E1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

E1.1 INTRODUCTION

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been entrusted by Ministry of Roads Transport & Highways, Government of India with the assignment of preparation of feasibility study / Detailed project report and implementation of road stretches selected for Amritsar to Jamnagar Corridor under Bharatmala Pariyojana to 4/6 lane access control National Highway No. 754K (Economic Corridor – 3) of Bharatmala Project starting from Vantdau, in to , in approximately (125.185km) in the state of .

1 M/s. STUP Consultants Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi have been appointed as Consultants by NHAI to carry out the preparation of Feasibility study / Detailed Project Report of road stretches selected of Bharat Mala Scheme – Proposed New National Highway NH-754K greenfield alignment Sanchore-Santalpur section (Economic Corridor – 3) starting from Vantdau, in Banaskantha district to Ranmalpura in Patan district approximately (125.185km), in the state of Gujarat. Further, M/s. STUP Consultants Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi assigned Amaltas Enviro Industrial Consultants LLP a NABET accredited consultant to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment report including Environmental Management Plan.

E1.2 BRIEF ABOUT THE PROJECT AND ITS LOCATION

Project road is mostly green field alignment project and proposed for 4/6 lane expressway. The proposed project takes off from Vantdau village (Ch 4+888) in Banaskantha district near Rajasthan-Gujarat Border and ends at Ranmalpur (Ch 130+073) in Patan district in the state of Gujarat. The proposed access controlled expressway project has been envisaged through an area which shall have the advantage of simultaneous development as well as shall result in a shorter distance to travel. The salient features of the proposed project have been presented below:

Table 0.1: Salient features of the project Project Proposed New National Highway NH-754K greenfield alignment Sanchore-Santalpur Name section (Economic Corridor – 3) starting from Vantdau, in Banaskantha district to Ranmalpura in Patan district approximately (125.185km),Gujarat by National Highway Authority of India Proponent National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), MoRTH, GoI Project Implementation Unit, Gandhidham Capacity 125.185km Coordinates Start 24°39'52.17"N; 71°44'47.14"E End 23°44'35.51"N; 71° 8'17.15"E Project Project falls in Category “A”, with 125.185 Km length proposed. Category (as under EIA The Proposed Project is green field expressway and falls in Column no 3 of S. No 7 (f) Notification of the schedule of EIA Notification 2006 and subsequent amendments thereof, Hence 2006) categorized as category A and requires Prior Environment Clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forest& Climate Change New Delhi. Project Cost INR 2785.17 Cr

Salient Features of Project Road Stretch Sanchore – – Santalpur Road Length 125.185km Start Point 4.888km at Rajasthan – Gujarat Border (Village Vantdau) End Point 130.073km at Ranmalpura in Patan District Gujarat

Bypasses None Realignment None Existing Carriageway Width 10m (km 13+645 to km 34+427) Existing ROW 60m (km 13+645 to km 34+427) Proposed ROW 80m (km 13+645 to km 34+427) 70m rest (km 4.888 to km 13.645 and 34.427 to km 130.073) Districts En-route Banaskantha, Patan Important Settlements Tharad, Vav, , Santalpur Major Bridges 7 Nos.…………….25+269, 42+272, 51+435, 83+868, 93+600, 112+078, 123+810 Minor Bridges 21 Nos. Culverts 178 Nos.+ 16 Additional Major Road Crossing 13 Nos. Railway Crossings Nil Railway Over Bridge Nil Underpasses & Overpasses 68 Nos. Underpasses, No Overpasses Pedestrian /Cattle Underpasses 45 Nos. (All SVUPs shall cater as PUPs & CUPs) Details of Vehicular Underpass SVUP 45 Nos (7m x 4.5m) LVUP 10 Nos (12m x 4.5m) VUP 13 Nos (20m x 5.5m) Proposed Toll Plazas on project road 38+473, 76+865, 101+322, 120+900 Proposed way side amenities 37+500, 78+150 Design Speed 100 km/hr for plain terrain and 80 km/hr for rolling terrain Proposed Carriageway 3.5 m Lane width Safety Measure Crash Barriers Lighting Lighting including High Mask at Toll plazas, interchanges, major bridges / ROB’s and Amenities and Truck Parking Areas

