colony area. The open area will be covered with the vegetation.  Retaining walls will be built to avoid the landslides and slips. Proper channels would be provided inside the colony to drain out the rain/ domestic water.  Parks and play grounds for children would be developed in and around the colony area.  3 rows of plants at 5 m (with in a row) x 3 m (between rows) along both sides of the road would be planted. The species found locally and useful to the local residents would be preferred. 186. A provision of Rs. 4.09 million has been made for restoration and landscaping of quarry and working areas of the project Table 7.2.

Table 7.2 : Cost estimates for restoration works and landscape designing S. No. Project activities Amount (Rs. million) 1. Pre-Construction Measures 0.30 (Removal of top soil, transportation and stock piling) 2. Restoration Measures i) Diversion channels 0.33 12.30 ii) Retaining walls 0.35 14.30 iii) Filling of the craters 0.28 12.10 iv) Preparation of mounds 0.20 10.80

3. Reclamation and Phytoremediation i) I) Field Work 0.28 ii) Collection of micro flora from field, iii) Nursery Development and plantation of seedlings iv) In 4.00 ha. (quarry area) 0.35 v)

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 102 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh ii) Laboratory Work Preparation of Mother Culture and Colonization 0.50 iii) Manpower Lab to land transfer and Monitoring & Maintenance

4. Development of greenbelt and medicinal garden around 1.50 Colony and project areas and Roadside Plantation (Lump sum) Total 4.09 7.3. Landscaping and Restoration Plan 187. The working areas of weir site, power house complex colony area have been selected for beautification of the project area after construction is over. 188. There would be sufficient open space in power house complex and colony area. Forested area in the power house complex would provide aesthetic view and add to natural scenic beauty. The beautification in the colony area would be carried out by development of flowering beds for plantation of ornamental plant, creepers, flower garden and a small park, construction of benches for sitting, resting sheds, walk way and fountain. 189. A provision of Rs.1.0 million has been earmarked for landscaping and beautification of the area. 7.4. Budget 190. A total provision of (4.09 + 1.00) Rs. 5.09 million (has been earmarked for Restoration of quarry and borrow area, reclamation of construction sites landscaping and beautification.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 103 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION 8.1. Introduction 191. The project construction would entail significant vehicular movement for transportation of large construction material, heavy construction equipment. Some of the existing roads in the project area would require widening. To execute the various civil works, roads would be made for linking the work site to other sites and to job facility areas. The details are given in Table 8.1.

Table 8.1 : Project Roads to the different work sites Zone Description of Roads Length Unit No. II Approach Road to Stone quarry 0.07 KM Approach Road to Magazine u/s of diversion V 0.20 KM site X Approach Road to dumping area of adit-1 0.02 KM XI Approach Road to adit-I 0.15 KM Approach Road from Chhatru to Stores d/s of XXIX-I 1.01 KM Dumping Area of adit-II XXVIII Approach Road to stores from workshop 1.40 KM XXIX Approach Road to Ferrule workshop 0.20 KM XXV Approach Road to Adit-II 1.80 KM XXXIV Approach Road to Surge Shaft Top/Bottom 2.50 KM XLI Approach Road to Power house 3.00 KM

8.2. Impacts Due to Construction of Roads 192. The construction of roads can lead to the following impacts:  The topography of the project area has steep to precipitous slope, which descends rapidly into valleys and are devoid of any vegetative cover. The conditions can give rise to erosion hazards due to net downhill movement of soil aggregates.  Construction of new roads increases the accessibility of a hitherto undisturbed areas resulting in greater human interferences and subsequent adverse impacts on the ecosystem.  Increased air pollution during construction phase.

8.3. Management Measures 193. The approach roads will have to be constructed as a part of the access to the construction site. Road construction may result in loosening of soil/rock at places and give rise to landslides particularly due to seepage water.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 104 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 194. Landslides on steeply sloping banks, can largely be controlled by provision of suitable drainage. The basic principle is to intercept and divert as much water as possible, before it arrives at a point, where it becomes a nuisance. The other erosion hazard is that of surface erosion of the bank, which is best controlled by vegetation. For terrain of the project area which does not support vegetation, engineering solutions such as surface drainage, sub-surface drainage, toe protection and rock bolting can be used. The cost required for implementation of various measures has already been incorporated in the overall budget earmarked for construction of roads. 195. Road construction will generate muck due to the stripping / blasting of the rocks. The stripped material would be collected (to the maximum extent) and dumped in the designated muck disposal area, which will have retaining wall to prevent the muck to flow down into the river. After disposal operation is complete at the dumpsite, the dump yard shall be stabilized by terracing and overlain with geo-textile and seeded with suitable grass species. 196. The various aspects to be considered while making the project roads are briefly described in the following paragraphs. 197. Construction  The clearing area shall be properly demarcated. Where erosion is likely to be a problem, operations shall be so scheduled and performed that grading operations and permanent erosion control of features can follow immediately thereafter, if the project conditions permit; otherwise temporary erosion control measures shall be provided between successive construction stages.  The method of balanced cut and fill formation shall be adopted to avoid large difference in cut and fill quantities. The cut slopes shall be suitably protected by breast walls, provision of flat stable slopes, construction of catch water and intercepting drains, treatment of slopes and unstable areas above and underneath the road, etc. Excavated material shall not be thrown haphazardly but dumped at designated dumping sites which shall be stabilized by terracing and overlain with geo-textile and seeded with suitable grass species. 198. Drainage  All artificial drains shall be linked with the existing natural drainage system.  Surface drains shall have gentle slopes. Where falls in levels are to be negotiated, check dams with silting basins shall be constructed and that soil is not eroded and carried away by high velocity flows.  Location and alignment of culverts shall also be so chosen as to avoid severe erosion at outlets and siltation at inlets. 199. Grassing and Planting  Tree felling for road construction/works is not involved at all. However, compensatory afforestation shall be carried out for forest land used for the purpose.  Afforestation with suitable species will be attemped and sustained along the roadside to a sufficient distance on either side of the road.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 105 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 200. Other measures  Water will be sprayed regularly during construction phase of the roads to prevent entrainment of dust.  Regular compaction of temporary roads shall also be carried out. 8.4. Budget 201. An amount of Rs. 11.87 million has been earmarked for implementation of measures to mitigate adverse impacts due to construction of roads. The details are given in Table 8.2.

Table 8.2 : Details of expenditure for implementation of measures for management of Impacts due to construction of roads S. No. Item Cost (Rs. million) 1. Clearing and grubbing @ Rs.0.08 million/km for 10.50 km 0.87 2 Provision of water for spray @ Rs. 200/tanker for 30 tankers per 9.00 day for a construction period of 200 days/year for 6 years including 10%escalation every year 3. Compaction of Kutcha roads (LS) 2.00 Total 11.87

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 106 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 9. GREENBELT DEVLOPMENT PLAN 9.1. Introduction 202. The greenbelt development plan aims at overall improvement in the environmental conditions of the region. The plan with a five-fold objective addresses issues such as prevention of land degradation due to activities during construction phase; enhancing the forest cover for increasing the biodiversity of the region; providing aesthetic value to the project area and consequently inviting a proportionate tourist flux; enhancing the ecological equilibrium of the area; and to a large proportion in combating soil erosion. Although non forest area is to be acquired for the project, it is proposed to develop greenbelt around the periphery of various project appurtenant work sites and the reservoir cum desander periphery. 9.2. Scheme For Greenbelt Development 203. The scheme of plantation around the reservoir cum desander is given as follows: i) The green belt will surround the periphery of the reservoir cum desander. ii) The width of the green belt will be as physiographic and land features allow. There would be at least 2-3 layers of plantation. iii) The green belt will be put under a protective regulatory framework to ensure that it is not degraded or disturbed. No ecologically disruptive activity will be allowed in this zone. iv) Since pondage is small with perimeter of about 400 m, the plantation strip width being about 10 m, total notional area would be about 0.5 ha. 9.3. Budget 204. The plantations would be carried out on an approximate area of 0.5 ha. This work would be completed in two years at an estimated cost of Rs.0.2 million which includes the cost of nursery creation, advance works, actual plantations and maintenance. The plantation for this purpose will be carried out by Forest Department.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 107 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 10. CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION 10.1. Impacts on Air Quality 205. In a water resource project, air pollution occurs mainly during project construction phase. The major sources of air pollution during construction phase are:  Fuel combustion in various construction equipment, e.g. crushers, drillers, rock bolters, diesel generating vehicles, etc.  Fugitive emissions from crusher  Impacts due to vehicular movement a) Pollution due to fuel combustion in various equipment 206. The operation of various construction equipment requires combustion of fuel. Normally, diesel is used in such equipment. The major pollutant, which gets emitted as a result of diesel combustion, is SO2. The SPM emissions are minimal due to low ash content. Based on past experience in similar projects, SPM and SO2 are not expected to increase significantly. Thus, in the proposed project, no significant impact on ambient air quality is expected as a result of operation of various construction equipments. b) Emissions from various crushers 207. The operation of the crusher during the construction phase is likely to generate fugitive emissions, which can move even up to 1 km in predominant wind direction. During construction phase, an aggregate crushing plant will be established in the project area. During crushing operations, fugitive emissions comprising of the suspended particulate will be generated. There could be marginal impacts to settlements close to the sites at which crushers are commissioned. However, based on past experience, adverse impacts on this account are not anticipated. However, during finalizing the project layout, it shall be ensured that the labour camps, colonies, etc. are located on the leeward side and outside the impact zone (about 1.5 to 2 km) of the crushers. c) Impacts due to vehicular movement 208. During construction phase, there will be increased vehicular movement for transportation of various construction materials to the project site. Large quantity of dust is likely to be entrained due to the movement of trucks and other heavy vehicles. However, such ground level emissions do not travel for long distances. Thus, no major adverse impacts are anticipated on this account. 10.2. Mitigation Measures a) Control of Emissions 209. Minor air quality impacts will be caused by emissions from construction vehicles, equipment and DG sets, and emissions from transportation traffic. Frequent truck trips will be required during the construction period for removal of excavated material and delivery of select concrete and other equipment and materials. The following measures are recommended to control air pollution:  The contractor will be responsible for maintaining properly functioning construction equipment to minimize exhaust.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 108 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh  Construction equipment and vehicles will be turned off when not used for extended periods of time.  Unnecessary idling of construction vehicles to be prohibited.  Effective traffic management to be undertaken to avoid significant delays in and around the project area.  Road damage caused by sub-project activities will be promptly attended to with proper road repair and maintenance work. An amount of Rs. 2.0 million is earmarked for this purpose. b) Air Pollution control due to DG sets 210. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued emission limits for generators upto 800 KW. The same are outlined in Table-10.1, and are recommended to be followed.

Table 10.1 : Emission limits for DG sets prescribed by CPCB Parameter Emission limits (gm/kwhr) NOx 9.2 HC 1.3 CO 2.5 PM 0.3 Smoke limit* 0.7 Note : * Light absorption coefficient at full load (m-1) c) Dust Control 211. The project authorities will work closely with local authorities of project area to identify areas of concern and to mitigate dust-related impacts effectively (e.g., through direct meetings, utilization of construction management and inspection program, and/or through the complaint response program). To minimize issues related to the generation of dust during the construction phase of the project, the following measures have been identified:  Identification of construction limits (minimal area required for construction activities).  When practical, excavated spoils will be removed as the contractor proceeds along the length of the activity.  When necessary, stockpiling of excavated material will be covered or staged offsite location with muck being delivered as needed during the course of construction.  Excessive soil on paved areas will be sprayed (wet) and/or swept and unpaved areas will be sprayed and/or mulched. The use of petroleum products or similar products for such activities will be strictly prohibited.  Contractors will be required to cover stockpiled soils and trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials (or require trucks to maintain at least two feet of freeboard).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 109 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh  Contractor shall ensure that there is effective traffic management at site. The number of trucks/vehicles to move at various construction sites to be fixed. Three personnel will be earmarked for this purpose.  Dust sweeping - The construction area and vicinity (access roads, and working areas) shall be swept with water sweepers on a daily basis or as necessary to ensure there is no visible dust. Five sweepers will be earmarked for this purpose 10.3. Budget 212. An amount of Rs. 7.22 million is earmarked for air pollution control. The details are given in Table-10.2.

