Gangtok Water Supply

North-eastern Region Capital Cities Development Investment Program (RRP IND 35290)

Initial Environmental Examination

Project Number: 35290 February 2011 Revised: October 2012

India: North-Eastern Region Capital Cities Development Investment Program - Gangtok Water Supply

Prepared by State Investment Program Management and Implementation Unit (SIPMIU), Urban Development Department

For the Government of Sikkim North-eastern Region Capital Cities Development Investment Program (NERCCDIP)

The initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB — Asian Development Bank BSNL — Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited CBOs — Communities based Organisation CC — Construction Contractor CGWB — Central Ground Water Board DPR — Detailed Project Report DSMC — Design, Supervision & Management Consultant EAC — Expert Appraisal Committee EC — Environmental Clearance EIA — Environmental Impact Assessment EIP — Environmental Implementation Plan EMP — Environmental Monitoring Plan EO — Environmental Officer ES — Environmental Specialist GLSR — Ground Level Service Reservoir GMA — Gangtok Municipal Area GMC — Gangtok Municipal Corporation GoI — Government of India GoS — Government of Sikkim IA — Implementing Agency IEE — Initial Environmental Examination IPCC — Investment Program Coordination Cell JNNURM — Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission MFF — Multi-tranche Financing Facility MLD — Million Liter Per Day MoEF — Ministry of Environment and Forests MoUD — Ministry of Urban Development NAAQS — National Ambient Air Quality Standards NEA — National-level Executing Agency NER — North Eastern Region NERCCDIP — North Eastern region Capital Cities Development Investment Program NGOs — Non-government Organisation NSC — National level Steering Committee O&M — Operation & Maintanance PD — Program Director PMC — Program Management Consultant RCC — Reinforced Cement Concrete REA — Rapid Environmental Assessment RF — Resettlement Framework ROW — Right of Way

RP — Resettlement Plan SPCB — Sikkim Pollution Control Board SEA — State-level Executing Agency SEIAA — State Environment Impact Assessment Authority SIPMIU — State Investment Program Management and Implementation Unit SPM — Suspended Particulate Matter SPS — Safeguard Policy Statement SRP — Short Resettlement Plan STP — Sewage Treatment Plan TNSS — Taschi Namgyal Senior Secondary School ToR — Terms of Reference UD & HD — Urban Development & Housing Department WS & PHED — Water Security & Public Health Engineering Department WTP — Water Treatment Plan

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

lakh – 100 thousand = 100,000 crore – 100 lakhs = 10,000,000 µg/m3 – micrograms per cubic meter km – kilometer lpd – liters per day m – meter mg/l – milligrams per liter mm – millimeter ppm – parts per million

NOTE{S}

(i) In this report, "$" refers to US dollars. (ii) ―INR‖ and ―Rs‖ refer to Indian rupees

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5

I. INTRODUCTION 7 A. Purpose of the Report 7 B. Extent of the IEE Study 8

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 10 A. Type, Category and Need 10 B. Location and Implementation Schedule 11 C. Description of the Sub Project 11

III. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT 18 A. Physical Resources 18 B. Biological Resources 22 C. Economic Development 23 D. Social and Cultural Resources 24

IV. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 25 A. Pre-construction 26 B. Construction 28 C. Operation and Maintenance 35

V. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISLOSURE 37 A. Project Stakeholders 37 B. Consultation and Disclosure Conducted 37 C. Future Consultation and Disclosure 38

VI. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 39

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 41 A. Institutional Arrangements 41 B. Environmental Mitigation Plan 45 C. Environmental Monitoring Program 45 D. Environmental Management Costs 66

VIII. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 66

IX. CONCLUSIONS 67

Annex 1 - Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist 68 Annex 2 - Public Consultation Environment 71 Annex 3 - Recommended Contract Clauses 74 Annex 4 – Photographs of Subproject Sites 78

EXEUTIVE SUMMARY

2. The Executing Agency (EA) is the Urban Development Department (UDD) of the Government of Sikkim (GoS); and the Implementing Agency (IA) is the Investment Program Coordination cell. The Project Management and Implementation Unit of the NERCCDIP is the State-level Investment Program Management and Implementation Units (SIPMIU).

3. ADB requires the consideration of environmental issues in all aspects of the Bank’s operations, and the requirements for Environmental Assessment are described in ADB’s SPS (2009). This states that ADB requires environmental assessment of all project loans, program loans, sector loans, sector development program loans, loans involving financial intermediaries, and private sector loans.

4. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has been prepared for the Gangtok Water Supply Subproject, specifically for the (i) de-bunching existing pipelines with standard size and quality; (ii) extending water supply to peripheral areas by providing feeders; (iii) construction of storage reservoirs (SRs) and provision of bulk and consumer metering.

5. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is proposed as part of this report which includes (i) mitigation measures for significant environmental impacts during implementation, (ii) environmental monitoring program, and the responsible entities for mitigation, monitoring, and reporting; (iii) public consultation and information disclosure; and grievance redress mechanism.

6. Detailed design and the bid document of the subproject have been approved by ADB. Bids will be invited shortly. Construction work is likely to start in December 2012 and should be completed by the end November 2014.

7. The subproject sites are located in the built-up area of Gangtok. Located in Shivalik Hills of the eastern Himalayan range, Gangtok is a hill town. It lies on one side of a hill and flanked on east and west by two streams. Most of the roads are steep, with the buildings built on compacted ground alongside them. The subproject locations are generally undulating but are not located in areas prone to water-logging, and flash flood. There are no protected areas, wetlands, mangroves, or estuaries in or near the subproject location. There are forest areas within the town however none of the components are located in these areas. Except one water reservoir, none of the subproject components are located in or near any historically-, culturally-, archaeologically- or architecturally-significant or tourists area. One of the existing reservoirs is located adjacent to a monastery it is proposed to construct a new reservoir at this location.

8. Potential negative impacts were identified in relation to construction and operation of the infrastructure. A number of impacts and their significance have already been reduced by amending the designs thus no impacts were identified as being due to the project design or

6 location. Mitigation measures have been developed to reduce all negative impacts to acceptable levels.

9. During the construction phase, impacts mainly arise from the need to dispose of moderate quantities of waste soil; and from the disturbance of residents, businesses, and traffic. These are common impacts of construction in urban areas, and there are well developed methods for their mitigation.

10. Once the system is operating, most facilities (SRs and meters) will operate with routine maintenance, which should not affect the environment. The area is isolated and hence direct impact to nearby environment is minimum. The main impacts of the operating water supply system will be beneficial to the citizens of Gangtok. They will be provided with a constant supply of water thus improve the quality of life of people as well as benefit individual and public health with improvements in hygiene. This will reduce the incidence of disease associated with poor sanitation. This will also lead to economic gains as people will be less away from work and indirectly increase their income.

11. There were limited opportunities to provide environmental enhancements, but certain measures were included. For example it is proposed that the project will employ in the workforce people who live in the vicinity of construction sites to provide them with a short-term economic gain; and ensure that people employed in the longer term to maintain and operate the new facilities are residents of nearby communities.

12. Mitigation will be assured by a program of environmental monitoring conducted during construction and operation to ensure that all measures in the EMP are implemented and to determine whether the environment is protected as intended. This will include observations on- and off-site, document checks, and interviews with workers and beneficiaries, and any requirements for remedial action will be reported to the SIPMIU. There will also be longer-term surveys to monitor the expected improvements in the quality of domestic water and the health of the population.

13. The stakeholders were involved in developing the IEE through face-to-face discussions on site and public meeting held in the city, after which views expressed were incorporated into the IEE and the planning and development of the project. The IEE will be made available at public locations in the city and will be disclosed to a wider audience via the ADB website. The consultation process will be continued and expanded during project implementation, when a nationally-recognised NGO will be appointed to handle this key element to ensure that stakeholders are fully engaged in the project and have the opportunity to participate in its development and implementation.

14. Therefore the subproject is unlikely to cause significant adverse impacts. The potential adverse impacts that are associated with design, construction, and operation can be mitigated to standard levels without difficulty through proper engineering design and the incorporation or application of recommended mitigation measures and procedures. Based on the findings of the IEE, the classification of the Project as Category ―B‖ is confirmed, and no further special study or detailed EIA needs to be undertaken to comply with ADB SPS (2009) or GoI EIA Notification (2006).

7 I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose of the Report

1. The North Eastern Region Capital Cities Development Investment Program (NERCCDIP) envisages achieving sustainable urban development in the Project Cities of Gangtok, Aizawl, Kohima, Gangtok and Shillong through investments in urban infrastructure sectors. The urban infrastructure and services improvement is proposed in the following sectors (i) water supply, (ii) sewerage and sanitation, and (iii) solid waste management. The expected impact of NERCCDIP is increased economic growth potential, reduced poverty, and reduced imbalances between the NER and the rest of the country. The expected outcomes of the Investment Program will be an improved urban environment and better living conditions for the 1.65 million people expected to be living in the NERCCDIP cities by 2018. To this end, NERCCDIP will (i) improve and expand urban infrastructure and services in the cities including in slums and (iii) strengthen urban institutional, management, and the financing capacity of the institutions, including the urban local bodies. Based on considerations of economic justification, absorptive capacity and sustainability of the implementing agencies, sub-projects have been identified in each city in the priority infrastructure sectors.

2. Though NERCCDIP aims to improve the environmental condition of urban areas, the proposed improvements of infrastructure facilities may exert certain adverse impacts on the natural environment. While developing urban infrastructure facilities, impacts during the construction stage are expected to be more severe than impacts during the operation phase, though for a short duration. Exceptions being some facilities such as solid waste landfills and sewage treatment plants, which may also exert adverse impacts during the operation phase, if due care is not taken.

3. NERCCDIP will be implemented over a six year period beginning in 2010, and will be funded by a loan via the Multitranche Financing Facility (MFF) of the ADB. The Executing Agency (EA) is the Urban Development Department (UDD) of the Government of Tripua (GoS); and the Implementing Agency (IA) is the Investment Program Coordination cell. State-level Investment Program Management and Implementation Units (SIPMIU) is the Project Management and Implementation Unit (PMIU).

4. ADB requires the consideration of environmental issues in all aspects of the Bank’s operations, and the requirements for Environmental Assessment are described in ADB’s SPS (2009). This states that ADB requires environmental assessment of all project loans, program loans, sector loans, sector development program loans, loans involving financial intermediaries, and private sector loans. ADB has provided on its part, a Project Preparatory Technical Assistance (TA 4348-IND) for the preparation of an urban sector profile of the North Eastern states, followed by a Technical Assistance (TA 4779-IND) for Project Implementation and Urban Management in the North Eastern Region (Phase-I) to initiate the works under Tranche-I.

5. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has been prepared for the Gangtok Water Supply Subproject as part of NERCCDIP-Tranche 2. The subproject covers (i) de-bunching existing pipelines with standard size and quality by provision of new secondary water distribution network for a length of 104.1 kilometres (km); (ii) extending water supply to peripheral areas by provision of primary water distribution pipeline (feeder mains) of 100 to 150 millimetres (mm) diameter polyethylene (PE), ductile iron (DI), or galvanized iron (GI) pipes for a length of 3.91 km from the existing feeder mains carrying treated water from Selep water treatment plant (WTP) to the newly proposed five service reservoirs (SRs); (iii) construction of additional 5 SRs of total capacity of 33.95 million liters (ML); (iv) provision of 39 bulk water

8 meters; and (v) provision of 12,000 household water meters and re-connections to replace existing bunched connections.

6. The IEE Report of this subproject was first prepared during the initial stages of design and approved by ADB in February 2011. The IEE report is now revised and updated to reflect the changes made in subproject components according to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) approved in September 2011. This IEE report covers the general environmental profile of Gangtok and includes an overview of the potential environmental impacts and their magnitude on physical, ecological, economic, and social and cultural resources within the subproject’s influence area during design, construction, and operation stages. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is also proposed as part of this report which includes mitigation measures for significant environmental impacts during implementation of the Project, environmental monitoring program, and the responsible entities for mitigation and monitoring.

B. Extent of the IEE Study

7. This IEE report was prepared on the basis of detailed screening and analysis of all environmental parameters, field investigations and stakeholder consultations to meet the requirements for environmental assessment process and documentation per ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS, 2009) and Government of India Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of 2006.

1. ADB Policy

8. ADB requires the consideration of environmental issues in all aspects of ADB’s operations, and the requirements for Environmental Assessment are described in ADB SPS 2009. This states that ADB requires environmental assessment of all project loans, program loans, sector loans, sector development program loans, loans involving financial intermediaries, and private sector loans.

9. Screening and Categorization. The nature of the environmental assessment required for a project depends on the significance of its environmental impacts, which are related to the type and location of the project, the sensitivity, scale, nature and magnitude of its potential impacts, and the availability of cost-effective mitigation measures. Projects are screened for their expected environmental impact are assigned to one of the following four categories:

(i) Category A. Projects could have significant adverse environmental impacts. An EIA is required to address significant impacts. (ii) Category B. Projects could have some adverse environmental impacts, but of lesser degree or significance than those in category A. An IEE is required to determine whether significant environmental impacts warranting an EIA are likely. If an EIA is not needed, the IEE is regarded as the final environmental assessment report. (iii) Category C. Projects are unlikely to have adverse environmental impacts. No EIA or IEE is required, although environmental implications are reviewed. (iv) Category FI. Projects involve a credit line through a financial intermediary or an equity investment in a financial intermediary. The financial intermediary must apply an environmental management system, unless all Projects will result in insignificant impacts.

10. Environmental Management Plan. An EMP which addresses the potential impacts and risks identified by the environmental assessment shall be prepared. The level of detail and

9 complexity of the EMP and the priority of the identified measures and actions will be commensurate with the Project’s impact and risks.

11. Public Disclosure. ADB will post the following safeguard documents on its website so affected people, other stakeholders, and the general public can provide meaningful inputs into the project design and implementation:

(i) For environmental category A projects, draft EIA report at least 120 days before Board consideration; (ii) Final or updated EIA and/or IEE upon receipt; and (iii) Environmental Monitoring Reports submitted by SIPMIU during project implementation upon receipt.

2. National Law

12. The Government of India EIA Notification of 2006 (replacing the EIA Notification of 1994), sets out the requirement for environmental assessment in India. This states that Environmental Clearance is required for specified activities/projects, and this must be obtained before any construction work or land preparation (except land acquisition) may commence. Projects are categorised as A or B depending on the scale of the project and the nature of its impacts.

13. Categories A projects require Environmental Clearance from the National Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF). The proponent is required to provide preliminary details of the project in the form of a Notification, after which an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the MOEF prepares comprehensive Terms of Reference (TOR) for the EIA study, which are finalized within 60 days. On completion of the study and review of the report by the EAC, MOEF considers the recommendation of the EAC and provides the Environmental Clearance if appropriate.

14. Category B projects require environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). The State level EAC categorises the project as either B1 (requiring EIA study) or B2 (no EIA study), and prepares TOR for B1 projects within 60 days. On completion of the study and review of the report by the EAC, the SEIAA issues the Environmental Clearance based on the EAC recommendation. The Notification also provides that any project or activity classified as category B will be treated as category A if it is located in whole or in part within 10 km from the boundary of protected areas, notified areas or inter-state or international boundaries.

15. The only type of infrastructure provided by the NERCCDIP that is specified in the EIA Notification is solid waste management. EC is not required for this subproject.

3. Forest Legislation

16. Forest legislation in India dates back to enactment of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. This Act empowers the State Government to declare ―any forest land or waste-land, which is the property of Government or over which the Government has proprietary rights or to the whole or any part of the forest-produce of which the Government is entitled‖, a reserved forest or protected forest. The State Government may assign to any village-community the rights of Government over a reserved forest - those are called village-forests. Act also allows Government control over forest and lands not being the property of Government.

10 17. Acts like clearing or break up of any land for cultivation or for any other purpose, damage to vegetation/trees and quarrying or removing any forest produce from reserved forest is prohibited. All these are also applicable to village-forests. For protected forests, with the provision of the Act, the State Government makes rules to regulate activities like: cutting of trees and removal of forest produce; clearing or breaking up of land for cultivation or any other purpose; and for protection and management of any portion of protected forest.

18. GoI Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (amended in 1988) restricts the deforestation of forests for use of non-forest purposes. According to the Act, State Government requires prior approval of GoI for the use of forest land for non-forest purposes (means the breaking up or clearing of any forest land) or for assigning least to any private person or agency not controlled by government. The Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003 issued under this Act, provide specific procedures to be followed for conversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.