Table 0.2: Features of EIA Importance 1. Project Road Proposed New National Highway NH-754K greenfield alignment Sanchore-Santalpur section (Economic Corridor – 3) starting from Vantdau, in Banaskantha district to Ranmalpura in Patan district approximately (125.185km), Gujarat. 2. Type of PPP EPC 3. Location of the The proposed project takes off from Vantdau village (Ch 4+888) proposed project in Banaskantha district near Rajasthan-Gujarat Border and ends at Ranmalpur (Ch 130+073) in Patan district in the state of Gujarat. 4. Seismic Zone Zone IV High Damage Risk Zone 5. Forest Land Diversion 151.701 ha 6. Affected water bodies There are 2 major canals which are crossing the proposed alignment at chainage At km 25+269: • Narmada Main Canal (42+300) • Kutch Canal (93+600 to 700) • Kutch Canal (112 + 100) • Kutch Canal ( 123 +900) • Pond (110+900) • Pond (113+100) 1 River: At km 83+868 .... River 7. Existing trees within 1958 (Details Annexed as III) ROW of 70m 8. Compensatory Approx. 75,000 nos of trees shall be planted (calculated for 3 plantation rows plantation on either sides). Also Plantation of shrubs in median. 9. Green belt development As per IRC SP 21:2009 /MoRTH Code/Guidelines 10. Cropping pattern in Kharif and Rabi crops are grown in Project area. affected area 11. Reserve Forest The alignment passes through three reserved forest namely- /Protected Forest in Kilana, Jamvada and Patanka Reserved Affected Area 12. Wildlife Sanctuaries Wild Ass Sanctuary Associated with this Rann of Kutch Sanctuary Project 13. No of Structures 280 Affected 14. No. of affected villages 41 villages (Banaskantha-31; Patan-10) by Land acquisition 15. Total Area of Land Total Land Acquisition: 829.9312 ha Acquisition Forest Land: 151.701 ha Agriculture: 678.2302 ha 16. No. of project affected Total PAFs –1528 persons (PAFs) & Total PAPs – 7624 (PAPs) 17. Resettlement Action INR 232.67 Crore Plan (RAP) including Land Acquisition Budget 18. Amenities Proposed The amenities proposed during operation phase are toll plaza, administrative buildings, weighing stations, parking areas, rest areas, roadside furniture, pedestrian facilities, landscaping and tree plantation, truck lay-bys, bus-bays and bus shelters, highway lightings and office cum residential complex of PIU. The toll plaza location will be selected based on the traffic studies and a study of the existing physical features including the availability of land & designed as per IRC 84.

19. Estimated Solid waste 137.5 Kg generation during construction phase

E 1.3 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES Option1 Starts from near Pratappura on NH-15 (Sanchore, Rajasthan) with x, y (779897.2119, 2734359.0339) and ends at Santalpur Option 2 Proposed New National Highway NH-754K greenfield alignment Sanchore-Santalpur section (Economic Corridor – 3) starting from Vantdau, in Banaskantha district to Ranmalpura in Patan district approximately (125.185km), Gujarat. Option 3 Starts from near Pratappura on NH-15(Sanchore, Rajasthan) with x, y (779897.2119, 2734359.0339) and ends at Santalpur. Option 4 Near Pratappura on NH-15(Sanchore, Rajasthan) with x, y (779897.2119, 2734359.0339) and ends at Santalpur.

