PROJECT PROPONENT: Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecommunications (DoT) , GOI Environmental Assessment of BMH at eight Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands under CANI Submarine Cable System

APPENDIX I FORM 1

(I) Basic information:

Name of the Project: - -Andaman Nicobar Islands Submarine Cable System Cable landing and construction of Beach Man Hole at eight islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands: , (Hut bay), , Kamorta, Great Nicobar (Campbell bay), Havelock, Long and Rangat Islands.

Location or site alternatives under consideration: - Eight islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Port Blair, Little Andaman (Hut bay), Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar (Campbell bay), Havelock, Long and Rangat Islands.

Size of the project (in terms of total area):- 100 (Gbps) Gigabit per second will connect Chennai and eight islands at Andaman and Nicobar Island. Total length of the cable and route is 2245.96 km and 2199.66 km respectively.

CRZ classification of the area:- As mentioned below:

SI.No. BMH Location ICRZ Classification 1. Port Blair ICRZ-II 2. Havelock Island ICRZ-III 3. Hut Bay, Little Andaman ICRZ-III 4. Car Nicobar ICRZ-III 5. Kamorta ICRZ-III 6. Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar ICRZ-II 7. Rangat Island ICRZ-III 8. Long Island ICRZ-III S. No. CLS Location ICRZ Classification 1 Campbell Bay ICRZ-III 2 Kamorta ICRZ-III 3 Long Island ICRZ-III

Expected cost of the project:- 71.28 Crore

Contact Information:- Mrs. Shivalini Sinha, Group General Manager (TC), Room No. 505, TCIL Bhawan, G.K.-1, New Delhi-110048 Phone No. 011-26202020; On behalf of Project Proponent- Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Sanchar Bhawan, 20, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001, Tel.-23372144

(II) Activity

1. Construction, operation or decommissioning of the Project involving actions, which will cause physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes in water bodies, and the like)

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Details thereof (with approximate Information/Checklist S. No. Yes/No quantities /rates, wherever possible) with confirmation source of information data 1.1 Permanent or temporary change in Cable landing and BMH construction are land use, land cover or topography underground operation. No change in land- including increase in intensity of No use will occur due to project development land use (with respect to local as no above ground structure will be land use plan) constructed. 1.2 Details of CRZ classification as per The proposed 8 BMH locations at all the the approved Coastal Zone eight islands and 3 CLS locations at 3 sites Management Plan? are mentioned below as per IPZ notifications, 2011 and further amendment.

SI. BMH Location ICRZ No. Classific ation 1. Port Blair (2 landing ICRZ-II points i.e 2 BMH) 2. Havelock Island (2 ICRZ-III landing points i.e 2 BMH) 3. Hut Bay, Little Andaman ICRZ-III (2 landing points i.e 2 Yes BMH) 4. Car Nicobar (2 landing ICRZ-III points i.e 2 BMH) 5. Kamorta (2 landing ICRZ-III points i.e 2 BMH) 6. Campbell Bay, Great ICRZ-II Nicobar (1 landing point i.e 1 BMH) 7. Rangat Island (1 landing ICRZ-III point i.e 1 BMH) 8. Long Island (2 landing ICRZ-III points i.e 2 BMH) SI. CLS Location ICRZ No. Classific ation 1 Campbell Bay ICRZ-III 2 Kamorta ICRZ-III 3 Long Island ICRZ-III

1.3 Whether located in CRZ-I area? Cable laying activity from Sea edge to BMH in eight islands will take place in ICRZ – II and ICRZ III zone as mentioned in section No 1.2. CLS at 3 sites, i.e. Campbell bay, Kamorta and Long island lies in ICRZ-III areas 1.4 The distance from CRZ-I areas? ICRZ areas are varying in 8 islands as Yes mentioned in section 1.2. Shortest distance

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

between inner side (seaward side) of proposed BMH and the boundary of sea for all the islands are mentioned below: SI. BMH Location Distance from No. Sea edge 1. Port Blair (2 25 m landing points i.e 2 BMH) 2. Havelock Island (2 44 m landing points i.e 2 BMH) 3. Hut Bay, Little 70 m Andaman (2 landing points i.e 2 BMH) 4. Car Nicobar (2 21 m landing points i.e 2 BMH) 5. Kamorta (2 60 m landing points i.e 2 BMH) 6. Campbell Bay, 20 m Great Nicobar (1 landing point i.e 1 BMH) 7. Rangat Island (1 30 m landing point i.e 1 BMH) 8. Long Island (2 16 m landing points i.e 2 BMH)

