Updated Initial Environmental Examination

Project No. 44426-016 November 2018

India: Green Energy Corridor and Grid Strengthening Project (Pugalur - North Thrissur HVDC System)

Prepared by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited for the Asian Development Bank.

This updated initial environmental examination report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. INITIAL ENVIRONMENT EXAMINATION REPORT (IEER) FOR ± 320KV HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR – NORTH TRISSUR

ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD. ( A GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ENTERPRISE )

ESMD/IEER/HVDC PUGALUR-NORTH TRISSUR/R1 NOV.’18

CONTENTS

Section Description Page No. Section - I : Project Description - 1-3 - Background - 1 - Project Objectives - 1 - Project Justification - 1 - Project Highlights - 2 - Project Scope & Present Study - 2 Section - II : Baseline Data - 4-15 - Kerala - 4 - Tamil Nadu 9 Section- III : Policy, Legal & Regulatory Framework - 16-20 - Environmental - 16 - Social - 19 Section- IV : Approach for Route/Site Selection - 21-25 - Route Selection - 21 - Study of Alternatives - 21 4.2- Route alignment of HVDC Bipole Link Between North Thrissur and - 22 Pugalur Line 4.3- Route alignment of for LILO of North-Thrissur – Cochin 400kV - 24 (Quad) D/C Line at North Thrissur HVDC Station - Substation - 24 Section - V : Potential Environmental Impacts, Their Evaluation & - 26-36 Management - Impact due to Project Location & Design - 26 - Environmental Problem due to Design - 30 - Environmental Problems during Construction Phase - 32 - Environmental Problems Resulting from Operation - 33 - Critical Environmental Review Criteria - 34 - Public Consultation - 34 - Conclusion - 36 Section- VI : Institutional Arrangement & Monitoring - 37-53 - Environmental Monitoring Programme in POWERGRID - 37 - Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) - 39 - Environment Review - 39

LIST OF ENCLOSURES

Sl. Title/Name Description Annexure 1 Annexure -1 Guideline issued by Govt of India regarding RoW compensation 2 Annexure- 2 Tree / crop Compensation Procedure 3 Annexure -3 Safety Plan 4 Annexure -4 Health, Safety & Environment Conditions in Contract Document 5 Annexure -5 Health & Safety Checklists 6 Annexure -6 Report of PTI on EMF 7 Annexure -7 Procedure of Public Consultation 8 Annexure -8 Details of Public Consultation 9 Annexure -9 Estimated Budget 10 Annexure-10 Format for Environment Safeguard Monitoring Report Exhibit 11 Exhibit -1 Schematic Map Showing the Proposed Subprojects 12 Exhibit -2 Organisational Support Structure for EMP & ESPP Implementation Figure 13 Figure -1 Typical Plan of Transmission Line Tower Footings Showing Actual Ground Position and Extent of Impact 14 Figure-1a Schematic Diagram indicating Area of Influence/Impact of ±320kV Transmission Line Map 15 Map -1 Forest Cover Map of Kerala 16 Map -2 Forest Cover Map of Tamil Nadu 17 Map- 3 Alternatives Route Alignment of ±320 kV HVDC Bipole Link between North Thrissur and Pugalur Line 18 Map-4 Section Wise Drawing of Proposed Underground Cable Route Plate 19 Plate-1 Proposed Transition Station Location 20 Plate-2 Actual Site Traffic Conditions of NH - 47 (now NH 544) along with under construction diverted Tunnel Route 21 Plate-3 Actual Site Conditions of Proposed UG Cable Route in Parvathani Hill Reserve Forest Stretch 22 Plate-4 Actual Site Conditions of Proposed UG Cable Route in Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary 23 Plate-5 Area of Influence &Actual damage due to construction activities for laying of UG Cable 24 Plate-6 Proposed Rail Fencing as per Wildlife Management Plan to avoid Man-Animal (Elephant) Conflict Appendix 25 Appendix -1 Proposed Wildlife Mitigation Plan 26 Appendix -2 Recommendation from State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) 27 Appendix -3 Recommendation from National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) 28 Appendix -4 NoC/permission from NHAI

SECTION - I : PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Southern Region (SR) of the country is facing power deficit mainly due to (i) delay/deferment of anticipated generation projects and (ii) due to non-availability of gas for existing gas projects in Southern Region (SR). As on date maximum power demand of SR is about 39000 MW and faces a deficit of about 3400 MW in spite of import capacity of about 4920 MW from NEW (North East Western) grid. As per 18th Electric Power Survey (EPS) of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) the expected power demand of Southern region by the end of XII and XIII plan would be about 57,200 MW and 82,200 MW respectively. Envisaged generation addition indicates power transfer requirement to Southern Region is expected to increase in coming years particularly under certain scenarios. Therefore, in view of large deficit and requirement of transmission system to meet future requirements, the implementation of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link has been proposed with a capacity of 6000 MW. Also, considering conservation of RoW problem in Kerala and dispersal of power beyond Pugalur, establishment of VSC (Voltage Source Converter) based 2000 MW HVDC link between Pugalur and North Thrissur* (Kerala) has also been proposed. As decided during the standing committee meeting the project shall be built as three separate schemes as follows:

Scheme # 1 : Raigarh -Pugalur 6000 MW HVDC System; Scheme # 2 : AC System strengthening at Pugalur end; Scheme # 3 : Pugalur- Thrissur 2000 MW VSC Based HVDC System.

The scheme has been discussed and agreed in the 37th & 38th meeting of Standing Committee on Power System Planning in Southern Region held on 31st July, 2014 & 7th March, 2015 and in the 26th meeting of Southern Region Power Committee (SRPC) held on 20th December, 2014. Further, the scheme has been discussed and agreed in the Joint meeting of the Standing Committee on Power System Planning of Southern Region meeting and Western Region (WR) held on 20th April, 2015. Ministry of Power (MoP) vide letter dated 10/12/2014 has approved the implementation of the scheme by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) under compressed time schedule through regulated tariff mechanism. Further, the scheme has also been discussed and agreed in the 34th Empowered Committee Meeting on Transmission held on 13th April, 2015 for implementation of the scheme under regulated Tariff mechanism.

1.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVE:

The objective is to improve import capability of Southern Region.

1.2 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION

Southern Region is facing power deficit which has arisen mainly due to – (i) delay/deferment of anticipated generation projects for example, Krishnapattam Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) (4000 MW), Cheyyur UMPP(4000 MW), Udangudi TPS, IPP projects in Nagapatanam/ Cuddalore area (3000 to 4000 MW), Kundankulam APP (2000MW), Kalpakkam PFBR (500 MW), East coast project in Srikakulam (1320 MW), Gas based projects in Vemagiri (about 3000 MW) etc. and (ii) due to non-availability of gas for existing gas projects in Southern Region.

As on date maximum power demand of Southern region is about 39000 MW. As per 18th EPS of CEA the expected power demand of Southern region by the end of XII and

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 1 XIII plan would be about 57,200 MW and 82,200 MW respectively. Hence power transfer requirement to SR is expected to increase in coming years. Presently the existing/planned system can facilitate import of about 9000- 10000 MW into Southern Region. However expected power transfer requirement is about 16000 MW by 2018-19 under certain scenarios. Accordingly, to facilitate the import of about 16000 MW of power to Southern region and considering the long distance, it has been proposed that power from Independent Power Producer (IPP) generation projects in Chhattisgarh (about 15000-16000 MW) can be transferred over HVDC system along with the associated A.C Transmission system at 400 kV level. Accordingly ±800 KV 6000 MW HVDC link with terminal each at Raigarh & Pugalur along with VSC based 2000 MW HVDC link between Pugalur and North Thrissur (Kerala) has been proposed. As decided during the Joint meeting of the Standing Committee on Power System Planning of Southern Region and Western Region held on 20th April, 2015 the scheme is to be implemented as three separate schemes.

The present report deals with transmission system to be implemented under Scheme-3 i.e. Pugalur- Thrissur 2000 MW VSC Based HVDC System. The proposed system would help in direct supply to Tamil Nadu and Kerala relieving the tie line flow from NEW grid to Southern region and tie line flow between S1-S2. HVDC with its control features shall provide flexibility during operation and help in controlling the power flow on parallel AC lines and provide damping as and when need arises.