Table 10.2 : Cost estimate for implementation of air pollution control measures S.No. Activity Cost (Rs. million) 1. Repair of roads during construction phase 2.00 2. 3 Traffic managers @ Rs. 6,000 per month for 8 2.47 years including 10% escalation per year 3. 5 sweepers @ Rs. 4,000 per month for 8 years 2.75 including 10% escalation per year Total 7.22 213. The development of above manpower may be interchanged as per need.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 110 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 11. MEASURES FOR NOISE CONTROL 11.1. Impacts on Noise Levels 214. In a water resource project, the impacts on ambient noise levels are expected only during the project construction phase, due to earth moving machinery, etc. Likewise, noise due to quarrying, blasting, vehicular movement will have some adverse impact on the ambient noise levels in the area. 11.2. Mitigation Measures 215. The contractors will be required to maintain properly functioning equipment and comply with occupational safety and health standards. The construction equipment will be required to use available noise suppression devices and properly maintained mufflers.  Vehicles to be equipped with mufflers recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.  Staging of construction equipment and unnecessary idling of equipment within noise sensitive areas to be avoided whenever possible.  Use of temporary sound fences or barriers to be evaluated.  Provision of earplugs for labours and staff working in close proximity to such sources of noise.  Monitoring of noise levels will be conducted during the construction phase of the project. In case of exceeding of pre-determined acceptable noise levels by the machinery will require the contractor(s) to stop work and remedy the situation prior to continuing construction. 11.2.1. Control measures for DG sets 216. The following Noise Standards for DG sets are recommended for the running of DG sets during the construction:  Maximum permissible sound pressure level for new diesel generator sets with rated capacity upto 1000 KVA shall be 75 dB(A) at 1 m from the enclosure surface. Acoustic Enclosure should be made of appropriate thickness and structural/ sheet metal base. An amount of Rs. 0.5 million is earmarked for this purpose.  A proper routine and preventive maintenance procedure for the DG set should be set and followed in consultation with the DG set manufacturer which would help prevent noise levels of the DG set from deteriorating with use. An amount of Rs. 0.5 million is earmarked for this purpose. 11.2.2. Measures for labour population 217. It is known that continuous exposure to noise levels above 90 dB(A) affects the hearing of the workers/operators and hence has to be avoided. Other physiological and psychological effects have also been reported in literature, but the effect on hearing acuity has been specially stressed. To prevent these effects, it has been recommended by international specialist organizations that the exposure period of affected persons be limited as specified in Table-11.1.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 111 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Table 11.1 : Maximum Exposure Periods specified by OSHA Maximum equivalent continuous Unprotected exposure period per noise level dB(A) day 90 8 95 4 100 2 105 1 110 1/2 115 1⁄4 No exposure permitted at or above this level

11.3. Budget 218. An amount of Rs. 1.0 million has been earmarked for implementation of various measures. The details are given in Table-11.2.

Table 11.2 : Cost estimate for implementation of various noise control measures S. No. Activity Cost (Rs. million) 1. Construction of acoustic enclosure for DG 0.5 sets 2. Maintenance of DG sets 0.5 Total 1.0

219. Providing earplugs to labour shall be built into the contract condition of the contractor. Hence no separate cost is shown.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 112 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 12. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL

12.1. Control of Water Pollution during Construction Phase 220. During project construction phase, sufficient measures need to be implemented to ameliorate the problem of water pollution from various sources. The sewage generated from various labour camps is proposed to be treated in an oxidation ditch, prior to its disposal. However, efforts shall be made to discharge the treated effluent only in those water bodies, which are not used for meeting domestic water requirements. 221. The construction activities would require a crusher to crush large lumps of rocks to the requisite size for coarse as well as fine aggregates. The effluent generated from these crushers will have high-suspended solids. The effluent needs to be treated before disposal. Settling tanks of appropriate size for treatment of effluent from various crushers shall be provided. 222. During tunneling work the ground water flows into the tunnel along with construction water, which is used for various works like drilling, shotcreting, etc. The effluent thus generated in the tunnel contains high suspended solids. It is proposed to construct a settling tank of adequate size to settle the suspended impurities. It is expected that about 2 to 3 adits shall be required for the tunneling work. Thus, effluents are expected to be generated from 2 to 3 locations. The sludge from the various settling tanks can be collected once in 15 days and disposed at the site designed for disposal of municipal solid wastes from the labour camps. The sludge after drying could also be used as cover material for landfill disposal site. An amount of Rs.2.0 million needs to be earmarked for construction of various settling tanks. 12.2. Control of Water Pollution during Operation Phase 223. In the project operation phase, a plant colony with 30 quarters is likely to be set up. It is recommended to provide a suitable Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to treat the sewage generated from the colony. The cost required for construction of STP in the project colony has already been covered in the budget earmarked for construction of the project colony. Hence, the cost for the same has not been included in the cost estimated for implementation of various measures outlined in the Environmental Management Plan. However for estimation purpose the cost of environment management is provided at Rs. 3.00 million. The total cost of water pollution control will be (2.00 million + 3.00 million) = 5.00 million.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 113 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 13. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

13.1. The Need 224. Environmental monitoring is an essential component for sustainability of any water resources project. It is an integral part of any environmental assessment process. Any water resources development project introduces complex inter- relationships in the project area between people, various natural resources, biota and the many developing forces. Thus, a new environment is created. It is very difficult to predict with complete certainty the exact post-project environmental scenario. Hence, monitoring of critical parameters is essential in the project operation phase. 13.2. Water Quality Construction Phase 225. It is proposed to monitor the effluent before and after treatment from STP. The frequency of monitoring could be once per month. It is assumed that STP will be commissioned at two labour camps sites. It is proposed to analyse 48 samples/year. The parameters to be monitored include pH, Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids and Total Dissolved Solids. The cost of analysis of one sample is expected to be Rs.1,500. Thus, total cost for analysis of 120 samples is expected to be Rs. 0.072 million/year. The analysis work can be done by a laboratory recognized by the State Pollution Control Board. Operation phase 226. The surface water quality of the proposed reservoir cum desander and river Chandra needs to be monitored thrice a year. The proposed parameters to be monitored are as follows: 227. pH, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity, Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Total Hardness, Chlorides, Sulphates, Nitrates, DO, COD, BOD, Iron, Zinc and Manganese. The sampling sites shall be:  1 km upstream of the weir site.  Reservoir cum desander water.  1 km downstream of the confluence of the tail race discharge. 228. The total cost of analysis will be Rs.0.04 million per year. This analysis shall be done throughout the entire life of the project. The analysis work can be conducted by a reputed external agency recognized by State Pollution Control Board. 229. During project operation phase, a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is proposed to be set up to treat the effluent from the project colony. Once every week, it is envisaged to analyse a sample each before and after treatment from the STP. The parameters to be analysed include pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids and Total Dissolved Solids. The cost of analysis of 104 samples @ Rs.1500 per sample works out to Rs.0.16 million/year. Thus, total cost for analysis in project operation works out to (0.04+0.16) Rs.0.20 million/year.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 114 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 13.3. Air Quality and Meteorology Construction Phase 230. The ambient air quality monitoring during construction phase can be carried out by an external agency, approved by State Pollution Control Board at four stations close to construction sites. Every year monitoring is to be done for the following three seasons: Winter, Summer, Post-monsoon. 231. The frequency of monitoring could be twice a week for four consecutive weeks at each station for each season. The parameters to be monitored are Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). Every year, ambient air quality is to be monitored for (4 stations x 2 days/week x 4 weeks x 3 seasons) 96 days. A total cost of Rs. 0.48 million @ Rs. 5000 / day has been earmarked for this purpose. 13.4. Noise Construction Phase 232. Noise emissions from vehicular movement, operation of various construction equipments may be monitored during construction phase at major construction sites. The frequency of monitoring shall be once every three months. For monitoring of noise generators an Integrating Sound Level Meter will be required. 13.5. Ecology Construction Phase 233. A detailed ecological survey covering forestry, fisheries, wildlife is recommended during entire construction phase. The survey can be conducted once every year for the entire construction period. A provision of Rs.0.5 million/year has been earmarked for this purpose. The various aspects to be covered include:  Qualitative & Quantitative assessment of flora and fauna.  Monitoring of restoration of muck disposal area. Operation Phase Status of afforestation programmes, changes in migration patterns of the aquatic and terrestrial fauna species should be studied. The study could be undertaken with a frequency of 5 years till the entire design life of the weir. A provision of Rs.0.5 million per study can be kept for this purpose. Thus the annual expenditure can be taken as 0.1 million/ year. The monitoring can be conducted by a reputed external agency. 13.6. Cost for Implementing Environmental Monitoring Programme 234. The cost required for implementation of the Environmental Monitoring Programme is of the order of Rs.12.03* million @ Rs.1.052 million/ year. A 10% annual price increase may be considered for every year. The construction period for estimation of cost for implementation of Environmental Monitoring programme during construction phase has been taken as 8 years. The details are given in Table-13.1. The cost required for implementation of the

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 115 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Environmental Monitoring Programme at operation phase is of the order of Rs.0.30 million/year as given in Table 13.2.

Table 13.1 : Cost for Implementing Environmental Monitoring Programme during construction phase S. No Item Cost Total cost 8 years (Rs. million/year) with 10% escalation (Rs. million) 1 Water quality 0.072 0.82 2 Air quality 0.48 5.49 3 Ecology 0.50 5.72 Total 1.052 12.03* * Restricted to Rs. 8.75 million i.e 0.1% of estimated project completion cost as per policy of HP State Pollution Control Board .