1.5 Whether located within the hazard Yes, as per NDMA, coastal areas of zone as mapped by Ministry of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are prone to Yes Environment and Forest/National cyclones and tsunami and have a very high Disaster Management Authority? damage risk. 1.6 Whether the area is prone to Yes, as per NDMA, coastal areas of cyclone, tsunami, tidal surge, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are prone to subduction, earthquake etc.? cyclones and tsunami. As per NDMA Earthquake hazard map, Andaman and Nicobar Islands falls in seismic zone V which is Very high risk Damage Zone (MSK IX or more). Yes CANI cable system does not cross any area of significant volcanic activity. Closest known volcano to the cable route is barren island, NE of Havelock Island at approx 135 km from the cable route. There is no significant risk from the known volcanoes along the Andaman-Nicobar volcanic arc as

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

these are widely spaced and not highly active. 1.7 Whether the area is prone for All the BMH sites are located close to the saltwater ingress? sea. No surface water bodies present close No to the BMH hence area is not prone to saltwater ingress.

1.8 Clearance of existing land, Construction of BMH and cable laying is vegetation and buildings? proposed near sea beach. No vegetation or No buildings is needed to be cleared for construction of BMH or CLS except some bushes. 1.9 Creation of new land uses? Cable landing and BMH construction are underground operation. No new land-use No will be created due to project development as no above ground structure will be constructed. 1.10 Pre-construction investigations e.g. The pre-construction investigations at the bore houses, soil testing? BMH site involved earthing system for cable. Yes Drilling of bore holes is not necessary for the project nor is testing of soil for its content and strength. But, soil quality of the all the BMH locations is examined. 1.11 Construction works? An underground BMH of dimensions 4m x 3m x 4m will be constructed at all the eight Yes islands. It will be a concrete chamber situated below ground and above the high water level. 1.12 Demolition works? No No demolition works will be carried out.

1.13 Temporary sites used for Cable termination operation at beach will construction works or housing of take few days and in total 7-8 men will be construction workers? No required to carry out the cable termination operation. Thus, no temporary housing for workers is required to be provided. 1.14 Above ground buildings, structures Construction of BMH and cable route at or earthworks including linear beach: structures, cut and fill or An underground structure (BMH) of excavations dimensions 4m x 3m x 4m will be Yes constructed. A cable route of respective length of all the islands as mentioned in section 1.4 and depth 2 meter deep for cable to reach from 4

Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

sea edge to respective BMH locations will be constructed. Cable route will be re-filled after laying cable. Cable Landing Station New cable landing station building will be constructed for distribution. CLS sites at 3 islands will be located in ICRZ areas (ICRZ III) (Campbell Bay, Long island and Kamorta island) 1.15 Underground works including No mining or tunneling will be undertaken mining or tunneling? but. An underground structure (BMH) of dimensions 4m x 3m x 4m will be constructed. A cable route of respective length of all the No islands as mentioned in section 1.4 and depth 2 meter for cable to reach from sea edge to respective BMH locations will be constructed. Foundations will be constructed for CLS buildings 1.16 Reclamation works? No reclamation work is associated with the No Project. 1.17 Dredging/reclamation/land Beach is sandy in nature; most of the filling/disposal of dredged material excavated sand will be re-filled. Remaining etc.? sand will be spread on the beach. There may be generation of small quantity No of construction debris which will be used for filling the land. The debris will be disposed off as per the per Municipal Corporation regulations of 8 islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 1.18 Offshore structures? No offshore above-ground structure will be No constructed. 1.19 Production and manufacturing The project involves laying of a submarine processes? cable system - installation of the optical fiber No cable under sea. Hence, no production and manufacturing processes are involved. 1.20 Facilities for storage of goods or No goods, raw material, waste etc. storage No materials? is involved in the project.

