49370-002: National Power Grid Strengthening Project

Initial Environmental Examination

Final Report

Project No.: 49370-002

October 2020

Turkmenistan: National Power Grid Strengthening Project

Volume 1

Prepared by the Ministry of Energy, Government of Turkmenistan for the Asian Development Bank.

The Initial Environmental Examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

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.

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Initial Environmental Examination Report , May 2018 updated September 2020 ii

49370-002: TKM TKM Power Sector Development Project

Initial Environmental Examination

Project No: 49370-002 May 2018 UPDATED October 2020

Turkmenistan: National Power Grid Strengthening Project

Prepared by the Ministry of Energy, Government of Turkmenistan for the Asian Development Bank.

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Initial Environmental Examination Report , May 2018 updated September 2020 iv

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Abbreviations

ADB Asian Development Bank AP Affected Person CR Critically Endangered CSO Civil Society Organization EHS Environment, Health and Safety EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EN Endangered GDP Gross domestic product GIS Geographical Information System GRC Grievance Redress Committee GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism GT Government of Turkmenistan IA Implementing Agency IBA Important Bird Area IBAT Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool IEE Initial Environmental Examination IFC International Finance Corporation IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards IR Involuntary Resettlement IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature JFPR Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction Km Kilometre kV Kilovolt KWh Kilowatt-hour LC Least Concern MG Miligram MOA Ministry of Agriculture MOE Ministry of Energy MNP Ministry of Nature Protection MOC Ministry of Culture MOG Ministry of Oil and Gas Industry and Mineral Resources MMA Ministry of Municipal Affairs MPH Ministry of Public Health and Medical Industry MWE Ministry of Water Economy MW Megawatt NGO Non-Governmental Organization OHSP Operational Health and Safety Plan OM Operations Manual ADB OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration PIC Project Implementation Consultant

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PIU Project Implementation Unit PMU Project Management Unit REA Rapid Environmental Assessment RoW Right of Way SCADA Supervisory control and data acquisition SCEPLR State Committee of Environment Protection and Land Resources SEE State Environmental Expertise SPS Safeguard Policy Statement ADB TSP Total Suspended Particles UNECE United Nations Economic Commission for Europe VU Vulnerable WHO World Health Organization

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a 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.

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Table of Content

1. Introduction ...... 5 1.1. Rationale ...... 5 1.2. Nature, Size and Location of The Project ...... 6 1.3. Purpose, Scope, Methodology, Content and limitation of IEE study ...... 6 2. Description of the Project ...... 10 2.1. Rationale ...... 10 2.2. Project Components ...... 11 2.3. Project Scope: Supply Component Under ADB and Government Funding: ...... 12 2.4. Key Design Specification based on Environmental Considerations: ...... 12 2.5. Transmission Line Alignment with overview of route conditions ( Phase I) ...... 13 2.6. Transmission Line Alignment with overview of route conditions ( Phase II) ...... 14 2.7. Location of Substations with Overview of Site conditions ...... 15 2.8. Transfer Oil Management Practise ...... 15 2.9. Sources of material supply and mode of transportation, storage and installation for both the phases...... 15 2.10. Construction Practice requirement as per Turkmenenergo ...... 16 2.11. Implementation Schedule and Cost of Project ...... 16 3. Legal and Administrative Framework ...... 23 3.1. Turkman Environmental Legislation and International Standards ...... 23 3.1.1. Environmental Legislation and its applicability...... 23 3.1.2. The Environmental Assessment and Approval Process ...... 24 3.1.3. National and International Environmental Standards ...... 25 3.1.4. National Institutional Framework ...... 25 3.1.5. International Convention and Protocols ...... 26 3.2. ADB Safeguard Requirements as Per SPS 2009 and Project Categorization ...... 27 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 28 4.1. Background (Study Area, Methodology, References, etc.) ...... 28 4.2. Site Description and Its Environmental Salient Features ...... 28 4.3. Physical Environment ...... 36 4.3.1. Topography ...... 36 4.3.2. Geography of Turkmenistan ...... 37 4.3.3. Drainage and Land Use pattern ...... 38 4.3.4. Geology & Soil ...... 42 4.3.5. Seismicity ...... 42 4.3.6. Natural Disasters ...... 43 4.4. Climate ...... 44 4.5. Water Environment ...... 45 4.6. Air Environment ...... 46 4.7. Biological Environment ...... 48 4.8. Forest and other wooded lands ...... 49 4.9. Protected Areas of Turkmenistan ...... 50 4.10. Flora ...... 51 4.11. Avi Fauna (Birds) and Important Bird Areas of Turkmenistan ...... 52 4.12. Other Fauna...... 56 4.12.1. Mammals ...... 57 4.12.2. Reptiles ...... 57 4.12.3. Amphibians ...... 57 4.13. Species under threat of extinction and protected species...... 58 4.14. Socioeconomic Environment ...... 58 4.14.2. Archaeologically Protected Areas: ...... 59 Initial Environmental Examination Report, May 2018 updated September 2020 1

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5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 61 5.1. Identification of Impact ...... 61 5.2. Impact during Design/Pre-Construction Phase ...... 68 5.2.1. Impact on Land Use and Soil quality ...... 68 5.2.2. Impact on Ecology-Terrestrial Flora & Fauna ...... 68 5.2.3. Impact on Ecology – Avifauna ...... 68 5.2.4. Impact on Ambient Air Quality ...... 72 5.2.5. Impact on Ambient Noise Levels ...... 72 5.2.6. Impact on Occupational Health and Safety ...... 72 5.2.7. Impact of Natural Hazards...... 72 5.3. Impact during Construction Phase ...... 73 5.3.1. Land Use ...... 73 5.3.2. Ecology ...... 73 5.3.3. Water Resources ...... 74 5.3.4. Air Quality ...... 74 5.3.5. Noise Levels & Vibrations ...... 75 5.3.6. Traffic ...... 76 5.3.7. Socio-economic -Quality of Life ...... 77 5.3.8. Occupational Health & Safety and Community Health Safety & Security ...... 77 5.4. Impact during Operation Phase...... 77 5.4.1. Impact on Noise Levels ...... 78 5.4.2. Occupational Health & Safety and Community Health Safety & Security ...... 78 6. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND DISCLOSURE ...... 80 7. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 96 7.1. Implementation Arrangements ...... 96 7.2. Effective Implementation of Environmental Management Plan during Construction Phase 100 7.3. Environmental Standards for operation and maintenance of Various Civil Interventions, and Operations ...... 100 7.4. Protection of project personnel and workers in COVID – 19 Pandemic Situation .... 100 7.5. Environment Monitoring Plan(EMoP) ...... 100 7.6. Monitoring Responsibility for Implementation of EMP ...... 101 7.7. Reporting Requirement for EMP and EMoP ...... 101 7.8. Trainings & Capacity Building ...... 102 7.9. Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan and Contingency Response Plan .. 102 7.10. Environmental Management Budget ...... 102 7.11. Grievance Redress Mechanism ...... 102 8. CONCLUSION ...... 117

