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The State Roads Project includesaugmentation of the capacityand structural upgradationof selectedroad network in the state. A total of 185.71kmroads will be improved/upgraded,and major maintenanceworks will be carriedout on 518.615kmroads, in 2 Phases.The project was preparedby the ProjectCo-ordinating Consultants (PCC)', on behalf of the PWD, Mizoram.As part of the project preparation,environmental/social assessmentswere carried out, as requiredby the WorldBank and the Governmentof .

In accordanceto the requirementsof the WorldBank, the environmental/socialassessments (and the outputs) had been subjectedto an IndependentReview. The independentreview 2 evaluatedthe EA processesand outputsin the projectto verify that (a) the EA had been carriedout withoutany biasor influencefrom the projectproponent and/or the PCC,(b) the EA/SAhad beenable to influenceplanning and design of the project;and (c) the outputs, especiallythe mitigation/managementmeasures identified in the EA/SA processesare | adequatefor the project.

The followingdocuments (dated May 2001) were available for the Review: * SectoralEnvironmental Assessment (SEA) for both phasesof the project(prepared at the feasibilitystage of the projectand the PhaseI of the project) * Detailed EnvironmentalAssessments (EA) for the work programmein PhaseI of the I Project, * EnvironmentalManagement Plan (EMP) for the improvement/upgradationworks in PhaseI. * Resettlement & Indigenous People's Development Plan (R&IPDP) for the improvement/upgradationworks in PhaseI. * Environmentaland Social ManagementPlan (ESMP) for the major maintenance worksin PhaseI.

As part of the IndependentReview, gaps and deficienciesin these basedocuments were I identified. This report is partly an outcomeof the IndependentReview, closing the gaps,as per the information/datasupplied by the PCCand supplemented by field investigationscarried during the Independent Review. This report took into consideration, the comments/observationsmade by the WorldBank on the basedocuments.

The recommendationsfrom the IndependentReview are incorporatedin the SEAand the * other PhaseI EA/SAreports (as well as in the EngineeringDrawings, and the Contract Documents).All reports now are modifiedand structuredas per the commentsfrom the IndependentReview.

Note: The Data providedin the reports,unless specifically mentioned, are from the BaseEA/SA Documents.

PCCwas a consortiumof consultirigfirms, led by Intercontinental Consultantsand TechnocratsPvt. Ltd., India (ICT) and ConsultingEngineering Services (India) (CES)in associationwith Louis Berger International Inc., USA(LBII). 2 The Independent Reviewwas undertakenby Ms LeaAssociates South Asia Pvt. Ltd. l MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

TABLEOF CONTENTS

I ~~~~~~~EASUMMARY ...... 1

1.1 BACKGROUND.... 1...... 1 1.2 EXISTINGSCENARIO -ROADS IN MIZORAM .1 1.3 IMPROVEMENTPROPOSALS .2 1.3.1 Upgradation Works...... ,... , . .,. , , , , , ., 2...2 * 1.3.2 Maintenanceworks ...... ,, ..,., 3 1.4 IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME .4 1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT .4 * 1.6 ENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR THE PROJECT. 5 1.7 POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK. 6 1.7.1 Administrative framework ...... , .,,, 6 1.7.2 Legal Framework ... 7 1.7.3 Clearances for the project .. .. 8 1.8 UPGRADATION ROUTE ...... 8 1.8.1 route description .,... 8 1.9 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL BASELINE OF THE PROJECT. 9 1.9.1 Natural Environmental Baseline ...... ,., 9 1.9.2 Socio-economic environment ...... , , ...... , . ... 11 1.9.3 Resettlement issues...... ,.,.,.,.,.,.....,,,. 14 | 1.9.4 cultural properties impacted .16 1.10 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE . . .16 1.11 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 1...... 8...... 8...... 18 1.11.1 The Selection ofPl-AP1-A..19...... , ...... , -...... I9 1.11.2 Selection of Five-village Route ...... , ,., ...... 19 1.11.3 Alternatives within five-village route ...... ,,,, , .19 | 1.11.4 Realignmentsalong the PIA ...... -...... , . ,.,, .. ,,.. --. 19 1.11.5 Analysis of alternatives-maintenance routes ...... 20 1.12 KEY ISSUES ANDTHEIR MITIGATION . . .20 1.12.1 Stability of Slopes ...... ,..,,..,....,,..,...... ,,..,,....,....,...... ,..,.,.,..,....,,.,.,,,,..,.20 1.12.2 Loss of Biodiversity .20 1.12.3 Disposal of Construction Debris .21 I 1.12.4 Waterfor Construction - Storage and Harvesting...... 2.1..,...... ,...... 21 1.12.5 Involuintary Resettlement ...... 21 1.12.6 Measures towards Income Restoration of Tribal Population .23 I 1.12.7 Other SocialScilIsusI sues...... 23...2 1.12.8 Traffic Safety and Management During Construction ...... , , .. 23 1.13 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS ...... 23 1.13.1 Capacity building for management of Environmental and Social Aspects . , 23 1.14 TRAINING..24 1.14.1 Reporting Systems ...... , , , , , , , ...... 25 1.15 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BUDGET .25 1.15.1 Environmental Budget ..... ,,25 3 1.15.2 Resettlementand RehabilitationBudget ...... , ...... 26

Revised by Lea Associates October2001 (Original Documentby ICT, CES, LBII) l I l EA SUMMARY

| 1.1 BACKGROUND The World Bank is assistingthe Governmentof Mizoramto widen, strengthenand maintainselected state roads.The projectenvisages the majoraugmentation of capacity as well as structuralupgradation of road networkin the state of Mizoram.A Strategic OptionsStudy (SOS) covering a networkof 3,354km. of state roadswas carriedout in 3 Oct. 1998- Jan. 1999,to prioritizeroad investmentprogramme and identifyroads for feasibility studies. The project feasibility studies, with inputs from social and environmentalscreening along with engineeringand economicevaluation of the project, identifiedabout 773 km. of state roadsfor maintenance,276 km. of three priority roads for upgradationand approximately27 km. for Aizawland Lungleibypasses. Based on the 3 findingsof these studiesand discussionsbetween PWD and the World Bank,following corridorsare identifiedfor improvementsto be carriedout in two phases(See Table 1).

i Table 1: Work Programmein MSRP

Typeof PhaseI PhaseII Total RoadSection LengthRoadSectiLt Length Length 3Work (km) RadSetin(kmn) (kin) Upgradation PlA: - - 98.710 Pl B: Buangpui- 71.000 Works Buangpui(via ) BPI: Aizawl Bypass 16.000 185.710 i______Sub-Total:Phase l 98.710 Sub-Total: Phase ll 87.000 MI: Kawlkulh-Ngopa- 96.625 M2: Kanhmun- Zamuang- Tuivai Tuilutkawn 90.440 M4: Keitum-N.Vanlaiphai 45.780 Major M5: Lungsen - 47.670 M6: Zobawk - Hualawng 31.000 Maintenance Chawngte 518.615 Works M7: Damdiai- Sialsuk 30.100 M15 - 105.000

M9____Khawzawl____- _Thenhium E.Lungdar 58.000 MI6: Selesih- Thuampui 14.000 l Sub-Total:Phase l 278.175 Sub-Total: Phase ll 240.440

A total of 185.71kmis to be upgradedas part of the MSRPand maintenance works to be * carried out along 518.615km,in PhaseI and II. For locationreference of the above projectroads see Figure1.

1.2 EXISTING SCENARIO- ROADS IN MIZORAM Mizoramis coveredwith a networkof primary,secondary roads of a total length of 6,808km,including 566km of nationalhighways (NHs) and 240km of state highways | (SHs).

| Revised by Lea Associates - 1 - October2001 (Original Documentby ICT, CES, LBII) Ai~~~zawl\

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LEGENDO ______j HighwcyFig. 1 SettlementsAlong Project Route Proposed Rood Other Road MIZORAMSTATE ROADS PROJECT - Phase I 0 SettlQenent (Aizawl - Hmuifang- Buangpui)

RL A i Ser Aa L LEAAssociates SouthAsia Pvt. Ltd. MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

Mostof the roadsin the stateare in a poorcondition and are in needof rehabilitationand upgrading.Only the NHs,the SHs,the majordistrict roads (MDRs) and a few otherdistrict roads (ODRs)are bituminoussurfaced roads. Others, includingthe village roads are I unsurfaced,and sometimes not adequatefor vehicles'. Eventhe NHs,SHs, and the MDRsare mostlysingle lane carriageway in a poorcondition, | passingthrough hill terrain, negotiatingsteep gradientsand sharp curves. All roads traversehill tops or ridgesand follow hill contoursbetween alternating steep hills and deep gorgesalong their alignments.Roads pass through ever changinglandscape with * exposedhills and deep fartlung valleys where the rivers flow and lush and diverse vegetationabounds.