19. Cutting of trees in non-forest land, irrespective of land ownership, also requires permission from the State Forest Department. Afforestation to the extent of two trees per each tree felled is mandatory.

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

A. Type, Category and Need

20. Type. This is a urban water supply subproject intended to improve the current situation of Gangtok in terms of improved water supply system. This is one of a series of subprojects designed by NERCCDP that are intended to raise the standards of the municipal infrastructure and services of Gangtok and the other urban centres to those expected of modern Asian towns.

21. Category. Environmental examination indicates the proposed subproject falls within ADB’s environmental Category B projects. The subproject components will only have small- scale, localized impacts on the environment, and can be mitigated. Under ADB procedures such projects require an IEE to identify and mitigate the impacts.

22. Need. The Water Security and Public Health Engineering Department (WS&PHED) of Government of Sikkim (GoS) provides water supply in Gangtok. The piped water supply in Gangtok was introduced in 1968, with Ratey Chu River, located at about 20 km from the City as source. Since then the water system has been augmented and expanded to cover the growing population and as well as tourist demand. The water supply system consists of tapping and conveying water under gravity from Ratey Chu to WTP at Selep for treatment. At present 25 MLD of water is supplied to Selep WTP from the source. There are two WTPs at Selep with total capacity of 29.25 MLD.

23. Present water demand of Gangtok is 24.42 MLD, while the projected demand for the year 2042 is estimated at 40.3 MLD. Although present raw water supply is adequate to meet the present demand, to meet this is growing demand, the existing raw water mains and WTP at Selep need to be augmented to adequate capacity. Recognizing this, the WS&PHED has taken up these augmentation works under the central sponsored JNNURM program.

24. Though sufficient quantity of treated water is available to meet the present demand, consumers are not able to get the adequate quantity of water. There are serious distribution problems resulting in uneven distribution of water and excessive losses. Present practice of non-throttling of ferrule valves by individual consumers is leading to uneven distribution of water and wasteful overflow from roof top tanks. Besides, the terminal pressure is often low and

11 consumers connect directly to higher pressure or elevation distribution boxes resulting in long length of consumer connection pipelines, which are a major source of leakages. In many parts, the distribution network fails to cater at adequate pressures though large elevation difference exists.

25. The present distribution system is consisting of bunches of 20 or 25 mm GI pipes drawn from the main service reservoirs or distribution tanks to each consumer. Bunches of long lengths of GI pipes can be seen laid through the side drains of the City. This system needs to be replaced by a looped system with proper hydraulic zoning, which will ensure an equitable supply with adequate and equal terminal pressure. Water for each zone will be supplied from a zonal tank. Sufficient storage needs to be provided for this purpose.

26. Considering the issues in water supply and the ongoing/proposed projects under the schemes like JNNURM, under this ADB funded NERCCDIP, it is proposed develop a comprehensive zonal water distribution system with adequate storage, feeder mains and distribution lines. The Tranche 1of the program focused on providing water supply system to uncovered elevated areas of Burtuk and Chandmari wards for Gangtok. This is now in bidding stage. The Tranche-2 focuses on the remaining areas of the City.

B. Location and Implementation Schedule

27. The subproject is will cover 13 wards (there are total 15 wards in Gangtok in a total area of 19.02 sq. km; 2 are covered in Tranche-1). The total subproject area is 11.92 km2 (63% of total area).

28. Detailed design and the bid document of the subproject have been approved by ADB. Bids will be invited shortly after approval of the empowered committee. Construction work is likely to start in December 2012 and should be completed by the end of November 2014.

C. Description of the Subproject

1. Existing Water Supply and Service Delivery

29. The people of Gangtok get water for domestic use from piped water supplies, springs, streams, wells, vendors and direct rain. All these water sources are under severe pressure, particularly during the dry season. Only about 60 percent of the population have access to the water supply facility of the government taken care of by the Water Security and Public Health Engineering Department (WSPHED). The WSPHED is constrained to limit supply for short durations of less than few hours daily due to defective feeder and distribution system.

30. In addition to the currently existing facilities, Government of India has sanctioned a new scheme primarily aimed at improving bulk water production. It is aimed to ensure un-interrupted water supply to Grater Gangtok a new raw water main 0f 350 mm dia to tap raw water from the existing Ratey chu is proposed along with 20.09 MLD Tube Settler Type Water Treatment Plant,10 Lakh Gallon Clear Water Reservoir(3 nos),Backwash Reservoirs (1 nos),Complete Renovation and Up gradation of the existing Rapid Sand Gravity Filter(1MGD And 2 MGD plants) with latest available technology, Complete Automation of the Water treatment plant, Pressure Filtration units for in house requirement of Selep users, and implement sufficient capacity Disinfection units, Provide Proper bypass lines for ease of maintenance, Provide Hopper based sedimentation tanks. The total length of the pipe from the source to the treatment plant is about 16.97 km.

12 31. At present, treated water from the main reservoir at the treatment plant at Selep is conveyed to the city through a bunch of gravity feeder mains which branches to form a primary distribution network consisting of pipes of size ranging from 300mm to 40mm feeding a number of zones & sub zones commanded by separate reservoirs for each zone. Individual service lines to households and other properties take off from the supply tanks. Bunches of as many as 50 to 100 service lines taking off from a single supply tank is a common sight in Gangtok. The service lines, mostly of 15mm pipes of galvanized iron (GI) or flexible poly vinyl chloride (PVC) are laid above ground and in many areas through road side storm water drains. There is large quantity of leakage of water from these lines. Most of these lines are heavily incrusted inside and corroded outside. These pipes are inadequate both in size and quality and require urgent replacement. The service tanks of the existing water supply system are of insufficient capacity to cater to the peripheral areas of the town. So in order to cater to these areas additional reservoirs with dedicated feeders are required. There is already an ongoing sub project under tranche-1 to extend water supply to 2 hitherto uncovered wards. There is no metering of water produced or distributed. This needs to be introduced.

2. Subproject Components

32. The subproject covers (i) de-bunching existing pipelines with standard size and quality by provision of new secondary water distribution network for a length of 104.1 km; (ii) extending water supply to peripheral areas by provision of primary water distribution pipeline (feeder mains) of 100 to 150 mm diameter PE/GI/DI pipes for a length of 3.91 km from the existing feeder mains carrying treated water from Selep water treatment plant (WTP) to the newly proposed five proposed SRs; (iii) construction of additional 5 SRs; (iv) provision of 39 bulk water meters; and (v) provision of 12,000 household water meters and re-connections to replace existing bunched connections. Details of the subproject components are provided in Table 1. The descriptions shown in the table are based on the detailed design report approved in September 2011.

33. Figures 1 and 2 show the Layout of the Proposed Water Supply Components and Distribution Network.

Table 1: Gangtok Water Supply Subproject Components Component Location Function Description Remarks (i) de-bunching existing Pipelines will be buried Supply water PE/GI/DI No tree cutting is pipelines with standard size in a trench within the from service pipe of required. Excavation and quality right-of-way (RoW) of reservoirs to diameter 32 will be carried out existing roads; there consumers in mm to 350 manually. Pipes will will not be requirement appropriate mm be placed in the to cut trees. If there quantities at Total trench and refilled are encroachments requisite length: 104.1 with the excavated into the ROW, pressure km soil. Surplus soil (2- especially in narrow 3%) will be disposed lanes, will be removed safely. and will be compensated as per Resettlement Plan (RP) (ii) provision of primary water distribution pipeline (feeder mains) 1. Feeder main to Connecting pipe from Convey Selep 1.15 km – No tree cutting is Enchey Tank for the existing feeder WTP treated 150-mm DI required. Mostly Zone-6 water main on Doordarshan water from excavation will be supply (DD) Road to Enchey existing feeder carried out manually. Tank; the new line will main to the Pipe will be placed in

Component Location Function Description Remarks be laid run along DD proposed the trench and refilled road and VIP colony reservoir at with the excavated road within the RoW Enchey Tank soil. Surplus soil (4- area for supply to 6%) will be disposed Zone – 6 safely. 2. Feeder main to Connecting pipe from Convey Selep 0.55 km – No tree cutting is TNSS Tank for the existing feeder WTP treated 100-mm DI required. Mostly Zone-7 water main on TNSS Road to water from excavation will be supply TNSS Tank; the new existing feeder carried out manually. line will be laid run main to the Pipe will be placed in along a local road proposed the trench and refilled within the RoW reservoir at with the excavated TNSS area for soil. Surplus soil (4- supply to Zone – 6%) will be disposed 7 safely. 3. Feeder main to Connecting pipe from Convey Selep 0.20 km – No tree cutting is Bazaar Tank for the existing feeder WTP treated 100-mm DI required. Mostly Zone-4 water main on Legislator water from excavation will be supply Hostel Road Road to existing feeder carried out manually. Bazaar Tank; the new main to the Pipe will be placed in line will be laid run proposed the trench and refilled along a local road reservoir at with the excavated within the RoW Bazaar Area for soil. Surplus soil (4- supply to Zone – 6%) will be disposed 4 safely. 4. Feeder main to Connecting pipe from Convey Selep 0.30 km – No tree cutting is Press Tank for the existing feeder WTP treated 100-mm DI required. Mostly Zone-3 water main near Rural water from excavation will be supply Development existing feeder carried out manually. Department Office to main to the Pipe will be placed in Bazaar Tank; the new proposed the trench and refilled line will be laid run reservoir at with the excavated along a local road Press Area for soil. Surplus soil (4- within the RoW supply to Zone – 6%) will be disposed 3 safely. 5. Feeder main to Connecting pipe from Convey Selep 1.1 km – No tree cutting is Upper Sichey Tank the existing feeder WTP treated 100-mm DI required. Mostly for Zone-5 water main on Lower Sichey water from excavation will be supply Tank Road to Upper existing feeder carried out manually. Sichey Tank; the new main to the Pipe will be placed in line will be laid run proposed the trench and refilled along a local road reservoir at with the excavated within the RoW Upper Sichey for soil. Surplus soil (4- supply to Zone – 6%) will be disposed 5 safely. 6. Feeder main for Along a road within the Convey Selep 0.6 km – No tree cutting is Black Cat Army RoW WTP treated 100-mm DI required. Mostly area (for bulk water from excavation will be supply 8.5 LL existing feeder carried out manually. main to Black Pipe will be placed in Cat Army Area the trench and refilled for Bulk Supply with the excavated soil. Surplus soil (4- 6%) will be disposed safely. (iii) construction of additional 5 (SRs) 1. SR-1 (at Existing Land required for tank Provide 15.6 LL Existing tank will be Press Tank Site) (25m x 16m) is owned increased water capacity dismantled using by government and is storage and a rectangular pneumatic drill by the situated along a road. head of water RCC tank of workers and will be required for 4-m depth disposed off safely.

Component Location Function Description Remarks The existing gravity flow of underground tank in water through Construction will the premises will be the distribution involve (i) excavation dismantled and new system to create cavity of tank will be required size to a constructed at same depth of 5 m using site. Site is located in small backhoe digger, an institutional area. and (ii) construction of RCC structure. Soil There are three trees strata mostly and shrubs/bushes on comprise of soft- the site, which need to medium hard be cut off. disintegrated rocks, there will be no rock blasting activity. 2. SR-2 (at Bazar Land required for tank Provide 5.35 LL Construction will Tank Site) (20m x 13m) is owned increased water capacity involve (i) excavation by government. storage and a rectangular to create cavity of head of water RCC tank of required size to a The site is located required for 4-m depth depth of 5 m using within existing tank gravity flow of small backhoe digger, premises. At present water through and (ii) construction of there is a small office the distribution RCC structure. Soil building of WS&PHED, system strata mostly which will be comprise of soft- dismantled for medium hard construction of tank. disintegrated rocks, Site is located in a there will be no rock residential area, and blasting activity. along a road. 3. SR-3 (at Upper Land required for tank Provide 4.4 LL Construction will Sichey) (21m x 16m) is increased water capacity involve (i) excavation privately owned and storage and a rectangular to create cavity of located near a main head of water RCC tank of required size to a road. required for 4-m depth depth of 5 m using gravity flow of small backhoe digger, The site is in a steep water through and (ii) construction of sloping area. There the distribution RCC structure. Soil are trees on the site system strata mostly which need to be comprise of soft- removed. There are medium hard matured bamboo trees disintegrated rocks, on the periphery of the there will be no rock site, which will not be blasting activity. removed. 4. SR-4 (at Enchey Land required for tank Provide 5.30 LL Existing tank will be Tank Site) (26m x 15m) is owned increased water capacity dismantled using by government. storage and a rectangular pneumatic drill by the head of water RCC tank of workers and will be One of the two existing required for 4-m depth disposed off safely. tanks, located adjacent gravity flow of to Enchey Monastery, water through Construction will will be dismantled and the distribution involve (i) excavation the new tank will be system to create cavity of constructed on the required size to a same site. Site is depth of 5 m using accessible through small backhoe digger, Monastery entrance and (ii) construction of only. RCC structure. Soil strata mostly comprise of soft- medium hard disintegrated rocks,

Component Location Function Description Remarks there will be no rock blasting activity. 5. SR-5 (at TNSS) Land required for tank Provide 3.30 LL Construction will (24m x 12m) is owned increased water capacity involve (i) excavation by government. storage and a rectangular to create cavity of head of water RCC tank of required size to a The site is presently required for 4-m depth depth of 5 m using vacant and is gravity flow of small backhoe digger, accessible by a narrow water through and (ii) construction of motorable road. There the distribution RCC structure. Soil are no trees. system strata mostly comprise of soft- medium hard disintegrated rocks, there will be no rock blasting activity (iv) provision of 39 bulk Bulk meters will be to measure the 39 minor work water meters fixed on pipeline at quantity of water numbers various locations produced at WTP and supplied into the distribution network (v) provision of 12,000 Consumer meters will to measure 12,000 minor work household water meters and be fixed to each quantity of water numbers re-connections to replace connection at the supplied to existing bunched house consumer connections Note: RoW = right of way; RP = Resettlement Plan; PE = polyethylene; DI = ductile iron; GI = galvanized iron ; km = kilometres; mm = millimetres; m = meters; WTP = water treatment plant; RCC = reinforced cement concrete; ML = million litres; LL = lakh litres; TNSS = Taschi Namgyal Senior Secondary School

Figure 1: Layout of the Proposed Water Supply Components

Figure 2: Layout of the Proposed Distribution Network

18 III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A. Physical Resources

1. Administrative Boundaries

34. Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim, a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second-smallest state after Goa. Gangtok is located at 27.33°N 88.62°E, in the Shivalik Hills of the eastern Himalayan range, at an altitude of 1,437 metres. In addition to being the state capital, it is the headquarters of the East Sikkim district. The town lies on one side of a hill. The city is flanked on east and west by two streams, namely Roro Chu and Ranikhola, respectively. These two rivers divide the natural drainage into two parts, the eastern and western parts. Both the streams meet at Ranipul and flow south as the main Ranikhola before it joins the Teesta River at Singtam. Most of the roads are steep, with the buildings built on compacted ground alongside them.

35. The hills of Gangtok are nestled within higher peaks and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges tower over the town from the distance. Mount Kanchenjunga (8,598 m or 28,208 ft) – the world's third-highest peak - is visible to the west of the city. The existence of steep slopes, vulnerability to landslides, large forest cover and inadequate access to most areas has been a major impediment to the natural and balanced growth of the city. The total area under the jurisdiction of Gangtok Municipal Corporation is 19.02 sq. km, which is divided into 15 administrative wards. These are presented in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Ward Map of Gangtok

2. Topography, Soil, and Geology

36. Topography. Gangtok is located in the central portion of the leaf shaped Rongni Chu catchment, surrounded by Rani Khola in the west and the Roro Chu in the east. The Gangtok ridgeline divides the city into two parts viz. eastern and western. The general slope of the western side of the ridge vary from 30° to 42° but in certain stretches around Adampool below Amdo Golai and Rani Khola areas of Sichey, slopes are gentler and varies from 10° to 15°. On eastern side the slopes varies from 20° to 40°. In the areas with more than 60% slope (30° from horizontal), the rocks are disturbed and susceptible to slope failures.

37. Soil. The soils in the region are excessively drained, coarse to fine loamy with slight surface stoniness. The soils are acidic in nature with pH below 6.0. The soil shows contrasting morphologies under varying topographic settings. Soils in north and eastern part of GMA are thin and highly sandy when compared to the western part. Such soils have low strength and permeability, high sensitivity and compressibility and are not suitable for construction activity.

