Initial Environment Examination

Project Number: 41614-023 November 2017 Part A: Main Report (Pages 1-102) and Annexures

IND: Power Sector Enhancement Investment Program - Tranche 1

Submitted by

Assam Power Distribution Company Limited,

This report has been submitted to ADB by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited, Guwahati and is made publicly available in accordance with ADB’s Public Communications Policy (2011). It does not necessarily reflect the views of ADB. This report is an updated version of the IEE report posted in August 2009 available on http://www.adb.org/projects/documents/assam-power-sector-enhancement-investment- program-2. This updated initial environment examination report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

ASSAM ELECTRICITY GRID CORPORATION LIMITED Loan 2592-IND (Tranche 1)

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

TRANSMISSION SYSTEM EXPANSION

ASSAM POWER SYSTEM ENHANCEMENT PROJECT GUWHATI

NOVEMBER 2017 Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 CHAPTER – 1 3 INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT 3 1.2 BACKGROUND AND PRESENT SCENARIO 4 CHAPTER – 2 6 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 6 2.1 APPLICABLE ACTS AND LEGISLATIONS 6 CHAPTER-3 8 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT 8 3.1 NEED FOR THE PROJECT 8 3.2 BASIC OBJECTIVES 9 3.2.1 Voltage Regulation 9 3.2.2 Technical Losses 10 3.2.3 System Security 10 3.2.4 Design 10 3.3 PROPOSED TRANSMISSION SYSTEM EXPANSION 10 3.3.1 Basis of New Proposals 10 3.3.2 Transformation Capacity 11 3.3.3 New Substations 11 3.3.4 Extension of Existing Substations 12 3.3.5 New Transmission Lines 12 3.3.6 Changes in IEE Report 12 3.3.7 Changes in Scope of work 13 3.3.8 SCADA 20 3.3.9 Communication (PLCC And Fiber Optics) 20 3.3.10 Refurbishment of Existing Substations 21 3.4 COMPLETION SCHEDULE 21 CHAPTER-4 22 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 22 4.1 PHYSICAL RESOURCES 22 4.1.1 Climate And Meteorology 23 4.1.2 Mineral Resources 27 4.1.3 Ambient Air Quality and Noise Levels 27 4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DURING IMPLEMENTATION STAGE 30 4.2.1 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring 32 4.2.2 Ambient Noise Level Monitoring 36 4.2.3 Water Quality Monitoring 39 4.3 ECOLOGY: FAUNA, FLORA, AND FORESTS 40 4.4 SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS 40 4.4.1 Agricultural Development 40 4.4.2 Educational Facilities 41 4.4.3 Infrastructure Development 41 4.4.4 Industrial Estates 41 4.4.5 Religious and Cultural Resources 42 4.5 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 42 CHAPTER – 5 43 SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 43 5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DUE TO PROJECT LOCATION AND DESIGN 43 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DURING CONSTRUCTION 43 5.2.1 Extension of Existing Substations 44 5.2.2 New Substations 44 5.2.3 LILO Lines 45 5.2.4 Point-to-Point Transmission Lines 45 5.3 GENERAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES DURING CONSTRUCTION 46

Assam Transmission System Index Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 5.4 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DURING OPERATION 46 5.5 POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE AND INDUCED EFFECTS 50 CHAPTER 6 51 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 51 6.1 ALTERNATIVES FOR SUBPROJECT COMPONENTS 51 6.1.1 Transmission Lines 51 6.1.2 Substations 51 CHAPTER - 7 53 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN AND INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS53 7.1 INTRODUCTION 53 7.2 DESCRIPTION OF MONITORING PROGRAM AND PARAMETERS 53 7.3 IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN: 55 7.4 INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT: 63 7.4.1 Description of Responsibilities for Mitigation and Monitoring Requirements 63 7.4.2 Description of Responsibilities for Reporting And Review 63 7.5 EMP COST ESTIMATION 64 CHAPTER 8 65 PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 65 8.1 PUBLIC CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES 65 8.1.1 Consultations at Project Level 65 8.1.2 Methods of Public Consultation 66 8.1.3 Key Findings of the Consultation 66 8.1.4 NGO Consultations and Continued Public Consultations 69 8.1.5 Additional Consultations During Project Implementation Stage: 69 8.1.6 Information Disclosure 74 8.2 MECHANISMS FOR FEEDBACK AND ADJUSTMENT 74 CHAPTER 9 76 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 76 9.1 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 76 CHAPTER 10 78 RESIDUAL IMPACT STUDY 78 10.1 INTRODUCTION 78 10.2 OBSERVATIONS AND COMPLIANCE ACTION 78 CHAPTER – 11 102 FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND CONCLUSIONS 102 11.1 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 102 11.2 CONCLUSIONS 102

ANNEXURES ANNEXURE 1.1: SUMMARY OF NATIONAL, LOCAL, OTHER APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, REGULATION, AND STANDARDS 103 ANNEXURE 2.1: MAPS OF DIVERTED SECTION FOR 220KV BTPS (SALAKATI) RANGIA TRANSMISSION LINE 106 ANNEXURE 2.2: SAMAGURI TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ALIGNMENT MAP 112 ANNEXURE 2.2 (A): REA CHECKLIST 132 KV SAMAGURI NAGAON TRANSMISSION LINE 113 ANNEXURE 2.3: 132KV MARGHERITA TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ALIGNMENT MAP 117 ANNEXURE 2.3(A): TOPOGRAPHIC MAP SHOWING ORIGINAL LINE AND DIVERTED SECTION 118 ANNEXURE 2.3(B): REA CHECKLIST 132KV RUPAI LILO 119

Assam Transmission System Index Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited ANNEXURE 2.4: RANGIA KAHILIPARA/SISHUGRAM ROUTE ALIGNMENT MAP 122 ANNEXURE 2.4(A): REA CHECKLIST 132KV KAMALPUR LILO 123 ANNEXURE 2.5: 132KV MORAN TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ALIGNMENT MAP 126 ANNEXURE 2.5(A): REA CHECKLIST 132KV BIHIATING LILO 127 ANNEXURE 2.6: 132KV LAKWA NAMRUP TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ALIGNMENT MAP 130 ANNEXURE 2.6(A): REA CHECKLIST 132KV LILO 131 ANNEXURE 3.1: NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS, CPCB 2009 134 ANNEXURE 3.2: NATIONAL AMBIENT NOISE STANDARDS 135 ANNEXURE 3.3: WATER QUALITY STANDARDS 136 ANNEXURE 4.1: ADB ASSAM POWER ENHANCEMENT PROJECT CUMULATIVE AND INDUCED IMPACTS ASSESSMENT 141 ANNEXURE 5.1: ATTENDANCE SHEET OF THE SUB-STATIONS 150 ANNEXURE 5.2: PHOTOGRAPHS OF CONSULTATION AT SUB-STATIONS 164 ANNEXURE 5.3: ATTENDANCE SHEET OF THE TRANSMISSION LINES 166 ANNEXURE 5.4: PHOTOGRAPHS OF CONSULATION ALONG TRANSMISSION LINES 190 ANNEXURE 6.1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 192

Assam Transmission System Index Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY ADB Asian Development Bank ADH Assam Department of Health AEGCL Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd. APCB Assam Pollution Control Board ASEB Assam State Electricity Board ASI Archaeological Survey of CPCB Central Pollution Control Board dB Decibels EARF Environmental Assessment and Review Framework EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMA Environment Monitoring Agency EMP Environmental Management Plan ESMC Environmental and Social Management Cell ESMU Environmental and Social Management Unit GHG Greenhouse Gas GOA GOI Government of India GRC Grievance Redressal Committee IA Implementing Agency IEE Initial Environmental Examination IS Indian Standard Ltd. Limited MFF Multi-Tranche Financing Facility NO2 Nitrogen dioxide PAP Project Affected Persons PM10 Particulate Matter (Size less than 10 µm) PM2.5 Particulate Matter (Size less than 2.5 µm) PMU Project Management Unit ROW Right of Way S/S Sub Station SEIA Summary Environmental Impact Assessment SIEE Summary Initial Environmental Examination SO2 Sulphur dioxide T&D Transmission and Distribution Electrical Terminology V Volt Unit of Voltage kV Kilovolt 1000 volts W Watt Unit of active power kW Kilowatt 1000 watts MW Megawatt 1000 kW MWh Megawatt hour Unit of energy VA Volt ampere Unit of apparent power MVA Million volt ampere 106 VA Transmission 400kV, 220kV, 132kV and/or 66kV lines supplying (incoming & outgoing feeder) grid System substations (Substation) with primary voltage of 400kV, 220kV, 132kV, or 66kV LILO Line – in – Line – Out

Assam Transmission System Index Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited Weights and measures C Degree Celsius DB(A) Decibels measures in the audible noise bands Ha Hectare Km Kilometer m Meter m3 Cubic meter Kg Kilogram Mg/l Milligram per liter T Ton t/a Ton per annum

NOTES (i) The fiscal year of the government ends in March (ii) In thus report “$” refers to US dollars.

Assam Transmission System Index Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Government of India and Government of Assam have requested Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide US$200 million loan funding via a Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) to support continued investment in power sector in the state of Assam. The project is implemented in 3 Tranches viz. Tranche 1, Tranche 2 and Tranche 3. The original Loan Agreement (LOAN NUMBER 2592 - IND) for Tranche 1 was signed on 15 February 2010 between Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

As per the original Loan Agreement ADB has agreed to make to the Government of India, GOI (Borrower) the loan on the terms and conditions set forth in the Loan Agreement, but only on the condition that the proceeds of the Loan be made available to the State and through the State (Government of Assam, GOA) to Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB). ASEB was the Executing Agency (EA) for all the three tranches. The Borrower in its letter of 11th June 2014 has informed ADB of the dissolution of erstwhile EA for the Projects i.e., the ASEB and its place of its successive entities namely the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited (AEGCL) and Assam Power Distribution Company (APDCL). The Borrower further requested ADB to accordingly make the relevant change in the EAs as AEGCL for Tranche 1 and 2, and APDCL for Tranche 3. ADB has approved the request and communicated to Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, GOI on 5th August 2014 for Amendment related to Minor Change in MFF.

Now, as per the amendment Government of Assam (GOA) and Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd. (AEGCL) are the Executing Agencies (EA) and Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd. (AEGCL) is the Implementing Agency (IA) for Tranche 1.

As per the Loan Agreement the project shall comply with the requirements of the GOI acts, rules, notifications and standards and policies - National Environmental Policy 2006 of Government of India (GOI) and Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 of ADB and other state level guidelines that apply to project to be funded by ADB.

AEGCL has undertaken route selection for transmission lines in close consultation with representatives from Land Acquisition, Departments of Forest, Department of Wildlife Conservation and the local community. Although under the National law, AEGCL has the right of way, yet it considers alternative alignments during site selection, with minor alterations to avoid environmentally sensitive areas and settlements at the implementation stage. The Environment and Social Management Unit (ESMU) has been set up within the PMU/APDCL, along with other engineering units, to address all environmental and social issues of Tranche-1. The ESMU is headed by an Assistant General Manager, who works closely with other staff of the PMU and assists the PMU in getting all necessary clearances and in the implementation of environmental management plan The ESMU coordinates safeguard activities both at headquarter and PIU level. All safeguards activities are managed and supervised by the Assistant General Manager based at the Head Office. The ESMU is assisted by designated site engineers who will be responsible for the field activities. Consultations process has been initiated during the concept stage of the investment program and will be continuing during the entire project cycle. Consultations have been initiated with various stakeholders such as government officials, ASEB’s officials (EA) both at headquarters and project level and especially with the officials of the existing PMU. However, additional consultations were also carried out, as part of the continuous participation during the execution of the environment and social/ resettlement study. The consultations involved individual interviews, informal discussions and focus group discussions (FGDs) with the community. There are 5 circles under AEGCL for substations and T/Ls. One Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) cell at each circles level has been formed (i) to provide support to affected persons (AP’s) on problems arising from the environmental activities. (ii) record grievances of the AP’s and resolve them; and (iii) review grievances involving benefits like compensations for private tree loss and assistance to AP’s. A directive in this regard from Director (PMU), ASEB dated January 19, 2012

Assam Transmission System Executive Summary Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 2 have been issued to AEGCL and APDCL, who are the Implementing Agencies of the MFF. GRC at circle levels are formed and Project Authorities are the Chairman of respective circles to comply the grievances in regard to environmental activities if any. The ADB funding of $ 200 million, divided into tranches (projects) with $60.3 million for Tranche 1 (T1), will partly finance transmission system expansion and augmentation including:

i. One number of 220/132 kV Sub-stations ii. Five numbers of 132/33kV Sub-stations iii. 163.187 km of 220kV Transmission lines iv. 77.022 km of 132kV Transmission lines v. Augmentation, Extension and refurbishment of existing sub-stations and reactive power compensation A field based environmental residual impact study was carried out by environmental safeguard management unit to ascertain existence of any residual environmental impacts. Residual Impact study was carried out by conducting a site visit during the operational phase on 19th September 2017(132/33kV Sonari substation and 132/33kV Sonari transmission line), 20th September 2017 (132kV Bihiating substation and 132/33kV Bihiating transmission line), 18th to 21st September 2017 (Samaguri Nagaon transmission line), 21st September 2017 (Samaguri Substation) and 30th August 2017(Kamalpur Substation). The Project has been planned and is being designed with careful attention to environmental and social safeguards issues. Environmentally sensitive areas are avoided as a routine engineering design objective, and potential impacts are minimized during the sitting and routing stage. Project components will not be sited in protected areas. No reserved forest areas will be included in the project. The Project will have minimal environmental impacts during construction and operations. Negative environmental impacts, mainly during construction, are considered temporary and insignificant provided mitigation measures are implemented as detailed in the EMP. The Project will have long term positive impacts arising from improved quality and reliability of electricity supplies. Addendum to IEE report for BTPS Salakati Rangia and Tinsukia Margrita transmission lines were prepared and approved by ADB. This IEE report has been updated considering the changes in line length of Samaguri Nagaon transmission line and Kamalpur LILO(due to change in substation location) This Updated IEE report clearly contains that there is no environmental impact due to change in scope of subprojects from the original IEE report. The Project has been reassessed due to change of scope and confirmed as environmental category B as per “ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009” The Updated REA checklist for different subprojects is given in the report.

Assam Transmission System Executive Summary Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 3 CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT

1. The Government of India and Government of Assam have requested Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide US$200 million loan funding via a Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) to support continued investment in power sector in the state of Assam. The project is implemented in 3 Tranches viz. Tranche 1, Tranche 2 and Tranche 3. The original Loan Agreement (LOAN NUMBER 2592 - IND) for Tranche 1 was signed on 15 February 2010 between Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB). While the Loan Agreement (LOAN NUMBER 2677 - IND) for Tranche 2 was signed on 17 January 2011 and Loan Agreement (LOAN NUMBER 2800 - IND) for Tranche 3 was signed on 27 February 2012 between Government of India and ADB.

2. The MFF will partly finance the expansion and augmentation of the transmission and distribution (T&D) networks. The proposed investments are Necessary to: (i) facilitate increased power transfers to accommodate increased demand and economic growth; (ii) improve supply-side energy efficiency by system de-bottlenecking and reducing technical losses; (iii) reduce the intensity of Greenhouse gas (GHG) and other emissions via improved system efficiency; (iv) support expanded private sector participation in distribution system operations and other energy services; and (v) facilitate poverty reduction via improved electricity services and economic growth.

3. The proposed Project is classified as Category B under Asian Development Bank (ADB) Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). The IEE of the proposed investments is being carried out following the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Safeguard Policy Statement (2009), Environmental Assessment Guidelines (2003), and the Government of India (GOI) environmental The primary statutory body responsible for ensuring environmental compliance by the Project is the Assam Department of Environment and Forests (ADEF), and the Assam State Pollution Control Board (APCB) which operates under the aegis of ADEF.1&2

4. An Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (EARF) 3 has been prepared which is applicable to all investments funded by the proposed MFF, including subsequent tranches that have not been fully defined. The EARF outlines the policies, procedures, and institutional requirements for preparing subsequent tranches. The EAs are responsible for preparing the required environmental assessments and obtaining ADB concurrence before implementation. These approvals must be in place before contracts are finalized and work begins. The EARF specifically notes that sensitive areas will be avoided at the design and planning stage to the maximum extent possible. ADB requirements for environment Category B-sensitive (or A) projects may be applied in cases where technical design constraints require access to reserved

1 The Ministry of Environment and Forests updated environmental assessment procedures prescribed in The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, via notification published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Parity, and Section 3, Sub-section (ii). Transmission systems are not included in the list of projects subject to the notification and environmental impact assessment clearance requirements. Government of India regulations consider transmission and distribution systems to be non-polluting activities, and as such do not require environmental assessments or prior regulatory approval from the Ministry of Environment and Forests. State and central-level regulatory approval is required for right-of-way and sites located in reserved forests, wildlife preserves, national parks, and other designated sensitive areas. 2 The following acts, laws, rules and guidelines may be applicable to the investment program: (i) Air Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; (ii) Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; (iii) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and its amendments; (iv) Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003 and its amendments; (v) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; (vi) Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002; and (vii) IS Codes and CPCB Guidelines for monitoring and analysis of air, water, soil, etc. 3 The Draft EARF is presented separately in the Framework Financing Agreement.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 1: Introduction Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 4 forests or other environmentally sensitive areas4.

5. A preliminary EMP that will apply to all components and subprojects has been prepared (see Chapter 5). The EMP is developed based on environmental analysis of the proposed transmission system components, as well as a review of environmental impacts of other typical power transmission and distribution projects in India. The mitigation measures for distribution system investments in subsequent tranches will be developed in accordance with the EARF and EMP framework.

6. Originally a combined IEE Report for Tranche 1 (Loan no 2592) and Tranche 2 (Loan No. 2677) was prepared in April 2010. The original IEE report was revised in November 2014 due to diversion in BTPS - Rangia transmission line. Now as per advised of ADB the IEE report (November 2014) is further being bifurcated into Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 and is being updated accordingly. This report is proposed as “Updated IEE Report – 2017 for Tranche 1” on account of change in scope of length of transmission lines during bidding process, which is already accepted by ADB during approval of bidding document and due to minor realignments for which addendum IEEs were prepared and approved by ADB earlier. Therefore this updated IEE would capture the information on associated environmental impacts and mitigations due to changes in alignments and lengths of the transmission lines under Tranche 1. This updated IEE Report has also covered a due diligence report based on the assessment of the residual environmental impacts that has been observed so therefore no further corrective action are required to be undertaken. The basic purpose of bifurcation of IEE Report is to segregate the works being undertaken under two different tranches and to update the change in scope from the originally prepared IEE report. The details of change in scope are provided in chapter 2 (Description of Project).

1.2 BACKGROUND AND PRESENT SCENARIO

7. Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited (AEGCL), a successor company of Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) came into existence in the year 2004 as a part of the reforms program in the power sector initiated by the GOI. AEGCL was created out of the Transmission and Transformation (T & T) wing of ASEB to operate, maintain and develop the transmission system in the entire state of Assam.

8. Earlier as a part of ASEB, the T & T wing was created in the year 1978 to look after a large numbers of transmission projects taken up for construction at that time. Till that time the transmission system of ASEB was consist of few 66 kV lines and substations in Upper Assam area and a very small numbers of 132 kV lines and 132 kV substations in area. Both these 132 kV and 66 kV systems were operated in isolated mode at that time.

9. Since the creation of Transmission and Transformation wing under ASEB, the transmission system in Assam has grown substantially until the financial crunch in 1990s. The situation continued to worsen until the reforms program in power sector was initiated in early 2000 and as a part of the same reform program Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of India (GOI) provided funds for development power sector in Assam under the Assam Power Sector Development Program.

10. As per the original Loan Agreement ADB has agreed to make to the Government of India, GOI (Borrower) the loan on the terms and conditions set forth in the Loan Agreement, but only on the condition that the proceeds of the Loan be made available to the State and through the State (Government of Assam, GOA) to Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB). ASEB was the Executing Agency (EA) for all the three tranches. The Borrower in its letter of 11th June 2014 has informed ADB of the dissolution of erstwhile

4Environmentally sensitive areas are avoided to the maximum extent possible in the planning and design stage. Some transmission lines may cross reserved forest areas; ADEF has a built-in mitigation procedure for such instances.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 1: Introduction Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 5 EA for the Projects i.e., the ASEB and its place of its successive entities namely the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited (AEGCL) and Assam Power Distribution Company (APDCL). The Borrower further requested ADB to accordingly make the relevant change in the EAs as AEGCL for Tranche 1 and 2, and APDCL for Tranche 3. ADB has approved the request and communicated to Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, GOI on 5th August 2014 for Amendment related to Minor Change in MFF.

11. Now, as per the amendment Government of Assam (GOA) and Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd. (AEGCL) are the Executing Agencies (EA) and Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd. (AEGCL) is the Implementing Agency (IA) for Tranche 1.

12. Under the said Assam Power Sector Development Program, AEGCL has taken up the following works in transmission sector:

Part A: One number of 220/132 kV Sub-stations Part B: Five numbers of 132/33kV Sub-stations Part C: 163.187 km of 220kV Transmission lines Part D: 77.022 km of 132kV Transmission line Part E: Augmentation, Extension and refurbishment of existing sub-stations and reactive power compensation Part F: OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) Part G: Capacity Development Program

13. Though some schemes have been taken up during this period with Govt. funds and finance from other sources, the investment made under the Assam Power Sector Development Program was the single major investment in the Transmission sector. As this Assam Power Sector Development Program along with the other schemes is now nearing completion, the situation in the transmission sector appears to be on the road of recovery. However, as the growth in power demand is a continuous process it is responsibility of the AEGCL to continue its efforts in developing the Transmission System in Assam.

14. The update IEE report covers the following Chapters including the residual environmental impacts study if any

 Executive Summary  Chapter 1: Introduction  Chapter 2: Policy, Legal And Administrative Framework  Chapter 3: Description of Project  Chapter 4: Description Of Environment  Chapter 5: Screening Of Potential Environmental Impacts And Mitigation Measures  Chapter 6: Analysis Of Alternative  Chapter 7: Environmental Management And Monitoring Plan And Institutional Requirements  Chapter 8: Public And Stakeholder Consultation  Chapter 9: Grievance Redress Mechanism Residual Impact  Chapter 10: Environmental Residual Impact Study  Chapter 11: Finding Recommendation And Conclusion

Assam Transmission System Chapter 1: Introduction Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 6 CHAPTER – 2 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 2.1 APPLICABLE ACTS AND LEGISLATIONS 15. The major acts and rules which are relevant to the project activities are:

 The Electricity Act (1910) and its Amendments (2004) and (2007)  The Electricity Rule (1956) and its Amendments (2000).  The Indian Telegraphic Act (1885) and its Amendments (2003).  The Environment Protection Act (1986).  The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980  The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

16. Clearance under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2006: On 14 September 2006, the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has declared that power transmission projects are exempted from environmental clearance requirements as indicated in the Notification in the Gazette of India, Extra-ordinary part II, and Section 3, sub-section (II) as these interventions are considered as non-polluting.

17. Clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980: The Forest Act provides guidance on the right-of-way (ROW) and tree cutting. Where routing of transmission lines through the forest areas cannot be avoided, these should be aligned in such a way that it involves the least amount of tree cutting. The maximum width of ROW for transmission lines on forest land is given in Table 2.1. Below each conductor, a width clearance of 3 meters (m) would be permitted for the movement of tension stringing equipment. The trees on such strips would have to be felled but after stringing work is completed, the natural vegetation will be allowed to regenerate. Felling/pollarding/pruning of trees will be done with the permission of the local forest officer whenever necessary to maintain the electrical clearance. One outer strip shall be left clear to permit maintenance of the transmission line.

Table 2.1: Width of ROW of Transmission Lines in Forest Areas

Transmission Voltage, kV Width of ROW, meters 11 7 33 15 66 18 110 22 132 27 220 35 400 52 800 85 Source: IS 5613 and MoEF Guidelines

18. In line with the national goal, GOA manages their forest resources pursuant to the Forest Act which provides for the mechanism to protect its rich forests, biodiversity and natural heritage and resources. The Act permits only unavoidable use of forest land for various development purposes. It embodies the firm commitment of GOA and the Assam Department of Environment and Forests (ADEF) to balance the conservation of forests with the sustainable developmental need of the society contributing to better environment, health and economy. The Forest Act is regulatory in nature and not prohibitory, and provides a built-in mitigation process for cases where forest access is unavoidable. Project proponents request the use of forest land to MoEF&CC and/or ADEF. ADEF reviews the request, and if granted, the project proponent pays user fees to ADEF. The fees are used for afforestation and reforestation in other areas.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 2: Policy Legal And Administrative Framework Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 7 19. The project shall comply with the requirements of the GOI acts, rules, notifications and standards and policies - National Environmental Policy 2006 of Government of India (GOI) and Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 of ADB and other state level guidelines that apply to project to be funded by ADB. Summary of national, local, other applicable environmental laws, regulation, and standards are annexed as Annexure 1.1.

20. The Project has been reassessed due to change of scope and confirmed as environmental category B as per “ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009” The Updated REA checklist for different subprojects is given in the report.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 2: Policy Legal And Administrative Framework Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 8 CHAPTER-3 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

3.1 NEED FOR THE PROJECT

21. The Government of India and Government of Assam have requested ADB to provide US$200 million in loan funding via a multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) to support continued investment in the state power sector, which is necessary to support economic growth and poverty reduction. The MFF will partly finance the expansion and augmentation of the transmission and distribution (T&D) networks. The proposed investments are necessary to:

i. Facilitate increased power transfers to accommodate increased demand and economic growth; peak demand is projected to increase from the current 848 megawatts (MW) to 1443 MW, and total energy demand will increase from current 4398 gig watt-hours (GWh) to 7585 GWh by 2012; ii. Improve supply-side energy efficiency by system de-bottlenecking and reducing technical losses; iii. Reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas (GHG) and their emissions via improved system efficiency; iv. Support expanded private sector participation in distribution system operations and other energy services; and v. Facilitate poverty reduction via improved electricity services and economic growth.

