Summary Environmental Impact Assessment

SUBREGIONAL TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY PROJECT

INDIA

June 2005

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (As of 15 March 2005) Currency Unit – India rupee/ (Re/Rs) Re1.00 = $0.02 $1.00 = Rs 43.55

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB – Asian Development Bank CPCB – Central Pollution Control Board DFO – Divisional Forest Officer EIA – environmental impact assessment EIRR – economic internal rate of return EMoP – Environment Monitoring Plan EMP – Environment Management Plan IEE – initial environment examination IRC – Indian Road Congress JWS – Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary kph – kilometers per hour MOSRTH – Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways MWS – Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary NAAQ – National Ambient Air Quality NANQ – National Ambient Noise Quality NGO – nongovernment organization NH – National Highway NOx – nitrogen oxide PIU – project implementation unit PMC – project management consultant PMU – project management unit PWD – Public Works Department ROW – right of way RSPM – respirable suspended particulate matter RWS – Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary SGOS – State Government of Sikkim SGWB – State Government of West Bengal SIEE – summary initial environmental examination SPM – suspended particulate matter TA – technical assistance

NOTE

In this report, “$” refers to US dollars.

CONTENTS Page MAP

I. INTRODUCTION 1

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 1 A. Location of the Projects 1 B. Need for the Projects 2 C. Proposed Projects 3 D. Project Schedule 4

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 4 A. Physical Environment 5 B. Biological Environment 7 C. Socioeconomic 10

IV. ALTERNATIVES 11 A. No Project 11 B. Alternative Transport Modes 11 C. Alternative Improvements 12 D. Alternative Alignment 13

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 13 A. Design and Construction Phase 13 B. Operational Phase 17

VI. ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT 19 A. Benefits 19 B. Costs of Adverse Impacts, If Not Mitigated 19 C. Cost of Mitigation Measures 19

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 20 A. Environmental Management Plan 20 B. Authorities and Implementation Responsibility 20 C. Monitoring Plan 20 D. Unexpected Impacts 21 E. Contingency Response Plan 21 F. Institutional Capacity to Address Environmental Concerns 21

VIII. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND DISCLOSURE 21

IX. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 23

APPENDIXES 1. Environmental Management Plan for the Barasat Bypass 24 2. Environmental Management Plan for Raiganj–Dalkhola 35 3. Environmental Management Plan for the Sevok–Gangtok Section 46 4. Environmental Management Plan for Panitanki/Fulbari Stretch 57 5. Environmental Management Plan for Hasimara–Jaigaon/Phuentsholing 68 6. Environmental Management Plan for Rehabilitation of Baharampur 77 and Maldah Bridges 7. Environmental Monitoring Plan 83

o o o Paro 75 00'E UTTARANCHAL 85 00'E PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC 89 00'E THIMPHU PAKISTAN OF CHINA HARYANA S I K K I M Ha ARUNCHAL NEPAL Delhi PRADESH SIKKIM BHUTAN Gangtok UTTAR A S S A M BHUTAN RAJASTHAN PRADESH MEGHALAYA o BIHAR o NEPAL Chhukha 25 00'N 25 00'N Darjiling

JHARKHAND WEST TRIPURA BENGAL Maikhola Phuentsholing GUJARAT MIZORAM Sevok MADHYA PRADESH Kolkata Jaigaon CHHATTISGARH Chalsa Panitanki Raidak O R I S S A Shiliguri Madarihat Gulf of B a y o f Kakarbhitta to Kathmandu Banglabanda Hasimara Cambay MAHARASHTRA B e n g a l Fulbari Biratnagar Falakata Jalpaiguri Changrabandh ANDHRA Chofra Alipur Duar PRADESH Burimari GOA Koch Bihar ASSAM Islampur KARNATAKA I N D I A N O C E A N N5 to Dhaka/Mongla A r a b i a n S e a o o TAMIL 26 00'N 26 00'N NADU o o Dalkhola 10 00'N KERALA 10 00'N to Delhi NH31 o o 75 00'E 85 00'E Raiganj o MEGHALAYA

87 00'E NH34 National Capital SH10 Shilong State Capital B I H A R Hilli Gajol City/Town Maldah Project Road

ADB-Financed National and State Highway (Loan 1870-IND, Loan 1274-IND & Loan 1041-IND) INDIA Under Improvement to Four-Lane Standard SUBREGIONAL TRANSPORT National Highway Farakka Ganga River Railway CONNECTIVITY PROJECT

Project Bridge

River

State Boundary Moregram International Boundary

Boundaries are not necessarily authoritative.

Baharampur Siuri BANGLADESH to Delhi

Asansol

NH34 Raniganj Panagarh

Krishnanagar Purulia Bankura Barddhaman o Ranaghat o 23 00'N WEST BENGAL 23 00'N

SH1 Bangaon Chunchura Chakda

JHARKHAND Barrackpur Barasat Bypass

KOLKATA Uluberiya Medinipur Joka

Kharagpur N

Haldia

0 20 40 60

Kilometers O R I S S A

B a y o f B e n g a l o o 87 00'E 89 00'E

05-1245 HR

I. INTRODUCTION

1. This summary environmental impact assessment is based on three environmental assessment reports for the proposed Subregional Transport Connectivity Project (the Project) in India. These reports were (i) the initial environmental examination (IEE) of the proposed rehabilitation and improvement of Baharampur and Maldah bridges; (ii) the IEE of the proposed rehabilitation and improvement of the road connecting Fulbari (on the border of India and Bangladesh) to Panitanki (next to Kakarbhitta in Nepal), and the road connecting Hasimara (in India) to Jaigaon (next to Phuentsholing in Bhutan); and (iii) the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the proposed rehabilitation and improvement of national highways (NH) connecting Raiganj to Dalkhola and Sevok to Gangtok, as well as the construction of two bypasses in Dalkhola and Barasat in West Bengal Province. In addition, this summary took into account the reports of the rapid wildlife movement assessment that was carried out in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS) area and Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary (RWS).

2. The Project initially was categorized as a “B” project, according to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Environmental Assessment Guidelines of 2003. However, the environmental survey found that the Raiganj–Dalkhola and Sevok–Gangtok stretches pass through designated wildlife sanctuaries, and that the Barasat Bypass will require new construction. Based on these findings, these three subprojects were reclassified as “A” projects. Subsequently, EIAs for these subprojects were prepared.

3. The environmental assessment studies were carried out between August and December 2004. The technical assistance (TA) consultant prepared the IEE and EIA reports on behalf of the state Government of West Bengal (SGWB), state Government of Sikkim (SGS), and Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways (MOSRTH).

4. These EIA studies were based primarily on secondary data. The environmental study covered the project area, as well as the area of direct and indirect impacts. These environmental assessment reports were prepared in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of the Government of India; and with the Environmental Policy of the Asian Development Bank, 2002 and the Environmental Assessment Guidelines of the Asian Development Bank, 2003.1

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

A. Location of the Projects

5. Six of the seven subprojects proposed under TA 6154-REG are in the state of West Bengal. The other one (the Sevok–Gangtok road subproject) passes through two states, Sikkim and West Bengal. Table 1 provides the location of each subproject. Table1: Location of Subprojects

Subproject State District Length (in km) Barasat Bypass West Bengal 24 Paraganas (North) 21.60 km Raiganj–Dalkhola Uttar Dinajpur 48.50 km (including Dalkhola bypass) Hasimara–Jaigaon Jalpaiguri 18.50 km

1 The executing agencies are obtaining the environmental clearance from the Ministry Forest and Environment.

Panitanki–Fulbari Darjeeling 46.00 km

Sevok–Gangtok West Bengal Darjeeling (West Bengal) and 92.00 km and Sikkim East Sikkim

Bridge Projects Baharampur Bridge, over West Bengal Baharampur, Murshidabad 00.28 km Bhagirath River Maldah Bridge over Maldah 00.33 km Mahananda River km = kilometer Source: RETA 6154 for Preparing the Subregional Transport Connectivity Project, approved on 18 December 2003, in the amount of $800,000.

B. Need for the Projects

6. The Project is needed primarily to improve connectivity within northeastern India and with neighboring countries, especially Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Brief explanations of the need for each subproject are provided in paras. 7–14.

1. Barasat Bypass

7. Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh are connected with Kolkata Port through NH 34 and NH 35. Intense urban development has caused congestion on many parts of these highways. Barasat town, which is part of greater Kolkata, is expanding quickly. In addition, the Belgharia Expressway and the second Vivekananda Bridge will increase traffic flowing from NH 2 and NH 6 directly into NH 34 and NH 35, congesting traffic in Barasat town. Therefore, NH 34 traffic should bypass Barasat Town in the future.

2. Raiganj–Dalkhola

8. The development of NH 34 from Kolkata (beyond Barasat) to Raiganj is covered by the ADB-funded West Bengal Corridor Development Project. However, the Raiganj–Dalkhola section of NH 34 was not included for improvement under that project. The condition of the Raiganj–Dalkhola stretch has deteriorated seriously. Rain seepage and water accumulation in potholes have weakened the road’s foundation.

9. Dalkhola town is on the northern end of NH 34, where the highway joins NH 31—the main east-west corridor from Gujarat in the west to Assam in the east. NH 34 passes through the main part of Dalkhola town, which is heavily congested already. Therefore, the town should be bypassed.

3. Sevok–Gangtok

10. Since this is the only road connecting the state of Sikkim and its capital Gangtok with the rest of the country, it is considered the lifeline of Sikkim. However, the road is narrow (1.5 lanes), has many hairpin turns, and is congested during the tourist months. Many areas are prone to landslides, and maintenance costs are high. Improving this road would strengthen Sikkim’s connection with the rest of the country.

4. Hasimara–Jaigaon

11. The Hasimara–Jaigaon stretch is Bhutan’s most important road link with India. It is used for most of Bhutan’s trade with India and other countries. Traffic is expected to increase substantially over time, which will require a capacity expansion.

5. Panitanki–Fulbari

12. The Panitanki-Fulbari stretch is an important interregional link between Nepal () and Bangladesh (Fulbari) through India. Some sections require improvements and more capacity to cope with increases in cross-border trade.

6. Baharampur Bridge

13. Some 15,600 mechanized vehicles use this bridge every day. In addition, a large number of slow moving vehicles use the bridge. Therefore, widening and improving this bridge would reduce traffic congestion.

7. Maldah Bridge

14. The most recent traffic count (February 2004) showed that approximately 6,900 mechanized vehicles used the bridge every day. Trucks accounted for the largest proportion of the traffic distribution (3,500), followed by light vehicles (1,700), two-wheelers (900), and buses (800). The bridge also is used by non-motorized vehicles, such as bicycles (1,800) and rickshaws (300). Widening the bridge is required to reduce traffic congestion.

C. Proposed Projects

15. Table 2 summarizes the proposed rehabilitation and improvement of each subproject.

Table 2: Summary of Proposed Project Activities Subproject Component Proposed Works Remarks 1 Barasat Bypass Construction of new road with the Some additional land will proposed right of way (ROW) around 100 be required at the meters (m) to provide two-lane dual interchange sites to highway, with future provision for a three- accommodate the lane dual highway on the median strip, and interchange ramps. provision of hard shoulders of 1.5 m each.

2 Raiganj–Dalkhola Section The existing formation width varies An average 4 m between 7 m and 10 m. The improvement widening will be done. will be done to achieve two-lane standard No additional land will be road with 7 m highway, 1.5 m hard acquired in Raiganj shoulders, and 1 m earthen shoulders. Wildlife Sanctuary area2 as the available ROW of 40–120 m is sufficient. 3 Dalkhola Bypass Construction of new road starting at Land already has been kilometer (km) 446.27 to achieve a two- acquired, and no lane standard with 7 m highway, 1.5 m additional land hard shoulders, and 1 m earthen acquisition will be shoulders. required. 4 Sevok–Gangtok Improvement of existing road to achieve a The 92 km road passes

2 Although the road section from km 406 to 407 passes through, this portion has been legally excluded from the sanctuary area. However, the sanctuary was expanded on one side of the road, which means the road area is between the sanctuary areas.

Subproject Component Proposed Works Remarks Section two-lane road with 7.0 m highway and 0.9 through Hill Road. m paved shoulder. Construction of 0.6 m of drains on hillside and parapet on valley The road also runs along side. The existing highway varies from rivers for almost entire 3.75–10 m. stretch, with significant differences in elevation. A small tunnel (around 62 m long) is at km 68.5 from Sevok. An engineering decision has not been made on whether this tunnel will be widened. 5 Hasimara–Jaigaon The improvement will be done to achieve No land acquisition. Section highway of 7.0 m, 1.5 m paved shoulder, and 1.0 m earthen shoulder on both sides of the road 6 Panitanki–Fulbari The improvement will be done to achieve a Land acquisition is Section highway of 7.0 m, 1.5 m paved shoulder, required for canal road. and 1.0 m earthen shoulder on both sides of the road. The expansion of the embankment around 3 m away from the back of the canal lining at the Siligury Bypass (canal road). 7 Baharampur and Construct a new unidirectional, two-lane No land acquisition is Maldah Bridges concrete or steel bridge on one side of the required. bridge. Utilize the existing bridge for traffic in the opposite direction. Source: Source: RETA 6154 for Preparing the Subregional Transport Connectivity Project, approved on 18 December 2003, in the amount of $800,000.

D. Project Schedule

16. As the environmental assessment studies were carried during the feasibility study for all subprojects, final detailed engineering was unavailable. The detailed project schedule for the proposed subprojects also was unavailable. For the purpose of the impact assessment studies, the construction period was assumed to be from 2006 to 2009, and the operation period was assumed to be 20 years.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

17. The environmental settings of the subproject areas vary considerably from Gangetic planes in West Bengal to Himalayan Mountains in West Bengal and Sikkim. The study areas were divided into three physiographic zones: (i) Plain: Barasat Bypass, Raiganj–Dalkhola, and the two bridge subprojects at Baharampur and Maldah; (ii) Terai: Hasimara–Jaigaon and –Fulbari subprojects; and (iii) Mountain: Sevok–Gangtok subproject.

18. The environmental conditions are quite similar to what is found in the respective physiographic zones. Brief descriptions of the environmental conditions of the study areas are provided in paras. 19–46:

A. Physical Environment

1. Meteorology and Climate

19. The climate in the plains of West Bengal varies from moist-tropical in the Barasat area to subtropical in the Raiganj area, with transient characteristics in the bridge locations. The mean annual temperature varies from 6o C in winter to 42o C in summer. The mean annual rainfall in the study areas varies from 1,400 millimeters (mm) in Barasat to 2,300 mm in Raiganj. The project areas receive more than 50% of their rainfall between July and September. In these parts of West Bengal, the wind blows from northeast to southwest in the summer and from southeast to northwest in the winter. During transition periods, the wind direction is varied. The wind speed fluctuates between 8–16 km per hour (kph) during summer and 3–6 kph during winter. The study areas commonly have high winds in March and April. Cyclones also occur occasionally, causing extensive property damage.

20. In the terai zone, winter lasts about 4 months, though temperatures are relatively mild. The annual mean temperature in summer is 34.8° C, while in winter it is 12.8° C. Rain falls about 113 days a year, producing an average annual rainfall of about 3,700 mm. Winds are high during summers.

21. The climate in the mountainous region depends on elevation, slope, and type of land cover. The winter is more pronounced, and summer is relatively short. The average mean annual temperature in this region varies from 1.8O C in winter to as high as 22.9º C in summer. At the Gangtok3 observatory, the average wind speed during summer ranges from 4.5 to 5.4 kph. The wind direction is predominantly from south to north. At the Darjeeling observatory, winds came mainly from southwest, north, and east. The average annual rainfall is 3,647 mm.

2. Air Quality

22. Ambient air quality was monitored in all subproject areas. The existing air quality is comparable to the standard of ambient of rural agricultural conditions for India. However, the ambient air quality of larger urban areas such as Barasat, Maldah, Raiganj, Panitanki Morh, Gangtok, many human activities influence air quality. The air quality monitoring results showed the concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) ranges from 60 to 300 µg/m³. The concentration of respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) ranges from 50 to 200 µg/m³, while nitrogen oxides (NOx) are from 25 to 125 µg/m³—of prime importance for the proposed projects.

23. The ambient air quality along the project road conforms to National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standards, except in a few locations where the road is constricted or poor, commercial activity is high, or the road crossing is busy. SPM and RSPM levels were found to exceed the national standard at certain monitoring stations in urban, residential, and commercial areas such as junction of Belgharia expressway, Daltola junction, Kalijhora, and Indra bypass crossing Gangtok. This can be attributed to any combination of (i) heavier vehicular traffic, (ii) mixing of local motorized traffic, (iii) use of diesel generators, (iv) emissions from other machinery, (v) bad road conditions, (vi) construction activities, (vii) constricted roads, and (viii) frequent stops by trucks. Similarly, the concentration of NOx exceeded NAAQ standards at certain locations, such as Nalkura Girl’s High School in Barasat, Baharampur Bridge, and Belgharia expressway crossing. The use of diesel generators in the vicinity of Nalkura Girl’s High School caused the rise in NOx levels, which were considered temporary.

3 Indian Meteorology Department has set up meteorological stations at Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, and Gangtok, Swastik HQ and Ladong in Sikkim. These observatories provide the nearest source of meteorological data for this project area.

3. Noise

24. In almost all subproject locations, noise levels during the day (6 a.m.–9 p.m.) and at night (9 p.m.–6 a.m.) exceeded the location limit (primarily residential and sensitive location limits) as prescribed by India’s National Ambient Noise Quality (NANQ) standards. The noise level for some sensitive receptors, such as those near the Girl’s High School at Nalkula, Barasat, Kulik Bird Sanctuary at Raiganj, and MWS in the Sevok–Gangtok section, also exceeded NANQ.4

4. Surface and Ground Water

25. The study areas drain through numerous perennial and seasonal channels, which can overflow and cause flash floods. The subproject areas have irrigation canals and ponds in addition to rivers. A baseline study showed that none of the subproject areas suffers from water shortage.

26. The surface water quality was assessed for BOD (Biological Oxigen Demand), DO (Disolve Oxigen) and total Coliform—three key water quality parameters. Measured against the Primary Water Quality Criteria and Standards for Freshwater Classification (Central Pollution Control Board, 1979), the results showed that the water from Sunti Khal, Barasat and Rani Khola, Sevok could only be used for irrigation, industrial cooling, and controlled waste disposal. While water from the Tista River can be used for organized outdoor bathing, Bhagirathi, Mahananda, and Kulik river water can be a source of drinking water with conventional treatment followed by disinfection. However, water from Rongni Chu, Gangtok is best suited for propagation of wildlife.

27. In the Sevok–Gangtok section, the Tista River is part of the reserved forest boundary running from Sevok almost up to Rangpo. This river carries substantial silt, and disposal of debris or hill cut would exacerbate the problem.

28. The groundwater potential of the project areas in the plains and terai region of West Bengal is high. The depth of the groundwater in these regions varies from close to the surface in Barasat to 8–10 m below ground in the Raiganj area. The average yield of water in the project area is more than 40 liters/second. The water level drops 0.2 m to 1.5 m before the monsoons, which is offset by a rise of the same order after the monsoons.

29. In the mountainous Sevok–Gangtok stretch, groundwater is found within the upper weathered mantle of the hard rocks exposed in the area. Groundwater also can be found at deeper levels (60–100 m depth) in fractures, fissures, and joints. Limited quantities of groundwater (less than 6 liters/second) may be produced from bore wells or large diameter dug wells. In the bridge subproject areas, aquifers are at an average depth of 20–25 m. The average groundwater yield in these areas is more than 40 liters/second.