* The traffic studiescarried out as part of the SOSand the FeasibilityStudy indicate that the principalcorridors of travelfor both inter-stateand intra-state traffic, follow a north- 1 south direction.Aizawl, being the maineconomic and commercialcenter of Mizoram,is the principalfocus of traffic movementin the state. Exceptfor the NationalHighway-54, on which traffic volumesof the order of 1200- 1700PCUs/daywere recorded,the traffic on the roadsin the rural areasof Mizoramis very low, with the averagetraffic not exceeding360PCUs/day, which is well within the vehiclecarrying capacity of singleroads. The low traffic volumesare definitelynot indicativeof any lessertransport needs in the 3 state. It is the lackof an adequateand good roadnetwork, which by inhibitingthe socio- economicdevelopment of the regionhas not encouragedthe traffic to grow. Thus,the needfor a roaddevelopment program needs to be understoodfrom not only the traffic considerations,but alsothe socio-economicconsiderations, the programis to result.The economicactivity it can stimulatein the areasof agriculture,horticulture, sericulture, 3 industry,tourism etc, will not onlygenerate more traffic, but alsoinduce changes bringing moresocio-economic growth in the region. l 1.3 IMPROVEMENT PROPOSALS

I 1.3.1 UPGRADATIONWORKS The upgradationworks includewidening of the carriageway,geometric improvement, structuralimprovements to the pavement,repair/construction of bridgesand culverts, slope protectionworks, junction improvementsand other miscellaneousfeatures to 3 improvesafety and comfort of travel. An intermediatelane carriageway(5.5m) with formationto accommodateshoulders and 3 sidedrain has beenproposed along the upgradationroutes. A minimumformation width

| ' Manyof these roads could be negotiatedwith 4-wheel drive vehicles only, and are normallytermed as the "jeepableroads'. 3 Revisedby Lea Associates - 2 - October 2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT, CES, LBII) l MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

of 7.1m on the straight portion and a maximum of 8m near curves is provided for the project road. The typical crosssection proposedfor the priority roads has been presented in Figure 2.

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Figure-2: Typical CrossSection Proposed for the Priority Road

| 1.3.2 MAINTENANCEWORKS Maintenanceworks does not envisagethe widening of the existing roads, realignmentsor | any other major construction. The maintenance works would mainly consist of the following: Dependingon the conditionof the existingbituminous pavement, one of the following3 typesof pavementtreatment * Type1: Resurfacingat locationsof moderatesurface distress 3 . Type2: Resurfacingand constructionof base course over the existing pavementat locationsof acutebase and surface distress * Type3: Rebuildingof pavementfrom sub-gradeupwards at locationsof 1 completepavement failure; * Upgradingexisting earthen roads to gravelroads; * Repairof bridges,where necessary; 3 . Repairand/or reconstruction of culverts; * Improvementof sidedrains; * Slopeprotection works at potentialland slide sites and at locationswhere necessary; Provisionof signs, like regulatoryand warningsigns at hazardouslocations, and other designfeatures to improvethe safetyand comfort of travel. The lengthwise improvement treatments required based on the surveys of the Phase-I maintenanceroutes, is presentedin the Table 2 below.

Table 2: Pavement Treatments: Maintenance roads - Phase I Route MaintenanceRoad Length (km) Total Length No Pavement ImprovementType (km) I II~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I1III Ml Kawlkulh-Ngopa-Tuivai 63.825 31.20 1.60 96.625 M4 Keitum-N.Vanlaiphai 16.98 24.60 4.20 45.78 M5 Lungsen-Chawngte 11.46 35.29 0.92 47.67 M7 Damdiai-Sialsuk 12.91 16.39 0.80 30.10 3 M9 -E.Lungdar 30.50 24.90 2.60 58.00 Total 144.675 140.38 10.12 278.175

3 Revised by Lea Associates - 3 - October 2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT, CES, LBII) MizoramState Roads Project - PhaseI EASummary

1.4 IMPLEMENTATIONPROGRAMME The constructionfor the PhaseI routesis expectedto commencefrom April 2002.Road constructionactivities will be generallyconfined to the monthsoutside the monsoons. Constructionactivities for PhaseI corridorsis expectedto continueupto 2004. The Project preparationfor the Phase II, including the environmentaland social assessmentsis underway,and the constructionis expectedto start in early2003. To avoid increasingtraffic congestion(and the resultantincrease in air pollutionlevels, which is alreadya concern)in the city of Aizawl,work on the AizawlBypass will be hastenedwithin the PhaseII work programme.The PhaseI improvement/upgradation road will not be operationaliseduntil the work on Aizawl Bypassis substantially completed. The implementationof the maintenanceroutes will be initiatedsimultaneously with the upgradationworks. A constructionperiod of 12 to 15 monthsis envisaged.

I15 ENVIRONMENTALAND SOCIALBENEFITS OF THE PROJECT The road projectis expectedto bring positivebenefits for the usersand communities alongthe projectcorridors.

Macro-economicBenefits: The socio-economicand commercial/tourismdevelopment will get a boost from improvedaccessibility of agriculturalproducts to markets,reduce cost of transportationfor goodsand people,reduce vehicle operating costs, reduce fuel consumptionand reduce accidentcosts through improvedsafety and better driving conditions. Accident Reduction: Increasedlevel of road safety will be another benefit. Road accidentsare dueto badgeometry, poor road surface, obstruction to sightlines especially at junctionsand at settlements.Since direct and indirectaccident costs are substantial, the projectwill bring in substantialbenefits.

CommunityFacilities: The project roadswill be providedwith publicamenities like covered bus shelterswith toilets. New sites will be reclaimedthrough dumping of excavatedmaterials. Abandoned workers' camps/contractors camp sites can be re-used andwater-harvesting structures reverted to communityfor its use.

EmploymentGeneration: The projecthas the potentialto generatedirect employment in roadconstruction and maintenanceworks. The contractorsare encouragedto consider employinglocal persons. Under the socialforestry programme, scope exists to undertake horticultureas an incomegenerating activity.

EnvironmentalBenefits: The environmentalbenefits generated by the projectare:

. Increasedroad safety.

3 Revised by Lea Associates - 4 - October 2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT, CES, LBII) MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

| Measuresto conserveand protectbiodiversity and Ecologicalidentity areas * Afforestation(Ten trees will be planted againsteach tree lost), will contributeto improvedegraded forests. . Recyclingof debris and surplus excavatedmaterial for creating new sites for developmentand preventingnegative impacts of indiscriminatedumping. . Introduction of "environment sensitised" construction technology, plant and 3 machinery. * Improveddrainage 3 . Reductionin landslideand soil erosion. Landscapingand environmentalintegration of the project in the surroundingareas will I improveaesthetics. Apartfrom theseenvironmental benefits, there would be nonetheless,potential for certain | negativesocial and environmentalimpacts due to the project. The EA/SAprocess has recognizedthis sincethe start of the projectand hassought to addressthese issues prior to the finalisationof the design.Wherever the avoidanceof theseimpacts is not possible, mitigationmeasures have been worked out. The EnvironmentalManagement Plan and Resettlementand IndigenousPeoples Development Plan for the upgradationroute and | the Environmentaland SocialManagement Plan for major maintenanceroutes will form the basisof mitigation/compensatorymeasures in this regard. The Governmentof Mizoram is committed to the complete and comprehensive implementationof all measuresdesigned during the projectpreparation stage to reduce thesenegative impacts and enhance the benefitsof the project.