1.3 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

a) Project Name : HVDC Bipole link between Western region (Raigarh, Chhattisgarh) and Southern region (Pugalur, Tamil Nadu)- North Thrissur (Kerala) - Scheme # 3: Pugalur- Thrissur 2000 MW VSC Based HVDC System b) Location : Southern Region c) Beneficiary States/UT : Southern Region Constituents d) Project Cost : Rs 1473.80 Crores e) Commissioning Schedule : 2019

1.4 PROJECT SCOPE & PRESENT STUDY

The present Initial Environment Examination Report (IEER) is a document developed to identify possible environmental and social issues associated with construction of 2000 MW HVDC link between Pugalur and North Thrissur covered under “Scheme #3 of HVDC project. The route of proposed line involves Thrissur & Palakkad districts of Kerala and Coimbatore & Tirupur districts of Tamil Nadu State. The IEER provides insight on possible environment & social issues and list management measures to minimize/mitigate them based on POWERGRID’s Environment and Social Policy & Procedures (ESPP) and ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009. The present IEER covers the following scope of work;

1. Establishment of ±320kV VSC based 2000 MW HVDC link between Pugalur (Tamil Nadu) and North Thrissur (Kerala) including underground portion-155.0 km approx. ( 28.0 km underground portion + 127.0 km overhead portion);

2. LILO of North Thrissur – Cochin 400 kV (Quad) D/C line at North Thrissur HVDC Station- approx. 0.4 km;

The proposed project activities include the survey for finalizing the route alignment and construction of transmission lines. Lattice towers are erected on designated places

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 2 using normal excavation and foundations, thereafter conductors are strung across these using manual/stringing machines. For Underground (UG) lines, laying of UG cable is done either by open trenching method or by Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) method.

The schematic showing the transmission grid of Southern Region highlighting the proposed line covered under the subject IEER is placed as Exhibit - I.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 3 SECTION - II: BASELINE DATA

2.0 The proposed project is an interstate one and is located in Thrissur, Palakkad and Coimbatore, Tirupur districts of Kerala & Tamil Nadu State respectively. The basic environmental settings of these States and subproject districts in particular areas are discussed below:

2.1 KERALA: Kerala has a geographic area of 3.89 million ha. It lies on the west coast between latitude 8°17’ and 12°47’N and longitude 74°52’ and 77°24’E. Physiographically, the state can be divided into the coastal, the midland and the highland zones. Coastal Belt This strip near the coastline is comparatively plain. Extensive paddy fields, thick groves of coconut trees and picturesque backwaters, interconnected with canals and rivers, are the features of this region. In the southern and northern parts of the state, the coastal belt also has some hills and valleys.

Midland Plains In this central region, the hills are not very steep and the valleys are wide. The valleys have been developed as paddy fields and the elevated lands and hill slopes, converted into estates of rubber, fruit trees and other cash crops like pepper, tapioca, etc. Hills & Valleys This strip of land on the eastern edge, close to the Ghats, comprises of steep mountains and deep valleys, covered with dense forests. Almost all the rivers of the state originate here. Tea and coffee estates have cropped up in the high ranges during the last two centuries.

The Western Ghats, bordering the eastern boundary of the State, form an almost continuous mountain wall, except near Palakkad where there is a natural mountain pass known as the Palakkad Gap. The average elevation of the Ghats is about 1500 meters above sea level, occasionally soaring to peaks of 2000 to 2500 m. From the Ghats, the land slopes to west on to the plains, into an unbroken coastline. The detailed land use pattern of the State is given in Table 2.1.

Table-2.1 Land use Pattern Land use Area in ‘000 ha Percentage Total geographical area 3,886 Reporting area for land utilization 3,886 100.00 Forests 1,082 27.84 Not available for cultivation 531 13.66 Permanent pasture & other grazing lands 0 0.00 Land under misc. tree crops & groves 3 0.08 Cultruable wasteland 95 2.44 Fallow land other than current fallows 58 1.49 Current fallows 77 1.98 Net area sown 2,040 52.50 Source: Land use statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, GoI, 2011-12

Thrissur district is located in the Central part of Kerala and lies between latitude 10°10’ and 10°46’ and longitude 76°0’ and 76°55’. The district is bounded by Malappuram and Palakkad districts in the North, Ernakulam and Idukki districts in the South, Arabian Sea in the West and Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu and Palakkad district of Kerala in the East. It has an area of 3032 sq km, which constitute 7.8% of the total area of the State.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 4 Palakkad district is located in the central part of Kerala and lies between 10°21’ N and 11°14’ N latitude 76°02’E and 76°54’E longitude. The district is surrounded by Malappuram district in the North, by Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu in the East, by Thrissur district in the south and by Thrissur and Malappuram districts in the west. Total geographic area of the district is 4480 sq km, constituting about 11.53% of the State’s geographical area.

Climate:

The climate of Kerala is characterized by high rainfall and humidity. The monsoons and summer are two marked seasons of the state, while winter is characterized by only a small decline in temperature. Season wise, the climate of Kerala can be divided into four seasons. End of November to middle of February are generally considered as winter period. Though, the temperature is relatively lower during this period, but as such, there is no marked variation from other seasons except for the fact that this period receives lowest amount of rainfall. Maximum and minimum temperature during this period is 28°C and 18°C respectively, while average rainfall is 25 mm. Summer in Kerala starts from end of February and continues till May. The maximum and minimum temperature are 36°C and 32°C respectively and average rainfall during this season is 135 mm. Southwest Monsoon is the prominent rainy season of the state accounting for around 70% of annual rainfall of the state. It starts from end of May and continues till September. 30°C and 19°C are the maximum and minimum temperature during this period. Heavy rains averaging around 2250-2500mm occurs during these months. North east monsoon is also called retreating monsoon or the reverse monsoon and causes rains during the months of October and November. Maximum temperature is 35°C and minimum temperature is 29°C and average rainfall is 450-500 mm.

The Thrissur district is characterized by wet type of climate and there are four types of identified seasons. The hot summer season from March to May, the southwest monsoon season from June to September, the northeast monsoon season from October to December and a general cool and salubrious climate period during January and February. The average annual rainfall ranges between 2310 mm and 3955mm in the district. The maximum rainfall occurs during the period June to September (SW monsoon) and nearly 71.24% of the total rainfall is received during the season. 16.27% of the total rainfall is received during North East monsoon between October and December, 12.1% of the total rainfall is received during March to May and the balance 0.37% is accounted for during January and February months. The month of July is the wettest month. The average annual maximum temperature is 32°C and minimum temperature 23°C.

Palakkad district experiences humid type of climate. The district receives maximum rainfall during the south west monsoon followed by the north east monsoon. The temperature is pleasant from December to February. The district receives on an average 2362 mm of rainfall annually. Major rainfall is received during June to September in the southwest monsoon (71%). The northeast monsoon contributes about 18%. The western part of the district around Pattambi receives the maximum rainfall whereas in the rain shadow area of Chittur in the eastern part receives the minimum rainfall. The average annual maximum temperature is 32º C and the average annual minimum temperature is 23° C. The wind is predominantly from west and east during morning as well as in the evening hours. The wind speed is high during August (13.6 kmph). The humidity is higher during the monsoon period i.e. from June to September.

Minerals:

Kerala is a mineral rich state. A variety of inorganic minerals like Kaolin, Bauxite, Monozite, Zircon, Quartz and Silimanite are found in the state. The state has good quantity of China Clay or Kaolin which forms an important raw material in the production

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 5 of porcelain items such as crockery and glazed tiles. It is the finest variety of Kaolin found in the entire country and is fundamental in the high tension insulators and sanitary ware producing units. Total estimated quantity of fine china clay is estimated around 80 million tones. Another variety of clay called Fire Clay is found in Kerala and is useful albeit of an inferior variety. Total deposit is estimated around 12 million tomes. It forms the raw material in the production of tiles and bricks. Graphite, an allotrope of carbon which is used in the manufacture of the lead used in pencils also occurs in the state. The deposits of silica and quartz, which are used in production of glass and lens are estimated to be at 75 million tonnes in the state. The other mineral deposits found in the state are 79 million tonnes of iron ores, 25 million tonnes of limestone, 11 million tonnes of bauxite, 35 million tonnes of ilmenite, 3 million tonnes of rutile, 1 million tonnes of monozite and 0.7 million tonnes of borophite.