Keeping in view of having less/minor effect on environmental and social components, alignment (ii) has been fixed and it seems more feasible as the length is less as compared to the other option. It also provides better alternative from Banaskantha to Patan district. It also provides quicker alternative to traffic coming from Amritsar (Punjab), Haryana, Rajasthan and going towards Jamnagar (Gujarat)/Jamnagar. NHAI is the implementing authority of the fixed alignment. E1.4 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT

Study Area: The base-line data has been collected for Core Zone (Corridor of Impact (COI)), an area covering 500 m on both side of the proposed alignment and 10 km buffer zone for prominent environmental attributes like ambient air quality, noise level, water quality and soil profile. Primary and Secondary data has also been collected for other environmental attributes for the preparation of EIA-EMP report. The baseline study for the project was conducted during October 2018 to December 2018.

Baseline Study: The findings of the baseline environmental status on land (topography, geology, soil quality, land use pattern), meteorology (Temperature, Relative Humidity, rainfall, wind

speed, wind rose), air (ambient air quality- PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX. and CO), water (surface & ground water), noise level, ecological environment (terrestrial and aquatic flora & fauna), socio- economic conditions (demographic profile and households condition) were presented and interpreted with reference to environmental standards.

 Meteorology: The climate of this region is sub-tropical monsoon type and falls under semi-arid region. The climate of the district is warm. Eastern part of the district receives sufficient rainfall during the monsoon period, whereas it is scanty in the western parts of the district. In the hot season the heat is great and it becomes intense in the northern part towards Marwar and in the western part towards the Rann of Kachchh. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season from December to February is followed by the hot season from March to May. The south-west monsoon season is from June to September and October and November is post monsoon season.

The annual rainfall in the district is received during the south – west monsoon season from June to September, July being the month with the highest rainfall. In general, monsoons are warm and moderately humid; winters are fairly cold and dry, while summers are largely hot and dry.

 Air Environment: Ambient air quality monitoring has been done at 5 locations. Specific station-wise Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) data for PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX. and CO as recorded during the study period i.e. from October to December 2018. All the parameters have been analyzed and show that all the parameters are well below the National ambient air quality standards,

2009 except PM10 &PM2.5 which exceeds NAAQS,2009 in all locations.

 Water Environment: The development of any region is based on the availability of sufficient water resources, as developmental activities require water for irrigation, domestic and other purposes. The water resources in the area broadly fall into following categories:

Surface Water resources: Canals and Narmada Rivers. Ground Water resources: Hand pump and Borewell

• Surface water: Surface water sampling has been taken for six locations. The pH varies from 8.11-8.85, During analysis DO was found in the range of 7.1 to 8.3 mg/L. Based on test result data comparison study, it is interpreted that all parameters of Surface water is within limit except with Iron which have been found more than Limit value at location SW3 (Near Rampura Village). Surface water of all the locations falls in class ‘D’ of CPCB Guidelines and can be used for wildlife and fisheries propagation, irrigation

• Ground water: Ground water sampling has been taken for six locations. The pH varies from 7.41-8.26, TDS varies from 182.2-4624.2 mg/L, Hardness varies from 104.0 – 1080 mg/L. Microbiological test was also carried out for this Ground water sample and it was found Coliform and E.coliform are absent in the water. Ground water has been contaminated at GW1 (MotaMersa Village) with Total Hardness, Chloride, TDS, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Alkanity have been found above the permissible Limit. Ground water at other locations are within permissible limit.

 Noise Environment

Ambient noise level monitoring has been done at 6 locations. The hourly recorded noise level at various locations in the study area shows fluctuations because of change in traffic movement, construction activities and other man-made sources. The equivalent values of noise levels varies from 42.4 dB(A) to 51.4 dB(A) during daytime which are within the prescribed norms of CPCB. Whereas during the night time 34.8dB (A) to 38.7dB (A).  Soil Environment Soil sampling has been done at 6locations. The soil pH ranges from 7.81 to 8.89, thereby indicating the soils are alkaline in nature. The texture of the soil is sandy clay loam. The Analysis indicate that the Organic carbon is 0.52 to 0.85 which indicate that soils are high (<0.5 %) in organic carbon status. Concentration of total phosphorus and total nitrogen was in the range of 37.4to 68.5kg/ha and 575.5 to 684.0 kg/ha.