I 1.6 ENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR THE PROJECT The PhaseI of the project, including the upgradation and maintenancecorridors, as per the relevantlegislation of the Gol, is exemptedfrom a clearancefrom the MoEF.(vide I MoEFnotification 10ohApril 1997). However,a No-objectionCertificate from the MoEFhas beenobtained after submissionof the relevantEA documents. As per the WB Operationaldirectives/policies/guidelines, given the potentialmagnitudes of environmentaland social impacts, the projectattracts provisions of (i) OP/BP/GP4.01: EnvironmentalAssessment, (ii) OD4.20: IndigenousPopulation, (iii) OD 4.30: InvoluntaryResettlement, and (iv) BP17.50: Disclosure of OperationalInformation. | The integrationof environmentaland socialconcerns has beentaken up at all stagesof the project. An environmentaland social screeningwas carried out to categorisethe 3 Revised by Lea Associates - 5 - October2001 (Original Documentby ICT,CES, LBII) MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

corridors based on their environmental and social sensitivity. Further to the selection of the routes for the feasibility, a Sectoral EnvironmentalAssessment was carried out to provide an overview of the project phases including guidelines to be followed for the E(I)A/R&Rstudies to be carried out subsequentlyas part of the detailed design stages of the project. The outputs of the EnvironmentalAssessment were an EIA Report, an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Resettlement and Indigenous Peoples Development Plan (R&IPDP). An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) was also prepared covering all the project roads for maintenanceworks for the phase I routes. In accordanceto the OP 4.01, an independentreview of the environmentalassessments for the project was carried out. The EA/R&IPDPhave been finalized incorporating the findings and suggestionsof the independentreview 2 and the comments of the World Bank staff during various stages of the project.

1.7 POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

I 1.7.1 ADMINISTRATIVEFRAMEWORK The MSRPhas been initiated and is being carried out by the Public Works Department. The PWDthrough the Engineer- in - chief is responsiblefor the effective implementation of the project activities. The PWD has appointed international consultantsas the Project Co-ordinatingConsultants (PCC) for the project preparation. To effectively overseethe project preparationand to ensure the timely implementationof the project, a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has been established. The Project Director heads the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), which at present includes 3 Executive Engineers, looking into the Procurement, Environment and Social aspects respectively.Each of these executiveengineers are assisted by an Assistantengineer for carrying out their responsibilities. In addition, during the constructionperiod, these engineerswill be assistedby the various divisionalofficers of the PWDin the implementationand by the environmentalspecialist of the Supervision Consultant (SC), Non-GovernmentalOrganisation (NGO) contracted to implement the tree plantation proposed. The supervision of the maintenanceroutes is to be taken up by the divisional officers of the PWDwith guidance from the PIU. A Quality Auditor (QA) will be appointedto ensure the quality of the maintenanceworks implemented. l

2 2The independentreview for the MSRPwas carried out by LeaAssociates South Asia Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. 3 Revised by Lea Associates - 6 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT, CES, LBII) j MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

I 1.7.2 LEGALFRAMEWORK Table 3 summarises the principal features of the laws, regulations and guidelines that govern the planning, construction and operation of the project in relation to the natural environment.

| Table3: GoI legislationsof Relevanceto the Project

Act Year Objective ResponsibleAgency The ForestConservation 1927 To checkdeforestation by restrictingconversion StateForest Department (for landconver- Act Revised of forestedareas into non-forestedareas. sionbelow 5 hectaresand 40% density); in 1980 MoEFfor others Wildlife(Protection) Act 1972 To protectwildlife through creation of National ChiefConservator, Wildlife, Wildlife wing, I Parksand Sanctuaries. StateForest Department NationalForest Policy 1952 To maintainecological stability through ForestDepartment, GOI & Revised preservationand restoration of biological StateForest Department in 1988 diversity. I Air (Preventionand Control 1974 To controlair pollutionby controllingemission StatePollution Control Board and State of Pollution)Act andair pollutantsas perthe prescribedstan- TransportDepartment dards. I EnvironmentalProtection 1986 To protectand improve the overallenvironment. StateDepartment of Environment& Act Forests CentralMotor Vehicle Act 1988 To checkvehicular air andnoise pollution. StateMotor Vehicle Department (& Rules) (1989) I AncientMonuments and 1958 Conservationof culturaland historical remains ArchaeologicalSurvey of India(ASI), State ArchaeologicalSites and fbundin India. Directoratesof Archaeology RemainsAct I The LandAcquisition Act 1894, Setout rulefor acquisitionof landby StateRevenue Department Revised government. in 1984 The PublicLiability 1991 Uniqueto India,imposes liability on the ownerto All projectproponent including the State InsuranceAct & Rules. provideimmediate relief in respectof PublicWorks Department death/injuryor damageto any person/property arisingout of accident/activity implementation. The ExplosivesAct (& 1884 Setsout the regulationsas to regardsthe useof StateRevenue Department Rules) (1983) explosivesand precautionary measures while blasting,quarrying PublicHearing Procedures 1997 To makeaware the publicaround project and to StatePollution Control Board (ScheduleIV of EIA inviteviews, comments, suggestions and Notification) objections. The state level legislations in the environmental and social sectors of relevance to the project are as follows:

| . Evironmentalconservation and protection

- * The Assam Forest Regulation of 1891. * The Mizoram(Forest) Act, 1955 (as passedby Mizo District Council). I * The PawiAutonomous District Council (Forests) Act, 1979. * The LakherAutonomous District Council(Forests) Act, 1981. * The ChakmaAutonomous District Council(Forests) Act, 1992. * The MizoramWildlife (Protection) Rules,1990.

Quarrying and Blasting * MizoramMinor Minerals Concession Rules, 2000.

3 Revisedby LeaAssociates - 7 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT,CES, LBII) MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

| * LandRevenueandAdministration The various legislation,which providefor the land settlementsystem in the state of Mizoramare as follows: * TheLiushai Hill Districts (House Site) Act 1953; * TheMizo District (Land & Revenue)Acts, 1956; * TheMizo District (land & Revenue)Rules, 1967; * TheMizo District (Agricultural Land) Act, 1963; * TheMizo District (Agricultural Land) Rules, 1971, and; * TheMizo District (Transfer of Land)Acts, 1963. All theselaws primarilyprotect the rights of the tribal people,including their customary rights.These laws alsodevolve power to the VillageCouncils for day-to-dayallotment of land (especiallyfor agriculture,primarily shifting cultivation;and housing).These laws also providesfor the compensationto be paid to the affectedparties, in case land is acquiredby the projectof Mizoram.

;1 1.7.3 CLEARANCESFOR THE PROJECT All requiredclearances / No-objectioncertificates have been obtained (for the PhaseI of the project).Table 4 summarisesthe clearancesobtained from the variousauthorities.

Table 4: Statusof clearancesfor the MSRP

Clearancesought from Purpose Clearance Remarks if any Mizoram pollution NOC under Vide MPCB letter No air, water, soil and noise I control board Section21 of Air dated 23rnMarch pollution beyond Act, 1981 and 2000 permissiblelimits due to the Water Act, 1974 project Mizoram State forest Clearanceof Vide PCCF, GoM The land requiredis neither department unclassified letter dated 23 rd a govtSprivatelcommunity forests March 2000 forest, nor is a naturalforest Ministryof Environment Environmental Vide MoEF letter The projectwould not and Forests Clearancefor dated 7thApril attract clearancesas per the project 2000 10th April 1997 notification

1 1.8 UPGRADATION ROUTE The priority road (P1) connectsthe city of Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram,with the importanttown of Lungleiin the southand offers an alternativeroute, which will be about 50 km. shorterthan the existingroute along NH-54. The improvementof the first 100km of the Aizawl- Lungleihighway upto Buangpaiis beingtaken up as part of PhaseI, the remaining87 km is to be takenup in the PhaseII of the project.

I 1.8.1 ROUTEDESCRIPTION The project route followsthe existingalignment of the roadfor Aizawl- Damdiai,and * Sialsuk- Thenzawl- Buangpuisections. The existingroute is a singlelane roadpassing

I Revised by Lea Associates - 8 - October2001 (Original Documentby ICT, CES, LBII) l MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

through hilly terrain for a major length. Geographically, the project road covering 100 km * can be divided into the following three sections. * Aizawl - Damdiai 35.00 KM | Damdiai - Sialsuk via Hmuifang 30.00 KM * Sialsuk - Thenzawl - Buangpui 35.00 KM

| The characteristics of the various sections are presented in table 5.