Table 13.2 Cost for Implementing Environmental Monitoring Programme during operation phase S. No Item Cost (Rs. million/year) 1. Water quality 0.20 2. Ecology 0.10 Total 0.30

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 116 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 14. CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM (CDM)

14.1. Introduction 235. Gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane etc. are termed as greenhouse gases (GHGs) as they absorb and re-emit some of the infrared radiation warming the earth’s surface and the atmosphere. Any change in the quantity of these gases in the earth’s atmosphere can change the earth’s temperature and climate. Between 1860 AD and 2000AD, the average global surface temperature has increased by about 0.3C to 0.6C(Climate Change, IPCC 2001). The warming has been significant since 1970. The warming is more prominent in the continental land mass lying between 40 and 70 N. The increase in concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has been attributed to the human activities like burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, agricultural practices and manufacturing of industrial products. The enhanced greenhouse effect is likely to change precipitation patterns, increase in frequency and intensity of storms, hurricanes, change in vegetation and rise in sea level. Developing countries especially the poor ones are more vulnerable to these changes due to their high dependence on natural resources and their limited capacity – human, financial and institutional – to adapt to extreme events. Climate changes can also affect the health and the livelihood of the poor adversely. Extreme climate conditions accentuated by greenhouse effect are likely to cause diversion of scarce resources from poverty reduction to disaster recovery. 236. Keeping in view the adverse effects of the increase in greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, the developed countries and economies in transition (referred to as Annexure B countries as they are listed in Annexure B of the Kyoto Protocol) at the Third Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Kyoto, agreed to reduce the GHG emissions. This agreement is known globally as the Kyoto Protocol. 237. The Kyoto Protocol outlines a framework for three cooperative implementation mechanisms: joint implementation, CDM, and emissions trading. Of the three mechanisms CDM is the only one in which developing countries can participate. In addition Government of India has started REC (Renewable Energy Certificates). 238. DCM Shriram Infrastructure Limited proposes to progress the project further by availing all the benefits available under CDM because development of Chhatru HEP in a location like Chhatru cannot be termed ‘business as usual’ because the project site is not accessible for a duration of more than 6 months in a year, and experiences arctic winter conditions during that period.Resultantly,the construction period reduces to about 6 months leading to along gestation period and necessitating mobilization & demobilization efforts every year thus adding to cost further.Also, the logistic arrangements/provisions tend to be very cost intensive. 14.2. Clean Development Mechanism 239. The CDM is a financing instrument defined in Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol. A project in a developing country that reduces GHG emissions, relative to a

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 117 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh baseline project, generates emissions reduction (ER), CDM enables the project owner to sell the ER credits, once they are certified, to an interested buyer. The project owner or seller may be a DMC government or a DMC-based company and the buyer could be an Annex. B country or an Annex B-based company with responsibility to reduce emissions at home or through the Kyoto mechanisms or any company that might be interested in buying emission credits for investment, resale, or enhancement of its green image. The benefits of CDM for the developing country are new financial resources, better technology, and achievement of its sustainable development objectives, while the benefit for developed countries is access to less expensive ER opportunities in a developing country. As emissions have the same global effect irrespective of their geographical origin, CDM provides a cost-effective way of addressing the adverse effects of global warming. 240. A CDM project produces a new commodity, ER credits, which can be traded to generate revenue for the project owner. However, as the ER credits are invisible and intangible, their existence needs to be established and verified. For example, a hydro power station generates electricity without emissions of GHGs, while an alternative thermal power plant (base line) would have produced GHG emissions. The avoided emissions or ER credits once quantified and verified by independent operational entities and certified by the CDM Executive Board have a financial value and can be sold to generate a revenue stream for the project owner. The CDM project would normally also result in improved local environmental conditions and lowering of pollution – related health problems compared with the baseline. The CDM facility works with projects aimed at both sustainable development benefits and GHG mitigation. These include:  Renewable energy  Energy efficiency  Sustainable agriculture  Forestry. 14.3. The CDM Process 241. The CDM process is quite complex and includes five major steps as follows: 242. Project Identification: the CDM facility will assist the operations departments to undertake a preliminary assessment of projects and identify projects with GHG abatement potential. Necessary government or other clearances will be obtained to proceed further. If the seller is interested in the CDM project activity, a brief project identification note will be prepared. Next, potential buyers will be invited to express interest in offering a commitment to pay for the development costs of the CDM and for purchasing an agreed quantity of ERs. Alternatively, the seller might want to pay for the development costs of the CDM and later approach buyers. 243. Project development: The second step relates to project development. This entails demonstrating and estimating the GHG abatement potential of the project using an appropriate baseline, developing a monitoring and verification plan that will be implemented during the operation of the project to determine actual ER credits generated by the project, and development of the project design document.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 118 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 244. Validation and Registration: The project design document developed in (ii) is validated by an independent accredited entity or designated operational entity and submitted for registration to the CDM Executive Board. 245. Monitoring, Verification, and Certification of ER credits: During the operation of the project, the ERs generated are measured according to the monitoring and verification plan and verified by an independent and accredited designated operational entity. 246. Issuance of ER credits: The CDM Executive Board certifies the verified ERs that can be transferred to the buyer in case of an existing purchase agreement or traded in the ER market at prevailing prices. 14.4. Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction From Chhatru Hydro 14.4.1. Electric Power Project 247. From the report of the International Agency, “Benign Energy” The Environmental Implications of Renewable” (1998) the Life Cycle Emission from various energy sources is reproduced below:

Green House Gas Emission Energy sources CO2 SO2 NOx g/kwh g/kwh g/kwh Coal (best practice) 955 11.8 4.3 Coal (NO2)& FGD 987 1.5 2.9 Oil (best practice) 818 14.2 4.0 Natural gas (CCGT) 430 - 0.5 Small Hydro 9 0.03 0.07 Large Hydro 3.6 – 11.6 0.009 – 0.024 0.003-0.006

248. It is estimated the annual energy production from the Chhatru Hydro Electric Project shall be 501 MU at 90% dependable years. The coal being used in the thermal power stations in India not being of very good quality, it may be appropriate to assume that the carbon dioxide being emitted shall be of the order of 987 gms per kwh. On this basis the carbon dioxide emission reduced by generating same amount of electrical energy from Chhatru Hydro Electric Project works out to 494.5 x 106 kg per annum which equivalent to 494490 tonnes per annum. Since the Chhatru Hydro Electric Project is a renewable energy project and its operation can provide energy for social and sustainable development without contributing to GHG emissions is eligible for financing under CDM facility as envisaged in Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol. 14.5. Estimation of CERs 249. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in cooperation with GTZ-CDM India has compiled a database for all grid connected power station in India. The purpose of the database is to establish authentic and consistent quantification of the CO2 emission baseline which can be readily used by CDM project developers in the Indian Power sector. Since, the power generated in the proposed Chhatru project would be utilized in India, the CO2 emission baseline database as prepared by CEA has been used for estimation of CERs.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 119 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

250. As per the CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector, User Guide Version 4.0, October 2008, published by CEA has issued weighted emission factor for various grids of the country. The details are given in Table-14.1.

Table 14.1 : Weighted average emission factor, Simple Operating Margin (OM), Build Margin (BM) and Combined Margin (CM) of all Indian regional grids (adjusted for inter- regional and cross-county electricity transfers) in tCO2/MWh Simple Operating Margin (tCO2/MWh) (Including Imports) 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 North, East, West, 1.02 1.01 1.00 North-East (NEWNE) South 1.01 1.00 0.99 India 1.02 1.01 1.00

Build Margin (tCO2/MWh) (not adjusted for imports) 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 NEWNE 0.67 0.63 0.60 South 0.71 0.70 0.71 India 0.68 0.65 0.63

Combined Margin in tCO2/MWh (Including Imports) 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 NEWNE 0.85 0.82 0.80 South 0.86 0.85 0.85 India 0.85 0.83 0.81

Source:CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector, User Guide, Version 4.0, 2008 251. The observed variations in the emission factors between the different regional grids originate from differing availability and use of coal, gas and hydro resources. Plants fired with other fossil fuels such as diesel as well as nuclear station play a less significant role. 252. The CERs for the proposed Chhatru hydroelectric project have been estimated as per the details given below:  The project qualifies as a CDM activity as it is a run-off the river scheme,and is not ‘business as usual’.  The project is to generate 501 MU of hydropower.  Possible user of power shall be Eastern/Northern Grid of India, having a baseline emission factor of 0.80t CO2/MWh (Refer Combined Margin, Table 14.1).

 The CO2 emissions likely to be prevented as a result of hydropower generation by the proposed Chhatru hydroelectric project is 395592 t CO2 eq./year.  Since 1 t CO2 is equal to 1 CER, then the project will generate 395592 CERs.  An amount of Rs. 5.0 million has been earmarked for consultancy services for obtaining CDM benefits.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 120 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 15. COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION 15.1. General 253. The compensatory afforestation scheme would be implemented through Forest Department of Himachal Pradesh as per integrated afforestation programme. This includes activities like soil conservation works, fencing, protection, awareness, monitoring and evaluation along with maintenance for a period of five years. 254. In hills, trees and other vegetation cover have an important role in the conservation of ecosystem. Due to increase in the demand of fuel wood, fodder and grazing, the pressure in the project area adds to the loss of forests due to project development. The vacant land devoid of trees exists in the region. It is very essential to create more resources for fuel wood to check further degradation in the area where most of the human and livestock population stays. This shall provide vegetal cover to barren slopes to check soil erosion and cater to the increasing demand of fuel wood and fodder. The plan envisages afforestation on the following model of plantation scheme. 255. The plantation of vacant land would be carried out depending on plant species. Soil binding species are proposed to be planted @ 1500 plants per ha. Similarly species meant mainly for their fodder and fuel wood utility shall be planted at the rate of 1500 plants per ha. Fuel wood species will be planted with fodder species. As there is great pressure of grazing, it is proposed to raise mixed plantation of fuel wood and fodder together. Each plantation shall have at least 20-30 % of fodder species and 40 – 50% fuel wood species including few timber species. 15.1.1. Compensatory Afforestation Scheme 256. Overall land requirement of the project is 56.2 ha which comprises of forest land in toto. 257. The Forest Act, 1980 provides that in case of diversion of forest land for non- forestry purposes, compensatory afforestation shall be carried out, if non-forest land is unavailable, in double area of the degraded forest land. As such, compensatory afforestation is proposed in lieu of 56.2 ha of forest land, proposed to be diverted, in double of the degraded forest area i.e. 113 ha to be carried out through the agency of forest department. Besides this the MoEF New Delhi Circular F. No. 5-1 / 98-FC (Pt-II), dated 17/18 September,2003, issued pursuant to the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, makes obligatory for the State Government to charge from the user agency the Net Present Value (NPV) of land to be converted for non-forestry purposes under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Depending upon the forest density the rates of NPV have been finalized. In the present context the value of NPV of the forest land in question @ Rs. 6.975 lac/ha has been assessed as Rs. 392 lac. After realizing the amount the state Government shall transfer these funds to CAMPA. 258. The scheme has been formulated to compensate for the loss of forest due to construction of project and its appurtenant works, quarry site and aggregate crushing, dumping areas, approach roads to adits, other amenities and infrastructure facilities. The compensatory afforestation scheme has to be systematically implemented along with other soil conservation measures and

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 121 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh barbed wire fencing i.e. protection measures to mitigate biotic interference. The species to be planted would be area specific; to meet the basic needs of the people with respect to fuel wood, fodder, and timber with an objective on ecological balance and conservation. 15.1.2. Plant species identified for afforestation

2. The species to be planted shall be indigenious to the area contemplated under the afforestation plan. If the plan is to be implemented in the identical or contiguous area, the tree species that would be planted under this programme are: Betula utilis, B. elegans, B. gragilis, Salix alba linn, Sallixx fragilis Linn, Populus balsamifera Linn and Populus nigra Linn. The plant species suitable for fodder/ fuelwood plantations are Betula spp, and S.fragilis, the latter is cultivated extensively under the indigenous agroforestry and forestry systems around these areas. The trees are used during winter for fuelwood and fodder. Additionally, bark of the branch cuttings is peeled off and given to cattle during winter as a substitute for green fodder.

3. For pasture improvement, the palatable species in the area are Festuca gigantea (Neeru), Cyperus sp. (Bagarmuth), Sibbaldia sp. (Trodu) Phleum sp. (Jawara), Artemesia sp. (Masreen), Potentila sp. (Muthi).