5. Geology and Seismology

30. The geology of the plains and terai regions of West Bengal are characterized by young, sedimentary rock. Seismically, these areas are classified as Zone III and IV,5 which mean they

4 The reasons for high noise levels are temporary, such as operation of small diesel generator sets due to power cuts and for small commercial enterprises. At Raiganj Sanctuary area, the noise level is high due to horn blowing; in the MWS area, river flow and traffic raise the noise level. 5 The Seismic Zoning Map of India (IS: 1893-Part I-2002) divides the Indian subcontinent into four seismic zones (II to V) depending on the magnitude and damage intensity of seismic activity. Zone I and Zone II of the previous zonation (IS: 1893-1970) have been merged and now classified as Zone II. The Zone II denotes very low damage risk, while zone V denotes very high risk.

7 are moderately active.

31. The Sevok–Gangtok terrain is geologically young, consisting of soft and hard rocks. The rocks along this stretch of the road have been subjected to thrusts, multi-phase folding, and faulting, which have rendered them weak and fragile. These structural elements of the rock have generated different sets of joints, making them susceptible to ingress of water. Natural conditions, high rainfall, and human activities have made the rocks vulnerable to landslides in some locations.

32. The survey data by the consultant who prepared the detailed project report found that the major part of the road is stable, though it has some active landslide zones and sinking zones. The stretch between Sevok (0.0 km) and Rangpo (52.0 km) has about 12 sliding zones and four sinking zones, while the road between Rangpo (52.0 km) and Gangtok (92.0 km) has five sliding zones and six sinking zones. Some minor and moderate sliding zones can be found at 7.0 km, 9.0 km, 18.0 km, 35.0 km, 37.5 km, 38.0 km, 38.6 km, 49.0 km, and 55.0 km.

33. The Seismic Zoning Map of India classifies the Sevok–Gangtok area as zone IV, which means it is at high risk of damage from seismic activities. The Sikkim–Darjeeling stretch has experienced many earthquakes of small (Mb6 4.0–4.9) and moderate (Mb 5.0–5.9) magnitude.

B. Biological Environment

1. Fisheries

34. Fish is a major part of the diet for the people of Bengal. This dietary preference for fish, especially freshwater fish, is due largely to the widespread availability. While organized fishing is lacking in most places, fishing was observed in almost all the water bodies in the project areas, except in the Sevok–Gangtok section. The preferred species for fishing are major and minor Indian carp, catfish, and prawns.

2. Aquatic Biology

35. A species diversity study was conducted to assess the biological characteristics of select water bodies in the project areas. The species diversity of the Kulik River in the Raiganj– Dalkhola stretch was found to be 5.63, which indicated a good variety of species and aquatic plants. Blue green algae and zooplanktons also can be found in this river. Similar studies were conducted in the Tista River of the Sevok–Gangtok stretch and Mahananda Canal of Panitanki– Fulbari section. With a species diversity score 4.85, these water bodies are considered biologically healthy and moderately rich.

3. Forests

36. The forests and wildlife habitats in West Bengal are concentrated mostly in the south (Sunderban) and north (Buxa, Jaldapara, Mahananda, etc.). Bird-landing sites are common in West Bengal due to the abundance of wetlands, though few have been declared bird sanctuaries. The environmental conditions of the forest and wildlife in the subproject areas are described below. (i) Barasat Bypass. The proposed bypass does not have a notified forest or wildlife habitat within a 7 km radius. (ii) Raiganj. Domestic and international tourists are familiar with RWS, which is also known as the Kulik Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary, between km 406 and km 407 on NH 34, is home to 49,420 open bill storks, 15,008 night heron, 6,224 egrets,

6 Mb stands for body wave magnitude on the Richter scale.

and 6,360 cormorants, according to the 2002–2003 census. Other migrant and local birds, jungle cat, jackal, flying squirrel, porcupine, rats, mongoose, yellow monitor lizards, and snakes also can be found in RWS. The forest within RWS is tropical moist deciduous, according to Champion and Seth’s classification system. The major tree species found in this forest are simul (Bombax cieba), sishu (Dalbergia sissoo), arjun (Terminalia arjuna), black plum (Syzigium cumini), minjiri (Cassia siamea), jarul (Lagerstroemia flosreginae), hizal (Barringtonia acutangula), sheaora (Streblus asper), khair (Acacia catechu), and ber (Ziziphus zuzuba). Although the sanctuary is on both sides of the road, the notification stipulates that the road area is excluded from the sanctuary. (iii) Panitanki–Fulbari Section. Besides the planted forest of Tukriajhar, the subproject area does not have any other forests within a 7 km radius. One end of the Tukriajhar Reserve Forest runs for about 600 m along NH 31C from km 17 to km 18, about 100–200 m from the project road. The forest also touches the road on the right-hand side between km 20 and km 21 for about 500 m. The forest has almost pure stands of teak (Tectona grandis). Other trees include sal (Shorea robusta), shishu (Dalbergia spp), and siris (Albizzia lebbeck) The Panitanki– Fulbari stretch does not pass through any wildlife habitat, though elephants occasionally cross the road between Bagdogra and Panitanki. When the elephants stray, they do not travel in fixed corridors or at fixed frequency, according to consultations. However, they are known to cross NH 31C from the Bihar more to the Panitanki more at (i) Kamalpur Tea Estate to Pahargumgumia Tea Estate, (ii) Deomani Tea Estate to Hatighisha area, and (iii) the northern side to the Tukriajhar forest patch. Historically, elephants traveled from one forest block to another along traditional routes, with only sparsely populated and cultivated patches in between. However, with the rapid loss of forest tracts, elephants now stray when villagers drive them out to protect their life and property. (iv) Hasimara–Jaigaon Section. The Hasimara–Jaigaon stretch does not pass through any forest or wildlife habitat, though it comes within 2 km of the Buxa Tiger Reserve at its nearest point. The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (JWS) is about 3 km from the project stretch on other side. The Buxa Tiger Reserve is a tropical rainforest with 150 species of plants, as well as a variety of creepers, orchids, grasses, bamboo, and cane. Trees such as teak, sal, and sishu are found in great numbers. The flora in JWS consists mainly of grasslands, savannahs, and deciduous forests of khair and shishu along the river. Many endangered animal species make their homes in these conservation areas, including elephants, leopards, jungle cat, bear, civet, and wild buffalo. Extensive tea gardens are found between the road and these conservation areas. Other than elephants, animals are not known to cross the project stretch. Local forest officials reported that they have not observed a specific corridor for movement. (v) Sevok–Gangtok Section. This section of road passes through a number of reserved protected forest blocks of different forest divisions (Kurseong, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong). These forests are florally diverse. The vegetation is similar to that found in the lower hill (up to 800 m elevation) sal forest, lower hill dry mixed forests, lower hill wet mixed forests, and middle hill (800 m elevation and above) forests. This section, which is on the edge of MWS, passes along the east bank of the Tista River (which flows at a significantly differential elevation), from Sevok (0.0 km) to the junction of Kalijhora and Tista rivers (4.1 km).7 A 1996 survey indicated that the area is rich in mammals, avifauna (black and yellow

7 The MWS notification does not include any zonation (core zone and buffer zone). However, the project area, which is along the edge of MWS, has been used as a tourism area, and the existing road is used regularly throughout the year.

grosbeck, and black redstrat), butterflies and moths, amphibians, and reptiles. The key animal population is increasing, according to the recent census. Deer have the largest population, followed by wild boar, goral, elephant, and leopard. The vegetation in this sanctuary is similar to that found in the reserve forests. (vi) Bridge Subprojects. Baharampur and Maldah bridges do not have any notified forest or wildlife habitat within a 7 km radius.

4. Status of Rare or Endangered Species

37. No rare or endangered species are found in the study areas of Barasat Bypass, Bhagirathi Bridge, and Mahananda Bridge. However, a number of endangered floral species (e.g. Siratia sikkimensis, Rubus senchalensis, Streptocaulon sylvestre, Ceropegia longifolia var. darjeelingensis) are present in the study areas8 of Panitanki–Fulbari, Hasimara–Jaigaon, and Sevok Gangtok sections. None of these is likely to be affected since the increase in road width will be small, and these species are outside the direct impact area.

38. RWS is home to the yellow monitor lizard (Varanus flavescens). Many endangered animals are found in the Sevok–Gangtok stretch, according to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the 2002 amendments. The main endangered animals are tiger, leopard, wild boar, goral, wild dog, and elephant. Except for the elephants, which travel long distances, the endangered animals are confined primarily to MWS.

5. Roadside Trees and Plantations

39. Road and bridge projects also have long-term impacts on the trees and plantations within the direct impact area. (i) Barasat Bypass. The Barasat area has a number of private fruit gardens and plantations. The site survey found that almost 24.5 hectares (ha) of plantation is within the subproject area (assuming a 100 m wide strip will be acquired for the road). The major plantations grow bamboo, mango, banana, and betel nut. Along Sunti Khal, a variety of subtropical species have grown over the years. Almost 3,500 trees are standing on the proposed alignment for the Barasat Bypass, according to initial estimates. Almost 30% of those trees are matured fruit trees, such as mango, guava, papaya, and jackfruit. (ii) Raiganj–Dalkhola Section. The density of trees along the Raiganj–Dalkhola section is comparatively less that in Barasat. A conservative estimate put the number of trees within the proposed ROW at 5,000. The tree density is almost the same on both sides of the road. Bamboo and banana trees can be found in this section, in addition to common roadside species such as banyan (Ficus benghalensis), peepal, neem, and simul. (iii) Panitanki–Fulbari Section. This section will require cutting an estimated 101 large9 roadside trees, 1,421 medium trees, and 1,925 small trees. The dominant species are shisham, siris, and banyan. Fruit trees such as mango, jackfruit, banana, and betel nut also can be found in this section. Numerous bamboo plants, which grow mainly in gardens, also will have to be cut. Some stretches within the proposed widening do not have any trees. The density of trees was found to be highest on the right-hand side of the Siliguri Bypass (from Goaltuli to Fulbari more). The left-hand side, where the Mahananda canal runs, has very few trees. (iv) Hasimara–Jaigaon Section. In the Hasimara–Jaigaon stretch, about 95 large, 166 medium, and 124 small trees will have to be cut. Bamboos and dense

8 The area within a 7 km radius of the subproject. 9 Large trees have a girth of more than 30 cm, medium 15–30 cm; and small 0–15 cm.

hedges also can be found along the roadside. Some shade trees grown in the tea plantations (Indigofera tasmania, Dalbergia sissoo, Albizzia lebbeck, A. chinensis, Switenia sp, Melia dubia, etc.) also might have to be cut for the proposed road project. (v) Sevok–Gangtok Section. An estimated 15,700 trees, with average girth of 50– 100 cm, likely will have to be cut in a 30 m strip. This includes about 7,100 trees between Sevok to Gangtok, and about 8,600 trees between Rangpo to Gangtok. About 6,300 trees will have to be cut on the left-hand side, and 9,300 on the right-hand side between Sevok to Gangtok. The most common natural trees on the roadside are teak, sal, panisaj, chilauni, utis, bottle brush, mango, mahua, and Sirish. (vi) Baharampur and Maldah Bridges. The dominant floral varieties in these study areas are fruit-bearing trees such as mango, jackfruit, bananas, and coconut. Banyan, peepal, and other common subtropical species also can be found in these areas.

C. Socioeconomic

40. The economic development of an area can be influenced by many factors, particularly geographic location, resource availability, and infrastructure. Compared to the other subprojects, the area around Barasat Bypass is comparatively more developed due to its proximity to the major population center of Kolkata and better infrastructure. The Sevok– Gangtok study area, which lacks proper infrastructure and has a narrow economic base, is the least developed. Although none of the study areas is heavily industrialized, almost all of them have a few small-scale industries. Most of these involve light engineering, chemicals, food and food processing, wood, textiles (cotton), and brick kilns.

41. The infrastructure in an area generally depends on its level of development. Since the areas adjoining Barasat Bypass are comparatively more developed than those around Raiganj– Dalkhola section, Barasat has better infrastructure facilities. In all subproject areas, groundwater is the primary source of drinking water. In the Sevok–Gangtok section, spring water is the preferred source for drinking water. The major settlements in all subproject areas have sewerage systems, except in the Sevok–Gangtok section. Gangtok does have a sewerage network. However, the sewerage system is not maintained properly in any of these places, and overflow during rainy season is common. The preliminary engineering report for the West Bengal Corridor Development Project found that flooding is a concern in the Raiganj–Dalkhola section.

42. Roads are the primary means of transportation for all study areas. In the Sevok– Gangtok area, almost the only mode of transportation involves roads, although Siliguri has a charter helicopter service.

43. An analysis of recent satellite imagery of areas within a 7 km radius of each subproject found that land use patterns vary considerably. Almost 52% of the land in the Panitanki–Fulbari section is cultivated (including tea gardens). About 38% of the land in the Barasat Bypass area is used for agriculture, while 75% of the land around the bridges is cultivated. Agriculture is a relatively minor land use in the other road subproject areas. Forest is the dominant land use in the Sevok–Gangtok section, with almost 83% of the land categorized as a type of forest.10 In the Hasimara–Jaigaon section, about 35% of the land is covered by forests. Forests cover only about 12% of the Panitanki–Fulbari section, and 8% of the Raiganj–Dalkhola section.

10 Dense forest, moderate forest, and low dense forest.

44. The eastern grid of the national power grid provides most of the power and energy for the study areas. Some smaller, state-owned generation units operate near the proposed Barasat Bypass, most notably the Bandel Thermal Power Plant. In Sikkim, the project road passes five hydropower projects, including one at Gangtok and one at Ranipool. Power transmission lines and telephone lines and/or cables run along the roads in all the subproject areas.

45. Agriculture is the main contributor to the economy in all subproject areas except Sikkim, where tourism is one of the main economic activities. The Hasimara–Jaigaon and Panitanki– Fulbari sections have a number of tea gardens. The project areas do not have any major mineral deposits. While the subproject areas have few tourist spots, tourism is one of the main economic activities in Sevok–Gangtok section. However, tourism facilities are still being developed in the state of Sikkim, and the inadequate transportation system limits the tourism industry.

46. The population of an area depends on economic growth and geographic location. Therefore, the areas around the Barasat Bypass are most densely populated, with about 7,500 persons per square kilometer (km2). The areas around Sevok–Gangtok are the most sparsely populated. Other subproject areas are moderately populated, with approximately 800 persons per km2. Health and education facilities are well developed. While some religious sites are found along the project alignment, none is likely to be affected significantly by the Project.

IV. ALTERNATIVES

A. No Project

47. Without the Project, the existing roads will continue to be the main transportation corridor connecting Kolkata to Sikkim and neighboring countries (Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh). Road conditions will continue to deteriorate as traffic increases. Traffic congestion is likely to get worse, and people living along the road will suffer from the degraded condition of the transportation system. Without the Project, the ambient concentrations of gaseous pollutants and noise will rise gradually in step with increases in the population and vehicles in the area. Moreover, if the highway is not improved, the increase in vehicles will cause more congestion. Slow traffic due to the hilly and narrow roads in Sevok–Gangtok, or poor road conditions in Raiganj–Dalkhola, will extend travel times and increase vehicular emissions. Noise from horn blowing also will increase significantly in traffic-congested areas. Road safety will continue to be an issue without the Project, particularly in the landslide-prone Sevok–Gangtok section, which lacks an adequate safety barn. Similarly, any accident involving the transportation of hazardous goods on the canal road of Kakarbhitta–Fulbari section could contaminate the canal water. This analysis demonstrates that pursuing the proposed Project is the better option.

B. Alternative Transport Modes

48. West Bengal has two airports, one in Kolkata and the other in Siliguri in the northern part of the province. The Eastern Railway connects the major towns in West Bengal. However, the railway does not connect to Sikkim, because of the hilly and mountainous topography as part of Himalayan stretch. The national waterways connect Kolkata Port to the western side of West Bengal, as well as to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh provinces. The road network included in the proposed Project would become an important complementary mode of transportation, connecting West Bengal to the northern part of the province and the neighboring countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

C. Alternative Improvements

1. Improvement of Panitanki––Fulbari and Hasimara–Jaigaon

49. Alternative routes were not considered for these two roads. While the existing roads are mostly two lanes, they have not met the full two-lane standard.11 The ROW for both roads is adequate, and expansion of the ROW is needed. Therefore, improving and upgrading the existing roads was the option chosen.

2. Improvement of Bridges

50. Two alternative design options were considered for the improvement of the Maldah and Baharampur bridges: (i) removing the 1.5 m sidewalks on each side of the bridge, and installing a light steel cantilever deck for non-motorized vehicles; and (ii) constructing a new unidirectional, two-lane concrete or steel bridge for traffic, and utilizing the existing bridge for traffic in the opposite direction. The civil works involved in both options would have temporary impacts on air, water, noise, and safety. However, the construction of a new bridge would take longer, and the impacts would be greater. As such, the first option might seem preferable. However, that option would not be able to accommodate the continuing traffic growth, leading serious congestion again soon. The second option is preferred, because it would be able to handle traffic growth and offer the greatest long-term benefits.

3. Improvement of Raiganj–Dalkhola Section

51. The main concern in this section is the 1 km portion of road through (km 406 to km 407 on NH 34). Construction of a detour or bypass of was considered. However, this alternative alignment would require cutting more trees and the use of forest land. The Government of India discourages the diversification of sanctuary forestland. Therefore, upgrading and improving the existing road is the preferred option.

4. Improvement of Sevok–Gangtok Section

52. The Sevok–Gangtok section is an existing alignment that is entirely in mountainous terrain, offering few alternative options. The existing road passes along the eastern edge of MWS for approximately 4.1 km. Widening the pavement and shoulders within the existing formation is the preferred option, although the required tree cutting would disturb the roosting and feeding ground for arboreal species. Moreover, this scenario could lead to an increase in road accidents involving animals. Regulatory restrictions would make widening the MWS stretch impossible.12 Cutting hills and trees could increase the risk of landslides by softening hills and loosening the bonding provided by tree roots. In view of this, the preferred option is to not widen formation width. The average available formation width of 8.5 m can still support road improvements without compromising functionality.

53. An assessment of the alternatives for the proposed bypass of Gangtok City also was undertaken. The analysis concluded that the bypass is not recommended, because it would require the conversion of more forestlands, removal of vegetation, and greater resettlement. These environmental impacts would be larger than the deteriorated air and noise quality within the city limits.

11 The standard two-lane road has a 7 m carriageway, 1.5 m hard shoulder, and 1 m earthen shoulder on both sides. 12 Under the recent guideline from the Ministry of Forest and Environment, the conversion of protected area land to another function is prohibited. Therefore, widening this part of MWS would not be allowed, because it would change the status of the land from protected area land to road land.

D. Alternative Alignment

1. Barasat Bypass

54. Since the Barasat Bypass involves new construction, a number of alternatives were assessed. Besides the do-nothing option, two alternatives were selected for final analysis. The do-nothing option should not be pursued, because it would result in severe congestion in Barasat town, with associated air and noise pollution. The two alternatives used the same alignment, with different locations for rejoining NH 34 north of Barasat. The first option involved placing an exit at Moyna (km 27.4 on NH 34). However, this area has a high density of commercial activities, which would make accidents more likely. The second option would put the exit near Kamarhati (around km 30 on NH 34), which is not a residential area. The second option is preferred.

2. Dalkhola Bypass

55. NH 34 passes through the commercial area of Dalkhola town. The volume of traffic, particularly trucks and container vehicles, is very heavy. The existing road, which already is congested, cannot be expanded. A bypass, therefore, is needed. The proposal for the Dalkhola Bypass was prepared in the 1970s, and the land was acquired in 1980–1985. The proposed bypass still is considered the preferred option.

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

A. Design and Construction Phase

56. The environmental impacts associated with the construction are mostly temporary and confined to the project areas. The anticipated environmental impacts and mitigation measures for each road project are explained briefly in paras. 57–73.

1. Barasat Bypass

57. The new road will be constructed through a plain, which is used mostly for agriculture. The change in land use will be one of the major impacts. Almost 16% of the cultivable land will be converted into road land. Moreover, the road will become an additional permanent source of air and noise pollution. Although no forests are involved, about 3,500 plantation and other trees will have to be cut.