E 1.5 ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTS

"The proposed alignment passes through Reserved & Protected forest and Wildass Wildlife Sanctuary is within 10 km radius from alignment (DFO Letter is attached as Annexure IV with EIA Report). The Greater Flamingo & Lesser Flamingo is also found in Wildass WLS. The forests support a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the important species are arjun, kanaj, karanj, onkhlo, umbaro, Oclandra sp., aduso, kanthera, khajoor, jamun, kevda, neem, bilva, sandal, amli, etc.During study period, while surveying the project specific area, no non-flowering plant species was recorded. In general, the vegetation of the study area consisting of Acacia leucophloea, A. nilotica, A. tortilis, Azadhirachtaindica, Prosopis cineraria, Ficusbengalensis, F. religiosa, Zizyphus jujube, Z. xylopara, Salvadoraoleoides etc. Most of the other vegetation consists of stunted, thorny or prickly shrubs and perennial herbs which are resistant to drought. Stabilized dunes are covered mainly by Capparis decidua, Calotropisprocera, Calligonumpolygonoides, Cyperusarenarius, Desmostachiyabipinnata, Panicumturgidum, Dactyloctenium spp., Aristida spp., Lasiurussindicus, Tribulus spp. Cassia tora etc. Grasses: Sehimanervosum, Chrysopogonfulvus, Cymbopogonjwarancusa, Heteropogoncontortus, Sporobolusmarginatus, Dactylocteniumsindicum, Cenchrusciliaris, Dicanthiumannulatum, Cynodondactylon, Apludamutica, Cymbopogonmartinii, etc. Herbs: Cassia tora, Crotalria sp., Sesbania sp., Digeramuricata, Indigoferasp, Leucasaspera,Ttridaxprocumbens, Cyperusrotundus, Desmodiumdiffusum, Barleriacristata, Strigaasiatica, Xanthium stromarium, etc. Shrubs: Calotropisprocera, Capparisdeciduas, Cassia auriculata, Helicteresisora, etc. Trees: Acacia nilotica, Ferronialimonia, Hardwickiabinata, Buteamonosperma, Zizyphussp, Wrightiatinctoria, Bauhinia racemosa, etc.

Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary is present within 10 km study.The common faunal species recorded/observed in the project area includes: Sus scrofa (wild boar), Boselaphustragocamelus (Blue bull), Gazellabennettii (chinkara gazelle), Merioneshurrianae (Indian desert gerbil), Lepusnigricollisdayanus (hare), Funambuluspennata (squirrel) and Hystrixindicaindica (porcupine), Felischaus (jungle cat) etc. Common Reptiles include Varanusgriseus (desert monitor), Echiscarinatus (Indian Viper), Eryxjohnii (Sand boa), Ophisopsjerdoni (desert lizard), Calotesversicolor (oriental garden lizard), Hemidactylusflaviviridis (house gecko) etc. The common bird species recorded/observed were Alcedoatthis (Common Kingfisher), Pavocristatus (Indian Peafowl), Coturnixcoturnix (Common Quail), Eudynamysscolopaceus (Asian Koel), Grusvirgo (Demoiselle crane), Columba livia (Rock Pigeon), Streptopeliasenegalensis (Laughing Dove), Ardea alba (Great Egret), Accipiter badius (Shikra), Tyto alba (Barn Owl), Meropsorientalis (Green Bee-eater), Passer domesticus (HouseSparrow)etc. Fish diversity :The important commercial fish species in the water bodies are Cirrhinusmrigala, Catlacatla and Labeorohita. However, fishing is prohibited during rainy season due to breeding period of fishes.

E1.6 SOCIO ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT The primary purpose of socio-economic analysis is to provide an overview of the State’s, socio- economic status and the relative status of the Project Influence Area (PIA) within the State.