22. Transmission Capacity Expansion Tranches. ADB funding of $ 200 million, divided into tranches (projects) with $60.3 million for Tranche 1 (T1), will partly finance transmission system expansion and augmentation including:

i. One number of 220/132 kV Sub-stations ii. Five numbers of 132/33kV Sub-stations iii. 163.187 km of 220kV Transmission lines iv. 77.022 km of 132kV Transmission lines v. Augmentation, Extension and refurbishment of existing sub-stations and reactive power compensation

23. Sub-Projects under Tranche 1: The details of sub-projects finalized under Tranche 1 are given below in Table 3.1.

Table.3.1: Sub-Projects under Tranche 1

Sl.No. Name of the Sub-Project Part A: 220/132 kV sub-stations MVA 1 2x100 MVA 220/132 kV Sub Station at Rangia 200 Part B: 132/33 kV sub-stations 1 2x40 MVA 132/33 kV Kamalpur grid Sub Station 80 2 2x25 MVA 132/33 kV Nagaon grid Sub Station 50 3 2x25 MVA 132/33 kV Sonari grid Sub Station 50 4 2x40 MVA 132/33 kV Bihiating grid Sub Station 80 5 2x25 MVA 132/33 kV Rupai grid Sub Station 50 Part C: 220 kV transmission lines Length (Km) 1 220 kV Double Circuit Transmission line Salakati (BTPS) –Rangia 163.1875

5The line length mentioned in original IEE report (April, 2010) was 180 Km (approx.). There was change in alignment at 6 locations and final length was 163.187 Km. Addendum to IEE report prepared and approved by ADB.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 9 Part D: 132 kV transmission lines Length (Km) 1 132 kV Single Circuit Samaguri – Nagaon on Double Circuit Towers 41.9236 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Rupai from 132 kV Double Circuit 2 29.6627 Tinsukia – Margherita line 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Kamalpur from 132 kV Double Circuit 3 0.5418 Rangia – Kahilipara / Sishugram line 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Bihiating LILO from 132 kV Dibrugarh 4 0.6429 – Moran line 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Sonari from 132 kV Lakwa – Namrup 5 4.25410 line Part E: Augmentation, Extension and refurbishment of existing sub-stations and reactive power compensation 1 220/132 kV Salakati grid Sub Station – Construction of 220 kV line bays 2 220/132/33 kV Samaguri grid Sub Station – Construction of 132 kV line bays Part F: Optical Ground Wire Part G: Capacity Development Program

3.2 BASIC OBJECTIVES

24. The basic objective of strengthening and improvement of the transmission system is to ensure quality and reliability in operation of the system, bring down technical losses to an optimal minimum value, and phase the system to match the growing power demand in the system under study.

25. To study the system AEGCL has used the computer aided power system study tool ‘MiPower’ supplied by M/S Power Research and Development Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (PRDC), Bangalore, India. While carrying out the power system studies, the ‘Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria’ published by Central Electricity Authority of India is generally followed.

3.2.1 Voltage Regulation 26. The basic parameter in any power system study is the voltage of the system and its variation at various load conditions. As Indian Electricity Rules provides some voltage variation limits over the declared voltage, these are taken as one of the guiding factors in formulating various system improvement proposals. The Indian Electricity Rules sets the following limits for various voltage levels of a system:

a) Low tension (LT) Lines : (-)6% to (+)6% b) 11 KV & 33 KV: (-)9% to (+)6% c) Extra-high voltage (EHV) : (-)12.5% to (+)10%

27. The above voltage variation limits refer to actual system operating conditions. For planning a transmission system the ‘Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria’ published by Central Electricity Authority of India specifies a voltage limit of (+) 5% to (-) 5%. In this particular study this guideline has been followed as far as possible.

6 The line length mentioned in revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 25 Km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 41.80km. However, after route alignment the final line length reported is 41.923 Km. 7The line length mentioned in revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 30 Km (approx.) There was change in alignment at 1 location and the final line length is 29.662 Km. Addendum IEE to the original IEE report has been prepared and approved by AD B in May 2017. 8 The line length mentioned in revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 15 Km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 1.60 Km. However, after route alignment the final line length reported is 0.541 Km. 9 The line length mentioned in revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 5 Km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 0.80 km. However, after route alignment the final line length reported is 0.642 Km. 10 The line length mentioned in revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 7 km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 4.00 km. However, after route alignment the final line length reported is 4.254 Km.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 10 3.2.2 Technical Losses 28. The target levels and maximum tolerable loss levels for each voltage level on the system are fixed in India as follows

Levels for Peak Power Loss Sl. System components Target Maximum No. Level % Tolerable, % 1. Step up transformer and EHV transmission system 0.50 1.00 Transformation to inter-mediate voltage level, 2. transmission system & step down to sub- 1.50 3.00 transmission voltage level Sub-transmission system and step-down to 3. 2.25 4.50 distribution voltage level 4. Distribution lines and service connections 4.00 7.00 TOTAL 8.25 15.50

3.2.3 System Security 29. As the transmission system handles power in bulk quantities, the system has to be secured to disturbances in the system, so that the large scale disruption of power supply is avoided. As the system consists of mainly132 kV and to somewhat limited 220 kV systems, a security evaluation is limited to only steady state operation. Some vital transmission line and interconnecting transformers are taken out of service to test the capability of the system to withstand such contingencies without resorting to load shedding or rescheduling of generation.

3.2.4 Design 30. Central bodies like Central Board of Power and Irrigation and Central Electricity Authority have already issued certain guidelines regarding design, layout, Protection System etc. For transmission lines and substations. Moreover, requirements of Indian Electricity Rules and Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission shall have to be taken into consideration in designing and construction of transmission lines and substations. While preparing the cost estimates not only the requirements of above bodies are taken into consideration; international standards and practices are also kept in mind.

3.3 PROPOSED TRANSMISSION SYSTEM EXPANSION

31. The new proposals, specifically the new substations, augmentations of existing ones, and new transmission lines included in the DPR are broadly based on power system studies carried out by M/S SMEC Inc. under the ongoing Assam Power Sector Development Program. However, few changes are made to the original studies carried out by M/S SMEC Inc. to take care of changed priority and requirements due to changing scenario and new development during the intervening period of original study and the time of DPR preparation.

32. A fresh Power System Studies has been carried out broadly following the guidelines brought by Central Electricity Authority of India in the ‘Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria.’ The results of these fresh studies have been incorporated into the DPR.

3.3.1 Basis of New Proposals 33. In the original Power System Studies M/S SMEC was asked to carry out the studies considering peak demand of 1000 MW, 1400 MW, 1800 MW and 2163 MW. As the demand of 1400 MW closely tally with the peak demand forecasted in Seventeenth Electric Power Survey report published by the Central Electricity Authority of India at the end of the year 2011-12, the proposals covered under the DPR are based on the studies carried out for that demand only Peak Demands and Energy for the last two years and

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 11 the forecasted demands and energy for the year 2011-2012 as recorded in the Seventeenth Electric Power Survey report are reproduced below.

PEAK DEMAND (MW) ENERGY (MU) YEAR* REQUIREMENT MET REQUIREMENT MET 2006-2007 771 688 4297 3984 2007-2008** 848 766 4398 4079 2011-2012 1443 - 7585 - *Year is from April to March. **Figures for the year 2007-2008 are for April to February.

3.3.2 Transformation Capacity 34. Whenever loading of transformers in an existing substation is found to exceed 80%, augmentation of transformer capacity of the substation or creation of a new substation nearby is proposed. Creation of a new substation is considered only when (i) new load center is coming up some distance away and/or (ii) the substation in question is feeding power to a large area or (iii) the substation in question is already saturated or nearing saturation in terms of capacity or space.

3.3.3 New Substations 35. Altogether 6 new substations are proposed. A brief introduction to these new substations is presented below.

I. 220/132 kV, 2x100 MVA, Rangia Substation As per original IEE Report the 220/132 kV substation at Rangia was required to act as a hub for the 132 kV sub stations at Rangia, , Bornagar, Rowta, Sipajhar etc. with load of about 110 MW by the year 2012. The 220 kV substation at Rangia was proposed by connecting a new 220 kV link from BTPS substation to Rangia.

II. 132/33 kV, 2x25MVA Nagaon Substation Nagaon is the Head Quarters of the of State of Assam. This substation is proposed to cater to the increasing industrial and agricultural loads coming up in Nagaon Town and its adjacent area. At present these areas are fed by long 33 kV lines from the 220kV Samaguri substation causing very poor voltage regulation and consequent losses. It is proposed to construct 132kV single ckt line on D/C tower from Samaguri.

III. 132/33 kV, 2x25 MVA Rupai Substation At present the load demand of the Rupai and Doom Dooma area is catered to by the 66/33 kV Substation at Rupai. There are a number of Tea gardens in this area who have to rely on their own captive generators for Tea production due to the inability of the substation to meet the load demand of the area because of transmission and transformation bottleneck. Often forced load shedding has to be resorted to (both in the peak and off peak load hours). Besides AEGCL is planning to phase out the 66 kV system from its transmission network. Therefore a 132/33 kV substation was proposed at Rupai near the existing 66 kV substation It is proposed to draw a S/C line on D/C towers from Tinsukia to Rupai. This substation is expected to handle a load demand of about 24 MW.

IV. 132/33 kV, 2x40 MVA Kamalpur Substation The area at the North Bank of River Brahmaputra beside the Saraighat Bridge near Baihata Chariali is a major Industrial and Commercial belt of Assam. The Narayana Super Specialty Hospital, Guwahati is also situated in near this area. Several requests for a substantial quantum of power are already pending in the area for which the existing substation at Sishugram is found quite inadequate as it has already become congested. As such, a new substation at nearby Kamalpur village was proposed to

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 12 cater the increasing load demand of the area. It is also expected that by setting up this new substation will help in reducing the line losses in the long and overloaded 33 kV lines emanating from the existing substation at Sishugram.

V. 132/33 kV, 2x40 MVA Bihiating (New Dibrugarh) Substation Dibrugarh town situated on the bank of river Brahmaputra and the District Head Quarters of is a center for commercial, educational activities and is also growing at a rapid rate compared to the other parts of the state. As a result its load demand which was a suppressed one appears to be increasing quite fast and was expected to touch 50 MW by 2011-12. It was therefore proposed to have a substation towards the west of Dibrugarh town at Bihiating. This will ease the overloading of the existing 132/66/33 kV Dibrugarh substation. A Gas Cracker project is also coming up near Bihiating and some ancillary industries are likely to come up in this area. It was proposed to construct this substation by LILO of the Moran-Dibrugarh 132 kV line. The substation is expected to handle a load demand of about 17 MW.

VI. 132/33 kV, 2x25 MVA Sonari Substation This substation is proposed with the same view of bringing back the high value Tea garden consumer back to its fold by improving the power scenario. Besides the LTPS generating Station which is at present the source of power to these areas through 33 kV lines wishes to dissociate itself from the power distribution function.

3.3.4 Extension of Existing Substations 36. The following existing substations are also proposed to be extended to accommodate the new transmission lines proposed under the DPR. These substations are listed below. Substations included in Tranche 1 are as under:

1) Samaguri, 220/132/33 kV Substation (T1): Two numbers of 132 kV Line Bays for Samaguri – Nagaon132 kV S/C Transmission Line, Samaguri - Lanka 132 kV second circuit stringing.

2) Salakathi (BTPS), 220/132/33 kV Substation (T1): Two numbers of 220 kV Line Bays for Salakathi - Rangia 220 kV D/C transmission Line.

3.3.5 New Transmission Lines 37. To feed new substations and also to provide system security the following new transmission lines are proposed. Lines to be included in Tranche 1 are given below:

1) Salakathi (BTPS) – Rangia 220 kV D/C Line (T1): for new Rangia 220/132 kV Substation. 2) Samaguri - Nagaon 132 kV S/C Line on D/C Towers (T1): for new Nagaon 132/33 kV Substation. 3) Tinsukia - Rupai 132 kV S/C Line on D/C Towers (T1): for new Rupai 132/33 kV Substation. 4) Double Circuit LILO Line of 132 kV D/C Rangia – Sishugram/Kahilipara Line (T1): for new Kamalpur 132/33 kV Substation. 5) Single Circuit LILO Line of 132 kV S/C Dibrugarh – Moran Line (T1): for new Khanikar (New Dibrugarh /Behiating) 132/33 kV Substation. 6) Single Circuit LILO Line of 132 kV D/C Lakwa– Namrup Line (T1): for new Sonari 132/33 kV Substation.

3.3.6 Changes in IEE Report 38. Originally a combined IEE Report for Tranche 1 (Loan no 2592) and Tranche 2 (Loan No. 2677) was prepared in April 2010. The original IEE report was revised in November 2014

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 13 due to diversion in BTPS - Rangia transmission line. Originally the length of BTPS - Rangia transmission line was 180 km. There was change in alignment at 6 locations and final length was 163.187 Km. The revised IEE report was prepared and approved by ADB.

39. There after there was a change in alignment of 132 kV Double Circuit Tinsukia – Margherita line. Originally the length of transmission line was 30 km. There was change in alignment at 1 location and the final line length was 29.662 Km. Addendum IEE to the original IEE report was prepared and approved by ADB in May, 2017.

40. The IEE report has been updated due to following subprojects:

41. 132kV Samaguri – Nagaon Transmission line: There was a change in length in Samaguri - Nagaon 132 kV transmission line. The line length mentioned in the revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 25 Km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 41.80km. However, after route alignment the final line length reported was 41.923 Km.

42. 132kV Kamalpur LILO: The line length mentioned in revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 15 Km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 1.60 Km. However, after route alignment the final line length reported is 0.541 Km.

43. 132kV Bihiating LILO: The line length mentioned in revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 5 Km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 0.80 km. However, after route alignment the final line length reported is 0.642 Km.

44. 132kV Sonari LILO: The line length mentioned in revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 7 km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 4.00 km. However, after route alignment the final line length reported is 4.254 Km.

45. This report is proposed as “Updated IEE Report – 2017 for Tranche 1” on account of change in scope of length of transmission lines. The details of change in scope are provided in below sections:

3.3.7 Changes in Scope of work 46. There is no change of scope of work in case of Substations. However, there are changes in scope of work under transmission line are the details are given below:

I. 220 kV Double Circuit Transmission line Salakati (BTPS) – Rangia11

47. Initially after the route selection survey, the route length of 153.350 km was finalized which was having 494 towers. During the execution of the work on this line it was observed that finalized route was diverted at 6 locations. viz. AP6/0 to AP7/0; AP25/0 to AP27/0; AP43/0 to AP 52/0; AP89/0 to AP97/0; AP109/0 to AP117/0 and AP120A/0 to AP138/0. Further due to some ROW issues there were some changes in tower type and the final length of this Transmission Line was 163.187 km with 516 numbers of towers. This updated IEE Report would capture the information on the environmental implications due to construction activities along the finalized diverted route alignment.

Details of Realigned Sections The reasons for diversion of route length at six locations are given below in Table 3.2:

11 The line length mentioned in the original IEE report (April, 2010) was180 Km (approx.)

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 14 Table 3.2: Reasons for Diversion of Transmission Line Sl. Diverted Locations Reasons for Diversion No. Start Point End Point Due to crossing of 400 kv D/C - Salakati Transmission 1 AP 6/0 AP 7/0 line 2 AP 25/0 AP 27/0 Non availability of ROW 3 AP 43/0 AP 52/0 *Due to close proximity to proposed Airport in Chirang District **Close proximity to PGCIL newly constructed 800kV DC 4 AP 89/0 AP 97/0 Transmission Line **Close proximity to PGCIL newly constructed 800kV DC 5 AP 109/0 AP 117/0 Transmission Line **Close proximity to PGCIL newly constructed 800kV DC 6 AP 120A/0 AP 138/0 Transmission Line *Ref. “Ministry of Civil Aviation notification dt. Jan. 14, 2010” regarding minimum lateral distance to be maintained by T/L from Airport. **Ref. The Electricity Rules, 1956 (Rule 87) regarding minimum lateral distance to be maintained between transmission lines

The six diverted sections of 47.652 km passes through 45 villages. The details of tower locations, diverted sections and No. of towers are provided in Table 3.3 below:

Table 3.3: Details of Diverted Sections and Tower Locations & Numbers Tower Location Details of Diverted Section (Km) No. of Towers Sl. Towers in Towers in Start End Original Rerouted Change in Additional No Original Rerouted Point Point Length Length Length Towers Length Length 1 AP 6/0 AP 7/0 0.629 0.640 0.011 3 6 3 2 AP 25/0 AP 27/0 0.565 0.534 -0.031 3 4 1 3 AP 43/0 AP 52/0 7.089 11.375 4.286 29 33 4 4 AP 89/0 AP 97/0 6.758 6.619 -0.139 22 25 3 5 AP 109/0 AP 117/0 9.543 9.949 0.406 29 34 5 6 AP 120A/0 AP 138/0 17.384 18.535 1.151 54 60 6 Total 41.968 47.652 5.684 140 162 22

48. The layout map showing original and diverted locations for each section are given in Annexure 2.1

49. As per the route assessment report about 35,139 trees were present within ROW in the diverted sections. The number of trees present in each diverted sections are provided below in Table 3.4.

Table 3.4: No. of Trees within ROW Sl. No. From To Number of Trees 1 AP 6/0 AP 7/0 253 2 AP 25/0 AP 27/0 7 3 AP 43/0 AP 52/0 4940 4 AP 89/0 AP 97/0 3896 5 AP 109/0 AP 117/0 2591 6 AP 120A/0 AP 138/0 23452 Total 35139

II. 132 kV Single Circuit Samaguri – Nagaon on Double Circuit Towers12

50. This 41.923 km line connects the existing Samaguri substation to the new Nagaon 132/33kV substation. The line passes through flat, grassy and non-irrigated agricultural area roughly parallel to the existing 132kV line. No major surface disturbance was made. As per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 41.80 Km. However, after

12 The line length of 132 kV Samaguri Nagaon transmission line as mentioned in the revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 25 Km (approx.)

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 15 route alignment the final line length reported was 41.923 Km. This updated IEE Report would capture the information on the environmental implications due to construction activities along the finalized alignment. This transmission line originates from 132kV bus Samaguri substation and the output is at 132 kV Khalaigaon substation. Map, showing finalized route alignment is attached in Annexure 2.2.

a) The 132 kV Samaguri Nagaon T/L passes through only one district i.e. Nagaon and in total 34 villages which are Kurabahi, Hasaraborali, GendhaliBebejia, ShingiyaBebejia, Phukonorkhat, Hatigaon, Puronigodown, Kakhorigaon, Halowagaon, Deoriati, Bejorchuck, Nedhar, Barhampur, Kamargaon, Potanigomotha, Majpotani, Bhutaigaon, Majpathori, Chakarigaon, Nampathori, Sialekhowa, Borpathori, Panigaon, Deodhar, Hatipara, Jaroni, Elengisatra, Kumartup, Kumargaon, Biroh, Bebejia, Bangthai, Jamuguri, Kujabari and Lathabari.

b) As per the route selection survey, the finalized route has length of 41.923 km. During the execution of the work, there was no deviation/change in alignment from the original alignment. The proposed 132 kV Samaguri Nagaon transmission line crosses three highways and one railway track. No major impact is anticipated from the proposed line alignment.

c) The proposed transmission line does not pass through any National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary areas or crosses through the Environmental Sensitive Zone around such areas. The proposed transmission line does not pass through any notified elephant corridor, Reserved or Protected Forest area.

d) As per final alignment survey 98% of the proposed transmission line is passing through plain terrain and cultivated land. No forest land is required to be diverted for this subproject works. About 702 number of trees and 20 number of bamboo clouds mostly with private ownership were removed within 27 meter transmission corridor for stringing operation. The loss of private trees was compensated based on the timber value at market price, and compensation for perennial crops and fruit trees at annual net product market value multiplied by remaining productive years. This was determined in consultation with the Forest Department for timber trees and the other relevant departments for fruit bearing and perennial crops.

e) The contract was awarded to M/S ECI Engineering & Co. Ltd., on 26.11.2010. Survey work for this transmission line was completed by December 2011. Tower foundation work and erection work was completed in September 2013 and December 2013 respectively. Transmission line was charged in December 2013.

f) In order to prepare this updated IEE Report a team of Environmental and Social professional visited the site area on 03/04/2017. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist was prepared based on the observations recorded during the site visit. REA checklist is enclosed as Annexure 2.2 (A).

The detailed environmental analysis for 132kV Samaguri Nagaon transmission line was carried out, which is provided in Table 3.5 below:

Table 3.5: Environmental Analysis for 132kV Samaguri Nagaon T/L S.No. Description 132kV Samaguri Nagaon T\L 1. Length of line 41.923 km Canal/river crossings Nil (i) Forest area Nil 2. (ii) Wild life sanctuary/national park Nil (iii) Distance from nearest wildlife 24.70 km (Laokhowa Wildlife Santary) sanctuary/National park (With name)

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 16 S.No. Description 132kV Samaguri Nagaon T\L

Development of tower site (i) 142 3. (i) Number of towers (ii) 0.09 ha Government Land & 1.32 ha (ii) Land to be acquired for tower base of private land 4. Land strata Plain Terrain 5. Road accessibility National Highway : 27 Private land (in Ha.) 1.32 ha of private land (i) Agriculture A. irrigated Agricultural B. Non irrigated 6. Non-agricultural/private waste land/Banjar Private and Agricultural Land House or building Residential Non Residential Non residential 7. HT line crossing 1 8. Railway crossing 1 9. National/state highway crossing 3 Length of line passing in the territory of other 10. Nil state No of forest Trees 11. Trees to be Felled Nil Trees to be looped 702 number of Trees13 12. No of private Tress 20 number Bamboo Clouds 13. Length of the line in snow area (km) Nil 14. Length of the line in non-snow area Nil 15. Length of the line in cultivated area Approx. 41km 16. Length of the line in non-cultivated area Approx. 0.9 km 17. Highest altitude in Route the line 60.6m 18. Nearest distance from Airport 100.72km (LGB International Airport) Distance from nearest religious or 19. 1.56km – Hanuman Temple (Religious Site) archaeological sites Kurabahi, Hasaraborali, GendhaliBebejia, ShingiyaBebejia, Phukonorkhat, Hatigaon, Puronigodown, Kakhorigaon, Halowagaon, Deoriati, Bejorchuck, Nedhar, Barhampur, Kamargaon, Potanigomotha, Majpotani, 20. Name of villages involved/name of district Bhutaigaon, Majpathori, Chakarigaon, Nampathori, Sialekhowa, Borpathori, Panigaon, Deodhar, Hatipara, Jaroni, Elengisatra, Kumartup, Kumargaon, Biroh, Bebejia, Bangthai, Jamuguri, Kujabari and Lathabari.

13 As the trees were private thus no tree cutting permission was required and compensatory payment is done in accordance with the market value.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 17

III. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Rupai from 132 kV Double Circuit Tinsukia – Margherita line14

51. This 29.662 km connects the existing Tinsukia substation to the new Rupai 132/33kV substation. The line passes through the agricultural land, mainly paddy field and some tea estates, adjacent to existing rail and road corridor. After detailed survey of the line by the Turnkey Contractor i.e., M/S ECI Engineering & Construction Company Limited, the total length of transmission line was 29.547 km and total number of tower locations were 101. The transmission line length was realigned at one location from Tower Sl. No. 95 onwards to Tower Sl. No. 108 to minimize the impacts on Tea Estate falling under the corridor of impact. After, realignment, there was an increase in the line length by 0.115 km and thus the final line length was 29.662 km. Thereby, the line length has decreased by 0.338 km from the mentioned 30km in the original IEE. The length of diverted portion of the line from tower Sl. no. 95 to 108 is 1.99 km only. There is no conspicuous environment impact anticipated since minor ground disturbances are carried during the construction.

Details of Realigned Sections 52. The Rupai LILO Transmission Line was required to be realigned from tower serial no. 95 onwards at Mankhowa village because the original T/L was mainly passing through the Mankhowa Tea Estate and was having some impacts in terms of commercial operation of Tea Estate. In order to minimize the impacts, further the realignment was done through the barren land within the Tea Estate.

53. Mankhowa Tea Estate has approached the Implementing Agency with following concerns and suggestion:

a) Mankhowa Tea Estate is spread over 160 hectare and already have a web of wires over tea planted area, which is restricting plantation of shade providing trees under the electric lines. The shade providing trees are essential for health of tea, and absence of shade providing trees under existing electric lines in tea planted area are badly damaging perennial loss to production of green leaves.

b) The production of green tea leaves at Mankhowa Tea Estate had been badly impacted and efforts to revive the Mankhowa Tea Estate unit are being done since October 2010, which is providing employment to about 500 families.

c) The concerns were supplemented with recommendation from official of Tea Research Association visit to Mankhowa Tea Estate on May 30, 2013.

d) Lastly, Mankhowa Tea Estate requested to avoid transmission line route from tea planted area and by rerouting the transmission line through vacant land available in the Tea Estate.

e) Subsequently, in order to minimize the impacts on Tea Estate, the joint survey and verification by the officials of implementing agency and contractor was undertaken and the tower schedule of rerouted section was approved by AEGCL in August, 2013.

14 The line length mentioned in the revised IEE report (November, 2014) was 30 Km (approx.). Addendum IEE to the original IEE report has been prepared and approved by ADB in May, 2017.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 18

54. The original length of transmission line passed through 19 villages and had a length of 29.547 km and 101 tower locations. The transmission line length was realigned from tower 95 onwards in order to minimize the impacts on Tea Estate falling under the corridor of impact. After, realignment there is an increase in the line length by 0.115 km and thus the final line length become 29.662 km. Thereby, the line length has decreased by 0.338 km from the mentioned 30km in the original IEE. The length of diverted portion of the line from tower Sl. no. 95 to 108 is 1.99 km only.