58. The project will affect four schools and one religious structure. The change in land use and introduction of a permanent source of air and noise pollution cannot be avoided. However, planting at least two similar trees for each one that will be cut should help compensate13. Noise barriers are to be constructed near the schools. These should be permanent, remaining in place during the operation phase. During construction, public safety is one of the major concerns in this road section, especially near the schools and commercial facilities such as the weekly market at Moyna. Therefore, safety measures—proper traffic signs, walking path, and road diversion—need to be provided

59. The proposed alignment has a number of ponds, including some that are used as community ponds. Beyond their ecological function, these ponds are a source of protein for

13 The Guidelines on Application of Forests (Conservation) Act, 1980 require every tree cut at least two trees should be planted.

14 people in the area. Therefore, a detailed drainage study needs to be carried out during engineering design to select suitable structures, including culverts, to minimize potential flooding and maintain the function of the ponds. Filling in ponds should be minimized, and unfilled roadside ponds should be improved by concreting the sides and plantations on the periphery. One mitigation measure that should be examined is replacing the ponds for fish in the borrow area.

60. Since the Barasat Bypass is a new road, a significant quantity of borrow soil will be required. To minimize the use of borrow soil, the possibility of using dredge material from Sunti Khal as borrow material, as suggested by local communities, should be considered. This would help minimize the conversion of productive land, while improving the condition of a heavily silted water body. In addition, the Government Indian will require the use of fly ash in the construction of Barasat Bypass due to its proximity to thermal power plants (within the 100 km radius of the proposed road alignment)14. In India, the use of fly ash is encouraged because it is a high- volume, low-toxicity waste with a relatively low ecological risk. The ash would be used in the road foundation, which is less susceptible to leaching. Still, fly ash should be analyzed for heavy metals before being used in road construction.

2. Raiganj–Dalkhola Section

61. One of the major concerns in this road section is the stretch from km 406 to km 407 on NH 34, which passes through RWS. Approximately 150 trees15 within the ROW and outside this wildlife sanctuary might need to be cut, including 35 that have been used regularly as nesting trees. About 700 of the estimated 1,200 nests in these 35 trees are in two old trees. Therefore, the alignment for the expansion within the ROW for this stretch will be adjusted to avoid cutting of these two trees. For this stretch, trees will be planted during construction. Adequate ROW is available within the sanctuary area, so the acquisition of additional sanctuary land is not needed. However, construction should begin only after obtaining environmental clearance under the Environment Protection Act, and permission for cutting of trees under the Forest Conservation Act/Wild Life Protection Act. The fence of the sanctuary should be maintained, and the construction should not damage to this fence.

62. Beyond the stretch passing through RWS, approximately 5,000 trees16 along the alignment will need to be cut. Not more than about 15% of the trees within 500 m of the project area will be cut. To mitigate the long-term impacts of vegetation loss, at least two similar trees will be planted for each one that will be cut.

63. Air and noise quality will deteriorate during construction for the entire project stretch, including the section of road that passes the sanctuary. In the stretch passing through, construction will be prohibited from June to November, which is the nesting period of the birds. In addition, worker camps, storage materials, construction machinery, crushing plant, and hot- mix plant will not be allowed within this stretch. Normal preventive measures—routine maintenance of machinery, sprinkling of water, and scheduling of project activities—have been proposed to minimize the impact on air and noise quality during construction.

64. Except for the proposed Dalkhola Bypass, major land use change is not required. However, productive lands might have to be used for borrow materials in this section. An alteration of drainage for this project is not anticipated. However, adequate cross-drainage structures must be provided in the flood-pone areas between km 403 and km 409, and between

14 The Government of India, Road Congress SP 58-2001, The Use of Fly Ash for Road Construction 15 Most of these trees were planted along the roadside. These planting trees grow fast, and have diameters less than 10 cm. The ROW that passes through has around 10 old trees, including two very near the boundary. 16 The quadrant method was used to estimate the trees to be cut.

15 km 437 and km 443. Five educational institutions and two religious structures might be adversely impacted, because of their proximity to the project road. A permanent noise barrier has been proposed near the educational institutions, which should be retained through the operation phase. For the religious structures, safety concerns need to be addressed by providing proper and adequate traffic signals.

3. Panitanki––Fulbari Section

65. In this section, the only environmental impacts will be general construction-related impacts, such as cutting approximately 3,447 roadside trees, deteriorating air quality, and rising noise level. All the identified impacts are minor, and adequate mitigation measures have been proposed. However, contractors will be required to adopt and maintain safe working practices during construction. Appropriate signs at the construction sites should be displayed to make the road user aware of the construction works. Crushing plants and hot-mix plants should be located an adequate distance away from residential areas.

4. Hasimara–Jaigaon Section

66. Similar to Panitanki–Fulbari, construction on this section will not generate significant impacts. The expansion of the road within the ROW will require cutting about 385 roadside trees. The air and noise quality in Hasimara and Jaigaon townships will deteriorate during construction. Preventive measures, such as routine maintenance of machinery, sprinkling of water, and scheduling of project activities, will be required to minimize the impact on air and noise quality. The crushing plant, hot-mix plant, and worker camps will not be permitted within the town area. Construction work will be permitted only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

5. Sevok–Gangtok Section

67. Due to the climate (heavy rain and high winds), physiographic attributes (hilly terrain), and soil condition of this project area, erosion and landslides are the major concerns along the project road. Therefore, roadside stabilization is the main mitigation measure needed for this section. In addition, 4.1 km of this project road passes through MWS, and around 60 km passes through or along the reserve forests. As such, measures must be put in place to ensure that construction does not harm MWS and the reserve forests. The wildlife movement study showed that monkeys are the only species that moves around the project road. Elephants move along the riverside near the project area, basically passing under Carnation Bridge (at NH 31C, just before the start of the project stretch) and Kalijhora Bridge (at km 4.1). Since the river flows at a significantly different elevation, elephants are unlikely to cross over the road. Moreover, since the rehabilitation of Kalijhora Bridge has not been proposed, elephant movement is not expected to be disturbed. In any case, signs will be placed in the sanctuary area to educate the road user about the ecological sensitivity of the area, and to encourage adherence to the speed limits and other safety precautions during the construction and operation phases. To minimize the potential impact during construction—and to comply with legislative requirements17—the stretch that passes through MWS will not be widened.18 Minimal widening will be limited to the ROW in the stretch that passes through reserve forests. This project road will require cutting approximately 2,721 trees along 87.9 km of the road (excluding the 4.1 km area of MWS). Tree cutting will be minimized by widening one side of the road; and, as much as possible, avoiding cutting trees that have formed a green tunnel19. Tree cutting will be prohibited along the section of the project road that passes through MWS. In addition, the contractors will be provided with

17 The conversion from national park and wildlife sanctuary to another nonforest function is not permitted. 18 The average current width of the road in MWS area is 8.5 m. According to the engineer of the project preparatory TA consultant, the road in this stretch can be rehabilitated without widening. 19 Green tunnel is tunnel that is formed due to thick canopies of the road side trees

16 information about the ecological sensitivity of this project area, and will not be permitted to establish construction camps, crushing plant, and hot-mix plant within the MWS area or near other sensitive locations.

68. Because blasting can trigger landslides and cause flash floods, it will be used only where essential. A hydro-geological assessment of groundwater potential should be carried out before blasting to prevent flash floods. Blasting should be carried out in a controlled manner following required stabilization and precautionary measures. Hill cut rocks and other excess clearing will be used for construction, as much as possible. Measures must be adopted to ensure that hill cut rocks are not disposed of on the valley side or in the river. Therefore, the contractor will be required to submit a plan for using this material, as well as a storage and disposal plan for excess material to avoid contamination of surface waters and dumping in the forest area. The plan will emphasize the disposal of hill cut rocks through approved quarries for construction purposes.

69. An increase in air pollution and noise levels is predicted for the entire section during construction. Preventive measures, such as routine maintenance of machinery, sprinkling of water, and scheduling of project activities, will be required to minimize the impact on air and noise quality. The crushing plant, hot-mix plant, and worker camps will not be allowed within the town area. Construction work will be permitted only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. in residential areas.

70. Since this is the only road connecting Sikkim with the rest of India through West Bengal, the diversion of traffic during construction is not an option. Traffic disturbances are an unavoidable impact during construction. In addition, the risk of road accidents could increase due the tortuous nature of traffic, undulating terrain, and paucity of proper parking facilities. To minimize this impact, proper traffic signs must be put in place, and road users should be informed through local newspapers and radio broadcasting.

71. The appropriate regulatory clearances and permission will be obtained before construction. These are covered by Environment Protection Act, 1986; Forests Clearance Act, 1980; Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; National Wild Life Board; and State Pollution Control Board. Permission for the use and handling of explosives under the Indian Explosive Act also will be obtained. Any additional mitigation measure proposed by the authorities will be complied with.

6. Baharampur and Maldah Bridges

72. In both bridge projects, the only significant impact identified was on air and noise quality. However, as the Bhagirathi River Bridge at Baharampur is not near any major settlements, a significant impact is not envisaged, even if a new two-lane bridge is built. However, Mahananda River Bridge is almost at the heart of Maldah town, surrounded by densely populated settlements. As such, the increase in air and noise pollution might cause major impacts. To minimize these impacts, construction works involving severe noise will be allowed only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

73. Contamination of water, particularly an increase in SS (Suspended Solid) due to construction, is anticipated as a temporary impact within the project area. This not expected to affect fish catching areas. To minimize this impact, where feasible, work on the riverbank will be minimized, storage of construction materials and machinery will not be permitted on the riverside, and prefabrication technology will be used as much as possible for construction. In addition, clean water through pumping and sanitation facilities will be provided to communities living near construction areas to substitute for river water for washing and cleaning.

B. Operational Phase

1. Barasat Bypass

74. Air and noise quality are the two most critical issues for this subproject. In most of the project area, concentrations of CO and NOx are not expected to exceed NAAQ standards in the residential areas (i.e., 4000 µg/m3 and 80 µg/m3, respectively). However, SPM and RSPM levels are likely to exceed the limits for residential areas (i.e., 200 µg/m3 and 100 µg/m3, respectively). The noise level will exceed the prescribed limit for residential areas at night (45 dB [A]) at a distance of 75 m from the proposed centerline of the bypass with a vehicle operating at 60 kph. However, until 2010, the noise limit for residential areas during the day (55 dB [A]) will be met at a distance of 50 m from the proposed centerline by ensuring that the surroundings of the proposed bypass are well vegetated and ground absorption is more than 50%. To reduce the potential impact to the ambient air quality and noise, adequate vegetation will have to be in place to ensure that ground absorption does not fall below 50%. In this scenario, air quality along the road project would not be worse, and the daytime noise limit of 55 dB (A) at a distance of 75 m from the proposed centerline of the bypass could be achieved.

75. To assess the impact on air and noise quality, the environmental management plan (EMP) has recommended periodic monitoring. During the operation phase of the Project, green cover in the study area is expected to improve significantly. The implementation of safety measures, along with the provision of lay byes, service lanes, and underpasses, are likely to prevent accidents.

2. Raiganj–Dalkhola Section

76. Air and noise quality are the prime concerns in this section also. However, unlike Barasat Bypass, this is an existing highway with air pollution levels that are already high. While road improvements will reduce the quantum of emissions per vehicle, the number of vehicles is likely to increase considerably. As such, the CO concentration is likely to surpass the NAAQ standard for residential areas at a distance of 11 m from the centerline of the proposed road after 2020 if the vehicle is operating at 60 kph. However, if the vehicle is operating at 80 kph, the threshold limit will be reached in 2027. Under normal conditions, the limit for CO concentration is not likely to be surpassed at a distance beyond 31 m during the project lifecycle. The NOX concentration is likely to exceed the NAAQ limit for residential areas at a distance of 11 m from the centerline of the proposed road beyond 2020 if the vehicle is operating at 60 kph. At the same distance, the limit will be exceeded after 2025 if the vehicle is operating at 80 kph. However, at a distance beyond 31 m from the centerline of the proposed road, the threshold limit will not be exceeded within the life of the project.

77. With the improvement in surface roughness, removal of bottlenecks, and enhanced vegetation cover, the concentrations of SPM and RSPM are likely to get better in many places along the road. However, the average concentrations are likely to exceed the NAAQ limits for SPM and RSPM for residential areas. Moreover, the concentrations will rise over the years as traffic and other activities increase. To assess the impact on air and noise quality, the EMP has recommended periodic monitoring.

78. Within the stretch passing through, more traffic signs will be placed, particularly to limit speed and use of horn. Vehicles will not be allowed to stop along the sanctuary area.

3. Panitanki––Fulbari Section

79. Accidents on Shiliguri Bypass, along the Mahananda Canal, are the only potential impacts during operation of this project road. Public consultations revealed that many vehicular accidents have occurred in this stretch, often with vehicles falling into the canal or leaking their load into the canal. To minimize this impact, the erection of guardrails along the canal and proper maintenance of the road have been proposed. Another proposal involves shifting the road embankment 3 m from the canal to enhance road safety and minimize the risk of accidental water contamination.

80. A number of positive environmental benefits are expected, such as (i) increase in vegetation cover as a result of the planned roadside plantation program, (ii) less emission from vehicles due to better surface quality, and (iii) elimination of bottlenecks. The air quality in areas such as Panitanki More and Bihar More is expected to improve during the operational phase. However, the noise levels are likely to rise because of the increase in vehicles. To assess the impact on air and noise quality, the EMP has recommended periodic monitoring.

4. Hasimara–Jaigaon Section

81. The most likely impact of this project will be on the air and noise quality of the settlements along this section, particularly Hasimara and Jaigaon towns. In Hasimara, air quality is likely to improve for the first 15 years of operation. To assess the impact on air and noise quality, the EMP has recommended periodic monitoring.

5. Sevok–Gangtok Section

82. Based on the traffic growth forecasts for this section, the levels of air pollutants (CO, NOx, SPM, and RSPM) are likely to remain within NAAQ standards. Background noise levels are already high in sensitive and residential areas, mostly because the tortuous hilly terrain results in higher river and traffic noise. An analysis using the Highway Noise Prediction Model shows that the maximum noise level increase at 30 m distance from the center of the road will be less than 2 dB (A) at 2009 traffic density, causing insignificant effect. Tree barriers between the road and villages and semi-urban and urban areas will be developed. The use of horns in high noise areas will be banned.

83. Local forest officials have raised concerns over a likely increase in accidents involving animals near MWS. To prevent such accidents, setting the speed limit for vehicles passing MWS at 60 kph has been proposed. The engineering consultant suggested maintaining surface roughness at 5.2 to achieve this speed limit. Restricting the use of pressure horns also has been proposed for this segment. In addition, stopping and parking will be prohibited within MWS.

84. Safety is always a sensitive issue on hilly roads, especially in sections where the roadside amenities are inadequate. Parking and other facilities will be provided along this section, with safety measures including signage and guardrails.

6. Baharampur and Maldah Bridges

85. Both bridge projects are expected to improve noise and air quality, as the congestion at the bridge mouth and on the bridge will be relieved through widening and segregation of non- motorized and motorized vehicles.

VI. ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

A. Benefits

86. The most prominent benefits envisaged from the proposed Project are improvements in road conditions that lead to savings in time and fuel. In addition, some unmeasured benefits from implementation of mitigation measures include improvement in vegetation cover after replanting; control of air, noise, and water pollution; and rehabilitation of borrow areas.

B. Costs of Adverse Impacts, if Not Mitigated

87. The highest environmental costs are expected to be for new construction. The Barasat Bypass, for example, will require the conversion of about 180 ha of virgin agriculture land to non-agriculture use. For Raiganj–Dalkhola, Hasimara–Jaigaon, –Fulbari, and Sevok–Gangtok sections, the environmental costs are expected to be less since these roads already exist. The calculation of the environmental cost of the project, particularly for Barasat Bypass, Raiganj– Dalkhola, and Sevok–Gangtok,20 is presented Table 4

Table 4: Environmental Cost of Adverse Impact (Rs million) Raiganj–Dalkhola Sevok–Gangtok Item Barasat Bypass Stretch Stretch Total Roadside tree 287.13 235.87 211.88 760.88 cutting 26.00 for RWS Impact on air and 42.98 41.33 11.90 96.21 noise quality Impact on noise 1.79 7.62 3.11 12.52 environment Impact on water 0.01 0.01 0.04 0.06 quality Borrowing of 2.38 3.31 - 5.69 earth Fuel 3,810.60 - - 3,810.60 consumption Total 4,144.89 314.14 226.93 4,685.96

Note: Direct and indirect environmental costs were taken into consideration, especially the estimate of health and impact of air pollution, by using the World Bank methodology for calculating health impact of air pollution in Jakarta. The ecological value of stocked forests is based on Forests Conservation Act, 1980 (Government of India).

C. Cost of Mitigation Measures

88. A number of measures have been proposed to mitigate adverse environmental impacts. These include (i) improvement of roadside ponds, (ii) construction of soak pits, (iii) installation of oil and grease traps in the refueling and wash down areas, (iv) replanting roadside trees, and (v) awareness and protection measures for sensitive locations. Mitigation costs for Barasat Bypass (Rs3.83 million), Raiganj–Dalkhola (Rs3.39 million), and Sevok–Gangtok (Rs2.7 million) totaled Rs9.92 million.

89. The monitoring plan envisages monitoring being conducted during the construction and operation phases. Visual checking for soil erosion, cutting of roadside plantations, and survival

20 Under ADB Environment Assessment Guidelines, economic assessment is required only for category "A" projects. This summary EIA covers three category “A” projects and four category “B” projects. The economic assessment presented here details primarily the category "A" projects.

20 rate of roadside trees are nonrecurring costs. The nonrecurring monitoring costs for the three subprojects total Rs1.48 million (Rs0.20 million for Barasat Bypass; Rs0.45 million for Raiganj– Dalkhola; and Rs0.83 million for Sevok–Gangtok).

90. The recurring costs cover monitoring air, water, and noise quality in the project locations. During the operation phase, recurring monitoring costs total Rs0.52 million (Rs0.14 million for Barasat Bypass; Rs0.17 million for Raiganj–Dalkhola; and Rs0.21 million for Sevok–Gangtok). During the construction phase, this is expected to amount to Rs0.05 million each for Barasat Bypass and Raiganj–Dalkhola, and Rs0.14 million for Sevok–Gangtok. Training costs are estimated at Rs1 million each for Barasat Bypass, Raiganj–Dalkhola, and Sevok–Gangtok. No additional recurring costs are proposed for the category “B” projects.

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

A. Environmental Management Plan

91. The EMP aims to ensure that adverse impacts of the Project are prevented or properly mitigated. Mitigation involves the adoption of the most suitable techno-economic option to reduce the effect to an acceptable level. The EMP consists of a set of mitigation, monitoring, and institutional measures to be taken in a time bound manner during the design, construction, and operation of the Project. The EMP identifies the parties responsible for implementing each action. Appendixes 1–6 of this report contain the EMPs developed for each subproject.

92. Since the construction time has not been decided, the implementation schedule for the EMP was prepared based on the assumption that the construction phase will be from 2006 to 2009, and operating phase shall be from 2010 to 2030. This schedule will be modified according to the final project implementation schedule.

B. Authorities and Implementation Responsibility

93. As the executing agencies for the national highway improvement component, the National Highway Authority of India and MOSRTH will be responsible for all the policy decisions, including incorporation of the EMP requirements and updating of the EMP. SGWB will have the same responsibilities for the state highway improvement component. The chief engineers of MOSTRH and SWGB’s Public Works Department (PWD) will be responsible for implementing the EMP, and preparing semiannual reports on the implementation of the EMP. The project management unit (PMU) will assist the chief engineers by ensuring that contracts for contractors include the requirement to implement environmental mitigation actions the required monitoring. For this purpose, the PMU will engage a supervision consultant (environment) and contractor.