4. The plantation of Hippophae spp. (Sea-buckthorn) can be given preference due to its tolerance to the freezing environment and survival above tree line in the subalpine zone. The species also known as Sandthorn or sallowthorn or seaberry. The species is a key species which helps in soil and water conservation in the frozen open places. Its fruits are berries i.e. small, round in shape and yellow in colour. These berries are rich sources of various dietary nutrients like vitamins, minerals, poluunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids and polyphenols etc. Pulp of the berries is used in various juices. The bark and leaves also has medicinal values and being used for cure of diarrhea and dermatological disorders. 15.2. Methodology and Components 259. The degraded forest land has large portion of barren hill slopes, and is devoid of trees observed from field studies. Soil working and plantation along contours conserves soil and enhances moisture regime and adverse effects of surface run – off is reduced considerably. Pits along contour reduce velocity of water, increase moisture and seepage of water in soil and reduce loss resulting in better growth of plants. Hence soil works and plantation shall be strictly followed along the contours. 260. In afforestation areas for digging pits along the contours, it is necessary to first align contour lines with the contour template and then pits should be dug along the contour lines, Generally, 30 x 30 x 45 cm size pits are dug in 60% of the area and 45 m x 45 m x 45 m size in 40% of the area leaving a space of 1.5 m between two consecutive pits or depending on the species to be planted. Then the soil is collected after removing pebbles and weeds, the pit is half refilled with soil mixed with humus or fertilizer. For digging 1500 pits per ha pits are dug 15 cm uphill from the contour. The spacing of pits along contour trenches should not be closer than 1.5 m. 261. In afforestation areas working should be started in May and completed by September in context of cold desert areas otherwise should be started in

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 122 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh October and completed by March. It is important that the filling of trenches should not be left to be done along with plantation during rains to avoid soil wash. Extreme care should be taken in transporting plants to avoid any damage. Plantation should be done well in time during rains and few species that get leafless in winter can be planted during winter rains. The plants in the pits near contour trenches get more moisture and grow fast. Raising vegetative barrier of hedges has been found very useful not only for soil and water conservation but also for fuel wood production. 15.2.1. Seedling Requirements 262. During the first year of the scheme implementation the seedling are to be obtained from the existing nurseries of Forest Department and in due course of time some new nurseries should be developed near the compensatory afforestation areas to meet the requirement of plant seedlings for compensatory afforestation. 15.2.2. Nursery Development 263. Nurseries would be developed with 6 to 8 seedbeds each and 6-8 beds for potted plants. On an average 2.5 ha of land is required for nursery development. Nursery sapling would be developed for species identified for compensatory afforestation scheme. The Nursery development works should be started from the first year so that they are able to suffice the needs of supply of plant sapling from second year or so. The Nursery area should be near to the road plantation areas and should have irrigation facilities.

5. Nursery trials have been conducted by the Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla (HFRI), in polyhouses and open nurseries to develop saplings of Salix spp. and Populus nigra and after successful trials nursery protocols have been developed. A combination of these two species could be tried to be developed on both the banks of the river at the downstream of weir site. 264. Extensive Surveys have been conducted by HFRI and some dominant species of shrubs and herbs have been identified for afforestation / rehabilitation of cold desert and pasture management. These are: Ribes orientale, Rosa webbiana, Hippophae rhamnoides, Colutea nepalensis, Ephedra gerardiana, Caragana gerardiana, Capparis spinosa, Eleaegnus angustifolia etc. 15.2.3. Fencing and Closure 265. A minimum block plantation in a compact area of 5 ha. or as available would be undertaken by providing 1.2m high and 0.45m wide stone wall fencing including watch and ward for assuring protection from biotic interference. 15.2.4. Beating Up 266. In case of longer spells of draught, sites with adverse natural conditions, some mortality of plants is bound to occur requiring beating of dead. Considering the mortality rate, to vary from 30% to 10%, after first year plantation to 5th year the beating up should be done as actually required. In southern slopes where moisture stress is more the requirement of replacement may be more. 15.2.5. Delineation of Area for Compensatory Afforestation 267. The delineation of the area where compensatory afforestation is to be carried out under the guidelines of the MoEF, is the prerogative of the State Forest Department and depends upon the availability of the degraded forest land in

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 123 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh any part of the state preferentially in the district where the project is proposed but not necessarily in the project area. Thus, at this juncture it is not feasible to indicate such area on a map. 15.3. Cost Estimate of Compensatory Afforestation Works 268. The cost estimate for acquisition of forest land as estimated by the forest department is Rs. 63.4 million. The details are given in Table 15.1. Though the cost of compensatory afforestation plan has been assessed as a part of EMP but the budgetary provision under the scheme needs to be incorporated under the abstract of cost for sub head “B-Land” in the DPR.

Table 15.1 : Cost Estimation of Compensatory Afforestation Plan S. No. Item Amount (Rs. million) 1 N.P.V of 56.2 ha forest land @ Rs. 6.975 39.2 lac/ha) 2 Compensatory Afforestation of 113 ha land 23.8 3 Development of Safety zone around stone 0.4 quarries Total 63.40

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 124 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 16. SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT MANAGEMENT

16.1. Introduction 269. The total land to be acquired for infrastructural setup and permanent works under the project is 56.20 ha, which entirely is forest land. A part of this land is required for labour camps, quarry sites, muck disposal, storage of construction material, positioning of construction equipment, which will be required temporarily and returned once the construction phase is over. Permanent acquisition of land is required for project components, workshop and project colony, etc. 16.2. Resettlement & Rehabilitation 270. In the wake of the fact that neither any acquisition of private land nor any house or any other immovable asset is entailed under the project, the R&R Plan has not to be formulated in consonance with the principles enunciated in the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy, 2007, notified by Government of India. Besides meeting the mandatory requirement, certain works relating to social welfare and community development are also considered in consultation with local authorities and representatives of Khoksar Gram Panchayat where in the project area is covered, so that a greater degree of acceptability for implementation of the plan is achieved. 16.3. Local Area Development 271. The State of Himachal Pradesh has formulated a Hydro Power Policy in 2006. One of the principle objectives of this policy was to secure benefits for the project affected areas by creation of Local Area Development Committee financed through Power Projects. In tune with the stipulations of Hydro Power Policy, 2006, a provision of 1.5% of the final cost of the projects above 5 MW and 1% for projects upto 5 MW has been made for Local Area Development activities to be financed by the Developers. This provision is applicable for new as well as on-going projects. 272. The entire contribution towards Local Area Development Activities to be maintained in the shape of Local Area Development Fund (LADF) which will be administered by a committee called Local Area Development Committee (LADC) comprising of various stakeholders including Government departments, project developers and local members from project affected areas. 16.4. Aims & Objectives: 273. A special provision of Local Area Development Fund (LADF) under the State Policy has been made to carry out Local Development Activities so as to ensure that while the projects are developed in the State, the local communities in the project area also benefit in the process by way of enhanced development at project cost. Further allocation of such resources also needs to be based on pre-determined objective parameters. The people of the affected area should be aware of the allocations likely to flow to them so that on the one hand gainful infrastructure and local development activities can be planned well in advance and on the other hand local communities develop an interest in expeditious completion of projects.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 125 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 16.5. Institutional Arrangement for Administration of Fund 274. The fund will be administered by a committee called Local Area Development Committee (LADC) which will be constituted as under :- 1. Deputy Commissioner Concerned Distt. Chairman 2. Chairman, Zila Parishad -do- Member 3. Representative of the Project Concerned Project Member Developers 4. District level officers of PW, IPH, Concerned Area Members Forest, Rural Dev. Departments 5. Representatives of Block Samiti Concerned Blocks -do- 6. Pradhan(s) of all affected -do- -do- Panchayat(s) 7. Additional Divisional Magistrate -do- Member Secretary 16.6. Functions and Responsibilities of LADC 275. The LADC is entrusted with, but not limited to, the following activities in its jurisdiction and will be subject to directions of State Government from time to time :- a) Realisation of contributions to LADF from project promoters as per norms fixed by the State Government. b) Overall management, control and administration of LADF including documentation and maintenance of accounts. c) Approval of shelves of schemes and finalization of Annual Action Plan in respect of each HEP, allotment of funds to executing agencies. d) Monitoring and supervision of implementation of schemes under LADC. e) Review the progress of all administrative and statutory clearances and removal of local hurdles, if any, settlement of local issues to facilitate timely execution of the power projects. 16.7. Definitions: 16.7.1. Project Affected Area 276. Project Affected Area (PAA) means the area where actual project components including submergence area, infrastructure, project dedicated township, offices, construction facilities, welfare facilities are located. Townships and offices such as design office or head office not directly connected with the particular project site are excluded. Unit for declaring project affected area would be Panchayat 16.7.2. Project Affected Zone: 277. Project Affected Zone (PAZ) means the area surrounding such project affected area where impact of the project on the lives of people is considerable even if no direct project activity is taking place there. However, such zone will not

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 126 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh extend beyond the boundaries of immediate next Panchayat to project affected Panchayat. Unit for declaring PAZ would be Panchayat. Note:- Project Affected Area and Project Affected Zone will be declared by Govt. of Himachal Pradesh on the recommendation of concerned DC for projects over 100 MW and by the concerned Deputy Commissioner for projects below 100 MW. In case of project falling in more than one District the PAA & PAZ will be declared by GoHP. 16.7.3. Project Affected Family: 278. Means a family whose land or house or other property or source of livelihood has been affected by the development of project. 16.7.4. Preparation of Shelf of Schemes 279. The Member Secretary, LADC will inform the concerned Panchayat about the tentative amount that will be available for each project affected Panchayats. 280. A comprehensive shelf of projects for the entire amount would then be prepared by Panchayat and approved by the Gram Sabha alongwith a yearly plan. The annual plan may be again discussed in Gram Sabha/Gram Panchayat every year and altered if required. The shelf as approved by Gram Sabha would then be sent to the Member Secretary of concerned LADC. 281. While preparing the shelf of schemes preference may be given in the following order a) Income generating activities/assets - First Priority b) Renovation/special repairs/maintenance of existing infrastructure – Second Priority. c) New Infrastructural Schemes – Third Priority. Note: Purchase of vehicle shall not be included in any schemes. 282. The shelves given by the various Project Affected Panchayats would be placed before the LADC in its full meeting. The LADC will discuss and approve the schemes. LADC, however, shall not change the Gram Sabha Priorities. 283. The shelves of schemes for beyond Panchayat level category shall be prepared by Block Samities or Zila Parishad as the case may be in consultation with Project Developers and the same shall be approved by LADC. 284. The LADC shall be the final authority to determine the Category of a particular scheme and allocation of funds. 285. While preparing the shelf, the Panchayat will follow the following 286. Priorities:- a) New Infrastructural Schemes:- Drinking water/irrigation/school buildings/health centres/pucca roads/pucca paths, markets, bus stand, solid waste disposal, sanitation, Community Centres, MM Bhawan, Panchayat Bhawan, sanitation waste disposal, Creation of income generating assets for Panchayat, Creation of community places of worship, cremation/burial – First Priority.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 127 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh b) Renovation/special repairs/maintenance of existing infrastructure i.e. buildings like schools/health sub centres/community halls/roads/paths/water supply and irrigation schemes/places of worship, shops/other income generating assets of Panchayats, Panchayat Bhawan, MM Bhawan – Second Priority. c) Soil – conservation / watershed / landscaping / parks / playgrounds / kacha-paths / flood protection works and retaining walls – 3rd Priority. 16.8. Execution and Monitoring 287. The schemes sanctioned shall be executed by Gram Panchayat concerned or by Government Department or by project authorities. 288. LADC may also decide the agency for the execution of schemes. 289. Govt. departments executing the works will not levy Departmental Charges if such scheme is mandated to be executed in normal course and LADF should be treated as one of the source of funding. 290. The funds for sanctioned schemes would be released to the executing agency in instalments. 291. The Executing Agency shall furnish accounts along with Utilization Certificate and Completion Certificate to the LADC which after consolidating the details will submit the Certificates to Project Developer as well as to Director Energy to Govt. of HP. 292. The progress of LAD activities shall be monitored regularly by LADC. 16.9. Management of Fund And Utilization of Interest Amount 293. The interest earned on the funds deposited in LADF will become 294. Part of LADF. The interest earned may be used by LADC to cover cost for organizing LADC meetings, monitoring, office expenses, audit, hiring experts/technical staff to check LADF works or hire services of experts for quality assurance, dispute resolution etc. without any obligation on the State Government. 295. The assets created under LADF shall belong to the institutions for which they are constructed or to Panchayat as the case may be. 296. The funds of LADF would be kept in a joint account in Post Office or nationalized bank. The deposits will be managed efficiently to secure best interest income. The account of LADC shall be operated jointly by the hairman and Member Secretary of the concerned LADC. The LADF would be subject to Audit and instructions of State Government as issued from time to time. 16.10. Employment 297. As per Hydro Power Policy, 2006, the executing agency shall ensure employment to bonafide Himachalies in all the unskilled/skilled and other non- executive categories of staff with the contractors and sub-contractors as may be required for implementation of the project. If it is not possible to recruit 100% staff from Himachalis for justifiable reasons, then not less than 70% of the total employees from bonafide Himachal is persons shall be adhered to.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 128 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 16.11. Other Benefits 298. Medical Camps of Specialists will be organized in the project affected Panchayat from time to time. 299. Company will also organize camps of agriculture/horticulture scientists from time to time to address any specific problem of locals related to agriculture/horticulture. 300. Company will organise computer training camps from time to time to impart computer education to locals. 301. Company will endeavour to promote sports activities in affected Panchayats. For promotion of winter sports, the Company will go by the collective decision of all power producers in Chenab Basin in Himachal Pradesh 302. Annuity policy will be arranged for persons like disabled, orphans, widows, abandoned women of affected Panchayat. 303. People from affected Panchayat Khoksar will be given preference in petty contracts such as sprinkling of water on roads, retaining walls in dumping areas and hiring of vehicles. The company will also mediate with main contractors on the Project to engage trucks/tippers owned by local people on hire basis. Note: All above community welfare schemes shall be designed and implemented in consultation with affected Panchayat. 16.12. Cost Provision