List of Tables Table 3.1 : National Laws and Codes for Environment Protection ...... 23 Table 3.2 : National Criteria for Air Pollution Assessment ...... 25 Table 3.3 : International Conventions and Agreement Signed by Turkmenistan ...... 26 Table 4.1 : Environmental Setting ...... 28 Table 4.1 : Available water resources ...... 45 Table 4.2 : Air Quality of Study Area ...... 46 Table 4.3 Statistical Details of IBA of Turkmenistan ...... 52 Table 4.4 : List of Identified Important bird areas of Turkmenistan ...... 55 Table 4.5 : Quantitative correlation of vertebrate species of Turkmenistan ...... 57 Table 4.6 Summary of Each Province with area and population of Turkmenistan ...... 58 Table 5.1 Impact identification and screening matrix based on interaction of project activities with Valued Environmental components ...... 63 Initial Environmental Examination Report, May 2018 updated September 2020 2

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Table 5.2 Noise Levels from construction Machinery ...... 75 Table 5.3 OSHAS Noise Exposure Limits for The Work Environment ...... 76 Table 7.1 Environmental Monitoring Plan ...... 101 Table 7.2 Environmental Management Plan ...... 104

List of Figures Figure 1.1 : Sub Projects Location Map ...... 8 Figure 1.2 : Transmission Line Network Region of Turkmenistan ...... 9 Figure 2.1 : Location of Project Component with Alignment Map ...... 14 Figure 2.2 View of Substation Site Conditions of and Select Transmission Line Alignment Areas ...... 20 (Source: Expert’s compilation based on various secondary data collection and site visit verification ...... 34 Figure 4.1 : Environmental sensitivity Map along Project component area/alignment ...... 34 Figure 4.2 : Topographical Map of Turkmenistan ...... 36 Figure 4.3 Drainage Pattern of Turkmenistan ...... 39 (Source: subject expert preparation based on data analysis and site verifications visits) ...... 41 Figure 4.4 : Land use Map of Alignment RoW and 2 km Buffer Area ...... 41 (Source: WHO Publications 2010) ...... 43 Figure 4.5 : Seismic Hazard Distribution Map (Source: WHO, 2010) ...... 43 Figure 4.6 Flood Hazard Map of Turkmenistan ...... 44 Figure 4.7 : Pollutant emissions in 2000-2013 ...... 46 (Source: Figured Environmental examination report is given at Map ...... 49 Figure 4.8 : Ecosystem distribution ...... 49 Figure 4.9 : Forests and other wooded land ...... 50 Figure 4.10 Protected Areas Location Map of Turkmenistan ...... 51 Figure 4.11 : Location of Important Bird Areas and Protected Areas of Turkmenistan ...... 53 Figure 4.12 Important Bird Area of Turkmenistan as per IBAT ...... 53 Figure 4.13 : Presence of Important Bird Areas close to Proposed/existing Transmission ...... 54 Figure 4.14 : Cultural Monuments of Turkmenistan ...... 60 Figure 5.1 Wing Span of One of the largest Bird Vulture (Gyps fulvus) with outstretched wings at take-off...... 70 Figure 5.2 View of Insulation at terminal structure and take off structures ...... 70 Figure 5.3 View of Perch Guard Devices, Line Marker...... 71 Figure 7.1 Institutional Mechanism for Environmental and Safety Management ...... 98

List of Appendix : Rapid Environmental Assessment (Rea) Checklists ...... i Appendix 3.1 : International EHS standard, Guidelines and Exposure limits ...... iv Appendix 4.1 : List of Total number of Birds of Turkmenistan ...... vi Appendix 4.2: List of Globally Threatened Bird Species ...... xx (Source: Birds Life International) ...... xx Appendix 4.3 : List of Sea Birds...... xxi Appendix 4.4: List of Water Birds ...... xxii Appendix 4.5 : List of Migratory Birds ...... xxvii Annexure 4.5 : List of Land Birds ...... xxxvii Appendix 4.6: Globally Threteaned Species in Turkmenistan ...... xlv Appendix 6.1: Details of Consultations with Attendence sheet ...... xlvii Appendix 6.1: Attendance Sheet Sedar Key ...... xlvii Initial Environmental Examination Report, May 2018 updated September 2020 3

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Stakeholders ...... xlvii Appendix 7.1: Guidelines for Debris and Solid Waste Management ...... xlviii Appendix 7.2: Guidelines for Selection and Management of Construction/Labour Campsite ...... li Appendix 7.3 Guidelines for Occupational Health and Safety Management ...... lv

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1. Introduction

1.1. Rationale

1. Turkmenistan is an energy self-sufficient country with access to grid connected electricity to all its population. It has one of the largest reserves of gas1, ranked 4th in the world. Most of the power is generated using natural gas in the country. Government, through investment in generation infrastructure expects about 2000 MW of excess power generation capacity to be available from 2020. Turkmenistan plan to export electricity to neighbouring countries as a value-added product from natural gas. It plans to maximise its energy export in the region with availability of excess electricity by fast tracking its domestic and export related transmission infrastructure to its regional markets. Reliability and quality of power are essential of power infrastructure for uninterrupted power supply especially for export. Any supply disruptions to its export is a net loss of foreign currency revenue from export. The large part of power infrastructure in the country was developed in 70s and are in need of rehabilitation and expansion. Thus, Government is also giving priority to the modernisation of transmission and distribution network in order to enhance power supply reliability. The power transmission network in the country consist of five main regions namely Dashgouz, Balkan, Akhal-Ashgabat, Marry and Lebap. Strengthening links between the region and establishing a national backbone is in line with above key priority and objective of the government. The Government of Turkmenistan (GT) had requested ADB to help finance its plans of rehabilitation of existing and construction of new transmission line including sub stations, connecting different region of the country. Under phase-1 ADB has supported for development of power lines in Dashoguz, Balkanbat, Yurt, Serdar (West), Gyzylarbat, regions and substation extension at Serdar (East) and Ashgabat (Gurtly) in 2018. In Phase-II GT has has requested ADB to support development of power lines and substation in Akhalski and Maryiski velayats (regions).