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

1.21 Facilities for treatment or disposal of During the installation phase, Cable laying solid waste or liquid effluents? vessel will comply with all International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements, including (but not limited to) marine environment (i.e. Marine Pollution - No MARPOL etc). Thus, any solid waste or liquid effluents generated during the installation phase will be disposed off as per MARPOL guidelines. During Operation phase, no solid waste or liquid effluent will be generated. 1.22 Facilities for long term housing of There will be no operational workers at the operational workers? BMH location after the cable laying process No is complete. Hence, no such facility of long term housing shall be provided. 1.23 New road, rail or sea traffic during Traffic equivalent to 10-15 ECS (equivalent construction or operation? car space) is anticipated during the Beach operations. Existing infrastructure shall be used and no new rail, road shall be Yes constructed for proposed project. In addition sea traffic will involve anchorage of one vessel and a few small boats for cable installation. 1.24 New road, rail, air waterborne or Existing transportation routes will be used other transport infrastructure for project development work. No including new or altered routes and stations, ports, airports etc? 1.25 Closure or diversion of existing No Closure or diversion of existing transport transport routes or infrastructure routes or infrastructure is involved which No leading to changes in traffic may lead to any change in traffic movements? movements. 1.26 New or diverted transmission lines Presently all the BMH sites are linked or pipelines? through satellite communication. There are No no cable landings for Internet. No transmission or pipelines enter or exit along the CLS route.

1.27 Impoundment, damming, No Impoundment, damming, culverting, and culverting, realignment or other realignment or any other such activity, etc changes to the hydrology of No are envisaged due to project development watercourses or aquifers? which may lead to change in hydrology of watercourses or aquifers. 1.28 Stream and river crossings? No streams or river cross the CLS route and No BMH site. 6

Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Optical fiber communication cable will be laid on sea bed to connect the Andaman and Nicobar (ANI) group of islands on submarine cable with mainland (at Chennai). 1.29 Abstraction or transfers of water No ground or surface water will be from ground or surface waters? No abstracted, both during construction and operation phase of the Project. 1.30 Changes in water bodies or the No change in water bodies and the land land surface affecting drainage or surface is anticipated. Cable laying on sea run-off? bed will not impact drainage or run-off. Cable termination at Beach involves No excavation of cable route and BMH. Land surface of beach will be restored back after completion of cable laying operation. No alteration in land surface will take place which can impact drainage or run-off. 1.31 Transport of personnel or materials Transportation of personnel or materials will for construction, operation or Yes be limited to beach operations only. decommissioning? 1.32 Long-term dismantling or The cable life is expected to be in service decommissioning or restoration for at least 25 years. There are no plans to works? No remove the proposed cable line or BMH as these may also be used by future cable systems. 1.33 Ongoing activity during No No decommissioning activity is anticipated decommissioning which could at this time of the Project Installation. have an impact on the environment? 1.34 Influx of people to an area in either No Project does not involve influx of people to temporarily or permanently? the area, either temporarily or permanent. 1.35 Introduction of alien species? No No alien species will be introduced. 1.36 Loss of native species or genetic No No loss of native species will occur due to diversity? project development. 1.37 Any other actions? No No other activity is involved.

2. Use of Natural resources for construction or operation of the Project (such as land, water, materials or energy, especially any resources which are non-renewable or in short supply): Details thereof (with approximate Information/checklist S.No. Yes/No quantities /rates, wherever possible) with confirmation source of information data

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

2.1 Land especially undeveloped or BMH measuring 4m x 3m x 4m will be agricultural land (ha) constructed near sea beach at all the eight Yes Islands in Andaman and Nicobar Island. CLS buildings will be constructed at 3 islands 2.2 Water (expected source and Small quantity of water will be required for competing users) unit: KLD the construction of BMH and sprinkling of the beach sand with water during the Yes construction phase. The water usage anticipated will be bought in tankers. No activity will take place at BMH location during operation phase. 2.3 Minerals (MT) Yes Concrete for construction of BMH. 2.4 Construction material – stone, Concrete for construction of the BMH. aggregates, sand / soil (expected Yes

source – MT) 2.5 Forests and timber (source – MT) No No timber resource will be used. 2.6 Energy including electricity and Fuel (diesel) will be used for operating fuels (source, competing users) construction machinery. Unit: fuel (MT), energy (MW) Yes

2.7 Any other natural resources (use No other natural resource will be used for No appropriate standard units) undersea cable laying operation.