Soil :

In general, the soils of Kerala are acidic, kaolintic and gravelly with low CEC, low water holding capacity and high phosphate fixing capacity. Climate topography, vegetation and hydrological conditions are the dominant factors of soil formation. On the basis of the morphological features and physico-chemical properties, the soils of the State have been classified into red loam, laterite coastal alluvium, riverine alluvium, Onattukara alluvium, brown hydromorphic, saline hydromorphic, Kuttanad alluvium, black soil and forest loam.

In Thrissur district, majorly Sandy loam, Laterite soil and Clayey soil are found, while in Palakkad district Alluvial soil, Laterite soil and Black soil are the major soil types.

Water Resources:

Kerala has 44 rivers with a total yield of 70300 MCM (Million Cubic Meter) of water annually. However, the total utilizable yield is estimated to be 42000 MCM, i.e. 60% of the annual yield. Kerala possess only four medium rivers and 40 minor rivers. With respect to the national norm Kerala does not have a single major river and has only four medium rivers. The combined discharge of these four rivers is less than half of that of river Krishna. The remaining forty rivers are only minor ones, the combined discharge of all of them together is only about one-third of that of Godavari. Hence, Groundwater has been the mainstay for meeting the domestic needs of more than 80% of rural and 50% of urban population, besides, fulfilling the irrigation needs of around 50% of irrigated agriculture. The total Annual ground water availability in Kerala has been computed as 6.620 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM) and the net ground water availability in the entire state is 6.029 BCM. The rainfall recharge accounts for about 82 percent of the annual recharge. The annual ground water draft for all uses in the state is 2.809BCM. The net Ground water availability for future irrigation development in the state as in 2009 is of the order of 3.021 BCM. The overall stage of development of the State is 47 percent.

Bharatpuzha and Periyar, the two longest rivers of the state flow through Thrissur district on its northern and southern sides respectively. The other rivers of the state are Chalakudy and Karuvannur. The net ground water availability in the district is estimate as 640.60 MCM, whereas, the draft for all uses is 356.73 MCM. The Kodaungallur block falls under critical category, Ollukara block under semi critical category, while all other blocks are under safe category. The stage of ground water development is 55.69%. Palakkad district is mainly drained by two rivers, i.e. Bharatpuzha and Bhavani. Of these, Bhavani is east flowing and forms a tributary of Cauvery river. Bharatpuzha basin can be divided into 50 watersheds and 290 mini watersheds. Other rivers of the district are Gayatripuzha, Kannadipuzha, Kalpathypuzha and Thuthapuzha. The net ground water availability in the state is estimated as 79524.78 Ham, whereas, the draft for all uses is estimated as 48417.31 Ham. The stage of Ground water development stands at 60.88%. Out of total 13 blocks, Chittur falls under Over Exploited Category,

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 6 Malampuzha under Critical, while Pattambi and Thrithala are under Semi-Critical category. All other blocks are considered as safe.

Ecological Resources:

Forest: The recorded forest area is 11,309 sq. km which constitutes 29.10% of the geographic area of the State. According to legal status, Reserved Forests constitute 100 % of the total forest area. There are no Protected and Unclassed Forest in the state. Forest Map of Kerala is enclosed as Map-1. As per Champion and Seth Classification, the state has 13 forest types which belong to the seven forest type groups, viz, Tropical Wet Evergreen, Tropical Semi Evergreen, Tropical Moist Deciduous, Littoral and Swamp, Tropical Dry Deciduous, Tropical Thorn and Montane Wet Temperate Forests. Based on interpretation of satellite data, total forest cover is 17,922 sq. km which is 46.12% of State’s geographical area. In terms of forest canopy density classes, the State has 1,529 sq. km very dense forest, 9,401 sq. km moderately dense forest and 6,992 sq. km is open forest.

The proposed transmission lines shall pass through 2 districts namely Thrissur & Palakkad districts having forest cover 35.22 % & 36.34 % respectively., The details of forest resources available in the subprojects districts are as follows:

District Geographical ( Area in Sq. km) % Forest area Very Dense Mod. Dense Open Total cover forest forest forest Thrissur 3,032 181 447 440 1068 35.22 Palakkad 4,480 319 685 624 1628 36.34 Source: Indian State of Forest Report 2013

Though all possible measures have been taken during route selection including provision of 28 km UG cable to reduce environment and social impacts, involvement of small stretch of forest land (approx. 0.244 ha. of reserve forest) could not be avoided in underground portion along shoulder area of NH-544 which is part of already diverted forest land of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

Protected Areas: There are 5 National Parks(NP), 17 Wildlife Sanctuaries(WLS) and 1 Community Reserve in the State, covering an area of 3213.24 sq km, which constitutes 8.26% of the total geographic area of the State. Two Wildlife Sanctuaries, i.e. Periyar WLS and Parambikulam WLS have been declared as Tiger Reserves. The state also has four Elephant Reserves, i.e. Wayanad, Nilambur, Anamudi and Periyar. List of protected areas found in the subproject districts are provided in table below;

Sl. Name of Protected Year of Area District(s) No. Areas Establishment (sq. km.) National Parks (NP) 1. Silent Valley 1984 89.52 Palakkad Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLS) 2. Chimmony 1984 10.00 Thrissur 3. Chulannur Peafowl 2007 3.42 Thrissur & Palakkad 4. Parambikulam 1973 285.00 Palakkad 5. Peechi-Vazhani 1958 125.00 Thrissur

It may be seen from above that five protected areas are located in the subproject districts. In spite of that, adoption of careful route selection technique resulted in avoidance of major wildlife area/habitat except 490 m (0.31% length) of UG cable routed along shoulder area of existing NH-544 which is part of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary. In this connection it is to be noted that as per earlier plan of NHAI this

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 7 existing shoulder area was to be used for widening/ upgrading to 6 lanes. However, due to technical reasons like high gradient & safety issue etc. NHAI decided to de-route their main route and make this section of 1.1 km route through tunnel leaving the original NH unaltered. Since there is no provision of any utility corridor for laying of cable in the new tunnel road and also no other alternative without involving reserve forest/ Peechi- Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary due to its strategic location was possible to reach North Thrissur, POWERGRID followed the original route along the existing road (NH-544) which involve minimum possible area of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary. Due to this change in route by NHAI, applicable statutory clearances have been incorporated in POWERGRID scope which otherwise were in the scope of NHAI. Accordingly, POWERGRID obtained requisite clearance/ permission from State Board for Wildlife (SBWL)/National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and forest clearance under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion/use of wildlife and forest land respectively (Appendix -2) for laying UG Cable through shoulder area of NH-544 with a 2 meter wide concrete duct without affecting ecology/biodiversity of the area. (refer Plate - 2 to 5).

Wetlands

In Kerala, a total of 4354 nos. of wetlands have been identified, covering an area of 160590 Ha, which constitutes 4.13% of state’s geographical area. The major wetland types are river/stream (65162 Ha.) followed by Lagoons (38442 Ha.), Reservoirs (26167 Ha.) and Waterlogged (20305 Ha.). The districts where the present subprojects are envisaged have the wetland coverage as below:

District Geographical Wetland % of total wetland % of district area (sq.km.) area (Ha.) area (Ha.) geographic area Thrissur 3032 13285 8.27 4.38 Palakkad 4480 11892 7.41 2.65 Source: National Wetland Atlas

Ashtamudi and Samsthamkotta located in Kollam district & Vembanad-Kol located in Alapuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts are the three designated Ramsar sites of Kerala. In addition to this, two more wetlands i.e. Kottuli in Kozhikode district and Kadalnudi in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts have been identified by the Ministry of Environment & Forest, Government of India under National Wetland Conservation Programme. However, none of these wetlands are getting involved/impacted in routing/RoW of proposed lines as these are not located in subproject districts.