Table 0.3: Impact on Private Property’s details S.No State District No. of Villages as per 3 (a) 1. Gujarat Banaskantha 31 2. Gujarat Patan 11

Table 0.4:Private Properties Affected Number of Structures in each District Type of Structure Banaskantha Patan Total Residential 213 36 249 Commercial 5 0 5 Residential cum Commercial 15 0 15 Boundary wall 11 0 11 Total 244 36 280 Table 0.5 : Project Affected people (PAPs & PAFs) in the proposed project PAFs PAPs Item Nos. Nos. Residential 249 1245 Commercial 5 20 Residential cum Commercial 15 75 Boundary wall 11 44 Agriculture 1248 6240 Total 1528 7624 Table 0.6: Loss of Livelihood Occupational Particulars No. of Families losing Livelihood Commercial 5 Residential cum Commercial 15 Agriculture 1248 Total 1268

The proposed project passes through two districts of Gujarat i.e. Banaskantha and Patan. The demographic profile and socio-economic status of the people within the study area.

Demographic Profile: As per 2011 Census, the study area has total population strength of around 5,19,581 in which 2,68,758 are Male and 2,50,823 are Female. The gender ratio in the study area is 933. Average Household Size: From the above table it can be inferred that the average household size of the study area is 6 which is indicative of the fact that most of the families in the study area are joint families.

Literacy Rate: The average Literacy rate is nearly 58.5%. The Literacy rate of the males is comparatively higher in comparison to females i.e. 74% and 43% approx. respectively.

Vulnerable Group: In the study area out of the total population of 5,19,581, Scheduled Caste population is 63,095 (12.14%) and Scheduled Tribe population is 10048 (1.93%).

Occupational Structure: The majority of the population are engaged in agriculture whether as Cultivators or Agricultural Labourers i.e. 1,48,740. A dependency ratio of 1.21 means that for every 10 workers there are 12 people who are not working.

E1.7 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES The potential impact and their mitigation measures have been presentedbelow : Table 0.7: Impacts and Mitigation Measures S. No. Potential Impact Mitigation Measures Suggested Parameters 1. Topography • Cut and fill • The alignment passes through and Soil operations during plain/rolling terrain and no substantial cut road construction and fill operations are planned. • Borrow • Borrow soil will be procure from approved earth quarry. • IRC guidelines will be followed during excavation • Quarries • Operational and government licensed quarry have been identified, which will be used to procure the material 2. Air • Generation • Sprinkling of water environment of Dust • Earth handling site • Borrow area • Road construction site • Air pollution control at stone crusher • PPE for workers • Stone crushing units environment compliance • Regulation of construction timings near sensitive receptors and settlements S. No. Potential Impact Mitigation Measures Suggested Parameters • Gaseous • Vehicles and machineries will be regularly Pollution maintained to conform to the emission standards. • Asphalt mixing sites should be 1 km away from residential area and 10 km away from National Park. • Asphalt plant will be equipped with pollution control equipment • Use of PPE by workers engaged in construction and application of asphalt mix on road surface. • Responsibility of contractors and supervising officers to ensure that the workers use the PPE 3. Noise • Noise level • Properly maintained equipment to be used environment may likely to • Noise levels of machineries used shall increase during conform to relevant standard prescribed construction phase in Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. • Ear plugs and muffs will be used by workers as per requirement during construction activities. • Regulation of timing of construction work generating noise pollution near the residential areas 4. Water • Drainage • Provision of proper drainage through environment pattern culverts along the project road. • All the water bodies will be crossed by bridges and structures without affecting their original course and flow • Stabilization and turfing of slopes along the water bodies. • Siltation of • Silt fencing around water bodies during water bodies construction to avoid silt laden runoff entering water body • Turfing or pitching of embankments of water bodies affected will be done where possible to prevent erosion that causes siltation. • No solid waste will be dumped in or near the water bodies or rivers. • Flooding • Excavated earth and other construction due to siltation of materials should be stored away from drainages channel water bodies • Water for • Water source would be selected so that construction local availability is not affected • Rainwater • Rainwater harvesting drains will be harvesting provided along the road side S. No. Potential Impact Mitigation Measures Suggested Parameters • Contamina • Provision of septic tanks to prevent any tion from wastes untreated sewage discharge from construction workers camps • Oil interceptors at construction machine maintenance yards • Contamina • Vehicle maintenance will be carried out in tion from fuel and a confined area, away from water sources, wastes and it will be ensured that used oil or lubricants are not disposed to water courses • Sanitation • Construction camp will be organized in a and water use in planned manner. construction camps • Proper sanitation facilities will be provided including toilets. • Camps will have separate water supply facilities so that local water sources are not affected 5. Land • Loss of • Topsoil on stripping shall be removed and environment topsoil stockpiled on sides to be used on the side slopes, for top cover of borrow areas and for plantation in pits • Loss of Arable lands will be avoided for earth topsoil from borrowing. If needed, topsoil will be borrowing separated and refilled after excavation • Borrowing Excavation from pre-selected locations. After of fill materials excavation, the borrow pits will be dressed to match with the surrounding. Loss of Land The compensation to project affected persons • As per will be paid as per the Right to Fair available data, it is Compensation and Transparency in Land observed that total Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement land acquisition is Act, 2013, National Highways Act (NH Act), 829.9312Ha. 1956 and relevant Acts and guidelines of Loss of structures Government of India. So far as the type of dwelling structures are concerned 280 nos. Structures coming under within alignment. Loss of Common Relocation of CPRs will be done in Property consultation with the locals and relocation Resources (CPRs) will be completed first before dismantling the existing structures of CPRs. 6. Ecological • Loss of Approx. 1958 no. of trees are likely to be resources trees felled. At least, thrice numbers of trees for each tree to be cut will be planted as a part of compensatory afforestation. Green belt development along proposed expressway. Plantation of about 75,000 trees (three row plantations along proposed expressway) proposed. Shrub plantation and S. No. Potential Impact Mitigation Measures Suggested Parameters grass carpeting in median is also proposed.