3. Use, storage, transport, handling or production of substances or materials, which could be harmful to human health or the environment or raise concerns about actual or perceived risks to human health. Details thereof (with approximate Information/Checklist S.No. Yes/No quantities/rates, wherever possible) with confirmation source of information data 3.1 Use of substances or materials, No No material hazardous to human health will which are hazardous (as per be used for project development. Fuel like MSIHC rules) to human health or diesel will be used for running construction machinery. the environment (flora, fauna, and water supplies) 3.2 Changes in occurrence of disease No such changes will take place that may or affect disease vectors (e.g. No lead to occurrence of any disease or affect insect or water borne diseases) any disease vectors. 3.3 Affect the welfare of people e.g. by It is a submarine communication cable, changing living conditions? connecting the Andaman and Nicobar (ANI) group of islands on submarine cable with mainland India (at Chennai). This project is Yes developed with aim of enhancing the robustness and reliability of connectivity in Andaman and Nicobar island (ANI) and Chennai. 8

Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

This project will enable better and faster communication service. Data can be accessed in lesser time and at affordable price with high security. Thus, this project will improve living style of people. 3.4 Vulnerable groups of people who All the BMH sites are located away from the could be affected by the project settlement and sensitive places and the e.g. hospital patients, children, the cable for CLS shall be laid along the No elderly etc., existing road Thus, the cable laying operation will not affect any vulnerable group of people. 3.5 Any other causes, that would Project activity is of very short duration. affect local communities, Complete cable laying process will take a fisherfolk, their livelihood, dwelling maximum of 3 weeks. Most of the BMH units of traditional local sites are located away from fish landing site. communities etc. No No commercial fishing sites are located close to BMH, hence fishing activity or any other activity related to livelihood of local people will not be impacted due to this project.

4. Production of solid wastes during construction or operation or decommissioning (MT/month) Details thereof (with approximate Information/Checklist S. No. Yes/No quantities/rates, wherever possible) with confirmation source of information data 4.1 Spoil, overburden or mine wastes Approx. 16 cubic meter of sand will be generated from each BMH excavation at 8 No Island. The excavated sand will be spread at beach only. 4.2 Municipal waste (domestic and or No municipal solid waste is expected to be commercial wastes) generated during operation phase. Small quantity of construction waste will be disposed off as per the rules and guidelines No of Municipal Corporation of 8 respective Islands located at ANI. Waste to be generated onboard will be disposed off as per guidelines of MARPOL. 4.3 Hazardous wastes (as per The hazardous waste (such as used oil Hazardous Waste Management Yes from the Cable Laying Vessel and Rules) equipment) will be disposed off as per the MARPOL guidelines. 4.4 Other industrial process wastes No None.

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

4.5 Surplus product No None

4.6 Sewage sludge or other sludge No sewage will be generated during from effluent treatment operation phase. Cable laying vessel will comply with No MARPOL, thus sewage to be generated while cable laying will be disposed off as per MARPOL guidelines. 4.7 Construction or demolition wastes Negligible amount of construction debris like left over concrete may be generated. It will No be disposed off as per guidelines of Municipal Corporation of 8 respective Islands located at ANI. 4.8 Redundant machinery or No redundant machinery or equipment will No equipment be involved. 4.9 Contaminated soils or other No contamination of soil is anticipated to materials occur due to the Project. Cable to be buried No has an outer covering of inert material which will not contaminate soil or water. 4.10 Agricultural wastes No agricultural waste will be generated due No to the Project development. 4.11 Other solid wastes Any batteries, used filters or any clinical Yes waste generated onboard will be managed as per MARPOL guidelines.

5. Release of pollutants or any hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to air (Kg/hr) Details thereof (with approximate Information/Checklist S. No. Yes/No quantities/rates, wherever possible) with confirmation source of information data 5.1 Emissions from combustion of There will be temporary and negligible fossil fuels from stationary or emissions from the construction equipment mobile sources Yes on the Beach. The Cable Laying Vessel will comply with the MARPOL guidelines. Thus, air emissions will be managed accordingly. 5.2 Emissions from production Project does not involve any production of No processes goods. 5.3 Emissions from materials handling No storage and transportation of materials No including storage or transport is involved. 5.4 Emissions from construction There will be temporary and negligible activities including plant and emissions from the construction equipment equipment No on the Beach for short duration. The Cable Laying Vessel will comply with the MARPOL guidelines. Thus, air 10

Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

emissions will be managed accordingly. 5.5 Dust or odors from handling of Construction of the BMH and the cable materials including construction laying process at 8 Islands located at ANI materials, sewage and waste Yes will generate dust. However, the construction will be for short duration and no significant dust impacts will result. 5.6 Emissions from incineration of No incineration of waste material will be No waste carried out. 5.7 Emissions from burning of waste in Open burning of waste will not be carried open air (e.g. slash materials, No out. construction debris) 5.8 Emissions from any other sources No other emissions are anticipated due to No Project development.