Table 5: Characteristics of Project Corridor

Section Description Length Carriageway Formation Shoulders width (m) width 1 Aizawl-Damidiai 35 3.5m paved 5Orm Either absentor in a poorcondition 2 Damidiai-Sialsuk 30 Unpaved 4.Om No shoulders (jeepable) I 3 Sialsuk-Thenzawl- 35 3.5m paved 5.Om Either absentor in a Buangpui poor condition

1.9 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL BASELINE OF THE PROJECT

The Environmental Screening of the project routes and the Sectoral Environmental Assessment identified the following critical environmental issues in terms of the natural and social environmental components that need to be addressed during the subsequent environmental assessments for the project phases: Jhum Cultivation- Depletion of Environmental Resources and alternatives to jhum | cultivation BBiodiversity conservation - Loss of forest cover i . Road Construction issues in hilly terrain Wwater Scarcity and water availability for construction . Road Safety in the Settlements * . Vulnerable human population * Induced Impacts & Opportunities * Induced Development - Opportunities for tourism etc The baseline information furnished in the original Environmental Assessment (EA) Report has been supplemented by the field visits and the primary surveys of the various environmental components carried out during the Independent Environmental Review.

I 1.9.1 NATURALENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE Climate

| The climate is generally pleasant with summer temperatures ranging between 180 C to 32°C, and winter temperatures between 80 C to 240 C. The annual rainfall ranges between 1700mm to 3900mm spread over eight to ten months.

| Revised by Lea Associates - 9 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT, CES, LBII) MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

Air Quality Being an industriallybackward state with no major polluting sources,in terms of air quality,the ambientair quality in Mizoramappears to be generallypristine. The baseline air quality monitored along the corridors indicates that apart from Aizawl, the concentrationsat other locationsare within the permissiblelimits. Water Resources Owingto the steepgradient, surface water runoff is accelerated,resulting in poorwater retention.The surfacewater resourcesin the projectarea are mainlyrivers Char, Vanva, Tuiphai,Tuivai, Tuichang and Changte crossing the projectroads. There are a few water bodieslocated along the projectRoad. The ponds/waterloggedareas are locatedtowards the Buangpuiend of the PriorityRoad PIA, owing to the flat land there. The following locationsare significant from ecologicaland bio-diversityconcerns. Km 86.7-86.8(Near Thenzawl): a denseswamp forest with marshycharacteristics .It is a marginalmacrophyte zone and also a breedingground for DragonFlies Km 59.6-59.65(near Sialsuk): swampy vegetation including trees & grassland.Presence of dense aquatic macrophytes,location is a breeding ground of invertebrates& amphibians. SlopeStability The upgradationcomponent involves massive cutting on the hillsides.The stabilityof the slopes becomes a major concern. As part of the Independent Review, a Geomorphologicalzoning and assessment has beencarried out by Geotechnicalengineers andgeologists. Earthwork The constructionof the roadwill involve1.09 millioncu.m. of excavatedearth including rock cuts. Of this 0.2 million cu.m. can be used for short realignmentsand fills for embankments.The remainder0.79 millioncu.m. will still needto be disposedof in a way that doesnot harmthe environment. 3 Noise The noise levels monitoredalong the corridorare found to be within the permissible standardsprescribed by CPCB.The levelsin Kulikawn(Aizawl) are found to be slightly higherthan the permissiblelevel due to its commercialcharacter and it being a bus terminus. Biodiversity Mizoramforms part of the Indo-Burmaregion, designated one of the twenty five global bio-diversityhotspots. As part of the IndependentReview, a biodiversityassessment was carriedout to inventoryand assessthe significanceof the biodiversityalong the project route. EcologicalIdentity Areas with a significant biodiversitywere identified. The

3 Revisedby Lea Associates - 10 - October2001 (Original Documentby ICT, CES, LBII) MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

occurrenceof medicinalplants and their use to the communityhave been recordedfor the I entire stretch. The biodiversity assessmentidentified stretches where endangered species of orchids, I dendrobiumand the tree fern (cyathaeasp.) occur. A high biodiversityand occurrenceof such endangered specieswas recorded especially along the five-village route between Damidiaiand Sialsuk. The project routes taken up as part of phase I do not directly impact or involve the acquisition of lands through designatedreserved forestlands or wildlife-protectedareas. Apart from the spotting of ChinesePangolin for a distance of 10km either side of Aibawk village, there are no other endangered fauna observed along the corridor. The swamp areas in km.89 and km.59 and the forests have a rich amphibian and reptilian fauna needingprotection.

1.9.2 SOCIO-ECONOMICENVIRONMENT 5 The entire population in the project region belonging to tribal community,the R&Rissues in the project would involve only those of the tribal households. The project starts from the outskirts of Aizawl City (population about 250,000) and passes through 18 villages (or 19 village settlements3 ). All population in the said 18 villages are tribal. (There might be traces of non-tribal population at the outskirts of Aizawl, but none are reported in the Censusor socio-economicsurveys undertakenas part of the project.) Population density in the State, in Aizawl and Serchhip districts, and the project area is I low, except for the outskirts of Aizawl, where the density is about 100 persons/km2 . Overall the project area has a population density less than 40 persons/km2. 1 . GenderRatio The gender ratio in the project area is higher than the state averageof 939. In Aizawl it is about 954, and in Serchhipit is about 953.

5 . Literacy Total literacy in the state has risen to 88.5% percent in 2001 from 82.3% during the 1991 Census.The male literacy is 90.69 percent and female literacy is 86 percent. The average I literacy rate in 2001 was very high comparedthe national literacy rate (65.4% per cent). The literacy rates in the project area (more than 96%) are better than the state. This 3 shows that all children in the project area are attending schools (and the less than 4% illiterates mostly belongto the older age-groups,and the mentally challengedpopulation). l

3 One revenuevillage Muallangthuhas two settlements- Damdiaiand Lungsei.

Revised by Lea Associates - 11 - October2001 (Original Documentby ICT, CES, LBII) l MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

* Ethnicity The term 'Mizo' is a genericterm and its standsfor severaltribes in the area.The major tribesare Lusei,Sailo, Ralte, Hmar, Paite, Lai and Mara.In additionto thesetribes there I are manyother tribesexisting in this region,like the Chakmasand Reangs who also come underthe broaddivision of 'Mizo'.The tribes preferredto identifythemselves as Mizos 3 and this was formalizedwhen the LushaiHills District(Change of name)Act, 1954was enacted.

The Mizoscame under the influenceof the BritishMissionaries in the 19th century.Now mostof the Mizosare Christians. had no scriptof its own.The missionaries introducedthe romanscript for Mizolanguage and formal education.

* Religion& Culture Beforethe advent of the Christianitythe Mizo ethnic groupsfollowed animistic rites. Sacrificeof animalsand offerings to variousforms of naturewas the mainfeature of their religiousactivities. However, now more than 96 percent of the populationhave embraced I Christianity.Today the indigenousform of religionis a matterof history. However,due to the Government'sinitiative and intervention, some of the festivalsof the bygoneage (Kut) are beingrevived and observed. Mizos are basicallyagriculturists. All their activitiescentre roundjhum cultivationand their festivalsare linkedwith suchagricultural operations (Kut is the Mizoword for festivals).

* CustomaryRights Generallythe Mizos follow endogamy,so far as the major tribes are concerned. Nowadays,however, marriage with other groups/communitiesis also found. In the presentday situationof the Mizosociety, some of the old customslike the bride priceare I still in vogue,but marriageis solemnizedin the Church.Elder sons after marriagesettle downand set up a newfamily, nuclearfamily pattern has now becomea regularfeature 3 in the Mizosocial structure. The Mizosociety is by and large free and open. Kinshipand co-residenceare the most importantfactors for formationof a Mizovillage and the socialrelations.

