42378-015: Power System Expansion And

Semi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report

Project No: 42378-015 June 2019

Power System Expansion and Efficiency Improvement Investment Program - Tranche 1 Part B -132 kV Grid Network Development Project in Eastern Region

Prepared by Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd (PGCB) for People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

This Semi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report 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.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Environmental Monitoring Report (Final)

Reporting Period : January’ 2019 to June’ 2019

BAN: Power System Expansion and Efficiency Improvement Investment Program- Tranche 1 Loan No: 2966- BAN

(132 kV Grid Network Development Project in Eastern Region)

Prepared by the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd. for the Asian Development Bank

This environmental safeguard monitoring report is a document of the borrower and made publicly available in accordance with ADB’s Public Communications Policy 2011 and the Safeguard Policy Statement 2009. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff.

Contents

SI. Description Page Executive Summary 03 1.0 Introduction 04 1.1 Project Description 04 1.2 Scope of the project 04-05 1.3 The objectives of the Project 06 1.4 Project Implementation Schedule & Progress Status 07 1.4.1 Lot-1: Transmission Lines 08-10 1.4.2 Lot-2: Substations 10-13 2.0 Compliance To Regulations 13-24 2.1 Brief summary of status of compliance with Environmental Conservation Rules 13-14 1997 2.2 Status on Regulatory Requirements 14 2.3 Compliance to Covenants from the ADB Loan Agreement 15-16 2.4 Compliance to Environmental Management Plan 16-22 2.5 Safeguards Monitoring Results and Unanticipated Impacts 22-23 2.6 Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Stakeholders’ Complaints 23-24 3.0 Information on Training 24 4.0 Impact on Environment due to Route Change in Section A 25-29 5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations 30

List of Tables

Table 1-1 Project at a Glance 06

Table 1-2 Estimated Cost of the Project 06

Table 1-3 Implementation Status: Transmission Line (Lot-1) up to December-2018 08

Table 1-4 Implementation Status: Substation (Lot-2) up to December-2018 11

Table 2-1 Environmental Monitoring Program/ Plan 16 Table 2-2 Implementation Status of EMP/ Compliance Report 22 Table 2-3 Findings, Recommendations & Assistance to EA & its Contractors in 23 Monitoring EMMP

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd. (PGCB) is executing this project (132 kV GNDP in Eastern Region under Loan 2966-BAN: Power System Expansion and Efficiency Improvement Investment Program – Tranche 1) with Foreign Exchange of 86 million USD being financed by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Local currency being financed from Government of Bangladesh (GoB) & PGCB funds. A loan agreement was signed between ADB and GoB in this regard on 30 April, 2013. The project includes construction and renovation of 10 nos. of 132/33 kV Grid substations and construction of around 293km 132 kV double circuit transmission lines in different areas of the eastern region of the country to improve the power system reliability. The project is divided into two lots, Lot-1 for transmission lines and Lot-2 for substations. Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB) has obtained environmental clearance from the Department of Environment (DoE). Accordingly, Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) issues and implementation of EMP were included in the contracts with the contractors working in the field are regularly monitoring the implementation of EMP, HSE issues, conducting Tool Box Meetings, provided with guidelines for safety and Environmental Parameters. As for now, task need to be considered in priority are to establish an institutional mechanism to manage and monitor the EMP, enhancing awareness programs, identifying the gaps and working out a To-Do list with time bound achievement frame work.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Description

The demand of Electricity is growing up gradually regularly throughout the country. In consistence with this higher demand of power, new power plants need to be installed. But it will not be possible to transmit the power to be generated from the existing and the future power plants unless and until the sufficient transmission facilities are built-up. Consequently, Power Grid company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB) intends to construct around 293km 132 kV Transmission Lines and construction 10 nos. of (4 new and 6 renovation) 132/33kV Substations in the eastern region of the country. In Chittagong area 80.02 kms of 132kV Chandrahgona-Rangamati-Khagrachari line with two new 132/33 kV sub-Stations at Rangamati & Khagrachari and one Sub-Station extension in Chandrahgona will be constructed. In Dhaka area 93.45km 132kV Tangail-Ghatail--Mymensingh Transmission Line with two extension of 132/33 kV Sub-Stations at Tangail & Mymensingh (RPCL) and 57.234 km 132kV Brahmanbaria-Nabinagar-Narsingdi Transmission Line with two 132/33 kV Sub-Stations extension at Brahmanbaria, Narsingdi will be constructed. In Sylhet area 62.448 km Syhet-Fenchuganj T-off to Beanibazar & Chhatak-Sunamgonj 132kV Transmission Lines with two new Sub-Stations at Beanibazar & Sunamgonj and one Sub-Station extension at Chattak will be constructed.