Human and Economic Development

While in terms of area, Kerala forms only 1.275% of India, its population of 3.34 Crores as per 2011 census, accounts for 2.76% of India’s population, resulting in a comparatively higher population density of 860 pesons per sq km. Around 52.30% population of Kerala resides in rural area. Kerala has sex ratio of 1084 females per 1000 males, which is highest in the country. Similarly, the literacy rate of Kerala is highest in the country standing at 94%, whereas, same for the country is 74.04%. The population is spread across the State and as such there are no big urban agglomerations. The biggest city of Kerala, Kochi has a population of only about 0.27 million. Kerala has three predominant religions. As per 2011 Census, Christians and Muslims accounted for 19 per cent and 24.7 per cent of the population respectively with the Hindus mostly contributing the rest.

The economy of Kerala is hugely dependent on agriculture. The importance of the agricultural sector of the economy can be noted from the fact that 96% of India's entire yield of pepper and 91% of natural rubber is produced in Kerala. Other important crops in the region are coconut, tea, coffee, cashew, and spices such as cardamom, vanilla,

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 8 cinnamon, and nutmeg. Rice is the staple food of the local population and is grown in abundance in the state. The agro-climatic conditions in Kerala suit the cultivation of both cash crops and food crops. Agriculture forms the raw material base for a number of agro-processing industries, such as coir, cashew, wood and edible oil. These industries continue to occupy an important place, especially in terms of employment. Coffee, tea, cardamom, ginger, pepper coconut kernels form the bulk of the exports from the state A small segment of large modern industries based on minerals, chemicals and engineering have also come up, along with an increasing segment of small and medium industries, some based on modern technology and management, such as, textile and Electronic industries. Kerala has about 1.8 lakh small scale industries and about 511 medium sized and large scale industries. In recent years, Services sector led by IT, Banking & Finance and Tourism has emerged as leading source of revenue and employment generation.

As per 2011 census, the population of Thrissur district is 31,21,200. The population density of the district is 1031 per square kilometer. The district has one of the best sex ratio in the country standing at 1108 females for 1000 males. With a Literacy rate of 95.08 %, the district is one of the most literate district in the country. The economy of Thrissur is largely dependent on industries, retailing and financing. With the presence of textile, timber, coir, fishery and agriculture based industries, Thrissur is considered as one of the most important Industrial centres of the state. Thrissur city is considered as one of the hub of Jewellery business in South India. Thrissur is also one of the main centre of banking and financial institutions. Headquarters of 4 scheduled banks i.e. South Indian Bank, Catholic Syrian Bank, Dhanlakshmi Bank and Lord Krishna Bank are located in Thrissur. Apart from that, city is also the headquarters of leading non banking financial institution such as Mannapuram General Finance and Leasing Ltd, Kerala State Financial Enterprise and ESAF Microfinance and Investment ltd. The role of Agriculture in district’s economy is although secondary but nevertheless, important as it provides employment to considerable number of people. The most important crop of the district is paddy followed by tapioca. These two are the chief food crop. The coconut palm dominates the garden crops of the district. Among the condiments and spices grown in the district, the areca nut is the most important. A large variety of fruit trees are also grown in the district.

As per 2011 census, the population of Palakkad district is 28,09,934, with a population density of 627 persons per square kilometer, against state’s population density of 860 persons per square kilometer. The sex ratio of the district stands at 1067 females per 1000 males, which is better than corresponding National figures, however, lower than state’s figure of 1084 females per 1000 males. The literacy rate of the district is 89.31%, which again is lower than corresponding figures for the state. Agriculture is the main occupation and chief source of sustenance of the people of Palakkad district. Paddy, Coconut, Rubber, Palm trees, Pulses, Areca Nut, Tapoica, Ginger, Groundnut, Sugarcane, Cotton, Banana etc are the main crops of the district. The cropping pattern in Palakkad is overwhelmingly food crops oriented. However, the share of non-food crops is showing an increasing trend gradually. Paddy is the principal crop of the district. Mangoes, Banana and Plantains are the important fresh fruits cultivated in the district. Arecanut and Sesamon are the other cash crops of the district. Cashewnut is mostly cultivated in Ottapalam and Mannarghat taluks. Tea plantations are located in Nelliampathy hills and Sholayar. Orange and Rubber are also grown in the district. The district has a conducive environment for development of industries due to several favourable factors such as availability of land, industrial labour, power, infrastructure facilities, water etc. The total number of registered industrial units in the district is 21,679, out of which 63 belong to Medium and Large Scale. The Directorate of Industries and Commerce (DIC) has developed four such Industrial Development Areas viz. (1) Industrial Development Area (IDA), Kanjikode (2) New Industrial Development Area (NIDA), Kanjikode (3) Canalpirvu and (4) Umminikulam.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 9 2.2 TAMIL NADU:

Tamil Nadu is situated on the south eastern side of the Indian peninsula. It is bounded on the east by Bay of Bengal, in the south by the Indian Ocean, in the west by the states of Kerala and Karnataka and in the north by the Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Tamil Nadu has a geographic area of 130,058 sq. km, which constitutes 3.96% of the land area of the country. It lies between 08°04’ N and 13°34’ N latitude and 76°14’E and 80°21’E longitude.

Physiographically the state can be divided into two natural divisions: the eastern coastal plain and the hilly region along the north and the west. Along the whole length of the western part, at a distance from the sea varying from 80 to 160 km runs the range of the Western Ghats, a steep and rugged mass averaging 1220 meters above the sea level and rising to 2440 metres at the highest point. The slopes of the Western Ghats are covered with heavy evergreen forests. The Nilgiris and the Anamalai are the hill groups with the maximum height. The general land use pattern of the State is given in Table 2.2. Table 2.2: Land use Pattern

Land use Area in ‘000 ha Percentage Total Geographical area 13,006 Reporting Area for land utilization 13,033 100.00 Forests 2,125 16.30 Not available for cultivation 2,669 20.48 Permanent Pasture & Grazing land 110 0.84 Land under misc. tree crops & groves 252 1.93 Culturable waste land 329 2.52 Fallow land & other than current fallows 1,594 12.24 Current fallows 967 7.42 Net area Sown 4,986 38.26 Source: Land use statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI, 2011-12

Coimbatore district lies between 10°10” and 11°30” N latitude and between 76° 40” and 77°30” E longitude. It has an area of 7469 sq km and is bounded by the Nilgiris on the north, Erode district on the east, Dindigal district on the south and the State of Kerala on the west.

Tiruppur district has been carved out of Coimbatore and Erode districts in the year 2008. The district has total geographical area of 5186.34 sq km and lies between 11°0627N-11°1075N latitude and 77°2023E-77°3398E longitude. Tiruppur district is bounded by Coimbatore district in the west side, Erode district to the North and northeast side and Karur district in the east side and Dindigul district in the south east side. To the south side, it is surrounded by Idukki district of Kerala.

Climate:

The climate of Tamil Nadu is characterized as tropical with little variation in summer and winter temperatures. The hottest period is April-June, with the temperature rising up to 40°C. November-February is the coolest period with average temperature hovering around 20°C. Tamil Nadu gets its rain from North-East Monsoons between October and December. The average annual rainfall in Tamil Nadu ranges between 635-1905 mm. The coastal region of Tamil Nadu becomes uncomfortably warm and humid during summers; however, nights are cool and pleasant due to sea breezes.

Coimbatore district has a pleasant climate with mild winter and moderate summer. During summer, the maximum temperature goes up to 34.7°C, while minimum

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 10 temperature hovers around 21°C. In winters, the recorded maximum and minimum temperatures are 32.2°C and 19.2°C respectively. Rainy season extends from September to November. Average annual rainfall is 61.22 cms.

Tirupur has a salubrious climate, which prevents temperature going to extreme levels. March, April and may are summer months. Temperature ranges from 29°C - 35°C, which is much lower than the rest of Tamil Nadu. Monsoon season consisting of months of June, July and August is characterized by mild showers and a fall in temperature. The average annual rainfall of the district is 700 mm. September to January is considered as Winter months. Maximum temperature during winter is 29°C, while minimum is 24°C. In the months of October and Early November, some rainfall occurs due to North-East Monsoon.