38. Geology. Geologically the region forms part of inner belt of lesser Himalayas and consists of three main lithological units. The regional strike of all these lithological units is northwest-southwest (NW-SE) with a dip of 150 – 600 towards northeast (NE). These are young mountains with loose soil and high water holding capacity and are more prone to slope failure. Majority of the Gangtok is characterized by high-grade Pelitic rocks (Mica Schist with or without Garnet etc.). Due to various natural and anthropogenic reasons, following areas predominantly face the problem of landslips and subsidence:

(i) Chandmari near Proposed Changu Taxi Stand (ii) J N Road ( North Eastern Boundary of Proposed GMC) (iii) Bathak Fall (North Sikkim Highway and Indira Bye Pass) (iv) Sichey sinking Area (v) DA-sichey slum area (vi) Lower Sichey Area (Indira Bye Pass Road) (vii) Paljor Stadium (Nor Kill Road) (viii) Nam Nam Road (ix) Chuksing Area (Old Slaughter House Slum Area) (x) 6th Mile Tadong (xi) Daragaon Near Basket Ball Stadium (Govt College) (xii) Samdur Sinking Area

39. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, Gangtok falls under seismic zone-IV (on a scale of I to V, in order of increasing seismic activity), near the convergent boundary of the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates and is subject to frequent earthquakes.

3. Climate

40. Gangtok features a monsoon-influenced subtropical highland climate. Because of its elevation and sheltered environment, Gangtok enjoys a mild, temperate climate all year round. Like most Himalayan towns, Gangtok has five seasons: summer, monsoons, autumn, winter and spring. Temperatures range from an average maximum of 22°C in summer to an average minimum of 4°C in winter. Summers (lasting from late April to June) are mild, with maximum temperatures rarely crossing 25°C.The monsoon season from June to September is characterised by intense torrential rains often causing landslides that block Gangtok's land

21 access to the rest of the country. Rainfall starts to rise from pre-monsoon in May, and peaks during the monsoon, with July recording the highest monthly average of 649.6 mm. In winter temperature averages between 4°C and 7°C. Snowfall is rare, and in recent times Gangtok has received snow only in 1990, 2004 and 2005.

41. Temperatures below freezing are also rare. During this season the weather can be unstable, and change abruptly from bright sunshine and clear skies to heavy rain within a couple of hours. During spring and autumn the weather is generally sunny and mild. Owing to its elevation, Gangtok is often enveloped in fog during the monsoon and winter months. Important climatic features of Gangtok are presented in the Table 2.

Table 2: Long-term Average Temperature and Rainfall Parameters Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Average high 13 14 18 21 22 22 22 22 22 21 18 14 19.1 Temperature (°C) Average low 4 5 9 11 14 16 17 16 15 12 9 6 11.2 Temperature (°C) Precipitation (mm) 31.9 79.4 122.2 270.9 527.7 611.3 628.6 563.2 463.4 177.9 41.7 21.1 3,539.3

4. Air Quality

42. The Sikkim State Pollution Control Board (RPCB) monitors air quality in Gangtok City. Data shows that particulate matter is high at one location, mainly due to dusty roads and vehicular traffic surrounding land. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) exceeds National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). In contrast, levels of chemical pollutants (oxides of sulphur and nitrogen) are below national standards, presumably because there are no pollution sources like industries.

5. Surface Water

43. Numerous small and large natural drains locally known as ―Jhoras‖ bisect GMA. There are approximate 95 major jhoras (30 in South-Eastern region and 65 in North Western region) draining into Roro Chu and Rani Khola Rivers. The unplanned development and building construction without adequate drainage along these Jhoras has resulted in obstruction or alteration of their natural paths.

44. The River Roro Chu follows a southwesterly course with numerous easterly and westerly flowing feeder streams. The River Rani Khola flowing in southern direction is fed by numerous streams from the western side of the Gangtok ridge. Unlike Rani Khola, Roro chu is of younger origin and follows more or less along a straight course.

45. Table 3 shows the water quality of River. Except bacteriological content, water is free from pollution.

Table 3: Water Quality of Rivers in Gangtok Parameters Sampling Locations Adampool Ranipool Jalipool (Rani Khola) (Rani Khola) (Roro Chu) Turbidity (NTU) 2.5 2.5 2.5 pH 7.2 7.5 7

Conductivity (μmho/ cm) 280 280 270 Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 200 210 210 Total Hardness (mg/l) 132 130 138 Sulphate (mg/l) 28 27 28 Phosphates (mg/l) 0.02 NT NT Nitrate as NO3 (mg/l) 2.5 2.2 2.4 Flouride (mg/l) NT NT NT BOD (mg/l) 12 11 10 DO (mg/l) 8 6 5 Total Coliforms 220,000 170,000 130,000 Faecal Coliform 170,000 110,000 90,000 Note: NT = not traceable; mg/L = milligram per liter Source: IEE Report, Gangtok Water Supply Subproject (Tranche-1)

7. Groundwater

46. Due to the hilly terrain with slopes more than 20%, most of the rainwater flows out as surface run off. Hence, the scope of groundwater storage is limited and is depending upon the secondary porosity and structural control in the higher elevated aquifers. The groundwater stored in these aquifers emanates in the form of springs that act as a source of water supply for the people especially in the rural areas. The ground water exploration done by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) indicates that there is considerable potential for exploration of ground water within a depth range of 200 m with a potential yield ranging from 120 to 330 litres per minute for draw down of 13 to 20 m

B. Biological Resources

47. Gangtok is part of the Sikkim Himalayas. The Sikkim Himalayas region is the wander land as Sino-Japanese floristic element (species of Quercus and Schima), Western China element (Aletris pauciflora, Anemone rupicole, Magnolia champbelli) Tibetan element (Hippophae spp, Prezwalskia spp), Siberian element (Potentilla, Pedicularis). About 44 % of total area is under tree cover, which constitutes reserve forest, parks, green belt areas, social forestry and tree plantation undertaken in various schemes.

48. There are several areas within GMA, which are rich in ecological resources. Most of these have been protected as Reserve Forests (RFs). Such areas within GMA include (a) Ganesh Tok; (b) Himalayan Zoological Park; and (c) Bulbuley Reserve Forest. None of the subproject components are located in these areas.

49. Selep WTP is located on the periphery of Bulbuley RF [distance of the WTP from the boundaries of the RF is 0.25 km]. However, none of the subproject components are located in or near WTP. The Bulbuley RF is located about 5 to 6 km away from Gangtok City with an altitude varying from 1,800 m to 2,000 m. It is the micro water shed of the Ratey Chu watershed (the water supply source for Gangok), which is spreading upto the international border (Bhutan) with a number of natural lakes in upper catchment. The area is a dense forest with species of Quercus spp (Buk), Castanopsis spp. (Katus), Machilus spp. (Kawla), Betula spp. (Saur), Michelis spp. (Champ), Alnus spp. (Utis), Bucklandia spp., Arundinaria spp. (small bamboos) and medicinal plants / herbs etc. The area is also rich in terms of faunal biodiversity. The presence of Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda, Goral, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black

23 Bear, Clouded Leopard and Wild Dog has been reported. The avifaunal species include Blood Peasant (state bird) and Kaliji pheasant.

50. Flora & Fauna. Gangtok Town is an urban area located in eastern Himalayan ranges, surrounded by hilly forested areas. All subproject components are located in developed areas of the town, and there are no notable ecological resources in these locations. At two proposed reservoir locations (Upper Sinchey and Press Tank) there are trees of local species, which will be cut off. Except these, all the other component locations are vacant and there are no notable ecological resources.

C. Economic Development

1. Land Use

51. GMA has a mixed land use with unplanned development, except for some pre-1975 commercial, institutional and cantonment areas. The city has developed in the post-1975 period, in a largely unplanned manner. Gangtok Integrated Development Plan 2000, prepared in 1987 is for an area of 725 ha, of which 70% or 520 ha, is developed. The remaining 30% is undeveloped, vacant and used up by Jhoras, cultivation and tree cover. About, 43% of developed area is residential and 4% is commercial. Public and semi-public spaces accounts for 15% and roads account for 19% of the area. There is hardly any area designated for industrial use in the city. This development plan area is part of larger Gangtok Municipal Corporation area, which spread over an area of 1,902 ha (19.02 sq. Km).

2. Local Economy – Commerce, Industry and Agriculture

52. Industrial activities in the area are negligible, due to inherent problems like hilly terrain, non-availability of plain land, lack of entrepreneurship and high transportation cost. The main occupation of the people is traditional activities like carpet weaving, woodcarving, painting, jewelry (dragon jewelry), cane and bamboo works. With the active initiatives of the State Government and with due considerations to surrounding land use and ecological and environmental factors, large number of small scale industrial units have been setup in and around the planning area. Most of these industrial units fall under orange (moderately polluting) and green (less polluting) categories according pollution potential.

53. There are four notified bazaar area in the Gangtok Planning Area namely: MG Marg, Deorali Bazaar, Tadong Bazaar and Ranipool Bazaar. Apart from these notified bazaar areas, a significant number of big shopping complexes have recently come up. Tourism industry is the major economic activity in the City. The government is the second largest employer in the city, both directly and as contractors. As part of Sikkim, Gangtok enjoys the status of being an income-tax free region as per the state's 1948 Income tax law. As Sikkim is a frontier state, the Indian army maintains a large presence in the vicinity of Gangtok. This leads to a population of semi-permanent residents who bring money into the local economy.

3. Infrastructure

54. Sewerage and Sanitation. Gangtok urban area (area under jurisdiction of GMC) is partially served by an underground sewerage system. A sewage treatment plant of 5 MLD capacities is operational at Adampool, and caters to the western portion of the city. A new STP (8 MLD) has been constructed (Fluidized Aerated Bed STP). At present a cumulative length of above 70 km of sewer line covers around 45 % of the total area and rest of the city have septic

24 tank and soak pit system. Some households dispose their wastes into jhoras and drains polluting the jhoras and posing serious threat to the community.

55. Solid Waste Management. Gangtok city generates about 45 tons of garbage per day. In 20% of the total area of Gangtok, door-to-door collection using trucks and bell system is carried out by the Urban Development & Housing Department (UD&HD) and is focused on the major roads, especially along NH-31. As per the secondary data available, it is estimated that 57% of domestic solid waste is dumped in jhoras (natural streams), 15% in open spaces while about 8% onto streets. The city also operates a compost plant at the existing dumping site.

56. Roads and Transportation. Gangtok, as other cities in India, is experiencing rapid growth of traffic caused by increase in motor vehicle usage. Severe congestion is being experienced in the central area of the city specially M.G Road, Denzong Cinema Road, Deorali road, North Sikkim Highway, Naya Bazaar Road and Tibet Road. Gangtok has become a very popular tourist destination in the North East attracting mostly domestic as well as foreign tourists, which has put extra load on transport network of the city.

57. Drainage and Landslip Protection. Though there are numerous drains within the city; they are in a poor state with 83% of the drains unlined and choked with solid waste and acting as conduits for solid waste and sewage. Poor drainage conditions coupled with porous and permeable soil formations and uncontrolled slope cutting for developmental activities have led to increased slope failure and incidences of landslides and subsidence. In spite of the city being hilly, there are areas, which experience localized flooding during rainy season.

58. Health Facilities. Gangtok has good health facilities. There are 2 hospitals – STNM Hospital and Central Referral Hospital with 300 beds in each. Besides there are numerous nursing homes, clinics, and small health facilities in the area.

D. Social and Cultural Resources

1. Demography.

59. According to the census, population of Gangtok was 58,242 in 1991 and 82,149 in 2001 (decadal growth rate of 41 percent). The preceding decade of 1981 to 1991 experienced a much higher growth of 58.5 percent. Table 4 shows the population growth of Gangtok.

Table 4: Population Growth of Gangtok

Year Population (No) Decadal Growth Rate (%) 1961 6,848 - 1971 13,308 94.33 1981 36,747 176.13 1991 58,242 58.49 2001 82,149 41.05

60. Gangtok has an average literacy rate of 69.7 percent, higher than the national average of 59.5 percent: male literacy is 77.9 percent, and female literacy is 61.5 percent. About 8 percent of Gangtok’s population live in the nine notified slums and squatter settlements. Overall work participation rate is 39.31%. The occupational structure of Gangtok shows a fairly large

25 share of population (46.7%) engaged in formal service. Quite a substantial proportion of the population is having own shops and business.

61. Ethnic Nepalis, who settled in the region during British rule, comprise the majority of Gangtok's residents. Lepchas, native to the land, and Bhutias also constitute a sizeable portion. A large number of Tibetans have immigrated Hinduism and Buddhism are the most popular religions. Gangtok also has a sizeable Christian population and a small Muslim minority. Nepali is the most widely spoken language. English and Hindi are also widely spoken. Other languages spoken include Bhutia (Sikkimese), Tibetan and Lepcha.

62. Nearly 30 percent of the population in the city belongs to ST category, however they are part of mainstreamed urban population.

2. History and Culture

63. Not much is known about the early history of Gangtok. The earliest records date from the construction of the hermitic Gangtok monastery in 1716. Gangtok remained a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. After the defeat of the Tibetans by the British, Gangtok became a major stopover in the trade between Tibet and India at the end of the 19th century. In 1894, the ruling Sikkimese Chogyal, Thutob Namgyal, transferred the capital to Gangtok. In the early 20th century, Gangtok became a major stopover on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet and cities such as Kolkata. After India’s independence in 1947, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy, with Gangtok as its capital. In 1975, after the integration with the union of India, Gangtok was made India's twenty-second state capital.

3. Tourism.

64. Besides picturesque mountains, forests and good weather, Gangtok is a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning, with the presence of several monasteries, religious educational institutions, and centres for Tibetology (however, there are no protected monuments in Gangtok). Gangtok is one of the prominent and favored tourist destinations in India. It is the largest economic activity of the State. Summer and spring seasons are the most popular tourist seasons. Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim’s tourism industry.

Ecotourism has emerged as an important economic activity in the region which includes trekking, mountaineering, river rafting and other nature oriented activities. An estimated 351,000 tourists visited Sikkim in 2007.

IV. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

65. This section of the IEE reviews possible subproject-related impacts, in order to identify issues requiring further attention and screen out issues of no relevance. ADB SPS (2009) require that impacts and risks will be analyzed during pre-construction, construction, and operational stages in the context of the subproject’s area of influence. As defined previously, the primary impact areas are (i) the sites for the new secondary water distribution network, primary water distribution pipeline (feeder mains), and SRs; (ii) main routes/intersections which will be traversed by construction vehicles; and (ii) quarries and borrow pits as sources of construction materials. The secondary impact areas are: (i) entire Gangtok area outside of the delineated primary impact area; and (ii) entire Sikkim State in terms of over-all environmental improvement.

26 66. The ADB Rapid Environmental Assessment Checklist for Water Supply in http://www.adb.org/documents/guidelines/environmental_assessment/eaguidelines002.asp was used to screen the subproject for environmental impacts and to determine the scope of the IEE investigation. The completed Checklist is found in Annex 1. All the proposed subproject components, except the installation of bulk and domestic meters, will interact physically with the environment.

67. In the case of this subproject (i) most of the individual elements are relatively small and involve straightforward construction and operation, so impacts will be mainly localized and not greatly significant; (ii) most of the predicted impacts are associated with the construction process, and are produced because that process is invasive, involving excavation and earth movements; and (iii) being located in the built-up area of GMA, will not cause direct impact on biodiversity values. The subproject will be in properties owned and/or acquired by the local government and access to the subproject locations is thru public RoW and existing roads hence, land acquisition and encroachment on private property will not occur.

A. Pre-construction – Location and Design

68. Location. These Impacts are associated with planning particularly on the site selection. They include impacts due to encroaching on sensitive areas and impacts on the people who might lose their homes or livelihoods due to the development of the proposed site.

69. SRs Requiring Cutting of Trees. The proposed GLSR sites at Press area (PHED land) and Upper Sichey (private land) are covered with trees which need to be cut-off. SIPMIU will implement the following measures to minimize the impacts:

(i) Obtain permission from Forest Department for cutting of trees; (ii) Require construction contractors to plant two tree for each tree removed; and (iii) Strictly disallow cutting and construction in the periphery of the matured bamboo bushes and at the Upper Sichey site.

70. Utilities. Telephone lines, electric poles, and wires within the proposed subproject locations may require to be shifted in few cases. The mitigate the adverse impacts due to relocation of the utilities, SIPMIU will:

(i) Identify and include locations and operators of these utilities in the detailed design documents to prevent unnecessary disruption of services during construction phase; and (ii) Require construction contractors to prepare a contingency plan to include actions to be done in case of unintentional interruption of services.