6. Generation of Noise and Vibration, and Emissions of Light and Heat: Details thereof (with approximate Information/Checklist quantities/rates, wherever possible) with S. No. Yes/No confirmation source of information data with source of information data 6.1 From operation of equipment e.g. During the construction of the BMH and engines, ventilation plant, crushers cable laying process, noise will be generated because of the use of jackhammers and excavators. The construction work will be carried out during day time hours only. These equipments have a noise range of 75-85 dB(A). Noise generated from the barge and cable laying equipment during the submarine cable installation will be minimal. From No primary noise monitoring at 8 Islands, it was found that the day time and night time Leq (ambient noise level) of the project area other than BMH location is found within the prescribed National Ambient Noise Quality Standard. However, the noise level near BMH location is found high due to the natural sound of the sea waves. Therefore, no unacceptable noise impacts upon the nearby Island areas will result from this project. 6.2 From industrial or similar No industrial processing is involved. No processes 6.3 From construction or demolition Same as section 6.1 Yes

6.4 From blasting or piling No No blasting or piling will be carried out.

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

6.5 From construction or operational Refer section 6.1. traffic Yes 6.6 From lighting or cooling systems No lightning or cooling system will be No involved. 6.7 From any other sources No other source of noise generation is No anticipated.

7. Risks of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants into the ground or into sewers, surface waters, groundwater, coastal waters or the sea: Details thereof (with approximate Information/Checklist S. No. Yes/No quantities/rates, wherever possible) confirmation with source of information data 7.1 From handling, storage, use or No hazardous material will be used or spillage of hazardous materials stored for project development. Appropriate facilities will be provided in the ships and barge for storage and handling No of hazardous waste generated during the construction phase. The hazardous waste will be disposed off as per the MARPOL guidelines. 7.2 From discharge of sewage or other effluents to water or the land No Refer to Section 1.21 (expected mode and place of discharge) 7.3 By deposition of pollutants emitted No such pollutants are expected to be No to air into the land or into water generated due to Project development. 7.4 From any other sources No No other pollution sources are envisaged. 7.5 Is there a risk of long term build up No risk of long term build up of pollutants in of pollutants in the environment No the environment is anticipated due to from these sources? Project development activity.

8. Risk of accidents during construction or operation of the Project, which could affect human health or the environment

Details thereof (with approximate Information/Checklist S. No. Yes/No quantities/rates, wherever possible) with confirmation source of information data

8.1 From explosions, spillages, fires Cable laying vessel complies with IMO etc from storage, handling, use or requirements on safety (SOLAS-safety of production of hazardous No life at Sea). Thus, any risk to life onboard will be managed accordingly. substances No such hazard due to explosions, 12

Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

spillages, fires etc is anticipated at BMH location 8.2 From any other causes No No other risk or health hazard is anticipated. 8.3 Could the project be affected by Area is prone to cyclones and tsunami. natural disasters causing BMH or cable laid on sea bed may get environmental damage (e.g. Yes impacted due to these natural disasters. floods, earthquakes, landslides, cloudburst etc)? 9. Factors which should be considered (such as consequential development) which could lead to environmental effects or the potential for cumulative impacts with other existing or planned activities in the locality Details thereof (with approximate Information/Checklist S. No. Yes/No quantities/rates, wherever possible) with confirmation source of information data 9.1 Lead to development of supporting facilities, ancillary development or development stimulated by the project which could have impact on the environment e.g.: •Supporting infrastructure (roads, power supply, waste or waste No No supporting infrastructure is anticipated due to the Project development. water treatment, etc.) •housing development No housing development is anticipated due No to the Project development. •extractive industries No No impact is anticipated. •supply industries No No impact is anticipated. •other Project involves laying of submarine communication cable. This project is developed with the aim of enhancing the robustness and reliability of communication network in A&N islands and Chennai. The Yes project will enable better and faster communication service. Data can be accessed in lesser time and at affordable price with high security. Thus, this project will improve living style of people. 9.2 Lead to after-use of the site, No such impact on environment is which could have an impact on No anticipated. the environment 9.3 Set a precedent for later This project will enable better and faster developments communication service. Development of this Yes project generates high development potential for telecommunication industries, education, railway sectors, etc.