Table 16.1 : Cost estimates for community development

Sl. No. Item Amount (Rs. Million) 1. Local Area Development Fund @ 1.5% of Project 131.25 cost of Rs. 875 cr. 2. Other benefits a) Medical Camps 1.0 b) Agriculture/Horticulture Camps 1.0 c) Computer Training 1.0 d) Sports & other Community activities 5.0 e) Annuity for disabled people. 2.0

Total 141.25

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 129 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 17. DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

17.1. Preamble 304. Any hydroelectric project if not designed on the sound principles of design after detail investigations in respect of hydrology, geology, seismicity etc., could spell a large scale calamity. Thus these are inherent risk to the project like improper investigation, planning, designing and construction which ultimately lead to human catastrophy. Though through detailed field investigations it has been ensured that the weir has been designed for passing 1230 cumecs discharge, yet in view of that uncertain element of “Force Mejure” the eventuality of a disaster cannot be ignored but a rescue plan has to be devised for confronting such an exigency without being caught in the vast realm of unpreparedness 305. A disaster is an unwarranted, untoward and emergent situation that culminates into heavy toll of life and property and is calamity sometimes caused by “force mejure” and also by human error. The identification of all types of disaster in any proposed project scenario involves the critical review of the project vis-à-vis the study of historical past incidents/disaster in the similar situations. The evolution of a disaster management plan dwells on various aspects such as provision of evacuation pathways, setting up of alarms and warning systems, establishing communication system besides delineation of an Emergency Response Organization with an effective Emergency Response System. Keeping in view the adverse effects a disaster can cause on human or animal population, loss of property and environment in and around the areas of impact, it is essential to assess the possibility of such failures in context of the present project and formulate a contingent plan. 17.2. Project Brief 306. The Chhatru Hydroelectric Project (120 MW) envisages the construction of a low height diversion weir structure (6m high above river bed level) with a sluice bay and a side intake, all being surface structure. The water from the intake is let into a balancing cum desanding reservoir for providing the minimum required storage for mandatory 3 hours peaking operation of the plant and also facilitate the removal of silt. The flow from the reservoir is led into a 10.480 km long headrace tunnel (HRT). A surge shaft is provided at the end of the HRT to take care of any surge pressures and then the flow is let into a vertical underground pressure shaft, which further trifurcates into three penstocks at its lower limb before entering the underground powerhouse with three units of 40 MW each for generating 501.4 MU in 90% dependable year. 17.3. Hydrological Details 307. The total catchment area of Chandra river at weir site is 1583 sq. km including 1219 sq km of snow bound catchment thus 364 sq. km is rain fed catchment. The weir has been designed for 1230 cumecs corresponding to 1 in 50 year flood frequency due to low height of weir and insignificant storage (0.3 mcm) whereas freeboard has been provided corresponding to 1 in 500 years flood. The u/s HFL of weir site has been arrived after considering afflux. The normal pond level has been adopted as 3452 masl. The banks have been designed for 1 in 500 year flood frequency.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 130 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 17.4. Vulnerable Zones 17.4.1. Weir 308. Sub surface flow and the surface flow are the two main causes of failures of hydraulic structures on permeable foundation. The failure due to sub surface flow, occurs in the form of piping or undermining of the downstream bed or floor or cistern and / or Inadequate length and/or thickness. The weir has been designed on the sound and well settled principles of Hydraulic design for permeable foundation coupled with compatible structural design. Though the incidence of disaster due to failure of the main structure is remote yet it could come in the form of dislodging of some portion of the weir or weirage to the d/s floor o/twisting of the radial gate of under sluice, resulting either from direct concussion from Glacier / Snow avalanche or due to flash floods caused by GLOF. In each case, the situation would not lead to flood because there is no appreciable live storage in case of a weir in sharp contrast to a weir reservoir where the magnitude of live storage is enormous. It is also emphasized here that failure of a gate is not an imminent process and can be averted as the sufficient reaction time is available. Any failure caused by dislodging of weir portion or gate will not result in inundation of any village as the water from the weiraged portion of the structure shall only flow in well-defined river course within the valley. 17.4.2. Balancing cum Desander Reservoir 309. The balancing cum desander reservoir is an open surface structure and is proposed to be constructed of compacted boulder filling lined with plain cement concrete on all inside surface and outer walls which shall be provided with Geo- membrane. The reservoir flow shall be protected against uplift pressure by providing non – reflux valves. Though no glacier path is in the immediate vicinity of the structure yet the incidence of weirage to the walls due to thrust of glacier cannot be ruled out. In the exigency of any weirage to wall of the reservoir or its overflow arrangement, the water gushing out of the breached portion shall finally drain into the river section and due to very low reservoir capacity, the resultant flood shall not be of the order of 83 cumecs considering the whole reservoir getting empted in one hour. 17.4.3. Head Race Tunnel (HRT) 310. Except for the initial 100m length in over burden, where cut and cover section shall be provided, 10.48km long HRT shall be driven in rock by conventional drilling and blast method though adequate and well-designed temporary and permanent support shall be erected concurrent with excavation to prevent any collapse of the tunnel section yet the sudden chimney formation or loose rock collapse cannot be ruled out. To counter such accidents, sufficient buffer stock of permanent support and precast legging shall have to be made. In addition to this proper lighting, air-ventilation and dewatering arrangement inside the tunnel have to be made. At places where excessive loose rock fall from the overt of the tunnel has taken place or chimney formation is continuous and where immediate erection of support and lining cannot be done, a rescue path in the form of 1m dia ms pipe should be laid at the bottom level of the tunnel near kerb of tunnel for safe to and fro movement of labour so as to avert any untoward accident due to rock fall.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 131 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

17.5. Disaster Management Plan 311. In view of the fact that even upto 20 km d/s of the weir, no settlement is very near to the river there is no risk of flooding of the settlements. Thus, due to the breaking of the weir the major risk shall be to the persons who have for some reason or the other has entered the river bed / plain. The plan is, therefore, based on such measures, which are purely preventive in nature. 312. The flood period during monsoon in this area generally is reckoned from June with the onset of monsoon and ends with withdrawal of south-west monsoon by the end of September. Before the onset of monsoon all hydro-mechanical equipments, electrical gadgets, captive power plant and public announcement and communication system should be kept in perfect readiness. The degree of alertness has to enhance during high stage of river manifested with sharp increase in discharge. 17.5.1. Safety and Maintenance Manual 313. Based on standard recommended guidelines for the safety and inspection a manual should be prepared by the project proponents in respect of safety surveillance and monitoring aspects of the component of the project. The need for greater vigil has to be emphasized during first few years of operation. The manual should also delve on the routine maintenance schedule of all hydro- mechanical and electrical instruments. It should be eloquent in respect of quantum of specific construction material needed for emergency repair along with delineation of the suitable locations for its stocking and also identify the much needed machinery and equipment for executing emergency repair work and for accomplishing the evacuation plan. 17.5.2. Emergency Action Plan (EAP) 314. Safety programme as indicated above includes the formation of an Emergency Action Plan for the weir. An emergency is defined as a condition of serious nature which develops unexpectedly and endangers downstream property and human life and require immediate attention. Emergency Action Plan should include all potential indicators of likely failure of the weir, intake, balancing cum desanding reservoir HRT etc. since the primary concern is for timely and reliable identification and evaluation of existing or potential emergency. 315. This EAP presents warning and notification procedures to follow during the monsoon season in case of failure or potential failure of the weir. The objective is to provide timely warning to nearby residents and alert key personnel responsible for taking action in case of emergency. 17.5.3. Administration and Procedural Aspects 316. The administrative and procedural aspects of the Emergency Action Plan consist of flow chart depicting the names and addresses of the responsible officials. In order of hierarchy, the following system will usually be appropriate. In the event that the failure is imminent or the failure has occurred or a potential emergency condition is developing, the observer at the site is required to report it to the engineer-in-charge who will report to the Sr. Manager Operation for his reporting to the General Manager through a wireless system or by any available fastest communication system. The Engineer-in-Charge is usually responsible

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 132 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh for making cognizant with the developing situation to the Civil Administration viz. District Magistrate. Each personnel is to acknowledge his/her responsibilities under the EAP in an appropriate format at a priority. 317. The technical aspects of the EAP consist of preventive action to be taken with regards to the structural safety of the weir. The EAP is drawn at a priority for the regular inspection of the weir. For this purpose, providing an adequate and easy access to the weir site is a necessity. The weir, its sluices, intake and balancing cum desendar reservoir should be properly illuminated for effective operations during night time. Whenever sinkholes, boils, increased leakages, movement of masonry rock, gate failure, rapid rise or fall of the level in the pond, the personnel on patrol is required to inform immediately to the Engineer In-charge for initiation of the execution of EAP. They are required to inform the Sr. Manager (Operation) and the local administrative authorities. It is desirable if the downstream inhabitants are warned using siren, if available, so as to make them aware the likely imminent danger. 318. The other preventive measures may include availability of sufficient number of sandbags at several selected downstream locations and logs (for holding sandbags) and at the weir site, one tractor, gas lanterns, Manila ropes and life jackets. Areas from where the labour can be mobilized should be chalked out at a priority. In addition to these, public participation in the process of execution of the EAP may further help in amelioration of the adverse impacts of the likely disaster. For this, it is necessary that the public should be made aware of its responsibilities. 17.5.4. Preventive Action 319. Once the likelihood of an emergency situation is suspected, action has to be initiated to prevent a failure. The point at which each situation reaches an emergency status shall be specified and at that stage the vigilance and surveillance shall be upgraded both in respect of time and level. At this stage a thorough inspection of the weir should be carried out to locate any visible sign(s) of distress. 320. Engineers responsible for preventive action should identify sources of equipment needed for repair, materials, labour and expertise for use during an emergency. The amount and type of material required for emergency repairs should be determined for weir, depending upon its characteristics, design, construction history and past behavior. It is desirable to stockpile suitable construction materials at appropriate sites. The anticipated need of equipment should be evaluated and if these are not available at the weir site, the exact location and availability of these equipments should be determined and specified. The sources/agencies must have necessary instructions for assistance during emergency. Due to the inherent uncertainties about their effectiveness, preventive actions should usually be carried out simultaneously with the appropriate notification on alert situation or a warning situation. For meeting emergency situation reserve stock materials shall always remain at disposal at location noted in the Table 17.1