71. Social and Cultural Resources. There is a risk that any work involving ground disturbance can uncover and damage archaeological and historical remains. For this subproject, excavation will occur in open area or existing infrastructure, so it could be that there is a medium risk of such impacts. Nevertheless, DSMC/SIPMIU will:

(i) Consult Gangtok Municipal Council (GMC) to obtain an expert assessment of the archaeological potential of the site; (ii) Consider alternatives if the site is found to be of high risk; (iii) Include state and local archaeological, cultural and historical authorities, and interest groups in consultation forums as project stakeholders so that their expertise can be made available; and

27 (iv) Develop a protocol for use by the construction contractors in conducting any excavation work, to ensure that any chance finds are recognised and measures are taken to ensure they are protected and conserved.

72. Site selection of construction work camps, stockpile areas, storage areas, and disposal areas. Priority is to locate these near the subproject locations. However, if it is deemed necessary to locate elsewhere, sites to be considered will not promote instability and result in destruction of property, vegetation, irrigation, and drinking water supply systems. Residential areas will not be considered for setting up camps to protect the human environment (i.e., to curb accident risks, health risks due to air and water pollution and dust, and noise, and to prevent social conflicts, shortages of amenities, and crime). Extreme care will be taken to avoid disposals near the forest, water bodies, swamps, or in areas which will inconvenience the community. All locations would be included in the design specifications and on plan drawings.

73. Site selection of sources of materials. Extraction of materials can disrupt natural land contours and vegetation resulting in accelerated erosion, disturbance in natural drainage patterns, ponding and water logging, and water pollution. To mitigate the potential environmental impacts, locations of quarry site/s and borrow pit/s (for loose material other than stones) would be included in the design specifications and on plan drawings. Priority would be sites already permitted by Mining Department. If other sites are necessary, these would to be located away from population centers, drinking water intakes and streams, cultivable lands, and natural drainage systems; and in structurally stable areas even if some distance from construction activities. It will be the construction contractor’s responsibility to verify the suitability of all material sources and to obtain the approval of Urban Local Body. If additional quarries will be required after construction is started, then the construction contractor shall use the mentioned criteria to select new quarry sites, with written approval of GMC.

74. Design. These impacts arise from the design of the project including the technology used, scale of operation/throughput, waste production, discharge specification, pollution sources, and ancillary services. This subproject does not involve any source augmentation measures, and the project is designed as gravity based system avoiding the need for pumping.

75. Design Period. As per the Manual on Water Supply and Treatment published by the Central Public Health & Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO), Ministry of Urban Development, the design period of a water supply distribution network shall be 30 years. The extension of water supply to Burtuk and Chandmari wards taken up under Tranche-1 is for a design period of 30 years commencing from 2012 with 2042 as design year of that subproject. Hence the design year of this subproject is also 2042.

76. Coverage, Requirements, and Service Level Improvement. The subproject envisages 80-85% coverage of the city’s population at 2042. The production and transmission of treated bulk water to the city is not in the scope of the subproject. The state government of Sikkim is taking separate action towards this. The supply of bulk water at a rate 135 liters per capita per day (lpcd) is essential for the successful commissioning of this subproject. This subproject is intended to install a comprehensive water supply distribution system which shall be sufficient until the year 2042. The service level improvement depends on the discharge of the required quantity of treated water into the system. The total demand varies from 24 MLD (for the present) to 40 MLD (in the design year 2042). The system will be sufficient to distribute the demand during any period before the design year. The service level improvement is ensured to be constant throughout the design period of the subproject.

28 77. Technical Parameters Considered. The important technical parameters considered while formulating the subproject are presented in Table 5. The design complies with the CPHEEO Requirements thus this subproject has no anticipated design impacts.

Table 5: Technical Parameters Considered in The Design of Gangtok Water Supply Subproject Parameters Design Value Per capita demand 135 liters per capita per day System loss (unaccounted for water) 15% Peak Demand 2.5 to 3 (based on zonal population) Minimum size of pipe 32 millimiter Restricted maximum static head 100 meters Minimum terminal head 7 meters Minimum storage of water 1/3 of daily demand

B. Construction

1. Screening of No Significant Impacts

78. The construction work is expected not to cause major negative impacts, mainly because:

(i) Most of the activities will be on the built-up areas of Gangtok city and/or existing RoWs thus could be constructed without causing impacts to biodiversity; (ii) Most of the sites are located on an government-owned land which is not occupied or used for any other purpose; (iii) Overall construction program will be relatively short and is expected to be completed in 18 months with activities to conducted by small teams and specified location so most impacts will be localized and short in duration; and (iv) Most of the predicted impacts associated with the construction process are produced because the process is invasive, such as involving excavation. However the routine nature of the impacts means that most can be easily mitigated and the impacts are clearly a result of the construction process rather than the design or location, as impacts will not occur if excavation or other ground disturbance is not involved.

79. As a result, there are several aspects of the environment which are not expected to be affected by the construction process and these can be screened out of the assessment at this stage as required by ADB procedure. These are shown in Table 6. These environmental factors are screened out presently but will be assessed again before starting of the construction activities.

Table 6: Field in which Construction is Expected Not to Have Significant Impacts Field Rationale Location and Administrative Activities are not large enough to affect these features. Boundaries Topography, Soil, and Geology Activities are not large enough to affect these features. Climate Activities are not large enough to affect this feature. Air Quality Short-term production of dust is the only effect on atmosphere. Groundwater Subproject does not involve source augmentation. Land Use No change in major land use. Socio-economic Subproject site is located partly in private land so there is some need to acquire land from private owners. Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture Activities are not large enough to affect these features

Field Rationale Location and Administrative Activities are not large enough to affect these features. Boundaries Population Activities are not large enough to affect this feature. History, Culture, and Tourism No scheduled or unscheduled historical, archaeological, paleontological, or architectural sites

2. Construction Method

80. Provision of primary network (feeder mains) and secondary water distribution network involve same kinds of construction. Pipes will be buried in trenches immediately adjacent to roads, in the un-used area within the ROW, alongside the edge of the tarmac. In narrower roads, where this area is occupied by drains or the edges of shops and houses etc, the trenches will be dug into the edge of the road. Trenches will be dug mostly manually supplemented by back hoe digger where required or feasible. The feeder mains will be located in the larger roads where there is generally sufficient space at the edge of the road that has not been encroached by structures. Excavated soil will be placed nearby, and the pipes (brought to site on trucks and stored on unused land nearby) will be placed in the trench manually. Pipes will be joined by hand, after which the trench will be refilled with excavated soil and compacted manually. Feeder mains at some stretches (such as in steep slopes) will be laid above ground. Similarly secondary network in narrow and steep sloping lanes will be laid above ground. In these stretches, work involves no earth work. The total earthwork excavation for these works will be about 25,000 m3 (considering all feeder mains and 70% of distribution lines will be laid underground), of which about 97 % will be refilled in the same trench after laying the pipe, the surplus soil that needs to be disposed safely will be about 750 m3.

81. Construction of additional 5 SRs. The SRs will be built on government land. The cavity for the SRs will be excavated by backhoe, with soil being loaded onto trucks for disposal or will be used in site development. Aggregate and concrete will be tipped into each void to create the foundations and floor, after which metal reinforcing rods will be added to create the outline of the walls of the ground reservoir and the vertical supporting pillars of the overhead reservoir. Sections of reinforcing will then be encased in wooden shuttering and concrete will be poured in, and this process will be repeated to gradually create each structure from reinforce cement concrete (RCC), including the tank of the overhead reservoir and the above-ground portion of the ground reservoir. Surfaces will be smoothed and finished where necessary by hand.

82. Provision of 39 bulk water meters. At intervals in feeder mains, small chambers (size 1 x 1 x 1 m) will be created to house the bulk flow meters. The chambers will be excavated manually and concrete (mixed on site) will be tipped in to form the base. Brick sides will then be added by masons by hand, and the top will be sealed at ground level by a metal manhole cover.

83. Provision of 12,000 household water meters. This will involve minor construction work. These meters will be housed within/outside each house and fixed to the pipeline.

3. Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures

84. Although construction of the subproject components involves quite simple techniques of civil work, the invasive nature of excavation and the subproject locations in the built-up areas of Gangtok city where there are a variety of human activities, will result to impacts to the environment and sensitive receptors such as residents, businesses, and the community in general. These anticipated impacts are temporary and for short duration. Physical impacts will

30 be reduced by the method of working and scheduling of work, whereby the project components will be (i) constructed by small teams working at a time; (ii) any excavation done near sensitive area like school, religious places and house will be protected as per standard norms etc.

85. Sources of Materials. Significant amount of gravel, sand, and cement will be required for this subproject. The construction contractor will be required to:

(i) Use quarry sites and sources permitted by government;; (ii) Verify suitability of all material sources and obtain approval of State Investment Program Management & Implementation Unit (SIPMIU); and (iii) Submit to DSMC on a monthly basis documentation of sources of materials.

86. Air Quality. It is most certain that work will be conducted during the dry season, so there is potential for creating dust from the excavation of dry soil, backfilling, transportation to disposal, and from the import and storage of sand/gravel for bedding. Emissions from construction vehicles, equipment, and machinery used for excavation and construction will also induce impacts on the air quality in the construction sites. Anticipated impacts include dusts and increase in concentration of vehicle-related pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, particulate matter, nitrous oxides, and hydrocarbons) but temporary and during construction activities only. To mitigate the impacts, construction contractors will be required to:

(i) Consult with SIPMIU/DSMC on the designated areas for stockpiling of clay, soils, gravel, and other construction materials; (ii) Excavate the SRs foundations at the same time as the access roads (if needed) are built so that dug material is used immediately, avoiding the need to stockpile on site; (iii) Damp down exposed soil and any stockpiled on site by spraying with water when necessary during dry weather; (iv) Bring materials (aggregrates) as and when required; (v) Use tarpaulins to cover sand and other loose material when transported by vehicles; (vi) Fit all heavy equipment and machinery with air pollution control devices which are operating correctly; and (vii) Clean wheels and undercarriage of vehicles prior to leaving construction site.

87. Surface Water Quality. Gangtok is a hilly city and also receives high intensity rains during the monsoon. Considering the limited excavation work for pipelines maximum trench size will be 0.6 m wide and 1.5 m deep) and location along the existing roads, it is unlikely to be any risk of landslide. Excavation for GLSRs will be 4-5 m deep, and may require cutting of rocks. Blasting of rocks may result in disturbance and landslides. Due to hilly topography and high intensity rainfall, there is likely large scale erosion from construction areas. This may lead to silting and blockage of drains and water bodies. These potential impacts are temporary and short-term duration only and to ensure these are mitigated, construction contractor will be required to:

31 (iv) Place storage areas for fuels and lubricants away from any drainage leading to water bodies; (v) Dispose any wastes generated by construction activities in designated sites; and (vi) Conduct surface quality inspection according to the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

88. Noise Levels. The rock cutting for ground level service reservoirs (GLSRs) will certainly generate noise and vibrations. Similarly, the dismantling work using pneumatic drills at Enchey Monastery, Press Tank area and at Bazar Tank will also generate considerable noise. The sensitive receptors are the general population in these areas. Noise will be for a short term (about 2-3 days at each location) thus impact is negative, short-term, and reversible by mitigation measures. The construction contractor will be required to:

(i) Plan activities in consultation with SIPMIU/DSMC so that activities with the greatest potential to generate noise are conducted during periods of the day which will result in least disturbance; (ii) Provide prior information to the local public about the work schedule; (iii) Require horns not be used unless it is necessary to warn other road users or animals of the vehicle’s approach; (iv) Ensure that there are no old and sensitive buildings that may come under risk due to the use of pneumatic drills; if there is risk, cut the rocks manually by chiselling; (v) Minimize noise from construction equipment by using vehicle silencers, fitting jackhammers with noise-reducing mufflers, and portable street barriers the sound impact to surrounding sensitive receptor; and (vi) Maintain maximum sound levels not exceeding 80 decibels (dbA) when measured at a distance of 10 m or more from the vehicle/s.

89. Landscape and Aesthetics. The construction work is likely to generate significant quantities of waste soil and debris. The pipe laying work will generate surplus soil, as small diameter pipes are being uses about 2-4% of soil will be generated as surplus that needs to be disposed safely. Besides, the existing tanks at Enchey Monastery and Press Tank area, and a small office building at Bazar Tank needs to be dismantled to construct the new GLSRs. This activity will generate wood, metal and concrete debris. Indiscriminate disposal of the soil and waste may affect the local environment at the disposal location. These impacts are negative but short-term and reversible by mitigation measures. The construction contractor will be required to:

(i) Prepare and implement Waste Management Plan; (ii) Avoid stockpiling of excess excavated soils; (iii) Avoid disposal of any debris and waste soils in the forest areas and in or near water bodies/rivers; (iv) Coordinate with GMC for beneficial uses of excess excavated soils or immediately dispose to designated areas; (v) Recover wood, metal, used oil, and lubricants and reuse or remove from the sites; (vi) Manage solid waste according to the following preference hierarchy: reuse, recycling and disposal to designated areas; (vii) Remove all wreckage, rubbish, or temporary structures which are no longer required; and (viii) Request SIPMIU/DSMC to report in writing that the necessary environmental restoration work has been adequately performed before acceptance of work.

32 90. Accessibility. Transport infrastructure will be affected by the pipeline laying work, as in the narrower streets there is not enough space for excavated soil to be piled off the road. The road itself may also be excavated in places where there is no available land to locate pipes alongside. Traffic will therefore be disrupted, and in some very narrow streets the whole road may need to be closed for short periods. Potential impact is negative but short term and reversible by mitigation measures. The construction contractor will be required to:

(i) Plan pipeline work in consultation with the traffic police; (ii) Conduct work during light traffic; (iii) Plan work such that trench excavation, pipe laying, and refilling including compacting, at a stretch is completed in a minimum possible time; (iv) Provide for immediate consolidation of backfilling material to desired compaction to avoid future settlement risk - this will allow immediate road restoration and therefore will minimise disturbance to the traffic movement; (v) Do not close the road completely, ensure that work is conducted onto edge of the road; allow traffic to move on one line; (vi) In unavoidable circumstances of road closure, provide alternative routes, and ensure that public is informed about such traffic diversions; (vii) In case of closure of main roads, provide information to the public through media – daily news papers and local cable television (TV) services, about the need and schedule of road closure, and alternative routes; (viii) At all work sites public information/caution boards shall be provided – information shall inter-alia include: project name, cost and schedule; executing agency and contractor details; nature and schedule of work at that road/locality; traffic diversion details, if any; entry restriction information; competent official’s name and contact for public complaints.

91. Socio-Economic – Income. Excavation of trenches and pipe laying work for feeder mains and distribution lines in the city will obstruct access to residences/commercial buildings adjacent to the pipeline. Disruption of access to commercial establishments may affect livelihood. Since many of the roads are narrow, construction activities may also obstruct traffic.. The potential impacts are negative and moderate but short-term and temporary. The construction contractor will be required to:

(i) Leave space for access between mounds of excavated soil; (ii) Provide wooden planks/footbridges for pedestrians and metal sheets for vehicles to allow access across trenches to premises where required; (iii) Consult affected businesspeople to inform them in advance when work will occur; (iv) Address livelihood issues; implement the Resettlement Plan (RP) to address these issues; (v) Provide prior public information about the work schedule in particular locality and the traffic diversions/changes in any – information shall disseminated through local papers and cable television services; (vi) Provide sign/caution/warning boards at work site indicating work schedule and traffic information; prevent public entry into work sites through barricading and security; and (vii) Provide sign boards for pedestrians to inform nature and duration of construction works and contact numbers for concerns/complaints.

92. Socio-Economic – Employment. Manpower will be required during the 18-months construction stage. This can result to generation of contractual employment and increase in

33 local revenue. Thus potential impact is positive and long-term. The construction contractor will be required to:

(i) Employ at least 50% of the labour force, or to the maximum extent, local persons within the 2-km immediate area if manpower is available; and (ii) Secure construction materials from local market.