* Statusof Women After the consolidationof the Britishadministration the inheritanceof the chiefsstarted throughthe eldestson. However,the LushaiDistrict (Inheritance of property)Act No.1of 1956 hasinvested women with the right of inheritance.The Mizosfollow the patriarchal patternof family.The malehead of the family controlsthe social,economic and religious affairs.However, women in socialand economic life enjoyfreedom. I Surveysin the projectshowed that womenwere working for between14 -16 hoursa day on an average.An majorityof womenrevealed that they haddecision making powers on | issuesrelated to financialmatters, health, property,purchase of assetsand children's education.

3 Revised by Lea Associates - 12 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT, CES, LBII) 3 MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

I. * Occupation Generallythe Mizosdepended upon the availablenatural resourcesaround them for subsistence.Their traditionaloccupation is agriculture,and the traditionalsystem of cultivationis called'jhum' cultivation.Lately, however, there hasbeen a gradualshift from traditionalforms of occupationto the servicesector, trade, etc. | The extentof involvementin secondaryand tertiary sectoractivities is very limited.The involvementin commercialactivities is restrictedto minor businesses,like runninggrocery 3 shopsor tea stalls.Government is a major sourceof employment(about 70% jobs in the organisedsector in the stateor in the projectarea is with the government).Women are equitablyengaged in incomeearning activities.

* Income | About 56.07 per cent of the State'spopulation still lives below poverty line (1993-94) basedon a surveyundertaken in 1992. In the 16 villageson the projecthighway, the mainsource of incomeis cultivation(48%) followedby that from governmentservice (15%). Aboutone-third of the familieshave incomemore than the averageannual family income(Rs 54,894) in the projectarea. The | socio-economicsurveys revealed that aboutone-third of the familiesin the projectarea haveincome below poverty level (of Rs 20,000per annum).Amongst the familiesbelow povertylevel, many are women headed households. Thosefamilies having income below poverty level are engagedin primarysector activities as marginalfarmers, agriculture labourers, poultry and animalrearing etc. Thosewho are aboveaverage PAF annual income are engagedin non-agricultureactivity or havemore thenone sourceof income.

i i TraditionalRights and Assets The reservedforest areain Mizoramis 15935km2, of the total areaof 21,087km2. About * another3000km 2 is under privateforests. The ForestDepartment controls and manages 8012km2. The remainingare unclassifiedforests, being used by the peopleto derivetheir 3 livelihood.Even the notifiedforests, except for the nationalparks and wildlife sanctuaries, do not prohibitcustomary or usufructrights. 3 The areaof the forest area where peopleare moreor less excluded(i.e., the national parksand the wildlifesanctuaries) is about 1050km2. Consequently,in about93% of the forests in Mizoram(or about 70% of the areaof the state) customary,traditional and usufructrights are recognised.

I . Landtenure The land settlement system in Mizoram permits the following three categoriesof titleholders: SettlementHolder: These are titleholders who have heritable and transferable rights over the land. 3 Revised by Lea Associates - 13 - October 2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT, CES, LBII) MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

. PeriodicPatta Holders: The periodicpatta authorises a personto usea parcelof landfor a definiteperiod of time. * Pass/Permit holders: This passauthorizes a personto use a pieceof land but doesn'tgive themright of an owner. The State Governmentis empowered to make law for the allotment, transfer and setting apart of land within Mizoram. Further to this, in accordanceto the District (House Sites) Act, 1953, the Village Councils(VC), constituted (elected/nominated)for each of the villages has been vested all powers for the allotment of land for non- agricultural uses within the respectivevillage boundaries.The allotment of land can either be: . TemporaryAllotment . PermanentAllotment

0 * Transfer of Land To transfer the land partly or wholly the periodic patta holder has to apply for the same u/s7 of the Mizoram District (Transfer of Land) Acts, 1963 to the revenue department along with the prescribedfees. If nothing is found against such transfer of land as per the terms and conditions of the patta suchtransfer is affected in the Register of Land Records and Patta documentson payment of the prescribedfees. Transfer of land to non-tribal is prohibited.

| 1.9.3 RESETTLEMENTISSUES The project requires land for widening, strengthening, realignments and other 3 developmentof the project highway stretches,siting of constructionsites and labor camps etc. The project shall involve the acquisitionof: 3 . Privateproperties, within the settlements,with a valid passfrom the VillageCouncil; * Agriculturalproperties, with or withoutpermission from the Government; * Landsbelonging to communityorganisations as NGOs; | Landsbelonging to the governmentalagencies/departments, and; Freelands. The total land required for widening the project corridor is about 47.8ha. The distribution of such land is as follows: * Total LandRequirement: 477,899m2 (47.79ha) | Total LandAcquisition Requirement: 317,354.4m2 (31.74ha) * Landwith PrivateOwnership or Rights: 297,872.4m2 (29.79ha) * Communityor NGOs'Land: 19,482m2 (1.95ha) I . Landto beTransferred from otherAgencies: 160,545m2 (16.05ha) a FreeLand: 128,835m2 (12.88ha) 3 . GovernmentDepartments' Land: 31,710m2 (3.17ha)

Revised by Lea Associates - 14 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT, CES, LBII) MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

| .pImpact on Peopledue to LandAcquisition The project affectsand displacesa numberof properties,(residential, commercial and agricultural)within the 8m Corridorof Impact.The overallimpacts of the Project(both Phases-I andII) are givenin Table6.

Table 6: OverallImpacts of the Project(Phases I & II)

Phase Severe Impact on Minor Impacton Total Impacton I Families Persons Families Persons Families Persons Phase I 58 335 426 2452 484 2787 Phase II 156 820 618 2821 774 3641 Total 214 1155 1044 5273 1194 6428 Severe Impact includesdisplacement or direct loss of livelihood.Minor Impacts include partial loss of properties and indirect partial loss of livelihood.

* Impact on PrivateProperties Thereare 173PAF residential/commercial properties affected by the projectof which 58 familiesare displacedin Phase-Iof the Project.A total of 311 agricultureproperties are affected,but none of these are displaceddue to the project. The list of affectedand displacedfamilies in everyvillage is givenin Table7. As part of the project,no widening has been proposedfor the initial 10km stretch4 of the corridor betweenAizawl and Melriat.

Table 7: ProjectAffected and ProjectDisplaced Families (Phase I)

Village ProjectAffected Families/Persons Project Displaced Families/Persons Residential/ Agricultural Residential/ Agricultural I Commercial Commercial Families Persons Families Persons Families Persons Families Persons Melthum 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I Saikhamakawn 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Melriat 19 108 4 23 15 86 0 0 Kelsih 18 142 7 55 2 16 0 0 Falkawn 12 71 1 6 9 53 0 0 Muallungthu 29 180 16 99 9 56 0 0 Tachhip 3 17 36 209 1 6 0 0 Aibawk 23 120 0 0 6 31 0 0 Sateek 5 25 30 150 1 5 0 0 Maubang 6 37 17 104 2 12 0 0

| 4 Primarily due to the proposedAizawl Bypass alignment, which joins at km8.0 of the ProjectCorridor. There is a formation width of 8m availablein the uninhabitedstretches and a width of 6.5m in the settlementsof Melthum. It has been proposedthat there shall be no widening in this stretch and the improvements,as I part of the project shall be limited to resurfacingand maintenance.

Revised by Lea Associates - 15 - October2001 (Original Documentby ICT, CES, LBII) MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

Village Project Affected Families/Persons Project DisplacedFamilieslPersons Residential/ Agricultural Residentiall Agricultural Commercial Commercial Families Persons Families Persons Families Persons Families Persons Lungsei 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Thiak 9 34 20 76 1 4 0 0 Sumsuih 8 60 12 90 1 8 0 0 Hmuifang 5 17 6 20 5 17 0 0 Chamring 9 66 11 80 3 22 0 0

Sialsuk 1 6 46 267 _ 0 _0 Sailam 0 0 32 186 0 0 0 0 Thenzawl 16 83 70 364 1 5 0 0 Buangpui 10 71 3 21 2 14 0 0 Total 173 1037 311 1750 58 335 0 0

Source:Compiled from PIU UpdatedSurvey of SocialImpacts,

Project Affected Community Resources In the settlement stretches, there are several common property resourcesin form of bus shelters, community buildings, schools,play grounds, parks, hand pumps, water taps and public urinals that exist within the existing formation of the highway. The project impacts 3 schools, 1 anganwadi5 , and 6 properties owned by NGOs and cooperative societies. Apart from these, 7 parks 3 playgroundsas well as a farm are impacted/ affected.