55. The original transmission line route section from tower serial number 95 to tower serial number 101 had a length of 1.875 km and 7 number of tower locations. The realigned section of transmission line from tower serial number 95 to tower serial number 108 had a length of 1.99 km and 13 number of tower locations. This means that change in transmission line route length is 0.115 km and has 7 new additional towers. The layout maps showing original and new alignment after diversion is enclosed as Annexure 2.3. While enlarged view of the topographic map showing original transmission line & diverted section as shown in Annexure 2.3 (A).

56. The new diverted section of 1.99 km passes through Mankhowa village. The details of start and end point of the diverted section, its length and location are provided below in Table 3.6:

Table 3.6: Details of the Diverted Section Diverted Tower Number (AP) Sl. Locations Length District No. Start Point End Point (Name of the Village) (Km) 95 108 1 1.99 Mankhowa Tinsukia (AP 29) (AP 42)

57. The realigned section of transmission line from tower serial number 95 to tower serial number 108 had a length of 1.99 km and 13 number of tower locations. Considering about 100 square meters (m2) of land required per tower, it is estimated that 13 new tower locations shall require about 0.13 Ha of land. Social aspects related to the diversion are dealt separately in Social Assessment Report. The details of land required for 13 new towers and land use breakup is provided in Table 3.7.

Table 3.7: Details of Land Required Diverted Ownership Land use Land Required (Sq. m) Tower Number 96 Private (Individual) Agricultural 100 97 Private (Individual) Agricultural 100 98 Private (Individual) Agricultural 100 Mankhowa Tea Estate 99 to 108 Vacant Land 1000 (Society) Total 1300 sq.m. (0.13 Ha) 58. A Right of Way of 27m has been considered to assess the impacts in project impacted area. About 34 trees (Sirish – 32, Mango -1 and Jamun - 1) and 5255 Tea bushes were impacted in the realignment section. 59. The contract awarded to M/S ECI Engineering & Co. Ltd. on 26th November, 2010 and effected on 14th January 2011. Survey work for this transmission line was completed by 24th December, 2011. Tower foundation work started from 1st January, 2012 and work was completed on this transmission line (including the realigned section) by 31st May, 2015. Transmission line was charged from June 2015.

60. In order to prepare this addendum to originally prepared IEE Report, a team of Environmental and Social Expert visited the diverted site area in the month of

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 19 September, 2015 and Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist was prepared based on the observations recorded during the site visit. REA checklist is enclosed as Annexure 2.3 (B). IV. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Kamalpur from 132 kV Double Circuit Rangia – Kahilipara / Sishugram line 61. This 0.541 km line is line in/line out transmission line. There is no major disturbance to the agricultural area due to construction of this transmission line. The line length mentioned in the original IEE report (April, 2010) was 15 km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 1.60 km. However, after route alignment the final line length reported is 0.541 Km for 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Kamalpur from 132 kV Double Circuit Rangia – Kahilipara / Sishugram line. The reduction in line length for 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Kamalpur from 132 kV Double Circuit Rangia – Kahilipara / Sishugram line from the line length provided in the original IEE report is due to change in substation location during initial stage of project implementation. Map, showing finalized route alignment is attached in Annexure 2.4. In order to prepare this updated IEE Report a team of Environmental and Social professional visited the site area on 30/08/2017. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist was prepared based on the observations recorded during the site visit. REA checklist is attached as Annexure 2.4 (A). The line passes through the agricultural land, mainly paddy field. The line does not pass through any forest or protected area. No tree cutting was involved during construction of this transmission line.

The detailed environmental analysis for 132kV Kamalpur LILO was carried out, which is provided in Table 3.8 below:

Table 3.8: Environmental Analysis for 132kV Kamalpur LILO S.No. Description 132kV Kamalpur LILO 1. Length of line 0.541 km Small Nala Crossing between Tower 1 Canal/river crossings and Tower 2. (i) Forest area 2. Nil (ii) Wild life sanctuary/national park Nil (iii) Distance from nearest wildlife 55.50 km (Orang National Park) sanctuary/National park (With name) Development of tower site 3. (i) Number of towers (i) 5 (ii) Land to be acquired for tower base (ii) 0.02ha (agricultural land) 4. Land strata Plain Terrain 5. Road accessibility National Highway : 27 Private land (in Ha.) 0.02 ha of private land (i) Agriculture A. irrigated Agricultural B. Non irrigated 6. Non-agricultural/private waste land/Banjar Private and Agricultural Land House or building Residential Non Residential Non residential 7. HT line crossing 1 8. Railway crossing 0 9. National/state highway crossing 0 10. Length of line passing in the territory of other state Nil No of forest Trees 11. Trees to be Felled Nil Trees to be looped 12. No of private Tress Nil 13. Length of the line in snow area (km) Nil 14. Length of the line in non-snow area Nil

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 20 S.No. Description 132kV Kamalpur LILO 15. Length of the line in cultivated area Nil 16. Length of the line in non-cultivated area 0.541km 17. Highest altitude in Route the line 57m 18. Nearest distance from Airport 30.51km (LGB International Airport) 846.04m – Shiv Temple (Religious 19. Distance from nearest religious or archaeological sites Site) 20. Name of villages involved/name of district Baihata Chariali (Kamrup Rural) V. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Bihiating LILO from 132 kV Dibrugarh Moran line 62. This 0.642km line is line in/line out transmission line. There is no major disturbance to the agricultural area due to construction of this transmission line. The line length mentioned in the original IEE report (April, 2010) was 5 Km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 0.80 km. There is no change in the alignment, however after route alignment the final line length reported is 0.642 Km for 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Bihiating LILO from 132 kV Dibrugarh – Moran line. Map, showing finalized route alignment of 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Bihiating LILO from 132 kV Dibrugarh – Moran line is attached as Annexure 2.5. In order to prepare this updated IEE Report a team of Environmental and Social professional visited the site area on 20/09/2017. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist was prepared based on the observations recorded during the site visit. REA checklist is attached as Annexure 2.5 (A).The proposed transmission line does not pass through any National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary areas or crosses through the Environmental Sensitive zone around such areas. The proposed transmission line does not pass through any notified elephant corridor and Reserved or Protected Forest area. No tree cutting was involved during construction of this transmission line. VI. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Sonari from 132 kV Lakwa – Namrup line

63. This 4.254 km line is line in/line out transmission line. This line has mainly crossed tea estate, paddy fields and bamboo groves near existing transmission lines. No major surface disturbances were made during construction. The line length mentioned in the original IEE report (April, 2010) was 7 km (approx.), and as per Bid document approved by ADB, the line length was 4.00 km. There is no change in the alignment , however after route alignment the final line length reported is 4.254 km. Map, showing finalized route alignment of 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Sonari from 132 kV Lakwa – Namrup line is attached as Annexure 2.6. In order to prepare this updated IEE Report a team of Environmental and Social professional visited the site area on 19/09/2017. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist was prepared based on the observations recorded during the site visit. REA checklist is attached as Annexure 2.6 (A).The proposed transmission line does not pass through any National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary areas or crosses through the Environmental Sensitive zone around such areas. The proposed transmission line does not pass through any notified elephant corridor and Reserved or Protected Forest area. 3.3.8 SCADA 64. It may be mentioned here that a new SCADA system is now being installed under the ongoing Assam Power Sector Development Program with ADB finance. It is essential that the new substations coming under this scheme are also included in the said SCADA. 3.3.9 Communication (PLCC And Fiber Optics) 65. The Power Line Carrier Communication (PLCC) not only provide voice and data (such as SCADA) communication it is also a pre-requisite in EHV transmission lines considering protection of the system. PLCC equipment’s are provided in all 220 KV and 132 KV transmission lines proposed in this Project Report. 66. Studies made in implementing the ongoing SCADA system mentioned in above reveal

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 21 that PLCC alone is not sufficient in certain links to meet the communication requirements of SCADA. 3.3.10 Refurbishment of Existing Substations 67. Large numbers of old substations are in operation in the transmission system of AEGCL with aged, worn-out and outdated equipment which causes frequent and prolonged outages in the system. It may be noted that provisions was made in the ongoing Assam Power Sector Development Program to replace some of such equipment. Provisions are made in the DPR to replace the remaining aged, worn-out and outdated equipment in the existing substations. Equipment identified for replacement includes Circuit Breakers, Instrument Transformers, Relay and Control Panels, Protective Relays and Isolators.

3.4 COMPLETION SCHEDULE 68. The whole works are scheduled for completion within 36 months from effective date of project approval from ADB. However, works such as land requisition for new substations, survey &right of way works for transmission lines and other preliminary works under Counter Part funding shall require to be undertaken 5 to 6 months prior to the loan effective date to meet the time schedule.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 3: Description of Project Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 22 CHAPTER-4 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

4.1 PHYSICAL RESOURCES 69. Assam is located in the North East region of India, between 24o and 28o north latitude and 90o and 96o east longitude. Total area is 78,438 square kilometres (km2). Assam is dominated geographically by the , which flows generally from east to west across the northern part of the state, and the Barak River which flows north from Mizoram State, then westward through the city of , then into Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra River valley is approximately 720 km long with an average width of 80 km15. Assam is in India’s Seismic Zone 5, the most seismically active classification. The Barak River valley is approximately 200 km long with an average width of 40 to 50 km. 70. Since as per Seismic Zone map of India (2014), the entire state of Assam falls in Zone 5 (seismically most active zone). Map showing seismic area of the Project Area.

Project Area

15 Except for 1 new substation and 1 substation augmentation component in the Barak River valley, all proposed components are located in the .

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 23 4.1.1 Climate And Meteorology

71. The state lies in the sub-tropical belt with a monsoonal climate, with heavy summer rainfall, winter drought, and high humidity. Summers are hot (maximum temperature between 330C and 440C) and at some places it remains humid, while winters are reasonably comfortable (between 270C and 100C). The monsoon season runs from late May or early June to early October, with average rainfall of 2,263 millimeters per year and 144 rainy days. Assam has been divided into six agro-climatic zones: (i) North bank plains (Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Darrang districts), (ii) Upper Brahmaputra Valley (Goalaghat, , Sibsagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts), (iii) Central Brahmaputra Valley (Nagaon and Morigaon districts), (iv) Lower Brahmaputra (, , Kokrajhar, Goalpara, , Nalbari and Kamrup districts), (v) (, Cachar and Hailakandi districts), and (vi) Hill districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar. The project components will be located in the broad river valley of the Upper, Central, and Lower Brahmaputra zones. 72. Satellite imagery shows that surface morphology in the Project area is dominated by the major river systems, with numerous tributary rivers and streams, oxbow lakes, relict oxbow lakes, and relict stream channels. In the project area, some rocky hills are present with elevations less than 1 kilometer (km) above the surrounding river valley. 73. Soils16 can generally be divided into four groups: alluvial soils, piedmont soils, hill soils and lateritic soils. Soil chemistry varies from acidic to alkaline, with varying porosity, cation exchange capacity, and organic matter content. Surface soils have been extensively altered by agricultural development, primarily rice paddies, tea estates, and livestock grazing. 74. There are two types of alluvial soils – younger alluvium and older alluvium. The alluvial soils are extensively distributed over the Brahmaputra and Barak plains. The piedmont soils are confined to northern narrow zones along the piedmont zone of the Himalayan foot hills. These soils comprise the Bhabar soil and the Tarai soil covering the respectively the Bhabar and Tarai belt of the Brahmaputra valley. The hill soils are generally found in the southern hilly terrains of the state. The hill soils can be divided into red sandy soils and the red loamy soils. The lateritic soils in the state extensively occur almost entirely over the North Cachar hills district. 75. Surface water and ground water are used for drinking, agriculture, municipal supply, and industrial processes. Surface water resources cover an area of 365,000 hectares (ha), of which 56% is rivers and streams, 28% is oxbow lakes and wetlands (“beels”), and 7% is ponds (including man-made ponds, or “tanks”). The Brahmaputra has low organic load and dissolved mineral content. 76. The SPCBs of Assam, Nagaland, and Sikkim monitor water quality at 31 stations along the river and its tributaries. Water quality is variable, with pH and conductivity within drinking water norms17. Dissolved oxygen (DO) varies from 4.0 to 7.3 milligrams per litre (mg/L) vs. the standard of 4.0 mg/L; biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) varies from 4.6 to 12 mg/L vs. the standard of 3.0 mg/L; total coliform is exceeded at all monitoring stations, and faecal coliform is exceeded at some stations.18 There is essentially no modern sewage treatment at any cities or towns along the river, which probably accounts for the high levels of DO, BOD, and coliform. 77. Surface water quality monitoring data from various environmental assessment reports for industrial projects were obtained from the Assam PCB website. Results are summarized in Tables 4.1(A) and 4.1(B) which indicate that surface water quality is within GOI Class C limits for drinking water after conventional treatment.

16 Source: Geography of Assam,2007, edited by Dr. A.K. Bhagbati, Dr. A.K. & Dr. B.K. Kar; (Reader in Geography, Gauhati University) 17 GOI standard IS 2296 for surface water class C, suitable for drinking after conventional treatment and disinfection. 18 Data from http://www.cpcb.nic.in/oldwebsite/New%20Item/images/content_chapter-6.pdf

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 24 Table 4.1(A): Surface Water Quality Monitoring Results

Location (IS:2296) Surface ISWM, Parameters Coal India Oil India Naftogaz APGCL Waters Guwahati (mg/L except as noted) Tolerance Ledo Jhanji Dihing Mora Nallah Namrup Limits paninallah River River Colour, Hazen units 300 16 Colourless - - - Dissolved oxygen 4 6.3 - 7.3 4.92 5.2-6.1 pH 6.5 to 8.5 6.7 7.9 7.5 7.1 7.1-7.3 Iron (as Fe) 50 2.4 - 0.2 0.69 Chlorides (as Cl) 600 63 - 15 14 16.1-19.1 BOD (3 days at 27ºC) 30 11 12 - 4.8-8.1 Total dissolved solids 1500 228 152 104 48 200-235 Copper (as Cu) 1.5 ND - - 0.01 - Total chromium (as Cr) -- ND - - - Sulphates (as SO4) 400 104 6.1 - 7 14.2-16.8 Nitrates (as NO3) 50 17.2 0.5 0.16 0.85 - Fluorides (as F) 1.5 ND ND 0.05 - - Total coliform 5000 267 - - - - (MPN/100 ml) Cadmium (as Cd) 0.01 ND - - - - Selenium (as Se) 0.05 ND - - - - Arsenic (as As) 0.2 ND - - - - Lead (as Pb) 0.1 ND - - BDL - Zinc (as Zn) 15 0.19 - - 0.26 - Chromium (as Cr+6) 0.05 ND - - 0.04 -

Phenolic compounds 0.005 ND - - - - (as C6,H5OH)

Oil & grease 0.1 ND - - - max 0.8 APGCL = Assam Power Generation Company, Ltd., BDL=Below Detection Limit, ISWM = Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility, ND=Not Detected Sources:  EIA Report for Coal India Tikak Open Pit Coal Mine, , data from January 2008  EIA Report for Oil India Drilling Project in Amguri, data from January - February 2008  EIA Report for Naftogaz Oil Drilling Project, data from December 2007 and January 2008  EIA Report for Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility in Guwahati, data from February-March 2007  EIA Report (Executive Summary) for Namrup 100 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine plant

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 25 Table 4.1 (B): Water Quality of River Barak and Kushiyara

Dissolve BOD (3 days Suspended Date Location pH d COD @ 27o C) Solids oxygen 1 km upstream of 7.6 7.4 - 110 16.0 effluent discharge At effluent discharge 7.8 8.0 - 94 16.0 point 6.12.09 1 km downstream of 7.6 8.0 - 115 11.2 effluent discharge 15 km downstream at 8.0 8.0 - 102 14.4 Bhanga 1 km upstream of 7.9 9.0 0.9 100 17.6 effluent discharge At effluent discharge 8.0 8.0 0.8 92 19.2 point 13.12.09 1 km downstream of 7.9 8.7 0.6 89 19.2 effluent discharge 15 km downstream at 8.0 8.8 0.7 82 19.2 Bhanga 1 km upstream of 7.7 8.3 0.4 196 8.0 effluent discharge At effluent discharge 8.0 8.3 0.5 216 8.0 point 20.12.09 1 km downstream of 7.9 8.3 0.5 282 6.4 effluent discharge 15 km downstream at 7.7 8.2 0.5 158 8.0 Bhanga 1 km upstream of 7.8 7.6 0.9 112 9.6 effluent discharge At effluent discharge 7.8 7.6 0.9 212 9.6 point 27.12.09 1 km downstream of 7.8 7.5 0.5 222 6.4 effluent discharge 15 km downstream at 7.7 7.5 0.5 154 Bhanga IS: 2296 – Surface Water 6.5 to 8.5 4 30 100 10 Tolerance Limits Source: Test Result Submitted to Assam State Pollution Control Board by Cachar Paper Mill (), for the month of December 2009 78. Groundwater resources have been mapped by drilling of 304 exploratory tube wells and 381 observation wells. Sustainable groundwater resources are estimated at 27.23 billion cubic meters (Bm3), with annual availability of 24.89 Bm3, and annual withdrawals of only 5.44 Bm3. Groundwater is generally suitable for drinking water and other uses,19 but high iron concentrations are common on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River, and high fluoride concentrations have been observed in the districts of Kamrup, Nagaon, and Karbi Anglong on the south side of the Brahmaputra. Arsenic has been detected above drinking water limits in Dhemaji and Karimganj districts; the arsenic source has not been determined. 79. Ground water quality monitoring data from various environmental assessment reports for industrial projects were obtained from the Assam PCB website. Results are summarized in Table 4.2(A) which indicates that ground water quality is within GOI limits for drinking water after conventional treatment. Table 4.2(B) presents limited groundwater data taken near the Cachar Paper mill in the Silchar / Hailakandi area.

19 Based on groundwater sampling data conducted in the course of environmental impact assessments for 4 industrial projects listed on ADEF/SPCB website; data are from 2007 - 2008

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 26 Table 4.2 (A): Ground Water Quality Monitoring Results Location Oil Parameters (mg/L (IS:10500) (Desirable BCPL Naftogaz ISWM APGCL except as noted) Limit for drinking water) India Maghuwapara Lanka Amguri Margherita Namrup village pH 6.5 - 8.5 6.8 7.7 7.1 6.9 6.5-7.5 Turbidity (NTU) 5 10 1.1 Specific conductance 261 134 - 100-500 (micromhos/cm) Total Dissolved Solids 500 167 140 152 16-34.3

Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 200 89 100 66.2 - Total Hardness as 300 104 96 73 96 - CaCO3 Calcium as Ca 71 20.8 54.8 28 - Magnesium as Mg 33 16.3 9.1 - Chlorides as Cl 250 17 22.7 17.6 5.9 -

Sulphates as SO4 200 25 0.8 7.1 -

Nitrates as NO2 45 0.3 0.5 0.17 - - Fluoride as F 1 0.05 0.5 - - Arsenic as As 0.05 <0.002 - - - - Selenium as Se 0.01 <0.005 - - - - Cadmium as Cd 0.01 <0.002 - - BDL - Copper as Cu 0.05 <0.020 - - 0.045 - Lead as Pb 0.05 <0.03 - BDL - Zinc as Zn 5 0.023 ND - 0.32 - BCPL= Bull and Cements (P) Limited, ISWM = Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility, APGCL = Assam Power Generation Company, Ltd., ND=Not Detected; BDL=Below Detection Limit Sources:  REIA Report for Bull and Cement (P) Limited, Nagaon, undated  EIA Report for Oil India Drilling Project in Amguri, data from January - February 2008  EIA Report for Naftogaz Oil Drilling Project, data from December 2007 and January 2008  EIA Report for Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility in Guwahati, data from February-March 2007  EIA Report (Executive Summary) for Namrup 100 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine plant

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 27 Table 4.2(B): Ground Water Quality in Hailakandi Area Date Location pH Mercury (mg/L) 8.12.09 Adm Building 7.0 BDL 8.12.09 Bore Well near Brine Sludge Pit 7.7 BDL 15.12.09 Railway Station 7.1 BDL 15.12.09 Bore Well near Brine Sludge Pit 8.4 0.025 22.12.09 Adm Building 7.6 BDL 22.12.09 Bore Well near Brine Sludge Pit 7.2 0.005 Source: Test Result Submitted to Assam State Pollution Control Board by Cachar Paper Mill (Hailakandi District), for the month of December 2009 4.1.2 Mineral Resources 80. Assam’s energy resources include coal, crude oil, hydropower, and natural gas. 20 Coal reserves are estimated at 320 million tons, with 2 surface mines operating in eastern Assam. The identified coal reserves have high sulphur content and high volatile matter content, making it unsuitable for coke production and less than desirable for power generation. Proven Crude oil reserves are 1.3 billion tons. In the past 4 years, exploratory activity resulted in 32 new discoveries.

81. Proven natural gas reserves are 156 Bm3. Natural gas is used as a fertilizer feedstock and for power generation with about 220 MW of gas-fired capacity in operation at 2 plants (Namrup and Lakwa). Total installed hydropower capacity is 375 MW, mostly in the Barak river watershed. Additional potential of 159 MW has been identified at 93 sites with less than 5 MW per site.21

82. Other natural resources include limestone and granite, estimated at 703 million tons and 1 billion m3, respectively. Limestone is used for cement production and some granite is quarried for construction material.

4.1.3 Ambient Air Quality and Noise Levels

83. Routine ambient air quality data for residential sites in the Guwahati urban area for 2006, 2007, and 2008 are presented in Table 4.3. Air quality is well within the standards for residential areas for sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at all stations. Respirable particulate matter (RPM) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) standards for residential areas are exceeded at all stations on all monitoring dates. RPM and SPM are attributable mainly to mobile sources (vehicle emissions), small point sources (e.g., open trash burning), and non-point sources (e.g., unpaved roads) rather than electric power generation and/or other power sector facilities.22

20 One of the 1stcommercial crude oil discoveries in Asia was made in the 19thcentury at Naharkatia, in Dibrugarh District the world’s oldest continuously operating oil refinery is located at . 21 The Northeast Grid, which includes Assam, has the lowest emissions factor of India’s 5 regional grids: 0.42 tons CO2- equivalent per megawatt-hour (tCO2/MWh), vs. an average of 0.88 tCO2/MWh for the other 4 grids. Despite the relative abundance of potential energy resources, Assam remains under-developed due to a shortage of reliable electric power supplies. 22 In the Guwahati area, only new substations are proposed, which will have no air emissions. The sectoral scope of the project does not provide the opportunity for urban air quality management interventions

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 28 Table 4.3: Ambient Air Quality in Guwahati Residential Areas

Location Parameters Date Bamunimaidan ITI Santipur Paltan Bazar

SO2 Standard = 80 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 8.0 13.8 7.8 7.5 February 2006 Average 4.8 5.5 4.8 6.3 Maximum 18.5 14.0 17.5 13.0 March 2007 Average 12.7 9.3 12.8 8.2 Maximum 13.3 12.5 12.3 11.8 February 2008 Average 9.1 8.8 7.9 8.4

NO2 Standard = 80 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 25.6 39.5 23.0 33.5 February 2006 Average 9.8 27.2 20.1 32.5 Maximum 28.0 22.3 26.8 21.3 March 2007 Average 21.6 17.2 21.1 15.7 Maximum 25.5 23.0 22.5 22.3 February 2008 Average 20.5 18.0 17.4 18.0 RPM Standard = 60 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 501.5 326.0 462.5 114.0 February 2006 Average 213.4 165.8 227.5 103.0 Maximum 484.5 223.0 257.0 220.5 March 2007 Average 234.3 145.2 144.8 132.3 Maximum 234.0 224.0 230.0 197.0 February 2008 Average 176.2 162.0 155.6 148.7 SPM Standard = 140 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 864.0 811.5 728.0 250.0 February 2006 Average 395.1 340.1 406. 241.7 Maximum 951.5 417.0 393.5 341.5 March 2007 Average 466.6 226.2 226.6 197.9 Maximum 304.0 307.0 314.0 256.0 February 2008 Average 249.6 233.3 226.5 209.7

NO2 = nitrogen dioxide, SO2 = sulphur dioxide, RPM = respirable particulate matter, SPM = suspended particulate matter Source: Assam State Pollution Control Board. Standards are annual average for residential areas. 84. Additional air quality monitoring data from various environmental assessment reports for industrial projects were obtained from the Assam PCB website. Results are summarized in Tables 4.4(A) and 4.4(B). Data indicate that standards SO2 and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are met at all stations. SPM standards are met at all locations. RPM standards are met with 1 exceptions which is in the Amguri project area. Data in Tables 4.4(A) and 4.4(B) indicate that SO2 and NOX standards are met in most areas near proposed project sites, but that RPM and SPM are routinely exceeded in urban areas and occasionally exceeded in some industrial areas.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 29 Table 4.4(A): Other Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Results Location Parameters Oil India Raksha ISWM Naftogaz APGCL Coal India Amguri Koraibi Guwahati Margherita Namrup Tikak SO2 Standard = 80 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 21.5 11.0 4.0 8.9 19.0 28.0 Minimum 3.2 6.0 3.0 3.0 8.0 8.0 NOx Standard = 80 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 35.8 26.0 22.0 12.6 25.0 36.0 Minimum 4.1 12.0 14.0 3.1 10.0 10.0 RPM Standard = 120 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 136.0 62.0 107.0 17.0 61.0 62.0 Minimum 21.0 23.0 73.0 5.0 31.0 12.0 SPM Standard = 360 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 321.0 175.0 336.0 65.0 221.0 110.0 Minimum 46.0 88.0 203.0 30.0 75.0 39.0 APGCL = Assam Power Generation Company, Ltd., ISWM = Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility, NOx = nitrogen dioxides, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, RPM = respirable particulate matter, SPM = suspended particulate matter. Standards are annual averages for industrial areas. Sources:  EIA Report for Coal India Tikak Open Pit Coal Mine, Tinsukia District, data from January 2008 EIA Report for Naftogaz Oil Drilling Project, data from December 2007 and January 2008  EIA Report for Oil India Drilling Project in Amguri, data from January - February 2008 EIA Report for Raksha Cement Plant in , undated  EIA Report for Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility in Guwahati, data from February-March 2007  EIA Report (Executive Summary) for Namrup 100 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine plant

Table 4.4(B): Ambient Air Quality in Hailkandi Residential Areas Location Date Parameters CISF Campus, Panchgram, Hailakandi,

SO2 Standard = 80 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 9.00 October 2006 Average 7.53 Maximum 5.25 June 2007 Average 3.53 Maximum 7.00 January 2008 Average 4.81

NO2 Standard = 80 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 21.5 October 2006 Average 18.13 Maximum 13.75 June 2007 Average 9.31 Maximum 16.75 January 2008 Average 11.35 RPM Standard = 60 micrograms per standard cubic meter Maximum 87.00 October 2006 Average 36.19 Maximum 32.00 June 2007 Average 21.17 Maximum 110.50 January 2008 Average 65.11

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 30 Location Date Parameters CISF Campus, Panchgram, Hailakandi, Standard = 140 micrograms per standard cubic SPM meter Maximum 110.50 October 2006 Average 63.19 Maximum 69.50 June 2007 Average 49.33 Maximum 162.00 January 2008 Average 101.11

NO2 = nitrogen dioxide, SO2 = sulphur dioxide, RPM = respirable particulate matter, SPM = suspended particulate matter Source: Assam State Pollution Control Board. Standards are annual average for residential areas.