93. Occupational Health and Safety. Workers need to be mindful of the occupational hazards which can arise from working in height and excavation works. Potential impacts are negative and long-term but reversible by mitigation measures. The construction contractor will be required to:

(i) Develop and implement site-specific Health and Safety (H and S) Plan which will include measures such as: (a) excluding public from the site; (b) ensuring all workers are provided with and use Personal Protective Equipment; (c) H and S Training1 for all site personnel; (d) documented procedures to be followed for all site activities; and (e) documentation of work-related accidents; (ii) Ensure that qualified first-aid can be provided at all times. Equipped first-aid stations shall be easily accessible throughout the site; (iii) Provide medical insurance coverage for workers; (iv) Secure all installations from unauthorized intrusion and accident risks; (v) Provide supplies of potable drinking water; (vi) Provide clean eating areas where workers are not exposed to hazardous or noxious substances; (vii) Provide H and S orientation training to all new workers to ensure that they are apprised of the basic site rules of work at the site, personal protective protection, and preventing injuring to fellow workers; (viii) Provide visitor orientation if visitors to the site can gain access to areas where hazardous conditions or substances may be present. Ensure also that visitor/s do not enter hazard areas unescorted; (ix) Ensure the visibility of workers through their use of high visibility vests when working in or walking through heavy equipment operating areas; (x) Ensure moving equipment is outfitted with audible back-up alarms; (xi) Mark and provide sign boards for hazardous areas such as energized electrical devices and lines, service rooms housing high voltage equipment, and areas for storage and disposal. Signage shall be in accordance with international standards and be well known to, and easily understood by workers, visitors, and the general public as appropriate; and (xii) Disallow worker exposure to noise level greater than 85 dBA for a duration of more than 8 hours per day without hearing protection. The use of hearing protection shall be enforced actively.

1 Some of the key areas that may be covered during training as they relate to the primary causes of accidents include (i) slips, trips and falls; (ii) personal protective equipment; (iii) ergonomics, repetitive motion, and manual handling; (iv) workplace transport; and (v) legislation and responsibilities. Training can provide the foundations of competence but it does not necessarily result in a competent worker. Therefore, it is essential to assess staff competence to ensure that the training provided is relevant and effective. Supervision and monitoring arrangements shall be in place to ensure that training has been effective and the worker is competent at their job. The level of supervision and monitoring required is a management decision that shall be based on the risks associated with the job, the level of competence required, the experience of the individual and whether the worker works as part of a team or is a lone worker.

34 94. Community Health and Safety. Hazards posed to the public, specifically in high- pedestrian areas may include traffic accidents and vehicle collision with pedestrians. In most of the cases location of project sites at isolated area, hence health and safety risk to community is minimum. Potential impact is negative but short-term and reversible by mitigation measures. The construction contractor will be required to:

(i) Plan routes to avoid times of peak-pedestrian activities. (ii) Liaise with SIPMIU/DSMC in identifying risk areas on route cards/maps. (iii) Maintain regularly the vehicles and use of manufacturer-approved parts to minimize potentially serious accidents caused by equipment malfunction or premature failure. (iv) Provide road signs and flag persons to warn of dangerous conditions, in case of location near the road.

95. Work Camps. Operation of work camps can cause temporary air and noise pollution from machine operation, water pollution from storage and use of fuels, oils, solvents, and lubricants. Potential impacts are negative but short-term and reversible by mitigation measures. The construction contractor will be required to:

(i) Consult with SIPMIU/DSMC before locating project offices, sheds, and construction plants; (ii) Minimize removal of vegetation and disallow cutting of trees; (iii) Provide water and sanitation facilities for employees; (iv) Prohibit employees from poaching wildlife and cutting of trees for firewood; (v) Train employees in the storage and handling of materials which can potentially cause soil contamination; (vi) Recover used oil and lubricants and reuse or remove from the site; (vii) Manage solid waste according to the following preference hierarchy: reuse, recycling and disposal to designated areas; (viii) Remove all wreckage, rubbish, or temporary structures which are no longer required; and (ix) Request SIPMIU/DSMC to report in writing that the camp has been vacated and restored to pre-project conditions before acceptance of work.

96. Social and Cultural Resources – Chance Finds. For this subproject, excavation will occur at specific isolated location, so it could be that there is a low risk of such impacts. Nevertheless, the construction contractor will be required to:

(i) Strictly follow the protocol for chance finds in any excavation work; (ii) Request SIPMIU/DSMC or any authorized person with archaeological/historical field training to observe excavation; (iii) Stop work immediately to allow further investigation if any finds are suspected; and (iv) Inform SIPMIU/DSMC if a find is suspected, and take any action they require ensuring its removal or protection in situ.

97. Social and Cultural Resources – Monastery. The proposed site for GLSR at Enchey is located in a Monastery. At this location, the existing old tank will be dismantled and the new tank of adequate capacity will be constructed. Although the work will be confined to the site, which is separated with the Monastery premises with a compound wall, the site is accessible through the Monastery entrance only. The construction work will therefore be likely to cause disturbance and nuisance. The construction contractor will be required to:

35 (i) Schedule work in consultation with the Monastery authorities; (ii) Schedule work during non-peak visitor season; for instance; (iii) Not schedule the work during the annual dance festival in December; (iv) Suspend work during full-moon days as maximum numbers visitors frequent the monastery during these days when special prayers are offered; (v) Avoid blocking the entrance to the monastery; (vi) Provide a barricaded walkway which would separate the visitors from that of construction related activities; and (vii) Provide security personnel

C. Operation and Maintenance

1. Screening out areas of no significant impact

98. Because a water supply system should operate without the need for major repair and maintenance, there are several environmental sectors which should be unaffected once the system begins to function. These are identified in Table 7 below, with an explanation of the reasoning in each case. These factors are thus screened out of the impact assessment and will not be mentioned further.

Table 7: Fields in which Operation and Maintenance of the Water Supply Component is Not Expected to have Significant Impacts Field Rationale Location and administrative No impact expected boundaries Topography, soil, and geology O&M activities are not large enough to affect these features. Climate O&M activities are not large enough to affect these features. Air Quality O&M activities are not large enough to affect these features. Groundwater O&M activities are not large enough to affect these features. Ecological Resources O&M activities are not large enough to affect these features. Land Use O&M activities are not large enough to affect these features. Local Economy – Industries, Trade, O&M activities are not large enough to affect these features. and Commerce Population O&M activities are not large enough to affect these features. History, Culture and Tourism O&M activities are not large enough to affect these features.

2. Operation and Maintenance of the Improved Water Supply System

99. O and M of the water supply system will be the responsibility of WS & PHED. A small number of people will be employed to operate and maintain the water supply system. WS & PHED will conduct repairs to pipelines as the same way they are being laid

100. The system have a design life of 30 years, during which shall not require major repairs or refurbishments and should operate with little maintenance beyond routine actions required to keep the pumps and other equipment in working order. The stability and integrity of the system will be monitored periodically to detect any problems and allow remedial action if required. Any repairs will be small-scale involving manual, temporary, and short-term works involving regular checking and recording of performance for signs of deterioration, servicing and replacement of parts.

36 3. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

101. General. The work will follow the same procedures during the construction stage. UDHD needs to require its O and M contractor to:

(i) Prepare and submit Operation and Maintenance Manual; (ii) Conduct work during non-monsoon period; and (iii) Cover construction material like cement to prevent dusts.

102. Economic Development. There are no major anticipated economic development impact during O and M of the facilities. Nevertheless UDHD needs to require its O and M contractor to:

(i) Inform all residents, businesses and sensitive receptors about the nature and duration of any work well in advance so that they can make preparations if necessary; (ii) Consult city authorities regarding any such work so that it can be planned to avoid traffic disruption as far as possible, and road diversions can be organised if necessary.

103. The provision of an improved and expanded water supply system is not expected to have direct economic benefits for business or industry, as connections will only be provided to domestic users. However businesses will almost certainly benefit from the expected improvement in the health and well-being of their workforce as this should result in fewer days lost through illness, and overall increased productivity.

104. Social and Cultural Resources. Although there is a medium risk of excavation in the city discovering material of historical or archaeological importance, there will be no need to take precautions to protect such material when areas are excavated to repair.

105. Repair works could cause some temporary disruption of activities at locations of social and cultural importance such as schools, hospitals, temples, tourist sites etc, so the same precautions as employed during the construction period should be adopted. UDHD needs to require its O and M contractor to:

(i) Consult the city authorities to identify any buildings at risk from vibration damage and avoiding any use of pneumatic drills or heavy vehicles in the vicinity; (ii) Complete work in these areas quickly; (iii) Consult municipal authorities, custodians of important buildings, cultural and tourism authorities and local communities in advance of the work to identify and address key issues, and avoid working at sensitive times, such as religious and cultural festivals.

106. The citizens of the Gangtok city will be the major beneficiaries of the improved water supply, as they will be provided with a constant supply of better quality water, piped into their homes. In addition to improved environmental conditions, the subproject will improve the overall health condition of the town as diseases of poor sanitation (such as diarrhoea and dysentery) will be reduced.

V. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

A. Project Stakeholders

107. Most of the main stakeholders have already been identified and consulted during preparation of this IEE, and any others that are identified during project implementation will be brought into the process in the future. Primary stakeholders are:

(i) Residents, shopkeepers and businesspeople near the work sites; (ii) Public representatives and prominent citizens (iii) Gangtok Municipal Corporation (iv) Water Security & Public Health Engineering Department (WS&PHED) (v) SIPMIU

108. Secondary stakeholders are:

(i) Other concerned government institutions (utilities, regulators, etc) (ii) NGOs and CBOs working in the affected communities; (iii) Other community representatives (prominent citizens, religious leaders, elders, women’s groups); (iv) The beneficiary community in general; and (v) ADB as the funding agency

B. Consultations and Disclosures Conducted

109. A series of public consultation meetings were conducted during the project preparation. Various forms of public consultations (consultation through ad hoc discussions on site and town- level consultation) have been used to discuss the project and involve the community in planning the project and mitigation measures.

110. A town level meeting was organized in Gangtok on November 26, 2010 to discuss the proposed project. The meeting was presided over by the Honorable Mayor of GMC and was attended by the Deputy Mayor, elected public representatives of GMC (Councilors), and representatives from public and agencies like WS&PHED and SIPMIU.

111. A list of participants of consultation meeting is at Appendix 2. Following are the comments/suggestions of the participants:

(i) The work should be completed within the shortest possible time as people face a lot of problems due to the absence of the proposed infrastructure at present; (ii) Provisions should be made to include all the households to be linked to the water supply system facility so that the maximum number of people is benefited; (iii) People are willing to cooperate by all means to implement the project successfully and are willing to pay higher water charges if levied within their affordable means; (iv) Inconvenience and traffic disturbances due to construction work in the city should be minimized as far as possible

38 112. English version of the Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (EARF) has been placed in the offices of GMC, UDHD and SIPMIU. This IEE will be also made available at these offices.

C. Future Consultation and Disclosure

113. UDD shall extend and expand the consultation and disclosure process significantly during implementation of NERCCDIP. Capacity Development Consultant being recruited shall look into this aspect. Alternately appointing an experienced NGO to handle this key aspect of the programme can be thought of. The NGO shall continuously (i) conduct a wide range of activities in relation to all subprojects in the city; and (ii) ensure the needs and concerns of stakeholders are registered and are addressed in subproject design.

114. For this subproject, the NGO/Capacity Development Consultant will develop, in close coordination with SIPMIU and DSMC, a public consultation and disclosure program which is likely to include the following:

(i) Consultation during detailed design: (a) Focus-group discussions with affected persons and other stakeholders (including women’s groups, NGOs and CBOs) to hear their views and concerns, so that these can be addressed in subproject design where necessary; and (b) Structured consultation meetings with the institutional stakeholders (government bodies and NGOs) to discuss and approve key aspects of the project.

(ii) Consultation during construction: (a) Public meetings with affected communities (if any) to discuss and plan work programmes and allow issues to be raised and addressed once construction has started; and (b) Smaller-scale meetings to discuss and plan construction work with individual communities to reduce disturbance and other impacts, and provide a mechanism through which stakeholders can participate in subproject monitoring and evaluation;

(iii) Project disclosure: (a) Public information campaigns (via newspaper, TV and radio) to explain the project to the wider town population and prepare them for disruption they may experience once the construction programme is underway; (b) Public disclosure meetings at key project stages to inform the public of progress and future plans, and to provide copies of summary documents in Hindi; and (c) Formal disclosure of completed project reports by making copies available at convenient locations in the study towns, informing the public of their availability, and providing a mechanism through which comments can be made.

115. Based on ADB requirements, the following will be posted on ADB website: (i) this IEE, upon receipt; (ii) a new or updated IEE, if prepared, reflecting significant changes in the Project during design or implementation; (iii) corrective action plan prepared during Project implementation to address unanticipated environmental impacts and to rectify non-compliance to EMP provisions; and (iv) environmental monitoring reports, upon receipt.

VI. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

116. Grievances of affected persons will first be brought to the attention of the implementing NGO (monitoring process) or DSMC engineer. Grievances not redressed by the NGO or DSMC will be brought to the City Level Committees (CLC) set up to monitor project implementation in City. The CLC, acting as a grievance redress committee (GRC) is chaired by the District Collector with representatives from the ULB, state government agencies, community-based organizations (CBOs) and NGOs. As GRC, the CLC will meet every month. The GRC will determine the merit of each grievance, and resolve grievances within a month of receiving the complaint, failing which the grievance will be addressed by the inter-ministerial Empowered Committee. The Committee will be chaired by the Minister of Urban Development and members will include Ministers, Directors and/or representatives of other relevant Government Ministries and Departments. Grievance not redressed by the GRC will be referred to the SIPMIU for action failing which grievances will be referred to the appropriate courts of law. The DSMC will keep records of all grievances received including: contact details of complainant, date that the complaint was received, nature of grievance, agreed corrective actions and the date these were effected, and final outcome. The grievance redress process is shown in Figure 4.

117. All costs involved in resolving the complaints will be borne by the SIPMIU. The GRCs will continue to function throughout the project duration.

Figure 4: Grievance Redress Mechanism

CLC: city level Committee, GRC: Grievance Redress Committee, NGO: Non- Government Organisation, DSMC: Design Supervision Management Consultant, SIPMIU: State Investment Program Management and Implementation Unit

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

A. Institutional Arrangements

118. The main agencies involved in managing and implementing the subproject are:

(i) The national-level Executing Agency (NEA) for the Investment Program is MOUD; (ii) Investment Program Coordination Cell (IPCC) is established in MOUD. IPCC is responsible for overall management of the Investment Program in the city and they include social/environmental safeguard specialists whose tasks include monitoring Program implementation and reviewing and screening the subprojects submitted by State in accordance with subproject selection criteria, including the environmental provisions; (iii) National level Steering Committee (NSC) set up by GOI to monitor the use of funds under MFF and overall implementation performance of the Investment Program; (iv) State-level Executing Agency (SEA) is responsible for executing the part of the loan falling under the State Government; (v) State Investment Program Management and Implementation Unit (SIPMIU) established in SEA and headed by a Program Director (PD). SIPMIU will oversee the Program's environment and resettlement planning. This includes the preparation of all documentation needed for decision-making, contracting, and supervision of work and providing progress-monitoring information to the PD; (vi) The SIPMIU shall comprise of a Safeguards and Social Cell staffed with an Environmental Officer (EO). The EO shall be responsible for implementing the environmental safeguard provisions in the project including (i) ensuring environmental criteria for subproject selection in the EARP are followed, (ii) ensuring mitigation requirements are in contractor bidding documents, and (iii) liasing with various Central and State government agencies on compliance matters. The SIPMIU will appoint and manage Construction Contractors (CC) to build elements of the infrastructure who are required to submit Environmental Implementation Plans (EIPs) for SIPMIU approval; (vii) The SIPMIU is assisted by the DSMC, who is responsible for design the infrastructure, manage tendering of contracts, and supervise the construction process; (viii) An Environmental Specialist (ES) in the DSMC is responsible for addressing the environmental issues in the project components during design and implementation. The ES will ensure all mitigation requirements are in contractor bidding documents and EIPs, and will supervise the effective implementation of environmental provisions during construction. In addition, the ES will assist the SIPMIU on the procurement needs and other project implementation aspects and shall play a central role in ensuring capacity building on environmental management of the SIPMIU, Contractor and Line Departments through capacity development support and training;

119. Figure 5 shows institutional responsibility for implementation of environmental safeguard at different level.

Figure 5: Institutional Responsibility - NERCCDIP

SEA: State Executing Agency- Urban Development Dept. Govt. of Tripura, ULB- Urban Local body- Gangtok Municipal Council(AMC), PHED- Public Health Engineering Department, PWD- Public Work Department, DOF- Department of Forest, PD- Project Director,

1. Responsibilities of SIPMIU

120. The execution of this subproject comprising of mainly construction of water storage reservoirs and installation a network of water supply pipe lines will be carried out in three contract packages procured through competitive bidding on item rate basis. The comprehensive contract management including billing and payment shall be the responsibility of unit.