2. ADB’s 2017–2021 country partnership strategy for Turkmenistan2 will help the country to become a key catalyst for regional cooperation and integration by diversifying its markets and positioning the country as a trade and transit hub. The strategy identified the export of excess power by way of Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan–Tajikistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan power interconnection initiatives. The proposed project is also aligned with ADB’s 2018-2019 country operations business plan for Turkmenistan. The business plan supports the government’s objective of diversifying the economy by investing in energy infrastructure. Key areas of assistance in the country assistance result areas include: (i) energy generation and electricity transmission; (ii) energy efficiency in generation and loss reduction in transmission; (iii) cross- border power trade; and (iv) capacity building and institutional strengthening. Development outcomes associated with these result areas are increased power exports and increased electric interconnections with neighbouring countries. The proposed phase II of this project will further support in achieving above stated government’s objectives.

3. In line with its above strategy, and as per request from GT, ADB, in phase I is financing the supply of goods for (i) construction of new and rehabilitation of existing transmission lines, (ii) construction and extension of new sub stations, (iii) transmission line construction equipment and (iv) installation of telecommunication system at substations. The same financing mode will continue for Phase II developments also. The State Energy Corporation “Turkemenergo’ – The

1 According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy June 2008, in 2007 Turkmenistan had proven natural gas reserve of 2.66 trillion m3 . As per current estimate this reserve is expected to be in the range of 8 to 26 trillion m3 2 ADB. 2017. Country Partnership Strategy: Turkmenistan, 2017-2021. Manila. Initial Environmental Examination Report, May 2018 updated September 2020 5

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Implementing Agency, is financing the civil works for the transmission lines, and substations included in this project. The Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction is financing the capacity building for project implementation and assist Turkmenenergo in preparing the company’s financial statements in accordance to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).The outcome of the project will be , to improve power quality, increase energy sector efficiency and overall increase energy export capacity, in Turkmenistan enabling reliable supply to national customers and maximize regional cooperation, and power export opportunities to neighbouring countries.

1.2. Nature, Size and Location of The Project 4. The project components of phase I are located in all the region of Turkmenistan except Mary region (Figure 1.1 and 1.2) which included substation development at Dashoguz, Balkanbat, Yurt, Serdar (West), Gyzylarbat, and substation extension at Serdar (East) and Ashgabat (Gurtly). Project Phase I includs construction of three new transmission line connecting Dashoguz to Balkan (560 Km), Yurt to Dashoguz (25 Km) Balkanabat-Balkan- Serdar (West)-Ashgabat (Gurtly) (450 Km) and rehabilitation of the Serdar (East)-Dashoguz (355 Km) transmission lines. 5. 6. The project components of Phase II are located in Maryiski and Akhalski region (Figure 1.1 and 1.2) which will include construction of 220 kV transmission line starting from Mary and ending at Kaahka and reconstruction of two substations located in Akhal region .

7. “Turkemenergo’ is already undertaking the civil work for substations at Dashoguz, Balkan, Yurt, Serdar (West), Gyzylarbat, Gurtly, and Serdar (East), and construction of new transmission line from Dashoguz to Balkan, Dashoguz to Yurt, and Balkanabat-Balkan-Serdar (West) to Gurtly in phase I. Same way Turkemenrgo will implement the components of phase II.

8. The transmission lines of phase I had been realigned considering environmental sensitivities. All the natural habitats identified important bird areas, agriculture areas and water body have been bypassed in the finalized alignment. The sites selected for new sub stations are barren land away from habitation and devoid of any vegetation or faunal movement. Consultations with key stakeholders in Dashoguz, Serdar and with some local community members, were undertaken to obtain their view about environmental and social aspects of the proposed project. The phase II component is construction of new transmission line but following existing line route and reconstruction of substations. None of phase II components passes through any protected areas or sensitive locations. Category “B” approved for phase I is continued to be retained ( Refers updated REIA given at ..) and Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report prepared for phase I is further updated covering phase II components as well. The updated IEE is proposed to be disclosed at websites of ADB in English and Ministry of Energy in Turkmenistan’s local language. 1.3. Purpose, Scope, Methodology, Content and limitation of IEE study 9. In this report, the different activities that are likely to take place to achieve the project objectives, have been analysed and the potential impacts that may accompany them have been discussed. ADB funding support is limited to material supply, but linked activity, though financed by Turkmenergo will have direct impact on environment. This IEE, therefore covers the impacts associated with equipment supply as well as construction and operation activities of phase I & II both. The IEE report is prepared as per ADB safeguard requirement (SPS 2009) and IFC Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution and is based on Technical and alignment details provided by (i) TurkmenEnergo

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Design Institute and Turkemenergo’ , (ii) various country reports especially Environmental Performance Reviews of Turkmenistan by UNECE, 2012 (iii) Environmental Sensitivity analysis about Important Bird Area by Bird Life International (iv) Field visits to project component areas and transmission line alignments (v) Consultations with Government institutions and public representatives, (vi) Inputs from subject experts. This updated IEE is carried out based on most up-to-date subproject details and technical specifications provided by TurkmenEnergo Design Institute during the preparation of this report. Some changes in alignment and further design details may occur at the detailed designing stage

10. Assessment has been carried out to identify the impacts of the construction and operation of transmission line and substations on land use, air, water and noise environment and ecology with more emphasis on avifauna. To mitigate the potential impacts, appropriate measures have been proposed in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Outcome of stakeholders’ consultations have been referred for identifying the mitigative measures. The 80% of the country area is covered by Karakum Desert. The large portion of the alignment passes through this desert area of phase I components and through Desert/barren land/mountainous area of phase II. The substation sites are also proposed to be located away from habitat area and on Barren land in phase I. Since construction on new lines on existing alignment and reconstruction of substation is involved in phase II, no changes in existing setting is anticipated. No public, or even a person was found in large section of the project component areas except shepherds. Therefore, public consultations were limited to Govt institutions and public representatives only.