4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DURING IMPLEMENTATION STAGE

85. A. En-Geo Consultancy & Research Centre, Guwahati has been appointed by AEGCL for carrying environmental monitoring of various environmental parameters for Ambient Air, Ambient Noise and both Surface & Ground Water in all sensitive locations of the project area.

86. Substation: Environmental monitoring conducted at all six substations twice during construction stage in the month of October/November 2013 and April 2014.

87. Transmission lines: Environmental monitoring conducted along all transmission lines once during pre-construction stage in the month of December 2012/January 2013, twice during construction stage in the month of November 2013 and April 2014 and once during post construction stage in the period November 2015 to January 2016.

88. Sampling for various air, noise and water parameters was conducted in substation and along different transmission lines. The details regarding sampling locations conducted in substations and transmission line are given below in Table 4.5.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 31 Table 4.5: Details of sampling locations conducted in Substations and along Transmission Line

SL.NO. SUBPROJECT NO. OF SAMPLING LOCATIONS Air Quality Noise Level Surface Water Ground Water

Sampling Sampling Sampling Sampling Substation23 220/132 kV Sub 1 01 01 01 01 Station at Rangia 132/33 kV Kamalpur 2 01 01 01 01 grid Sub Station 132/33 kV Nagaon 3 01 01 00 01 grid Sub Station 132/33 kV Sonari 4 01 01 01 01 grid Sub Station 132/33 kV Bihiating 5 01 01 00 01 grid Sub Station 132/33 kV Rupai grid 6 01 01 00 01 Sub Station Transmission line 220 KV Double 50 50 19 Pre-Construction: 44 Circuit (51 During (51 During (21 During Construction I: 33 1 Transmission line Post Post Pre- Construction II: 33 Salakati (BTPS) – construction construction construction Post Construction: 34 Rangia stage) stage) period) 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at 01 Kamalpur from 132 (During pre- 2 01 01 01 kV Double Circuit construction Rangia –Kahilipara / period only) Sishugram line 132 kV Single 04 Circuit Samaguri – (05 during Pre- 3 12 12 08 Nagaon on Double construction Circuit Towers period) 132 kV Double 01 Circuit LILO at (During pre- 4 01 01 01 Sonari from 132 kV construction Lakwa – Namrup line period) 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at 5 Bihiating LILO from 01 01 00 01 132 kV Dibrugarh – Moran line 132 kV Double 03 Circuit LILO at Rupai 07 (05 during pre- 6 from 132 kV Double 10 10 (10 during pre- construction Circuit Tinsukia – construction period) period only) Margherita line 90. A brief summary of analysis of results of environmental monitoring conducted are given in below section:

23 Environmental monitoring conducted twice during construction stage in the month of November 2013 and April 2014.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 32 4.2.1 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

91. Ambient Air Quality Monitoring was carried out on 24 hourly bases at substations and along various transmission lines. The monitored results were compared with National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 2009 as specified by CPCB (Ref. Annexure – 3.1 A). The brief findings are presented below:

A. Brief findings for Substations: I. 220/132kV Rangia Substation

PM10: The monitored values of PM10 were found to be below National Ambient Air Quality 3. Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 3 83.5μg/m (March-April 2014) and the minimum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 73.25μg/m3 (October 2013).

PM2.5: The monitored values of PM2.5 were found to be below the National Ambient Air Quality 3 Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m . The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 3 46.11μg/m (March-April 2014).and the minimum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 36.12μg/m3 (October 2013).

SO2 and NO2: The monitored values of SO2 and NO2: at Rangia substation was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

II. 220/132kV Kamalpur Substation

PM10: The monitored values of PM10 were found to be below National Ambient Air Quality 3. Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 3 92.36μg/m (March-April 2014).and the minimum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 90.64μg/m3 (October 2013).

PM2.5: The monitored values of PM2.5 were found to be below the National Ambient Air Quality 3 Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m . The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 3 56.11μg/m (October 2013) and the minimum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 50.15μg/m3 (March-April 2014).

SO2 and NO2: The monitored values of SO2 and NO2: at Kamalpur substation was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

III. 220/132kV Nagaon Substation

PM10: The monitored values of PM10 were found to be below National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m3. The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 88.65μg/m3 (March-April 2014) and the minimum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 87.61μg/m3 (October 2013).

PM2.5: The monitored values of PM2.5 were found to be below National Ambient Air Quality 3 Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m . The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 3 58.13μg/m (October 2013).and the minimum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 50.15μg/m3 (March-April 2014).

SO2 and NO2: The monitored values of SO2 and NO2: at Nagaon substation was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

IV. 220/132kV Sonari Substation:

PM10: The monitored values of PM10 were found to be below National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m3. The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 3 95.58μg/m (October 2013) and the minimum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 88.68μg/m3 (March-April 2014).

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 33 PM2.5: The monitored values of PM2.5 were found to be below the National Ambient Air 3 Quality Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m . The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found 3 to be 58.51μg/m (October 2013) and the minimum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 52.52μg/m3 (March-April 2014).

SO2 and NO2: The monitored values of SO2 and NO2: at Sonari substation was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

V. 220/132kV Bihiating Substation

PM10: The monitored values of PM10 were found to be below National Ambient Air Quality 3 Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m . The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 3 77.76μg/m (March-April 2014) and the minimum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 75.91μg/m3 (October 2013).

PM2.5: The monitored values of PM2.5 were found to be below National Ambient Air Quality 3 Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m . The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 3 51.31μg/m (October 2013).and the minimum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 45.33μg/m3 (March-April 2014).

SO2 and NO2: The monitored values of SO2 and NO2 at Bihiating substation was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

VI. 220/132kV Rupai Substation

PM10: The monitored values of PM10 were found to be below National Ambient Air Quality 3. Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 3 82.38μg/m (October 2013) and the minimum monitored value of PM10 was found to be 80.48μg/m3 (March-April 2014).

PM2.5: The monitored values of PM2.5 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality 3 Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m . The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 3 47.17μg/m (March-April 2014) and the minimum monitored value of PM2.5 was found to be 43.16μg/m3 (October 2013).

SO2 and NO2: The monitored values of SO2 and NO2: at Rupai substation was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

B. Brief findings for Transmission Lines: I. 220 KV Double Circuit Transmission line Salakati (BTPS) – Rangia

PM10: The monitored values of PM10 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m3. However, at few locations the monitored values were marginally exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found near Hukuchia para (December 2012) where the monitored values were 291.04 μg/m3. The probable reason for higher values of PM10 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leaves close to sampling location. The minimum monitored value of PM10 was found near Bernabari (October 2013) where the monitored values were 29.41μg/m3.

PM2.5: The monitored values of PM2.5 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m3. However, at few locations the monitored values were marginally exceeding the national ambient air quality limits. The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found near Hukuchia para (December 2012) where the monitored value was 161.3μg/m3. The probable reason for higher values of PM2.5 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leave near sampling location. The minimum monitored value of 3 PM2.5 was found near Bangalpara (October 2013), where the monitored values were 10.35μg/m .

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 34 SO2 and NO2: The monitored value of SO2 and NO2: along transmission line was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

II. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Kamalpur from 132 kV Double Circuit Rangia – Kahilipara / Sishugram line

PM10: The PM10 monitoring was carried out at one location (Bonbari) for 132kV Rangia Kahilipara\Sishugram line in four stages. The monitored values of PM10 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m3. However, once the monitored value marginally exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found near Bonbari (December-2012) where the monitored value was 116.03 3 (μg/m ). The probable reason for higher values of PM10 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leaves close to sampling location. The minimum monitored value of PM10 was also found near Bonbari (December 2015-January 2016) where the monitored values were 90.22μg/m3.

PM2.5: The PM2.5 monitoring was carried out at one location (Bonbari) for 132kV Rangia Kahilipara\Sishugram line in four stages.The monitored values of PM2.5 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m3 However, once the monitored value marginally exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards The maximum monitored value of 3 PM2.5 was found near Bonbari (December-2012) where the monitored values was 73.13 μg/m . The probable reason for higher values of PM2.5 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leave near sampling location. The minimum monitored value of PM2.5 was found near Bonbari (December 2015-January 2016), where the monitored values were 43.87μg/m3.

SO2 and NO2: The monitored value of SO2 and NO2: along transmission line was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

III. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Sonari from 132 kV Lakwa – Namrup line

PM10: The PM10 monitoring was carried out at one location (Tiyak Rajabari) for 132 kV Lakwa – Namrup line in four stages. The monitored values of PM10 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m3. However, once the monitored value marginally exceeded the national ambient air quality standards. The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found near Tiyak Rajabari (December 2012) where the monitored values were 112(μg/m3). The probable reason for higher values of PM10 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leaves close to sampling location. The minimum monitored value of PM10 was also found Tiyak Rajabari (March-April 2014) where the monitored values were 90.5μg/m3.

PM2.5: The PM2.5 monitoring was carried out at one location (Tiyak Rajabari) for 132 kV Lakwa – Namrup line in four stages.The monitored values of PM2.5 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m3 However, once the monitored value marginally exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found near Tiyak Rajabari (December 2012) where the monitored values was 100μg/m3. The probable reason for higher values of PM2.5 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leave near sampling location. The minimum monitored value of PM2.5 was found near Tiyak Rajabari (March-April 2014), where the monitored values were 53.72μg/m3.

SO2 and NO2: The monitored value of SO2 and NO2: along transmission line was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 35 IV. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Bihiating LILO from 132 kV Dibrugarh – Moran line

PM10: The PM10 monitoring was carried out at one location (Near Mainabari TG) for 132 kV Dibrugarh – Moran line in four stages. The monitored values of PM10 were below the National 3 Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m . The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found near Near Mainabari TG (December 2012) where the monitored values were 83.38 (μg/m3). The probable reason for higher values of PM10 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leaves close to sampling location. The minimum monitored value of PM10 was also found Near Mainabari TG (October 2013) where the monitored values were 75.85μg/m3.

PM2.5: The PM2.5 monitoring was carried out at one location (Near Mainabari TG) for 132 kV Dibrugarh – Moran line in four stages.The monitored values of PM2.5 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m3 However, once the monitored value marginally exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found near Near Mainabari TG (December 2012) where the monitored values was 58.30 3 μg/m . The probable reason for higher values of PM2.5 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leave near sampling location. The minimum monitored value of PM2.5 was found near Near Mainabari TG (October 2013), where the monitored values were 50.76μg/m3.

SO2 and NO2: The monitored value of SO2 and NO2: along transmission line was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

V. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Rupai from 132 kV Double Circuit Tinsukia – Margherita line

PM10: The monitored values of PM10 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m3. However, at few locations the monitored values were marginally exceeding the national ambient air quality standards. The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found near Deamooli TG (December 2012) where the monitored values were 269.20(μg/m3). The probable reason for higher values of PM10 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leaves close to sampling location. The minimum monitored value of PM10 was also found Bangali Balijan No. 2 (March-April 2014) where the monitored values were 70.35μg/m3.

PM2.5: The monitored values of PM2.5 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m3. However, at few locations the monitored values were marginally exceeding the national ambient air quality limits. The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found near Hapjan TG (December 2012) where the monitored value was 142.26μg/m3. The probable reason for higher values of PM2.5 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leave near sampling location. The minimum monitored value of 3 PM2.5 was found near Hilika TG (October 2013), where the monitored values were 32.65μg/m .

SO2 and NO2: The monitored value of SO2 and NO2: along transmission line was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3.

VI. 132 kV Single Circuit Samaguri – Nagaon on Double Circuit Towers

PM10: The monitored values of PM10 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 100μg/m3. However, at few locations the monitored values were marginally exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The maximum monitored value of PM10 was found near Hatigaon (December 2012) where the monitored values were 172.17(μg/m3). The probable reason for higher values of PM10 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leaves close to sampling location. The minimum monitored value 3 of PM10 was found near Maj Potani (October 2013) where the monitored values were 59.41μg/m .

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 36 PM2.5: The monitored values of PM2.5 were mainly below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 60μg/m3. However, at few locations the monitored values were marginally exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The maximum monitored value of PM2.5 was found near Birahbebejia (December 2012) where the monitored value was 89.22μg/m3. The probable reason for higher values of PM2.5 is attributed due to close proximity of road (about 100 m) and also due to burning of dry leave near sampling location. The minimum monitored value of PM2.5 was found near Samaguri S/S (October 2013), where the monitored values were 29.91μg/m3.

SO2 and NO2: The monitored value of SO2 and NO2: along transmission line was found well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 limit of 80μg/m3. 4.2.2 Ambient Noise Level Monitoring 92. The monitoring of Noise Levels was undertaken at substations and at various locations along the transmission lines. The frequency of monitoring was set at an interval of 30 seconds over a period of 10 minutes per hour for 24-hours.The monitored results were compared with National Ambient Noise Standards, 2000 (for different category of area/zone) as specified by CPCB (Ref. Annexure – 3.2 A). The brief findings are presented below:

A. Brief findings for Substations: I. 220/132kV Rangia Substation Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum day time Leq recorded was 73.0 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum day time Leq recorded were 55.56 dB (A) (March-April 2014). Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum night time Leq recorded was 54.8 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum night time Leq recorded were 46.56 dB (A) (March-April 2014).

II. 220/132kV Kamalpur Substation Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum day time Leq recorded was 72.54dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum day time Leq recorded were 46.21 dB (A) (March-April 2014). Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum night time Leq recorded was 53.54 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum night time Leq recorded were 50.21 dB (A) (March-April 2014).

III. 220/132kV Nagaon Substation Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum day time Leq recorded was 62.4 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum day time Leq recorded were 58.12 dB (A) (March-April 2014).

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 37 Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum night time Leq recorded was 51.4 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum night time Leq recorded were 49.11 dB (A) (March-April 2014).

IV. 220/132kV Sonari Substation Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum day time Leq recorded was 68.21 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum day time Leq recorded were 54.31 dB (A) (March-April 2014). Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum night time Leq recorded was 53.1 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum night time Leq recorded were 50.33 dB (A) (March-April 2014).

V. 220/132kV Bihiating Substation Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum day time Leq recorded was 65.8 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum day time Leq recorded were 53.50 dB (A) (March-April 2014). Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum night time Leq recorded was 58.80 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum night time Leq recorded were 47.52 dB (A) (March-April 2014).

VI. 220/132kV Rupai Substation Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum day time Leq recorded was 62.38 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum day time Leq recorded were 56.25 dB (A) (March-April 2014) Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum night time Leq recorded was 52.38 dB (A) (October 2013) and the minimum night time Leq recorded were 46.22 dB (A) (March-April 2014).

B. Brief findings for transmission lines: I. 220 KV Double Circuit Transmission line Salakati (BTPS) – Rangia Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits except at few locations where the noise levels have exceeded marginally due to vehicular and train movement. The maximum day time Leq recorded was at Anand Bazar (October 2013) where the recorded levels were 74.66 dB (A) while the minimum day time Leq recorded were 40.53 dB (A) at Kallaipur (December 2012).

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 38 Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits except at few locations where the noise levels have exceeded marginally due to vehicular and train movement. The maximum night time Leq recorded was at Dolapara (October 2013) where the recorded levels were 60.9 dB (A) while the minimum night time Leq recorded were 34.51dB (A) at Digjira (Uluya) (December 2012).

II. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Kamalpur from 132 kV Double Circuit Rangia – Kahilipara / Sishugram line Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits The maximum day time Leq recorded was at Bonbari (Dec. 2015 - Jan. 2016) where the recorded levels were 52.61dB(A) while the minimum day time Leq recorded were 48.54dB(A) at Bonbari (October 2013). Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits except once due to vehicular movement. The maximum night time Leq recorded was at Bonbari (December 2012) where the recorded levels were 46.91 dB (A) while the minimum night time Leq recorded were 40.84 dB (A) at Bonbari (Mar – Apr 2014).

III. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Sonari from 132 kV Lakwa – Namrup line Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits The maximum day time Leq recorded was at Tiyak Rajabari (Dec. 2015 - Jan. 2016) where the recorded levels were 54.12dB(A) while the minimum day time Leq recorded were 52.15dB(A) at Near Tiyak Rajabari (March-April 2014). Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum night time Leq recorded was at Tiyak Rajabari (Dec. 2015 - Jan. 2016) where the recorded levels were 39.42dB (A) while the minimum night time Leq recorded were 35.32 dB (A) at Tiyak Rajabari (March-April 2014).

IV. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Bihiating LILO from 132 kV Dibrugarh – Moran line Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits The maximum day time Leq recorded was at Near Mainabari TG (Dec. 2015 - Jan. 2016) where the recorded levels were 50.35dB(A) while the minimum day time Leq recorded were 44.40dB(A) at Near Mainabari TG (Dec 2012). Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits. The maximum night time Leq recorded at Mainabari TG (Dec. 2015 - Jan. 2016) where the recorded levels were 41.64dB (A) while the minimum night time Leq recorded were 37.31 dB (A) at Near Mainabari TG (Dec 2012).

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 39 V. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Rupai from 132 kV Double Circuit Tinsukia – Margherita line Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits except at few locations where the noise levels have exceeded marginally due to vehicular movement. The maximum day time Leq recorded was at Hilika TG (December 2012) where the recorded levels were 77.56 dB (A) while the minimum day time Leq recorded were 41.71dB (A) at Dhimukhia (December 2012). Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits except at few locations where the noise levels have exceeded marginally due to vehicular and train movement. The maximum night time Leq recorded was at Hapjan TG (December 2012) where the recorded levels were 52.37dB (A) while the minimum night time Leq recorded were 30.38 dB (A) at Tiphuk (December 2012).

VI. 132 kV Single Circuit Samaguri – Nagaon on Double Circuit Towers Day Time Noise Levels The day time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits except at few locations where the noise levels have exceeded marginally due to vehicular and train movement. The maximum day time Leq recorded was at Bhakutgaon (December 2012) where the recorded levels were 64.62dB (A) while the minimum day time Leq recorded were 44.59dB (A) at Chakarigaon /Majpathori (Mar – Apr2014). Night Time Noise Levels The night time Leq was mainly found well below the National Ambient Noise Standards 2000 limits except at few locations where the noise levels have exceeded marginally due to vehicular and train movement. The maximum night time Leq recorded was at HazarikaChuk (October 2013) where the recorded levels were 54.24 dB (A) while the minimum night time Leq recorded were 37.50 dB (A) at Bhakutgaon (Dec. 2015 -Jan. 2016). 4.2.3 Water Quality Monitoring 93. Water quality both Ground Water and Surface Water were monitored to examine for physio- chemical and heavy metals at substation and along the transmission lines. The water samples were taken as grab samples. Ground water samples were collected from bore wells, hand pumps, while Surface water samples were collected from rivers and ponds falling near to substation and along transmission lines and analysed for various parameters. 94. Various samples were taken from substation and along transmission line corridors. The results of ground water quality were compared with Indian Standard IS: 10500:2012 and results for surface water quality were compared with Class C standards as per Indian Standard IS: 2296 (Ref. Annexure 3.3 A). The brief findings of the monitoring carried out are presented below: Ground Water Quality: It was observed that all the parameters when compared with Indian Standard IS: 10500:2012 were found within permissible limit except in some of the locations the pH value and the turbidity, and in a few location total alkalinity and total hardness slightly exceeds the standard limit. Surface Water Quality: It was observed that all the parameters when compared with tolerance limit classes (C) as specified in IS 2296:1992 were found to be with prescribed limits. The pH value at few locations was observed slightly lower than the prescribed limit.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 40 4.3 ECOLOGY: FAUNA, FLORA, AND FORESTS

95. Assam has a broad spectrum of flora and fauna, with eco-systems broadly grouped into 7 categories: tropical wet evergreen forest, tropical semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, sub-tropical broadleaf hill forest, sub-tropical pine forest, littoral and swamp forest, and grassland and savannahs. Of the thousands of species that have been catalogued, 433 plant species are identified as endangered, and 71 species are identified as vulnerable or threatened (ADEF website).

96. The notable wildlife species include are one horned rhino, elephant, Indian bison, swamp deer, sambar, hog deer, sloth bear, tiger, leopard cat, jungle cat, hog badger, capped langur, hollock gibbon, jackal, goose, hornbills, ibis, cormorants, egret, heron, and fishing eagle. Potentially endangered and rare species include pigmy hog, hispid hare, white winged wood duck, and great Indian hornbills among many others. The protected area network is host to 105 species of mammals, 49 species of fish, and 581 species of birds. Assam also hosts a variety of aquatic fauna and reptiles, including 19 species of tortoises, 77 species of snakes and lizards, and 39 species of freshwater snails. Assam and other parts of the Northeast region host at least 70 species of amphibians.

97. Assam has 5 national parks, 17 wildlife sanctuaries, and 3 proposed wildlife sanctuaries.24. The total protected area network is 3,925 km2, about 5% of the state’s total area.

98. The total forested area in the state is about 27,829 square kilometres (km2), which constitutes 35.48% of total land area of Assam. A substantial amount of forest land is degraded to some extent, with actual forest cover of about one- quarter of total land area (about 19,608 km2). Of this, about one-half is reserved forest (about 9804 km2). ADEF has approved diversion of 6212 ha of reserved forests (0.6% of reserved forest area), and has afforested 9889 ha (about 1% of reserved forest area).25

99. Although surface water resources are relatively abundant, and 90% of the population eats fish as a staple food, commercial fisheries have not been developed. Some artisanal fishing is practiced, but most fish are imported from other states, especially Andhra Pradesh.

100. The proposed subprojects (Substation and Transmission Lines) does not pass through any National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary areas or crosses through the Environmental Sensitive zone around such areas. The proposed subprojects does not pass through any notified elephant corridor and Reserved or Protected Forest area.

4.4 SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS

101. The population of the state was 31.2 million people in 2011.26 Average population density is about 398 persons per km2. The economy is based primarily on agriculture, crude oil and natural gas production, and petrochemical production.

4.4.1 Agricultural Development 102. About 73% of the population lives in rural areas, and 77% of the workforce is employed in the agriculture sector. About 40% of total land area is cultivated. Agriculture and allied activities account for about 40% of GDP.

103. The main crops are tea (over 50% of total Indian production), bamboo, ginger, chilies, peas, and rice, wheat, and oil seeds. By 2010, rice, wheat, and oil seed production is projected to reach 1.47 million tons, 74,000 tons, and 107,000 tons respectively. Assam is the 6th–ranked

24 The project components will not be located in any of these sensitive areas. 25 Data in this paragraph are from GOA Official Website and ADEF website. 26 Statistics are taken from Economic Survey, 2013-14, Directorate of Economics & statistics, GOA.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 41 state in fruit and vegetable production. Livestock includes 8 million head of cattle, 2.7 million goats, 1.1 million pigs, and 700,000 water buffalo. Poultry are raised mainly in “backyard” operations.

104. Despite the large share of GDP accounted for by agriculture, food demand outstrips supply, and this demand-supply gap is expected to grow. Farm mechanization is very low, and energy supplies constrain groundwater extraction for irrigation; supply is limited to 0.3 horsepower per ha, which limits most farm operations to a single crop per year. Livestock productivity is also limited by the lack of technical and extension support. Average farm size is 1.27 ha. Landholding distribution is summarized in Table 4.6.