121. Contract Management. Interpretation of contract clauses, time management and monitoring, of construction problems and delays (if any) shall be the responsibility of the SIPMIU which shall initiate all efforts to resolve these problems. Time Management shall be effected at Site by prioritizing and allocating the works monthly, weekly and daily. Dispute settlement,

43 issuing notices to contractors on work related issues, levying of liquidated damages for non fulfillment of contractual obligations, issuing of statutory certificates agreed upon in the contract agreement ,settling contractor's claims etc shall also be the responsibility of the unit.

122. Supervision of Work – Preliminaries. The formal handing over of the site to the contractor shall be the responsibility of the unit. Utility shifting, if found essential, shall be initiated after assessing the requirement and preparing and submitting the request with drawings to the concerned owner. Making request for diversion of traffic to the concerned authority and managing diversion shall also be done by the unit. Scrutiny of construction - drawings, issuing approval, checking and fixing the alignment of the proposed pipe lines, setting out at site of the proposed civil structures like water storage reservoirs after verification and checking with design and all other similar supports to the contractor shall be provided by the implementing unit.

123. Supervision of Work – Excavation. Ensuring adequacy of safety measures, classification of soil, certifying width and depth of the pipe line trenches as well as foundation trenches of civil structures and obtaining & communicating permission for blasting shall be the responsibility of SIPMIU.

124. Supervision of Work – Pipe Laying. The unit shall ascertain the conformity of pipes procured and supplied by the contractor to the standards and specifications, verify and ensure lines and levels, assess adequacy of stock of pipes & specials at site , collect and send samples for testing, certify quality of pipes, certify jointing material, certify pressure testing of pipe lines / water proof testing of RCC storage reservoirs and arrange calibration testing of bulk water meters / similar equipments.

125. Supervision of Work – Concreting and Other Civil Works. Collecting and sending samples for testing, certifying quality of materials, verifying WC ratio/ compaction / curing, certifying formwork and accepting quality of the finished structure shall also be taken care of by the implementing unit.

126. Supervision of Work – Electrical and Mechanical Works. The unit shall ensure the conformity of supplied materials to specification, check the installation and witness satisfactory trial run of the electro mechanical units & accessories.

127. Supervision of Work – Daily Supervision. On site daily supervision, taking pre- measurements and measurements, recording measurements in Measurement Books ,taking check measurements and checking of "as built" drawings shall be the responsibility of SIPMIU.

128. Supervision of Work – Billing and Payment. The implementing unit shall conduct pre & final verification of the measurements & bills and quality certificates pass the bill and effect payment to the contractors. Post auditing of all the accounts related to contract settlements shall be invariably done by the unit.

129. Supervision of Work – Obtaining Power Connection. The unit shall also take care of the contractors request for obtaining connection both temporary for the site and permanent for the subproject.

130. Supervision of Work – Completion and Handing Over. Issuing completion certificate, ensuring compliance to warranty during DLP, preparation of O & M plan and final report on the contract as well as preparation of MAP and AMP shall be systematically ensured by the implementing unit at the final stage of the works.

44 131. Supervision of Work – Variation in Quantity and Time. In case additional and excess quantity of works are found essential, suitable decision shall be taken by the SIPMIU after checking the design & schedule and recommending to the TC for approval.

132. Supervision of Work – Environmental Monitoring The SIPMIU shall be responsible for establishing a system for monitoring /review of the environmental impact of the construction activities of the contractor and suggest remedial action, if any, found necessary.

133. The complete management of the works at site shall be the responsibility of the technical wing of the SIPMIU. Some of the routine duties are:

(i) Visit the project site regularly and monitor day-to-day activities. (ii) Ensure time management through effective monthly, weekly and daily allocation of works. (iii) Prioritize the works in consultation with the DSMC and the Contractor. (iv) Ensure proper planning of diversion of traffic during the work and coordinate with police and transport departments in this regard. (v) Ensure that prior notice is given to the public about the disruption of water, electricity and/or communication lines during the execution of works and the situation brought back to normalcy within minimum time. (vi) Ensure that caution boards are erected at prime locations displaying the nature of works. (vii) Check the line, level and layout of the progressing construction works to ensure conformity with the approved estimate and drawing. (viii) Ensure adherence to the contract conditions and laws of the government regarding labor and labor welfare measures and ensure availability & proper utilization of adequate safety equipments at the site. (ix) Maintain control over quality and quantity of various items of works executed. (x) Get the tests conducted as per the required frequency & supervise the testing of samples at specified laboratories. Whenever the test fails, the materials shall not be used. The work where this test fails shall have to be got redone. (xi) Conduct joint measurement along with DSMC & Contractor and record the measurement in the measurement book. (xii) Inspect the works regularly to see that the works are executed strictly as per approved drawings and specifications. Any changes from the approved drawings for any reason needs to be got approved by competent authority. (xiii) Ensure checking 100 % of the bills submitted by the Contractor with reference to the measurement rate and ensure the satisfactory quality certification from the DSMC before processing the bills for release of payment. (xiv) Consider issuance of variation orders during the course of work, if necessary. Such variation due to change in material, specification, size, soil classification etc., from the approved agreement should be brought to the notice of the TC for consideration. (xv) Co-ordinate with the DSMC in the preparation of the Final Report summarizing the construction activities undertaken indicating, among other things, contract changes, claims or disputes or any other substantive matters having effect on the cost and progress of the work. (xvi) Co-ordinate with the DSMC in the preparation of the Project Completion Report. (xvii) Provide any information called for from UDHD of GoS and perform any other duties/responsibilities assigned from time-to-time. (xviii) Prepare satisfactory reports to audit enquires with respect to works & contracts.

45 (xix) Exercise a thorough and efficient control and check on all the project components till the end of handing over the project to GMC.

134. Quality Control. The subproject shall be executed adhering to the bid specifications. The Manuals on Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC Manual) and the volume of Standard Specifications prepared by the SIPMIU for the Program will supplement the bid specifications.

2. Responsible for carrying out mitigation measures

135. During construction stage, implementation of mitigation measures is the construction contractor’s responsibility while during operation stage, UDHD will be responsible for the conduct of maintenance or repair works.

136. To ensure implementation of mitigation measures during the construction period, contract clauses (Annex 5) for environmental provisions will be part of the civil works contracts. Contractors’ conformity with contract procedures and specifications during construction will be carefully monitored by SIPMIU and DSMC.

2. Responsible for carrying out monitoring measures

137. During construction, Environmental Specialist (ES) of DSMC and the Environmental Officer (EO) of SIPMIU will monitor the construction contractor’s environmental performance.

138. During the operation stage, monitoring will be the responsibility of UDHD.

3. Responsible for reporting

139. DSMC will submit periodic monitoring and implementation reports to SIPMIU, who will take follow-up actions, if necessary. SIPMIU will submit monitoring reports to the PD who will then submit to ADB. SIPMIU will also prepare annual monitoring reports for IPCC and assist IPCC in preparing an annual monitoring report to ADB. The annual report is to focus on the progress of implementation of the EMP and EARP and issues encountered and measures adopted, follow-up actions required, if any, as well as the status of Program compliance with subproject selection criteria, and relevant loan covenants. IPCC will seek clearance for submission and disclosure of the annual environmental monitoring report to ADB.

B. Environmental Mitigation Plan

140. Table 8 to 10 shows the potential adverse environmental impacts, proposed mitigation measures, responsible parties, and estimated cost of implementation. This EMP will be included in the bid documents and will be further reviewed and updated during implementation.

C. Environmental Monitoring Program

141. Table 11 to 13 shows the proposed environmental monitoring program for this subproject. It includes all relevant environmental parameters, location, responsibility of mitigation and monitoring, method of monitoring and frequency of monitoring. Monitoring activities during the detailed engineering design stage will from part of the baseline conditions of the subproject location and will be used as the reference for acceptance of restoration works by the construction contractors.

Table 8: Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures – Pre-construction Environmental Mitigation Plan Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation SRs Requiring Cutting of Loss of trees at Press area (i) Obtain permission SIPMIU (i) Permit from Forest Trees (PHED land) and Upper from Forest Department for Department Sichey (private land) cutting of trees; (ii) Number of trees planted (ii) Require construction (iii) Pre-construction condition contractors to plant two tree of matured bamboo bushes for each tree removed; and (iii) Strictly disallow cutting and construction in the periphery of the matured bamboo bushes and at the Upper Sichey site. Utilities Telephone lines, electric (i) Identify and include SIPMIU (i) List of affected utilities and poles and wires, water lines locations and operators of operators; within proposed project area these utilities in the detailed design documents to prevent (ii) Bid document to include unnecessary disruption of requirement for a contingency services during construction plan for service interruptions phase; and (ii) Require construction contractors to prepare a contingency plan to include actions to be done in case of unintentional interruption of services. Social and Cultural Ground disturbance can (i) Consult Gangtok SIPMIU & DSMC Chance Finds Protocol Resources uncover and damage Municipal Council (GMC) to archaeological and historical obtain an expert assessment remains of the archaeological potential of the site; (ii) Consider alternatives if the site is found to be of high risk; (iii) Include state and local archaeological, cultural and historical authorities, and interest groups in consultation forums as project stakeholders so that their expertise can be made available; and (iv) Develop a protocol for use by the construction

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation contractors in conducting any excavation work, to ensure that any chance finds are recognised and measures are taken to ensure they are protected and conserved. Construction work camps, hot Disruption to traffic flow and (i) Prioritize areas within or SIPMIU and DSMC to List of selected sites for mix plants, stockpile areas, sensitive receptors nearest possible vacant determine locations prior to construction work camps, hot storage areas, and disposal space in the subproject award of construction mix plants, stockpile areas, areas. location; contracts. storage areas, and disposal (ii) If it is deemed necessary areas. to locate elsewhere, consider sites that will not promote instability and result in destruction of property, vegetation, irrigation, and drinking water supply systems; (iii) Do not consider residential areas; (iv) Take extreme care in selecting sites to avoid direct disposal to water body which will inconvenience the community. Sources of Materials Extraction of materials can (i) Prioritize sites already SIPMIU and DSMC to (i) List of approved quarry disrupt natural land contours permitted by the Mining prepare list of approved sites and sources of and vegetation resulting in Department; quarry sites and sources of materials; accelerated erosion, (ii) If other sites are materials disturbance in natural necessary, inform (ii) Bid document to include drainage patterns, ponding construction contractor that it requirement for verification of and water logging, and water is their responsibility to verify suitability of sources and pollution. the suitability of all material permit for additional quarry sources and to obtain the sites if necessary. approval of SIPMU and (iii) If additional quarries will be required after construction is started, inform construction contractor to obtain a written approval from SIPMU.

Table 9: Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures – Construction Environmental Mitigation Plan Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation Sources of Materials Extraction of rocks and (i) Use quarry sites and Construction Contractor Construction Contractor material may cause ground sources permitted by documentation instability government;; (ii) Verify suitability of all material sources and obtain approval of State Investment Program Management & Implementation Unit (SIPMIU); and (iii) Submit to DSMC on a monthly basis documentation of sources of materials. Air Quality Emissions from construction (i) Consult with Construction Contractor (i) Location of stockpiles; vehicles, equipment, and SIPMIU/DSMC on the (ii) Complaints from sensitive machinery used for designated areas for receptors; excavation and construction stockpiling of clay, soils, (iii) Heavy equipment and resulting to dusts and gravel, and other construction machinery with air pollution increase in concentration of materials; control devices; vehicle-related pollutants (ii) Excavate the SRs (iv) Ambient air for such as carbon monoxide, foundations at the same time respirable particulate matter sulfur oxides, particulate as the access roads (if (RPM) and suspended matter, nitrous oxides, and needed) are built so that dug particulate matter (SPM); hydrocarbons) material is used immediately, (v) Vehicular emissions such avoiding the need to stockpile as sulphur dioxide (SO2), on site; nitrous oxides (NOx), carbon (iii) Damp down exposed monoxide (CO), and soil and any stockpiled on site hydrocarbons by spraying with water when necessary during dry weather; (iv) Bring materials (aggregrates) as and when required; (v) Use tarpaulins to cover sand and other loose material when transported by vehicles; (vi) Fit all heavy equipment and machinery with air pollution control devices which are operating correctly; and

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation (vii) Clean wheels and undercarriage of vehicles prior to leaving construction site. Surface water quality Mobilization of settled silt (i) Avoid stockpiling of Construction Contractor (i) Areas for stockpiles, materials, run-off from earth fill especially during the storage of fuels and lubricants stockpiled materials, and monsoon season unless and waste materials; chemical contamination from covered by tarpaulins or (ii) Number of silt traps fuels and lubricants during plastic sheets; installed along drainages construction works can (ii) Prioritize re-use of leading to water bodies; contaminate nearby surface excess spoils and materials in (iii) Records of surface water water quality. the construction works. If quality inspection; spoils will be disposed, (iv) Effectiveness of water consult with SIPMIU/DSMC management measures; on designated disposal areas; (v) For inland water: (iii) Install temporary silt suspended solids, oil and traps or sedimentation basins grease, biological oxygen along the drainage leading to demand (BOD), and the water bodies; coliforms. (iv) Place storage areas for fuels and lubricants away from any drainage leading to water bodies; (v) Dispose any wastes generated by construction activities in designated sites; and (vi) Conduct surface quality inspection according to the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Noise Levels Increase in noise level due to (i) Plan activities in Construction Contractor (i) Complaints from sensitive earth-moving and excavation consultation with receptors; equipment, and the SIPMIU/DSMC so that (ii) Use of silencers in noise- transportation of equipment, activities with the greatest producing equipment and materials, and people potential to generate noise sound barriers; are conducted during periods (iii) Equivalent day and night of the day which will result in time noise levels least disturbance; (ii) Provide prior information to the local public about the work schedule; (iii) Require horns not be

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation used unless it is necessary to warn other road users or animals of the vehicle’s approach; (iv) Ensure that there are no old and sensitive buildings that may come under risk due to the use of pneumatic drills; if there is risk, cut the rocks manually by chiselling; (v) Minimize noise from construction equipment by using vehicle silencers, fitting jackhammers with noise- reducing mufflers, and portable street barriers the sound impact to surrounding sensitive receptor; and (vi) Maintain maximum sound levels not exceeding 80 decibels (dbA) when measured at a distance of 10 m or more from the vehicle/s. Landscape and Aesthetics Solid wastes as well as (i) Prepare and Construction Contractor (i) Waste Management Plan; excess construction materials implement Waste Management Plan; (ii) Complaints from sensitive (ii) Avoid stockpiling of receptors; excess excavated soils; (iii) Avoid disposal of (iii) SIPMIU/DSMC to report in any debris and waste soils in writing that the necessary the forest areas and in or near environmental restoration water bodies/rivers; work has been adequately (iv) Coordinate with performed before acceptance GMC for beneficial uses of of work. excess excavated soils or immediately dispose to designated areas; (v) Recover wood, metal, used oil, and lubricants and reuse or remove from the sites; (vi) Manage solid waste according to the following preference hierarchy: reuse,

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation recycling and disposal to designated areas; (vii) Remove all wreckage, rubbish, or temporary structures which are no longer required; and (viii) Request SIPMIU/DSMC to report in writing that the necessary environmental restoration work has been adequately performed before acceptance of work. Accessibility Traffic problems and conflicts (i) Plan pipeline work in Construction Contractor (i) Traffic Management Plan; near project locations and consultation with the traffic (ii) Complaints from sensitive haul road police; receptors; (ii) Conduct work during (iii) Number of signages light traffic; placed at subproject location. (iii) Plan work such that trench excavation, pipe laying, and refilling including compacting, at a stretch is completed in a minimum possible time; (iv) Provide for immediate consolidation of backfilling material to desired compaction to avoid future settlement risk - this will allow immediate road restoration and therefore will minimise disturbance to the traffic movement; (v) Do not close the road completely, ensure that work is conducted onto edge of the road; allow traffic to move on one line; (vi) In unavoidable circumstances of road closure, provide alternative routes, and ensure that public is informed about such traffic diversions;