C. Monitoring Plan

94. The monitoring plan was prepared considering the possible occurrence of impacts and required mitigation measures. Monitoring has been proposed for air quality, water quality, noise and vibration, soil erosion, and tree planting during construction and operation phases. The monitoring plan covers (i) the parameters to be monitored, (ii) standards to be followed, (iii) location of sampling and/or observation, (iv) duration and/or frequency of monitoring, (v) supervision responsibility, and (vi) costs. The project implementation unit (PIU) is expected to have primary responsibility for monitoring through the contractor during construction. During the operation phase, the state PWD, in close coordination with the State Pollution Control Board, will undertake continuous monitoring of the environmental quality. Certain preconstruction stage investigations—such as the hydro-geological investigation to assess groundwater potential in

21 the Sevok-Gangtok section for the prevention of flash floods—also have been proposed. The monitoring plan is in Appendix 7.

D. Unexpected Impacts

95. If deviations in environmental quality persist, or if unexpected environmental impacts occur, the executing agencies will undertake an investigation to find out the causes and to prepare appropriate mitigation measures. The State Pollution Control Boards or other relevant agencies, including ADB, will be informed of necessary actions.

E. Contingency Response Plan

96. Accidents and consequent spills are the main potential concerns that need to be handled through emergency actions. The EIA identified the most accident-prone areas as Shiliguri Bypass, along the Mahananda Canal, and Sevok–Gangtok. However, accidents could occur in other stretches of the project roads. Communication and response systems in these areas should be improved to minimize the response time. Local people wish to be informed about likely accidental spills, nature of contamination, and response. The executing agencies, in close coordination with relevant authorities, should ensure proper accidental spill management by developing in-house capabilities, or by associating with a competent third party

97. In case of landslides in the Sevok–Gangtok stretch, the road maintenance authorities should procure earth moving equipment and/or cranes. This equipment should be stationed at secured locations, preferably near identified landslide-prone areas or at least at both ends of the stretch. The executing agencies, through the road maintenance authority, should identify and train officials for a landslide emergency response team. They should be equipped with wireless communication tools for effective communication with other response team members and the local administration during emergencies. In addition to being trained to clear landslides, these officials should know how to create safe passages for traffic and rescue stranded passengers.

F. Institutional Capacity to Address Environmental Concerns

98. Neither the state PWD nor MOSRTH has an environment department. Therefore, systematic environmental training will be provided to senior and managerial staff, as well as PIU staff. The aim of the training is to build capacity, and strengthen and institutionalize efforts to address environmental concerns related to their activities, particularly the implementation of the EMP and the Environment Management and Monitoring Plan (EMoP). To effectively implement and supervise the EMP and EMoP, at least one officer under the chief engineers of MOSRTH and PWD (at director level) should be assigned to work closely with the PMU’s environmental supervision consultant. For each subproject, the field engineering officer also should be trained to implement the EMP and EMoP. The training program suggested covers (i) effective implementation of mitigation measures, (ii) sound construction practices, and (iii) environmental performance monitoring. As envisaged, these trained staff will be assigned in the future to handle environmental concerns related to roads, and will become the initial basis for an environmental cell within the PWD.

VIII. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE

99. Informal meetings, interviews, and stakeholder consultations were organized as the environmental assessment studies were undertaken. Public consultations involved formal meetings as well as informal and ad hoc approaches. Relevant stakeholders, ranging from government officials to local people, were consulted to learn their concerns, apprehensions, and overall opinions. The consultations also aimed to understand the perceptions of the proposed

22 subprojects by people living in the affected areas.

100. The formal consultation was a workshop, which was held on 28 August 2004 at Hotel Kenilworth in Kolkata, West Bengal. It was attended by stakeholders from the executing agencies and other concerned agencies, including the local authority. At this workshop, the stakeholders were informed about the project and its likely impacts.

101. The informal consultations, which were held 2–20 September 2004, covered all the project roads. About 200 private citizens and 85 public officials were consulted. The informal consultation carried out during the fieldwork generally started by explaining the proposed subprojects, followed by an explanation of their potential impacts. The participants were asked to focus their responses on the potential impacts of the subprojects, particularly on (i) air and noise quality of the area due to traffic, (ii) groundwater availability, (iii) accident risks, and (iv) perceptions about how the projects might affect wildlife (particularly elephant movement).

102. The results of these consultations were used in preparing the environmental assessment reports. The respondents generally welcomed the Project, expecting that it would contribute to economic growth in the study area. In the Barasat Bypass section, people expressed concern about potential changes in their suburban setting, and possible increases in noise and air pollution. The communities, however, appreciated the benefits of having congestion-free traffic.

103. During the discussions of Raiganj–Dalkhola, people expressed concern about noise and air pollution, filling of roadside ponds, borrowing of earth from cultivable lands, accident hazards, etc. However, people were strongly in favor of the project as they expected air and noise pollution levels to fall substantially due to the proposed Dalkhola Bypass.

104. The residents of the villages along the Sevok–Gangtok stretch did not express any concern about air and noise pollution. A drinking water shortage was reported at the Kalijhora market, and near Melli bazaar. In Gangtok city, the people welcomed the project, expecting it to contribute to the economic development of their area.

105. Officials of the West Bengal State Pollution Control Board highlighted the need for the proposed projects to have a monitoring plan due to potential shifting in noise and air pollution in the Barasat Bypass. Irrigation Department officials noted that the areas near Nalkura and Bishnupur, along the proposed Barasat Bypass, are routinely flooded during monsoon season. SGWB and SGS officials reported that Sevok–Gangtok passes through fragile hills that are prone to landslides.

106. Divisional forest officers and officers suggested that acquisition of forestland would not be permitted. They also recommended that chain-linked fences along adjoining the project stretch be maintained. For the long-term plan, a study on developing an alternate route from Raignaj–Dalkhola that bypasses also was proposed. In the Sevok–Gangtok stretch, forest authorities did not raise any alarms over potential adverse impacts on wildlife. However, concerns were expressed about safety issues, such as landslides and blasting. The need to obtain a permit before cutting trees, even in the ROW, was emphasized. MWS officials reported that only the road formation is the ROW, and no permission has been granted for cutting trees. The use of barricades was discouraged, as this would cause habitat fragmentation. Setting a speed limit of 60 kph also was suggested. Divisional forests officers of Kurseong and Darjeeling division also raised objections about disposing of landslide debris, road construction waste, and hill cut materials in the river. A former engineer of the Central Water Commission reported that the Tista River carries substantial silt, and the riverbed is rising. The disposal of debris or hill cut material in the river would exacerbate the problem.

107. A prominent local nongovernment organization (NGO) at Raiganj expressed the view that the proposed subproject is long overdue, and is expected to lead to substantial fuel and time saving. The NGO did not express concern over any potential adverse impact on due to the project. An NGO active in the Sevok–Gangtok stretch reported that pipeline and railway projects in the past have affected the movement of elephants. The NGO suggested making the present road one-way, and using another existing stretch (NH 31 from Gangtok via Pakyong-Laba-Chel Bypass-Damdim) for traffic in the other direction. However, the NGO also supported the road as long as it was not widened in the MWS area.

108. Consultations over Hasimara–Jaigaon and Panitanki–Fulbari indicated that people expect high noise and air pollution during construction. Still, no one objected to the Project. On the contrary, people welcomed the Project and expressed the view that it would improve economy activity significantly.

109. The main public consultations on upgrading and/or building the two bridges confirmed that decongestion of the bridges is strongly desired. People expect it would lead to improved air and noise quality in the project area. Segregation of motorized and non-motorized traffic also was considered an important measure to maintain smooth traffic flow.

110. The State Pollution Board of West Bengal and Sikkim will conduct formal consultations on the results of the environmental assessment studies as part of the process of obtaining a Non Objection Certificate and forest clearance. The Ministry Forest and Environment will use the results of the consultation when it considers granting the environmental clearance.

IX. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

111. As explained in Section 2 of this report on Summary of Proposed Project Activities, the proposed improvement of these roads will generate mostly insignificant adverse environmental impacts. These impacts generally will be caused by the construction works, and will be temporary. Implementation of the prescribed mitigation measures will minimize the predicted adverse impacts. Moreover, the impacts will be monitored continually by implementing and updating the EMP and EMOP. However, the improvement and rehabilitation of roads within the sanctuaries and reserve forests will generate long-term and irreversible environmental impacts if the proposed mitigation measures are not implemented strictly. Therefore, continuous monitoring is needed during construction and operation. The necessary clearances, permissions, and consents for different stretches are to be obtained before construction begins, as defined under the EMP.

112. The assessment of environmental impacts was conducted as the feasibility study was being prepared. Therefore, the detailed engineering was not available. In this regard, any major changes during detailed design,21 or any major additional work other than the proposed project activities explained in Section 2 of this report, will require preparation of another environmental assessment. This additional assessment will have to be submitted to the State Pollution Control Board and other relevant Government agencies to obtain the necessary clearances. It also will have to be sent to ADB for concurrence before civil works commence. The executing agencies have to submit the detailed engineering designs to ADB, which will review them and decide whether major changes or major additional works have been included.

21 In this context, changes that need to be reported to ADB involve change on road alignment, widening of the road, and changes in any proposed activity, such as an additional bridge, additional elevation of embankment, additional tunnel etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BARASAT BYPASS 24 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional 2 1 Appendix Issue/ Law and Location Cost Responsibility Component Contract Implemen Supervision 1 Documents tation

A. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE

SOIL Excavation of Loss of topsoil Avoid the use of agricultural Borrow areas During - Contractor DSC, PIU earth from areas for borrowing of materials, construction borrow areas unless requested by the landowner for making water /fish ponds or for lowering the land for making it irrigable. Movement of Compaction of Construction vehicles, machinery Throughout During - Contractor DSC, PIU vehicles in the soil and equipment will move, or be Project construction construction site stationed in the designated ROW, to Corridor and along the avoid unnecessary compaction of haulage routes soil. Movement, Contamination of Construction vehicles and Hazardous Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU maintenance and soil from fuel and equipment will be maintained and Waste Project Road construction Cost fuelling of lubricants refuelled in such a fashion that (Management & and borrow construction oil/diesel spillage does not Handling) Rules areas vehicles contaminate the soil. Waste oil and oil soaked cotton/ cloth shall be sold off to MoEF authorized vendors Site clearing, Contamination of Non-bituminous wastes from All construction During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU preparation, etc. soil from construction activities will be dumped sites construction Cost construction in borrow pits and covered with a Throughout wastes and layer of the conserved topsoil. Project Road quarry materials Bituminous wastes will be disposed off in an identified dumping site approved by the State Pollution Control Board

1 To be added once the contract documentation is under preparation 2 Actual costs for the subprojects are expected to be considerably lower as a contract package will contain several components and some of the mitigation measures activities will be carried out simultaneously for several subprojects.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BARASAT BYPASS Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional 2 Issue/ Law and Location Cost Responsibility Component Contract Implemen Supervision 1 Documents tation Excavation of Soil Erosion High embankments will be All construction During Engineering Contractor PIU earth, cutting provided with chutes and drains to sites construction Cost operations, minimize soil erosion. Throughout embanking, Stone pitching and retaining walls Project Road clearing of will be made at high embankments in (on slopes and vegetations critical areas (> 40% gradient) Indian Road high embankment, Turfing of low embankments and Congress (IRC): plantation of grasses and shrubs will especially near 56-1974 be done for slope protection. This will the bridges) follow the recommended practice for treatment of embankment slopes for erosion control, In borrow pits the depth of the pit will be regulated so that the slope not Engineering Rs 0.050 DSC PIU steeper than 1: 4, from the edge of Cost million (@ the final section of bank Rs 0.002 Wherever there are earth million per materials to be cut for the road km) alignment and the slope grades are more than 1.5 %, the slope should be made a gentle slope but not vertical.

Soil erosion along the road shall Procurement of be visually checked as given in the construction environmental monitoring plan. The Air materials Quarries and Aggregate required for road (Prevention and Quarries and During the Engineering Design PIU Borrow Areas construction should be procured from Control) of borrow areas Design Cost Consultant quarries approved by State Pollution Pollution Act and Stage and Control Board. Rules, 1981 construction

phase 1 Appendix To mitigate the adverse impact S.O. 979 (E) during excavation of borrow pits, dated 27th IRC:10-1961 guideline should be August 2003 followed for excavation of earth from borrow areas. 25

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BARASAT BYPASS 26 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional 2 1 Appendix Issue/ Law and Location Cost Responsibility Component Contract Implemen Supervision 1 Documents tation

The use of Fly- Fly-ash from thermal power

ash plants within 100 Km radius of the project site must be used for road making purpose. Fly ash should be used following the guidelines as per Indian Road Congress specifications SP 58-2001. Indian fly ash is high volume and has generally no or low toxic. However, fly ash analysis be carried out specifically for heavy metals and leachability potential before its use. WATER Use of water for Drainage and The contractor shall ensure that Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU construction run-off construction debris do not find their Project Road construction Cost way into the minor drainage channels which may get clogged.

i. To maintain the surface water flow/drainage, the following mitigation measures will be taken along the road ii. Drainage line will be constructed all along the project road. Good engineering and construction practiced should be followed Earthwork and Contamination of Construction work close to the Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU stonework and water due to streams or other water bodies will be Project Road construction Cost other construction avoided, especially during monsoon construction waste period. activities All necessary precautions will be taken to construct temporary or permanent devices to prevent water pollution due to increased siltation and turbidity. Wastes must be collected, stored and taken to approve disposal site.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BARASAT BYPASS Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional 2 Issue/ Law and Location Cost Responsibility Component Contract Implemen Supervision 1 Documents tation Movement, Contamination of To avoid contamination from fuel Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU maintenance and water from fuel and lubricants, the vehicles and Project Road construction Cost fuelling of and lubricants equipment will be properly maintained Rs 0.060 construction and refuelled. Construction million (@ vehicles Oil and grease traps will be camp site Rs 0.060 provided at fuelling locations, to million per prevent contamination of water. trap) The slopes of embankment Sunti Khal Rs 0.008 Contractor DSC, PIU leading to water bodies will be million (@ through modified and screened so that Rs 0.008 approved contaminants do not enter the water million per Monitoring body. sample) agency Water quality will be monitored as envisaged in the Environmental Monitoring Plan Setting up of Sanitation and The sewage system for At During Rs 0.030 Contractor DSC, PIU Construction waste disposal in construction camps will be properly Construction construction million for Camps construction designed (soak pits) and built so that camp maintenance camps no water pollution takes place. locations, if set of hygienic up condition at (1 construction construction camp) camps, if constructed (@ Rs 0.030 million per soak pit) Use of water for Conflict with local The contractor will make Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU construction water demand arrangements for water required for Project Road construction cost

construction in such a way that the 1 Appendix water availability and supply to nearby communities remain unaffected. For construction purposes, water shall be drawn from surface water bodies on priority. 27

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BARASAT BYPASS 28 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional 2 1 Appendix Issue/ Law and Location Cost Responsibility Component Contract Implemen Supervision 1 Documents tation

Construction of Potential • Undertake detail drainage study to Project Stretch During Engineering Design PIU

bridges and flooding, and select suitable design structure like Design Cost Consultant culverts increase SS culverts Throughout During 2 ponds @ Contractor DSC, PIU Affecting the • Minimize works in the bank of the Project Road construction Rs 0.1 ecological rivers, streams million per function of the pond = Rs • No storage construction materials ponds and and equipment nearby water bodies 0.2 million contamination of Non usage of bituminous material ground water or hazardous waste as filler Maintaining a safe distance of minimum 3 mts between water body and edge of road Landscaping of area around the protected pond (within 5 m of the ROW) (includes construction of bathing ghats, concreting the pond sides) Green belt plantation around the protected surface water bodies AIR Vehicular Emission from Road should be designed in such Construction During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU movement and construction a manner that no traffic congestion in sites construction Cost running of vehicles and the populated are along the road. machineries machinery Road should be designed with good geometry and roughness less than 4,000. All slopes and embankments will Central Motor be turfed as per best engineering Vehicles Rules, practices to minimize the dust 1989

generation during operation of the road.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BARASAT BYPASS Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional 2 Issue/ Law and Location Cost Responsibility Component Contract Implemen Supervision 1 Documents tation All the machinery and plants will be placed at the downwind direction with respect to human settlements. All vehicles, equipment and machinery used for construction will be regularly maintained to ensure that the pollution emission levels conform to the standards prescribed in Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The hot mix plant, crushers and the batching plants will be sited at least 1 km in the downwind direction from the nearest human settlement. Running of hot Dust generation All precautions to reduce the The Air Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU DG sets, mix level of dust emissions from the DG (Prevention and Project Road construction Cost plants, crushers, sets, hot mix plants, crushers and Control) of etc., batching plants will be taken up Pollution Act and transportation of Rules, 1981 raw materials, and other construction activities Asphalt and hot-mix plants will be Construction Rs 0.020 Contractor DSC, PIU located at least 1 km away from sites near the million through inhabited areas along the road with major (@ Rs 0.005 approved the clearance from West Bengal settlements million per monitoring Pollution Control Board. (viz: Doltara sample) agency

The hot mix plant will be fitted and Nalkura,)

1 Appendix with dust extraction units. and Hot mix Water will be sprayed in the plant lime/cement and earth mixing sites, asphalt mixing site and temporary service and access roads.

After compacting, water will be 29 sprayed on the earthwork regularly to

prevent dust.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BARASAT BYPASS 30 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional 2 1 Appendix Issue/ Law and Location Cost Responsibility Component Contract Implemen Supervision 1 Documents tation

Vehicles delivering loose and fine

materials like sand and fine aggregates shall be covered to reduce spills on existing road. Mixing equipment will be well sealed and equipped as per existing standards. Ambient air quality monitoring should be carried out during construction phase. If monitored parameters are above the prescribed limit, suitable control measures must be taken. NOISE Running of Noise from The plants and equipment used Environmental At hot mix During the Contractor DSC, PIU construction vehicles, asphalt for construction will strictly (Protection) plant, batching construction, conform to MoEF noise standards. machineries plants and Rules, 1986 and plants & till the equipment Amendments closure of Construction made there such sites sites under and

State Factories Rules Vehicles and equipment used will be fitted with silencer and Rs 1.2 maintained accordingly. million construction activity to be strictly (@ Rs 0.3 carried out during day time only Protection devices (ear plugs or million per Schools along ear muffs) will be provided to the noise the length of workers operating in the vicinity of barrier) project road Contractor high noise generating machines through DSC, PIU Trees will be planted along the Monitoring at Rs 0.009 approved road wherever needed. Doltala and

million (@ Construction of noise barriers in Nalkura and monitoring Rs 0.003 sensitive areas (in front of school) Construction agency Noise measurements should be sites million per carried out along the road to sample) ensure the effectiveness of mitigation measures.

Monitoring of tree felling along the road

SAFETY AND ACCIDENT RISKS Vehicular Accidents Design Improvements at curves. Throughout During the Design PIU movement Provision of proper safety signage. Project Road, Design Consultant Setting up speed limits particularly Stage near the Proper lighting arrangements will settlements be made. and sensitive locations (schools, health centres, etc.)

Construction Accident risks To ensure safe construction in the Throughout During Contractor DSC, PIU Activities temporary accesses during Project Road construction construction, lighting devices and safety signal devices will be installed.