ADB is helping Bangladesh to boost its power supply to reach electricity to all through uninterrupted power transmission.

PGCB is the implementing agency for “132 kV Grid Network Development Project in Eastern Region” under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.

1.2 Scope of the project

New Line/New Land Name of the Components Sub-Station Acquisition Chandrahgona-Rangamati-Khagrachari 132kV double circuit 80.02 Km. ---- Transmission Line. 5 nos. 132 kV Bay Extension at Chandrahgona Sub-Station. Modification. 132/33 kV, 50/82 MVA Sub-Station at Rangamati. 1 No. 5.35 Acre. 132/33 kV, 60/78 MVA Sub-Station at Khagrachari. 1 No. 6.10 Acre. Tangail-Mymensingh 132kV double circuit Transmission Line. 93.45 km ---- 2 nos. 132 kV Bay Extension and Installation of 1 no. 132/33 kV, 50/75 MVA Transformer at Tangail Sub-Station. Extension/Renovation

New Line/New Land Name of the Components Sub-Station Acquisition 2 nos. 132 kV Bay Extension at Mymensingh RPCL Sub-Station. Extension/Renovation Brahmanbaria-Narsingdi 132kV double circuit Transmission Line and 57.23km ---- Haripur/Bhulta-Ghorashal LILO to Narshingdi. 6 nos. 132 kV Bay Extension and Installation of 1 no. 132/33 kV, Extension/Renovation 50/75 MVA Transformer at Narsingdi Sub-Station. 2 nos. 132 kV Bay Extension at Brahmanbaria Sub-Station. Extension/Renovation 132kV Sylhet-Fenchuganj line T-off to Beanibazar & Chhatak- 62.45 km ----- Sunamgonj 132 kV double circuit Transmission Line. 1 no. 132 kV Bay Extension at Chhatak Sub-Station. Extension/Renovation 132/33 kV, 60/78 MVA Sub-Station at Sunamgonj. 1 No. 5.25 Acre. 132/33 kV, 100/150 MVA Sub-Station at Beanibazar. 1 No. 5.33 Acre.

Fig: Scope of the project 5

1.3 The objectives of the Project

 To increase the power supply reliability of Mymensingh area.  To reduce dependency on Ashuganj-Kishorganj 132kV line.  To evacuate the Power from the upcoming Power Plant in Mymensingh area.  To meet the growing demand of Rangamati, Khagrachari, Beanibazar & Sunamganj.  To supply reliable power to Hill Tract area.  To minimize the accumulation of huge power at Ashuganj 132 kV bus bar.  To minimize the overloading of existing “Ashuganj-Ghorasal 132 KV transmission line”.  To strengthen the power evacuation arrangement & increase power supply stability, reliability & transmission capability in Ashuganj & Ghorasal area.

The project includes construction and renovation of 10 nos of 132/33 kV grid substation and construction of around 293.15 km 132 kV double circuit transmission lines in different areas of eastern region of the country to improve the power supply reliability.

The foreign exchange component of the project cost are being financed from ADB’s Power System Expansion and Efficiency Improvement Investment Program (Trance 1) Loan no. 2966-BAN, signed between ADB and Government of Bangladesh (GOB) under Subsidiary Loan Agreement (SLA) with PGCB, whereas the local currency expenses are being financed by GOB and PGCB.

The details of the said project are given in Table-1.1 Initial and revised estimated costs of the Project are given in Table-1.2.

Table 1-1: Project at a Glance Project Title : 132 kV Grid Network Development Project in Eastern Region

Ministry/Division : Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources/Power

Executing Agency : Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB)

Location of the Project : District: Brahmanbaria, Narsingdi, Rangamati, Khagrachari, Mymensingh, Tangail, Sunamganj, Sylhet.