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation (vii) In case of closure of main roads, provide information to the public through media – daily news papers and local cable television (TV) services, about the need and schedule of road closure, and alternative routes; (viii) At all work sites public information/caution boards shall be provided – information shall inter-alia include: project name, cost and schedule; executing agency and contractor details; nature and schedule of work at that road/locality; traffic diversion details, if any; entry restriction information; competent official’s name and contact for public complaints. Socio-Economic – Income. Impede the access of (i) Leave space for Construction Contractor (i) Complaints from sensitive residents and customers to access between mounds of receptors; nearby shops excavated soil; (ii) Provide wooden (ii) Number of walkways, planks/footbridges for signages, and metal sheets pedestrians and metal sheets placed at subproject location. for vehicles to allow access across trenches to premises where required; (iii) Consult affected businesspeople to inform them in advance when work will occur; (iv) Address livelihood issues; implement the Resettlement Plan (RP) to address these issues; (v) Provide prior public information about the work schedule in particular locality and the traffic diversions/changes in any –

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation information shall disseminated through local papers and cable television services; (vi) Provide sign/caution/warning boards at work site indicating work schedule and traffic information; prevent public entry into work sites through barricading and security; and (vii) Provide sign boards for pedestrians to inform nature and duration of construction works and contact numbers for concerns/complaints. Socio-Economic - Generation of contractual (i) Employ at least 50% Construction Contractor (i) Employment records; Employment employment and increase in of the labour force, or to the local revenue maximum extent, local (ii) records of sources of persons within the 2-km materials immediate area if manpower is available; and (ii) Secure construction materials from local market. Occupational Health and Occupational hazards which (i) Develop and Construction Contractor (i) Site-specific Health and Safety can arise during work implement site-specific Health Safety (H and S) Plan; and Safety (H and S) Plan (ii) Equipped first-aid stations; which will include measures (iii) Medical insurance such as: (a) excluding public coverage for workers; from the site; (b) ensuring all (iv) Number of accidents; workers are provided with and (v) Supplies of potable use Personal Protective drinking water; Equipment; (c) H and S (vi) Clean eating areas where Training for all site personnel; workers are not exposed to (d) documented procedures to hazardous or noxious be followed for all site substances; activities; and (e) (vii) record of H and S documentation of work- orientation trainings related accidents; (viii) personal protective (ii) Ensure that qualified equipments; first-aid can be provided at all (ix) % of moving equipment times. Equipped first-aid outfitted with audible back-up

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation stations shall be easily alarms; accessible throughout the (xi) sign boards for hazardous site; areas such as energized (iii) Provide medical electrical devices and lines, insurance coverage for service rooms housing high workers; voltage equipment, and areas (iv) Secure all for storage and disposal. installations from unauthorized intrusion and accident risks; (v) Provide supplies of potable drinking water; (vi) Provide clean eating areas where workers are not exposed to hazardous or noxious substances; (vii) Provide H and S orientation training to all new workers to ensure that they are apprised of the basic site rules of work at the site, personal protective protection, and preventing injuring to fellow workers; (viii) Provide visitor orientation if visitors to the site can gain access to areas where hazardous conditions or substances may be present. Ensure also that visitor/s do not enter hazard areas unescorted; (ix) Ensure the visibility of workers through their use of high visibility vests when working in or walking through heavy equipment operating areas; (x) Ensure moving equipment is outfitted with audible back-up alarms; (xi) Mark and provide sign boards for hazardous areas such as energized

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation electrical devices and lines, service rooms housing high voltage equipment, and areas for storage and disposal. Signage shall be in accordance with international standards and be well known to, and easily understood by workers, visitors, and the general public as appropriate; and (xii) Disallow worker exposure to noise level greater than 85 dBA for a duration of more than 8 hours per day without hearing protection. The use of hearing protection shall be enforced actively. Community Health and Traffic accidents and vehicle The construction contractor Construction Contractor (i) Traffic Management Plan; Safety. collision with pedestrians will be required to: during material and waste (i) Plan routes to avoid (ii) Complaints from sensitive transportation times of peak-pedestrian receptors activities. (ii) Liaise with SIPMIU/DSMC in identifying risk areas on route cards/maps. (iii) Maintain regularly the vehicles and use of manufacturer-approved parts to minimize potentially serious accidents caused by equipment malfunction or premature failure. (iv) Provide road signs and flag persons to warn of dangerous conditions, in case of location near the road. Work Camps Temporary air and noise (i) Consult with Construction Contractor (i) Complaints from sensitive pollution from machine SIPMIU/DSMC before receptors; operation, water pollution locating project offices, sheds, (ii) Water and sanitation from storage and use of fuels, and construction plants; facilities for employees; and

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation oils, solvents, and lubricants (ii) Minimize removal of (iii) SIPMIU/DSMC report in vegetation and disallow writing that the camp has cutting of trees; been vacated and restored to (iii) Provide water and pre-project conditions sanitation facilities for employees; (iv) Prohibit employees from poaching wildlife and cutting of trees for firewood; (v) Train employees in the storage and handling of materials which can potentially cause soil contamination; (vi) Recover used oil and lubricants and reuse or remove from the site; (vii) Manage solid waste according to the following preference hierarchy: reuse, recycling and disposal to designated areas; (viii) Remove all wreckage, rubbish, or temporary structures which are no longer required; and (ix) Request SIPMIU/DSMC to report in writing that the camp has been vacated and restored to pre-project conditions before acceptance of work. Social and Cultural Risk of archaeological chance (i) Strictly follow the Construction Contractor Records of chance finds Resources – Chance Finds finds protocol for chance finds in any excavation work; (ii) Request SIPMIU/DSMC or any authorized person with archaeological/historical field training to observe excavation; (iii) Stop work immediately to allow further investigation if any finds are

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation suspected; and (iv) Inform SIPMIU/DSMC if a find is suspected, and take any action they require ensuring its removal or protection in situ. Social and Cultural Disturbance and nuisance (i) Schedule work in Construction Contractor (i) Work Schedule Resources – Monastery consultation with the (ii) Complaints from sensitive Monastery authorities; receptors (ii) Schedule work during non-peak visitor season; for instance; (iii) Not schedule the work during the annual dance festival in December; (iv) Suspend work during full-moon days as maximum numbers visitors frequent the monastery during these days when special prayers are offered; (v) Avoid blocking the entrance to the monastery; (vi) Provide a barricaded walkway which would separate the visitors from that of construction related activities; and (vii) Provide security personnel

Table 10: Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures – Operation and Maintenance Environmental Mitigation Plan Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation General Maintenance Work Dust generation and surplus (i) Prepare and submit WS & PHED (i) Maintenance Records Operation and Maintenance Manual; (ii) Conduct work during non-monsoon period; and (iii) Cover construction material like cement to prevent dusts.

Field Anticipated Impact Mitigation Measures Responsible for Mitigation Monitoring of Mitigation Economic Development Disturbance and nuisance to (i) Inform all residents, WS & PHED (i) Complaints from residents, shops and economic activities businesses and sensitive businesses, and sensitive during repair works receptors about the nature receptors and duration of any work well in advance so that they can make preparations if necessary; (ii) Consult city authorities regarding any such work so that it can be planned to avoid traffic disruption as far as possible, and road diversions can be organised if necessary. Occupational Health and Adverse impacts on the (i) Ensure persons employed PWD (UDHD) and O and M (i) Records of training; Safety appearance of surrounding will be provided with suitable Contractors environment and exposure of equipment (such as shovels (ii) H and S Plan approved by workers to hazardous debris and wheelbarrows); and UDHD (ii) Ensure all removed material will be deposited in the municipal waste storage bins.

Table 11: Pre-construction Environmental Monitoring Program Mitigation Location Responsible for Monitoring of Method of Indicators/ Frequency Responsible for Measures Mitigation Mitigation Monitoring Standards Monitoring Baseline Subproject DSMC Establish Air sample GOI Ambient Air Once prior to SIPMIU Environmental location baseline values collection and Quality Standards start of Condition – of (i) respirable analyses by in- construction Ambient Air particulate matter house laboratory Quality (RPM) and (ii) or accredited 3rd suspended party laboratory particulate matter (SPM) Baseline Subproject DSMC Establish Water sample GOI Water Once prior to SIPMIU Environmental location baseline values collection and Quality Standards start of Condition - Water of suspended analyses by in- construction Quality solids (TSS), pH house laboratory biological oxygen or accredited 3rd demand (BOD), party laboratory faecal coliform SRs Requiring As per site SIPMIU with (i) Permit from Checking of (i) No violations Once prior to SIPMIU

Mitigation Location Responsible for Monitoring of Method of Indicators/ Frequency Responsible for Measures Mitigation Mitigation Monitoring Standards Monitoring Cutting of trees requirement assistance of Forest records of permit construction and DSMC Department conditions; once before (ii) Number of (ii) Two trees completion of trees planted planted for every works (iii) Pre- tree cut; construction condition of matured bamboo bushes Utilities As per site DSMC (i) List of affected Checking of (i) List of affected Once SIPMIU requirement utilities if any and records utilities and operators; (ii) Bid operators document to prepared; include requirement for a (ii) Requirement contingency plan for a contingency for service plan for service interruptions interruptions included in bid documents Social and As per site SIPMIU and Chance Finds Checking of Chance Finds Once SIPMIU Cultural requirement DSMC Protocol records Protocol provided Resources to construction contractors prior to commencement of activities Construction As per site SIPMIU and List of selected Checking of List of selected Once SIPMIU work camps, hot requirement DSMC to location for records sites for mix plants, determine construction work construction work stockpile areas, locations prior to camps, hot mix camps, hot mix storage areas, award of plants, stockpile plants, stockpile and disposal construction areas, storage areas, storage areas. contracts. areas, and areas, and disposal areas. disposal areas provided to construction contractors prior to commencement of works. Sources of As per site SIPMIU and (i)List of Checking of (i) List of Once SIPMIU

Mitigation Location Responsible for Monitoring of Method of Indicators/ Frequency Responsible for Measures Mitigation Mitigation Monitoring Standards Monitoring Materials requirement DSMC to prepare approved quarry records approved quarry list of approved sites and sources sites and sources quarry sites and of materials; of materials sources of provided to materials (ii) Bid document construction to include contractors requirement for verification of (ii) Bid document suitability of included sources and requirement for permit for verification of additional quarry suitability of sites if necessary. sources and permit for additional quarry sites if necessary.

Table 12: Construction Environmental Monitoring Program Mitigation Location Responsible for Monitoring of Method of Indicators/ Frequency Responsible for Measures Mitigation Mitigation Monitoring Standards Monitoring Sources of Quarries and Construction Construction (i) Checking of (i) Sites are Monthly DSMC Materials sources of Contractor Contractor records; (ii) visual permitted; submission for materials documentation inspection of sites (ii) Report construction submitted by contractor construction contractor monthly As needed for (until such time DSMC there is excavation work) Air Quality Construction sites Construction (i) Location of (i) Checking of (i) Stockpiles on Monthly for DSMC in and areas Contractor stockpiles; records; (ii) visual designated areas checking coordination with designated for (ii) complaints inspection of sites only; records Pollution Control stockpiling of from sensitive (ii) complaints from Board materials receptors; sensitive receptors (iii) heavy satisfactorily equipment and addressed; machinery with (iii) air pollution air pollution control devices control devices; working properly; (iv) ambient air (iv) GOI Ambient for respirable Quality Standards

Mitigation Location Responsible for Monitoring of Method of Indicators/ Frequency Responsible for Measures Mitigation Mitigation Monitoring Standards Monitoring particulate matter for ambient air (RPM) and quality; suspended (v) GOI Vehicular particulate matter Emission (SPM); Standards for SO2, (v) vehicular NOx, CO and HC. emissions such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrous oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC) Surface Water (i) Construction Construction (i) Areas for visual inspection (i) Designated Monthly DSMC in Quality sites; Contractor stockpiles, areas only; coordination with (ii) areas for storage of fuels (ii) silt traps Pollution Control stockpiles, and lubricants installed and Board storage of fuels and waste functioning; and lubricants materials; (ii) (iii) no noticeable and waste number of silt increase in materials; traps installed suspended solids along drainages and silt from leading to water construction bodies; (iii) activities (iv) GOI records of Standards for surface water Water Discharges quality inspection; to Inland Waters (iv) effectiveness and Land for of water Irrigation management measures; (v) for inland water: suspended solids, oil and grease, biological oxygen demand (BOD), and coliforms. Noise Levels (i) Construction Construction (i) Complaints (i) Checking of (i) Complaints from Monthly DSMC in sites; Contractor from sensitive records; sensitive receptors coordination with

Mitigation Location Responsible for Monitoring of Method of Indicators/ Frequency Responsible for Measures Mitigation Mitigation Monitoring Standards Monitoring (ii) areas for receptors; (ii) use (ii) visual satisfactorily Pollution Control stockpiles, of silencers in inspection addressed; (ii) Board storage of fuels noise-producing silencers in noise- and lubricants equipment and producing and waste sound barriers; equipment materials; (iii) Equivalent functioning as (iii) work camps day and night design; and time noise levels (iii) sound barriers installed where necessary Landscape and (i) Construction Construction (i) Waste (i) Checking of (i)No accumulation Monthly DSMC Aesthetics sites; Contractor Management records; of solid wastes on- (ii) areas for Plan; (ii) (ii) visual site; stockpiles, complaints from inspection (ii) implementation storage of fuels sensitive of Waste and lubricants receptors; (iii) Management Plan; and waste SIPMIU/DSMC to (iii) complaints from materials; report in writing sensitive receptors (iii) work camps that the satisfactorily necessary addressed. environmental restoration work has been adequately performed before acceptance of work. Accessibility (i) Construction Construction (i) Traffic Visual inspection (i) Implementation Monthly DSMC sites; Contractor Management of Traffic (ii) traffic haul Plan; (ii) Management Plan, road complaints from if required; sensitive (ii) complaints from receptors; (iii) sensitive receptors number of satisfactorily signages placed addressed; at subproject (iii) signages visible location. and located in designated areas Socio-Economic Construction sites Construction (i) Complaints Visual inspection (i) Complaints from Quarterly DSMC – Income Contractor from sensitive sensitive receptors receptors; (ii) satisfactorily number of addressed;

Mitigation Location Responsible for Monitoring of Method of Indicators/ Frequency Responsible for Measures Mitigation Mitigation Monitoring Standards Monitoring walkways, (ii) walkways, signages, and ramps, and metal metal sheets sheets provided placed at (iii) signages visible subproject and located in location. designated areas Socio-Economic construction sites Construction (i) Employment Checking of Number of Quarterly DSMC - employment Contractor records; (ii) records employees from records of Gangtok equal or sources of greater than 50% materials of total workforce Occupational construction sites Construction (i) Site-specific (i) Checking of (i) Implementation Quarterly DSMC Health and Safety Contractor Health and Safety records; of H and S plan; (H and S) Plan; (ii) visual (ii) number of work- (ii) Equipped first- inspection related accidents; aid stations; (iii) % usage of (iii) Medical personal protective insurance equipment; coverage for (iv) number of first- workers; aid stations, (iv) Number of frequency of accidents; potable water (v) Supplies of delivery, provision potable drinking of clean eating water; area, and number (vi) Clean eating of sign boards are areas where according to workers are not approved plan; exposed to (v) % of moving hazardous or equipment noxious outfitted with substances; audible back-up (vii) record of H alarms and S orientation trainings (viii) personal protective equipments; (ix) % of moving equipment outfitted with audible back-up

Mitigation Location Responsible for Monitoring of Method of Indicators/ Frequency Responsible for Measures Mitigation Mitigation Monitoring Standards Monitoring alarms; (x) sign boards for hazardous areas such as energized electrical devices and lines, service rooms housing high voltage equipment, and areas for storage and disposal.