Traffic management will be done. 1 Appendix Adequate signage, barriers and persons with flags during construction to control traffic will be provided.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BARASAT BYPASS 32 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional 2 1 Appendix Issue/ Law and Location Cost Responsibility Component Contract Implemen Supervision 1 Documents tation

Safety of workers undertaking

various operations during construction will be ensured by providing helmets, masks, safety goggles, etc. At every construction site, a readily available first aid unit including an adequate supply of dressing materials, a mode of transport, nursing staff and an attending doctor will be provided. Road safety education will be imparted to drivers running construction vehicles. B. OPERATION STAGE Runoff over Soil erosion Slopes and high embankment Throughout Operation Rs 0.12 PIU PMU under steep slopes areas along the road shall be Project road period million (@ EA checked/ studied for soil erosion. Rs 0.0055 In case soils erosion is found, million per suitable measures should be km) taken to control the soil erosion Drainage of Water Pollution Water quality monitoring should be Suntikhal Operation Rs 0.008 PIU PMU under runoff from roads carried out during operation period million (@ EA into water bodies phase. If monitored parameters Rs 0.008 are above the prescribed limit, million per suitable control measures must be sample) taken Vehicular Contamination The spills at the accident sites will Throughout Operation PIU PMU under movement from spills due to be cleared immediately and Project road period EA traffic and disposed off properly

accidents Vehicular Dust Generation Roadside tree plantations will be Throughout Operation Already PIU PMU under movement done and maintained. Project road period included in EA Design and Construction Stage

Plantation of pollutant adsorbing

trees, such as kikar

Regular maintenance of the road PMU under will be done to ensure good Nalkura Rs 0.005 PIU EA surface condition million (@ Ambient air quality monitoring Rs 0.005 should be carried out during million per operation phase. If monitored sample) parameters are above the prescribed limit, suitable control measures must be taken. Vehicular Noise pollution Noise measurements should be Monitoring at Operation Rs 0.006 PIU PMU under movement carried out along the road to Doltala and period million (@ EA ensure the effectiveness of Nalkura Rs 0.003 mitigation measures. million per According to monitoring results, km) use of sound barriers / trees will be considered where warranted

Signs for sensitive zones (health centres / educational institutions etc.) will be put up where horn should not be blown or traffic speed need to be regulated Plantation Flora and Fauna Monitoring of survival of trees at Throughout Operation Rs 0.018 PIU in PIU (key stone the rate of 75 % should be done in Project Road Stage million (@ Consultati

on with

species) the first year of the operation Rs 0.001 per 1 Appendix phase and suitable mitigation km) Social Forestry measures should be taken to Dept. protect the trees Efforts will be made for proper maintenance of planted trees,

shrubs and grasses to maintain 33

greenery and aesthetics

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BARASAT BYPASS 34 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional 2 1 Appendix Issue/ Law and Location Cost Responsibility Component Contract Implemen Supervision 1 Documents tation

Vehicular Accidents In case of spillage, the report to Throughout Operation Engineering PIU PMU under

movement involving relevant departments will be Project Road Stage Cost EA hazardous made. materials Efforts will be made to clean the spills of oil, toxic chemicals etc. as early as possible. Vehicular Safety Traffic management plan will be Throughout Operation Engineering PIU PMU under movement developed, especially along Project road stage Cost EA congested locations Traffic control measures including speed limits will be enforced strictly.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RAIGANJ – DALKHOLA SECTION Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 2 Issue/ Component To Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervisi Contract on Documents1 A. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SOIL Excavation of Loss of topsoil Avoid agricultural areas for borrowing Borrow areas During - Contractor DSC, PIU earth from of materials, unless requested by the construction borrow areas landowner for making water /fish ponds or for lowering the land for making it irrigable. Movement of Compaction of soil Construction vehicles, machinery and Throughout During - Contractor DSC, PIU vehicles in the equipment will move, or be stationed in Project construction construction the designated ROW, to avoid Corridor site and along unnecessary compaction of soil. the haulage routes Movement, Contamination of Construction vehicles and equipment Hazardous Throughout During Engineerin Contractor DSC, PIU maintenance soil from fuel and will be maintained and refuelled in such a Waste Project Road construction g Cost and fuelling of lubricants fashion that oil/diesel spillage does not (Management and borrow construction contaminate the soil. & Handling) areas vehicles Fuel storage and refuelling sites will Rules be kept away from drainage channels. Waste oil shall be sold off to MoEF authorized vendors Site clearing, Contamination of Non-bituminous wastes from All construction During Engineerin Contractor DSC, PIU preparation, soil from construction activities will be dumped in sites construction g Cost etc. construction wastes borrow pits and covered with a layer of Throughout and quarry the conserved topsoil. Project Road materials Bituminous wastes will be disposed off in an identified dumping site approved by the State Pollution Control Board Excavation of Soil Erosion High embankments will be provided All construction During Engineerin Contractor PIU earth, cutting with chutes and drains to minimize soil sites construction g Cost DSC and PIU 2 Appendix operations, erosion. Throughout Contractor embanking, Stone pitching and retaining walls will Project Road clearing of be made at high embankments in critical (on slopes and 35 1 To be added once the contract documentation is under preparation 2 Actual costs for the subprojects are expected to be considerably lower as a contract package will contain several components and some of the mitigation measures activities will be carried out simultaneously for several subprojects.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RAIGANJ – DALKHOLA SECTION 36 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 2 Issue/ Component To Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervisi Contract on 2 Appendix Documents1 vegetations areas (> 40% gradient) high Turfing of low embankments and Indian Road embankment, Engineerin plantation of grasses and shrubs will be Congress especially near g Cost done for slope protection. This will follow (IRC): 56- the bridges) the recommended practice for treatment 1974. Rs. 0.100 of embankment slopes for erosion million (@ control, Rs. 0.002 In borrow pits the depth of the pit will million per be regulated so that the sides of the km) excavation will have a slope not steeper than 1: 4, from the edge of the final section of bank. Wherever there are earth materials to be cut for the road alignment, care will be

taken in places, where the slope grades are more than 1.5 percent, to ensure that cut side of the earth is not absolutely vertical. It will have gentle slope while cutting. Soil erosion along the road shall be visually checked as given in the environmental monitoring plan. Procurement Quarries and Aggregate required for road The Air Quarries and During the Engineerin Design PIU of construction Borrow Areas construction should be procured from (Prevention borrow areas Design g Cost Consultant materials quarries approved by State Pollution and Control) Stage and Control Board. Air and noise emissions of Pollution construction from quarry should be within the Act and phase prescribed limit. Rules, 1981 Non-productive, barren lands, raised lands, riverbeds, waste lands have been recommended for borrowing earth materials; no productive land will be used for this purpose. To mitigate the adverse impact during excavation of borrow pits, IRC:10-1961 guideline should be followed for excavation of earth from borrow areas. WATER

Drainage line will be constructed all along the project road. Good engineering and construction practiced should be followed Earthwork and Contamination of Construction work close to the Throughout During Engineerin Contractor DSC, PIU stonework and water due to streams or other water bodies will be Project Road construction g Cost other construction waste avoided, especially during monsoon construction period. activities All necessary precautions will be taken to construct temporary or permanent devices to prevent water

pollution due to increased siltation and

turbidity.

Wastes must be collected, stored and taken to approve disposal site. Appendix 2 Appendix 37

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RAIGANJ – DALKHOLA SECTION 38 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 2 Issue/ Component To Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervisi Contract on 2 Appendix Documents1 Movement, Contamination of To avoid contamination from fuel and Throughout During Engineerin Contractor DSC, PIU maintenance water from fuel and lubricants, the vehicles and equipment Project Road construction g Cost and fuelling of lubricants will be properly maintained and refuelled. construction Oil and grease traps will be provided Construction Rs. 0.12 vehicles at fuelling locations, to prevent sites million (@ contamination of water. Rs. 0.06 The slopes of embankment leading to million per water bodies will be modified and oil and

screened so that contaminants do not grease Contractor DSC, PIU enter the water body. trap) Kulik river through Water quality will be monitored as approved envisaged in the Environmental Rs. 0.008 Monitoring Plan Monitoring million (@ agency Rs. 0.008 million per sample) Setting up of Sanitation and The construction camps will be At During Rs. 0.060 Contractor DSC, PIU Construction waste disposal in located away from the Construction construction million (@ Camps construction camps habitation/Sanctuary area camp Rs. 0.030

The sewage system for such camps locations, if set million per will be properly designed (soak pits) and up soak pit) built so that no water pollution takes (2 construction place. camp) Use of water Conflict with local The contractor will make Throughout During Engineerin Contractor DSC, PIU for water demand arrangements for water required for Project Road construction g cost construction construction in such a way that the water availability and supply to nearby communities/Sanctuary remain unaffected. For construction purposes, water shall be drawn from surface water bodies on priority.

Vehicles Rules, 1989. 2 Appendix The hot mix plant, crushers and the batching plants will be sited at least 1 km in the downwind direction from the nearest human settlement/Sanctuary 39 area

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RAIGANJ – DALKHOLA SECTION 40 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 2 Issue/ Component To Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervisi Contract on 2 Appendix Documents1 Running of hot Dust generation All precautions to reduce the level of The Air Throughout During Engineerin Contractor DSC, PIU DG sets, mix dust emissions from the DG sets, hot mix (Prevention Project Road construction g Cost plants, plants, crushers and batching plants will and Control) crushers, etc., be taken up. of Pollution transportation Act and of raw Rules, 1981 materials, and other construction activities Asphalt and hot-mix plants will be located at least 1 km away from

inhabited areas along the road with the clearance from West Bengal Pollution Control Board.

The hot mix plant will be fitted with

dust extraction units.

Water will be sprayed in the lime/cement and earth mixing sites, Construction Rs. 0.030 Contractor DSC, PIU asphalt mixing site and temporary sites near the million (@ through service and access roads. major Rs. 0.005 approved settlements million per monitoring

After compacting, water will be (Raigunj sample) agency sprayed on the earthwork regularly to wildlife prevent dust. sanctuary

Vehicles delivering loose and fine and Karam materials like sand and fine aggregates dighi and other shall be covered to reduce spills on hot mix and existing road. Mixing equipment will be crushing well sealed and equipped as per existing plants standards. Ambient air quality monitoring should be carried out during construction phase. If monitored parameters are above the prescribed limit, suitable control measures must be taken.

Amendments sites such sites made there

under and

State

Factories

Rules Vehicles and equipment used will be

fitted with silencer and maintained accordingly.

construction activity to be strictly All schools carried out during day time only along the Rs. 1.5 Contractor DSC, PIU proposed During million (5 through Protection devices (ear plugs or ear stretch construction barriers @ approved muffs) will be provided to the workers 0.3 monitoring operating in the vicinity of high noise Monitoring at million) agency generating machines Raigunj wildlife sanctuary and Rs. 0.012 Tree plantation will be done along the karandighi and million (@ road wherever needed. Construction Rs. 0.003 Construction of noise barriers in sites million per sensitive areas. These barriers should be retained even to serve during operation sample) period. Noise measurements should be carried out along the road to ensure the effectiveness of mitigation measures FLORA AND FAUNA 2 Appendix Site Clearing Loss or damage to All efforts during the design stage Throughout During Rs. Contractor DSC, PIU and vegetation should be made to minimize the tree Project Road Design and 1.2974 preparation felling requirement construction million 41

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RAIGANJ – DALKHOLA SECTION 42 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 2 Issue/ Component To Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervisi Contract on 2 Appendix Documents1 Compensatory plantation should be phase Rs. 0.026 started during construction phase parallel million (@

to the construction activities. Rs. Monitoring of tree felling along the road 0.00005 Contractor DSC, PIU million per km) Raigunj wildlife Adverse impact on Maintain fencing on either side of road Raigunj wildlife During Rs. 0.1 Sanctuary wildlife habitat stretch in the boundaries of Raigunj sanctuary construction million (1 wildlife sanctuary Km 407 at km X 3 Prevent cutting of Two big tree (with Raigunj wildlife During mts height large number of nests on it) , falling in sanctuary and Design 2) ROW by adjusting road alignment Km 407.1 No construction should be allowed during June to November in the Raiganj Sanctuary area. Comply with the conditions likely to be imposed under Environmental clearance letter to be granted by Ministry of Environment & Forests for the project. SAFETY AND ACCIDENT RISKS Vehicular Accidents Design Improvements at curves. Throughout During the Design PIU movement Provision of proper safety signage. Project Road, Design Consultant Setting up speed limits particularly Stage near the Proper lighting arrangements will be settlements made. and sensitive locations(scho ols, health centres, etc)

Construction Accident risks To ensure safe construction in the Throughout During Contractor DSC, PIU Activities temporary accesses during construction, Project Road construction lighting devices and safety signal devices will be installed. Traffic management will be done. Adequate signage, barriers and persons with flags during construction to control traffic will be provided

B. OPERATION STAGE Runoff over Soil erosion Slopes and high embankment areas Throughout Operation Rs. 0.275 PIU PMU steep slopes along the road shall be checked/ studied Project road period million (@ under EA for soil erosion. In case soils erosion is Rs. found, suitable measures should be 0.0055 taken to control the soil erosion million per km) Drainage of Water Pollution Water quality monitoring should be Kulik river Operation Rs. 0.008 PIU PMU runoff from carried out during operation phase. If period million (@ under EA roads into monitored parameters are above the Rs. 0.008 water bodies prescribed limit, suitable control million per measures must be taken sample) Vehicular Contamination from The spills at the accident sites will be Throughout Operation PIU PMU movement spills due to traffic cleared immediately and disposed off Project road period under EA and accidents properly Vehicular Dust Generation Roadside tree plantations will be done Throughout Operation Already PIU PMU

movement and maintained. Project road period included in under EA 2 Appendix Design and Constructi

on Stage 43

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RAIGANJ – DALKHOLA SECTION 44 Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 2 Issue/ Component To Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervisi Contract on 2 Appendix Documents1 Vehicular Air pollution Bottlenecks should be avoided for Operation PIU PMU movement smooth flow of traffic. period under EA Plantation of pollutant adsorbing trees, such as kikar Regular maintenance of the road will be done to ensure good surface condition Ambient air quality monitoring should Raigunj wildlife Rs. 0.005 PIU PMU be carried out during operation phase. If sanctuary million (@ under EA monitored parameters are above the Rs. 0.005 prescribed limit, suitable control million per measures must be taken. sample) Vehicular Noise pollution Noise measurements should be Monitoring at Operation Rs. 0.006 PIU PMU movement carried out along the road to ensure the Raigunj wildlife period million (@ under EA effectiveness of mitigation measures. sanctuary and Rs. 0.003 According to monitoring results, use karandighi million per of sound barriers / trees will be km) considered where warranted Signs for sensitive zones (health centres / educational institutions etc.) will be put up where horn should not be blown or traffic speed need to be regulated Plantation Flora and Fauna Monitoring of survival of trees at the Throughout Operation Rs. 0.050 PIU in PIU (key stone species) rate of 75 % should be done in the first Project Road Stage million (@ consultation with year of the operation phase and suitable Rs. 0.001 Social Forestry

mitigation measures should be taken to per km) Dept. protect the trees

Efforts will be made for proper maintenance of planted trees, shrubs and grasses to maintain greenery and aesthetics

Appendix 2 Appendix 45

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SEVOK – GANGTOK SECTION

Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 46 2 Issue/ Component Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervis Contract ion 1 Documents 3 Appendix A. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SOIL

Movement Contamination of Construction vehicles and equipment will Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU maintenan soil from fuel and be maintained and refuelled in such a Project Road construction Cost ce and lubricants fashion that oil/diesel spillage does not and borrow fuelling of contaminate the soil. areas constructi Fuel storage and refuelling sites will be on kept away from drainage channels. Hazardous Refuelling Rs. 0.100 vehicles Oil and grease traps to be constructed at Waste areas at all Million (Rs. the wash down and refuelling areas (Management construction 0.025 million Waste oil shall be sold off to MoEF & Handling) sites for each oil authorized vendors Rules 1989 / and grease 2004 trap) Site Contamination of Spoil disposal plan needs to be All construction During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU clearing, soil from prepared. sites construction Cost preparatio construction wastes Non-bituminous wastes from Throughout n, etc. and quarry construction activities will be dumped in Project Road materials borrow pits and covered with a layer of the conserved topsoil. Bituminous wastes will be disposed off in an identified dumping site approved by the

State Pollution Control Board

Precautions should be taken that no tree Km 0 to 4.1 is cut in Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary area. No change in formation width in the Forst sanctuary area. Conservation Act, 1980, No Camp is located in the Sanctuary Wildlife area including the open area near bridge at Protection Act, Km 4.1 . 1972, In Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary Area Environment and other reserved forests area follow all the Protection Act, conditions (to be 1986

objection Certificate of State Pollution Control Board. Excavatio Soil Erosion Construction planning to be scheduled in All construction During Engineering Contractor PIU n of earth, a manner that soil is not laid bare at hill sites construction Cost cutting cutting areas Throughout operations Fissures and cracks to be grouted with Project Road , saw dust-sand-cement slurry (on slopes and embankin high Removal of loose big boulders and other g, clearing embankment) debris from the slope of High embankments will be provided with vegetation chutes and drains to minimize soil erosion. s Benching to be provided along upper part of the slope

Surface drains to be provided for entire

road length

Scour holes to be filled up by stone

material

Retaining walls with pile foundation and

RCC masonry to be provided

Return walls to be provided in all bridges and culverts

Blasting to be avoided, if necessary only controlled blasting to be carried out Ground Indian

water potential be assessed before blasting Explosives Act,

at any of the portion. If Ground water 1884 potential is high, the blasting should be

avoided in that area to prevent

contamination as well-uncontrolled flow of ground water (flash floods). Stabilisation

measures should also be taken before start Throughout of blasting as may be required. Project Road Road design to withstand earthquakes of

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SEVOK – GANGTOK SECTION

Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 48 2 Issue/ Component Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervis Contract ion 1 Documents 3 Appendix intensity 6.0 Mb (body-wave magnitude on (on slopes and Rs. 0.184 PIU Richter scale) high million (@ embankment) Rs. 0.002 Soil erosion along the road shall be

visually checked as given in the million per environmental monitoring plan. km) DSC Procurem Quarries and Hill Aggregate required for road construction The Air Quarries During the Engineering Design PIU ent of cut Rocks should be procured from quarries approved (Prevention Design Cost Consultant constructi by State Pollution Control Board. Air and and Control) of Stage and on noise emissions from quarry should be Pollution Act construction materials within the prescribed limit. and Rules, phase Dumping to be carried out only on land 1981 free from any social or R&R issue and away from any water body. The Hill cut rocks should not be disposed of to the valley side or river bodies. It should be used for road construction to the extent feasible. The remaining hill cut rocks should either be transported to quarries like in Rangpo or Shiliguri or should be stored at safe identified locations and utilised for construction purposes. The environmental aspects should be assessed before start of storage of hill cut rocks at the site. WATER Use of Drainage and run- The contractor shall ensure that Throughout During Engineering Contractor SC, PIU water for off construction debris do not find their way into Project Road construction Cost constructi the minor drainage channels which may get on clogged To maintain the surface water flow/drainage, proper mitigation measures will be taken along the road, like:

• Drainage line will be constructed all along the project road. • Good engineering and construction practiced should be followed

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SEVOK – GANGTOK SECTION Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 2 Issue/ Component Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervis Contract ion Documents1 Use of Drinking water Spring water not to be used for Throughout During Engineering water for availability construction purposes Project Road construction cost constructi on Stone Contamination of Construction work close to the streams Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU work and water due to or other water bodies should be avoided to Project Road construction Cost other construction waste the extent feasible and especially during constructi including hill cut monsoon period. on rocks All necessary precautions will be taken activities to construct temporary or permanent devices to prevent water pollution due to

increased siltation and turbidity.