1.9.4 CULTURALPROPERTIES IMPACTED There are no major protected or archaeologicalmonuments to be directly impacteddue to the project. However,there are several structures as graves located within the formation | width for the road apart from which there are lands belonging to church etc that will be impacted. There are 12 such cultural properties are locatedwith in the COI. These include compound walls, quarters, farms and other buildings of the churches. Apart from those * structures that are directly impacted, there was a request from a Church Authority in Hmuifang, that their structure is to be located away from the highway, which has been | acceptedand alternative relocationsite has been identified.

| 1.10 PUBLICPARTICIPATION AND INFORMATIONDISCLOSURE Public participation and community consultation has been taken up as an integral part of social and environmentalassessment process of the Project. Community consultationsin the project was undertakenwith objectives, which may be grouped into (a) information sharing; (b) appraisal and assessmentof the community needs,and (c) developmentof specific designsolutions.

5 Day-carecentre for pre-schoolchildren. 3 Revised by Lea Associates - 16 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT, CES, LBII) 3 MizoramState Roads Project - PhaseI EASummary

Statelevel consultations were held through a StakeholdersWorkshop (The Road Show) at Aizawlin July 1999. Village meetings or the Public Information and Consultations(PIC) sessionswere conducted at several locations on the project-stretch.The locations where such meetings/PICwere conducted is givenin Table9.

Table 8: Locationof PublicInformation and Consultations(PIC) sessions

Village Date Participants Participants Male Female Melriat 23.08.99 VCP/PAPs/OtherVillagers 97 13 I Aibawk 23.08.99 PAPs/Othervillagers 67 4 Sialsuk 24.08.99 PAPs/Othervillagers 102 20 Thenzawl 25.08.99 PAPs/Othervillagers/PHC, 87 2 I ______Doctor/Healthofficer Falkawn 14.04.2000 PAPs/Othervillagers 10 7 Thiak 14.04.2000 PAPs/Othervillagers 4 2 Hmuifang 15.04.2000 PAPs/Othervillagers 7 3 Melriat 14.03.2001 PAPs/Othervillagers 8 6 Muallungthu 14.03.2001 VCP/PAPs/OtherVillagers/Women 6 7 HealthWorkers Aibawk 14.03.2001 PAPs/Othervillagers 10 4 Buangpui 15.03.2001 PAPs/Othervillagers/Male Health 10 4 workers

!I The issues,opinions and perceptionsof the communitiesas part of the variousvillage meetingsare summarisedin the Table9.

Table9: PrincipalIssues, Opinions & Perceptionsof the Communities

S. No. Issue Perceptions,Opinions & Suggestions 1 Water Harvesting Villagers were concernedthat their source of water (severalof them within structures the COI) will be damaged. 2 Water Requirement Water Scarcitybeing felt throughoutthe year, water requiredfor road constructionwas the concern. 3 Degradedforest The forests and land is degradeddue to jhum cultivation leaving no place land for natural vegetationolder than 5-10 years in the vicinity of priority road U 4 Landslide Peoplewant a good road, but our lands may be acquired and landslide may occur due to the hill cutting. Fear of landslidesdue to cutting down of trees and bringing down of hill slopes. I 5 Constructionwaste If crop or land is damaged due to waste disposal, the affectedpersons disposal should be compensatedfully. 6 Natural Resources Bambooand other trees proposedto be cut in the project should be compensatedappropriately. 7 Bypasses In most of the villages, the communitieswere in favour of developingthe road along existing alignmentthrough the village. Conversely,people were * not in favour of bypasses. 8 Power supplyto the Delay in providing adequate power/electricityconnection to the building rehabilitated/ structures,which are relocatedor rehabilitated,was a big concern. 3 Revised by Lea Associates - 17 - October2001 (Original Documentby ICT, CES, LBII) I I MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

S. No. Issue Perceptions,Opinions & Suggestions relocatedbuildings structures,which are relocatedor rehabilitated,was a big concern. 9 Road Safety People expressedconcern about safety of the local inhabitants(as the residentialand/or commercial propertiesin the villages are locatedvery close to the road, and the roadwayis not very wide). 10 Cutting towards People living on the valley side of the road were concernedabout the hillside difficulty to move their propertiesaway from the road (as the valleys were very steep), and had suggested cutting the hillside for widening the road. * 11 LabourCamps Peoplewant that the labour camp should be establishedaway from the village and habitation. 12 Quality Control There was apprehensionabout timely completion of and quality control in the project. 13 Dust pollution Dust, rubbles from demolished(or cut) hillside, and those from dismantling of building structuresworried the community. 14 Noise Pollution Noise pollution was also an issue (particularlyon the stretch between Damdiaiand Sialsukvillages). 15 Community The communitieswere of the view that they should be consultedat various Involvement stages of the project, from preparationto project implementation 16 Compensation The likely PAPswere concernedabout the compensationpayment, particularly regardingthe procedureof disbursement. 17 Increasedbusiness The people believedthat widening of the road would leadto development I opportunities of the area and generate local/regionalbusiness opportunities,as the traffic will increase. 18 Improved With better communicationlinks, people felt that skilled labourand better connectivity materials would be availableto the remotevillages (which are not very well _ ~~~~~~connectednow). 19 Community Consultationhelped in convincing all the communitiesfor their positive participationduring participationduring project implementation. I~~ implementation

Disseminationof information regarding the project has been carried out for each of the project villages through public address system. The continued interaction of the SLAO with the various Village Councils and the affected community has ensured that the communitiesalong the project routes are aware of the proposedimprovements. | The entire project affected community has been consulted at different stages of the project preparation, and its views incorporatedduring the finalisation of the designs. As part of the EA, a follow-up participation programmehas been worked out and is to be taken up 15thof November onwards. Disclosuremechanisms have been worked out to ensure that the project documents are distributed and made available at the villages, so that the concernedpublic can have accessto and review the reports. These documents shall be placedat the Infoshop in Washingtonby November2001. I A plan for the continued participationof the various stakeholdershas been worked out.

1.11 ANALYSISOF ALTERNATIVES As part of the Feasibility studies for the project, an evaluation of the road network identified during SOS was carried out in terms of engineering, economic, traffic, I Revised by Lea Associates - 18 - October2001 MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

environmentaland social parametersto identify the routes to be taken up for improvement.

| 1.11.1THE SELECTIONOF P1-A The state highwaybetween Aizawl and Lungleiis an importantcorridor in the state of Mizoram,running in a north-southdirection. The alternativeroute, throughthe national highway(NH-54) is longerthan the statehighway by morethan 40km.The selectionof the improvementof the AizawlLunglei route as the priority roadunder the MizoramState RoadsProject has been primarilybecause the developmentof the state highwayshall connectseveral settlements in the regionand enable the socio-economicdevelopment . It will alsoaid in the developmentof tourismin this backwardregion. The first 100 km of the priorityroute is to be takenup in PhaseI andthe remaining87 km in PhaseII.

I 1.11.2SELECTIONOF FIVE-VILLAGE ROUTE BetweenAizawl and Buangpai,(Damdiai - Sialsuksection) there were two alternative * routesthat wereanalysed: Damdiai- Sialsukvia Hmuifang Damdiai- Sialsukvia Samlukhai The lengthof both of these sectionsis about 30 Km.The decisionto includeDamdiai - Sialsukvia Hmuifangsection as part of the priority roadsection was largelybased on the local perceptionabout relatively higher socio-economic gains that wouldaccrue from the I project investment. The improvementsto the poor conditionof the existing5 village route would requirehuge investments,which is not awailablewith the PWD.Another option, analysedwas the improvementof the samlukhairoad and provingnew access roadsto the villages.Given the difficultterrain, the constructionof new connectingroads to thesevillages was found economically as well as environmentallyunviable.

1.11.3ALTERNATIVES WITHIN FIVE-VILLAGE ROUTE | Within the five village route betweenDamidiai and Sialsuk,the following alternative alignmentswere analysed and assessed: * Alternate1: Via.King Mountain * Alternate2: RuralDevelopment Road * Alternate:3 PWDRoad I Dueto the least amountof cut requiredand the reducedamount of slopestabilization work required,the existingPWD route has been recommended.