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

9.4 Have cumulative effects due to proximity to other existing or No cumulative effects due to project planned projects with similar No proximity to other existing or planned effects projects with similar effects are anticipated.

(III) Environmental Sensitivity Aerial distance (within 15 Name/ km.) S. No. Areas Identity Proposed project location boundary 1 Areas protected under international None except Port conventions, national or local Blair and Campbell legislation for their ecological, Bay BMH site landscape, cultural or other related Port Blair BMH value site: 1) Mount Harriett Designated 11.5 km, North of Port Blair National 2) Park BMH Mount Harriett Marine National ~15 km, south west of Port Park Blair BMH

Campbell Bay: 1) Campbell RBZ (reserve buffer zone) of Bay Cambell Bay National Park is National about 4.7 km, Northwest of Park, proposed BMH location at Campbell Bay

2 Areas which are important or sensitive None except Port for ecological reasons - Wetlands, Blair and Campbell watercourses or other water bodies, Bay BMH site coastal zone, biospheres, mountains, Port Blair BMH forests site: 1) Mount 11.5 km, North of Port Blair Harriett Designated BMH National 2) Park Mount Harriett ~15 km, south west of Port Marine National Blair BMH Park

Campbell Bay: RBZ (reserve buffer zone) of 2) Campbell Cambell Bay National Park is Bay about 4.7 km, Northwest of National proposed BMH location at 14

Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Park, Campbell Bay

3 Areas used by protected, important or None except Port sensitive species of flora or fauna for Blair and Campbell breeding, nesting, foraging, resting, Bay BMH site over wintering, migration Port Blair BMH site: 1) Mount Harriett Designated 11.5 km, North of Port Blair National 2) Park BMH Mount Harriett Marine National ~15 km, south west of Port Park Blair BMH

Campbell Bay: 3) Campbell RBZ (reserve buffer zone) of Bay Campbell Bay National Park is National about 4.7 km, Northwest of Park, proposed BMH location at Campbell Bay

4 Inland, coastal, marine or underground Creek at Port Blair South of the BMH location waters Creek at Havelock 6 km (S) and 4 km (N) Creek at Hut Bay 6 km (N) Creek at Rangat 4.5 km (SW) at At all the BMH locations all the Islands 5 State, National boundaries None

6 Routes or facilities used by the public All the BMH sites are connected through minor for access to recreation or other roads. Same route will be used for construction and tourist, pilgrim areas other project related activities. SH1 at Hut Bay : 0.26 km (W) NH223 at Rangat : 0.21 km (W) SH3 at Car Nicobar : 0.5 km (W) SH 2 at Campbell Bay : NW of BMH location SH 5 at Havelock : North of BMH location Corbyns Cove road at Port Blair : 0.06 km (N)

7 Defense installations The proposed cable route will cross a Firing practice area off ANI landing site. 8 Densely populated or built-up area None of the island are densely populated except port Blair. Located away from the BMH site.

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

9 Areas occupied by sensitive man- All the BMH sites are made land uses (hospitals, schools, located in main town of Within 15 km places of worship, community the respective Islands where all the facilities facilities) (i.e hospitals, schools, temples, etc.) are available. 10 Areas containing important, high All the proposed BMH quality or scarce resources (ground location at respective water resources, surface resources, Islands are under the forestry, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, forest department. minerals) Fisheries and tourism is the main occupation of the Islanders. Within 15 km Most of the Islands has the supply water facilities provided by APWD (Andaman Public Work Department) 11 Areas already subjected to pollution or environmental damage. (those where None Specific .- existing legal environmental standards are exceeded) 12 Areas susceptible to natural hazard The proposed BMH site which could cause the project to at eight Islands in ANI present environmental problems Yes falls in Seismic Zone V. (earthquakes, subsidence, landslides, Area is prone to cyclones erosion, flooding or extreme or and Tsunami. adverse climatic conditions)

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