Construction wastes (debris etc.) must

be collected, stored and used in construction activities to the extent feasible. The balance should be disposed off away from water bodies and without damaging the vegetation/trees. These disposal site should preferably be identified in advance and consent from State Pollution Control Board be obtained as part of NOC process. . Movement Contamination of To avoid contamination from fuel and Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU , water from fuel and lubricants, the vehicles and equipment will Project Road construction Cost maintenan lubricants be properly maintained and refuelled. ce and Oil and grease traps will be provided at Tista river Rs. 0.048 Contractor fuelling of fuelling locations, to prevent contamination (Kalishora, million through constructi of water Rangpo and (@Rs. 0.008 approved on vehicles The slopes of embankment leading to Singtan) and million per Monitoring water bodies will be modified and screened Rangni Chuk sample) agency so that contaminants do not enter the water (Lukhbir, body. sinking zone at Water quality (including biological chainage 76.0 parameters) will be monitored as envisaged km and Lepcha in the Environmental Monitoring Plan Jhora)

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SEVOK – GANGTOK SECTION

Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 50 2 Issue/ Component Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervis Contract ion 1 Documents 3 Appendix Setting up Sanitation and The construction camps will be located At Construction During Rs 0.100 Contractor DSC, PIU of waste disposal in away from the habitation. camp locations, construction million (@ Constructi construction camps Construction of oil and grease trap at all if set up Rs. 0.025 on Camps construction camps (4 construction million per The sewage system for such camps will camp) oil and be properly designed (soak pits) and built so grease trap) that no water pollution takes place. Rs 0.100 million (@ Rs. 0.025 million per soak pit) Use of Conflict with local The contractor will make arrangements Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU water for water demand for water required for construction in such a Project Road construction cost constructi way that the water availability and supply to on nearby communities remain unaffected. For construction purposes, water shall be drawn from surface water bodies on priority. Air Vehicular Emission from Road should be designed in such a Construction During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU movement construction manner that no traffic congestion in the sites construction Cost and vehicles and populated area along the road. running of machinery Road should be designed with good machineri geometry and roughness less than 4,000. es All vehicles, equipment and machinery used for construction will be regularly maintained and fitted with pollution control

equipment to ensure that the pollution Central Motor emission levels conform to the standards Vehicles Rules, prescribed in Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 1989. All the machinery and plants like hot mix plant, crushers and the batching plants will be sited at least 1 km in the downwind direction from the nearest human settlement

Running Dust generation All precautions to reduce the level of The Air Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU of hot DG dust emissions from the DG sets, hot mix (Prevention Project Road construction Cost sets, mix plants, crushers and batching plants will be and Control) of plants, taken up. Pollution Act crushers, and Rules, etc., Asphalt and hot-mix plants will be 1981 transportat located at least 1 km away from inhabited ion of raw areas along the road with the clearance materials, from State Pollution Control Board. and other The hot mix plant will be fitted with dust constructi extraction units as per the conditions on imposed by State Pollution Control Board activities under NOC. Water will be sprayed in the lime/cement and earth mixing sites, asphalt mixing site and temporary service and access roads. After compacting, water will be sprayed Construction Rs. 0.030 Contractor DSC, PIU on the earthwork regularly to prevent dust. sites near the million (@ through Vehicles delivering loose and fine major Rs. 0.005 approved materials like sand and fine aggregates settlements million per monitoring shall be covered to reduce spills on existing (viz: Gangtok sample) agency road. Mixing equipment will be well sealed city and and equipped as per existing standards. Mahananda Ambient air quality monitoring should be wild life carried out during construction phase. If sanctuary) and monitored parameters are above the Hot mix plant prescribed limit, suitable control measures must be taken.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SEVOK – GANGTOK SECTION

Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 52 2 Issue/ Component Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervis Contract ion 1 Documents 3 Appendix Noise Running Noise from Environmental During the Contractor DSC, PIU The plants and equipment used for At hot mix of vehicles, asphalt (Protection) plant, batching construction, construction will strictly conform to MoEF constructi plants and noise standards. Rules, 1986 plants & till the on equipment and Construction closure of machineri Amendments sites such sites es and made there blasting under and activity State Factories

Rules Vehicles and equipment used will be fitted with silencer and maintained

accordingly.

Construction equipments to be placed in

inhabited areas only

Construction activity to be strictly carried out during day time only

Blasting to be avoided as far as possible. No blasting or cutting measures should be Indian applied in Mahananda Wild life Sanctuary Explosives Act,

area. 1884

Protection devices (ear plugs or ear muffs) will be provided to the workers operating in the vicinity of high noise generating machines Monitoring at Gangtok city Green belt plantation to be done in two and layers Rs. 0.018 Mahananda million (@ Noise measurements should be carried wild life Rs. 0.003 Contractor out along the road to ensure the sanctuary and million per DSC, PIU effectiveness of mitigation measures. Construction through sites sample) approved monitoring agency FLORA AND FAUNA

Site Loss or damage to Throughout During Contractor DSC, PIU • All efforts during the design stage

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SEVOK – GANGTOK SECTION Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 2 Issue/ Component Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervis Contract ion Documents1 Clearing vegetation should be made to minimize the tree felling Project Road Design and and requirement construction preparatio Compensatory plantation should be phase Contractor DSC, PIU n started during construction phase parallel to Rs. 2.52 the construction activities. million Restriction of speed limits and usage of pressure horns on the highway Road construction to be restricted to day time only

No debris to be disposed off on the valley side

Monitoring of tree felling along the road Rs. 0.045 million (@ Rs. 0.00005 The Formation width should not be 0 to 4.1 KM million per changed in Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary km) Wild Life Area. Protection Act, 72 SAFETY AND ACCIDENT RISKS Vehicular Accidents Design Improvements at curves. Throughout During the Design PIU movement Provision of proper safety signage. Project Road, Design Consultant Setting up speed limits particularly near Stage the settlements Proper lighting arrangements will be and sensitive made. locations Making provision of pre alerts before (schools, health start of blasting and or start of construction centres, etc) .since construction activity in hills will create hazardous movement situation requiring adequate controls. Constructi Accident risks To ensure safe construction in the Throughout During Contractor DSC, PIU on temporary accesses during construction, Project Road construction Activities lighting devices and safety signal devices will be installed.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SEVOK – GANGTOK SECTION

Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 54 2 Issue/ Component Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervis Contract ion 1 Documents 3 Appendix Traffic management will be done. Adequate signage, barriers and persons with flags during construction to control traffic will be provided. Safety of workers undertaking various operations during construction will be ensured by providing helmets, masks, safety goggles, etc. At every construction site, a readily available first aid unit including an adequate supply of dressing materials, a mode of transport, nursing staff and an attending doctor will be provided. Road safety education will be imparted to drivers running construction vehicles. B. OPERATION STAGE Runoff Soil erosion Slopes and high embankment areas Throughout Operation Rs. 0.506 PIU PMU over steep along the road shall be checked/ studied for Project road period million (@ under EA slopes soil erosion. In case soils erosion is found, Rs. 0.0055 suitable measures should be taken to million per control the soil erosion km) Drainage Water Pollution Water quality monitoring should be Tista river Operation Rs. 0.048 PIU PMU of runoff carried out during operation phase. If (Kalishora, period million (@ under EA from roads monitored parameters are above the Rangpo and Rs. 0.008 into water prescribed limit, suitable control measures Singtan) and million per bodies must be taken Rangni Chuk sample) (Lukhbir, sinking zone at chainage 76.0 km and Lepcha Jhora)

Vehicular Contamination from The spills at the accident sites will be Throughout Operation PIU PMU movement spills due to traffic cleared immediately and disposed off Project road period under EA and accidents properly

Plantation of pollutant adsorbing trees,

such as kikar

Regular maintenance of the road will be

done to ensure good surface condition PMU Ambient air quality monitoring should be PIU Gangtok city Rs. 0.010 under EA carried out during operation phase. If and million (@ monitored parameters are above the Mahananda Rs. 0.005 prescribed limit, suitable control measures wild life million per must be taken. sanctuary sample) Vehicular Noise pollution Noise measurements should be carried Gangtok city Operation Rs. 0.006 PIU PMU movement out along the road to ensure the and period million (@ under EA effectiveness of mitigation measures. Mahananda Rs. 0.003 wild life million per sanctuary km) Plantation Flora and Fauna Monitoring of survival of trees at the rate Throughout Operation Rs. 0.092 PIU in PIU (key stone species) of 75 % should be done in the first year of Project Road Stage million (@ consultation with the operation phase and suitable mitigation Rs. 0.001 Social Forestry measures should be taken to protect the million per Dept, trees km) Efforts will be made for proper maintenance of planted trees, shrubs and grasses to maintain greenery and aesthetics Enough speed and caution signage to be Engineering placed in the Mahananda Wild Life Costs Sanctuary area. Vehicular Accidents involving In case of spillage, the report to relevant Throughout Operation Engineering PIU PMU movement hazardous departments will be made. Project Road Stage Cost under EA materials Efforts will be made to clean the spills of oil, toxic chemicals etc. as early as possible.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SEVOK – GANGTOK SECTION

Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional Responsibility 56 2 Issue/ Component Law and Location Cost Implementation Supervis Contract ion 1 Documents 3 Appendix Vehicular Safety Traffic management plan will be Throughout Operation Engineering PIU PMU movement developed, especially along congested Project road stage Cost under EA locations Traffic control measures including speed limits, pre alerts, and adherence to signage will be enforced strictly.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PANITANKI/KAKARBITTA – FULBARI Activities Environmental Remedial Measures Reference To Approximate Timeframe Mitigation Institutional 2 Issue/ Component Law and Location Cost Responsibility Contract Implemen Supervisi 1 Documents tation on A. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SOIL Excavation of Loss of topsoil Avoid agricultural areas for borrowing of Borrow areas During - Contractor PIU, earth from materials, unless requested by the construction Road borrow areas landowner for making water /fish ponds or Authorities for lowering the land for making it irrigable. Movement of Compaction of soil Construction vehicles, machinery and Throughout During - Contractor PIU, Road vehicles in the equipment will move, or be stationed in the Project construction Authorities construction site designated ROW, to avoid unnecessary Corridor and along the compaction of soil. haulage routes Parking shall be strictly restricted to RoW Movement, Contamination of soil Construction vehicles and equipment will Throughout During Engineering Contractor PIU, Road maintenance from fuel and be maintained and refueled in such a Project Road construction Cost Authorities and fuelling of lubricants fashion that oil/diesel spillage does not and borrow construction contaminate the soil. areas vehicles Fuel storage and refueling sites will be kept away from drainage channels. Unusable debris shall be dumped in Hazardous nearest landfill sites. Waste Waste oil and shall be sold off to MoEF (Management authorized vendors & Handling) Rules Site clearing, Contamination of soil Good engineering practices shall be All construction During Engineering Contractor PIU, Road preparation, etc. from construction followed to minimize waste generation sites construction Cost Authorities wastes and quarry Non-bituminous wastes from Throughout the materials construction activities will be dumped in Project Roads borrow pits and covered with a layer of the conserved topsoil. Bituminous wastes will be disposed off in an identified dumping site approved by the State Pollution Control Board 4 Appendix

mitigation measures activities will be carried out simultaneously for several subprojects. 57

etc should be strictly followed Excavation of Soil Erosion High embankments will be provided with Kakarbhitta to During Engineering Contractor PIU, Road earth, cutting chutes and drains to minimize soil erosion. Panitanki More construction Cost Authorities operations, Siliguri embanking Bypass, Ghoshpukur-

Goaltuli stretch

crossing Mahananda

canal

Stone pitching and retaining walls will be

made at high embankments in critical areas Throughout

Turfing of low embankments and Project Road

plantation of grasses and shrubs will be

done for slope protection. This will follow the recommended practice for treatment of

embankment slopes for erosion control. Indian Road

In borrow pits the depth of the pit will be Congress

regulated so that the sides of the (IRC): 56-1974 excavation will have a slope no steeper

than 1: 4 from the edge of the final section

of bank.

Wherever there are earth materials to be

cut for the road alignment, care will be taken in the rolling terrain, where the slope Engineering

grades are more than 1.5 percent, to Cost

ensure that cut side of the earth is not absolutely vertical. It will have gentle slope

while cutting. Rs.0.010 DSC PIU, Road Soil erosion along the road shall be million Authorities visually checked as given in the environmental monitoring plan. Procurement of Quarries and Borrow Aggregate required for road construction The Air Quarries and During the Engineering DSC PIU, Road construction Areas should be procured from quarries approved (Prevention borrow areas Design Cost Authorities materials by WB Pollution Control Board. Air and and Control) of Stage and noise emissions from quarry should be Pollution Act construction within the prescribed limit. and Rules, phase

To mitigate the adverse impact during

excavation of borrow pits, IRC:10-1961, guideline should be followed for excavation of earth from borrow areas. WATER Use of water for Drainage and run-off The contractor shall ensure that Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, construction construction debris do not find their way Project Road construction Cost Road into the minor drainage channels which Authorities may get clogged. To maintain the surface water flow/drainage, proper mitigation measures will be taken along the road, such as: Drainage line will be constructed all along the project road. (ii) Good engineering and construction practiced should be followed Earthwork and Contamination of Construction work close to the streams Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, stonework and water due to or other water bodies will be avoided, Project Road construction Cost Road other construction waste during monsoon period. Authorities construction All necessary precautions will be taken activities to construct temporary or permanent devices to prevent water pollution due to increased siltation and turbidity.

Wastes must be collected, stored and

taken to approve disposal site.

4 Appendix 59

The slopes of embankments leading to water bodies will be modified and screened

so that contaminants do not enter the water DSC, PIU, body. Specific precautions should be Contractor followed while working on Mahananda through Road Canal section (Siliguri Bypass) approved Authorities Water quality will be monitored as Monitoring envisaged in the Environmental Monitoring agency Plan Mahananda Rs. 0.024 Canal million Setting up of Sanitation and waste The construction camps will be located At During Rs. 0.050 Contractor DSC, PIU, Construction disposal from away from the habitations and water Construction construction million for Road Camps construction camps bodies. camp maintenance Authorities The sewage system for such camps will locations, if set of hygienic be properly designed and built so that no up condition at water pollution takes place. construction camps, if constructed Use of water for Conflict with local The contractor will make arrangements Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, construction water demand for water required for construction in such a Project Road construction cost Road way that the water availability and supply to Authorities nearby communities remain unaffected. For construction purposes, water shall be drawn from surface water bodies on priority after seeking permission from the relevant authorities.

Air

Road should be designed with good geometry and roughness less than 2,000. All slopes and embankments will be turfed as per best engineering practices to minimize the dust generation during operation of the road. All the machinery and plants will be placed at the downwind direction with

respect to human settlements.

All vehicles, equipment and machinery

used for construction will be regularly maintained to ensure that the pollution emission levels conform to the standards Central Motor prescribed in Central Motor Vehicles Rules, Vehicle Rules, 1989. 1989 The hot mix plant, crushers and the batching plants will be sited at least 1 km in the downwind direction from the nearest human settlement. Running of hot Dust generation All precautions to reduce the level of The Air Throughout During Engineering DSC, and PIU, Road DG sets, mix dust emissions from the DG sets, hot mix (Prevention Project Road construction Cost Contractor Authorities plants, plants, crushers and batching plants will be and Control) of crushers, etc., taken up. Pollution Act transportation of and Rules, raw materials, 1981 and other construction Asphalt and hot-mix plants will be activities 4 Appendix located at least 1 km away from inhabited

areas along the road with the clearance from WB Pollution Control Board.

The hot mix plant will be fitted with dust extraction units.

Water will be sprayed in the lime/cement 61

After compacting, water will be sprayed on the earthwork regularly to prevent dust. Vehicles delivering loose and fine materials like sand and fine aggregates shall be covered to reduce spills on existing road. Mixing equipment will be well sealed and equipped as per existing standards. Ambient air quality monitoring should be carried out during construction phase. If monitored parameters are above the prescribed limit, suitable control measures must be taken. Panitanki Rs. 0.045 Contractor DSC, PIU, More, one million through Road construction approved Authorities site and Hot monitoring mix plant agency Noise Running of Noise from vehicles, Environmental During the The plants and equipments used for At hot mix construction asphalt plants and (Protection) construction, construction will strictly conform to MoEF plant, batching machineries equipment noise standards. Rules, 1986 plants & till the and Construction closure of DSC, PIU, Vehicles and equipment used will be Amendments sites: such sites Road fitted with silencer and maintained made there Authorities accordingly. under and

Protection devices (ear plugs or ear State Factories muffs) will be provided to the workers Rules operating in the vicinity of high noise generating machines Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, Noise barriers /dense trees will be Primary Cost Road planted along the road school: Km 19- 20/ NH 31C Authorities Nursery School: Km 14-15/ NH31C Gurudwara: Km 562-Km

Compensatory plantation should be Rs. 0.689 started during construction phase parallel million to the construction activities. (including plantation and Workers are to be strictly advised Near maintenance against illegal felling of trees especially in Tukriajhar the forest area. Avoid constructing Truck Forest, ) parking facility in Takurea Jhar Forest area Panitanki Construction Protection of Flora Awareness shall be created amongst Near During Engineering Contractor PIU, Road Activity and Fauna workers to not venture into forests and Tukriajhar Construction Cost , DSC Authorities harm any straying animals. Forest

No construction camp should be Within 500m of During Engineering Contractor PIU, Road established within 500m of Tukriajhar forest Tukriajhar Construction Cost , DSC Authorities forest SAFETY AND ACCIDENT RISKS Vehicular Accidents Design Improvements at curves. Throughout During the Engineering DSC PIU, Road 4 Appendix movement Provision of proper safety signage. Project Road, Design cost Authorities Setting up speed limits particularly Stage 63

Appropriate sign boards for ‘Work at and sensitive progress’, safety to be displayed. locations (schools, health centers, etc) Construction Accident risks To ensure safety in the temporary Throughout During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, Activities accesses during construction, lighting Project Road construction cost Road devices and safety signal devices will be Authorities installed. Traffic management will be done. Adequate signage, barriers and persons with flags during construction to control traffic will be provided. Safety of workers undertaking various operations during construction will be ensured by providing helmets, masks, safety goggles, etc. At every construction site, a readily available first aid unit including an adequate supply of dressing materials, a mode of transport, nursing staff and an attending doctor will be provided. Road safety education will be imparted to drivers running construction vehicles. OPERATION STAGE Runoff over Soil erosion Slopes and high embankment areas Throughout Operation Rs. 0.106 PIU, Road PMU steep slopes along the road shall be checked/ studied for Project roads period million Authorities

soil erosion. In case soils erosion is found, suitable measures should be taken to

control the soil erosion Accidental Water seepage and Specific action would required to be Road along Operation Engineering PIU, Road PMU spillage of accidental water taken for the safety and stability of the road Mahananda period Cost Authorities chemicals or oil pollution as well as preventing accidental fall of Canal tankers into loaded trucks into the Mahananda canal. water bodies Some of the measures include

Monitoring of the lining and road Along the condition and providing adequate entire stretch of project road embankment or barrier on canal end of the 3 years 0.024 along the canal road

Water quality monitoring should be Along carried out during operation phase. If Mahananda monitored parameters are above the canal near prescribed limit, suitable control measures Goaltuli more must be taken Vehicular Contamination from The spills at the accident sites will be Throughout Operation - PIU, Road PMU movement spills due to traffic cleared immediately and disposed off Project roads period Authorities and accidents properly Vehicular Dust Generation Roadside tree plantations will be done Throughout Operation Already Social PIU, Road movement and maintained. Project roads period included in Forestry Authorities Design and division Construction Stage Vehicular Air pollution Bottlenecks should be avoided for Operation PIU, Road PMU movement smooth flow of traffic. period Authorities 4 Appendix Plantation of pollutant adsorbing trees, such as neem, mango etc. 65

Parking space shall be provided at the

custom check posts to avoid decongestion

and subsequent idling of vehicles. Panitanki More Rs. 0.015 Ambient air quality monitoring should be million carried out during operation phase. If monitored parameters are above the prescribed limit, suitable control measures must be taken. Vehicular Noise pollution Noise measurements should be carried Panitanki More Operation Rs. 0.009 PIU, Road PMU movement out along the road to ensure the period million Authorities effectiveness of mitigation measures. According to monitoring results, use of Primary sound barriers / trees will be considered school: Km 19- where warranted 20/ NH 31C Signs for sensitive zones (health centers Nursery / educational institutions etc.) will be put up School: Km where horn should not be blown or traffic 14-15/ NH31C speed need to be regulated Gurudwara: Km 562-Km 563/ NH31 Plantation Flora and Fauna (key Monitoring of survival of trees should be Throughout Operation Rs. 0.29 Forest PIU, Road stone species) done at regular interval and suitable Project Road Stage million Dept. Authorities mitigation measures should be taken to protect the trees Efforts will be made for proper maintenance of planted trees, shrubs and grasses to maintain greenery and aesthetics Vehicular Accidents involving In case of spillage, the report to relevant Throughout Operation Engineering PIU, Road PMU movement hazardous materials departments will be made. Project Road Stage Cost Authorities Efforts will be made to clean the spills of oil, toxic chemicals etc. as early as possible.