Table 17.1 : Location of reserve stock materials in emergency situation S.No. Location Material Quantity 1 Left Abutment of weir Boulder 500 cum

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 133 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Shingle 100 cum Sand 100 cum Wire crate 3m x 50 1.5m x 1m Wire crate 1.5m x 50 1.5m x 1m EC bag 2500 2. Right Abutment of weir Boulder 500 cum Shingle 100 cum Sand 100 cum Wire crate 3m x 50 1.5m x 1m Wire crate 1.5m x 50 1.5m x 1m EC bag 2500 3 Balancing Reservoir Boulder 1000 cum Shingle 200 cum Sand 200 cum Wire crate 3m x 100 nos. 1.5m x 1m Wire crate 1.5m x 100 nos. 1.5m x 1m EC bag 5000

17.5.5. Vulnerability Management under GLOF Scenario 321. While no incidence of GLOF has been reported in the catchment above the diversion site of Chhatru HEP in the last seven decades the, preparedness to GLOF assumes high priority in the present scenario due to climate change and the melting rate of Bada Shigri glacier in the catchment area which is about 20km from the weir site. There is a need for focusing on GLOF vulnerability reduction efforts for which following steps may be taken: • Regular assessment/monitoring of glaciers and glacier lakes by use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System • Inventorisation of potentially dangerous lake in the catchment area. • Periodical monitoring of the water level of the potentially dangerous lake • Hazardous Zone mapping under GLOF along the river basin. Estimation of flood level at vulnerable settlements downstream in case of lake burst • Establishing on the shore of lake early warning system like the field server capable of collecting meteorological data as well as images of time lapse • Artificial lowering of the water level in the glacial lake to a safe level by providing sluice/spillway gate, thereby reducing the flood risk to substantial percentage. • Installation of Technical warning system in the downstream valley. • Public awareness towards GLOF and cloud bursts 17.5.5.1 Communication System

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 134 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 322. An effective communication system and a downstream warning system are absolutely essential for the success of an emergency preparedness plan. 17.5.5.2 Evacuation Plans 323. Emergency Action Plan includes evacuation plans and procedures for implementation based on local needs. These could be: - Demarcation / prioritization of areas to be evacuated. - Notification procedures and evacuation instructions. - Safe routes, transport and traffic control. - Safe areas/shelters. - Functions and responsibilities of members of evacuation team. 324. Any precarious situation during floods will be communicated either by an alert situation or by an alert situation followed by a warning situation. An alert situation would indicate that although failure of flooding is not imminent, a more serious situation could occur unless conditions improve. A warning situation would indicate that flooding is imminent as a result of an impending failure of the weir. It would normally include an order for evacuation of delineated inundation areas. 17.5.5.3 Evacuation Team 325. It will comprise of following official / Representative: - District Magistrate (D. M.)/his Nominated officer (To peacefully relocate the people to places at higher elevation with state administration). - Engineer in charge of the project (Team Leader) - Superintendent of Police (S. P.)/Nominated Police Officer (To maintain law and order) - Chief Medical Officer (C. M. O.) of the area (To tackle morbidity of affected people) - Sarpanch/Affected village Representative to execute the resettlement operation with the aid of state machinery and project proponents. - Sub committees at village level 326. The Engineer-in-Charge will be responsible for the entire operation including prompt determination of the flood situation time to time. Once the red alert is declared the whole state machinery will come into swing and will start evacuating people in the inundation areas delineated in the inundation maps. For successful execution, annually demo exercise will be done. D. M. is to monitor the entire operation. 17.5.6. Public Awareness for Disaster Mitigation 327. In addition, guidelines that have to be followed by the inhabitants of flood prone areas, in the event of flood resulting from weir failure, which form part of public awareness for disaster mitigation may also include following: 1. Listen to the radio for advance information and advice. 2. Disconnect all electrical appliances and move all valuable personal and household goods beyond the reach of floodwater, if one is warned or if one suspects that flood waters may enter the house.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 135 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 3. Move vehicles, farm animals and movables goods to the higher place nearby. 4. Keep sources of water pollution i.e. insecticides out of the reach of water. 5. Turn off electricity and LPG gas before one has to leave the house. 6. Lock all outside doors and windows if one has to leave the house. 7. Do not enter floodwaters. 8. Never wander around a flood area. 17.5.6.1 Notifications 328. Notification procedures are an integral part of any emergency action plan. Separate procedures should be established for slowly and rapidly developing situations and failure. Notifications would include communication of either an alert situation or an alert situation followed by a warning situation. An alert situation would indicate that although failure or flooding is not imminent, a more serious situation could occur unless conditions improve. A warning situation would indicate that flooding is imminent as a result of an impending failure of the weir. It would normally include an order for evacuation of delineated inundation areas. 17.5.6.2 Notification Procedures 329. Copies of the EAP that also include the above described inundation map are displayed at prominent locations, in the rooms and locations of the personnel named in the notification chart. For a regular watch on the flood level situation, it is necessary that the flood cells be manned by two or more people so that an alternative person is always available for notification round the clock. For speedy and unhindered communication, a wireless system is a preferable mode of communication. Telephones may be kept for back up, wherever available. It is also preferred that the entire flood cells, if more than one, are tuned in the same wireless channel. It will ensure communication from the weir site to the control rooms. The communication can be established by messenger service in the absence of such modes of communication. 17.5.6.3 Management after receding of Flood Water 330. A massive effort would be made by various government agencies to provide various relief measures to the evacuees. Formulation of a plan delineating such measures is beyond the scope of work of this document. However, some of the measures which need to be implemented are listed as below:-  Provision of various food items and shelter to the evacuees.  Provision of fuel for various evacuees.  Provision of adequate fodder supply.  Arrangements for potable water supply.  Commissioning of low cost sewage treatment and sanitation facilities, and disposal of treatment sewage.  Expeditious disposal of dead bodies of human and livestock.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 136 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh  Immunization programmes for prevention of outbreak of epidemics of various water related diseases.  Adequate stocks of medicines of various diseases, especially water-related diseases.

17.5.6.4 Communication between Different Projects 331. Many Hydroelectric Power Projects have been proposed on Chandra downstream of the proposed Chhatru HEP which is the uppermost development on the Chandra. Therefore, a comprehensive monitoring network system has to be established to combat jointly the threat due to failure of any of these schemes. For accomplishing these, a full poof “no communication failure” system has to be evolved. 17.5.7. Flood Forecasting 332. Effective and accurate flood warning can facilitate the evacuation of people living in flood zone, their property and livestock, opportune maintenance and early alerting of emergency services besides exercising legitimate control by adjusting downstream releases from reservoir / ponds or achieving the balance pond. An advance warning of approaching flood allows suitable reservoir operation for moderating its intensity / peak and also helps in ensuring full storage and for flood relief purposes. 333. The catchment of the Chandra, upto the proposed weir site, extends approximately 1583 Sq Km in area. River flows are constituted of two main natural components viz., run-off resulting from precipitation and base flow derived from spring flows. Due to mountains topography, the excessive bed slope causes rapid run-off from the contributing hill torrents to the main river. There is no network of meteorological station, rain gauge; snow-gauge; gauge and discharge sites in the catchment area. There is a need for developing an operational flood forecasting system as a part of preparedness strategies for disastrous flood events by providing advance warning several days ahead such that the public and the district authorities have adequate time at their disposal without being panicky. 334. For enabling GIS based flood forecasting using hydrological model, a network of meteorological station, rainfall and snowfall gauges, gauge and discharge sites equipped with latest state-of-the-art gadgets, meteorological radar shall have to be established. Survey of inundation area at 1:1000 scales with 1.0 meter shall have to be conducted. On these counts, a sum of Rs. 15 Lac is being earmarked. 17.6. Cost Estimate 335. The budget for different activities required to be carried out for mitigation and prevention of weir break hazard exclusively from the weir is given in Table 17.2.

Table 17.2 : Cost Estimate for Implementing DMP

S. No Particular Cost (Rs. million) 1. Installation of alert system in control room 0.05 2. Setting up of communication system between d/s of 0.20 project

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 137 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh S. No Particular Cost (Rs. million) 3. Setting up of communication system between weir 0.10 and d/s settlements 4. Monitoring of Glacier & Glacier lake by use of 1.0 remote sensing and GIS 5. Public information system 0.05 6. Flood forecasting 1.50 7. Public awareness, Training and miscellaneous 0.10 Total 3.0

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 138 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 18. Cost Estimates 18.1. Cost for Implementing Environmental Management Plan 336. The total amount to be spent for implementation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) under sub-head “X-Environment” is Rs. 352.095 million. The details are given in Table-18.1

Table 18.1 : Cost for Implementing Environmental Management Plan S. No. Item Cost (Rs. million) 1. Catchment Area Treatment Plan 122.915 2. Bio-diversity Conservation 4.00 3. Fisheries Management 14.32 4. Public health delivery system 47.05 5. Environmental Management in labour camp 52.38 6. Muck management 52.30 7. Restoration and Landscaping of construction sites 5.09 8. Environmental management in road construction 11.87 9. Greenbelt development 0.2 10. Air pollution control 7.22 11. Noise Control 2.00 12. Water Pollution Control 5.00 13. Environmental Monitoring during construction phase (Refer Table-15.2) 8.75 14. Compensatory Afforestation Plan 63.4 15. Socioeconomic Impact Management (CSR) 141.25 (LADC Rs.131.25 Million+Other benefits Rs.10.0 Million) 16. Disaster Management Plan 3.0 17. Provision for consultancy services for CDM 5.00 18. Provision for cumulative river basin EIA study 1.00 Total 546.745 N.B.: i. The outlay of Rs. 63.4 million against compensatory afforestation plan has to be incorporated under sub-head “B-Land” in the DPR. ii. The outlay or Rs. 131.25 million against works under CSR shall be funded from 1.5% of the project cost under LADC. Net amount chargeable to Sub-Head “X-Environment” in the DPR = Rs. 352.095 million

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 139 Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 6. ANNEXURE 2.1 : COMPUTATION OF SILT YIELD INDEX (SYI)