11. The corridor of impact has been considered as 50 m on either side of Transmission line alignment. However, study area for detailed impact assessment is considered based on influence area consideration which may vary from 50 m to 500 m depending upon various environmental component viz air, water etc. Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques have been used based on recent satellite imageries of the project areas for above purposes. The scope of the IEE studies has been confined to project related activities associated with design, construction (e.g. Site clearing, material sourcing and transportation, construction camp management, labour camp management, tower erections) and operation stages. The IEE report is presented in eight chapters, which includes this introduction and chapters on description of project activities, legislative and institutional framework, description of baseline environment, anticipated environmental impacts and mitigation measures, environmental management plan, public consultation and disclosure, and conclusion. Qualitative & quantitative impact assessment approach is followed to analyse the impacts on air, noise, land, Important birds’ area, ecology and other valued environmental components.

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: Sub Projects Location Map of Phase I and Phase II

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: Transmission Line Network Region of Turkmenistan-phase I & II both

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2. Description of the Project

2.1. Rationale 12. Turkmenistan is largely a desert country of about 5.7 million people with intensive agriculture in irrigated oases and significant natural gas and oil resources. The two largest crops are cotton, most of which is exported, and wheat, which is domestically consumed. Although agriculture accounts for almost 8% of gross domestic product (GDP), it employs nearly half of the country’s workforce. Hydrocarbon exports make up 25% of Turkmenistan’s GDP. The country’s economic performance is significantly dependent on external demand for its hydrocarbon resources and their prices in the global market. Power export to neighbouring country is seen as another source of revenue.

13. The electrification rate of Turkmenistan is close to 100%, The current system has the capacity of 6,511.2 MW and consists of 12 power stations, 110, 220, 500 kV power lines with a total length of 12,057.4 km., and 110, 220 and 500 kV electrical substations. However, the transmission and distribution networks are largely obsolete, built during the Soviet era, and are in need of rehabilitation and expansion. System losses on the 500 and 220 kilovolt (kV) system average annually about 1,130 gigawatt-hours (GWh) or 4.6%. The transmission system also experiences on average 76 faults over its 6,154 kilometres of line for an average failure rate of 1.2% per kilometre per year. Of the total, 90% of faults are transient faults. Energy not supplied because of a lack of system reliability averages 10.1 GWh per year, 40% of which is due alone to the 220-kV line between Serdar and Dashoguz. The transmission system needs strengthening as well to meet growing domestic demand estimated at 2% per year over the medium term.

14. Turkmenistan is ranked 4th in the world with 8 trillion cubic meters of proven reserves of natural gas. With a small domestic energy market whose energy needs are met, the government’s policy is to expand the power sector and export electricity generated from natural gas to international markets, such as, Afghanistan. Afghanistan has an electrification ratio of about 30% and 20 million people with no access to electricity and will need to increase imports of electricity to raise the electrification ratio and meet the growing domestic demand. The government also envisions the export of electricity via Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to energy deficient Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic (in winter when hydropower output is low) and Pakistan and increasing electricity exports to Iran. The government is currently in talks to connect with the Central Asia power system, from Serdar (East) to Uzbekistan, to export at least 400 MW of power.

15. Power delivery to the domestic and international markets will require a reliable high- voltage transmission network. Strengthening transmission links between the regions is a key government priority for improving power supply reliability for domestic and current and future electricity exports. A new 500 kV transmission corridor for Serdar (East)-Dashoguz-Balkanabat is needed because Dashoguz has insufficient local generation (254 megawatts [MW]) and needs alternate ways to supply another 200 MW from other regions. The Serdar (East)- Dashoguz-Balkanabat transmission line will also create a 500 kV ring system to help achieve an N-1 redundancy standard3. A 25-kilometre single circuit 220 kV transmission line is also needed to connect Dashoguz with the power plant at Yurt. The reinforcement of the Gurtly-Balkanabat

3 N-1 redundancy is a form of resilience that ensures system availability in the event of component failure. Components have at least one independent backup component.

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220 kV transmission corridor will provide an N-1 standard and ensure efficient energy transfers between the Balkanabat and Akhal (Ashgabat) regions. In addition, substations at Serdar (East) and Gurtly need to be extended, new greenfield 500/220 kV substations at Balkanabat and Dashoguz need to be constructed, and existing 220/110 kV substations at Serdar (West) and Yurt need to be replaced. The Marry and Akhalski and Mariski region is 1563 MW power generation capacity through power producing plants located at Ashkhabad and Maryiski.. The transmission line connecting this region to above other region also need renovation which was left in phase I earlier. The power demand of this region is also increasing requiring upgraded transmission and substation network.

2.2. Project Components

16. Project Components in phase I Included construction of 3 new transmission lines, upgradation of 1 existing line, development of 5 new sub stations, and extension of 2 existing substations. Project components in phase II includes construction of three transmission lines and reconstruction of 2 substations. The details of both phases are summarised below:

A. Construction of new Transmission line ( Phase I)

i. Development of 500 kV single circuit Balkan to Dashoguz (length about 560 km) ii. Development of 220 kV double circuit Gurtly (near Asghabat) to Balkanabat almost parallel to existing 220 kV double circuit line of about 450 km length. iii. Development of 220 kV single circuit Dashoguz to Yurt of about 25 km length

B. Upgradation of Existing Transmission lines ( Phase I)

iv. Existing 220/500 kV Dashoguz to Serdar East line upgradation to 500 kV Installation of additional towers and replacement of insulators (length 350 km)

C. Construction of new Sub Stations ( Phase I)

i. Development of 500/220 kV substation at Dashoguz ii. Development of 500/220 kV Sub Station at Balkan iii. Development of 220/110 kV Serdar (West) (Shifting of this substation, about 10 km away from existing location, in non-residential area) (Existing substation which is surrounded by residential areas will be retained for training purposes) iv. Development of 110/10 kV substation at Gyzylarbat v. Development of 220 kV at substation at Yurt

D. Extension of Existing sub-stations ( Phase I)

Extension of 220/110/10 kV Gurtly Sub substation Extension of 500/220 KV Serdar (East) sub station