Minerals:

Tamil Nadu is the leading holder of country's resources of vermiculite, magnetite, dunite, rutile, garnet, molybdenum and ilmenite. The State accounts for the country's 81% lignite, 75% vermiculite, 69% dunite, 59% garnet, 52% molybdenum and 30% titanium minerals resources. Important minerals and their places of occurrence are given below:

S. N. Mineral Districts/Places of Occurrence 1 Bauxite Dindigul, Namakkal, Nilgiris, Salem 2 Feldspar Coimbatore, Dindigul, Erode, Kanchipuram, Karur, Namakkal, Salem, Tiruchirapalli 3 Fireclay Cuddalore, Kanchipuram, Perambalur, Pudukottai, Sivaganga, Tiruchirapalli, Vellore, Villupuram 4 Granite Dharmapuri, Erode, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvannamalai, Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli, Vellore, Villupuram 5 Graphite Madurai, Ramnathapuram, Shivganga, Vellore 6 Gypsum Coimbatore, Perambalur, Ramnathapuram, Tiruchirapalli, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar 7 Lignite Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Ramnathapuram 8 Limestone Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Kanchipuram, Karur, Madurai, Nagapattinum, Namakkal, Perambalur, Ramnathapuram, Vellore, 9 Dunite Salem 10 Lignite Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinum, Ramnathapuram 11 Vermiculite Dharmapuri, Tiruchirapalli, Vellore 12 Garnet Ramnathpuram, Tiruchirapalli, Tiruvarur, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli 13 Molybdenum Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Vellore 14 Titanium Kanyakumari, Nagapattinum, Ramnathapuram, Thiruvallur, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 11

Coimbatore district is not endowed with any remarkable mineral wealth. Major minerals like limestone, soap stone, quartz, & feldspar occurs in this district in small quantities. Minor minerals rough stone, gravel, brick earth, & granite also occur in this district. Availability of huge quantities lime stone in Ettimadai & Valaiyar area of Madukkarai Block has helped the growth of cement industries in Madukkarai.

In Tirupur district colour granite is the main mineral found. Other prominent minerals of the district are Dunite, Quartz, Gypsum and Magnesite.

Soil:

The major soil groups of Tamil Nadu are Red soil (62%), Black soil (12%), Laterite soil (3%) and Coastal soil (7%). As per USDA system of soil classification, the soils of Tamil Nadu are divided into six orders, out of which around 50% of total area of Tamil Nadu is occupied by Inceptisol followed by Alfisols, which occupy 30% of total state area. Vertisols cover around 7% of total state’s area, Entisols cover 6% and Ultisols cover 1% of total area. Mollisols cover negligible area of Tamil Nadu.

The soils of Coimbatore district can be broadly classified into 6 major soils types viz., Red calcareous Soil, Black Soil, Red non-calcareous, Alluvial and Colluvial Soil, Brown Soil, and Forest Soil. About 60 per cent of the district is covered by red soils, of which red calcareous soil is predominant. In Tirupur district, Black soils and Red soils are the major soil types. These two soil types occupy about 96% of total area, with rest 4% shared by other soils.

Water Resources: a) Surface Water: The total surface water potential of the state is 24864 Million Cubic Metres (MCM). There are 17 major river basins in the State with 61 reservoirs and about 41,948 tanks. Of the annual water potential of 46540 MCM, surface flows account for about half. The rivers of the state flow eastward from the Western Ghats and are entirely rain-fed. The 760 kms long Kaveri River is the longest river of Tamil Nadu. This river is popularly called the "Ganga of the South" or the "Dakshina Ganga" and divides the state in two halves. The other important rivers of the state are Palar, Cheyyar, Ponniyar, Meyar, Bhavani, Amaravati, Vaigai, Chittar and Tamaraparni, Noyil, Suruli, Gundar, Vaipar, Valparai and Varshali.

Bhavani, Noyil, Amaravathi, Palar, Aliyar, Upar etc are the main rivers of Coimbatore district. Noyyal, Amaravathi, Palar and Nallar are the main rivers of Tirupur district. b) Ground Water: The utilizable groundwater recharge in the state is 22,423 MCM. The current level of utilization expressed as net ground water draft of 13.558 MCM is about 60 percent of the available recharge, while 8875 MCM (40 percent) is the balance available for use. Over the last five years, the percentage of safe blocks has declined from 35.6 per cent to 25.2 percent while the semi-critical blocks have gone up by a similar percentage. Over-exploitation has already occurred in more than a third of the blocks (35.8 percent) while eight blocks (2 percent) have turned saline. The water level data reveals that the depth of the wells ranges from an average of 0.93 metres in Pudukottai district to 43.43 metres in Erode. According to the Central Groundwater Board, there has been a general decline in groundwater level in 2003 due to the complete de-saturation of shallow aquifers.

The net groundwater availability for Coimbatore district is 792.874 MCM, whereas, existing Gross draft for all uses currently stands at 821.102 MCM, which indicates 104% groundwater development. The estimation of groundwater resources for the district has

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 12 shown that out of 19 blocks, 11 blocks are overexploited and 4 blocks are under critical category.

The ground water scenario in Tirupur district also not good and requires attention. Out of 13 blocks of the district, 1 block falls in Over-Exploited category and 3 blocks fall in critical category, while 8 blocks are categorized as Semi-critical. Only 1 block is falling under Safe category.

Ecological Resources:

Forest: The recorded forest area is 22,877 sq. km which constitutes 17.59% of the geographic area of the State. According to legal status, Reserved Forests constitute 84.75%, Protected Forests constitute 9.54% and Un-classed Forests constitute 5.71% of the total forest area. Forest Map of Tamil Nadu is enclosed as Map-2. Tamil Nadu’s forests are largely deciduous and thorn types and these two major types account for 87.30 % of the total forest area. Based on interpretation of satellite data, total forest cover is 23,844 sq. km which is 18.33% of State’s geographical area. In terms of forest canopy density classes, the State has 2,948 sq. km of very dense forest, 10,199 sq. km of moderately dense forest and 10,697 sq. km of open forest.

The proposed transmission lines shall pass through Coimbatore and Tirupur districts of Tamil Nadu having 24.90% and 26.92% respectively. However, by adopting careful route selection technique, forest involvement along route lines have been completely avoided thereby minimizing ecological disturbance. The details of forest resources available in the subproject area districts are as follows:

District Geographic ( Area in Sq. km) % Forest area Very Dense Mod. Dense Open Total cover forest forest forest Coimbatore 7,469 381 932 547 1860 24.90 Erode* 8,209 467 1341 402 2210 26.92 Source: Indian State of Forest Report 2013 * Tiruppur district was earlier part of Erode and Coimbatore districts

Protected Areas:

The protected areas of Tamil Nadu extend to 6,708 km² constituting 5.16% of the geographic area and 29% of the recorded forest area. Tamil Nadu ranks 14th among all the States and Union Territories of India in terms of protected area. There are 14 Wildlife sanctuaries over 5,707.13 sq. km. and 14 bird sanctuaries over 173.34 sq. km., 5 National Parks over 827.63 sq. km., 4 Tiger Reserves, 4 Elephant Reserves and 3 Biosphere Reserves for in situ conservation of wild fauna and flora. There is one Conservation Reserve in Tamil Nadu. List of protected areas in subproject districts (Coimbatore and Erode) is given below:

Sl. Year of Area Name of Protected Areas District(s) No Establishment (sq km) National Parks(NP) 1. Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) 1989 117.10 Coimbatore Wildlife Sanctuaries(WLS) 2. Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) 1976 841.49 Coimbatore 3. Satyamangalam 2008 524.35 Erode 4. Vellode WLS 1997 0.77 Erode

As evident from the above that four protected areas are located in the subproject districts. However, all these protected areas are completely avoided, while selecting the route of the proposed lines.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 13 Wetlands:

The total wetland area of the state is estimated around 902534 ha. (including 18,294 small wetlands of size <2.25 Ha. each) which is 6.92% of the state’s geographic area. Major wetland types are Lake/Pond (316091 Ha.), Tank/Pond (237613 Ha.), River/Stream (136878 Ha) and Reservoir/Barrage (56419 Ha). The districts where the present subprojects are envisaged have the wetland coverage as below:

District Geographical Wetland % of total wetland % of district area (sq.km.) area (Ha.) area (Ha.) geographic area Coimbatore 7469 8070 0.89 1.08 Erode 8162 13570 1.50 1.66 Source: National Wetland Atlas

However, none of these wetlands are getting involved/impacted in routing/RoW of proposed lines as these are not located in subproject districts.