Sub- Erosion Area* Weightag Area x Deliver Gross watershe e y d Code Sedimen (ha) weight- Ratio silt yield t age yield intensity index ChR1 A 5264.98 19 100034.6 0.90 90031 2 B 10849.7 18 195295.6 0.85 16600 6 8 1 C 1086.19 13 14120.47 0.75 10590 D 0 0 0 0.00 0 17200.9 26662 1550.0 3 3 5 ChR2 A 5878.98 18 105821.6 0.90 95239 4 B 5193.65 12 62323.8 0.85 56091 C 275.78 11 3033.58 0.80 2579 D 0 0 0 0.00 0 11348.4 15390 1356.2 1 9 2 ChR3 A 590.14 20 11802.8 0.90 10623 B 1438.01 18 25884.18 0.80 23296 C 13.24 15 198.6 0.70 159 D 0 0 0 0.00 0 2041.39 34077 1669.3 1 ChR4 A 5549.78 18 99896.04 0.90 89906 B 6634.64 14 92884.96 0.85 78952 C 1927.45 14 26984.3 0.85 22937 D 155.92 13 2026.96 0.80 1622 14267.7 19341 1355.6 9 7 2 ChR5 A 4291.72 19 81542.68 0.95 77466 B 4339.61 18 78112.98 0.90 70302 C 975.00 16 15600 0.85 13260 D 106.91 15 1603.65 0.75 1203 9713.24 16223 1670.1 0 9 ChR6 A 672.44 19 12776.36 0.95 12138 B 2034.42 18 36619.56 0.85 31127 C 373.1 15 5596.5 0.85 4757 D 101.25 13 1316.25 0.80 1053 3181.21 49074 1542.6 3 ChR7 A 3143.9 20 62878 0.90 56590 B 4459.33 19 84727.27 0.85 72018 C 444.39 15 6665.85 0.80 5333 D 0.48 13 6.24 0.70 4

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. i Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Sub- Erosion Area* Weightag Area x Deliver Gross watershe e y d Code Sedimen (ha) weight- Ratio silt yield t age yield intensity index 8048.1 13394 1664.3 5 1 ChR8 A 10740.4 20 214808.8 0.90 19332 4 8 B 10150.2 18 182703.9 0.85 15529 2 6 8 C 2549.17 13 33139.21 0.80 26511

D 92.89 11 1021.79 0.75 766 23532.7 37590 1597.3 2 4 7 ChR9 A 3042.56 19 57808.64 0.95 54918 B 7527.63 18 135497.3 0.90 12194 4 8 C 1429.7 13 18586.1 0.90 16727 D 79.49 12 953.88 0.85 811 12079.3 19440 1609.3 4 9

* Total area here does not include the area permanently under snow/glaciers

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. ii Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh ANNEXURE 2.2 : AFFORESTATION DETAILS

Annexure 2.2-(i) Per hectare cost norm for model plantation under Afforestation (1500 plants per ha)

Sl. No. Particulars of Quantity Rate Amount Work (in Rs.) (in Rs.) FENCING 1 Survey & 1 ha 67.33 67.33 demarcation of Plantation area 2 Preparation / 60 Nos. 200 per post 12,000.00 purchase of RCC Fence posts 3 Carriage of RCC 60 Nos. 907.34/ 100 544.40 fence posts up to 2mt. long over distance 2 km 4 Preparation/ 60 Nos 604.51/ 100 362.70 digging of holes 20-30 cm dia & 50 cm deep 5 Fixing of Wooden 60 Nos. 477.34/ 100 286.40 fence posts including strutting 6 Carriage of Barbed 0.90 Qtl. 54.50/ Qtl./ km 98.10 wire over distance 2 km 7 Stretching & fixing 720 rmt 3.16 per rmt 2275.20 of barbed wire in 4 strands 8 Preparation of 250 mtr. 7.24 per rmt. 1810.00 inspection path 60 cm width 9 Preparation of 2000.00 water retention mounds/ trenches L.S. 10 Interlacing of 180 rmt 2.74 per rmt 493.20 thorny bushes along the fence Total - Fencing 19937.33 cost PLANTING Digging of pits 45 x 600 Nos. 636.28/ 100 3817.68 45 x 45 cm Digging of pits 30 x 900 Nos. 318.22/ 100 2863.98 30 x 30 cm Filling of pits 45 x 600 Nos. 182.31/ 100 093.86 45 x 45 cm Filling of pits 30 x 900 Nos. 127.22/ 100 1144.98

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. iii Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 30 x 30 cm Carriage of naked 600 Nos. 23.49/ 100 / 281.88 roots plants over km distance 2 km uphill Carriage of plants 900 Nos. 145.39/ 100 2617.02 in P/bags over distance2 km uphill Planting of entire 900 Nos. 145.49/ 100 1309.41 plant raised in P. bags Planting of naked 600 Nos. 122.66/ 100 735.96 roots plants Planting of grass 500 Strips 613.33/ 100 3066.65 tufts/ Preparation of strips Including sowing in strips 100 x 30 x 5 cm for grass sowing along contour Total – Planting 16931.42 cost MATERIAL

Cost of barbed 0.90 Qtl. 7000 per Qtl. 6300.00 wire NURSERY COST OF PLANTS

Naked root plants 600 Nos. 6 per plant 3600.00 Polythin bags 900 Nos. 8 per plant 7200.00 plants Total – cost of 10800.00 plants Grand Total 53968.75 Or Say 54000.00

*These rates include 25% increased due to hill area (difficult area).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. iv Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Annexure-2.2-(ii)

I Year Maintenance of Afforestation Area per ha Sl. Particulars of Work Quantity Rate (in Rs.) Amount No. (in Rs.) 1. Re-digging of pits 45 x 45 x 45 cm 180 Nos. 318.22/ 100 572.79 2. Re-digging of pits 30 x 30 x 30 cm 270 Nos. 159.07/ 100 429.48 3. Filling of pits 45 x 45 x 45 cm 180 Nos. 182.31/ 100 328.15 4. Filling of Pits 30 x 30 x 30 cm 270 Nos. 127.22/ 100 343.49 5. Planting of P. bag plants 270 Nos. 145.49/ 100 392.82 6. Planting of naked root plants 180 Nos. 122.66/ 100 220.78 7. Planting of grass tufts/ preparation 200 strips 613.13/ 100 1226.26 strips I/C sowing in strips 100x30x5 cms for grass sowing 8. Carriage of P. bags plants distance 2 270 Nos. 145.39/ 100 392.55 km uphill 9. Carriage of naked roots plants over 180 Nos. 23.49/ 100 42.28 distance 2 km uphill 10. Nursery cost of plants 375 Nos. 8 & 6 per 3240.00 plant 11. Repair of fence 1 80 rmt 1.16/ rmt 208.80 12. Repair of inspection path L.S. 700.00 13. Moisture conservation works L.S. 1000.00 Total 9097.40 Or Say Rs. 9100.00

*These rates include 25% increased due to hill area (difficult area).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. v Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Annexure-2.2-(iii)

II Year Maintenance of Afforestation Area per ha Sl. Particulars of Work Quantity Rate Amount No. (in Rs.) (in Rs.) 1. Re-digging of pits 45 x 45 x 45 cm 120 Nos. 318.22/ 381.86 100 2. Re-digging of pits 30 x 30 x 30 cm 180 Nos. 159.07/ 286.32 100 3. Filling of pits 45 x 45 x 45 cm 120 Nos. 182.31/ 160.43 100 4. Filling of Pits 30 x 30 x 30 cm 180 Nos. 127.22/ 167.93 100 5. Planting of P. bag plants 192 Nos. 145.49/ 279.34 100 6. Planting of naked root plants 108 Nos. 122.66/ 132.47 100 7. Carriage of P. bags plants distance 2 192 Nos. 145.39/ 556.80 km uphill 100 8. Carriage of naked roots plants over 108 Nos. 23.49/ 50.74 distance2 km uphill 100 9. Nursery cost of plants 300 Nos. 8 & 6 2184.00 per plant 10. Repair of fence 180 rmt 1.16/ rmt 208.80 11. Repair of inspection path L.S. 500.00 12. Moisture conservation works L.S. 800.00 Total 5708.69 Or Say Rs. 5700.00

*These rates include 25% increased due to hill area (difficult area).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. vi Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Annexure-2.2-(iv)

III Year Maintenance of Afforestation Area per ha Sl. Particulars of Work Quantity Rate (in Amount No Rs.) (in Rs.) 1. Re -digging of pits 45 x 45 x 45 cm 60 Nos. 318.22/ 190.93 100 2. Re -digging of pits 30 x 30 x 30 cm 90 Nos. 159.07/ 143.16 100 3. Filling of pits 45 x 45 x 45 cm 60 Nos. 182.31/ 109.39 100 4. Filling of Pits 30 x 30 x 30 cm 90 Nos. 127.22/ 114.50 100 5. Planting of P. bag plants 90 Nos. 145.49/ 130.94 100 6. Planting of naked root plants 60 Nos. 122.66/ 73.59 100 7. Carriage of P. bags plants distance 2 90 Nos. 145.39/ 261.70 km uphill 100 8. Carriage of naked roots plants over 60 Nos. 23.49/ 100 28.18 distance2 km uphill 9. Nursery cost of plants 150 Nos 8 & 6 per 1080.00 plant 10.Repair of fence 200 rmt 1.16/ rmt 232.00 11.Repair of inspection path L.S. 400.00 12.Moisture conservation works L.S. 800.00 Total 3564.39 Or Say Rs. 3600.00

*These rates include 25% increased due to hill area (difficult area).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. vii Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Annexure-2.2-(v)

IV Year Maintenance of Afforestation Area per ha S. Particulars of Work Quantity Rate Amount (in Rs.) (in Rs.) No. 1. Re-digging of pits 45 x 45 x 45 cm 60 Nos. 318.22/ 100 190.93 2. Re-digging of pits 30 x 30 x 30 cm 90 Nos. 159.07/ 100 143.16 3. Filling of pits 45 x 45 x 45 cm 60 Nos. 182.31/ 100 109.39 4. Filling of Pits 30 x 30 x 30 cm 90 Nos. 127.22/ 100 114.50 5. Planting of P. bag plants 90 Nos. 145.49/ 100 130.94 6. Planting of naked root plants 60 Nos. 122.66/ 100 73.59 7. Carriage of P. bags plants distance 2 90 Nos. 145.39/ 100 261.70 km uphill 8. Carriage of naked roots plants over 60 Nos. 23.49/ 100 28.18 distance2 km uphill 9. Nursery cost of plants 150 Nos. 8 & 6 per plant 1080.00 10. Moisture conservation works 200 rmt 1.16/ rmt 232.00 11. Repair of fence L.S. 300.00 12. Repair of inspection path L.S. 700.00 Total 3364.39 Or Say Rs. 3400.00

*These rates include 25% increased due to hill area (difficult area).