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E. Construction of Transmission lines ( Phase II)

Construction of a double-circuit overhead 220 kV power line from the Mary HPP to the Tejen substation with a total length of 160 km.in the Maryiski region Construction of a double-circuit overhead 220 kV power line from the Tejen substation to the Kaahka substation with a total length of 85 km in the Akhalski region Construction of a double-circuit overhead 220 kV power line from the Kaahka substation to the Akhal HPP with a total length of 135 km. in the Akhalski region

F. Reconstruction of new Sub Stations ( Phase II)

Reconstruction of the 220/110/35/10 kV Tejen substation in the Akhal region - Reconstruction of the 220/110/35/10 kV Kaahka substation in the Akhal region

2.3. Project Scope: Supply Component Under ADB and Government Funding: 17. Procurement under ADB financing will include supply and delivery of:

All equipment, parts, and materials for the construction of substations and transmission lines (in one package). Construction equipment for the construction and installation of substations and transmission lines (Second package) Supply and installation of SCADA system (Third package).

18. Procurement under Government financing will include all Civil Work and installation services 2.4. Key Design Specification based on Environmental Considerations:

19. The transmission line alignment and technical features are design considering various environmental features as summarised below:

A Minimum distance of 50 m, average 80 m will be maintained between transmission line (ROW) and habitat, agriculture area, water body or gas pipe line. Ground clearance of 7 m will be maintained between insulator to ground from safety prospective. To prevent bird electrocution, minimum conductor separation distance is proposed as per international standards and practices which will be as follows: 500 kV Tower: 3.3 m horizontal and 6.8 m vertical directions: insulator in horizontal placing 220 kV Tower: 3.9 m Horizontal direction and 3 m in vertical direction, insulator in hanging placing Similarly, to Minimum distance between Jumpers to tower will be maintained as:

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500 kV Tower: minimum 6 m distance 220 kV Tower: minimum 4 m distance Other Bird Protection measures: Provision of perch guard for birds Likely provision of line marking devices near Important Birds Areas to avoid birds’ collision with transmission line. Likely provision of bird’s reflector on top of every tower Pylons and foundations, and cables specifications for 220 kV lines (phase II) The metal pylons proposed for 220 kV will include Interim metal pylons, type TPA (turning angle 0°-2°);, Anchor-type metal pylons, type TPB (turning angle 0°- 30°);, Anchor-type metal pylons, type TPC (turning angle 30°- 90°). All metal pylons have a suitable wind load and windage. The design envisages installing pylons on unified straight reinforced concrete foundations using sulphur resistant Portland concrete cement. The methods for installing the foundations in the ground will depend on the soil's mechanical properties and its load bearing capacity. Necessary measures will be taken to prevent blowing out of sand. The 220 kV transmission line is proposed to use ACSR-795 MCM (DRAKE) steel- aluminium cable with a 400 mm2 cross-section. Provision will be made for installing lightning-protected fiber optic OPGW cable along the entire route of the 220 kV overhead power transmission line ( OPL) .

2.5. Transmission Line Alignment with overview of route conditions ( Phase I) 20. The transmission line from Balkan to Dashoguz substation (560 km long) primarily passes through the desert area with no habitation or protected area around. It does not cross any water body as well. It runs parallel to gas pipeline with a minimum separation of 400 m against the norm of 50 m from Dashoguz to Darwaja area. A separation distance of 500 m will be maintained between two towers. The access road used for gas pipeline will be used for this pipeline as well. In other section from Darwaja area to Balkan, movement will be made through desert area with no construction of new road. Near Balkan, one Important Bird Area (IBA) falls close to this line. The original alignment was passing through the Kaplankyr National Reserve and IBA which was realigned and shifted towards desert about 25 km away from this reserve due to environmental considerations. The ROW of 25 m is considered for this alignment. The alignment location is shown at Figure 2.1.

21. The transmission line from Gurtly (near Asghabat) to Balkanabat (about 450 km long) runs along the existing 220 kV transmission line. A distance of 50 to 80 m is being maintained between existing and proposed transmission line. As per presidential decree agriculture land and water resources has to be avoided for construction of new transmission line. This new line will though pass along the existing line but will bypass residential areas and water resource area including Gokdepe reservoir and will maintain a minimum distance of 50 to 80 m from these areas. No protected biodiversity area lies close to this transmission line, however four IBAs are located close to this transmission line namely Gurtli, Kopetdagkhovudan, Chokrak-tutli and Kurendag-garagoz. Dashoguz substation (new) to Yurt substation (about 25 Km long) will also follow the above criteria and will maintain a distance of minimum 50 to 80 m from habitat and

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water bodies. No IBA falls close to this transmission line. The alignment location is shown at Figure 2.1.

22. The upgradation of existing 220/500 kV Dashoguz to Serdar East line will only involve installation of additional towers and replacement of insulators with no change in existing alignment. However, this line also runs close to four IBAs namely Khorezm, Soltansanjar- Duyeboyun, Gorelde, and Nargyz. The birds’ protection measures such as birds’ reflectors will be installed on towers of this transmission line alignment as well. The alignment location is shown at Figure 2.1.

: Location of Project Component with Alignment Map or phase I & II both

2.6. Transmission Line Alignment with overview of route conditions ( Phase II) 23. The transmission line from Mary to Tejen, from Tejen to Kaahka and from Kaahka to Akhal HPP will primarily passes through the desert area with limited economic activities and no habitation or protected area or historical and cultural monuments around. It does not cross any water body as well, except one Karakum canal. A separation distance of 300 m will be maintained between two towers ( pylons). Existing access road will be used to reach the transmission line route areas. There are few IBA ( Important Bird areas) located in the Kaahka substation to the Akhal HPP transmission line area. Nearest IBA is located at a distance of about 6 KM at Loffatabad and Dorregaz area but none of the project component will impact any

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49370-002: TKM TKM Power Sector Development Project of these IBAs. Birds protection measures are already incorporated in project design. It is planned to use available right of way of existing power transmission line with a separation distance of 25 m with each other. The ROW of 25 m is considered for this alignment. The alignment location is shown at Figure 2.1.