Community Construction sites Construction (i) Traffic Visual inspection (i) Implementation Quarterly DSMC Health and Safety Contractor Management of Traffic Plan; Management Plan; (ii) complaints (ii) complaints from from sensitive sensitive receptors receptors satisfactorily addressed Work Camps Work camps Construction (i) Complaints Visual inspection (i) Designated Quarterly DSMC Contractor from sensitive areas only; receptors; (ii) (ii) complaints from water and sensitive receptors sanitation satisfactorily facilities for addressed employees; and (iii) SIPMIU/DSMC report in writing that the camp has been vacated and restored to pre-project conditions Chance Finds Construction sites Construction Records of Checking of Implementation of As needed DSMC Contractor chance finds records Chance Finds Protocol Monastery Monastery Construction (i) Work Schedule Checking of (i) Designated Quarterly SIPMIU Contractors (ii) Complaints records areas only; from sensitive (ii) complaints from receptors sensitive receptors

Mitigation Location Responsible for Monitoring of Method of Indicators/ Frequency Responsible for Measures Mitigation Mitigation Monitoring Standards Monitoring satisfactorily addressed

Table 13: Operation and Maintenance Environmental Monitoring Program Mitigation Location Responsible for Monitoring of Method of Indicators/ Frequency Responsible for Measures Mitigation Mitigation Monitoring Standards Monitoring General subproject PWD (UDHD) (i) O and M Checking of (i) Work done As needed SIPMIU Maintenance location and O and M Manual; records according to O work Contractors (ii) Complaints and M Manual; from sensitive (ii) Complaints receptors from sensitive receptors satisfactorily addressed Economic subproject PWD (UDHD) Complaints from Checking of Complaints from As needed SIPMIU Development location and O and M residents, records sensitive Contractors businesses, and receptors sensitive satisfactorily receptors addressed Social and subproject PWD (UDHD) Complaints from Checking of Complaints from As needed SIPMIU Cultural location and O and M residents, records sensitive Resources Contractors businesses, and receptors sensitive satisfactorily receptors addressed Occupational subproject PWD (UDHD) i) Records of Checking of (i) Complaints As needed SIPMIU Health and Safety location and O and M training; records from sensitive Contractors receptors (ii) H and S Plan satisfactorily approved by addressed UDHD

D. Environmental Management Costs

142. Most of the mitigation measures require the Contractors to adopt good site practices, which are part of their normal procedures, so there are unlikely to be major costs associated with compliance. These costs of mitigation by the contractors are included in the budgets for the civil works. Mitigation and monitoring provided by the SIPMIU or its DSMC will be part of incremental administration costs. Costs required for environmental quality monitoring is indicated in Table 14.

Table 14: Environmental Management and Monitoring Costs (INR) Item Responsible agency Quantity/Details Total Cost Source of funds for implementation I. Construction Phase INR Tree plantation & Contractor - 10,000 Included in the maintenance for 2 years project cost under EMP costs Air quality monitoring Contractor 30 samples 90,000 Same as above Monitoring of DSMC Periodically as Part of - implementation of required incremental mitigation measures admin costs II Operation & Maintenance Phase None Total costs 100,000 EMP = Environmental Management Plan.

VIII. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

143. The process described in this document has assessed the environmental impacts of all elements of the infrastructure proposed under the Gangtok Water Supply Subproject. Potential negative impacts were identified in relation to both construction and operation of the improved infrastructure, but no impacts were identified as being due to either the project design or location. Mitigation measures have been developed in generic way to reduce all negative impacts to acceptable levels. These were discussed with specialists responsible for the engineering aspects, and as a result some measures have already been included in the outline designs for the infrastructure. This means that the number of impacts and their significance has already been reduced by amending the design.

144. During the construction phase, impacts mainly arise from the need to dispose of moderate quantities of waste soil; and from the disturbance of residents, businesses, traffic and important buildings by the construction work. These are common impacts of construction in urban areas, and there are well developed methods for their mitigation.

145. One field in which impacts are much less routine is archaeology, and here a series of specific measures have been developed to avoid damaging important remains, if any present at project location.

146. There were limited opportunities to provide environmental enhancements, but certain measures were included. For example it is proposed that the project will employ in the workforce people who live in the vicinity of construction sites to provide them with a short-term

67 economic gain; and ensure that people employed in the longer term to maintain and operate the new facilities are residents of nearby communities.

147. Once the system is operating, the facilities will operate with routine maintenance, which should not affect the environment. The area is isolated and hence direct impact to nearby environment is minimum.

148. The main impacts of the operating water supply system will be beneficial as the citizens of Gangtok will be provided with a constant supply of water, which will serve a greater proportion of the population. This will improve the quality of life of people as well as benefiting both individual and public health as the improvements in hygiene should reduce the incidence of disease associated with poor sanitation. This should lead to economic gains as people will be away from work less and will spend less on healthcare, so their incomes should increase.

149. Mitigation will be assured by a program of environmental monitoring conducted during construction and operation to ensure that all measures are implemented, and to determine whether the environment is protected as intended. This will include observations on- and off- site, document checks, and interviews with workers and beneficiaries, and any requirements for remedial action will be reported to the SIPMIU. There will also be longer-term surveys to monitor the expected improvements in the quality of domestic water and the health of the population.

150. Finally, stakeholders were involved in developing the IEE through face-to-face discussions and on site meeting held in the city, after which views expressed were incorporated into the IEE and the planning and development of the project. The IEE will be made available at public locations in the city and will be disclosed to a wider audience via the ADB website. The consultation process will be continued and expanded during project implementation, when a nationally-recognised NGO will be appointed to handle this key element to ensure that stakeholders are fully engaged in the project and have the opportunity to participate in its development and implementation.

IX. CONCLUSIONS

151. The subproject is unlikely to cause significant adverse impacts. The potential adverse impacts that are associated with design, construction, and operation can be mitigated to standard levels without difficulty through proper engineering design and the incorporation or application of recommended mitigation measures and procedures.

152. Based on the findings of the IEE, the classification of the Project as Category ―B‖ is confirmed, and no further special study or detailed EIA needs to be undertaken to comply with ADB SPS (2009) or GoI EIA Notification (2006).

Annex 1 – ADB Rapid Environmental Assessment Checklist (Water Supply)

Instructions: This checklist is to be prepared to support the environmental classification of a project. It is to be attached to the environmental categorization form that is to be prepared and submitted to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Regional and Sustainable Development Department This checklist is to be completed with the assistance of an Environment Specialist in a Regional Department. This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social dimensions are adequately considered, refer also to ADB checklists and handbooks on (i) involuntary resettlement, (ii) indigenous peoples planning, (iii) poverty reduction, (iv) participation, and (v) gender and development. Answer the questions assuming the "without mitigation" case. The purpose is to identify potential impacts. Use the "remarks" section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures.

SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS A. Project Siting

Is the project area… . Densely populated? √ Subproject activities extend to the entire City including the densely populated areas. There are no major negative impacts envisaged, because network improvements will be located in unused government lands along side the existing roads and can be constructed without causing disturbance to, houses, and commercial establishments. In narrow streets, disruption to road users is likely, and measure like best activity scheduling, alternative routes, prior information to road users, houses and shops will minimize the impact to acceptable levels. . Heavy with development activities? √ Subproject is proposed in an urban area with heavy development activities. The subproject however will not cause negative impacts on development.

The project requires acquisition of private agricultural land to an extent of 300 sq. m (0.03 hectare) for a water tank. . Adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive areas? Cultural heritage site √ There are no protected monuments. However, there are important Budhsit Monasteries in the City; subproject will not have any negative impact Protected Area √ There are no protected areas Wetland √ There are no wetlands Mangrove √ There are no mangrove areas Estuarine √ There is no estuarine zone Buffer zone of protected area √ No Special area for protecting √ No biodiversity Bay √ No B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause… . pollution of raw water supply from √ Subproject does not involve any source development upstream wastewater discharge from activities. Works limited to Storage and distribution. communities, industries, agriculture, and soil erosion runoff?

SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS . impairment of historical/cultural √ A tank, which is constructed within the existing water supply monuments/areas and loss/damage to campus, site is located adjacent to a monastery. There is no these sites? loss or damage to the monastery; precautions will be taken so that there will be uninterrupted access . hazard of land subsidence caused by √ Subproject does not involve groundwater pumping excessive ground water pumping?

. social conflicts arising from √ No displacement of communities is anticipated. Works are displacement of communities ? being conducted within the government lands and road ROW.

The project requires acquisition of private agricultural land to an extent of 0.03 hectare for a water tank. Land owned by a single family that is willing to provide land for the Tank. The land owner will be compensated according to government and ADB policies . conflicts in abstraction of raw water for √ Subproject does not involve source water supply with other beneficial water development/augmentation activities uses for surface and ground waters?

. unsatisfactory raw water supply (e.g. √ Water is fit for drinking after conventional treatment. excessive pathogens or mineral Necessary water treatment facilities are already available constituents)?

. delivery of unsafe water to distribution √ Necessary disinfection (chlorination) facilities are already system? available to check bacteriological pollution during water transmission and distribution. . inadequate protection of intake works or √ Subproject does not involve source wells, leading to pollution of water development/augmentation activities. The existing source is supply? adequate protected.

. over pumping of ground water, leading √ Subproject does not involve groundwater pumping; water to salinization and ground subsidence? supply in Gangtok is surface water based.

. excessive algal growth in storage √ Ideal design capacity as per the supply, and regular reservoir? maintenance of reservoir will mitigate this impact.

. increase in production of sewage √ Existing sewerage system covers only 45% of the present beyond capabilities of community population, and therefore will be inadequate. However, this is facilities? being expanded through other projects, and the remaining area, if any will be covered with the ADB funded NRCCDIP in the future tranches . inadequate disposal of sludge from √ Project does not include treatment facilities water treatment plants? . inadequate buffer zone around pumping √ Water supply system is gravity based and there are no and treatment plants to alleviate noise pumping stations proposed and other possible nuisances and protect facilities? . impairments associated with √ No power transmission lines or new access roads proposed transmission lines and access roads? in the Subproject . health hazards arising from inadequate √ Subproject does not include chlorination facilities, which are design of facilities for receiving, storing, already available and handling of chlorine and other hazardous chemicals. . health and safety hazards to workers √ None from the management of chlorine used for disinfection and other contaminants?

SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS . dislocation or involuntary resettlement √ Subproject requires acquisition of private agricultural land to of people an extent of 0.03 hectare for a water tank. Land owned by a single family that is willing to provide land for the Tank. The land owner will be compensated according to government and ADB policies

During the construction, particularly in narrow streets and streets with on street commercial activities, there may be temporary disruption or relocation of hawkers and vendors. This will be handled through EMP and temporary assistance as suggested by SRP . social conflicts between construction √ Unskilled workforce will mostly be drawn from the local workers from other areas and communities community workers? . noise and dust from construction √ Dismantling of existing tanks at few sites is likely to generate activities? noise. Scheduling of works appropriately and prior information to the affected people will minimize the impact. Construction work during nights will be avoided. Dust generation will be controlled through water sprinkling, immediate transportation of excess soil, covered transport etc. . increased road traffic due to √ Linear activities like pipe replacement/laying along the roads interference of construction activities? is likely to disrupt traffic. Vehicle movement for construction purpose will increase the traffic. Identification of alternate routes, allowing limited - at least one-way traffic, prior information about the works and alternative arrangements, providing information/sign boards will reduce the impact. . continuing soil erosion/silt runoff from √ Due to hilly terrain this is anticipated. Construction works construction operations? (pipe laying, foundations) will not be carried out during heavy rains. Work will be taken up in small stretches, all the work excavation, pipe laying and refilling will be completed in 2-3 days. Surplus soil/unprotected construction material will be removed from the sites. Special precautions like protection bunds will be constructed where required. . . delivery of unsafe water due to poor √ Adequate treatment facilities are already in place. O&M treatment processes (especially Chlorine dosage is based on the standards according to the mud accumulations in filters) and potential contamination. Regular monitoring of water quality inadequate chlorination due to lack of is conducted adequate monitoring of chlorine residuals in distribution systems? . delivery of water to distribution system, √ Water quality supplied is not corrosive which is corrosive due to inadequate attention to feeding of corrective chemicals? . accidental leakage of chlorine gas? √ Project does not include chlorination facilities, which are already available . excessive abstraction of water affecting √ No source development/augmentation activities proposed downstream water users? under the project . competing uses of water? √ Same as above . increased sewage flow due to increased √ Project does not include source/supply augmentation water supply measures, but have only distribution components.

Nevertheless, as the city at present is covered partially with sewerage system, this is being expanded through other projects, and the remaining area, if any, will be covered with the ADB funded NRCCDIP in the future tranches . increased volume of sullage √ Same as above (wastewater from cooking and washing) and sludge from wastewater treatment plant

Annex 2 – Records of Public Consultation

A town level meeting was organized in Gangtok on November 26, 2010 to discuss the proposed project. The meeting was presided over by the Honorable Mayor of GMC and was attended by the Deputy Mayor, elected public representatives of GMC (Councilors), and representatives from public and agencies like WS&PHED and SIPMIU.

The list of participants of consultation meeting is appended herewith for reference. Following are the comments/suggestions of the participants:

The work should be completed within the shortest possible time as people face a lot of problems due to the absence of the proposed infrastructure at present; Provisions should be made to include all the households to be linked to the water supply system facility so that the maximum number of people is benefited; People are willing to cooperate by all means to implement the project successfully and are willing to pay higher water charges if levied within their affordable means; Inconvenience and traffic disturbances due to construction work in the city should be minimized as far as possible

Annex 3 – Recommended Contract Clauses

Sources of Materials

Air Quality

Surface Water Quality

(i) Avoid stockpiling of earth fill especially during the monsoon season unless covered by tarpaulins or plastic sheets; (ii) Prioritize re-use of excess spoils and materials in the construction works. If spoils will be disposed, consult with SIPMIU/DSMC on designated disposal areas; (iii) Install temporary silt traps or sedimentation basins along the drainage leading to the water bodies; (iv) Place storage areas for fuels and lubricants away from any drainage leading to water bodies; (v) Dispose any wastes generated by construction activities in designated sites; and (vi) Conduct surface quality inspection according to the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

Noise Levels

(vi) Maintain maximum sound levels not exceeding 80 decibels (dbA) when measured at a distance of 10 m or more from the vehicle/s.

Landscape and Aesthetics

Accessibility

Socio-Economic – Income (i) Leave space for access between mounds of excavated soil; (ii) Provide wooden planks/footbridges for pedestrians and metal sheets for vehicles to allow access across trenches to premises where required; (iii) Consult affected businesspeople to inform them in advance when work will occur; (iv) Address livelihood issues; implement the Resettlement Plan (RP) to address these issues;

(v) Provide prior public information about the work schedule in particular locality and the traffic diversions/changes in any – information shall disseminated through local papers and cable television services; (vi) Provide sign/caution/warning boards at work site indicating work schedule and traffic information; prevent public entry into work sites through barricading and security; and (vii) Provide sign boards for pedestrians to inform nature and duration of construction works and contact numbers for concerns/complaints.

Socio-Economic – Employment

(i) Employ at least 50% of the labour force, or to the maximum extent, local persons within the 2-km immediate area if manpower is available; and (ii) Secure construction materials from local market.

Occupational Health and Safety

(i) Develop and implement site-specific Health and Safety (H and S) Plan which will include measures such as: (a) excluding public from the site; (b) ensuring all workers are provided with and use Personal Protective Equipment; (c) H and S Training for all site personnel; (d) documented procedures to be followed for all site activities; and (e) documentation of work-related accidents; (ii) Ensure that qualified first-aid can be provided at all times. Equipped first-aid stations shall be easily accessible throughout the site; (iii) Provide medical insurance coverage for workers; (iv) Secure all installations from unauthorized intrusion and accident risks; (v) Provide supplies of potable drinking water; (vi) Provide clean eating areas where workers are not exposed to hazardous or noxious substances; (vii) Provide H and S orientation training to all new workers to ensure that they are apprised of the basic site rules of work at the site, personal protective protection, and preventing injuring to fellow workers; (viii) Provide visitor orientation if visitors to the site can gain access to areas where hazardous conditions or substances may be present. Ensure also that visitor/s do not enter hazard areas unescorted; (ix) Ensure the visibility of workers through their use of high visibility vests when working in or walking through heavy equipment operating areas; (x) Ensure moving equipment is outfitted with audible back-up alarms; (xi) Mark and provide sign boards for hazardous areas such as energized electrical devices and lines, service rooms housing high voltage equipment, and areas for storage and disposal. Signage shall be in accordance with international standards and be well known to, and easily understood by workers, visitors, and the general public as appropriate; and (xii) Disallow worker exposure to noise level greater than 85 dBA for a duration of more than 8 hours per day without hearing protection. The use of hearing protection shall be enforced actively.

Community Health and Safety

(i) Plan routes to avoid times of peak-pedestrian activities. (ii) Liaise with SIPMIU/DSMC in identifying risk areas on route cards/maps.

(iii) Maintain regularly the vehicles and use of manufacturer-approved parts to minimize potentially serious accidents caused by equipment malfunction or premature failure. (iv) Provide road signs and flag persons to warn of dangerous conditions, in case of location near the road.

Work Camps

Social and Cultural Resources – Chance Finds

Social and Cultural Resources – Monastery

(i) Schedule work in consultation with the Monastery authorities; (ii) Schedule work during non-peak visitor season; for instance; (iii) Not schedule the work during the annual dance festival in December; (iv) Suspend work during full-moon days as maximum numbers visitors frequent the monastery during these days when special prayers are offered; (v) Avoid blocking the entrance to the monastery; (vi) Provide a barricaded walkway which would separate the visitors from that of construction related activities; and (vii) Provide security personnel