1.11.4 REALIGNMENTS ALONGTHE PlA 3 The existingalignment between Aizawl and Buangpaihas been followed for improvement apart from small sections,where the poor geometricshave necessitatedprovision of

Revised by Lea Associates - 19 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT, CES, LBII) I MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

realignments.A total of 26 realignmentshave been worked out. At eachof thesesections, a comparisonof the routeoptions have been worked out and havebeen selected because the realignmentsare (a) shorter; (b) better geometricsand sight distances;and (c) cost | effective.

1.1 1.5ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES-MAINTENANCEROUTES The selectionof the maintenanceroutes has been based on the evaluationof the economicand engineering parameters, and provision of connectivity.

1.12 KEY ISSUES AND THEIR MITIGATION

1.12.lSTABILrrY OFSLOPES Sincemassive hill cutting is expectedalong the priority road,the stabilityof slopesis a key issue in the project. In addition to the safety of the road-usersand downhill populations,other concernsrelate to the damageto the roadformation, damage to the hillsideflora & faunaand the disruptionto traffic. Geomorphologicalzoning and assessment has been carried out by Geotechnicalengineers and geologistsalong the priority road.Based on the geologicalsetting, zoning has been workedout, andcut slopesrecommended. The vulnerablelocations in terms of landslides I andthe landslideprone locationsalong the priorityroad havebeen identified. At certain places,avoidance of cutting has alsobeen recommended.At most locations,mitigation measuresas rock bolting, provisionof band drains have been proposedwherever required,apart from adoptionof bio-engineeringtechniques for the stabilizationof vertical cut slopes.

1.12.2 LossOF BIODIVERSITY The varietyof flora andfauna species found in Mizoram(it is a part of north-eastIndia, which has been identifiedas a globalbiodiversity 'hotspot') makesit one of the major issuesto be addressed.In addition to the presenceof endangeredspecies such as Cyathus(tree fern) alongthe roadside,41 speciesof medicinalplants have been identified in the projectarea. Physical damage or removalof individualplants close to the existing carriagewayand on the hill sidewhere cutting will occurduring the constructionstage is to be minimized. A detailedassessment of the biodiversitycarried out alongthe priority routehas identified EcologicalIdentity Areas which will be protectedthrough preventive (such as avoidingthe areaby realigningthe roadin the mostsensitive locations) and mitigativemeasures (such as protectionof vulnerablelocations using local material). At a swamplocated in km 89, a seriesof pipe culvertshave been proposedin order to avoid impactingthe area which acts as a breedingground for dragonflies. At Falkawnvillage, where realignmentis to take place,a short lOOmstretch will be isolatedusing barbedwire fencingto prevent

Revised by Lea Associates - 20 - October 2001 (Original Documentby ICT, CES, LBII) MizoramState Roads Project - PhaseI EASummary

disturbanceto this ecologicallyimportant area. Other measureshave includedthe I provisionof 5 extra culvertsto providesafe passageto the ChinesePangolin in the area aroundAibawk village.

1.12.3 DISPOSALOF CONSTRUCTIONDEBRIS Alongalmost the entire priority road, the wideningwill be carriedout by cuttingon the hillside.Some of the materialmay be used up in the short fill stretches,mainly along someof the 29 realignmentsbeing proposed. However, 0.74 million cu.m.of debriswill still needto be disposedof. Disposalareas of adequatecapacity have been identifiedwhich satisfythe ecological sensitivityof the projectarea. Alongseveral stretches, the disposalhas beenforbidden. The proposeduse of the constructionmaterial has beento fill up the areabetween the existingand proposed alignments, wherever the alignmentis on the valleyside. At certain locations,the fill will be levelledoff and developedas a playgroundfor the local * population.

1.12.4WATER FORCONSTRUCTION - STORAGE AND HARVESTING | The water scarcity in Mizoramduring the non-monsoonmonths is a result of the topographyas well as the soil characteristicsof the area. Localpeople have constructed improvisedwater harvestingstructures to alleviatethe problemto a certainextent. These water drumstoo are set adjacentto the pavementand severalof thesewill be affected dueto the proposedworks. I Thoughthe procurementof water is usuallythe Contractor'sresponsibility, during the environmentalassessment, 29 locationshave been identifiedwhere water storage/ harvestingstructures can be constructed.These will relievethe pressureon the local water supplysources, avoid transportof water over long distancesfrom the valley and also providefor water storagein an areawhere there is a real needto conservewater despiteabundant rainfall.

| .112.5INVOLUNTARYRESE1TLEMENT The following were the objectivesof the R&Rpolicy developedfor the project, with particularattention to the communityand culturalneeds of the indigenouspopulation. * Theproject design should be culturally appropriate, and based on full considerationof the optionspreferred by the indigenouspeople affected by the project. I * Theinstitutions responsible should be sensitiveto the social,technical, and legal contexts for carryingout the proposeddevelopment activities. Implementation arrangements should involveappropriate existing institutions,local organizations,and nongovernmental organizations(NGOs) with expertise in mattersrelating to indigenouspeoples. & Localpatterns of socialorganization, religious beliefs, and resource use should be taken intoaccount in theproject. . Developmentactivities, particularly the incomerestoration plans should support production systemsthat are well adapted to the needsand environment of indigenous peoples.

3 Revisedby LeaAssociates - 21 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT,CES, LBII) MizoramState Roads Project - PhaseI EASummary

* The plan should avoid creating or aggravating the dependencyof indigenouspeople on U project entities. Planningshould encourageearly handover of assets,as much as possible, to local people. • Where effective programsare already functioning, support of those should be integrated in the project. Entitlementsof the ProjectAffected in the Project

Each of the affected indigenous person will receive the following: * Consultation,counseling regardingalternatives, and assistancein identifying new sites and | opportunities . Replacement land (or if desired, compensation for land at replacement cost), plus allowancesfor fees or other charges. The PAFs are also eligible for provision of other | support mechanisms. * Advance noticeto harvest non-perennialcrops, or compensationfor loss of standing crops * Compensationfor perennial crops and trees will be calculatedas annual produce value I times remaining productiveyears * Replacementor compensationfor structuresor other non-land assets * Right to salvagematerials from existing structures J . Inclusion in existing government housingschemes * Shifting assistance(note: replacementhousing will available before people are made to move.) Option of moving to resettlement sites, or clusters, incorporating needs for shelter and livelihood Every household member in the age group of 18 years and above is eligible for assistance for loss of livelihood. Three actions are possible: . Rehabilitationand assistancefor lost or diminishedlivelihood * . Additional support mechanisms for vulnerable groups in reestablishing or enhancing livelihood . Employmentopportunities connectedwith the project to the extent possible(however, this I employment is not linked to the entitlements necessaryto restore EPslivelihood, but is an additional opportunity) . Collectiveentitlements include some employment opportunities for construction,operation and maintenanceof the community resourcescreated. Community based entitlements will be provided as listed: | Restorationand improvementof common property resources,such as publicwater pumps, sanitation and drainage facilities. . Provisionfor a woman's needs, particularly related to location of sources of water and I firewood. Socialforestry programsmay be considered. * Provisionof safe spaceand accessfor businesspurposes, local transport, and publicuse. * Safety measuresfor pedestrians,particularly children, and other non-motorizedtransport in I the form of hospitals. * Provisionof roadsiderest areasand motor garagesand petrol pumps. * Provisionfor public water facilities at various points along the road at high altitudes for travelling peopleand vehicles.

| Revised by Lea Associates - 22 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by lCT,CES, LBII) MizoramState Roads Project - PhaseI EASummary

I 1.12.6 MEASURESTOWARDS INCOME RESTORATION OF TRIBAL POPULATION The project has taken a number of measurestowards rehabilitation of the ST families. The considerationstherein have been compiledas follows: I . All the affectedfamilies to be compensatedand/or assisted irrespective of their ownership status. Thus it implies that, whether they do or do not possesslegal title of the lands/assets,whether they are tenantsor encroachersor squatters,they will be paid with I the compensationand/or assistance amounts. * For privateproperty holders, if the type of lossis agriculturalland and assetsan entitled person(EP) from the vulnerablegroup can claimthe compensationfor the entire land by I meansof land-for-land.All the other assistancesremain the same as those for others includingtransitional allowances, additional grant for severanceof land, residualplots, expenseson fees, taxes,etc. and alternativeeconomic rehabilitation support and training for up-gradationof the skills. * In caseof loss of non-agriculturalprivate property, option for residential/commercialplot at resettlementsite will be providedfree of costto vulnerablefamilies if so optedby them apart from all other considerationslike compensationat replacementvalue, transitional allowance,shifting allowance, rental allowance, compensation for advancerental deposit, right to salvagematerials from the demolishedsite, etc. i Thereis a provisionfor additionalsupport to the STpeople who have been affected by the I lossof livelihood/ primarysource of income.The assistancewill be equivalentfor one year towardsincome generating or vocationaltraining option of the entitled person'schoice. The training will includestarting of a suitableproduction or serviceactivity. Economic rehabilitationsupport and training and in case the money not spent for the training Programme,the equivalentamount is to be paidas per their choice.