2.7. Location of Substations with Overview of Site conditions 24. The new 500/220 kV substation at Dashoguz is likely to be located on a land area of 16000 m2. The land is free from any vegetation. Only few shrubs are found. The nearest settlement is located at about 7 km from the site. The site is directly accessible from highways. Water supply for construction purposes will be sourced from central Water Supply system located at about 4-5 km. This site is proposed to be shifted to other location in the same area with similar site siting features. The new 500/220 kV Balkan substation is again located in the desert area devoid of any vegetation and .is about 800 m away from the road. Water will be sourced from the central water pipe line. Labour camp and construction camp will be setup at these sites itself. The new 220/110 KV Serdar (West) substation will be set up again on barren land (semi desert land) about 250 m away from the Asghabat – Balkanabat highway and about 10 km away from existing Serdar (East) substation. The nearest habitation is located at about 3 km away from this site. Development of new 220 kV substation at Yurt and Extension of 110/10 kV substation at Gyzylarbat, 500/220 kV at Serdar (east), 220/110/10 kV at Gurtly will be set up adjacent of existing stations on govt land. The site condition is shown at Figure 2.2

25. The project is not likely to involve any land acquisition and resettlement for both the phases.. According to Turkmenenergo, all construction activities will be undertaken on idle land already owned by the government or within the premises of existing facilities which are not occupied by non-titleholders. Turkmenenergo has also confirmed that the project activities will not involve any involuntary resettlement and that there are no settlements near the locations proposed for construction of new substations.

26. According to Turkmenenergo, all construction activities under phase II also will take place on the vacant land plots already owned by the state, or on the territory of existing facilities not occupied by private owners with land use rights. The project activities will not involve any forced relocation, and there are no settlements on the outskirts of the land plots for the reconstruction of new substations

2.8. Transfer Oil Management Practise

27. The transformer oil is used for insulation purposes for circuit-breakers, current- and voltage transformers, capacitors, and station service transformers. No used oil is disposed of separately. All oils are sent to central facility for cleaning and reuse.

2.9. Sources of material supply and mode of transportation, storage and installation for both the phases. 28. The bulk equipment will be bought through international bidding. The construction material will be sourced locally. Water will be sourced from central water supply system. The quarry material will be sourced from about 1.5 km away from Balkan site. All the material will be transported through road. All project component is connected through road network and material transportation is unlikely to cause any congestion on the roads.

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2.10. Construction Practice requirement as per Turkmenenergo

29. Turkmenenergo defines certain requirement /practices for construction of energy fields in Turkmenistan which will be followed along with the Environment safeguard requirements defined under this IEE. As part of this practice a method statement for construction purposes is to be drafted based on the detailed design by a production preparation group together with the process equipment supplier and approved by the chief engineer of the construction contractor which covers all requirement of site preparation, route layout, transportation and assembly of pylons, unreeling of cable and fixing cables, and health and safety of workers and protection of environment. The aspects defines under this IEE for environment protection will also form part of this statement for implementation.

2.11. Implementation Schedule and Cost of Project

30. The cost of the project is about 658 million USD and is likely to take about 5 years (till year 2023)

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View of 500_200 Balkhan Sub station

View of proposed new Serdar west sub View of Existing 220 kVA transmission line

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station

View of Serdar West sub station

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View of Gurtli Substation and Existing 220 kV Transmission Line

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View of Dashoguz Substation site Site View of Dashougz sub station

View of area close to Gas pipeline for Dashoguz to Balkan Transmission line

View of Substation Site Conditions of and Select Transmission Line Alignment Areas of Phase I

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View of Ahal-Mary transmission line and Route Area in the territory of Ahal

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View of Ahal-Mary transmission line and Route Area in the territory of Marry

View of Select Transmission Line Alignment Areas and other project component Area of Phase II

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3. Legal and Administrative Framework

3.1. Turkman Environmental Legislation and International Standards

Environmental Legislation and its applicability

31. Turkmenistan has enacted many environmental laws and codes for different aspects of valued environmental component. It has framed various environmental standards as well and are described at Table below:

: National Laws and Codes for Environment Protection

S. No. Law/Code Key Objective Requirements Applicability/ Remarks Law on nature protection The main law in the field of environmental Applicable: It defines that 2014 protection and natural resources Environmental Assessment of management. any development project is to be carried out. Law on ecological It carries information about the procedure Applicable: According to the Expertise, 2014 for carrying out state expertise. law for the implementation of any economic activity, it is necessary to obtain a positive conclusion of the environmental impact assessment. In accordance with this law, the EIA (environmental impact assessment) is prepared for approval by the relevant organizations of Turkmenistan. Law on protection of Details air quality standards and pollution Applicable: This mandates that atmospheric air 2016 (it control and monitoring requirements air quality monitoring is to be replaces 1996 law on air carried out by the project protection) developers during construction and operation stage both as accordance with the law on environmental expertise. Law for Protection and Regulates matters related to protection Limited applicability. rational Use of Flora, 2012 and use of natural vegetation Law for the Protection and Regulates matters related to protection, Limited applicability. rational Use of Fauna, use and reproduction of the animal world 2013 Law for specially protected Legal, environmental, economic and Not Applicable: no protected Natural Areas, 2012 organizational basis for the creation, area falls in the proposed management and protection of unique project area. IBA are not

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natural complexes, which are of national covered under this Act. wealth and national property for the benefit of present and future generations. Forest Code Regulates relations in the use and Not Applicable: no forests area Turkmenistan, 2011 protection of forests, contains general falls under the proposed provisions on the functions, membership project of forests and forest funds and regulates the use and restoration of forest resources Law on waste Household waste should be handled by Limited Applicability: Requires management, 2015 authorized bodies in the sphere of effective waste management municipal services and local self- which is likely to be generated government bodies; medical waste - the during construction and authorized body of state administration in operation stage. the field of public health and medical Turkmenistan does not any industry; The State Committee for law yet on handling and Environmental Protection and Land disposal of waste oil. The Resources - exercises state control over generator like TurkmenEnergo compliance with the legislation; The rest of in this case. the waste (such as used transformer oil) should be handled by the relevant authorities - such as "Turkmenenergo" (for this project). Code of Turkmenistan Regulates water relations, rational use of Applicable: to the extent use of On Water, 2016 water or the needs of the population, and water and sourcing it from economy, as well as protect the rights of authorised sources enterprises, institutions, organisations, and citizens “daikhan" in the field of water relations. Source: Compilation based on different legislative references and verification through SCEPLR.