Table 1-2: Estimated Cost of the project [USD @ Taka 79.70 & INR @ 1.22] As per Total DPA GOB PGCB Original DPP 9,868.40 6,932.30 (85 m USD) 1,771.33 1,164.80 Revised DPP 9,825.66 6,808.77 (85 m USD) 1,744.28 1,272.61

Tenders were invited for the implementation of the project by dividing it into two lots: Lot-1 for transmission lines and Lot-2 for substations. After systematic and successful tendering processes two turnkey contracts were signed with the approval of ADB as follows: i) Turnkey contract for “Design, Supply, Erection, Testing and Commissioning of 132 kV Transmission Lines and Substations on Turnkey Basis Lot-1: Transmission Lines (PSEEIP/ADB/PGCB/TL)” has

been signed between PGCB and Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios S.A. on September 15, 2014. ii) Turnkey contract for “Design, Supply, Erection, Testing and Commissioning of 132 kV Transmission Lines and Substations on Turnkey Basis Lot-2: Substations (PSEEIP/ADB/PGCB/SS)” has signed

between PGCB and ABB India Limited on September 18, 2014.

1.4 Project Implementation Schedule & Progress Status

1.4.1 Lot-1: Transmission Lines

General Information: Contract No: PSEEIP/ADB/PGCB/TL

Design, Supply, Erection, Testing and Commissioning of 132 kV Transmission Lines and Substation on Turnkey Basis Lot-1: Transmission Lines.

Lot-1 includes construction of nearly 293.15km of 132 kV Transmission Lines in different location in Bangladesh, which is divided into 4 (four) sections:

 Section A: Chandraghona-Rangamati-Khagrachari (80.02 km)  Section B: Mymensingh-Tangail (93.45 km)  Section C: Brahmanbaria-Narsingdi double circuit Transmission Line and Haripur/Bhulta- Ghorashal LILO to Narshingdi (57.23 km)  Section D: Chatak-Sunamganj, Sylhet-Fenchuganj T-off to Beanibazar. (62.45 km)

Implementation Schedule:

The turnkey contract for LOT-1: Transmission Lines completion date is 08.08.2017, 900 (Nine Hundred) days from the contract effective date of 20.02.2015.

Present Status: Transmission Line (Lot-1)

Contract signed on 15.09.2015 between PGCB and Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios S.A. 10% advance payment of FC was paid on 24.11.2014. Letter of Credit (LC) was opened on 01.01.2015. Contract was made effective from 20.02.2015. According to the condition of the contract, contract will be effective after opening of L/C & accepted by the contractor, although the direct payment of advance was made much earlier to the contractor. The project completion date is 08.08.2017 which is 900 days from the effective date of contract.

Contract Price USD 33,276,661.00 + BDT 1,369,302.162.00 Revised Contract Price USD 45,072,196.03 + BDT 954,173.552.58

Table 1.3: Implementation Status: Transmission Line (Lot-1) Section Name of 132kV Transmission Line Length Present Status Sec - A Chandraghona-Rangamati-Khagrachari Line 80.02 km Completed, transmitting power since 0 4/04/2018. Sec - B Tangail-Mymensingh (RPCL) Line 93.45 km Completed, transmitting power since 09/06/2017 Sec - C Brahmanbaria-Narsingdi 132kV double circuit 57.23 km Completed, transmitting power Transmission Line and Haripur/Bhulta- since 01/10/2018 & 20.10.2018. Ghorashal LILO to Narshingdi Chattak-Sunamganj 132 kV double circuit 32.04 km Completed, transmitting power Transmission Line since 03/05/2018. Sec - D Sylhet-Fenchuganj line T-off to Beanibazar 30.39 km Completed, transmitting power 132 kV double circuit Transmission Line. since 12/06/2018. Total Line Length 293.15 km

Chandraghona-Rangamati-Khagrachari 132kV Line

Fig : Fenchuganj-Sylhet T-off to Beanibazar 132kV Line

Fig: Brahmanbaria-Narsingdi 132kV double circuit Transmission Line

1.4.2 Lot-2: Substations

General Information: Contract No: PSEEIP/ADB/PGCB/SS Design, Supply, Erection, Testing and Commissioning of 132 kV Transmission Lines and Substation on Turnkey Basis Lot-2: Substations.

Lot-2 includes construction of 4 new 132/33 kV Substations in Rangamati, Khagrachari, Beanibazar and Shunamganj and renovation of 6 existing 132/33 kV Substations in Chandraghona, Brahmanbaria,

Narsingdi, Tangail, Mymensingh (RPCL) and Chattak.