Accident of straying The elephant squad of Mahananda WLS wildlife shall be informed immediately of straying Along NH31C PIU, Road PMU Authorities elephants who shall drive them back into forests. 0.010 million Appropriate road signs (As samples provided in IEE shall be displayed at places generally taken by elephants)

Engineering Restrictions as low noise, speed limit Cost and alertness on wildlife shall be displayed in the areas. Vehicular Safety Traffic management plan will be Throughout Operation Engineering PIU PMU movement developed, especially along congested Project road stage Cost locations Traffic control measures including speed limits will be enforced strictly. Shock absorbers to be provided on Siliguri Bypass Engineering either side of the road in this stretch. Road Cost

4 Appendix 67

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HASIMARA – JAIGAON/PHUENTSHOLING

Environmental Ref. to Law Approximate Mitigation Inst’l. Responsibility 5 Appendix 2 Activities Issue/ Remedial & Contract Location Timeframe Cost Implement Supervision Component Measures Documents ation 1 A. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SOIL Excavation of Loss of topsoil Avoid agricultural for borrowing of Borrow areas During - Contractor DSC, PIU, earth from materials, unless requested by the construction BRO/ PWD borrow areas landowner for making water /fish ponds or for (WB) lowering the land for making it irrigable. Movement of Compaction of soil Construction vehicles, machinery and Throughout Project During - Contractor DSC, PIU, vehicles in the equipment will move, or be stationed in the Corridor construction BRO/ PWD construction site designated ROW, to avoid unnecessary (WB) and along the compaction of soil. haulage routes Parking shall be strictly restricted to RoW Movement, Contamination of Construction vehicles and equipment will Throughout Project During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, maintenance soil from fuel and be maintained and refueled in such a fashion Road and borrow construction Cost BRO/ PWD and fuelling of lubricants that oil/diesel spillage does not contaminate areas (WB) construction the soil. Hazardous vehicles Fuel storage and refueling sites will be Waste kept away from drainage channels. (Management Unusable debris shall be dumped in & Handling) nearest landfill sites. Rules Waste oil shall be stored in containers labeled ‘Waste Oil’ and ‘Hazardous’ sold off to MoEF authorized vendors A.1.1. Site Contamination of Good engineering practices shall be All construction sites During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, clearing, soil from followed to minimize waste generation Throughout the construction Cost BRO/ PWD preparation, etc. construction All spoils will be disposed off as desired Project Roads (WB) wastes and quarry and the site will be restored back to its materials original conditions before handing over. Non-bituminous wastes from construction activities will be dumped in borrow pits and covered with a layer of the conserved topsoil. Bituminous wastes will be disposed off in an identified dumping site approved by the State Pollution Control Board

regulated so that the sides of the excavation will have a slope no steeper than 1: 4 from the edge of the final section of bank. Wherever there are earth materials to be cut for the road alignment, care will be taken in the rolling terrain, where the slope grades are more than 1.5 percent, to ensure that cut

side of the earth is not absolutely vertical. It will have gentle slope while cutting. Engineering Cost Soil erosion along the road shall be visually checked as given in the along Gobarjyoti Rs 0.016 DSC PIU, BRO/ environmental monitoring plan. stream, million PWD (WB) Procurement of Quarries and Aggregate required for road construction The Air Quarries and borrow During the Engineering DSC PIU, BRO/ construction Borrow Areas should be procured from quarries approved (Prevention areas Design Stage Cost PWD (WB) materials by WB Pollution Control Board. Air and noise and Control) and emissions from quarry should be within the of Pollution construction prescribed limit. Act and Rules, phase 1981 Non-productive, barren lands, raised lands, riverbeds, waste lands have been recommended for borrowing earth materials; no productive land will be used for this purpose. To mitigate the adverse impact during

excavation of borrow pits, IRC:10-1961, 5 Appendix guideline should be followed for excavation of earth from borrow areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HASIMARA – JAIGAON/PHUENTSHOLING

Environmental Ref. to Law Approximate Mitigation Inst’l. Responsibility 5 Appendix 2 Activities Issue/ Remedial & Contract Location Timeframe Cost Implement Supervision Component Measures Documents ation 1 WATER Use of water for Drainage and run- The contractor shall ensure that Throughout Project During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, construction off construction debris do not find their way into Road construction Cost BRO/ PWD the minor drainage channels which may get (WB) clogged. To maintain the surface water flow/drainage, proper mitigation measures will be taken along the road, like:

i. Drainage line will be constructed all along the project road. ii. Good engineering and construction practiced should be followed Earthwork and Contamination of Construction work close to the streams or Throughout Project During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, stonework and water due to other water bodies will be avoided, during Road construction Cost BRO/ PWD other construction waste monsoon period. (WB) construction All necessary precautions will be taken to activities construct temporary or permanent devices to prevent water pollution due to increased

siltation and turbidity.

Wastes must be collected, stored and

taken to approve disposal site.

Movement, Contamination of To avoid contamination from fuel and Throughout Project During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, maintenance water from fuel and lubricants, the vehicles and equipment will Road construction Cost BRO/ PWD and fuelling of lubricants be properly maintained and refueled. (WB) construction Oil and grease traps will be provided at vehicles fuelling locations, to prevent contamination of water. The slopes of embankments leading to River Gobarjyoti Rs 0.008 Contractor DSC, PIU, water bodies will be modified and screened million through BRO/ PWD so that contaminants do not enter the water approved (WB) body. Monitoring Water quality will be monitored as agency envisaged in the Environmental Monitoring Plan

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HASIMARA – JAIGAON/PHUENTSHOLING Environmental Ref. to Law Approximate Mitigation Inst’l. Responsibility 2 Activities Issue/ Remedial & Contract Location Timeframe Cost Implement Supervision Component Measures Documents ation 1 Setting up of Sanitation and The construction camps will be located At Construction camp During Rs 0.025 Contractor DSC, PIU, Construction waste disposal away from the habitations and water bodies. locations, if set up construction million for BRO/ PWD Camps from construction The sewage system for such camps will maintenanc (WB) camps be properly designed and built so that no e of water pollution takes place. hygienic condition at construction camps, if constructed Use of water for Conflict with local The contractor will make arrangements Throughout Project During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, construction water demand for water required for construction in such a Road construction cost BRO/ PWD way that the water availability and supply to (WB) nearby communities remain unaffected. For construction purposes, water shall be drawn from surface water bodies on priority after seeking permission from the relevant authorities. AIR Vehicular Emission from Roads should be designed in such a Construction sites During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, movement and construction manner that there is no traffic congestion construction Cost BRO/ PWD running of vehicles and even in the populated areas. (WB) machineries machinery Road should be designed with good geometry and roughness less than 4,000. All slopes and embankments will be turfed as per best engineering practices to Central Motor minimize the dust generation during Vehicle Rules, operation of the road. 1989 All the machinery and plants will be placed at the downwind direction with respect to human settlements. All vehicles, equipment and machinery used for construction will be regularly Appendix 5 Appendix maintained to ensure that the pollution emission levels conform to the standards prescribed in Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

The hot mix plant, crushers and the 71 batching plants will be sited at least 1 km in the downwind direction from the nearest

human settlement.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HASIMARA – JAIGAON/PHUENTSHOLING

Environmental Ref. to Law Approximate Mitigation Inst’l. Responsibility 5 Appendix 2 Activities Issue/ Remedial & Contract Location Timeframe Cost Implement Supervision Component Measures Documents ation 1 Running of hot Dust generation All precautions to reduce the level of dust The Air Throughout Project During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, DG sets, mix emissions from the DG sets, hot mix plants, (Prevention Road construction Cost BRO/ PWD plants, crushers, crushers and batching plants will be taken and Control) (WB) etc., up. of Pollution transportation of Act and Rules, Asphalt and hot-mix plants will be located raw materials, at least 1 km away from inhabited areas 1981 and other along the road with the clearance from WB construction Pollution Control Board. activities The hot mix plant will be fitted with dust extraction units.

Water will be sprayed in the lime/cement and earth mixing sites, asphalt mixing site and temporary service and access roads. After compacting, water will be sprayed on the earthwork regularly to prevent dust. Vehicles delivering loose and fine materials like sand and fine aggregates shall be covered to reduce spills on existing road.

Mixing equipment will be well sealed and DSC, PIU, equipped as per existing standards. Rs 0.45 Contractor Old Hasimara town, million through BRO/ PWD Ambient air quality monitoring should be (WB) carried out during construction phase. If Jaigaon Market and approved monitored parameters are above the Hot mix plant monitoring prescribed limit, suitable control measures agency must be taken.

NOISE Running of Noise from The plants and equipment used for Environmental At hot mix plant, During the Contractor DSC, PIU, construction vehicles, asphalt construction will strictly conform to MoEF (Protection) batching plants & construction, BRO/ PWD noise standards. machineries plants and Rules, 1986 till the closure (WB) Vehicles and equipment used will be Construction sites: equipment and of such sites fitted with silencer and maintained Amendments accordingly. made there Protection devices (ear plugs or ear under and muffs) will be provided to the workers operating in the vicinity of high noise State

generating machines Factories School: Km 2-3 Noise barriers / dense trees will be Rules planted along the road. Madrasa: Km 2-3

Noise measurements should be carried Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, Old Hasimara town out along the road to ensure the Cost BRO/ PWD effectiveness of mitigation measures. Dalsinghpura Tea (WB) Garden Contractor Rs 0.018 through an million approved DSC, PIU, monitoring BRO/ PWD agency (WB) FLORA AND FAUNA Site Clearing Loss or damage to All efforts during the design stage should Forest Throughout Project During Design Rs 0.009 Contractor DSC, PIU, and preparation vegetation be made to minimize the tree felling Conservation Road and million BRO/ PWD requirement Act, 1980 construction Rs 0.24 (WB) Monitored tree felling along the road phase million Social PIU, BRO/ Compensatory plantation should be Forestry PWD (WB) started during construction phase parallel to Dept. the construction activities. Near Dalsinghpura Workers are to be strictly advised against Tea Garden. illegal felling of trees especially in the forest area. Construction Wildlife Constructional activities are strictly Within 500m of During Engineering Contractor, PIU, BRO/ Activity Disturbance prohibited during night time (6.00PM to Dalsinghpura Tea Construction Cost DSC PWD (WB) 10.00AM) Garden Awareness shall be created amongst workers to not venture into forests and harm any straying animals. Near Dalsinghpura The construction site and camp shall be located nearby areas of road. Caution should be exercised that camps are no not located close to either of the Buxa Tiger Reserve and Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary, (At least 1 Km distance from these sanctuary should be ensured). Appendix 5 Appendix SAFETY AND ACCIDENT RISKS Vehicular Accidents Design Improvements at curves. Throughout Project During the Engineering DSC PIU, BRO/ movement Provision of proper safety signage. Road, particularly Design Stage cost PWD (WB) Setting up speed limits near the settlements

and sensitive 73 Proper lighting arrangements will be locations (schools, made health centers, etc) Appropriate signboards for ‘Work at progress’ to be displayed.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HASIMARA – JAIGAON/PHUENTSHOLING

Environmental Ref. to Law Approximate Mitigation Inst’l. Responsibility 5 Appendix 2 Activities Issue/ Remedial & Contract Location Timeframe Cost Implement Supervision Component Measures Documents ation 1 Construction Accident risks To ensure safety in the temporary Throughout Project During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, Activities accesses during construction, lighting Road construction cost BRO/ PWD devices and safety signal devices will be (WB) installed. Traffic management will be done. Adequate signage, barriers and persons with flags during construction to control traffic will be provided. Safety of workers undertaking various operations during construction will be ensured by providing helmets, masks, safety goggles, etc. At every construction site, a readily available first aid unit including an adequate supply of dressing materials, a mode of transport, nursing staff and an attending doctor will be provided. Road safety education will be imparted to drivers running construction vehicles. B. OPERATION STAGE Runoff over Soil erosion Slopes and high embankment areas Throughout Project Operation Rs 0.101 PIU, BRO/ PMU steep slopes along the road shall be checked/ studied for roads period million PWD (WB)

soil erosion. In case soils erosion is found, suitable measures should be taken to control

the soil erosion Embankment of River PIU, BRO/ Maintenance of plants on the Gobarjyoti First year of 0.010 PWD (WB) PMU embankment of River Gobarjyoti (for 5m on Operation million either side of the road) Period Vehicular Contamination from The spills at the accident sites will be Throughout Project Operation PIU, BRO/ PMU movement spills due to traffic cleared immediately and disposed off roads period PWD (WB) and accidents properly Vehicular Dust Generation Roadside tree plantations will be done Throughout Project Operation Already Social PIU, BRO/ movement and maintained. roads period included in Forestry PWD (WB) Design and division Construction Stage

Plantation of pollutant adsorbing trees,

such as neem, mango etc.

Regular maintenance of the road will be

done to ensure good surface condition

Parking space shall be provided at the

custom check posts to avoid decongestion

and subsequent idling of vehicles.

Ambient air quality monitoring should be Old Hasimara town Rs 0.03 carried out during operation phase. If and Jaigaon Market million monitored parameters are above the prescribed limit, suitable control measures must be taken. Vehicular Noise pollution Noise measurements should be carried Old Hasimara town Operation Rs 0.018 PIU, BRO/ PMU movement out along the road to ensure the Dalsinghpura Tea period million PWD (WB) effectiveness of mitigation measures. Garden According to monitoring results, use of sound barriers / trees will be considered where warranted School: Km 2-3 Signs for sensitive zones (health centers / Engineering educational institutions etc.) will be put up Madrasa: Km 2-3 cost where horn should not be blown or traffic speed need to be regulated Plantation Flora and Fauna Monitoring of survival of trees should be Throughout Project Operation Rs 0.018 Forest PIU, BRO/ (key stone species) done at regular interval and suitable Road Stage million Dept. PWD (WB) mitigation measures should be taken to protect the trees Efforts will be made for proper maintenance of planted trees, shrubs and grasses to maintain greenery and aesthetics

Vehicular Accidents involving In case of spillage, the report to relevant Throughout Project Operation Engineering PIU, BRO/ PMU 5 Appendix movement hazardous departments will be made. Road Stage Cost PWD (WB)

materials Efforts will be made to clean the spills of

oil, toxic chemicals etc. as early as possible.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HASIMARA – JAIGAON/PHUENTSHOLING

Environmental Ref. to Law Approximate Mitigation Inst’l. Responsibility 5 Appendix 2 Activities Issue/ Remedial & Contract Location Timeframe Cost Implement Supervision Component Measures Documents ation 1 Accident of straying The elephant squad of Buxa tiger reserve In consultation with 0.02 million PIU, BRO/ PMU wildlife or Jaldhapra or Mahananda WLS shall be forest/ wildlife officers Engineering PWD (WB) informed immediately of straying elephants Cost in the road area. Appropriate road signs (As samples provided in IEE shall be displayed at places generally taken by elephants Restrictions as low noise, speed limit and alertness on wildlife shall be displayed in the areas. Vehicular Safety Traffic management plan will be Throughout Project Operation Engineering PIU PMU movement developed, especially along congested road stage Cost locations Traffic control measures including speed limits will be enforced strictly.

‘hazardous’ and sold off to SPCB/

MoEF authorized vendors

Demolition waste shall be used for

construction as far as possible. PIU Soil erosion along the embankment shall be visually checked as given in 0.03 DSC the environmental monitoring plan. WATER Partial Contamination of Demolition/ Construction of the Along the During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, demolition/ water and bridge should be done during least bridge demolition Cost PWD Construction of disturbance to benthic flow in drain and the bridges life due to disposal of Good Engineering Practices shall construction demolition/ be followed to ensure that the debris construction debris do not find their way into the rivers underneath. Pre-fabrication technology may be adopted for construction of the bridge.

Appendix 6 Appendix

carried out simultaneously for several subprojects. 77

78 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REHABILITATION OF BAHARAMPUR AND MALDAH BRIDGES Environmental Reference To Approximate Mitigation Institutional 2 Activities Issue/ Component Remedial Measures Law and Location Timeframe Cost Responsibility Contract Implementa Supervisi 6 Appendix 1 Documents tion on Movement, Contamination of To avoid contamination from fuel Construction During Engineerin Contractor DSC, PIU, maintenance and water from fuel and and lubricants, the vehicles and Site construction g Cost PWD fuelling of lubricants equipments will be properly construction maintained and refueled. Fuelling vehicles Oil and grease traps will be stations provided at fuelling locations, to DSC, PIU prevent contamination of water. Upstream and 0.064 Contractor Water quality will be monitored as Downstream of through provided in the Environmental the bridges on Monitoring Plan approved River monitoring Mahananda agency and River Bhagirathi. Use of water for Conflict with local The contractor will make Along the During Engineerin Contractor DSC, PIU, construction water demand arrangements for water required for bridge construction g cost PWD construction in such a way that the water availability and supply to nearby communities remain unaffected. For construction purpose water shall be drawn from surface water bodies on priority. AIR Demolition Air Pollution Regular maintenance of machinery Along the During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, (partial) and to be carried out. bridges construction Cost PWD Construction of Curtain should be provided around (Bridges at Bridge the demolition site where feasible. Maldah DSC, PIU Air quality monitoring should be and at Contractor carried out. Baharampur) 0.02 through approved monitoring agency

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REHABILITATION OF BAHARAMPUR AND MALDAH BRIDGES Environmental Reference To Approximate Mitigation Institutional 2 Activities Issue/ Component Remedial Measures Law and Location Timeframe Cost Responsibility Contract Implementa Supervisi 1 Documents tion on Procurement of Air emissions from Aggregates required for bridge The Air Quarries During the Engineerin Design PIU, PWD construction Quarries construction should be procured from (Prevention Design and g Cost Consultant materials form quarries approved by WB Pollution and Control) construction Quarries Control Board. Air and noise of Pollution phase emissions from quarry should be Act and Rules, within the prescribed limit. 1981 Running of hot Dust generation All precautions to reduce the level The Air At the During Engineerin Contractor DSC, PIU, mix plants, of dust emissions from the hot mix (Prevention locations of hot construction g Cost through PWD crushers, etc., plants, crushers and batching plants and Control) mix plant, approved transportation of will be taken up. of Pollution asphalt plant monitoring raw materials, Only WB Pollution Control Board Act and Rules, for Maldah agency and other approved hot-mix plants shall be 1981 and construction used. Baharampur activities Asphalt plants shall be located in a bridges

downwind direction from the nearest

settlements

The hot mix plants will be fitted with dust extraction units. Water will be sprayed in the lime/cement and earth mixing sites, asphalt mixing site. Vehicles delivering loose and fine materials like sand and fine aggregates shall be covered to reduce spills. Mixing equipment will be well sealed and equipped as per existing standards. Ambient air quality monitoring should be carried out during construction phase. If monitored parameters are above the prescribed limit, suitable control measures must

be taken. 6 Appendix NOISE Construction of Noise pollution Construction activities to be Along the During Engineerin Contractor DSC, PIU, Bridge prohibited between 10PM and 6AM bridge construction g Cost PWD 79

80 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REHABILITATION OF BAHARAMPUR AND MALDAH BRIDGES Environmental Reference To Approximate Mitigation Institutional 2 Activities Issue/ Component Remedial Measures Law and Location Timeframe Cost Responsibility Contract Implementa Supervisi 6 Appendix 1 Documents tion on Running of Noise from vehicles, Environmental During the Contractor DSC, PIU, The plants and equipment used for At hot mix construction asphalt plants and (Protection) construction, through PWD construction will strictly conform to plant, batching machineries equipment MoEF noise standards. Rules, 1986 plants & till the approved and Construction closure of monitoring

Amendments site such sites agency made there

under and

State

Factories Vehicles and equipments used will be fitted with silencer and maintained Rules

accordingly.