Human and Economic Development:

Tamil Nadu has achieved reasonable economic growth in past few years. With a population of around 7, 21,47,030 as per 2011 census, it is one of the populous states of India. The population density is 555 per square km, which is higher than the National Average. The sex ratio of the state is healthy 996 females per 1000 males, which is better than the corresponding National figure. People belonging to SCs constitute around 20% of total population, whereas, share of people belonging to Schedule Tribes is a miniscule 1.1%. The state enjoys a reasonably good literacy rate of 80.09% which is better than National Average of 74.04%. The Human Development Index of the state is 0.570, which also compares favorably with National Average of 0.467.

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood with around 5139832 ha of area under cultivation. Paddy is the main crop. It is raised in three crops. The first crop is known as 'Kuruvali' ( the short term crop) with a duration of three and a half to four months from June - July to Oct-Nov. The second crop called 'Thaladi' has a duration of 5 to 6 months Oct -Nov to Feb -March. Third is 'Samba '(the long term) crop and has a duration of almost 6 months from Aug to January. Chief sources of irrigation are the rivers tanks and wells. Other major food crops are jowar, ragi, bajra, maize and pulses. Cotton, sugarcane, coconut, tea and coffee as well as a number of horticultural products like bananas and mangoes are cash crops while ground nuts, sesame, sun flower are important oil seeds crops. Major Industries in Tamil Nadu are cotton, heavy commercial vehicles, auto components, railway coaches, power pumps, leather tanning industries, cement, sugar, paper, automobiles and safety matches. Global auto majors Hyundai Motors, Ford, Hindustan Motors and Mitsubishi have commenced production plants. Ashok Leyland and TAFE have set up expansion plants in Chennai. The state is an important exporter of tanned skin and leather goods, yarn, tea, coffee, spices, engineering goods, tobacco, handicrafts and black granite. Tamil Nadu contributes to 60 per cent of the tannery industry in India.In recent times knowledge based industries like I.T. and Biotechnology have become the thrust area in the industrial scene in Tamil Nadu. TIDEL, a software technology park, has been established in Tharamani, Chennai. The software exports from the State during the year 2012-13 is expected to be around Rs. 50,000 crores with an impressive growth rate of more than 10%. Top I.T. and Telecom companies such as Nokia, Motorola, Foxcon, Flextronic and Dell have commenced production. Handloom is another important cottage industry. Silk sarees of Kancheepuram are famous all over India. Cottage units produce cotton sarees, dhoties, towels and lungies.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 14 As per 2011 census, the total population of Coimbatore district is 34,58,045, which forms 4.79% of the state’s population. The district has a population Density of 460 persons per square km. The Sex ratio of the district stands at 1000 females for every 1000 males, which is better than the corresponding National figure. The Literacy rate of the district is 83.98%, higher than National Literacy Average. Around 15.5% population belongs to Schedule Castes and just 0.82% population belongs to Schedule Tribes. Though, the economy of Coimbatore district is mainly driven by industries, Agriculture is still one of the main sources of livelihood in the district with more than 3,00,000 people are engaged in it, either as cultivators or as labourers. Sorghum, Groundnut, Rivce, maize are the main crops of the district. Tomato, Tapoica, Onion, Brinjal and Bhendi are the major vegetables grown in the district. Banana is the main fruit grown in the district followed by Mango, Grapes, Sapota and Amla. Coconut is the prominent cash crop of the district, while Tea, Coffee and cotton also provide cash income in the hands of the farmers. Coimbatore is one of the most industrialized districts of Tamil Nadu. There are more than 25,000 small, medium and large sale industries. Coimbatore houses a large number of small and medium textile mills. It also has central Textile research institutes, such as South India Textile Research Association. Some of the major industries present in Coimbatore are PSG, Sakthi group of Industries, Larsen and Toubro, Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW), Premier Instruments & Control Limited (PRICOL), Premier Evolvics, ELGI Equipments, Shanti Gears, Roots Industries Ltd etc. Coimbatore is also called as the Pump City. The Major Pump industries present in the district such as Suguna pumps, Sharp Industries, CRI Pumps, Texmo Industries, Deccan Pumps & KSB Pumps are renowned worldwide. Coimbatore is also emerging as an IT and BPO city with the presence of companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant Technology, CSS Corp etc. The city also houses numerous jewelers engaged in jewellery exports and a few Wind Energy Companies.

As per 2011 census, the total population of Tirupur district is 24,79,052 which forms 3.44% of the state’s population. About 38.64% of district’s population lives in rural areas. The district has a population Density of 478 persons per square km. The Sex ratio of the district stands at 989 females for every 1000 males, which is better than the corresponding National figure. The Literacy rate of the district is 78.68%, higher than National Literacy Average. Around 15.97% population belongs to Schedule Castes and just 0.22% population belongs to Schedule Tribes. Though, Tirupur is largely an industrial district, Agriculture still plays an important role in its economy. In Tirupur, majority of farmers belong to small and marginal category and they play a critical role in ensuring agricultural productivity of the district. The total area of cultivation is around 2,28,556 Ha., mainly for food and commercial crops. The chief food crops of the district are paddy, millets and pulses, while cotton, oil seeds and coconut are main non food commercial crops. Coconut is one of the most important plantation crops, which occupies around 16.10% of the total cultivated area. Mango, Banana, Amla and Guava are the main fruits grown in the district. The economy of the district is largely driven by industries specially those belonging to textile sector. There are 7068 registered industrial units in the district, out of which 69 belong to Medium and Large scale.

There are 7 Industrial Areas in the district. Textile has been the back bone of the economy of the district. It is due its textile sector, Tirupur became world famous and popularly known as T shirt town of India. There are 6250 textile based industries in the district, out of which 1500 are knitting units. Huge numbers of direct and indirect employment is generated due to textile industries in the district.

Additional/detailed information regarding the environmental and social features along the alignment is provided in Section- IV.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 15 SECTION – III : POLICY, LEGAL & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

3.0 Power transmission project activities by their inherent nature and flexibility have negligible impacts on environmental and social attributes. Indian laws relating to environmental and social issues have strengthened in the last decade both due to local needs and international commitments. POWERGRID undertakes its activities within the purview of Indian and State specific laws keeping in mind appropriate international obligations and directives and guidelines with respect to environmental and social considerations of Funding Agencies.

3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL 3.1.1 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS Subsequent to the first United Nations Conference on Human Environment at Stockholm in June, 1972, which emphasized the need to preserve and protect the natural environment, the Constitution of India was amended through the historical 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 by inserting Article 48-A and 51-A (g) for protection and promotion of the environment under the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Duties respectively. The amendment, inter alia provide:

"The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country". (Article 48A)

"It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures”. {Article 51A (g)}

Article 21 of the constitution provides, “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”.

Article 21 is the heart of the fundamental rights and has received expanded meaning from time to time after the decision of the Supreme Court in 1978. The Article 21 guarantee fundamental right to life – a life of dignity to be lived in a proper environment, free of danger of disease and infection. Recently, Supreme Court has broadly and liberally interpreted the Article 21, transgressing into the area of protection of environment, and held the protection of environment and citizen’s right to live in eco- friendly atmosphere as the basic right guaranteed under Article 21.

Thus the Indian Constitution has now two fold provision: (a) On the one hand, it gives directive to the State for the protection and improvement of environment. (b) On the other hand the citizens owe a constitutional duty to protect and improve natural environment.