Present Status: Substation (Lot-2) Contract Signed on 18.09.2014 between PGCB and ABB India Limited. 10% advance payment of FC was paid on 24.11.2014. Letter of Credit (LC) was opened on 14.01.2015. Contract was made effective from 20.02.2015. According to the condition of the contract, contract will be effective after opening of L/C & accepted by the contractor, although the direct payment of advance was made earlier to the contractor. The project completion date is 08.08.2017 which is 900 days from the effective date of contract.

Contract Price INR 1,304,279,112.39 plus BDT 558,390,990.70 Revised Contract Price INR 1,446,519,907.66 plus BDT 690,039,678.37

Implementation Schedule:

The turnkey contract for LOT-2: Substations completion date is 08.08.2017, 900 (Nine Hundred) days from the contract effective date 20.02.2015.

Table 1.4: Implementation Status: Substation (Lot-2)

New Substations Present status Extension / Present status construction Renovation Rangamati Completed on 27/12/18 Chandraghona Completed on 19/03/18 Khagrachari Completed on 13/04/18 Narsingdhi Completed on 09/03/18 Beanibazar Completed on 12/06/18 Brahmanbaria Completed on 02/02/18 Sunamganj Completed on 03/05/18 Mymensingh (RPCL) Completed on 09/06/17 Tangail Completed on 08/06/17 Chattak Completed on 03/11/17

Sunamganj 132/33kV Substation

Beanibazar 132/33kV Substation

Rangamati 132/33kV Substation

Khagrachari 132/33kV Substation

Land Acquisition / Development:

Land acquisition for Beanibazar, Sunamganj, Rangamati & Khagrachari Substations has been completed. Payment for land of 4(Four) substations has been paid to respective DC Offices. All lands have been already handed over to the executing agency “PGCB”.

2. COMPLIANCE TO NATIONAL & ADB REGULATIONS

2.1 Brief summary of compliance with Environmental Conservation Rules 1997 :

Bangladesh Environmental Protection Act 1995 and subsequent amendments and relevant Acts including Environmental Conservation Rules (ECR) 1997 calls for environment-friendly execution of any Power Sector Development project in its all stages of Pre-Construction, Construction and Post Construction activities.

According to Environment Conservation Act 1995 and Environment Conservation Rules 1997, all projects have been classified into four categories (Green, Orange A, Orange B and Red). The power development projects are allocated to the red category, which triggers an automatic requirement for an Initial

Environment Examination (IEE) followed by a full Environmental Impact Assessment (ELA) study. Subject to satisfactory review of the environmental assessment, the Department of Environment (DoE) issues an authorization for the project to proceed. The authorization consists of two parts: a “site clearance”, which gives approval to the site proposed for the project and an “environmental clearance”, which approves the content of the project.

A key requirement of the IEE/EIA for projects classified in the Red categories is an Environment Management Plan (EMP). The function of the EMP is to enable the project proponent PGCB to show the DoE how it will deliver the environmental performance assessed in the IEE/EIA (for which DOE approval is sought). The EMP must describe in detail organization and management responsibilities, give details of how mitigation measures identified in the IEE/EIA will be implemented and explain how monitoring will be carried out.

The PGCB, as the executing agency, is responsible for carrying out IEE and EIA studies of the project. PGCB has already engaged Center for Environment and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) for conducting IEE and EIA study by splitting the total project into four sections: Section A (Chandraghona- Rangamati-Khagrachari), Section B (Mymensingh-Ghatail-Tangail), Section C (Brahmanbaria-Nabinagar- Narsingdi), Section D (Sylhet-Sunamganj-Beanibazar). IEE and EIA study has been completed for all those sections and based on the assessment, environmental clearance from DoE. PGCB has obtained environmental clearance from DoE for all the 4 (four) sections.

EMP has been made by CEGIS as a prerequisite of submitting EIA and getting approval from DOE. The EA (PGCB) has made its contractors concerned about the EMP and site activities are monitored to check the compliance with EMP.