7. Impacts on • Loss of • Plantation will be done along the road wildlife Habitat and sides to compensate the loss of vegetation Defragmentation • The strips of vegetation will be planted on either side of the linear clearing to provide attractive corridors for animals movement. • Degradatio • Precautions will be taken to avoid leakage n of Habitat Quality of chemicals, any hazardous materials due to construction activities. • Labour camps will be located far from habitat of any fauna • Invasive alien species will be removed from time to time • Noise • Dense vegetation along the road side may Induced be provided for attenuation of noise. physiological and • Silence zone will be marked and provided Behavioural with sign boards to alert drivers Changes • Noise buffers using diversity of tree species, with a range of foliage shapes and sizes, combination of shrubs and trees and evergreen species will be provided. • Noise wall will be provided • Impacts of • Hedges along both sides of roads will be Headlights Glare on provided to lower the intensity of lights Wildlife • Avoidance • Animal underpasses are proposed to be of Road by Animals constructed for animals to cross the road. • To avoid • Different types of underpasses like Box Injury and culverts, pipe culverts, and culverts with Mortality of furniture will be constructed for passage animals of herpetofauna, amphibians etc. • Fences will be provided in combination with underpasses to direct animals away from the roads. • Vegetation or other habitat features (rocks, fallen timber) will be placed, planted or allowed to regrow so that animals are directed to preferred crossing locations. • The plantation and lighting systems along the roads should be made less attractive to birds to avoid collision of birds with vehicles. • Reduce • Creation or improvement of water bodies access to saltlicks will be done so that the animals have and waterholes access to water. • Plantation along the water body will be S. No. Potential Impact Mitigation Measures Suggested Parameters done to attract the animals towards it. • The saltlicks areas will be protected from reach of human beings. • Discontinu • Canopy bridge can be provided across the ity of Canopy road in sanctuary area for movement of arboreals. • The width of the linear clearing may be kept small in the area having dense canopy to maintain the continuity above the clearing. • Disruption • The breeding sites of animals/amphibians, of Processes that nesting sites of birds, thermoregulation maintain regional surface sites of snakes will be avoided for wildlife any type of construction. populations • Construction/modification of ponds will be done to provide breeding sites to amphibians. • The construction of strips of surfaces (next to road where high mortality of snakes are reported) that may attract snakes for thermoregulation will be done. • Increased • Caution signs will be provided to alert Human Pressure drivers about wildlife and Human- • Speed limit will be restricted in and Wildlife Conflict around sanctuary area to avoid any collision of animal. • Parking shall be restricted to avoid any encounter of humans with animals. • Temporary warning signs may be provided to warn drivers during specific time like breeding periods of animals or animal movement. • Animal Detection Systems may be provided for detection of any animal near road. • Poachers will be warned through sign boards 8. Public health • Safety to public • Signs will be posted on road before and construction areas informing public about occupational the work and safety provisions. safety • Restriction to • Safe and convenient passage for vehicles, Access pedestrians and live stocks will be arranged during construction work • Occupational • Contractor will arrange all safety safety for measures for workers as per factories act. workers • Occupational • All worker employed on mixing asphaltic safety for material, cement, lime mortars, concrete asphalt plant etc. will be provided with protective workers footwear and protective goggles