Table 4.6: Landholding Distribution Landholding Size (ha) % of Total Landholdings % of Total Operated Area < 1 60.3 19.3 1 to 2 22.2 24.5 2 to 20 16.6 44.9 >20 0.9 11.3

27 Source: Road Map for Agrarian Prosperity in Assam 4.4.2 Educational Facilities 105. The literacy rate is nearly 64.28%, comparable to the all-India average. Assam has 5 universities, 4 engineering colleges (including Indian Institute of Technology), 3 medical colleges, 23 vocational training institutes, 8 polytechnic schools, and 1 junior technical school. 4.4.3 Infrastructure Development 106. About 78% of villages have been electrified, but the household electrification rate is currently about 22%. Per capita electricity consumption is 170 kilowatt-hours per year (kwh/y), which is 27% of the national average. Piped water supply is available in larger towns and cities. Hand-pumped wells are common in villages. Sewage systems are essentially non-existent, and solid waste management systems and management facilities are not well-developed. 107. Transportation infrastructure includes 69,000 km of roads, 2435 km of railways, and 6 airports (Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, , Silchar, and ). Two GOA- owned enterprises operate inland water transport of passengers and freight. Water is the only means of transport in some hinterland areas. The Brahmaputra River connects Assam to ports in Haldia and Kolkatta in West Bengal, and Chittagong in Bangladesh. Assam has 269 telephone exchanges with 120,000 connections. Mobile phone service is readily available and affordable. 4.4.4 Industrial Estates 108. Industrial development includes 4 crude oil refineries, 3 fertilizer plants, several fuel storage and distribution plants, 2 paper mills, 3 cement plants, numerous brick kilns, and steel mini- mills. A 27 ha Export Promotion Industrial Park has been established at Amingaon (Kamrup district on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, about 15 km from the Guwahati airport); 37 firms have established a presence, including 17 manufacturing facilities. A food processing park is being set up in , a rural area in Kamrup district. An industrial growth center is being established at Matia in (western Assam); a 280 ha site has been defined of which 180 ha will be developed. A second industrial growth center (160 ha) is being set up at Balipara in (about 15 km from the city of Tezpur in eastern Assam). Industrial infrastructure development centers are planned for 4 districts, and 3

27 Dr. Arun K. Bandyopadhyay, Chief General Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Assam RO, Guwahati, 2004. Information in paragraphs 104 and 105 and Table 3.6 are from this reference. Available at http://assamagribusiness.nic.in/Agrarianprosperity/Forward.pdf

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 42 border trade centers have been approved.28 4.4.5 Religious and Cultural Resources 109. As is the case throughout India, Assam is host to numerous religious and cultural sites. The Kamakhya Temple complex near Guwahati is the only such site identified which may be affected by the project. Schools and hospitals have not been observed near any of the new substation sites or along proposed transmission right-of-way, except for a small local nursing college under construction in the village near the proposed Kamalpur substation site. In the BTPS (Salakati) – Rangia T/L there is no religious and cultural site within the ROW. 4.5 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 110. The Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFRM) based in Chennai publishes Environmental Sustainability Indices (ESI) for all states of India.29 ESI is a powerful tool that can be used to identify priorities; a state might be facing several environmental changes such as water pollution, air pollution and loss of forest and biodiversity. Using ESI it can be determined which of these issues needs the most urgent attention. It can be effectively used to formulate targeted policies and to allocate funds more rationally, within states and within sectors. The ESI is based on 15 indicators: air pollution, air quality, energy, greenhouse gases, government’s initiatives, health, land use, natural resource depletion, natural disasters, natural resource endowments, people’s initiatives, population pressure, waste generation, water pollution, and water quality. These indicators are grouped into 5 performance categories: environment and health impact, environmental governance, environment stress, environment systems, and population pressure. Assam is 10th– ranked state for year 2008.30 Assam ranks among the best states with respect to air pollution, and is above average with respect to water pollution.

28 Most of the information in this section is from the GOA Official Website, “Assam at a Glance.” 29 ESI results are published online at www.greenindiastandards.com 30 The top 6 states in 2008 were all in the North East Region: Manipur, Sikkim, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. Meghalaya was ranked number 11 after Assam.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 4: Description of Environment Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 43 CHAPTER – 5 SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DUE TO PROJECT LOCATION AND DESIGN 111. Transmission systems have an inherently small footprint compared to other” linear” infrastructure (e.g., expressways and other roads which typically alter topography and drainage in an irreversible manner). Geotechnical and structural engineering considerations favor flat, open areas with bedrock or stable soils which are not being used for other economic purposes. Rivers, lakes, and wetlands are avoided, as these types of sites tend to be relatively unstable, requiring special foundation engineering which increases design and construction costs. Tall vegetation and forests are viewed by design engineers as a nuisance to be avoided, because clearing of vegetation adds to construction and operations cost. Use of reserved forests is a tedious administrative process, which also increases transaction cost at the planning and approvals stage. At the planning and design stage, environmentally-sensitive areas are avoided on engineering and government policy bases. Disturbance of topography, soils, and drainage patterns is minimal, with some minor alterations occurring at new substation sites, and minimal and partly reversible alteration in transmission right-of-way. 112. During project preparation the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was reviewed, along with the existing grid map, and a map of the protected area network published by ADEF. The proposed facilities will be constructed mainly in existing transmission and transportation corridors, avoiding reserved forests, wildlife preserves, national parks, social infrastructure, and other public utilities. The proposed project facilities do not pose any threat to other flora, fauna, public utilities, or other social infrastructure. 113. If access to reserved forests is required due to technical design constraints, regulatory approval from ADEF and MOEF must be obtained in advance; the user must pay a fee for use of the land, which is used for Afforestation in other locations. Diversion of reserved forest for other uses has a built-in mitigation mechanism for Afforestation/reforestation, and any potential use of reserved forests will not constitute significant environmental impact. 114. The total area required for transmission right-of-way is estimated at 240.209 ha31 and area for new substation and expansion of existing substation is 23.78 ha. The land to be acquired for new substations is mostly government and/or agricultural land, and landholders will be compensated as per GOI norms. No land acquisition will be required for substation augmentation. Substations will not be located in reserved forests or protected areas. 115. Substations will be sited and designed to ensure noise level at the site boundary will not exceed 70 dB (A) at any time. Substations will be equipped with appropriate sanitation facilities. Transformers containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) will not be used32. 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DURING CONSTRUCTION 116. Given the small construction and operations footprint noted above, topography, soils, and drainage will not be altered significantly by the project. Typical area required for a new substation is a maximum of 4 ha, requiring some earth moving for civil works. The land surface beneath transmission towers can be returned to previous use, except for the tower footings, which typically require a total of 10 square meters (m2) per tower. Minor changes in surface water flow may result from substation construction, but is not considered to be environmentally significant. The proposed transmission system expansion comprises five types of facilities, each with slightly different but minimal - potential impacts, discussed below.

31 Area is calculated as follows 240.209 km x 10 m x 1000 m/km x1 ha/10,000 m2 = 240.209 km. 32 India has phased out the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); new transformers available in the Indian and international markets do not contain PCBs.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 5: Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 44 117. Substation augmentation: no new land is required. Some old equipment will be decommissioned, and new equipment (mainly transformers) will be brought to the sites and installed. Off-site waste disposal and/or recycling will be required. Construction traffic will be limited to several truckloads of equipment and materials brought to the site, and a few truckloads of obsolete equipment taken off-site. 118. Substation expansion: maximum area required is estimated at 4000 m2; some of the substations slated for expansion have sufficient space within existing boundaries. New equipment will be transported to the sites and installed. Minimal quantities of construction waste will be generated. Construction traffic will be limited to several truckloads coming in to the site. 119. New substations: land acquisition will be required; maximum area per substation is estimated at 4 ha. New, permanent, access roads will be required. Surface soils will be disturbed by civil works; drainage patterns may be slightly altered. New equipment and materials will be brought to the site. Minor quantities of construction waste will be generated. 120. Line-in / line-out transmission lines: Three lines ranging from 0.541km, 0.642km and 4.254km will be constructed, with aggregate length of 5.437km. A 10 meter right-of-way will be used during construction, with 3 m preserved during operations. Lines will be constructed mainly on tea estates and other agricultural land, which can be restored to prior use after construction. Vegetation in a 3 m wide strip will be trimmed to maintain required vertical separation from conductors. Trucks will be used to bring equipment and materials to construction sites. Permanent access roads are not required. Construction will use manual labor for the most part, with minimal requirement for heavy equipment. 121. Point-to-point transmission lines: Three lines ranging from 29.662km, 41.923km and 163.187km in length will be constructed, with aggregate of 234.772km. Construction and operational impacts are the same as for line-in/line-out lines. 5.2.1 Extension of Existing Substations 122. Salakati (BTPS), 220/132/33 kV substation (T1): The proposed work comprises addition of two numbers of 220 kV line bays for Salakati-Rangia 220 kV D/C transmission line. Construction traffic will be limited to one/two truck load of equipment and material brought to the site. No land acquisition is required. 123. Samaguri, 220/132/33 kV substation (T1): The proposed work comprises addition of two numbers of 132 kV line bays for Samaguri-Nagaon 132 kV D/Transmission line, Samaguri- Lanka 132 kV second circuit stringing. Construction traffic will be limited to one/two truck load of equipment and material brought to the site. No land is acquisition required. 5.2.2 New Substations Substations to be included in Tranche 1 are given below:

124. Kamalpur 2 x 40 MVA, 132/33 kV (T1): The proposed Kamalpur substation site is located on agricultural land, adjacent to a village road. National Park is 55.50 km away from the substation site. About 4 ha of private land will be acquired, which would be compensated at market price by the District Commissioner. There would be slight disturbance of the surface soil by the civil work. Drainage pattern would be slightly altered. Minor quantity of construction waste would be generated. A short access road from the village road into the substation site is anticipated. Construction will generate noise for a short duration in predominantly rural locations, and is considered insignificant. 125. Nagaon 2 x 25 MVA, 132/33 kV (T1): The proposed substation site is located on 3.07 ha of barren government land which is slightly higher than the adjacent agricultural fields. Strengthening of the access road may be required. There would be slight disturbance of the surface soil and alteration in drainage pattern. Minor quantity of construction waste would be generated. Soil erosion and silt runoff are likely to be minor due to the limited amount of

Assam Transmission System Chapter 5: Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 45 excavation required. Construction will generate noise for a short duration in predominantly rural locations, and is considered insignificant. 126. Rangia 2 x 100 MVA, 220/132 kV (T1): The proposed substation site is 3.33 ha of AEGCL barren land located adjacent to the existing Rangia substation. There would be slight disturbance of the surface soil and alteration in drainage pattern. Minor quantity of construction waste would be generated. No new access road is required, but the existing road may require minor re-alignment to provide desired setback. 127. Sonari 2 x 25 MVA, 132/33 kV (T1): The proposed substation is located on 3.33 ha of government land. No new access road is required. There would be slight disturbance of the surface soil and alteration in drainage pattern. Minor quantity of construction waste would be generated. Soil erosion and silt runoff are likely to be minor due to the limited amount of excavation required. Construction will generate noise for a short duration in predominantly rural locations, and is considered insignificant. 128. Rupai 2 x 25 MVA, 132/33 kV (T1): The proposed substation site is located on 5.33 ha of AEGCL own land within the existing Rupai substation. There would be slight disturbance of the surface soil and alteration in drainage pattern. Minor quantity of construction waste would be generated. No new access road is required. 129. Bihiating (New Dibrugarh) 2x 40 MVA, 132/33 kV (T1): The proposed substation site is located on 6.8 ha of private land. The acquired land will be compensated at market price by the District Commissioner. There would be slight disturbance of the surface soil and alteration in drainage pattern. Minor quantity of construction waste would be generated. Soil erosion and silt runoff are likely to be minor due to the limited amount of excavation required. Construction will generate noise for a short duration in predominantly rural locations, and is considered insignificant. No new access road is required. 5.2.3 LILO Lines 130. Rangia - Sishugram/Kahilipara 132 kV double circuit LILO Line to new Kamalpur 132/33 kV Substation (T1): This 0.541 km line will cross flat agricultural land adjacent to the existing132 kV transmission line. Only minor surface disturbance is expected during construction. 131. Lakwa - Namrup 132 kV single circuit LILO Line to new Sonari 132/33 kV Substation (T1): This 4.254 km line will cross tea estates, bamboo groves, and rice paddies near existing transmission lines. Only minor surface disturbance is expected during construction. 132. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Bihiating LILO from 132 kV Dibrugarh – Moran line: This 0.642 km line will cross tea estates, rice paddies, and bamboo groves, near existing transmission lines. Only minor surface disturbance is expected during construction. 133. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Rupai from 132 kV Double Circuit Tinsukia – Margherita line: this 29.662 km line will cross agricultural land, mainly rice paddies and some tea estates, adjacent to existing rail and road corridor. Only minor surface disturbance is expected during construction. 5.2.4 Point-to-Point Transmission Lines

134. Salakathi (BTPS) Rangia 220 kV D/C Line (T1): this 163.187 km line will connect the existing Salakathi substation to the new Rangia 220/132 kV Substation. The line will be routed to avoid reserved forests near the Salakathi substation and will mostly run parallel to existing transmission lines. The route is characterized as agricultural land including rice paddies, bamboo, and some home steads. The line will carry power from the new 3 x 250 MW Bongaigaon power plant being constructed by NTPC Ltd. 135. Samaguri - Nagaon 132 kV S/C Line on D/C Towers (T1): This 41.923 km line will connect the existing Samaguri substation to the new Nagaon 132/33 kV Substation. The line will run through flat, grassy and un-irrigated agricultural areas roughly parallel to the existing 132 kV line. Only minor surface disturbance is expected during construction.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 5: Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 46 5.3 GENERAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES DURING CONSTRUCTION 136. The SCADA system and communications facilities are integral with the transmission system design, and do not present any additional environmental impacts. Refurbishment of existing stations is considered as ongoing operations and maintenance, with negligible impacts. 137. Trucks will be used to bring equipment and materials to construction sites. Permanent access roads are not required for transmission lines, but will be required for some new substations. Temporary access roads might be needed for transmission lines in some locations. The environmental impacts associated with the establishment of temporary access roads will include disturbance of soils and disruption of small streams or other water bodies. Soil erosion and silt runoff are likely to be minor due to the limited amount of excavation required. 138. Construction will use manual labor for the most part, with minimal requirement for heavy equipment. Construction will generate noise for a short duration in predominantly rural locations, and is considered insignificant. 139. Compensation will be paid for temporary loss in agricultural production in accordance with the resettlement action plan. Topsoil will be protected and reinstated after construction is completed, and damaged bunds and irrigation facilities will be maintained in working condition throughout project implementation. 140. To minimize impacts to topography, soils, and surface water, established roads and tracks will be used wherever possible. Compensation will be paid for temporary loss in agricultural production in accordance with the resettlement action plan. Topsoil will be protected and reinstated after construction is completed, and damaged bunds and irrigation facilities will be maintained in working condition throughout project implementation. 141. Temporary access roads might be needed in some locations. The environmental impacts associated with the establishment of temporary access roads will include disturbance of soils and disruption of small streams or other water bodies. Soil erosion and silt runoff are likely to be minor due to the limited amount of excavation required. Construction will generate noise for a short duration in predominantly rural locations, and is considered insignificant. 142. Construction contract clauses will include specification of construction practices per the environmental management plan (EMP) and compensation paid for any losses in agricultural production. Discharge of wastes such as waste lubricating oils from construction equipment and domestic solid waste and sewage from construction camps and substations will be prevented through design and installation of appropriate oil containment and sewerage systems. 143. Obsolete equipment, including any hazardous wastes, will be disposed of according to the norms of Ministry of Environment and Forests. Health hazards from potential explosions or fire, electric shocks, and accidents to staff and the public will be minimized through implementation of measures including (i) designs using appropriate technologies to minimize hazards, (ii) safety awareness raising for construction and operational staff and the public, (iii) substations equipped with modern fire control systems, (iv) provision of adequate water supply and sanitation facilities for substations and construction camps, (v) provision of adequate staff training in operations and maintenance, and (vi) security fences and barriers around substations and transmission towers in populated areas.

5.4 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DURING OPERATION

144. During construction of transmission lines, right-of-way with a maximum width of 10 meters will be cleared, of which 3 meters will be kept clear as a maintenance right-of-way. The balance of the right-of-way will be returned to agricultural use or allowed to naturally recover. Vegetation will be trimmed to ensure that the required vertical spacing between conductors and vegetation are maintained for safety reasons. To minimize the risk of accidents and exposure to electric fields, houses and other structures will not be allowed

Assam Transmission System Chapter 5: Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 47 within the right-of-way, but agricultural activities can be continued. Table 5.1 (see following page) summarizes the potential impacts and mitigation measures during pre-construction, construction and post construction stage. The Project’s minimal potential negative impacts can be mitigated readily and cost-effectively.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 5: Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 48 Table 5.1: Potential Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Institutional Project Stage Project Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Cost Estimation ($) Responsibility Pre- None: impacts are Construction No field activities avoided through Built-in to routing and design AEGCL No incremental costs Period design Possible access to reserved Some clearing of Reforestation measures as per AEGCL and ADEF n/a forest area trees and vegetation Forest Act Rules Construction Clearing of trees and Temporary loss of Reforestation activities as AEGCL, ADEF n/a Period vegetation forest cover agreed with ADEF Construction Contractor to Included in contractors, Equipment to meet local noise implement. AEGCL to costs. Incremental cost Noise from construction Noise could exceed standards; construction include appropriate of all mitigation equipment operations and 70 dB(A) at site scheduling to avoid evening contract clauses. ADB to measures estimated at maintenance boundary and, nighttime disruption confirm contract clauses less than 0.5% of total are sufficient contract value Soil erosion and Waste BOD and fecal Construction contractors’ Included in contractors’ water from work site and Coliform Primary treatment if needed responsibility with AEGCL costs construction camps contamination and ADB oversight Industrial wastewater from Petroleum and Construction contractors Sedimentation and biological Included in contractors Equipment maintenance detergent responsibility with AEGCL treatment if necessary costs. yards contamination and ADB oversight Waste oil may be reused Construction contractors’ Included in contractors Waste oil phased out after filtration. Other responsibility with AEGCL costs Treatment transformers and other Possible soil equipment will be managed and ADB oversight. disposal of PCBs equipment, possible oil with contamination off-site by registered AEGCL is directly estimated at maximum PCBs equipment recycling responsible for PCB $500 / ton companies or vendors management Dust during construction Increased SPM, Dust control with water and exhaust gases from NO2,SO2 levels at Construction contractors’ Contractors ‘equipment to Included in contractors’ construction Machinery and construction sites, responsibility of AEGCL meet GOI equipment and costs vehicles (particulate matter, and surrounding and ADB oversight vehicle emissions standards NO2, SO2) areas Construction Contaminated soil Spoils to be used as base Construction contractors’ Spoils from earth moving Included in contractors’ Period and non-hazardous material for substations and responsibility with AEGCL construction debris costs. (continued) solid waste greenbelts and ADB oversight Waste equipment (e.g., Possible soil and Can be stored in secure AEGCL has primary Nil: waste equipment steel structures, groundwater depot, and disposed/recycled responsibility. Disposal and materials can be conductors, circuit contamination if not off-site in compliance with /recycling vendors have auctioned off to

Assam Transmission System Chapter 5: Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 49 Institutional Project Stage Project Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Cost Estimation ($) Responsibility breakers) properly managed GOI standards secondary responsibility licensed salvage vendors Locate facility 70-100 m from Noise from transmission Noise could exceed Nil: noise impacts Operational nearest receptor; walls, lines and associated 70 dB(A) at site AEGCL avoided at design Period fencing, and/or greenbelt to substations boundary stage provide partial noise barrier BOD, fecal Coliform Domestic wastewater from AEGCL to include in contamination in Nil: no incremental substations and storage Primary treatment if needed design. Contractors to ground water and cost yards build to specification surface water AEGCL has primary Wastes from transformer Potential soil and Treatment disposal of Secure on-site storage or off- responsibility. Disposal / replacement(scrap metal, ground water PCBs estimated at site disposal at licensed facility treatment vendors have possible oils with PCB) contamination maximum $500 / ton secondary responsibility Replace equipment with non- Air emissions from AEGCL has primary CFC and non-halon Cost included in design equipment using CFC and Minor GHG releases responsibility Disposal / equipment; dispose in and construction halons (e.g. fire suppression to atmosphere treatment vendors have accordance with GOI budget systems) secondary responsibility standards Garbage from substations Potential soil and Recurring cost Dispose at On-or off-site AEGCL and solid waste and storage yards; process groundwater estimated at less than facilities approved by APCB system operators waste or crap waste contamination $1000 per month APCB = Assam Pollution Control Board, BOD = biochemical oxygen demand, CFC = chlorofluorocarbons, dB(A) = decibel acoustic, GHG = greenhouse gases, NO2 = nitrogen dioxide, NOx = nitrogen oxides, PCB = polychlorinated biphenyl, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, SPM = suspended particulate matter. Source: Asian Development Bank assessment

Assam Transmission System Chapter 5: Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 50

5.5 POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE AND INDUCED EFFECTS

145. The proposed investment program does have potential cumulative and induced effects, which are considered largely positive. Direct impacts result from acquisition of right-of-way and land for transmission lines and substations. Indirect impacts include increased air emissions from a new thermal power plant at Bongaigaon, possible increases in air and water pollution loads from new industrial development, and possible increases in groundwater withdrawal for irrigation as electricity supplies increase. These potential impacts are expected to be minimal. Computer modeling conducted for the power plant EIA concluded that ambient air quality standards will be met in the Bongaigaon area after the new power plant becomes operational. New industrial development is being concentrated in designated industrial zones and is subject to environmental assessment requirements and regulation by MOEF, ADEF, and APCB, with an overall development objective of meeting ambient environmental standards. Groundwater withdrawal is currently about 22% of identified reserves; therefore there is ample margin for increasing groundwater utilization over the long term. 146. Positive effects will result from improvements in power system efficiency: the transmission system efficiency improvements will result in energy savings of at least 171,000 MWh per 33 year, with corresponding GHG emissions reduction estimated to be 68,400 tons CO2 - equivalent per year. The Project will reduce reliance on captive diesel fired power generation units used by industrial and commercial facilities. Railway electrification will be expanded from the western Assam border at Srirampur to Guwahati, further reducing diesel fuel consumption. 147. Indirect effects include: (i) expansion of the power generation base (facilitated by the transmission and distribution system investments); (ii) increased investment in energy efficiency; (iii) economic growth related to improved power supplies; and (iv) reallocation of government funding away from loss-incurring utility operations and toward social investment in education, health, water supply, and sanitation. 148. Transmission lines will evacuate power from 2 new power plants: a 100 MW combined cycle gas turbine plant at Namrup, and a 3 x 250 MW coal-fired plant at Bongaigaon. Clean energy technologies employed at Namrup will offset partially emissions from the new thermal power plant at Bongaigaon. Additional hydropower development in the North East region will more than offset the incremental emissions from the new plant at Bongaigaon. The EIA report for the Namrup and Bongaigaon power plant have been received by the ADB project team. Associated facilities and cumulative and induced impacts are summarized in Annexure 4.1.

33 The India Northeast Region Grid, which includes Assam, has the lowest GHG emissions factor of the 5 regional grids: 0.42 tons CO2eq/MWh vs. an average of about 0.8 tons CO2eq/Mwh for the other grids.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 5: Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 51 CHAPTER 6

ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

6.1 ALTERNATIVES FOR SUBPROJECT COMPONENTS

6.1.1 Transmission Lines

149. AEGCL has undertaken route selection for transmission lines in close consultation with representatives from Land Acquisition, Departments of Forest, Department of Wildlife Conservation and the local community. AEGCL considers alternative alignments during site selection, with minor alterations to avoid environmentally sensitive areas and settlements at the implementation stage. The following procedures have been adopted while finalizing the alignments:

I. A maximum width of Right of Way (ROW) for transmission lines on forestland and minimum clearances between conductors (depending on specific voltage) and trees to be adhered in route selection. II. AEGCL shall attempt at reducing the number of trees affected and width of the Right of Way (ROW) etc. through adoption of appropriate technological option like construction of narrow base towers, towers with extension, compact towers, multi- circuits, and monopole towers and/or innovating upon standard procedures. Specially designed high towers shall be used for reducing impact on trees and forest. III. AEGCL shall explore possibility of adopting a variable width ROW, wherever feasible, so as to minimize land requirement especially cutting of trees and removal of other vegetation. IV. Tower sites shall preferably, as far as technically feasible and permitted by the safety parameters mandatory under Indian Electricity Act Rules 77 and 80 regarding clearances from ground and buildings respectively. V. All efforts to minimize the involvement of trees falling in ROW shall be made. AEGCL shall minimize number of trees required to be felled even if their cost has been paid. Pruning of trees will be done wherever required. VI. To minimize damage to the environment AEGCL shall use manual stringing in thick forest and on slopes wherever possible. VII. Transmission line design shall comply with the limits of electromagnetic interference from overhead power lines. VIII. Visible pathways along the transmission line alignment shall be maintained for patrolling and maintenance purposes. IX. For aviation safety, in addition to putting visible signs along the conductors and on the towers, the route alignment would be shared with the nearest airport or nearest office of the Airports Authority. X. In addition, care is also taken to avoid/minimize protected parks/forests, bird sanctuaries and any other forest area rich in wild life.