2.2 Status on Regulatory Requirements:

IEE and EIA study has been done by CEGIS and DoE has awarded environmental clearance as well as approval of EIA report in favor of 132kV Grid Network Development Project in Eastern Region. Details of the environmental clearances are given below:

SI 132kV Line with associated Substations DoE Clearance Remarks 1 Section A: Chandraghona-Rangamai-Khagrachari Obtained on 01/01/15 Work completed 2 Section B: Mymensingh(RPCL) -Tangail Obtained on 20/04/17 Work completed 3 Section C: Brahmanbaria-Narsingdi double Obtained on 16/04/14 Work completed circuit Transmission Line and Haripur/Bhulta- Renewed on 27/12/18 Ghorashal LILO to Narshingdi 4 Section D: Fenchugonj-Sylhet T-off to Obtained on 04/04/17 Work completed Beanibazar & Chattak -Sunamganj Line

2.3 Compliance to Covenants from the ADB Loan Agreement: Indicators Issues Activities Complian Remarks ce Status Environment  All applicable laws and  Review of existing laws Complied  Site clearance and regulations of the country and regulation (National environmental relating to environment, and ADB safeguard clearances are health and safety policy) obtained from DoE  The environmental  Acquire site clearance  Construction works safeguard and environmental has been done in  All measures and clearance from DoE compliance with requirements set forth in the  Monitor all the site EMP, which is respective IEE and EMP activities are in monitored by PGCB. and any corrective or compliance with the preventive actions set forth EMP. in a Safeguard Monitoring Report. Land  All applicable laws and  Review of existing laws Complied  Land acquisition has acquisition regulations relating to land and regulation (National been done by the and acquisition and involuntary and ADB safeguard respective DC involuntary resettlement policy) offices in accordance resettlement  The involuntary with the laws and  To address any grievance resettlement safeguards regulations of the raised by any of the  All measures and country. requirements set forth in the affected person. RP, and any corrective or preventive actions set forth in a Safeguard Monitoring Report. Safeguards  Comply with the measures  To include provisions in Complied All safeguard related related and requirements relevant to the bidding documents provisions provisions in the contractor set forth in the that require contractors incorporated in bidding EIA and EMP. to comply with the EIA bidding documents  Make available budget for and EMP documents, works and and works all such environmental and work contracts. and work social measures  Provide PGCB with a contracts written notice of any unanticipated environmental, resettlement, or indigenous peoples risks or impacts that arise during construction, implementation or operation of the project that were not considered in the IEE, the EMP and the RP

Safeguard  Submit semi-annual  To Review the EMP Complied Safeguard monitoring Monitoring Safeguard Monitoring provided in the EIA is being done and and Reporting Reports to ADB and  To monitor all the reports have been disclose relevant constructions are in submitted to ADB on information from such compliance with the regular basis. reports to affected persons EMP promptly upon submission  To report any potential  If any unanticipated breach of compliance environmental and or social with the EMP risks and impacts arise during construction, implementation or operation of the Project that were not considered in the IEE, the EMP, and the RP, promptly inform ADB of the occurrence of such risks or impacts, with detailed description of the event and proposed corrective action plan.  Report any actual or potential breach of compliance with the measures any requirement set forth in the EMP or the RP promptly after becoming aware of the breach.

2.4 Compliance to Environmental Management Plan:

As EMP is a key requirement for obtaining Environmental Clearance from DOE, PGCB has submitted an EMP with EIA study. The function of EMP is to identify the impacts on environment because of construction work, how to mitigate the impacts and explain how monitoring will be carried out. All personnel related to construction work are made aware of the EMP by regular meetings and currently, compliance of EMP is monitored by PGCB and safety officers of contractor. The construction works completed with compliance of EMP.

Table 2-1: Environmental Monitoring Program/ Plan

Recommended Responsibility Issues & Compliance Remedial Locations Monitoring Parameter Measures Frequency Implementation Supervision Status

Solid waste To be stored Substations, Every Contractor PGCB & Being management Transmission lines week Consultant Complied Danger and To be followed Substations and road Once a Contractor PGCB & Being warning signs for easements affected by month Consultant Complied safety of workers laying of underground and the public cables, Transmission lines

Recommended Monitori Responsibility Compliance Issues & Remedial ng Status Locations Parameter Measures Frequenc Implementation Supervision y Announcement to To be carried Along the road As needed Contractor PGCB & Complied the public of easement affected by Consultant works schedule laying cables and substations Dust and noise To be monitor Substations, Twice a Contractor PGCB & Complied level Transmission lines month Consultant