The Environmental Assessment and Approval Process

32. As per Law on Nature Protection and Law on Ecological Expertise, it is essential to prepare OVOZ (local EIA) for every developmental project by local agency licensed by State Committee of Environment Protection and Land Resources (SCEPLR). The project authority has to submit this report to SCEPLR for environmental approval. EIA report must also provide quantitative assessment of air pollution using appropriate prediction models and make budgetary compensation provisions as required in line with mitigation measures proposed. EIA should also provide ecological assessment as per law pertaining to flora, fauna, protected areas and forests. It takes about 3-4 month to complete the process after receipt of OVOZ document by SCEPLR. 33. As per the local EIA requirement, the following main regulatory and methodological materials are used in preparation of EIA report of phase II prepared by local consultant and submitted to local government for approval. Outcome of these methodologies are summarised under impact chapter of this updated IEE as well.

a. SNT 2. 01.01.-9 8 Construction climatology;

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b. Recommendations on the calculation of the emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere by stationary and mobile sources of pollution, Ashkhabad, 1986; c. CHT2-09-04-09 Sanitary norms for engineering and design of industrial enterprises d. List and codes of atmospheric air pollutants, 2000; e. Methodology for calculating the concentration of harmful substances in industrial emissions, in the atmospheric air. OND-86. Goskomgidromet Leningrad, 1987. f. Methodology for calculating the emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere during the combustion of fuel in boilers with a capacity of less than 30 tons of steam per hour or less than 20 Gcal per hour, M., 1999.

National and International Environmental Standards 34. Turkmenistan has defined National Standard for Air pollution Assessment. The same is given at Table 3.2. It is proposed to draw reference to international standards and guidelines with respect to sewage, noise, electrogenic exposure limits and the same are given at Appendix 3.1.

: National Criteria for Air Pollution Assessment

Maximum allowed Maximum allowed Substances Substance concentration, mg/m3 concentration, mg/m3 code Maximum Average one-time daily Solid substances 01 0.5 0.15 (dust) Cement dust 89 0.3 0.1 SO2 02 0.5 0.05 CO 04 5.0 3.0 NO2 05 0.085 0.04 Nitrogen oxide 06 0.4 0.06 Formaldehyde 22 0.035 0.003 Phenol 10 0.010 0.03 Ammonia 19 0.20 0.04 Chlorine, Cl 14 0.10 0.03 Hydrogen sulphide 08 0.008 - Hydrogene fluoride 13 0.02 0.005 (Source: Different reference documents and verification at SCEPLR)

National Institutional Framework 35. Turkmenistan has system of delegating the environmental responsibility to most relevant department depending on the type of project and activity. The details of key concerned ministries are given below:

A. Ministry of Energy (MOE)

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36. The Ministry of Energy MOE is the state authority responsible for management of the country’s electricity sector. The Ministry includes Turkmenenergo State Electric Energy Corporation, a vertically-integrated entity managing all state The Ministry of Energy is the executing agency, Turkmenenergo the Implementing Agency (IA). Turkmenenergo is responsible for waste oil management generated from power sector in the country.

B. State Committee for Environment Protection and Land Resources (SCEPLR)

37. The SCEPLR is the main governmental institution for environmental issues. This committee is responsible for Environmental Impact Assessment and accordance of environmental permits, i.e. State Environmental Expertise’s (SEE). The State Committee also supervises several its subordinate organizations, including among others: five velayat (provincial at Akhal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary) branches; Ecological monitoring service; nine national nature reserves; National Desert, Flora and Fauna Institute; Forestry Administration; Forestry seed production and natural park protection service; Journal “Environmental culture and nature protection”; Design Institute “Turkmenertaslama”.

C. Ministry of Water Economy (MWE)

38. The Ministry is in charge of water resources research, planning, development, and distribution. It also undertakes the construction, operation, and maintenance of the irrigation and drainage networks. Water allocations are regularly reduced in order to promote savings and to satisfy the demand from new users and to increase the water flow to the Aral Sea.

D. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA)

39. is responsible for domestic water supply and wastewater treatment.

International Convention and Protocols 40. Turkmenistan is signatory to very few conventions and protocols as given at Table 3.3. None of these convention or Protocols has direct bearings on the project activities.

: International Conventions and Agreement Signed by Turkmenistan Sl. No Convention Name

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Nairobi 1992

Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) New York 1992

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance 1971

UNESCO World Heritage Convention

United Nations Convention to combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Dangerous Goods and their Disposal

The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the

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Montreal Protocol Aarhus Convention 1998

The Tehran Convention

( Source : Birds Life International and consultations with stakeholders ) 3.2. ADB Safeguard Requirements as Per SPS 2009 and Project Categorization

41. ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS2009) defines the criteria of categorising a project based on intensity of environmental impacts from its activities. The rapid environmental assessment was undertaken for this project as per ADB Standard Checklist for transmission lines to analyse the nature and extent of environmental impacts (Enclosed as Appendix 3.2).

42. Proposed alignment of transmission lines of phase I has been realigned considering environmental sensitivities. Under this project, all the natural habitats, identified important bird areas, agriculture areas and water body have been bypassed in the finalized alignment. Dashoguz to Balkan transmission line alignment has also been shifted away from the Kaplankyr state reserve towards the desert area for the protection of birds. The sites selected for new sub stations are barren land away from habitation and devoid of any vegetation or faunal movement. As such project impacts during construction stage are expected to be limited, insignificant and site specific due to civil works and inappropriate disposal of waste transformer oils and other wastes. These impacts can be minimized using effective waste management and good site management practices. Impacts during the operation stage are related to electrocution or collision of birds and will be minimized with design measures. Occupational health and safety risks are also anticipated during construction stage and maintenance activities which will be addressed in the EMP. 43. The phase II transmission line will follow the alignment of existing transmission lines along existing highway. It does not pass through any protected areas or environmentally sensitive areas. No land acquisition is involved for transmission lines or reconstruction of sub stations. The environment protection measures proposed under phase I will also be followed for phase II.