6.1.2 Substations

For selection of appropriate site for substation, the following points are taken into consideration:

I. Site selection should consider seismicity and geography of the local area; the area should not be prone to landslide or be unstable. II. Construction activities do not adversely affect the population living near the proposed substations and does not create any threat to the survival of any community with special reference to tribal community etc.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 6: Alternative Analysis Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 52 III. The location of substation does not affect any monument of cultural or historical importance. IV. No resettlement of households by the substation site, no loss of livelihoods, siting of transformers away from schools, hospitals and other sensitive receptors, with due consultation with the community and local government units concerned. V. Transformers and other equipment specifications compliant with GOI rules/regulations & International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) standards shall be followed. VI. Construction techniques and machinery selection shall be made with a view to minimize ground disturbance. VII. While planning for substations, drainage lines shall also be marked and studied to avoid seepage/leakages and pollution of water sources and springs etc. VIII. Substation location/design to ensure that noise will not be a nuisance to neighboring properties. Provision of noise barriers near substation sites will be made. IX. Substation design will comply with the limits of electromagnetic interference within floor area. Security fences will be erected around substations. Warning signs shall be displayed. X. AEGCL shall adopt good practices and shall always strive for a high standard of housekeeping for its substations and ancillary facilities. XI. AEGCL shall incorporate the best technical practices to deal with environmental issues in its working. XII. Design of substations shall be made so as to include modern fire control systems/firewalls. Provision of firefighting equipment would be made to be located close to transformers, switchgears etc. 150. Keeping above in mind, alignments of each transmission lines and location of substation were considered by the AEGCL officials for finalization of route and locations.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 6: Alternative Analysis Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 53 CHAPTER - 7

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN AND INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

7.1 INTRODUCTION 151. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) includes: i. Summary of potential impacts ii. Mitigation measures iii. Description of monitoring programs and parameters iv. Public consultation activities; v. Description of responsibilities and authorities for mitigation and monitoring requirements vi. Description of responsibilities for reporting and review vii. Work plan viii. Procurement plan ix. Preliminary cost estimates and x. Mechanisms for feedback and adjustment

7.2 DESCRIPTION OF MONITORING PROGRAM AND PARAMETERS 152. Table 7.1 presents the provisions for environmental monitoring. Monitoring activities made be modified during implementation depending on contractor performance. If field inspections and monitoring indicate good environmental performance, then successive monitoring intensity and frequency made be reduced. Conversely, if environmental performance is less than expected, the ESMC will recommend corrective measures and monitoring activities will be adjusted accordingly to resolve any problems.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 7: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 54 Table 7.1: Minimum Provisions for Environmental Monitoring34 Project Mitigation Parameters to be Location Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost Stage Measure Monitored All Route survey to Field mapping with Possible transmission AEGCL / PMU Pre- define Global Positioning 1-time survey to encroachment on and through route survey n/a construction alternative System (GPS) finalize design reserved forests substation contractor alignments equipment sites All Dust, equipment construction AEGCL and PMU to Field inspection to emissions, contracts for include in bidding To be included Incorporation of ensure that appropriate erosion, and all documents. in construction appropriate clauses in measures are 1 time per month noise control substation ADB to verify through contract (see construction contracts implemented and Waste and review of bidding Table 7.3) facilities are installed management transmission documents. 35 Construction sites Particulate All “Grab” samples for air Every 6 months, Contractors to Dust, equipment matter(PM10 and substation and water beginning with implement, PMU staff to emissions, and PM2.5) sites and Spot check for noise initial activity, for provide oversight via See details in erosion control Noise Water: pH, selected using portable total of 18 months regular field inspections; Table 7.3 Waste dissolved oxygen transmission monitoring device Monitoring will be ADB to audit during management (DO), biochemical lines. Spot check for extended if project review oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids Necessary Missions AEGCL has (TSS), hydrocarbons solid waste generation Spot checks for responsibility for solid and PCBs36 and disposal solid waste waste management Solid waste generation activities and disposal Dust, equipment All As necessary Operations emissions, and Same parameters as substations Spot checks based on AEGCL through based on and erosion control during construction and visual inspections and PMUADB to audit during See Table 7.3 inspections and Maintenance Waste period transmission any complaints project review missions complaints management lines. Source: Asian Development Bank assessment. Note:ADB = Asian Development Bank, AEGCL = Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd., BOD = biochemical oxygen demand, DO = dissolved oxygen, PCB = polychlorinated biphenyls, PMU = project management unit, SPM = suspended particulate matter, TSS = total suspended solids

34 Monitoring of issues related to compensation of landowners for land acquisition will be included in the resettlement plan. 35 ADB will review documents and provide “no objection” at each stage of bidding, contract evaluation, and contract award. 36 These parameters should be monitored if warranted based on visual observations or complaints.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 5: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 55

7.3 IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN: 153. Construction contractors will be responsible for implementation of mitigation measures during the construction stage. The environmental engineer of the ESMC will ensure inclusion of environmental mitigation measures in contract documents. ADB will (i) review and endorse IEEs and EMPs before contracts are finalized and work begins; (ii) review monitoring reports; and (iii) officially disclose environmental safeguards documents on its Web site as necessary in accordance with the ADB Public Communications Policy (2005)37. 154. AEGCL through the PMU will be responsible for internal monitoring of EMP implementation, and will forward semiannual progress reports to GOA, GOI, and ADB. The reports will cover EMP implementation with attention to compliance and any needed corrective actions. On-going consultation measures will be incorporated in the EMP. Project documents will be made publicly available in accordance with the ADB Public Communications Policy 2005. AEGCL is in the process of creating a new website, which will include provisions for public disclosure and public comments. 155. Table 7.2 presents the overall EMP. In the pre-construction stage, AEGCL and the Project Management Unit (PMU) will have primary responsibility for planning and design activities that will minimize project impacts. Detailed design work will follow the recommendations of the IEE and EMP. AEGCL will certify that the detailed designs comply with IEE and EMP recommendations before contracts can be made effective. 156. During construction, the construction contractors will have primary responsibility for EMP implementation, with oversight and monitoring conducted by PMU and the ESMC. 157. Assam state agencies, mainly ADEF and APCB, will exercise regulatory oversight. ADB will also conduct periodic review missions which will include field visits and auditing of EMP implementation.

37 ADB 2005 Public Communications Policy. Manila

Assam Transmission System Chapter 5: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 56 Table 7.2: Preliminary Environmental Management Plan Responsibility Project Activity Environmental Issues Management / Mitigation Measures Planning and Supervision and Implementation Monitoring Pre-construction stage Setback of dwellings to overhead line route determined accordance with design Long-term exposure to standards for voltage, capacity, and Design by AEGCL nearby residents and “No objection” from frequency. safety related risks, ADB prior to Buffer zones and access control at Design review by including exposure to contract tender and substations. implementation electromagnetic awards Transmission line design to comply with consultants interference Substation and the limits of electromagnetic interference transmission line design: from overhead power lines location of substations and Design practice is to avoid sensitive transmission towers; and areas due to incremental engineering, transmission line alignment environmental, and administrative costs. and design Impact on water bodies, Route survey will determine alternative Route survey contractor, AEGCL, ADB wetlands, and forests transmission alignments around any environmental consultants sensitive areas. Substations will not be sited in any environmentally sensitive areas. Route selection to avoid existing Route survey contractor, Social inequities settlements and minimize disturbance of social safeguards AEGCL, ADB agricultural land consultants Approximately 5 km of transmission right- of-way in reserved forests may be necessary (route survey to confirm). Possible encroachment into Loss of ecological reserved forests and /or AEGCL will obtain prior approval from AEGCL and route survey values/ damage to ADEF, MOEF environmentally-sensitive Assam Department of Environment and contractor precious species areas Forests (ADEF) and Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), with agreed reforestation activities for mitigation. Farmers to be compensated for the loss Temporary loss of as per GOI guidelines and Resettlement Temporary encroachment AEGCL and social agricultural productivity Plan (RP, prepared with assistance of ADB Into farmland safeguards consultants during construction safeguards consultants). ADB to monitor AEGCL implementation of RP.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 7: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 57 Responsibility Project Activity Environmental Issues Management / Mitigation Measures Planning and Supervision and Implementation Monitoring Setbacks to be designed according to horizontal and vertical separation Nuisance to neighboring guidelines for substations and Noise control AEGCL / PMU APCB properties transmission lines to ensure noise will not be a nuisance. Noise to be limited to 70 dB (A) at site boundaries. Design and sighting of towers and Interference with drainage Flooding hazards/loss of AEGCL and route survey substations to avoid and/or minimize ADEF, APCB patterns/Irrigation channels agricultural productivity contractor surface water interference. Right-of-way (ROW) and vertical clearance will be defined to avoid fire hazards due to short circuiting in forests. Exposure hazards to Fire explosion safety and workers, nearby buildings Fire safety design and provision of AEGCL / PMU / ESMC ADEF, APCB control design and residents, flora, and firefighting equipment consistent with fauna Indian Standards. Non-CFC and non- Halon systems to be procured. Budget included in Detailed Project Report (DPR) cost estimate Construction Phase Construction techniques and machinery selection to minimize noise and vibration. Noise to be limited to 70 dB Construction Contractor Equipment layout and (A) at site boundaries. Environmental Noise and vibrations APCB installation and Social Management Cell (ESMC) of PMU/ESMC Project Management Unit (PMU) to conduct periodic spot checks to confirm compliance. Construction activities on cropping land Construction Contractor Physical construction Disturbance of farming timed to avoid disturbance of field crops ADEF (manual labor) activity (within one month of harvest wherever PMU/ESMC possible). Construction equipment to be Noise, vibration, and maintained in accordance with GOI Construction Contractor operator safety, Mechanized construction standards for noise exposure to workers. APCB equipment wear and PMU/ESMC tear Equipment to be shut off when not in

Assam Transmission System Chapter 7: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 58 Responsibility Project Activity Environmental Issues Management / Mitigation Measures Planning and Supervision and Implementation Monitoring use. Marking of trees / vegetation to be Construction Contractor Removal of trees and removed prior to clearance, and strict Substation site clearance ADEF other vegetation control on clearing activities to ensure PMU/ESMC minimal clearance. Trees allowed growing up to a height within the ROW by maintaining adequate clearance between the top of tree and the conductor as per transmission design standards. Fire hazards

Construction Contractor Trimming /cutting of trees Trees that can survive pruning to comply Temporary loss of ADEF within Right-of-Way(ROW) with vertical and horizontal separation vegetation and PMU/ESMC requirements should be pruned instead permanent deforestation of cleared.

Felled trees and other cleared or pruned vegetation to be disposed of as authorized by ADEF Construction workers prohibited from Temporary loss of Construction Contractor Wood /vegetation harvesting wood in the project area vegetation and ADEF harvesting (apart from locally employed staff permanent deforestation PMU/ESMC continuing current legal activities). Use existing access roads wherever possible.

Ensure existing irrigation facilities are maintained in working condition. Temporary loss of AEGCL/PMU APCB agricultural productivity Temporary encroachment Protect/preserve top soil and reinstate into farmland after construction completed.

Repair/reinstate any damaged bunds after construction completed. Compensation for temporary loss in Social inequities agricultural production as per AEGCL/PMU ADB resettlement plan

Assam Transmission System Chapter 7: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 59 Responsibility Project Activity Environmental Issues Management / Mitigation Measures Planning and Supervision and Implementation Monitoring Controlled construction activities & Dust, exhaust, & noise maintenance of machineries, timely emissions from scheduling of construction activities to construction equipment. avoid nuisance to nearby communities. PMU /ESMC Ambient air quality and Construction Contractor noise nuisance Noise impacts on nearby Construction equipment to meet GOI APCB communities& emissions & noise standards. Water construction workers sprays to be used for dust control as necessary. Fuel and any other hazardous materials will be securely stored to prevent spills. Possible spills resulting PMU /ESMC Storage of chemicals and Contractors to provide spill response kit in contamination land, Construction Contractor any hazardous materials in accordance with Material Safety Data water, and air APCB Sheets for chemicals and hazardous materials. Industrial waste water from maintenance may Construction contractor to provide PMU/ESMC Construction equipment cause petroleum and sedimentation and biological treatment if Construction contractor maintenance detergent contamination necessary APCB of soil and water Construction activities only undertaken PMU /ESMC Noise nuisance to Construction schedules during the day and local communities Construction Contractor neighboring properties informed of the construction schedule. APCB Contract provisions specifying minimum sanitation, health, and safety Injury and sickness of requirements for construction camps. Construction Contractor APCB, ASSAM Health and safety workers and members of DEPARTMET OF the public Contractor to prepare and implement a PMU/ESMC HEALTH health and safety plan including worker training and daily/weekly briefings. Construction workforce facilities to include proper sanitation, water supply, Provision of Sanitary PMU /ESMC Potential BOD and fecal waste disposal facilities, including facilities for construction Construction Contractor coli form contamination primary treatment for domestic sewage workers APCB and secure disposal of domestic solid wastes. Construction waste Air, soil, and water Construction wastes to be managed in Construction Contractor PMU /ESMC

Assam Transmission System Chapter 7: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 60 Responsibility Project Activity Environmental Issues Management / Mitigation Measures Planning and Supervision and Implementation Monitoring management pollution due to accordance with GOI standards & inadequate industry best practices. APCB management and control Waste lubricating oils to be disposed or ADB Review recycled off-site by licensed service Mission companies.

Transformer oils to be returned to vendors via existing arrangements for transformer maintenance.

Scrap steel & other salvaged materials to be auctioned and disposed / recycled off-site by licensed vendors. Training of AEGCL/PMU/ESMC staff Implementation of effective environmental monitoring and reporting Inadequate Monitoring system using checklist of all contractual and Mitigation leading to environmental requirements.(see air, Construction Stage PMU/ESMC and environmental noise and water monitoring program in APCB Monitoring safeguard consultants impairments at and Table 7.1 and Environmental Monitoring around project sites budget in Table 7.3) Appropriate contract clause to ensure satisfactory implementation of contractual environmental mitigation measures. Operation and Maintenance Phase Set back of dwellings to overhead line route designed in accordance with transmission design standards

Design and location of Exposure to noise and Buffer zones and across control at substations and AEGCL/PMU/ESMC APCB other safety related risks substations. transmission towers

Transmission line design to comply with the limits of electromagnetic interference from overhead power lines

Assam Transmission System Chapter 7: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 61 Responsibility Project Activity Environmental Issues Management / Mitigation Measures Planning and Supervision and Implementation Monitoring Best design practices will be followed to minimize hazards. Housekeeping and Injury and sickness of maintenance at substation in staff and other workers accordance with GOI standards and Provision of staff/workers industry best practices. APCB,ASSAM health and safety during Soil and water Safety and awareness for staff. AEGCL/PMU/ESMU DEPARTMENT OF operations contamination from Preparation of fire emergency action HEALTH domestic wastewater plan and relevant staff training and solid wastes Provide adequate sanitation , water supply, wastewater control, and solid waste management facilities Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimize hazards Barriers to prevent climbing APCB,ASSAM Injury/mortality to staff Electric shock hazards on/dismantling of transmission towers. AEGCL/PMU/ESMU DEPARTMENT OF and public Appropriate warning signs on facilities. HEALTH Electricity safety awareness raising in project areas. Maintaining adequate clearance from Loss of property and conductors and ground vegetation, Fire and explosion hazards AEGCL/PMU/ESMU APCB health hazards adequate safety design in substations to avoid fire hazards due to flashovers Waste to be managed in accordance with GOI standards and industry best practices. Waste lubrication oils to be disposed or recycled off- site by licensed service APCB Potential soil and water companies. Industrial waste generation AEGCL/PMU/ESMU contamination Transformer oils to be returned to ADB review Mission vendors via existing arrangements for transformer maintenance Scrap steel and other salvaged material to be auctioned and disposed/recycled off site by licensed vendors. Exposure to Transmission line design to comply with Transmission line electromagnetic the limits of electromagnetic interference AEGCL/PMU/ESMU ADEF, APCB maintenance interference from overhead power lines.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 7: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 62 Responsibility Project Activity Environmental Issues Management / Mitigation Measures Planning and Supervision and Implementation Monitoring Adequate training in O&M to all relevant Potential list time staff of transmission line and substation accidents and injuries, APCB, other Operation and maintenance maintenance crews and possible AEGCL/PMU/ESMU relevant state staff skills Preparation and training in the use of environmental losses of agencies O&M manuals and standards operation various types practices Inadequate monitoring AEGCL/PMU staff to receive training in Periodic environmental may result in diminished ADB review environmental monitoring of project AEGCL/PMU/ESMU monitoring ecological and social missions operations and maintenance activities values ADB= Asian Development Bank, AEGCL = Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd., ADEF = Assam Department of Environment and Forests, APCB = Assam Pollution Control Board, CFC = chlorofluorocarbons, dB (A) = decibel acoustic, DPR = Detailed Project Report, ESMC =Environmental and Social Management Cell, GOA = Government of Assam, GOI = Government of India, PMU = Project Management Unit, ROW = right of way

Assam Transmission System Chapter 7: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 63 7.4 INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT: 7.4.1 Description of Responsibilities for Mitigation and Monitoring Requirements 158. The primary institutions involved in the project are: Assam Electrical Grid Corporation and Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (EA and IA), Project Management Unit (PMU), Environment and Social Management Unit (ESMU) at PMU Level and External Environmental Monitoring Agency. 159. The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (AEGCL) is the executing agency (EA) for the Tranche-1. The AEGCL functions as the implementing agency (IA) for the project with a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU). The PMU is assisted by an Environment and Social Management Unit (ESMU) to deal with the environmental and social safeguards issues. 160. The Environment and Social Management Unit (ESMU) has been set up within the PMU/APDCL, along with other engineering units, to address all environmental and social issues of Tranche-1. The ESMU is headed by an Assistant General Manager, who works closely with other staff of the PMU and assists the PMU in getting all necessary clearances and in the implementation of environmental management plan The ESMU coordinates safeguard activities both at headquarter and PIU level. All safeguards activities are managed and supervised by the Assistant General Manager based at the Head Office. The ESMU is assisted by designated site engineers who will be responsible for the field activities. 161. To support the ESMU the PMU has appointed an Environmental Safeguard Consultant. The Consultant’s responsibilities include advising and assisting the EA/IA in mitigating Social and Environmental issues and administration and Implementation of measures in Environmental Management Plan, as required. During the reporting period, Environmental Safeguard Consultant has been deployed on intermittent basis. 162. An external environmental monitoring agency is hired to carry out the monitoring during various phases of project actives in order to implement the environmental monitoring plan. External monitoring agencies carry out monitoring under supervision of the ESMU. 7.4.2 Description of Responsibilities for Reporting and Review 163. AEGCL through the PMU will be responsible for internal monitoring of EMP implementation, and will forward semiannual progress reports to GOA, GOI, and ADB. The reports will cover EMP implementation with attention to compliance and any needed corrective actions. On-going consultation measures will be incorporated in the EMP. 164. Project documents will be made publicly available in accordance with the ADB Public Communications Policy 200538. AEGCL is in the process of creating a new website, which will include provisions for public disclosure and public comments. 165. Construction contractors will be responsible for implementation of mitigation measures during the construction stage. The environmental engineer of the ESMC will ensure inclusion of environmental mitigation measures in contract documents, including reporting requirements. 166. ADB will (i) review and endorse IEEs and EMPs before contracts are finalized and work begins; (ii) review monitoring reports; and (iii) officially disclose environmental safeguards documents on its Web site as necessary in accordance with the ADB Public Communications Policy (2005).ADB will conduct periodic project review missions during project implementation. At least one review mission per year will be fielded, and

38 ADB 2005 Public Communication Policy. Manila

Assam Transmission System Chapter 7: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 64 additional missions may be scheduled if necessary. 7.5 EMP COST ESTIMATION 167. Estimated costs for monitoring measures, including sampling and analyses, are provided in Tables 7.3.The Design and Construction costs are taken from the DPR cost estimates, and should be reflected in construction contracts. The environmental services costs are estimated based on EMP requirements, and should be reflected in the budget for loan-funded consulting services. Cost estimates will be updated after the first year of project activity. Table 7.3: Estimated Costs for Tranche 1 Environmental Monitoring

Substation Transmission Lines Total (Cost) Environment Monitoring Unit (Number of (Number of Samples) Indian Rupee Samples) Ambient Air monitoring Sample 301 12 --- Ambient Noise monitoring Sample 301 12 --- Drinking water monitoring at camp site (both surface & Sample 322 15 --- ground water Total --- 924 39 601549239

39 The total cost for conducting environmental monitoring in Tranche 1 subprojects (In substation and along Transmission lines) is taken from the contract agreement between AEGCL and hired environmental monitoring agency (EN-GEO Consultancy and Research Centre).

Assam Transmission System Chapter 7: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and Institutional Requirements Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 65 CHAPTER 8

PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

8.1 PUBLIC CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES 168. Public consultation and stakeholders’ participation is an important device for successful planning and implementation of any development investment program. The aim of the public consultation is not only to make the people aware about the developmental activities being undertaken in their locality but, also, to incorporate their views for making a sustainable plan during the design to the successful completion of the project. Various consultations with all stakeholders at different stage of the project preparation were undertaken and issues related to local needs, environment, problem and prospects of resettlement, compensation options etc. were discussed. The project will therefore ensure that the affected people and other stakeholders are informed, consulted, and allowed to participate actively in the development process. This will be done throughout the project cycle i.e. project preparation, implementation, and monitoring of project results and impacts. 8.1.1 Consultations at Project Level

169. Consultations process has been initiated during the concept stage of the investment program and will be continuing during the entire project cycle. Consultations have been initiated with various stakeholders such as government officials, ASEB’s officials (EA) both at headquarters and project level and especially with the officials of the existing PMU. However, additional consultations were also carried out, as part of the continuous participation during the execution of the environment and social/ resettlement study. The consultations involved individual interviews, informal discussions and focus group discussions (FGDs) with the community. The individual consultations involved the census survey of approximately 26 affected households who are supposed to lose some of their agricultural land. The views and the detailed assessment of the likely impact have been collected by a door-to door- questionnaire survey. Additionally, approximately 100 households have been consulted by administering an environmental/socio-economic questionnaire to know about the environment impact and general socioeconomics of the proposed investment program. 170. As part of the community participation, FGDs were conducted at various substations site where the community people were involved to share their views on the proposed investment program. The consultations conducted at various places are: (i) Nagaon substation (11 February 2009) with 26 participants, (ii) Sonari substation (12 Feb 2009) with 10 participants, (iii) Kamalpur substation (21 February 2009) with 5 participants and The participants involved in the consultation process are affected persons, village leaders, farmers, women, tribal people and other stake holders. 171. Additional consultations were undertaken during the route survey work in 2009 as noted below (Table 8.1) Table 8.1: Public consultation (2009) Dates of Consultation Name of Transmission Line Length (km) (2009) 18th, 19th,20th & 21st Salakathi (BTPS) Rangia 220 kV D/C Line for new 163.187 April Rangia 220/132 kV Substation.

Samaguri Nagaon 132 kV S/C Line on D/C Towers for 41.923 5th April new Nagaon 132/33 kV Substation Single Circuit LILO Line of 132 kV D/C Lakwa- Namrup 4.254 27th March Line at new Sonari132/33 kV Substation Double Circuit LILO Line of 132kVD/C Rangia 0.541 7th April

Assam Transmission System Chapter 8: Public and Stakeholder Consultation Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 66 Dates of Consultation Name of Transmission Line Length (km) (2009) Sishugram/Kahilipara Line at new Kamalpur 32/33 kV Substation Tinsukia Rupai 132 kV S/C Line on D/C Towers for 29.662 1st -2nd April new Rupai 132/33 kV Substation Single Circuit LILO Line of 132 kV S/C Dibrugarh - Moran Line at Khanikar (Bihiating) 132/33 kV 0.642 4th April Substation. 172. Following points were taken in to account while conducting the public consultations as major objectives.  Disseminating information on the project to the stakeholders.  Gaining a better understanding of existing environmental conditions.  Helping the stakeholders contribute meaningfully to the Project design.  Gaining greater trust with the Project Proponent and support for the Project.  Reducing potential conflicts and substantial delays.  Helping recognize possible alternatives.  Ensuring the sustainability of the Project.  Identify and assess major economic and social characteristics of the villages to enable effective planning and implementation.  Examine APs’ opinions on health safety issues during the construction and selection garbage materials or the waste materials.  Identify levels and extent of community participation in project implementation and monitoring.  To establish an understanding for identification of overall developmental goals and benefits of the project.  To align with the government’s policy on right to information. 8.1.2 Methods of Public Consultation 173. Public consultations in the project area were held at various project levels. The following methodology has been adopted for carrying out public consultations in this project:  Disseminating information and requesting villagers to attend the public consultation meetings at all substations sites.  Walk over survey and informal discussion with people along the transmission routes.  Filling up of structured formats for public consultation − Conducting focused group discussions  Individual interviews with concerned stake holders. − Sharing the opinions and preferences of the APs.  Involving the APs and all other stake holders in decision-making including resettlement plan and environment plan implementation.