3.1.2 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL)

 MoP order/sanction under The Electricity Act, 2003:

Sanction of Ministry of Power (MoP), GoI is a mandatory requirement for taking up any new transmission project under the section 68(1) of The Electricity Act, 2003. The sanction authorizes POWERGRID to plan and coordinate activities to commission the new projects. Electricity act does not explicitly deal with environmental implications of activities related to power transmission. However, POWERGRID always integrates environmental protection within its project activities.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 16  Forest Clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980:

When transmission projects pass through forest land, clearance has to be obtained from relevant authorities under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. This Act was enacted to prevent rapid deforestation and environmental degradation. State governments cannot de-reserve any forest land or authorize its use for any non-forest purposes without approval from the Central government. POWERGRID projects, when involving forest areas, undergo detailed review and approval procedures to obtain a Forest Clearance certificate from Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), GoI before starting any construction activity in designated forest area.

 Environmental Clearances under Environment (Protection) Act,1986:

Since transmission line projects are environmentally clean and do not involve any disposal of solid waste, effluents and hazardous substances in land, air and water they are kept out of the purview of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA). However, amendment in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on 7th May’ 1992 made it necessary to obtain clearance from MoEFCC for power transmission projects in three districts in the Aravalis (viz., Alwar in Rajasthan and Gurgaon & Nuh-Mewat in Haryana). The Aravali range, in these areas, is heavily degraded; hence, any industrial activity there becomes critical. Environment Impact Notification, 1994 & 2006 lays down specific project categories that require clearance from MoEFCC Power transmission projects are not included in this list.

 Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 :

MoEFCC vide its notification dated 17th July, 2000 under the section of 6, 8 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has notified rules for regulation /control of Ozone Depleting Substances under Montreal Protocol adopted on 16th September 1987. As per the notification certain control and regulation has been imposed on manufacturing, import, export and use of these compound. POWERGRID shall follow provisions of notification and phase out all equipments which uses these substances and planning to become a CFC free organization in near future.

 Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001:

MoEFCC vide its notification dated 16th May, 2001 under the section of 6, 8 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has put certain restriction on disposal of used batteries and its handling. As per the notification, it is the responsibility of bulk consumer (POWERGRID) to ensure that used batteries are not disposed of, in any manner, other than by depositing with the dealer/manufacturer/registered recycler/importer/ reconditioner or at the designated collection centres and to file half yearly return in prescribed form to the concerned State Pollution Control Board.

 Hazardous Wastes & Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 Vide notification dated 4th April, 2016 under the EPA, 1986, MoEFCC notified rules for environmentally sound management of hazardous & other wastes to ensure that the these wastes are managed in a manner which shall protect health and the environment against the adverse effects that may result from such waste. The used transformer oil has been declared as hazardous wastes vide this notification. As per the notification, all used oil is to be auctioned/sold to registered recyclers only and file annual return on prescribed form to the concerned State Pollution Control Board.

 E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011:

Vide notification dated 12th May 2011 under the EPA, 1986, MoEFCC notified rules for environmentally sound management of e-waste to ensure that e-waste are managed in

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 17 a manner which shall protect health and the environment against the adverse effects that may result from hazardous substance contained in such wastes. Thus, it is the responsibility of the bulk consumer (POWERGRID) to ensure that e-waste generated is channelized to authorized collection center(s) or registered dismantler(s) or recycler(s) or is returned to the pick-up of take back services provided by the producer. POWERGRID, being a bulk consumer of electrical and electronics equipments shall maintain the record as per Form-2 for scrutiny by State Pollution Control Board.

 The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 :

Under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity signed at Rio de Janeiro on the 5th June, 1992 of which India is also a party, MoEF has enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to provide for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith. As per the provision of act certain areas which are rich in biodiversity and encompasses unique and representative ecosystems are identified and designated as Biosphere Reserves to facilitate their conservation. All restrictions applicable to protected areas like National Parks & Sanctuaries are also applicable to these reserves. POWERGRID will abide by the provision of act, wherever, applicable and try to totally avoid these biosphere reserves while finalizing the route alignment.

 The Scheduled Tribes & Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006: This act recognizes and vests the forest rights and occupation in forest land to forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations but whose rights could not be recognized.

The definitions of forest dwelling schedule tribes, forestland, forest rights, forest villages, etc. have been included in Section 2 of the Act. The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is the nodal agency for implementation of the Act while field implementation is the responsibility of the government agencies. Its implementation has also been linked with forest clearance process under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 w.e.f. August 2009 by MoEFCC. POWERGRID shall abide by the provisions of the act if any portion of the transmission line is passing through forest land, in occupation of the forest dwelling scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers for laying of transmission lines. However, for linear projects including transmission lines obtaining of NoC from the gram sabhas has been exempted for the requirement of FRA compliance as per MoEF circular dated 5th February 2013.

3.1.3 FUNDING AGENCY:

 ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009

The SPS 2009 describes ADB’s policy and operational procedures on three key safeguard areas: environment, involuntary resettlement, and indigenous peoples, as well as a set of specific safeguard requirements that borrowers are expected to meet when borrowing for development projects. Its objective is to ensure social and environmental sustainability of projects through avoidance, minimization, mitigation and/or compensation of adverse impacts on environment and affected peoples; and help Borrowers to strengthen their safeguard systems and to develop their capacity in managing the environmental and social risks.

SPS 2009 includes categorization of projects based on significance of potential environmental impacts. The category is determined by the project's most environmentally-sensitive component including direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts within the project's area of influence. Project categorization system is given

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 18 below:

Category A –an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for a project that is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented, and may affect an area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical works.

Category B –an initial environmental examination (IEE) is required for a project that is likely to have adverse environmental impacts that are less adverse than those of Category A which are site-specific, few if any of them irreversible and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than Category A.

Category C– no environmental assessment is required but environmental implications will be reviewed for a project that is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts.

Category FI–if a project involves investment of ADB funds to or through a financial intermediary.

Based on the significance of the potential environmental impacts resulting from the transmission project and SPS 2009, the project is classified as environment category “B” requiring an IEE.

Power transmission projects financed by ADB are also required to follow the World Bank Group Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) General Guidelines and EHS Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution published by the International Finance Corporation, 30 April 2007.

3.2 SOCIAL

3.2.1 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

Constitutional provisions in regard to social safeguards are well enshrined in the preamble such as JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles guarantee the right to life and liberty. Health, safety and livelihood have been interpreted as part of this larger right. Social safeguards provisions are dealt in detail in different Article such as Article-14, 15 17, 23, 24, 25, 46, 330, 332 etc. POWERGRID shall implement the said constitutional provision in true sprit to fulfill its environmental and social obligations and responsibilities.

3.2.2 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL/STATE)

 The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARRA) :

Govt. of India replaced the old Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and notified the new RFCTLARRA, 2013 which came into force from 1st January 2014. This act ensures appropriate identification of the affected families/households, fair compensation and rehabilitation of titleholders and non-titleholders. However, the new act i.e. RFCTLARRA, 2013 authorizes State Govt. or its authorized Government agency to complete the whole process of acquisition of private land including Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Action Plan for R&R (i.e. Rehabilitation and Resettlement) & its implementation and POWERGRID’s responsibility is limited to identification and selection of suitable land based on technical requirement and ensuring budget allocation.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 19  Rights of Way and Compensation under Electricity Act, 20031:

The act has a provision for notifying transmission company under section 164 (B) to avail benefits of eminent domain provided under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. MoP, GoI vides gazette notification dated 23rd Dec’03 had already notified POWERGRID under this section of said act. Therefore, for the purpose of placing of any wires, poles, etc., POWERGRID has all the powers that the telegraph authority possesses. Thus, POWERGRID can erect and construct towers without actually acquiring the land. However, all damages due to POWERGRID activity are compensated at market rate. Power transmission schemes are always planned in such a way that the power of eminent domain is exercised responsibly.

3.2.3 FUNDING AGENCY  ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS), June 2009 set out specific safeguard requirements for borrower as per its policy & operational procedures on three key safeguard areas: environment, involuntary resettlement, and indigenous peoples.