E 1.8 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

The Environmental Monitoring Programs are also suggested to provide information on which management decisions may be taken during construction and operational phase. The objective of this program is to evaluate the efficiency of mitigation and enhancement measures, updating the actions & impacts of baseline data and adaptation of additional mitigation measures. Total cost for environment monitoring plan is Rs 1,77,12,000/-.

E1.9 ADDITIONAL STUDIES Public Consultation & Public Hearing The public consultations were carried out in nearby villages of the project corridors. These consultations were taken up by environmental and social experts. Details are incorporated in EIA-EMP report.

In consonance with the EIA notification dated 14th September 2006, vide section 7(f) related to public hearing, the draft report shall be submitted to the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) for conducting public hearing in Banaskantha and Patan districts. Road Safety Features The proposed road would act as the prime artery for the economic flow to this region. It will enhance economic development, provide employment opportunities to locals, strengthen tourist development, ensure road safety and provide better transportation facilities and other facilities such as way side amenities. The proposed project is mostly green field access control expressway. However, provision of diversions with direction signs, speed breakers and other safety requirements followed as per IRC &MoRTH guidelines. Provision for accident emergency assistance and medical care to accident victims have also been considered as road safety measures.

E1.10 PROJECT BENEFITS The proposed expressway will provide better, fast, safe and smooth connectivity for the commuters of Gujarat state and especially in Banaskantha and Patan region. Smooth and fast- moving traffic will cause only lower emissions thereby reducing pollution levels. Accident rates are also expected to come down substantially. Development of the proposed project road will improve the local agriculture and enable farmers to realize better value for their products as well as attract more investment to that region, thus boost economy of the area, state and nation as a whole. The vehicle operating and maintenance cost is expected to go down substantially. The proposed road alignment will also include general amenities like bus bays, truck lay byes, rest areas, service road at built-up locations, pedestrian and cattle underpasses, landscaping and tree plantation, traffic aid post, emergency telecom system, emergency medical aid post, street light at built ups etc. and thus overall facilities to the road users shall improve. People will have increased access to better social and health infrastructure and other services located outside the project area. This will in turn lead to overall improvement of the quality of life of the people residing in the project zone in terms of their economic, social and health status. Growth of local tourism and resultant boost to local economy is also expected due to proposed project.

E1.11 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) The Environmental Management Plan is prepared for avoidance, mitigation and management of the negative impacts of the project. It also covers remedial measures require to be taken EMP includes the list of all the project related activities, their impacts at different stages of project during pre-construction phase / design phase, construction phase and operational phase on environment and remedial measures to be undertaken to mitigate these impacts. Total cost for environment management plan (including environmental monitoring plan) for the project is approx. 14.5Cr.