Housekeeping To be carried Substations, and Weekly Contractor PGCB & Complied Transmission lines Consultant Spray water To be carried RoW sites as well as Every day Contractor PGCB & Complied before movement sub-station site Consultant of vehicles by contractors

Transportation of To be carried RoW sites as well as Every day Contractor PGCB & Complied materials by truck sub-station site Consultant should be done at night by contractors Preparation of To be carried RoW sites as well as Every Contractor PGCB & Complied sanitary waste sub-station site week Consultant disposal site for solid and liquid waste. Adequate drains To be made Sub-station site Once a Contractor PGCB & Complied to carry storm month Consultant water runoff Adequate To be followed RoW and sub-station Once a Contractor PGCB & Complied compensation for site month Consultant trees Crop To be followed RoW and sub-station Every Contractor PGCB & Complied compensation for site crop Consultant the affected land season Placement of To be carried RoW and sub-station Once a Contractor PGCB & Complied adequate signs site month Consultant and posts warning people Fire fighters with To be arranged RoW and sub-station Every day Contractor PGCB & Complied materials site Consultant

Awareness of To be carried RoW and sub-station site Every day Contractor PGCB & Complied workers about Consultant hazardous materials and proper handling methods. Warning signs, labels and signals. Provide helmets, safety shoes and other PPE for workers in accordance with accident prevention and work safety procedures

Danger and Warning Signs

Adequate Signposts for Safety

Waste and Scrap Management

Water Spray on Sands

Housekeeping Work

PPE

Table 2.2: Implementation Status of EMP/ Compliance Report Recommended Monitoring Responsibility Compliance Issues & Parameter Remedial Locations Measures Frequency Implementation Supervision Status Spray water before Carried out RoW sites as Every day Contractor PGCB & Complied movement of vehicles well as sub- Consultant by contractors station site Transportation of Carried out RoW sites as Every day Contractor PGCB & Complied materials by truck well as sub- Consultant should be done at night station site by contrac tors Preparation of sanitary Carried out RoW sites as Every week Contractor PGCB & Complied waste disposal site for well as sub- Consultant solid and liquid waste. station site Adequate drains to Made Sub-station site Once a Contractor PGCB & Complied carry storm water month Consultant runoff Adequate compensation Followed RoW and sub- Once a Contractor PGCB & Complied for trees station site month Consultant

Crop compensation for Followed RoW and sub- Every crop Contractor PGCB & Complied the affected land station site season Consultant

Placement of adequate Carried out RoW and sub- Once a Contractor PGCB & Complied signs and posts warning station site month Consultant people Fire fighters with Arranged RoW and sub- Every day Contractor PGCB & Complied materials station site Consultant

Awareness of workers Carried out RoW and sub- Every day Contractor PGCB & Complied about hazardous station site Consultant materials and proper handling methods. Warning signs, labels and signals. Provide helmets, safety shoes and other PPE for workers in accordance with accident prevention and work safety procedures

2.5 Safeguards Monitoring Results and Unanticipated Impacts

The pertinent issues with reference to the Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) has been identified and correlated with the environmental standards where necessary. Such findings along with any unanticipated impact not included in the EMP have been placed with recommendations in Table-5.1. Assistance to EA and its Contractors in taking corrective action/ measures and the steps thus taken / to be taken has also been pointed out therein.

In that context, attention has been drawn to take necessary actions particularly in respect of Institutional Requirement and Monitoring Plan for the Post Construction and Operational Phase as per EMP approved by DOE & ADB for the project. This would include assessment of the training and awareness requirement on occupational hazard & safety issues for the operational teams and evaluation of injury and incident reports of the working contractors as well.

Table 2-3: Findings, Recommendations & Assistance to EA & its Contractors in Monitoring EMMP

Sl. Issues & Findings Actions Taken by 1. Monitoring Mechanism: Safety officers of turnkey contractors monitored issues regarding This was required for implementing safety. the EMMP 2. Environmental Clearance Applied for the renewal. Certificate (ECC) Renewal: ECC need to be renewed. 3. Health & Safety Hazard Check Turnkey contractors are maintaining HSHCL and it is monitored List (HSHCL): by EA. Regular Tool Box Meetings are held at site for awareness of the workers. 4. Environmental & Social PGCB is aware about the status of mitigation measures of Components: Environmental and potential impact on Environmental and social components Social Components were to be implemented with due diligence as per provision of the EIA. 5. Environmental Parameters (EPs) No effluent from site was falling into the river, negligible amount Quality Monitoring of Green House Gas are emitted from the construction work. So far, no plantations are destroyed during construction work. 6. Sharing of information with PAP has been informed in advance by PGCB for works on the Project Affected Persons (PAP) & ROW. Stakeholders’ Response:

2.6 Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Stakeholders’ Complaints

About 22 Acres of land were acquired for substations and cares are taken while selecting lands for substations and all selected lands are basically infertile and far from densely populated area. Prior consents from the land owners has taken before selecting the land for acquisition. Land acquisition for substations was completed and guided by Draft National Involuntary Resettlement Policy 2010, LAR Ordinance Amended in 1994 and Safeguard Policy Statement 2009. Compensation was paid to the land owners, affected on acquisition, by Account payee Cheque in presence of the local Member of Parliament, local representatives and local Government Officers.

Permanent Land acquisition is not required for the TL (Transmission line) as per Electricity Act 1910 and Telegraph Act 1885, but due Compensation were paid to the land owners to meet their losses of crops and tress. No permanent structures have been affected as TL passed through open field and agricultural land.

For grievance redress an officer from PGCB and a personal from the contractor are assigned in every site. Name, contact numbers, email address etc. have been provided on a signboard placed at the entrance of the substations, so that the affected people can address their grievance. So far, no complaints were received.

Figure 1: Grievance Redress for Khagrachari SS

3. TRAINING To build the awareness of workers about the safety procedures of construction work, different training programs are being conducted by the contractors at site on regular basis. A list of the trainings is given below:  Mock drill training on fire fighting  Ladder safety training  First aid treatment procedure training  Safety training for scaffolding work  Pap talk about snake bite hazard  Tool box meeting and knowledge sharing

Apart from that, by completing the construction and conducting various testing activities the manpower engaged in the project have gathered knowledge.

4. IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT DUE TO ROUTE CHANGE IN SECTION A:

The contractual route survey and IEE & EIA study of Section A (Chandraghona-Rangamati-Khagrachari Line) has been done by CEGIS. The contractual route length was 90 km as the line route was considered mostly along the side of the road. But during the time of construction, the line was re-routed in some portions and some bending of lines has been avoided. Moreover, the proposed location of Rangamati Substation has been changed. For the changes, the route length has been reduced to 80.02 km.

As the total line length has been reduced from 90 km to 80.02 km, the following effects have been observed by the project office:  Number of tower reduced, so volume of construction work has been reduced  As the tower numbers have been reduced, the land required for tower construction become less.  Reduced number of tree cutting during civil construction and stringing work  Reduced amount compensation for crops and trees  Reduction in the impact on environment  The proposed location of Rangamati Substation was situated on a hill. To prepare the site for substation work huge amount of hill cutting was required. But at the execution level, the substation was shifted to another location which is adjacent to the Rangamati-Khagrachari road where no hill cutting was required. So, the impact on environment has become negligible.

Figure 2: Chandraghona-Rangamati Line (Map View) 26

27 Figure 3: Chandraghona-Rangamati Line (Google Earth View)

Figure 4: Rangamati-Khagrachari Line (Map View) 28

29 Figure 5: Rangamati-Khagrachari Line (Google Earth View)

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The objective and tools of monitoring and measuring the progress of implementation of the EMMP is basically to fulfill the safeguard requirements of ADB as well as that of DOE. Thus continuous updating of EMMP is required for unanticipated impacts standing currently apparent if any. Further, contract document has adequate coverage of Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (EOHS) issues.

 The copies of own policy documents of the contractors: ABB India Ltd. & Cobra Instalaciones Y Servicios S.A. Spain and their subcontractors like BEL pertaining to EHS & OHS along with Tender & contract provisions will be reviewed and evaluated periodically and followed for due assistance in implementing the EMMP. The gaps, if identified in the field through periodic inspection and verification, were duly addressed.  Due safety training and awareness program were carried particularly on Fire Hazards & EOHS.  EMMP is a dynamic mechanism and hence the provisions contained in the available tools like EMP of EIA doc requires revisited from time to time if required.

 PGCB also followed up with DoE regarding renewal of Environmental Clearance.