8.1.3 Key Findings of the Consultation 174. The key findings of the consultation on various issues are as follows.  Most of the people are aware about the project because of the existing ADB loan under implementation.  The proposed investment program, according to the people, will be beneficial to the local community. The EAs consulted and took the informal no objection from the people for the sub stations sites and availability of land during the project preparation. Therefore, People are aware about the project and welcomed the project.  People consented to cooperate during the project implementation stage.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 8: Public and Stakeholder Consultation Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 67  Local people opined that adequate cash compensation should be given for land acquisition and for the crop damage as per the market rate.  Setting up the towers and transmission lines will require some temporary acquisition. Cultivators prefer cash compensation and sufficient prior notification to harvest the crop  It was advised that project implementation should be planned mostly during the off season in order to avoid the damage.  APs requested local representation in the Grievance Redress Committee.  People asked about possible creation of temporary employment opportunities during project construction and later phases of the project.  People suggested that mechanism for involvement of small local contractor during construction period can be developed by project authority and contractor.  People suggested that adequate safety measures should be provided such as uninterrupted social life.  People perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition, etc.  Metering should be perfectly right and monitoring of the theft should be initiated by the local people.  According to the female participants, it has been observed that supply of better electricity through this investment will be more beneficial to the women and children community as the living condition will be improved and people will get more time for entertainment etc.  There was an appeal from the local people that all the schools and hospitals in the village areas should be compulsorily electrified in the priority basis which will attract more students to join the school.  According to the farmer crop should be compensated keeping in view the annual yielding and the market rate of the crop.  All the consultations were very much successful and people showed their interest in the project

175. The detailed issues raised and the feedbacks received from various consultations are summarized in the following Table 8.2. Table 8.2: Details of the Public Consultations

Participants’ Opinion, Comments and Issues Discussed Suggestions General perception about the project and the Most of the people are aware about the project awareness about the proposed project. Support of local people for the proposed project? People assured their full support to the project There is no such specific concern except the Any critical issue or concern by the local people suggestions that project should avoid any regarding the project? adverse impact on the villagers especially their religious and cultural entity. Identification of the substations should mostly be done on the government land and the routing Any criteria you would like to see considered work should avoid crop season. Villagers want to during project design, construction and operation participate in the construction work of Sub-station stage? and in the operational stage. Sub-station should be maintained with necessary safety measures and it should not create problem to the villagers. Most of the villagers depend on agriculture. The General socio-economic standing: What are the cultivation pattern here is seasonal and mostly economic activities? Land use, cropping pattern depends on rain water. Most of the farmer do (Seasonal), types of crops, value of the crops, paddy and wheat cultivation. Average land Average land holding size etc. holding size is 01 Acre. Average price per quintal of Paddy is Rs. 800 and Wheat is Rs. 1500.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 8: Public and Stakeholder Consultation Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 68 Participants’ Opinion, Comments and Issues Discussed Suggestions Irrigation facilities are not adequate in the project area. Villagers mostly depend on the rain water Is the land Irrigated and what are the sources of cultivation. They also use river and independent Irrigation? pump station as their source of irrigation for cultivation. People do have the access to the forest in some Access to the forest land and the use of the forest places however; they don’t earn their livelihood land (if any) from the forest. They sometime use forest, at some places, for collection of fire wood. What are the main sources of electricity? (write the most used source at top followed by other The power supply to the village is usually done by sources Govt. Grid; Micro hydro Power; Gen set; the ASEB through its grid. Solar; Bio-Gas; Battery; Other

What is the average amount of electricity used by The average electricity usage in a house per day per households per day (kWh/household). is 1.5 kWh. Source of drinking water Hand Pump (Tube Well) Loss of residential/commercial structures, if any No loss of residential or commercial structures due to the project are envisaged due to this project Loss of community life like any Market Places or No loss of community life like, market places or community activities to be affected community activity center is envisaged. Shortage of water for human consumption, Yes, shortage of water for human consumption irrigation, and other downstream uses? How and irrigation are available for the village people. extensive are they? Any conflicts on water use rights and social No conflicts on water use rights and no social impacts? impacts over this issue are expected. Most of the proposed sub-station will be built on Resettlement and Land acquisition (if foreseen the Government land, which has been acquired due to setting up of sub-station, by AEGCL. However, in some cases there will be distribution/transmission line especially on private some requirement which will be minimal and land). people are willing to sell land for the development work. Protected areas (national park, protected forest, It may be the case. However, necessary religiously sensitive sites, historical or mitigations should be taken during the planning archaeological sites), if any stage to avoid any adverse impact. The health status of the villager is good. No such Health status, Availability of Hospitals. Is there major illness has been observed amongst the any chronic disease prevalent in this area and are villagers except seasonal cold or viral fever. The you aware about HIV/AIDS and STD? awareness level of the villager regarding HIV/AIDS and STD is good. The literacy rate in the village area is around 80% Education Status: Literate, illiterate etc. and 20% is illiterate. In the village area, approximately 30% people are Employment Status: Percentage of employment/ employed, 20% people are under employed and unemployment/ underemployment rest 50% people are unemployed. Around 10% people migrate to other districts for Migration Pattern (If any), inward or outward work. There will be better power supply for domestic and commercial use. So that the level of efficiency, output and business will grow both in Perceived benefits from the project domestic sector as well as commercial sector. Villagers do expect some employment opportunities from this power project Perceived losses from the project No loss or any such fear from this project. In the village some NGOs / CBOs / Civil Society What other organizations of a social nature is working, they are Kaziranga Wild Life Society, (NGOs/CBOs/ Civil Society) active in the area? Rupali Sangh, Mohamaya Mohila Goth and Rohino NGO is working for the Name of these organizations development of society.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 8: Public and Stakeholder Consultation Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 69 Participants’ Opinion, Comments and Issues Discussed Suggestions Organization of the village and its structure. Do Yes, there is village committee in the village. The you have a village committee? What is the members of the village committee are selected on decision-making system in your village/Who are the basis of proposal given by the villagers. Gram the decision makers on community related issues Panchayat along with village committee takes in your village? Are they elected or selected? If decision about the village. Head of the village is elected: By consensus or By majority vote. selected by consensus. This consultation is very useful to them because they got the knowledge and awareness about the Is this consultation useful? Comments project. Villagers feel that Government is asking their permission to build this station and simultaneously taking them into confidence. Yes, they would like to be involved in this project Will there be likely involvement of local people in during the time of implementation and the implementation of the project? maintenance.

8.1.4 NGO Consultations and Continued Public Consultations 176. Consultations have been initiated with the local NGOs in order to gather their views on the proposed investment program and to involve them in the planning and implementation stage. An active NGO dealing with the environment issues, ‘Kaziranga Wildlife Society,’ has been consulted on 9th February 2009 along with the ASEB’s official to gather their feedback and consensus on the project. They are pro- active and assured their full cooperation when needed. 8.1.5 Additional Consultations During Project Implementation Stage: 177. Additional consultations were also carried out as part of the continuous participation during the during project implementation stage among various stakeholders, i.e., concerned officials of the executing agencies, local community and their leaders. All the consultations were very much successful and people showed their interest in the project. The details of consultations conducted at substations and along transmission lines during implementation stage are represented in Table 8.2A and Table 8.2B respectively. Table 8.2A: Details of Consultation at Sub-Stations Sl. Name of the Name of the Date of No. of Name of the Sub-Projects No. village District consultation Participants 1 220/132kV Rangia S/S Rangia Kamrup (R) 3-10-2016 9 2 132/33kV Kamalpur S/S Nagaon Kamrup (R) 30-08-2017 9 3 132/33kV Nagaon S/S Khaloigaon Nagaon 21-09-2017 26 4 132/33kV Sonari S/S Sonari-Banferra 19-09-2017 15 5 132/33kV Behaiting S/S Khanikar Dibrugarh 18-02-2017 22 20-09-2017 6 132/33kV Rupai S/S Rupai Tinsukia 11-08-2012 10

178. 220/132kV Rangia Substation: Site visit was conducted to 132/33kV Rangia substation to conduct consultation with the project stakeholders on 3rd October 2016. During the consultation the substation was under operational phase. Fire extinguishers, sand buckets, rubber mats, gum boots and gloves were present inside the substation premise and the staff was well aware about the use of personal protective equipment’s and fire safety equipment’s. During the consultation process it was found that proper sanitation facility and drinking water facility is available at the substation premise. Stakeholders informed that no transformer oil leakage was observed till date. First aid box was available at substation for occupational safety purpose. The substation premise was found to be neat and clean. Drainage was properly cleaned and no blockage was noticed during the consultation process. Appropriate warning boards were installed at towers, poles and other high voltage equipment’s. Proper insulated wiring connections were provided. Oil drums were properly staked and kept on raised

Assam Transmission System Chapter 8: Public and Stakeholder Consultation Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 70 ground. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. 179. 132/33kV Kamalpur Substation: Consultations were undertaken as part of the continuous participation with local community during the preparation of field base due diligence repoort of 132kV Kamalpur LILO on 30th August, 2017. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The community welcomed the initiative taken by AEGCL and perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition etc. It was found during the consultation that personal protective equipment’s and fire safety equipment’s were present inside the substation premise and the staff was well aware about the use of personal protective equipment’s and fire safety equipment’s. During the consultation process it was found that proper sanitation facility is available at the substation premise. Stakeholders informed that no transformer oil leakage was observed till date. First aid box was available at substation for occupational safety purpose. 180. 132/33kV Nagaon Substation: Consultations were undertaken as part of the continuous participation by conducting Site visit to 132kV Nagaon substation 21th September 2017. During the consultation the substation was under operational phase. It was informed during the consultation that the Nagaon division has engaged external party named mega electricals for the maintenance and working of substation. Fire extinguishers, sand buckets, gum boots and gloves were present inside the substation premise and the staff was well aware about the use of personal protective equipment’s and fire safety equipment’s. During the consultation process it was found that proper sanitation facility and drinking water facility is available at the substation premise. Stakeholders informed that no transformer oil leakage was observed till date. First aid box was available at substation for occupational safety purpose. The substation premise was found to be neat and clean. Drainage was properly cleaned and no blockage was noticed during the consultation process. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. 181. 132/33kV Sonari Substation: Consultations were undertaken as part of the continuous participation by conducting Site visit to 132/33kV Sonari on 19th September 2017. During the consultation the substation was under operational phase. It was informed during the consultation that the AEGCL at Sonari grid S/S has engaged external party named mega electricals for the maintenance and working of substation. Fire extinguishers, sand buckets, gum boots and gloves were present inside the substation premise and the staff was well aware about the use of personal protective equipment’s and fire safety equipment’s. During the consultation process it was found that proper sanitation facility and drinking water facility is available at the substation premise. Stakeholders informed that no transformer oil leakage was observed till date. First aid box was available at substation for occupational safety purpose. The substation premise was found to be neat and clean. Drainage was properly cleaned and no blockage was noticed during the consultation process. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. 182. 132/33kV Bihiating Substation: Consultations were undertaken as part of the continuous participation by conducting Site visit to 132kV Bihiating substation on 18th February 2017 and 20th September 2017. During the consultation the substation was under operational phase and was directly under the supervision of AEGCL. It was found during the consultation that personal protective equipment’s and fire safety equipment’s were present inside the substation premise and the staff was well aware about the use of personal protective equipment’s and fire safety equipment’s. During the consultation process it was found that proper sanitation facility is available at the substation premise. Stakeholders informed that no transformer oil leakage was observed till date. First aid box was available at substation for occupational safety purpose. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 8: Public and Stakeholder Consultation Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 71 183. 132/33kV Rupai Substation: Consultations was undertaken as part of the continuous participation by conducting Site visit to 132kV Rupai substation on 11th August 2012. During the consultation the substation was under construction phase. It was found during the consultation that personal protective equipment’s and fire safety equipment’s were present inside the substation premise and the construction workers were well aware about the use of personal protective equipment’s and fire safety equipment’s. During the consultation process it was found that proper sanitation facility is available at the substation premise. The labor were provided with the LPG gas cylinder for cooking purpose. Labor camp was found to be clean and well organized. First aid box was available at substation for occupational safety purpose. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. Attendance sheet and photographic evidence for consultation conducted at six substations during implementation stage are provided Annexure 5.1 and Annexure 5.2 respectively.

Table 8.2B: Details of Consultation for Transmission lines Sl. Name of the Name of the Date of No. of Name of the village No. Subprojects District consultation Participants Uttar Chappakumar, Gomariguri, Pubchafapumar, Khusrabari, Kalapani, Dolgaon, Barigora, Palangsuguri, Aamgaon, Uganpara, Chirang, 220kV Harsapara, Pub-Rehabari, Dakhin- 28-10-2014 Bongaigaon, 1 Salakati Rehabari, Soibari, Soru Manikpur, to 115 Baksha, Rangia T/L Dakhsin Baksha, Pamua Pothar, 30-10-2014 Barpeta Nalbari, Polukata, Bengolipara, Santipur, Samgaon, Teligaon, Bengaljora, Dongapeta, Lakhipur, Debasara, 132kV 2 Kamalpur Nagaon Kamrup (R) 30-08-2017 9 LILO 132kV 04-04-2017 Khaloigaon, Uriagaon, Bebejia, 3 Samaguri Nagaon 18-09-2017 46 Gendhali & Samaguri Nagaon T/L 21-09-2017 132kV Sonari 4 Teok Gaon Sivasagar 19-09-2017 13 LILO 132kV 5 Behaiting Khanikar Dibrugarh 20-09-2017 9 LILO 132kV Rupai 6 Mankhowa Tinsukia 17-09-2015 7 LILO

184. 220kV D/C Transmission line Salakati (BTPS):- Public Consultations were conducted at various villages along the diverted sections of BTPS - Rangia transmission line during the updating original IEE report. Public Consultations were carried at 33 villages namely Pub Aithabari, Poma Pathar, Bagan bari, Singrapara, Silakuthi, Lakhipur, Debosara, Uttar Chapa Kumar, Gomariguri, Pub Chafamar, Khusrabari, Kalapani, Dolgaon, Barigara, Palangsuguri, Aam Gaon, Uganpara, Harsapara, Pamua pathar, Nalbari, Polukata, Bangalibara, Santipur, Pub Rehabari, Dakhin Rehabari, Soibari, Soru Manikpur, Bor Manikpur, Dakhin Baksa, Sam Gaon, Teligaon, Bangaljora and Dongapeta village. Local communities were found supportive for the subprojects and expressed their commitment in extending their full support to the construction and operation transmission line. The consultations undertaken during the field visits for the diverted sections are summarized in table below:

Assam Transmission System Chapter 8: Public and Stakeholder Consultation Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 72 Dates of Number of S.No. Names of Villages District Consultation Participants Pub Aithabari, Poma Pathar, Beganbari, 1. Singra para, Silakuthi, Lakhipur and Baksa 28-10-2014 21 Debosara Uttar Chapa Kumar, Gomariguri, Pub Barpeta and 2. Chafamar, Khusrabari, Kalapani and 28-10-2014 21 Baksa Dolgaon Barigara, Palangsuguri, Aamgaon, 3. Chirang 28-10-2014 19 Uganpara, Harsapara Pub Rehabari, Dakshin Rehabari, Soibari, 4. Soru Manikpur, Bor Manikpur and Dakhin Baksa 29-10-2014 19 Baksa Pamua pathar, Nalbari, Polukata, 5. Baksa 29-10-2014 17 Bangalibari and Santipur Samgaon, Teligaon, Bangaljora and 6. Chirang 30-10-2014 18 Dongapeta

185. 132kV Double Circuit LILO line at Rangia-Sishugram/Kahilipara for Kamalpur Substation: Consultations were undertaken as part of the continuous participation with local community on 30th August, 2017. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The community welcomed the initiative taken by AEGCL and perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition etc. 186. 132 kV Single Circuit Samaguri – Nagaon on Double Circuit Towers: Consultations were undertaken for the transmission line during the route survey work on 5th April, 2009. Public consultation was once again conducted as part of the continuous participation with local community by the environmental and social consultants on 4th April 2017, 18th September 2017 and 21st September 2017.The mode of consultation was informal meeting and one to one interaction. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The affected persons have welcomed the initiative taken by AEGCL and perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition etc. 187. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Sonari from 132 kV Lakwa – Namrup line: Public consultation was conducted at Tiok village as part of the continuous participation process with local community by the environmental and social consultants on 19th September 2017. The mode of consultation was informal meeting and one to one interaction. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The affected persons have welcomed the initiative taken by AEGCL and perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition etc. 188. 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Bihiating LILO from 132 kV Dibrugarh – Moran line: Public consultation was conducted at Khanikhar village as part of the continuous participation process with local community by the environmental and social consultants on 20th September 2017. The mode of consultation was informal meeting and one to one interaction. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The affected persons have welcomed the initiative taken by AEGCL and perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition etc. During public consultation people informed that local people were engaged for the construction activity which helped them develop economically. During the public consultation they also informed that they faced no issue in use of their agricultural land during construction and operational activities.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 8: Public and Stakeholder Consultation Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 73 189. 132kV Double Circuit LILO at Rupai from 132 kV Double Circuit Tinsukia – Margherita line: Consultations were undertaken for the transmission line during the route survey work on 1st and 2nd April, 2009. Since no consultation was conducted during construction period, hence additional consultations were undertaken as part of the continuous participation with local community during the preparation of this addendum report to obtain their view on their alignment. Consultations with local community and their leaders were undertaken at Mankhowa village on 17th September, 2015 for the realigned section of transmission line. The consultation was limited to one to one interaction with the affected person due to the sub-project. The mode of consultation was informal meeting and one to one interaction. The affected persons were unhappy with the compensation amount received by them. They requested to compensate damage of crop should be as per the market value. The affected person, though have welcomed the initiative taken by AEGCL and perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition etc. The key findings of the consultation on various issues such as: general perception about the project, suggestions to mitigate any damage or loss of livelihood are presented as follows: Attendance sheet and photographic evidence for consultation conducted at six transmission lines during implementation stage are provided Annexure 5.3 and Annexure 5.4 respectively.

190. The key findings of the consultation on various issues such as: general perception about the project, suggestions to mitigate any damage or loss of livelihood are presented as follows:  People were of the opinion that adequate cash compensation should be given for the loss and damage of crop as per the market value  Setting up the towers and transmission lines will require some temporary acquisition for tower footing only. In the temporary acquisition, the ownership remains with the owner, however he/she is compensated for the land acquired for tower footing as per circle rate. Cultivators preferred cash compensation and should be intimated well in advance prior to harvesting.  It was suggested by community that project implementation should be majorly planned during the off season in order to avoid the damage to crops.  Community inquired about generation of employment opportunities during construction and operation phase of the project.  People suggested that adequate safety measures should be provided such as uninterrupted social life  People perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition, etc.  There are major power cuts and low voltage in the village areas and the villagers are not able to feed water to the agricultural land through the motor with the existing electricity supply. People were seeking better electricity supply for agricultural purpose.  According to the female participants, it has been observed that supply of better electricity through this investment will be more beneficial to the women and children community as the living condition will be improved and people will get more time for entertainment etc.  There was an appeal from the local people that all the schools and hospitals in the village areas should be compulsorily electrified on priority basis which will attract more students to join the school.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 8: Public and Stakeholder Consultation Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 74 Issues discussed and Participants Responses Sl. Issues Discussed Participants’ Opinion, Comments and Suggestions No. General perception about the project In general, majority of people were aware regarding and the awareness about the the project. All of them appreciated the proposed 1 proposed project. project and welcomed as project would bring better electricity supply in future. Support of local people for the All the consulted people had a strong commitment to 2 proposed project? support the sub-project activities. Any critical issue or concern by the Majority of the people stated that there are no critical local people regarding the project? issues involved in the project. However, some of them 3 had the concern that the people in the project area should also get the benefit of electricity supply. Will the project cause landslides or All of the participants had the opinion that the 4 soil erosion in the locality. If so how proposed diverted route will not cause any impacts can the impacts be minimized? such as landslides or soil erosion in the locality. Will the project cause widespread All of the participants had the opinion that the imbalance by cutting trees in the proposed project may cause some impact due to 5 locality? If so how can the impacts be cutting of trees. minimized? People suggested that compensatory plantation should be undertaken. Will the project cause health and All of the participants had the opinion that the 6 safety issues in the area? If so how proposed project will not cause health and safety can the impacts be minimized? issues in the area. Will the project cause aesthetic / All of the participants had the opinion that the 7 noise problems in the area? If so how proposed project will not cause any aesthetic / noise can the impacts be minimized? problems in the area. Protected areas (national park, The diverted route is passing through agriculture or protected forest, religiously sensitive barren land and there is no protected area near in near 8 sites, historical or archaeological vicinity, hence no impact is envisaged. sites), if any impacts on them? If so how can the impacts are minimized? Will the project sitting adversely All of the participants had the opinion that the impact the water or soil resource in proposed project will not cause any adverse impact in 9 the locality If so how can the impacts the water or soil resource in the locality. be minimized?

8.1.6 Information Disclosure 191. AEGCL will submit to ADB the supplementary IEE for disclosure on ADB’s website. AEGCL will ensure that information will be disclosed to public in such a way that it can be easily accessed by stakeholders. The safeguards documents will be disclosed to the affected people (AP). For the benefit of the community in general and APs in particular, the summary of IEE will be made available at following offices: District Magistrate Office of the concerned project affected area; Project Management Unit (Head Office/ Site Office) 192. As per ADB Public Communications Policy 2011 the summary of IEE in English and vernacular local language shall be placed in public domain on ADB and AEGCL website. The summary IEE and EMP for the Project will be translated into local language ( or Assamese) and made available to the public. A grievance redress mechanism has been established by AEGCL: a special office has been set up at the AEGCL headquarters, which is open on regular bases to provide information and receive complaints about the project. The GOI Right to information Act (2005) provides an additional legal channel for affected people to obtain information about the proposed project.

8.2 MECHANISMS FOR FEEDBACK AND ADJUSTMENT 193. Feedback and adjustment mechanisms are depicted schematically in Figure 8.1.The Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) is the coordinating agency for the ADB

Assam Transmission System Chapter 8: Public and Stakeholder Consultation Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 75 investment program, and has fiduciary oversight responsibility for the Assam Electricity Grid Company Ltd. (AEGCL).As the Executing Agency (EA) for the transmission system project, AEGCL will be the primary point of contact for day-to-day project activities and communications. The Project Management Unit (PMU), and the Environmental and Social Monitoring Cell (ESMC) to be established in the PMU will have direct interaction with route survey and construction contractors, as well as local residents and other stakeholders (and vice versa). 194. Residents and other stakeholders can communicate directly with contractors, PMU / EMSC, AEGCL, and ASEB. ASEB has an open door policy for fielding complaints and inquiries. AEGCL is creating a new website which will allow for electronic information dissemination and solicitation of stakeholder input. Stakeholders may also communicate with the Government of Assam, Government of India, and ADB, if desired. 195. The ESMC will have responsibility for compiling environmental inquiries and complaints, which will be included in routine monitoring reports. ESMC and PMU will communicate feedback to AEGCL, ASEB, and ADB. Any necessary adjustments to the EMP will be initiated by ESMC and PMU and agreed to by AEGCL, ASEB, and ADB. Figure 8.1: Feedback and Adjustment Mechanism

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GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

9.1 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 196. There are 5 circles under AEGCL for substations and T/Ls. One Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) cell at each circles level has been formed (i) to provide support to affected persons (AP’s) on problems arising from the environmental activities. (ii) record grievances of the AP’s and resolve them; and (iii) review grievances involving benefits like compensations for private tree loss and assistance to AP’s. A directive in this regard from Director (PMU), ASEB dated January 19, 2012 have been issued to AEGCL and APDCL, who are the Implementing Agencies of the MFF. GRC at circle levels are formed and Project Authorities are the Chairman of respective circles to comply the grievances in regard to environmental activities if any. The GRC constitutes representatives of

i. Concerned Project Authority (IA) Chairman of the committee ii. One official from the o/o the concerned District Magistrate or SDM (Civil) Member iii. Concerned Circle Officer or his representative Member iv. Concerned Project Manager (IA) Member v. Deputy General Manager (PMU), APDCL Member vi. AGM, Environment & Social Management Unit (ESMU) Member vii. Land Acquisition Officer (LAO), AEGCL Member viii. Affected Person(s)/Gaon Burha Member

197. Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) set up at circle level to monitor sub project Implementation for each subproject affected area. The GRC will determine the merit of each grievance, and resolve grievances within an outer time limit of three months of receiving the complaint. The AP has the right to refer the grievances to appropriate courts of law if not satisfied with the redress at any stage of the process. The set up GRC has the system of records keeping, contact details of complainant, date of the complaint received, nature of grievance etc. if any for the ongoing project and taking the necessary action against the complaint. During this reporting period no formal complaint or grievances from have been registered.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 9: Grievance Redressal Mechanism Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 77 GRC Formation Letter

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ENVIRONMENTAL RESIDUAL IMPACT STUDY

10.1 INTRODUCTION 198. A field based environmental residual impact study was carried out by environmental safeguard management unit to ascertain existence of any residual environmental impacts. Residual Impact study was carried out by conducting a site visit during the operational phase on 19th September 2017(132/33kV Sonari substation and 132/33kV Sonari transmission line), 20th September 2017 (132kV Bihiating substation and 132/33kV Bihiating transmission line), 18th to 21st September 2017 (Samaguri Nagaon transmission line), 21st September 2017 (Samaguri Substation) and 30th August 2017(Kamalpur Substation)40. 10.2 OBSERVATIONS AND COMPLIANCE ACTION 199. This chapter reflects the compliance to environmental safeguards in the substation premises and along transmission lines. Environmental issues, compliance status along with site photographs as observed during site visit in both the substation and transmission line are compiled in tabular form and are given below.

40 The environmental management plan has been issued to all the contractors and the work has been carried out as per the ADB approved EMP (Refer Annexure 6)

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132/33kV Bihiating Substation S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs I. The disposal of No construction waste was found to be present construction waste at inside the substation primises during the field designated sites. visit. Substation premises was found to be neat and clean. No debris was observed inside the substation campus. Dustin bins and drainage system was avaiable and clean.

No debris or construction waste observed inside substation premise II. The management of No transformer oils spills were observed during transformer oil spills. the site visit. However, the concerned Asstt. Manager informed that if any such conditions occurs, it will be managed through the licensed vendors.

No transformer oil spills were observed

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132/33kV Bihiating Substation S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs III. The occupational health The substation premise was found to be neat and safety management and clean. Personal Protective Equipment’s and at the construction camp Fire Safety Equipment’s were present in the and sites. substation. Drinking water facility and sanitation facility was found to be adequate. First aid box was unavailable, so consultant team have advised them to make it available as soon as possible.

Personal Protective Equipment’s and Fire Safety Equipment’s were present IV. The environmental Environmental monitoring of 132/33kV Bihiating monitoring during project S/S for parameters air, noise and water quality implementation. have been conducted by En-Geo Consultancy & Research Centre (ENGECORC), Guwahati during construction period in November 2013 and April 2014.

Air Quality Monitoring Noise Level Monitoring

Ground Water Monitoring

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132/33kV Bihiating Substation S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs V. The public consultation The 132/33kV Bihiating substation site is during project constructed in the private land of Khanikar Tea implementation. estate. Consultation with the care taker of the Bihiating S/S was undertaken on 20th September 2017 during the preparation of field based due diligence site visit. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The benefit of the project to the local people was discussed during the consultation.

Consultation at 132/33kV Bihiating Substation VI. The restoration of The temporary construction camps were created construction camps and during the construction stage within the work sites. substation premise. The area of construction camps was cleaned after the construction of substation and the empty area is being used for plantation.

Area used for construction camp is cleaned and being maintained properly

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Bihiating D/C LILO S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs I. The disposal of Tower footing area premises was found to be construction waste at neat and clean. designated sites. No debris was observed inside the tower footing area.

No debris or construction waste observed Inside Tower footing area. II. The environmental Environmental monitoring for parameters air, monitoring during project noise and water quality have been conducted implementation. by En-Geo Consultancy & Research Centre (ENGECORC), Guwahati during post construction period in January, 2016.

Air Quality Monitoring Ground Water Monitoring

Noise Level Monitoring

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Bihiating D/C LILO S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs III. Restoration of The area under the tower footing was utilized agricultural land during the construction phase. No impact is observed the agricultural activities due to tower footings.

Paddy Farming at Tower Footings IV. The public consultation Consultations were undertaken as part of the during project continuous participation with local community implementation. during the preparation of field base due diligence report of 132kV Bihiating LILO on 20th September, 2017. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The community welcomed the initiative taken by AEGCL and perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition etc.

Public Consultation for 132kV Bihiating LILO

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Bihiating D/C LILO S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs V. The restoration of The temporary construction camps were construction camps and created during the construction stage within the work sites. substation premise. The area of construction camps was cleaned after the construction of substation.

Construction Camps were Restored and No Remaining Work Site Debries was present inside Substation Premise

132kV Kamalpur Substation S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs I. The disposal of No construction waste was found to be present construction waste at inside the substation primises during the field designated sites. visit. Substation premises was found to be neat and clean. No debris was observed inside the substation campus.