44. Considering above impacts proposed project is proposed as Category B. According to SPS 09 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report are required to be prepared for category B projects. ADB’s environmental consultant for Turkmenenergo has prepared this updated IEE to meet the requirements of SPS 2009 through a single safeguard process for both ADB and Government funded activities. Acceptable updated IEE report by Ministry of Energy and ADB will be disclosed at ABD website in English and in Turkmenistan in local language.

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4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

4.1. Background (Study Area, Methodology, References, etc.) 45. Generation of environmental baseline of a project area is an important phase of any Environmental Assessment process. Baseline data provide vital information on the existing environmental quality in which a development is planned. It is also useful for delineating environmental sensitive areas and for preparing an Environmental Sensitivity Map for contingency planning. In this study, the environmental characteristics of the project area were established through site visits, expert’s consultation, extensive literature search, stakeholder consultation and data interpretation.

46. The corridor of impact has been considered as 50 m on either side of Transmission line alignment. However, study area for detailed impact assessment is considered based on influence area consideration which may vary from 50 m to 500 m depending upon various environmental component viz air, water etc. 4.2. Site Description and Its Environmental Salient Features

47. The sensitive features like protected areas, reserves and Important Birds Area, water bodies, etc close to Transmission line alignment and Sub Stations areas were identified for phase I and Phase II separately and are summarised at Table 4.1 & Table 4.2 respectively. The environmental sensitivity map for both the phases is given at is given in Figure 4.1 & Figure 4.2

: Environmental Setting ( Phase I) Project area (50 Within beyond 500 m S. No. Environmental Features M either side) 500 1 Ecological Environment

Hasardag Reserve Presence of Wildlife Sanctuary/ (36 km SW) A National Park/Biosphere None Kopetdag Nature Reserves None Reserve (30 km S)

- None B Reserve & Protected Forests None

… About 42 additional IBAs C Important Bird Area None

Wetland of state and national None Caspian Sea D None interest

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None Amu darya Nature E Migratory route for wild animals None reserve None Amu darya Nature F Migratory routes for birds None reserve Domestic Domestic Yes G Presence of Terrestrial Fauna Animals Animals No water Yes (fishes) No water body H Presence of Aquatic Fauna body present present 2 Physical Environment Flat desert Flat desert and small I Topography Flat desert hillocks Ashgabat Vary depending upon to the area. Ashgabat to Balkanaba Balkanabat: High t: High risk risk zone zone

J Seismicity Dashoguz to Dashoguz Balkan: low to to Balkan: medium risk low to zone medium risk zone Gokdepe Karakum Canal, K Surface Water None reservoir, Water Reservoirs, Agriculture Agriculture, desert, , desert, habitation, waterbody habitation, Sandy desert and Baran, Desert waterbody grey brown soil L Land use Land Sandy desert and grey brown soil Ashgabat, Ashgabat, Balkanbat, Balkanbat, Serdar, Gokdepe, Serdar, Baharley, Bamy M Nearest Cities and Habitation None Gokdepe, Baharley, Bamy None Bahai House of N Archaeological Monuments None Worship (Source: Expert’s compilation based on various secondary data collection and site visit verification)

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: Environmental Setting ( Phase II) Project area (50 Within beyond 500 m S. No. Environmental Features M either side) 500 1 Ecological Environment

 Tandoureh

National Presence of Wildlife Sanctuary/ Park A National Park/Biosphere None Distance=42.0 Reserves None 0 km

 - Sarany None Protected Area Distance=35 km

B Reserve & Protected Forests None  Tandoureh Protected Area Distance=25.8 8 km

… About 8 Additional IBAs IBA nearest is IBA is Lotfatabad and Darregaz at approx 6.0 km from alignment .

IBA- Kopetdagkhov udan Distance=65.0 C Important Bird Area None 0 km

IBA- Dushakerekda g Distance=47.4 3 km

IBA- Gurtali Distance=15.4 3 km

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IBA- Kurtusuv - Khovudan Distance=20.1 1 km

IBA- Lotfatabad and Darregaz area Distance=6.00 km

IBA- Mergen Distance=9.10 km

IBA- Gurykhovudan Distance=11.0 0 km

IBA- Hanhowuz Reservoir Distance=35.59km Wetland of state and national None Caspian Sea D None interest None Amu darya Nature E Migratory route for wild animals None reserve Distance 235 km None Amu darya Nature F Migratory routes for birds None reserve Distance 235 km Domestic Domestic Yes G Presence of Terrestrial Fauna Animals Animals No water Yes (fishes) No water body body Hanhowuz H Presence of Aquatic Fauna present present Reservoir Distance=35.59km 2 Physical Environment Flat desert Flat desert and small I Topography Flat desert hillocks Ashgabat to Ashgabat Vary depending upon Balkanabat: High to the area. risk zone Balkanaba J Seismicity t: High risk Dashoguz to zone Balkan: low to medium risk Dashoguz

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zone to Balkan: low to medium risk zone Gokdepe Hanho None except reservoir, wuz crossing of one K Surface Water Reservoir canal of 50-60 m Distance=35.59km wide Karakum Canal, , Agriculture Agriculture, desert, , desert, habitation, waterbody habitation, Sandy desert barren, Baran, Desert waterbody desert land L Land use Land Sandy desert and grey brown soil Ashgabat, Ashgabat, Balkanbat, Balkanbat, Serdar, Gokdepe, Serdar, Baharley, Bamy Gokdepe, Baharley, Bamy

Area all along the alignment M Nearest Cities and Habitation None is very thinly populated and very few hutment can be seen in the nearby agriculture area None Ashgab at Flagpole(15. 47km)  Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex(16.22 km) N Archaeological Monuments None  Independence Monument(13.1 1km)  Monument to the Constitution(16 .93km)

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 Neutrality Monument(16.6 4km)  Merv(33.00km, World Heritage Site) Nisa(25.00km,World Heritage Site) (Source: Expert’s compilation based on various secondary data and information collected through the Employee of Executive Agency4)

4 Due to COVID 19 threat and travel restrictions, site visit by consultant was not possible. Thus help of officials of Executive agency and related agencies was taken who has collected information secondary and primary as per the requirements.

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(Source: Expert’s compilation based on various secondary data collection and site visit verification : Environmental sensitivity Map along Project component area/alignment

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( Source: Expert’s compilation based on various secondary data collection)

: Environmental sensitivity Map along Phase II Project component area/alignment

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