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. viii Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Annexure-2.2-(vi)

V Year Maintenance of Afforestation Area per ha

S. Particulars of Work Quantity Rate(in Rs.) Amount (in Rs.) No. 1. Re-digging of pits 45 x 45 x 45 cm 60 Nos. 318.22/ 100 190.93 2. Re-digging of pits 30 x 30 x 30 cm 90 Nos. 159.07/ 100 143.16 3. Filling of pits 45 x 45 x 45 cm 60 Nos. 182.31/ 100 109.39 4. Filling of Pits 30 x 30 x 30 cm 90 Nos. 127.22/ 100 114.50 5. Planting of P. bag plants 90 Nos 145.49/ 100 130.94 6. Planting of naked root plants 60 Nos. 122.66/ 100 73.59 7. Carriage of P. bags plants distance 2 90 Nos. 145.39/ 100 261.70 km uphill 8. Carriage of naked roots plants over 60 Nos. 23.49/ 100 28.18 distance 2 km uphill 9. Nursery cost of plants 150 Nos. 8 & 6 per plant 1080.00 10. Repair of fence 200 rmt 1.16/ rmt 232.00 11. Repair of inspection path L.S. 300.00 12. Moisture conservation works L.S. 500.00 Total 3164.39 Or Say Rs. 32 00.00

*These rates include 25% increased due to hill area (difficult area)

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. ix Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh ANNEXURE 2.3 : PASTURE IMPROVEMENT DETAILS

Annexure 2.3-(i) Pasture Improvement S. No. Item of work Cost (Rs.) A. Wage Component 1. Climber cutting / Bush cutting in plantation area (unwanted bush) 146.00 : 1⁄2 ha @ Rs. 292.00 / ha 2. Digging of pits 45 cm3 : 700 Nos. @ Rs.381.80 /100 2672.60 3. Filling of pits 45 cm3 : 700 Nos. @ Rs.109.40 /100 765.80 4. Planting of plants in pits of 45 cm3 : 700 Nos. @ Rs.87.25 /100 610.75 5. Carriage of plants from nursery site to work site av. headload 51⁄2 km uphill 539.00 = 700 Nos. @ Rs. 14.00/100/km 6. Construction of Inspection path 60cm = 120 Rmt @ Rs. 3.65 P Rmt 438.00 7. Cutting and prep. of F/post = 80 Nos. @ Rs. 440.40 /100 352.32 8. Coal tarring of F/post wooden = 80 Nos. @ Rs. 95.00/100 76.00 9. Carriage of F/post from forest to work site by M/labour av. H.L. 51⁄2 km = 1459.70 80 Nos. @ Rs. 331.75 /100/ km 10 Digging of hole 45 cm deep & 20-30 cm dia = 80 Nos. @ Rs.308.30 /100 246.64 11. Fixing of fence post wooden = 80 Nos. @ Rs. 236.70 /100 189.36 12. Stretching and fixing of B/wire in 3 stands = 720 Rmt @ Rs. 1.50 / Rmt 1152.00 13. Carriage of b/wire from road site to work site approximate 5 km 173.85 = @ Rs. 34.77/ km uphill 14. Interlacing thorny bush with B/wire = 245 H.L. @ Rs.1.40 / H.L. 343.00 15. Prep. of patches for grass sowing = 300 Nos. @ Rs.166.85 /100 500.55 16. Sowing of patches for grass sowing = 300 Nos. @ Rs.48.70 /100 146.10 17 Cost of protection : Lump Sum 500.00 Total 10311.67 Add: 18.93% increase 1952.00 Total 12263.67 18. Raising of plants in nursery = 700 Nos. @ 3.00 each 2100.00 19. Collection of local grass seed = 1⁄2 km @ 204.00 / kg 102.00 Grand Total 14465.67 B. Cost of Material 1. Cost of b/wire approx. = 60 kg @ L.S. 1680.00 2. Carriage of b/wire from market 150.00 3. Cost of u/nail = 1 kg 50.00 4. Cost of B/Japan = 1 ltr 45.00 5. Cost of Fence posts = Lump Sum 5000.00 Total 6925.00 Total cost of plantation Total of wage component 14465.67 Total of material 6925.00 Grand Total 21390.67 Or Say 21390.00 only

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. x Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Annexure-2.3 (ii) I Year Maintenance of Pasture Improvement per ha S. No. Item of work Cost (Rs.) 1. Weeding and hoeing of plants in closed area = 500 Nos. @Rs.27.80 139.00 /100 2. Cutting and prep. of F/post wooden = 20 Nos. @Rs.440.40 /100 88.08 3. Carriage of F/post av. H.L. 5 1⁄2 km = 20 Nos. @Rs.231.75 100/ 254.92 km 4. Digging of hole 20-30 cm dia and 45 cm deep 92.49 20 (new) + 10 (old) = 30 Nos. @Rs.308.30 /100 5. Fixing of plants = 30 Nos. @Rs.236.70 /100 71.01 6. Repair of B/wire = 270 Rmt. @ Rs.0.55 / Rmt 148.50 7. Re-digging of pits 45 X 45 X 45 cm3 = 150 Nos. @ Rs.162.30 /100 243.45 8. Planting of pits and planting of plant 45cm3 = 150Nos. @Rs.62.55 /100 93.82 9. Carriage of fodder tress plants from nursery to work site by M/labour 99.00 av. headload 51⁄2 km = 150 Nos. @ Rs.12.00/100/km uphill site 10 Prep. of patches 45cm X 45cm X 25 cm = 60 Nos. @ 166.85 /100 100.11 11. Sowing of grass seed in patches 45cm X 45cm X 25cm 29.22 = [email protected] /100 12. Repair of B/wire = 120 Rmt. @ Rs.1.80 / Rmt 216.00 13. Interlacing thorny bush with b/wire = 160 H.L. @ Rs.1.40 / H.L. 224.00 14 Cost of protection : Lump Sum 500.00 Total 2299.60 Add: 18.93% increase 435.31 Total 2734.91 15. Raising of plants in nursery = 150 Nos. @ Rs.3.00 450.00 16. Collection of seeds 250 g @ Rs.204.00 51.00 3235.91 Grand Total Or Say 3230.00 only

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. xi Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Annexure-2.3-(iii) II Year Maintenance of Pasture Improvement per ha S. No. Item of work Cost (Rs.) 1. Weeding and hoeing of plants in closed area 152.90 = 550 Nos. @Rs.27.80 /100 2. Cutting and prep. of F/post s/size wooden = 15 Nos. @Rs.440.40 66.06 /100 3. Carriage of F/post av. H.L.5 1⁄2 km = 15 Nos. @Rs.231.75 191.19 /100/km 4. Digging of holes 20-30 cm dia. and 45 cm deep 92.49 15 (new) + 15 (old) = 30 Nos. @Rs.308.30 /100 5. Fixing of plants = 30 Nos. @Rs.236.70 /100 71.01 6. Repair of B/wire = 270 Rmt. @ Rs.0.55 / Rmt 148.50 7. Re-digging of pits 45 cm3 = 150 Nos. @ Rs.162.30 /100 162.30 8. Fixing of plants = 30 Nos. @Rs.236.70 /100 62.55 9. Repair of B/wire = 270 Rmt. @ Rs.0.55 / Rmt 66.00 10 Re-digging of pits 45 cm3 = 100 Nos. @ 1Rs.62.30 /100 66.74 11. Sowing of local seed in patches 45cm X 45cm X 25cm = 40 Nos. 19.48 @Rs.48.70 /100 12. Repair of B/wire = 80 Rmt. @ Rs.1.80 / Rmt 144.00 13. Interlacing thorny bush with B/wire = 120 H.L. @ Rs.1.40 / H.L. 168.00 14 Cost of protection : Lump Sum 500.00 Total 1911.22 Add: 18.93% increase 361.79 Total 2273.01 15. Raising of plants in nursery = 100 Nos. @ Rs.3.00 300.00 16. Collection of seeds 250 g @ Rs.204.00 51.00 2624.01 Grand Total Or Say 2620.00 only

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. xii Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Annexure-2.3-(iv) III Year Maintenance of Pasture Improvement per ha S. Item of work Cost (Rs.) No. 1. Weeding and hoeing of plants in closed area = 500 Nos. @Rs.Rs.27.80 139.00 /100 2. Cutting and prep. of F/post wooden = 10 Nos. @Rs.440.40 /100 44.04 3. Carriage of F/post from forest to work site lead 51⁄2 km 127.46 = 10 Nos. @Rs.231.75 /100/km 4. Digging of hole and fixing of F/post = 20 Nos. @Rs.545.00/100 109.00 10 (new) + 10 (old) 5. Repair of B/wire = 180 Rmt. @ Rs.0.55 / Rmt 95.00 6. Re-digging of pits = 80 Nos. @ Rs.162.30 /100 129.84 7. Filling of pits and planting of plants = 80 Nos. @ Rs.62.55 /100 50.04 8. Carriage of plants from nursery to work site by M/labour av. Head Load 52.80 51⁄2 km = 80 Nos. @Rs.12.00/100/km up hill site 9. Repair of I/path = 60 Rmt. @ Rs.1.80 / Rmt 108.00 10. Interlacing thorny bush with B/wire = 80 H.L. @ Rs.1.40 / H.L. 112.00 11. Cost of protection : Lump Sum 500.00 Total 1467.18 Add: 18.93% increase 277.74 Total 1744.92 12. Raising of plants in nursery = 80 Nos. @ Rs.3.00 240.00 1984.92 Grand Total Or Say 1980.00 only

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. xiii Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Annexure-2.3-(v) IV & V Year Maintenance of Pasture Improvement per ha S. No. Item of work Cost (Rs.) 1. Weeding and hoeing of plants in closed area = 400 Nos. @Rs.27.80 111.20 /100 2. Cutting and prep. of F/post = 10 Nos. @Rs.440.40 /100 44.04 3. Carriage of F/post from forest to work site lead 51⁄2 km 127.46 = 10 Nos. @Rs.231.75 /100/km. 4. Digging of hole and fixing of F/post = 20 Nos. @Rs.545.00/100 109.00 10 (new) + 10 (old) 5. Repair of B/wire = 180 Rmt. @ Rs.0.55 / Rmt 95.00 6. Re-digging of tailar pits 45cm3 = 60 Nos. @ Rs.162.30 /100 97.38 7. Filling of pits and planting of plants = 60 Nos. @ Rs.62.55 /100 37.53 8. Carriage of plants from nursery to work site by M/labour av H.L. 51⁄2 39.60 km = 60 Nos. @Rs.12.00/100 /km up hill site 9. Repair of I/path = 60 Rmt. @ Rs.1.80 / Rmt 108.00 10. Interlacing thorny bush with b/wire = 80 H.L. @ 1.40 p H.L. 112.00 11. Cost of protection : Lump Sum 500.00 Total 1381.21 Add: 18.93% increase 261.46 Total 1642.67 12. Raising of plants in nursery = 60 Nos. @ 3.00 180.00 Grand Total 1822.67

Or Say 1820.00 only *All rates mentioned in Annexure 2.3-(i) to (v) include 25% extra for difficult area.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. xiv Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh ANNEXURE 2.4 : NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCT REGENERATION DETAILS

Annexure 2.4-(i) NTFP REGENERATION / MEDICINAL PLANTS CULTIVATION

Planting norms = 1500 patches /ha No. of plants to be planted per patch = 15 Therefore No. of plants required per ha = 22500

S.No. Description Cost (Rs.)

1. Procuring planting materials (Carriage & Delivery) = 22500 Nos. @ Rs.1.44 32,400.00

2. Planting out in patches per ha 7,200.00

Total 39,600.00

Add 18.93% increase 7,496.28

Grand Total 47,096.28 Say Rs. 48,000.00

*These rates include 25% extra for difficult areas

The above cost doesn’t include Establishment & Maintenance of Nursery.

N.B. :The schedule of norms as per the norms approved by Govt. of India for Van Vanaspati Scheme of Ayurveda.

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. xv Environmental Management Plan for 120 MW Chhatru Hydroelectric Project, Dist. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh Annexure-2.4-(ii)

I to V Year Maintenance for NTFP/ Medicinal Plants

S.No. Description Cost (Rs.)

1. Procuring of planting materials (Carriage & Delivery) = 3825 Nos. @ Rs.1.44 5,508.00 for 255 patches i.e. 255 x 15 plants

2. Planting out in 255 patches = 255 Nos. @ Rs.4.80 1,224.00

Total 6,732.00

Add 18.93% increase 1,274.37

Grand Total 8,006.37 Say Rs. 8,000.00

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. xvi