Protective devices (ear plugs or ear

muffs) will be provided to the workers operating in the vicinity of high noise

generating machines

Noise measurements should be

carried out along the bridge to ensure the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Partial Noise due to Construction machineries to be Along the During Included Contractor DSC, PIU, demolition of demolition provided with silencers and limitation bridges demolition in PWD existing bridge of construction time Engineerin g cost Procurement of Air emission from Aggregates required for The Air Quarries During the Engineerin Design DSC, PIU, construction Quarries construction should be procured from (Prevention Design and g Cost Consultant PWD materials form quarries approved by WB Pollution and Control) construction Quarries Control Board. Air and noise of Pollution phase emissions from quarry should be Act and Rules, within the prescribed limit. 1981 SAFETY AND ACCIDENT RISKS Vehicular Accidents Provision of proper safety signage. At the two During the Engineerin Design DSC, PIU, movement Provision of proper lighting ends of the Design g Cost Consultant PWD arrangements bridges Stage Setting up speed limits

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REHABILITATION OF BAHARAMPUR AND MALDAH BRIDGES Environmental Reference To Approximate Mitigation Institutional 2 Activities Issue/ Component Remedial Measures Law and Location Timeframe Cost Responsibility Contract Implementa Supervisi 1 Documents tion on Construction Accident risks To ensure safe construction in the Access roads During Engineering Contractor DSC, PIU, Activities temporary accesses during during construction Cost PWD construction, lighting devices and construction safety signal devices will be installed. Traffic management will be done. Adequate signage, barriers and At places of persons with flags during construction deflection of to control traffic will be provided. traffic Safety of workers undertaking various operations during construction will be ensured by providing helmets, Along the masks, safety goggles, etc. bridge At the construction site, a readily available first aid unit including an

adequate supply of dressing The materials, a mode of transport, construction nursing staff and an attending doctor site will be provided.

Traffic safety education will be imparted to drivers running construction vehicles. B. OPERATION STAGE Vehicular Contamination from The spills at the accident sites will Throughout the Operation PIU PMU movement spills due to traffic be cleared immediately and disposed bridges period and accidents off properly Vehicular Air quality Regular maintenance of the bridges Bridge at Operation PIU PMU movement will be done to ensure good surface Maldah period

condition and Bridge at PIU through Ambient air quality monitoring Baharampur 0.03 approved should be carried out during operation monitoring phase. If monitored parameters are agency above the prescribed limit, suitable 6 Appendix control measures must be taken. 81

82 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REHABILITATION OF BAHARAMPUR AND MALDAH BRIDGES Environmental Reference To Approximate Mitigation Institutional 2 Activities Issue/ Component Remedial Measures Law and Location Timeframe Cost Responsibility Contract Implementa Supervisi 6 Appendix 1 Documents tion on Vehicular Noise pollution Noise measurements should be Bridge at Operation 0.018 PIU through PMU movement carried out over the bridges to ensure Maldah period approved the effectiveness of mitigation and Bridge at monitoring agency measures. Baharampur

Vehicular Accidents involving In case of spillage, the report to Bridge at Operation Engineering PIU, PWD PMU movement hazardous materials relevant departments will be made. Maldah Stage Cost Efforts will be made to clean the And Bridge at spills of oil, toxic chemicals etc. as Baharampur early as possible. Vehicular Safety Traffic control measures, as speed Bridge at Operation Engineering PIU PMU movement limits will be enforced strictly. Maldah stage Cost Emergency Response Plan shall be and Bridge at developed for accidents as vehicular Baharampur or falling off the bridge.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR BARASAT BYPASS Environmental Project stage Parameter Standards Location Duration / Cost Implementation Supervision Component Frequency (Million Rs)

Air Construction SPM, RSPM, National Ambient All sites of Hot mix Continuous 24-hourly, Rs 0.015 Contractor through DSC, PIU Phase SO2, NOx, Quality Standards plant twice a week, once million a approved CO, HC every year for a week Considering 3 monitoring agency (summer) years of construction period SPM, RSPM National Ambient Construction sites Continuous 24-hourly, Rs 0.060 Contractor through DSC, PIU Quality Standards near the major twice a week, twice million a approved settlements (viz: every year for a week Considering 3 monitoring agency Barasat – Doltara (winter and summer) years of and Nalkura) construction period Operation SPM, RSPM, National Ambient Barasat – Nalkura Continuous 24-hourly, Rs 0.015 PIU through an PMU under EA Phase SO2, NOx, Quality Standards twice a week for a million approved CO, HC week every sixth year monitoring agency of operation phase Water Quality Construction pH, BOD, As Water quality Barasat – Suntikhal during the dry and Rs 0.008 Contractor through DSC, PIU Stage COD, TDS , standards rainy season . million an approved TSS, DO, Oil & (IS 10500) monitoring agency Grease and Pb Operation pH, BOD, As Water quality Barasat – Suntikhal End of summer Rs 0.016 PIU through an PMU under EA Phase COD, TDS , standards before the onset on million approved TSS, DO, Oil & (IS 10500) monsoon for every monitoring agency Grease and Pb ninth year of operation period Noise and Construction Noise Level in As per National Monitoring at One day hourly Rs 0.054 Contractor through DSC, PIU Vibration Phase dB (A) Noise standards Barasat – Doltala measurement, once million an approved and Nalkura, and in six months Considering 3 monitoring agency Construction sites years of (1 nos.) construction period Appendix 7 Appendix 83

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR BARASAT BYPASS 7 Appendix Environmental Project stage Parameter Standards Location Duration / Cost Implementation Supervision Component Frequency (Million Rs)

Operation Noise Level in As per National Monitoring at One day hourly Rs 0.018 PIU through an PMU under EA Phase dB (A) Noise standards Barasat – Doltala measurement, During million approved and Nalkura September – monitoring agency November, for every sixth year of operation phase Fly ash Quality Construction Heavy Metals -- Source of fly ash Once before start of Part of Contractor PIU Phase and use of fly ash from a engineering leachability source cost tests Soil Erosion Construction Visual check -- On slopes and high After first precipitation Rs 0.050 DSC PIU Phase for Soil erosion embankment million Operation Study of Soil -- On slopes and high Once during 3rd year Rs 0.12 million PIU through a PMU under EA Phase erosion embankment of operation phase competent organisation Road Side Construction Monitoring of As laid out in the Entire stretch of During felling of trees Rs 0.010 Contractor DSC, PIU Plantation Phase trees felling detailed design for project road million project Operation Survival rate of The survival rate Entire stretch of Once during 3rd year Rs 0.054 PIU in consultation PMU under EA Phase trees success should be at least project road of the operation million with Social Forestry of re-plantation 70% below which phase Department. re-plantation shall be done.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR RAIGANJ – DALKHOLA

Environment Project stage Parameter Standards Location Duration / Cost Implementation Supervision al Frequency (Million Rs) Component Air Construction SPM, RSPM, National Ambient All sites of Hot mix Continuous 24-hourly, Rs. 0.030 million Contractor through DSC, PIU Phase SO2, NOx, Quality Standards plant twice a week, once Considering 3 a approved CO, HC every year for a week years of monitoring agency (summer) construction period SPM, RSPM National Ambient Construction sites Continuous 24-hourly, Rs. 0.060 million Contractor through DSC, PIU Quality Standards near the major twice a week, twice Considering 3 a approved settlements (viz: every year for a week years of monitoring agency Raigunj wildlife (winter and summer) construction sanctuary and period Karam dighi) Operation SPM, RSPM, National Ambient Raigunj wildlife Continuous 24-hourly, Rs. 0.015 million PIU through an PMU under EA Phase SO2, NOx, Quality Standards sanctuary twice a week for a approved CO, HC week every sixth monitoring agency year of operation phase Water Quality Construction pH, BOD, As Water quality Kulik river Once during the dry Rs. 0.008 million Contractor through DSC, PIU Stage COD, TDS , standards season. a approved TSS, DO, Oil & (IS 10500) monitoring agency Grease and Pb Operation pH, BOD, As Water quality Kulik river End of summer Rs. 0.016 million PIU through an PMU under EA Phase COD, TDS , standards before the onset on approved TSS, DO, Oil & (IS 10500) monsoon for every monitoring agency Grease and Pb ninth year of operation period Noise and Construction Noise Level in As per National Raigunj wildlife One day hourly Rs. 0.072 million Contractor through DSC, PIU Vibration Phase dB (A) Noise standards sanctuary and measurement, once Considering 3 an approved karandighi in six months years of monitoring agency And Construction construction sites (2 nos.) period

Operation Noise Level in As per National Raigunj wildlife One day hourly Rs. 0.018 million PIU through an PMU under EA 7 Appendix Phase dB (A) Noise standards sanctuary and measurement, During approved karandighi September – monitoring agency November, for every

sixth year of 85 operation phase -- On slopes and high

Soil Erosion Construction Visual check After first precipitation Rs. 0.100 million DSC PIU Phase for Soil erosion embankment

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR RAIGANJ – DALKHOLA 7 Appendix

Environment Project stage Parameter Standards Location Duration / Cost Implementation Supervision al Frequency (Million Rs) Component

Operation Study of Soil -- On slopes and high Once during Raigunj – Rs. PIU through a PMU under EA Phase erosion embankment operation of 3rd year 0.275 million competent organisation Road Side Construction Monitoring of As laid out in the Entire stretch of During felling of trees Rs. 0.026 million Contractor DSC, PIU Plantation Phase trees felling detailed design for project road and wildlife project Upkeep of -- Km 406 to Km 407 During felling of trees Part of Contractor DSC, PIU fencing of the (Raignaj Wild Life and road construction engineering sanctuary area Sanctuary Area) activity costs along the road Operation Survival rate of The survival rate Entire stretch of Every year for 3 years Rs. 0.150 million PIU in consultation PMU under EA Phase trees success should be at least project road with Social Forestry of re-plantation 70% below which Department re-plantation shall be done.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR SEVOK – GANGTOK

Environmental Project stage Parameter Standards Location Duration / Cost Implementation Supervision Component Frequency (Million Rs) Air Construction SPM, RSPM, National Ambient All sites of Hot mix Continuous 24-hourly, Rs. 0.060 Contractor through DSC, PIU Phase SO2, NOx, Quality Standards plant twice a week, once million an approved CO, HC every year for a week (Considering 3 monitoring agency (summer) years of construction period) SPM, RSPM National Ambient Construction sites Continuous 24-hourly, Rs. 0.060 Contractor through DSC, PIU Quality Standards near the major twice a week, twice million an approved settlements (viz: every year for a week (Considering 3 monitoring agency Gangtok city and (winter and summer) years of Mahananda wildlife construction sanctuary) period) Operation SPM, RSPM, National Ambient Gangtok city and Continuous 24-hourly, Rs. 0.030 PIU through an PMU under EA Phase SO2, NOx, Quality Standards Mahananda wildlife twice a week for a million approved CO, HC sanctuary week every sixth monitoring agency year of operation phase Water Quality Construction pH, BOD, As Water quality Tista river Once during the dry Rs. 0.048 Contractor through DSC, PIU Stage COD, TDS , standards (Kalishora, Rangpo season. million an approved TSS, DO, Oil & (IS 10500) and Singtan) and monitoring agency Grease and Pb Rangni Chuk (Lukhbir, sinking zone at chainage 76.0 km and Lepcha Jhora Operation pH, BOD, As Water quality Tista river End of summer Rs. 0.096 PIU through an PMU under EA Phase COD, TDS , standards (Kalishora, Rangpo before the onset on million approved TSS, DO, Oil & (IS 10500) and Singtan) and monsoon for every monitoring agency Grease and Pb Rangni Chuk ninth year of (Lukhbir, sinking operation period zone at chainage 76.0 km and Lepcha Jhora 7 Appendix 87

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR SEVOK – GANGTOK 7 Appendix

Environmental Project stage Parameter Standards Location Duration / Cost Implementation Supervision Component Frequency (Million Rs)

Potential source Construction Ground Water -- Entire stretch Before start of Part of PIU through PMU under EA of ground water Stage sources or (potential locations blasting engineering Contractor (as part of aquifer requiring blasting) costs. hydrology study) assessment following Standard hydro geological assessment practices Noise and Construction Noise Level in As per National Gangtok city and One day hourly Rs. 0.108 Contractor through DSC, PIU, Vibration Phase dB (A) Noise standards Mahananda wildlife measurement, once million an approved Engineer, sanctuary in six months (Considering 3 monitoring agency PWD - road And Construction years of sites (4 nos.) construction period) Operation Noise Level in As per National Gangtok city and One day hourly Rs. 0.018 PIU through an PMU under EA Phase dB (A) Noise standards Mahananda measurement, During million approved September – monitoring agency November, for every sixth year of operation phase Soil Erosion Construction Visual check -- On slopes and high After first precipitation Rs. 0.184 DSC PIU Phase for Soil erosion embankment million Operation Study of Soil -- On slopes and high Once during Rs. 0.506 PIU through a PMU under EA Phase erosion embankment operation of 3rd year million competent agency Road Side Construction Monitoring of As laid out in the Entire stretch of During felling of trees Rs. 0.045 Contractor DSC, PIU Plantation and Phase trees felling detailed design for project road million wildlife project Operation Survival rate of The survival rate Entire stretch of Every year for 3 years Rs. 0.276 PIU in consultation PMU under EA Phase trees success should be at least project road million with Social Forestry of re-plantation 70% below which Department re-plantation shall be done.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR PANITANKI/KAKARBHITTA – FULBARI

Environmental Project stage Parameter Standards Location Duration / Cost Implementation Supervision Component Frequency (Million Rs) Air Construction SPM, RSPM, National Ambient Location of Hot Mix Continuous 24-hourly, 0.03 Contractor through DSC, PIU, Phase SO2, NOx, Quality Standards Plant and one twice a week, once (considering 3 an approved Road CO, HC construction site every year for a week years of monitoring agency Authorities (summer) construction period) SPM, RSPM National Ambient Panitanki More Continuous 24-hourly, 0.015 Contractor through DSC, PIU, Air Quality twice a week, for a (considering 3 an approved Road Standards week once every years of monitoring agency Authorities year (summer) construction period) Operation SPM, RSPM, National Ambient Panitanki More Continuous 24-hourly, 0.015 PIU, Road PMU Phase SO2, NOx, Air Quality twice a week once in Authorities CO, HC Standards year for a week for first 3 years of operation Water Quality Construction pH, BOD, Primary Water Mahananda Canal Once during the dry 0.024 Contractor through DSC, PIU, Stage COD, TDS , Quality Criteria season. an approved Road TSS, DO, Oil & monitoring agency Authorities Grease and Pb Operation pH, BOD, Primary Water Mahananda Canal Once before the 0.024 PIU, Road PMU Phase COD, TDS , Quality Criteria onset on monsoon Authorities TSS, DO, Oil & every year for first 3 Grease and Pb years of operation. Noise and Construction Noise Level in As per National Panitanki More One day hourly 0.009 Contractor through DSC, PIU, Vibration Phase dB (A) Ambient Noise measurement, once (considering 3 an approved Road standards in year during the years of monitoring agency Authorities construction period construction)

Operation Noise Level in As per National Panitanki More One-day hourly 0.009 PIU, Road PMU 7 Appendix Phase dB (A) Ambient Noise measurement, once Authorities standards in year for the first 3 years of operation

period. 89

Appendix 7 Appendix

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR PANITANKI/KAKARBHITTA – FULBARI

Environmental Project stage Parameter Standards Location Duration / Cost Implementation Supervision Component Frequency (Million Rs) Soil Erosion Construction Visual check -- On slopes and high After precipitation 0.020 DSC PIU, Road Phase for Soil erosion embankment Authorities Operation Study of Soil -- On slopes and high Once during 3rd year 0.080 PIU PMU Phase erosion embankment of operation Road Side Construction Monitoring of As laid out in the Entire stretch of During felling of trees Social Forestry PIU, Road Plantation Phase tree felling detailed design for project road Rs 0.026 Division. Authorities project Operation Survival rate of The survival rate Entire stretch of Once during the 3rd Rs 0.053 Social Forestry PIU, Road Phase trees success should be at least project road year Division. Authorities of re-plantation 75% below which re-plantation shall be done.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR HASIMARA- JAIGOAN/PHUENTSHOLING

Noise and Construction Noise Level in As per National Old Hasimara One day hourly 0.018 Contractor through DSC, PIU, Vibration Phase dB (A) Ambient Noise Town measurement, once (considering 3 an approved BRO/ PWD standards Dalsinghpura Tea in year during the years of monitoring agency (WB) garden construction period construction) Operation Noise Level in As per National Old Hasimara One-day hourly 0.018 PIU, BRO/ PWD PMU Ambient Noise

Phase dB (A) Town measurement, once (WB) 7 Appendix standards Dalsinghpura Tea in year for the first 3 garden years of operation period. -- Soil Erosion Construction Visual check On slopes and high After precipitation 0.016 DSC PIU, BRO/ 91 Phase for Soil erosion embankment PWD (WB)

Appendix 7 Appendix

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR HASIMARA- JAIGOAN/PHUENTSHOLING

Environmental Project stage Parameter Standards Location Duration / Cost Implementation Supervision Component Frequency (Million Rs) Operation Plantation and -- Gobarjyoti jhora After 3 years from 0.010 Contractor PIU, BRO/ Phase maintenance work on the jhora PWD (WB) of plants on area the embankments of rivers Study of Soil On slopes and high Once during 3rd year 0.101 PIU PMU erosion embankment of operation Road Side Construction Monitoring of As laid out in the Entire stretch of During felling of trees Social Forestry PIU, BRO/ Plantation Phase tree felling detailed design for project road 0.009 Division. PWD (WB) project Operation Survival rate of The survival rate Entire stretch of Once during the 3rd 0.018 Social Forestry PIU, BRO/ Phase trees success should be at least project road year Division. PWD (WB) of re-plantation 75% below which re-plantation shall be done.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR BAHARAMPUR AND MALDAH BRIDGES

Environmental Project stage Parameter Standards Location Duration / Cost Implementation Supervision Component Frequency (Million Rs) Air Quality Construction SPM, RSPM National Ambient At Maldah and Continuous 24-hourly, 0.02 Contractor through DSC, PIU, Stage Air Quality Baharampur bridges twice a week twice for an approved PWD Standards a week during monitoring agency Construction Phase Operation SPM, RSPM, National Ambient At Maldah and Continuous 24-hourly, 0.03 PIU, PWD PMU Phase SO2, NOx, CO, Air Quality Baharampur twice a week, once a HC Standards bridges year for a week during the first three years Water Quality Construction TSS, Turbidity, Primary Water Upstream and Twice during 0.064 Contractor through DSC, PIU, Stage BOD, DO, Quality Criteria down stream of the construction period. an approved PWD. COD, pH, Oil (Category C) bridges on River monitoring agency and grease, Mahananda and Pb, Cr Baharampur Noise Construction Noise Level in As per National At Maldah and One day hourly 0.012 Contractor through DSC, PIU, Stage dB (A) Ambient Noise Baharampur bridges measurement, twice an approved PWD standards during construction monitoring agency phase Operation Noise Level in As per National At Maldah and One day hourly 0.018 PIU, PWD PMU Phase dB (A) Ambient Noise Baharampur bridges measurement, Once standards in a year for the first three years Soil Construction Visual check -- Embankments After precipitation 0.030 DSC PIU, PWD Phase for Soil erosion along river in the study area Appendix 7 Appendix 93