No debris or construction waste observed inside substation premise

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132kV Kamalpur Substation S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs II. The management of No transformer oils spills were observed during transformer oil spills. the site visit. However, the concerned Asstt.r Manager informed that if any such conditions occurs, it will be managed through the licensed vendors.

No transformer oil spills were observed III. The occupational health The substation premise was found to be neat and safety management and clean. Personal Protective Equipment’s at the construction camp and Fire Safety Equipment’s were present in and sites. the substation. Drinking water facility and sanitation facility was found to be adequate. First aid box was present.

Personal Protective Equipment’s and Fire Safety Equipment’s were present IV. The environmental Environmental monitoring of 132/33kV monitoring during project Kamalpur S/S for parameters air, noise and implementation. water quality have been conducted by En-Geo Consultancy & Research Centre (ENGECORC), Guwahati during construction period in October 2013 and March, 2014

Air Quality Monitoring Noise Level Monitoring (day time)

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132kV Kamalpur Substation S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs

Noise Level Monitoring Water Level Monitoring (night time)

V. The public consultation The 132/33kV Kamalpur substation site is during project constructed in the private land of Mr. Sandeep implementation. Bhagat. Consultation with the care taker of the Kamalpur S/S was undertaken on 30th August 2017 during the preparation of field based due diligence site visit. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The benefit of the project to the local people was discussed during the consultation.

Consultation at 132/33kV Kamalpur Substation

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132kV Kamalpur Substation S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs VI. The restoration of The temporary construction camps were construction camps and created during the construction stage within the work sites. substation premise. The area of construction camps was cleaned after the construction of substation and the empty area is being used for plantation.

Area used for construction camp is cleaned and being maintained properly

132kV Kamalpur LILO S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs I. The disposal of No construction waste was found to be present construction waste at inside the towe footing area during the field visit. designated sites. Tower footing area premises was found to be neat and clean. No debris was observed inside the substation campus.

No debris or construction waste observed inside substation premise

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132kV Kamalpur LILO

S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs II. The environmental Environmental monitoring for parameters air, monitoring during project noise and water quality have been conducted by implementation. En-Geo Consultancy & Research Centre (ENGECORC), Guwahati during post construction period in January, 2016.

Air Quality Monitoring Air Quality Monitoring (day time) (night time)

Noise Level Monitoring Water Level Monitoring

III. Restoration of agricultural The area under the tower footing was utilized land during the construction phase. No impact is observed the agricultural activities due to tower footings.

Paddy Farming at the Footing of Towers

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132kV Kamalpur LILO S.No. Environmental Issues Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs IV. The public consultation Consultations were undertaken as part of the during project continuous participation with local community implementation. during the preparation of field base due diligence th repoort of 132kV Kamalpur LILO on 30 August, 2017. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The community welcomed the initiative taken by AEGCL and perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition etc.

Public Consultation for 132kV Kamalpur LILO V. The restoration of The temporary construction camps were created construction camps and during the construction stage within the substation work sites. premise. The area of construction camps was cleaned after the construction of substation.

Construction Camps were Restored and No Remaining Work Site Debries was present inside Substation Premise

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Samaguri Nagaon Substation S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs I. The disposal of No construction waste was found to be construction waste at present inside the substation primises during designated sites. the field visit. Substation premises was found to be neat and clean. No debris was observed inside the substation campus. Dustin bins and drainage system was avaiable and clean.

No debris or construction waste observed inside substation premise II. The management of No transformer oils spills were observed transformer oil spills. during the site visit. However, the concerned Asstt. Manager informed that if any such conditions occurs, it will be managed through the licensed vendors.

No transformer oil spills were observed

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Samaguri Nagaon Substation S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs III. The occupational The substation premise was found to be health and safety neat and clean. Personal Protective management at the Equipment’s and Fire Safety Equipment’s construction camp and were present in the substation. Drinking sites. water facility, sanitation facility and First aid box was found to be adequate.

Fire Safety Equipment’s First Aid Box

Personal Protective Equipment’s IV. The environmental Environmental monitoring of 132/33kV monitoring during Samaguri Nagaon S/S for parameters air, project implementation. noise and water quality have been conducted by En-Geo Consultancy & Research Centre (ENGECORC), Guwahati during construction period in October 2013 and April, 2014

Air Quality Monitoring Noise level Monitoring

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Samaguri Nagaon Substation S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs

Water Quality Monitoring V. The public consultation The 132/33kV Nagoan Grid substation site during project is constructed in the Government land. implementation. Consultation with the care taker of the Sonari S/S was undertaken on 21st September 2017 during the preparation of field based due diligence site visit. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The benefit of the project to the local people was discussed during the consultation.

Consultation at 132/33kV Nagoan Substation

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Samaguri Nagaon Substation S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs VI. The restoration of The temporary construction camps were construction camps created during the construction stage within and work sites. the substation premise. The area of construction camps was cleaned after the construction of substation and the empty area is being used for plantation.

Area used for construction camp is cleaned and being maintained properly

132/33kV Samaguri Nagaon Transmission Line S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs I. The disposal of Tower footing area premises was found to be neat construction waste at and clean. designated sites. No debris was observed inside the tower footing area.

No debris or construction waste observed inside tower footing area.

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132/33kV Samaguri Nagaon Transmission Line S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs II. The environmental Environmental monitoring for parameters air, noise monitoring during and water quality have been conducted by En-Geo project implementation. Consultancy & Research Centre (ENGECORC), Guwahati during post construction period in December 2015.

Air Quality Monitoring Noise Level Monitoring

Ground Water Monitoring Surface Water Monitoring III. Restoration of The area under the tower footing was utilized agricultural land during the construction phase. No impact is observed the agricultural activities due to tower footings.

Paddy Farming Under tower footing

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132/33kV Samaguri Nagaon Transmission Line S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs IV. The public consultation Consultations were undertaken as part of the during project continuous participation with local community implementation. during the preparation of field base due diligence repoort of 132kV Samaguri-nagoan SC line on 21st September, 2017. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The community welcomed the initiative taken by AEGCL and perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition etc.

Public Consultation for 132kV Samaguri Nagaon line V. The restoration of The temporary construction camps were created construction camps during the construction stage within the substation and work sites. premise. The area of construction camps was cleaned after the construction of substation.

Construction Camps were Restored and No Remaining Work Site Debries was present inside Substation Premise

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132kV Sonari Substation S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs I. The disposal of No construction waste was found to be construction waste at present inside the substation primises designated sites. during the field visit. Substation premises was found to be neat and clean. No debris was observed inside the substation campus. Dustin bins and drainage system was avaiable and clean.

No debris or construction waste observed inside substation premise II. The management of No transformer oils spills were observed transformer oil spills. during the site visit. However, the concerned Asstt. Manager informed that if any such conditions occurs, it will be managed through the licensed vendors.

No transformer oil spills were observed

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132kV Sonari Substation S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs III. The occupational health The substation premise was found to be and safety management at neat and clean. Personal Protective the construction camp and Equipment’s and Fire Safety Equipment’s sites. were present in the substation. Drinking water facility, sanitation facility and First aid box was found to be adequate.

Personal Protective Equipment’s and Fire Safety Equipment’s were present IV. The environmental Environmental monitoring of 132/33kV monitoring during project Sonari S/S for parameters air, noise and implementation. water quality have been conducted by En- Geo Consultancy & Research Centre (ENGECORC), Guwahati during construction period in November 2013 and April, 2014

Air Quality Monitoring Noise Level Monitoring

Surface Water Monitoring Ground Water Monitoring

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132kV Sonari Substation S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs V. The public consultation The 132/33kV Sonari Grid substation site is during project constructed in the Government land. implementation. Consultation with the care taker of the Sonari S/S was undertaken on 19th September 2017 during the preparation of field based due diligence site visit. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The benefit of the project to the local people was discussed during the consultation.

Consultation at 132/33kV Sonari Substation VI. The restoration of The temporary construction camps were construction camps and created during the construction stage within work sites. the substation premise. The area of construction camps was cleaned after the construction of substation and the empty area is being used for plantation.

Area used for construction camp is cleaned and being maintained properly

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132/33kV Sonari Transmission Line S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs I. The disposal of Tower footing area premises was found to be construction waste at neat and clean. designated sites.

No debris or construction waste observed inside tower footing area. II. The environmental Environmental monitoring for parameters air, monitoring during project noise and water quality have been conducted implementation. by En-Geo Consultancy & Research Centre (ENGECORC), Guwahati during post construction period in January 2016.

Air Quality Monitoring Ground Water Monitoring

Noise Level Monitoring

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132/33kV Sonari Transmission Line S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs III. Restoration of The area under the tower footing was utilized agricultural land during the construction phase. No impact is observed the agricultural activities due to tower footings.

Paddy Farming Undertaken Under Tower Footings IV. The public consultation Consultations were undertaken as part of the during project continuous participation with local community implementation. during the preparation of field base due diligence repoort of 132kV Sonari LILO on 19th September, 2017. During consultation no concerns of significance were raised on environmental aspects of the project. The community welcomed the initiative taken by AEGCL and perceived certain benefits from the proposed investment program, such as improved electricity, good power supply, better irrigation and better living condition etc.

Public Consultation for 132kV Sonari LILO

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132/33kV Sonari Transmission Line S.No. To be observed Observed Environmental Status Site Photographs V. The restoration of The temporary construction camps were construction camps and created during the construction stage within the work sites. substation premise. The area of construction camps was cleaned after the construction of substation.

Construction Camps were Restored and No Remaining Work Site Debries was present inside Substation Premise

200. It was observed during the residual impact study that no major environmental impact of the subprojects under Tranche 1 was observed. All the substation premises were found to be neat clean and well organized. The agricultural lands under the tower footing were restored and were being utilized for agricultural use. Vegetative clearance from the transmission line was well maintained.

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CHAPTER – 11

FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND CONCLUSIONS

11.1 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

201. The Project has been planned and is being designed with careful attention to environmental and social safeguards issues. Environmentally sensitive areas are avoided as a routine engineering design objective, and potential impacts are minimized during the sitting and routing stage. Project components will not be sited in protected areas. No reserved forest areas will be included in the project. The Project will have minimal environmental impacts during construction and operations. Negative environmental impacts, mainly during construction, are considered temporary and insignificant provided mitigation measures are implemented as detailed in the EMP. The Project will have long term positive impacts arising from improved quality and reliability of electricity supplies.

202. Mitigation and monitoring measures with cost estimates have been developed in the EMP. The EMP will be implemented by the AEGCL and construction contractors, with oversight by ASEB, Assam state regulatory agencies, and ADB. Public consultation has been undertaken during project preparation. ASEB maintains an open-door policy for receiving complaints, and will conduct additional consultations as necessary during project implementation.

203. Addendum to IEE report for BTPS Salakati Rangia and Tinsukia Margrita transmission lines were prepared and approved by ADB. This IEE report has been updated considering the changes in line length of Samaguri Nagaon transmission line and Kamalpur LILO(due to change in substation location) This Updated IEE report clearly contains that there is no environmental impact due to change in scope of subprojects from the original IEE report.

11.2 CONCLUSIONS

204. None of the Project components are in environmentally sensitive areas. The Project will not result in any long-term significant adverse impacts. Minimal negative environmental impacts are anticipated, mostly during construction. These can be mitigated successfully by implementing the EMP. Environmental and social benefits of the Project and long-term investment program objectives outweigh the negative impacts.

205. Environmental Implications has been assessed and updated in this updated IEE report. Based on environmental assessment activities conducted to date, the Project is confirmed as environmental category B and the IEE, including the EMP, is considered sufficient to meet the environmental assessment requirements of ADB, GOI, and GOA. A full environmental impact assessment study is not required.

Assam Transmission System Chapter 11: Finding Recommendations and Conclusion

Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 103 ANNEXURES Annexure 1.1 SUMMARY OF NATIONAL, LOCAL, OTHER APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, REGULATION, AND STANDARDS Environmental Regulatory and Policy Framework Selection

1. Government of India, (GOI), and State Governments, State Pollution Control Boards and ADB’s SPS 2009 policies and procedures apply to the project. Category A may apply to project if located in environmentally sensitive areas41. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has been prepared by APGCL following ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009, Environmental Assessment Guidelines, 2003 and applicable National environmental laws and regulations. Based on the IEE report, the environmental management plan (EMP) has been prepared. National/Local Government Environment Classification

2. Under the GoI’s Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2009, the environmental classification of projects is determined by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), GOI and there are two possible outcomes:  Category A: A subproject is classified as Category A if it is likely to have significant negative impacts and is thus one of the types of project listed in this category in the EIA Notification. Such projects require EIA, plus Environmental Clearance (EC) from MoEF; and  Category B: A subproject is classified as Category B if it is likely to have fewer negative impacts and is listed in this category in the EIA Notification. These projects require EC from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), who classify the project as B1 (requiring EIA) or B2 (not requiring EIA), depending on the level of potential impacts. Projects classified as B2 require no further study. 3. As per EIA Notification 2009, Power Transmission projects does not fall either in Category A or Category B and thus detailed EIA may not be required for the project. 4. Apart from the applicable environmental regulations given in Table A2.1, the Government of India has also structured a number of policies that are relevant to the project. The key policies have been provided in Table A2.2.

41Environmentally-sensitive areas include National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Bio-reserve zones, Eco Sensitive Zones, or wetlands as declared by GoI and areas declared as heritage sites. Environment and wildlife Department’s approval is required for right-of-way and sites located in reserved forests, wildlife preserves, national parks, and other designated sensitive area

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 104 Table A2.1: Applicable Environmental Regulations

Sl. No. Name of Regulation Applicability Remark ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS 1 National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 Yes The Environment (Protection) Act; 1986 and Umbrella Act to the 2 Environment (Protection) Rules 1986 and Yes Air, Water and Noise amendments Acts EIA Notification 2006 - Environmental 3 No Clearance and Public Consultation Environmental Statement as per Rule 14 to 4 Yes the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1992 The Hazardous Waste (Management, 5 Handling and Trans boundary Movements) Yes rules, 2008 Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 6 Yes 2001 and further amendments Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation) 7 No Rules, 2000 as amended in 2005 Forests (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Rules 8 Yes 1981 9 The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Yes 10 The Biodiversity Act, 2002 Yes The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) 11 Yes Act, 1981 Including Rules 1982 and 1983 Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and the Noise Pollution 12 Yes (Regulation and Control) (Amendment) Rules, 2010 The Water (Prevention and Control of 13 Pollution), Act, 1974 including Rules, 1975 (as Yes amended up to 1988) The Water (Prevention and Control of 14 Pollution), Cess Act, 1977 including Rules Yes 1978 and 1991 15 The Indian Forest Act 1927 Yes The National Environmental Appellate 16 Yes Authority Act, 1997 The Bio-medical Waste (Management and 17 No Handling) Rules, 1998 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY Central Electricity Authority (Safety Requirements for Operation, Construction and 1 Yes Maintenance of Electric Plants and Electrical Lines) Regulations 2008 2 Indian Electricity Act Yes

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 105 Table A2.2: Indian Policies in India related to Projects S. No. Name of Regulation Applicability Remark ENVIRONMENT, FOREST & LAND RELATED POLICIES 1 National Forest Policy, 1988 Yes 2 National Environmental Policy 2006 Yes 3 Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2002 Yes 4 National Policy for Resettlement and Yes Rehabilitation 2007 5. Relevant Acts of Government of Assam a) Assam Ancient Monuments and Records Act, 1959. b) Assam Forest Regulation, 1891 (Assam Regulation 7 of 1891) as applied vide Meghalaya Forest Regulation (Application & Amendment) Act, 1973 (Meghalaya Act 9 of 1973) c) Assam National Park Act, 1968 d) Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886 e) Assam Irrigation Act, 1983 f) Assam Fishery Rules, 1953 g) Assam Forest Policy, 2004 h) Assam Government’s Guidelines for Compensatory Afforestation, 2000 i) Assam Panchayat Act, 1994 j) Assam Khadi and Village Industries Board Act, 1955 k) Assam Forest Protection Force Act 1986 l) Assam Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Act 1960

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 106 Annexure 2.1 MAPS OF DIVERTED SECTION FOR 220KV BTPS (SALAKATI) RANGIA TRANSMISSION LINE

Map of Diverted Section (AP6/0 to AP7/0)

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 107 Map of Diverted Section (AP25/0 to AP27/0)

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 108 Map of Diverted Section (AP43/0 to AP52/0)

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 109 Map of Diverted Section (AP89/0 to AP97/0)

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 110 Map of Diverted Section (AP109/0 to AP117/0)

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 111 Map of Diverted Section (AP120A/0 to AP138/0)

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 112 Annexure 2.2 SAMAGURI NAGAON TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ALIGNMENT MAP

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 113 Annexure 2.2 (A) REA CHECKLIST 132 kV SAMAGURI NAGAON TRANSMISSION LINE Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist – Power Transmission/ Distribution Instructions:

(i) The project team completes this checklist to support the environmental classification of a project. It is to be attached to the environmental categorization form and submitted to Environment and Safeguards Division (RSES) for endorsement by Director, RSES and for approval by the Chief Compliance Officer. (ii) This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social dimensions are adequately considered, refer also to ADB's (a) checklists on involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples; (b) poverty reduction handbook; (c) staff guide to consultation and participation; and (d) gender checklists. (iii) Answer the questions assuming the “without mitigation” case. The purpose is to identify potential impacts. Use the “remarks” section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures.

Country/Project Title: India/ Assam Power Sector Enhancement Investment Program

Sector Division: Power Transmission/ Distribution

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks A. Project Sitting Is the project area adjacent to or within any of the following environmentally sensitive areas? Cultural heritage site √ The finalized route alignment of 132kv Protected Area √ Samaguri Nagaon transmission line does Wetland √ not pass through any Environmental / Mangrove √ Ecological sensitive area. Estuarine √ The transmission line mainly passes Buffer zone of protected area √ through cultivable land (basically paddy field) open place with minimal vegetation Special area for protecting biodiversity √ covers in the ROW B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause… 132kv Samaguri Nagaon transmission line doesn’t involve encroachment of any historical or cultural site. The waste Encroachment on historical/ cultural areas, generation and impact on local landscape disfiguration of landscape and increased waste √ is limited to location of towers foundation generation? construction and stringing of T/L, which are site specific and temporary in nature.

132kv Samaguri Nagaon transmission Encroachment on precious ecosystem (e.g. sensitive √ line does not pass through any precious or protected areas)? ecological area. Alteration of surface water hydrology of waterways Not Applicable crossed by roads and resulting in increased sediment √ in streams affected by increased soil erosion at the construction site? Damage to sensitive coastal/marine habitats by Not Applicable √ construction of submarine cables? This transmission line is in operational Deterioration of surface water quality due to silt phase and thus no camp site exists as of runoff and sanitary wastes from worker-based camps √ now. However, adequate sanitary facility and chemicals used in construction? has been provided in substation.

Increased local air pollution due to rock crushing Fugitive dust generated during tower √ cutting and filling? foundation excavation and disturbed land

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 114 Screening Questions Yes No Remarks surface may have induced air pollution during operation. Since dispersion of fugitive dust was localised, hence on major impact anticipated. Risks and vulnerabilities related to occupational The design standards of tower foundation health and safety due to physical, chemical, was 100sq.mt, hence, clearing of √ biological, and radiological hazards during project vegetation was mostly through manual construction and operation? clearing. Chemical pollution resulting from chemical clearing of No Chemicals involved. Only manual √ vegetation for construction site? clearing. Noise and vibration due to blasting and other civil No blasting involved. √ works? There was No physical displacement of the affected persons. T/L construction Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people? √ done on temporary holding of land by the Implementing agency Disproportionate impacts on the poor, women and Not involved children, Indigenous Peoples or other vulnerable √ groups? There was limited movement of vehicle Social conflicts relating to inconveniences in living on existing road for transporting conditions where construction interferes with pre- √ construction material and inconvenience existing roads? was for short duration limited to tower foundation construction period. The tower foundation were away from Hazardous driving conditions where construction √ road its likelihood of inducing dangerous interferes with pre-existing roads? driving was not envisaged Creation of temporary breeding habitats for vectors Not envisaged √ of disease such as mosquitoes and rodents? The socio-economic census survey has Dislocation and compulsory resettlement of people √ not found any person within transmission living in right-of-way of the power transmission lines? corridor. Environmental disturbances associated with the Around 702 trees and about 20 Bamboos maintenance of lines (e.g. routine control of √ were cut and accordingly compensated. vegetative height under the lines)? Facilitation of access to protected areas in case Final route alignment is not traversing √ corridors traverse protected areas? through protected area. Disturbances (e.g. noise and chemical pollutants) if The use of herbicides is not envisaged for √ herbicides are used to control vegetative height? control vegetative height control. Large population influx during project construction Local labour was involved during and operation that cause increased burden on social construction. Drinking water and sanitary √ infrastructure and services (such as water supply and facilities were provided adequately. sanitation systems)? Social conflicts if workers from other regions or Not applicable as only local labour was √ countries are hired? involved during construction. Contractors were advised to maintain Poor sanitation and solid waste disposal in hygiene in worker camps to avoid any construction camps and work sites, and possible such possibility. Periodic spot check was √ transmission of communicable diseases from conducted by team of environmental and workers to local populations? social; consultants to keep check on the same. Risks to community safety associated with Required safety provisions shall be taken √ maintenance of lines and related facilities? during maintenance. Community health hazards due to electromagnetic Transmission lines are designed as per fields, land subsidence, lowered groundwater table, √ desired rules and regulations. and salinization? Risks to community health and safety due to the No disposal of any hazardous waste. transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of Solid waste being disposed on regular √ materials such as explosives, fuel and other basis. chemicals during construction and operation? Community safety risks due to both accidental and √ Transmission line mainly passes through

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 115 Screening Questions Yes No Remarks natural hazards, especially where the structural agricultural area. Proper maintenance elements or components of the project (e.g., high and periodic check will be required in voltage wires, and transmission towers and lines) are order to maintain transmission line. accessible to members of the affected community or where their failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning?

Climate Change and Disaster Risk Yes No Remarks Questions The following questions are not for environmental categorization. They are included in this checklist to help identify potential climate and disaster risks Is the Project area subject to hazards such The project area comes under seismic zone as earthquakes, floods, landslides, tropical 5 cyclone winds, storm surges, tsunami or √ volcanic eruptions and climate changes (see Appendix I)? Could changes in precipitation, temperature, salinity, or extreme events over the Project √ lifespan affect its sustainability or cost? Are there any demographic or socio- economic aspects of the Project area that are already vulnerable (e.g. high incidence of √ marginalized populations, rural-urban migrants, illegal settlements, ethnic minorities, women or children)? Could the Project potentially increase the climate or disaster vulnerability of the surrounding area (e.g., increasing traffic or √ housing in areas that will be more prone to flooding, by encouraging settlement in earthquake zones)?

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 116 Appendix I: Environments, Hazards and Climate Changes Environment Natural Hazards and Climate Change Arid/Semi-arid Low erratic rainfall of up to 500 mm rainfall per annum with periodic droughts and high and desert rainfall variability. Low vegetative cover. Resilient ecosystems & complex pastoral and environments systems, but medium certainty that 10–20% of dry lands degraded; 10-30% projected decrease in water availability in next 40 years; projected increase in drought duration and severity under climate change. Increased mobilization of sand dunes and other soils as vegetation cover declines; likely overall decrease in agricultural productivity, with rain-fed agriculture yield reduced by 30% or more by 2020. Earthquakes and other geophysical hazards may also occur in these environments. Humid and More than 500 mm precipitation/yr. Resilient ecosystems & complex human pastoral and sub-humid cropping systems. 10-30% projected decrease in water availability in next 40 years; plains, foothills projected increase in droughts, heat waves and floods; increased erosion of loess- and hill mantled landscapes by wind and water; increased gully erosion; landslides likely on country steeper slopes. Likely overall decrease in agricultural productivity & compromised food production from variability, with rain-fed agriculture yield reduced by 30% or more by 2020. Increased incidence of forest and agriculture-based insect infestations. Earthquakes and other geophysical hazards may also occur in these environments. River valleys/ River basins, deltas and estuaries in low-lying areas are vulnerable to riverine floods, deltas and storm surges associated with tropical cyclones/typhoons and sea level rise; natural (and estuaries and human-induced) subsidence resulting from sediment compaction and ground water other low-lying extraction; liquefaction of soft sediments as result of earthquake ground shaking. coastal areas Tsunami possible/likely on some coasts. Lowland agri-business and subsistence farming in these regions at significant risk. Small islands Small islands generally have land areas of less than 10,000km2 in area, though Papua New Guinea and Timor with much larger land areas are commonly included in lists of small island developing states. Low-lying islands are especially vulnerable to storm surge, tsunami and sea-level rise and, frequently, coastal erosion, with coral reefs threatened by ocean warming in some areas. Sea level rise is likely to threaten the limited ground water resources. High islands often experience high rainfall intensities, frequent landslides and tectonic environments in which landslides and earthquakes are not uncommon with (occasional) volcanic eruptions. Small islands may have low adaptive capacity and high adaptation costs relative to GDP. Mountain Accelerated glacial melting, rock falls/ landslides and glacial lake outburst floods, leading ecosystems to increased debris flows, river bank erosion and floods and more extensive outwash plains and, possibly, more frequent wind erosion in intermontane valleys. Enhanced snow melt and fluctuating stream flows may produce seasonal floods and droughts. Melting of permafrost in some environments. Faunal and floral species migration. Earthquakes, landslides and other geophysical hazards may also occur in these environments. Volcanic Recently active volcanoes (erupted in last 10,000 years – see www.volcano.si.edu). environments Often fertile soils with intensive agriculture and landslides on steep slopes. Subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions including pyroclastic flows and mudflows/lahars and/or gas emissions and occasionally widespread ash fall.

Assam Transmission System Annexure Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited 117 Annexure 2.3 132KV TINSUKIA MARGHERITA TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ALIGNMENT MAP

Assam Transmission System Annexure