I 1.12.7 OTHERSOCIAL ISSUES As part of the Resettlementand Indigenous PeoplesDevelopment Plan (R&IPDP)for the I project, an assessmentof the various social issues as the loss of access, road safety, disruption of livelihood, gender issues due to the project, and other issues related to HIV/AIDShave been addressed.

I 1.12.8TRAFFICSAFETY AND MANAGEMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION To ensure the safety of road users and management of traffic during construction, adequate measures have been worked out, including the timing of the construction activitiesand alternative routes for diversionof traffic.

I 1.13 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

| 1.13. 1 CAPACI1YBUILDING FOR MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTALAND SOCIAL ASPECTS To effectively overseethe project preparation and to ensure the timely implementationof the project, a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has been established. The Project Director heads the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), which at present includes the following officers: I . ExecutiveEngineer (Procurement), * ExecutiveEngineer (Environment), 3 Revised by Lea Associates - 23 - October2001 (Original Documentby ICT, CES, LBII) MizoramState Roads Project - PhaseI EASummary

I ExecutiveEngineer (Social Aspects), I * AssistantEngineer (Procurement), * AssistantEngineer (Environment), and * AssistantEngineer (Social Aspects). The PIU is expected to play a key role in implementation of the project including the overallcontrol of constructionactivities and implementation of contracts. Duringthe implementationof MSRP,the PIUwill be assistedby a SupervisionConsultant procuredthrough International Competitive Bidding. The SCwill assumethe role of the I Engineerand ensureconstruction in an environmentallysound mannerthrough their EnvironmentalSpecialist. For the implementationof R&Ractivities, a local NGOwill be procured.A Monitoringand Evaluation(M&E) Consultant will be appointedto monitorthe implementationof the provisionsof the R&IPDPin accordanceto the R&RPolicy for the * project. In order to aid implementation,the rolesand responsibilitiesof the variousactors have been worked out. Terms of referencehave been drawn up for the Environmental Specialistof the ConstructionSupervision Consultant who will assistthe Environmental Cellof the PIUto ensurethe implementationof mitigationand enhancement measures as envisagedin the EnvironmentalManagement Plan. The Terms of Referencehave also beenfinalised for the NGOwho will be contractedfor the implementationof the R&IPDP. For the major maintenancecomponent, the supervisionwill be carriedout by the PIU throughthe local PWDDivisions. The qualityassurance consultant will undertakeperiodic supervisionto ensurethe quality of the worksand workmanship.The QA Consultants, 3 who are to be procuredunder NationalCompetitive Bidding, will have sufficientstaff, albeit part-time to ensure that the provisionsof the Environmentaland Social ManagementPlan (ESMP) are implementedin letter as well as spirit alongall the routes * undermaintenance. Further, the QAConsultant will imparttraining to the Contractorsand the PWD staff, similar in content and coverageas has been proposedfor the | EnvironmentalSpecialist of the SupervisionConsultants.

I 1.14 TRAINING Trainingmodules worked out for the projectfocus on issuesrelevant to roadsin Mizoram. After providinga soundgrounding in environmentalregulation, pollution monitoring and environmentallysound constructionmanagement. Training has been proposedfor the PIU, PWD engineersat the divisions, Contractorsand the Quality AssuranceConsultants. I The servicesof the EnvironmentalSpecialist of the SupervisionConsultant and the EnvironmentalExpert of the QualityAssurance Consultant shall be drawn upon apart from specialistinputs for the impartingof training.The followingaspects will be covered in detail: * Conservationof biodiversity I . Slopestability and vulnerability to landslides * Sitingcriteria for identificationof dumpingsites 3 Revised by Lea Associates - 24 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT,CES, LBII) MizoramState Roads Project - PhaseI EASummary

* Harnessingwater resources,including rain water harvesting * Conceptsof bio-engineering

| 1.14.1 REPORTINGSYSTEMS

The reporting system devised to track success of project implementation will operate 3 linearly from the Contractor, through the Supervision Consultant (only for the upgradation routes) to the PIU (which would also act as the Engineer for the Major Maintenance component) who in turn will report to the World Bank. Formats for reporting by the Contractor to the Supervision Consultant have been designed.

I 1.15 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BUDGET

| 1.15.1ENVIRONMENTALBUDGET

The Environmental Assessment and its incorporation into the designs and the contract 3 documents have been taken up at all stages of the preparation and will continue during the implementation of the project. As part of good engineering practices in the project, there have been several measures as erosion prevention, rehabilitation of borrow areas, I safety, signage, provision of temporary drains, etc the costs for which are included in the engineering costs. Therefore, these items of costs have not been included in the EMP budget. Only those items not covered under budgets for construction and RAP are shown in the EMP budget. The EMP costs include: * Mitigation / Enhancement Costs I . Monitoring Costs * Training and Mobilisation Costs The summary budget for the Environmental management costs for the Upgradation and Major Maintenance Routes to be taken up in Phases I and II of the project are presented in the Table 10.3. In addition to the heads listed below, a contingency of 5% has been I provided (The budget for the Phase II are estimates based on worst case scenario and need to be firmed up during the detailed EA).

Table 10: Consolidated Environmental Budget - Phase I& II (INR in million)

| ~~~~~~I ~ ~ ~~~~PhasePhasell Budget Head Upgradationl Major Upgradation/ Major Improvement Maintenance Improvement Maintenance Mitigation/Enhancement 7.92 5.88 12.92 6.35 Monitoring 1.65 2.96 2.20 3.20 Trainingand Mobilisation 5.08 0.50 0 0.63 3 Total 14.65 9.34 15.12 10.18

3 Revisedby LeaAssociates - 25 - October2001 (OriginalDocument by ICT,CES, LBII) MizoramState RoadsProject - PhaseI EASummary

I 1.15.2 RESETTLEMENTAND REHABILITATION BUDGET The total budget for implementingthe R&R componentin Phase-Iof the Project is Rs.29.77million, of whichthe World Bankwill financeRs.14.72 million, and the remaining amountof Rs.15.06million will be borneby the Governmentof Mizoram. The estimatedbudget for Phase-IIof the projectis Rs.48.10 million, of whichthe WBwill I finance Rs. 20.82million, and the remainingRs. 27.28million will be financedby the Governmentof Mizoram.The Phase-IIestimate is based on extrapolateddata from Phase-I,and will be updatedduring preparation of Phase-IIof the project.

Table 11: ConsolidatedRAP Budget- Phase I & II, MSRP

(INR in million) Budget Component Phase I Phase II I ______GoM WB GoM WB Acquisition of Agricultural Land 1.95 3.04 2.21 4.00 Acquisition of Residential and Commercial Land 7.23 6.05 19.40 10.48 Acquistion of public lands 1.84 0.88 Assistance towards Loss of Livelihood 2.84 0.61 3.44 1.83 Assistance for Encroachers and Squatters - -

Common property resources 0.75 0.90 - Institutional Capacity Building and Implementation 0.45 3.52 0.45 3.52

Other provisions including measures as HIVIAIDS - 1.5 1 Total 15.06 14.72 27.28 20.82

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3 Revised by Lea Associates - 26 - October 2001 (Original Documentby ICT, CES, LBII)