The key objective is to avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement (IR) by exploring project and design alternatives and to enhance, or at least restore, the livelihoods of all displaced persons in real terms relative to pre-project levels and to improve the standards of living of the displaced poor and other vulnerable groups. Regarding Indigenous People the objective of the policy is to design and implement projects in a way that fosters full respect for Indigenous Peoples’ identity, dignity, human rights, livelihood systems, and cultural uniqueness as defined by the Indigenous Peoples themselves so that they (i) receive culturally appropriate social and economic benefits, (ii) do not suffer adverse impacts as a result of projects, and (iii) can participate actively in projects that affect them.

1 Ministry of Power, Govt. of India vide its notification dated 15th Oct., 2015 has issued guidelines for payment of compensation for damages in regard to RoW for transmission lines. Once the above guidelines are adopted by respective States, compensation shall be paid as per the norms. IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 20 SECTION IV: APPROACH FOR ROUTE/SITE SELECTION

4.0 ROUTE SELECTION - (ASSESSMENT & MANAGEMENT PROCESS)

At the system planning stage itself one of the factors that govern the evolution of system is the possible infringement with the forest. Wherever such infringements are substantial, different alternative options are considered. The route/ site selection criteria followed is detailed below: While identifying the transmission system, preliminary route selection is done by POWERGRID based on the Survey of India Topo sheets, Forest Atlas (Govt. of India's Publication) and Google Maps etc. During route alignment all possible efforts are made to avoid the forest involvement completely or to keep it to the barest minimum, whenever it becomes unavoidable due to the geography of terrain or heavy cost involved in avoiding it. Presence of protected areas like National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and other ecological sensitive areas are verified by superimposing the proposed alternative alignment on the Protected Area Network Geospatial Map of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), GoI.

4.1 STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES

4.1.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA FOR ROUTE SELECTION

For selection of optimum route, the following points are taken into consideration:

(i) The route of the proposed transmission lines does not involve any human displacement/rehabilitation. (ii) Any monument of cultural or historical importance is not affected by the route of the transmission line. (iii) The proposed route of transmission line does not create any threat to the survival of any community with special reference to Tribal Community. (iv) The proposed route of transmission line does not affect any public utility services like playgrounds, schools, other establishments etc. (v) The line route does not pass through any National Parks, Sanctuaries etc. (vi) The line route does not infringe with area of natural resources. In order to achieve this, POWERGRID undertakes route selection for individual transmission line in close consultation with representatives of concerned Forest Department and the Department of Revenue. Although under the law, POWERGRID has the right of eminent domain yet alternative alignments are considered, keeping in mind, the above-mentioned factors during site selection, with minor alterations often added to avoid environmentally sensitive areas and settlements at execution stage.

 As a rule, alignments are generally cited away from major towns, whenever possible, to account for future urban expansion.  Similarly, forests are avoided to the extent possible, and when it is not possible, a route is selected in consultation with the local Divisional Forest Officer, that causes minimum damage to existing forest resources.  Alignments are selected to avoid wetlands and unstable areas for both financial and environmental reasons. In addition, care is also taken to avoid National parks, Sanctuaries, Eco-sensitive zones, Tiger reserves, Biosphere reserves, Elephant corridors and IBA sites etc. Whenever

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 21 complete avoidance of environmental sensitive areas are not at all possible, route is selected in such a way that there is minimum involvement of environmentally sensitive areas and the suggested mitigation measures/plan may be put on ground during actual execution of the project to minimize/mitigate the any possible impacts.

Keeping above in mind the routes of proposed lines under the project have been so aligned that it takes care of above factors. As such different alternatives for transmission lines were studied with the help of Govt. published data like Forest atlas, Survey of India and Google Maps etc.to arrive at most optimum route which can be taken up for detailed survey and assessment of environmental & social impacts for their proper management.

4.2 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN NORTH THRISSUR AND PUGALUR LINE

Three different alignments (Map-3) were studied with the help of published data/maps and walkover survey to arrive at most optimum route for detailed survey. The comparative details of three alternatives in respect of the proposed line are as follows:

S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III 1(a). Route particulars - Underground(UG) Section i. Out of total line length of 155.0 km, approx. 28.0 km of cable is proposed to be laid underground in Kerala portion to conserve the RoW and minimize the disturbance to local community/ecology of the area. Since this underground cable will be laid along shoulder of existing NH-47 (now NH 544) starting from Thrissur HVDC terminal up to Transition station at Vadakancheri village, no other alternative routes were studied for this section of route. For details of underground route refer section wise drawing placed at Map-4. 1(b). Route particulars- Overhead(OH) Section i. Route Length (km) 130 127 131 ii. Terrain Hilly Nil Nil Nil Plain 100% 100% 100% 2. Environmental impact (UG & OH) i. Name of District(s) Thrissur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Palakkad, through which the Coimbatore & Tirupur Coimbatore & TirupurCoimbatore & Tirupur line passes ii. Town in alignment Nearby towns are Nearby towns are Nearby towns are Thrissur, Jellipatti, Thrissur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Vadakancheri, Chittur, Nallepalli, Vadakancheri, Valayar, Palakkad, Chenjeri, Uttukuli, Nemmad, Arasampalayam, Dharapuram etc. Pllochi, Animapatti, Allattur, Dharapuram Dharapuram etc. iii. House within RoW 06 Nil 02 iv. Forest involvement UG – 1.22 km/0.244 ha. (km/ha.) OH- Nil OH- Nil OH- Nil Type of Forest UG - Reserve Forest/ (RF/PF)& whether Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary part of Wildlife Area/ Elephant corridor/ Biodiversity OH- Nil OH- Nil OH- Nil Hotspots/ Biosphere Reserve/ Wetlands or any other environmentally sensitive area, if any

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 22 S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III v. Density of Forest Very Low vi. Type of flora Rosewood (Dalbergia Rosewood Rosewood latifolia), Jamun (Dalbergia latifolia), (Dalbergia latifolia), (Syzygium cumini), Jamun (Syzygium Jamun (Syzygium Coconut (Cocos cumini), Coconut cumini), Coconut nucifera), Neem (Cocos nucifera), (Cocos nucifera), (Azadirachta indica), Neem (Azadirachta Neem (Azadirachta Rubber(Ficus elastic), indica),Rubber indica), Cashew (Anacardium (Ficus elastic), Rubber(Ficus occidentale), Paddy Cashew elastic), Cashew (Oryza sativa), (Anacardium (Anacardium Banana (Musa occidentale), Paddy occidentale), Paddy acuminate) & Areca (Oryza sativa), (Oryza sativa), Nut (Areca catechu), Banana (Musa Banana (Musa Cotton (Gossypium acuminate) & Areca acuminate) & Areca arboretum) & various Nut (Areca Nut (Areca bamboo species etc. catechu), Cotton catechu), Cotton (Gossypium (Gossypium arboretum) ) & arboretum) & various bamboo various bamboo species etc. species etc. vii. Type of fauna Fox(Vulpes Fox (Vulpes Fox (Vulpes benghalensis, Wild benghalensis, Wild benghalensis, boar (Sus scrofa) boar (Sus scrofa) Wild boar (Sus and domestic and domestic scrofa) and species like Goat species like Goat domestic species (Capra hircus), (Capra hircus), like Goat (Capra Sheep (Ovis aries), Sheep (Ovis aries), hircus), Sheep Cow (Bos Cow (Bos (Ovis aries), Cow primigenius indicus), primigenius (Bos primigenius Buffalo (Bubalus indicus), Buffalo indicus), Buffalo bubalis) (Bubalus bubalis) (Bubalus bubalis) viii. Endangered species, i Nil Nil Nil any ix. Historical/cultural Nil Nil Nil Monuments, if any 3. Compensation Cost: i. Crop (Non Forest) 650.00 lakhs 635.00 lakhs 655.00 lakhs (OH Portion) (@ 5 lakhs/km) (@ 5 lakhs/km) (@ 5 lakhs/km) ii. Land for Tower Base 5219.00 lakhs 5126.00 lakhs 5249.00 lakhs & RoW Corridor (@15 lakhs/acre for (@15 lakhs/acre for (@15 lakhs/acre for (OH & UG Portion) OH & @ 25 lakhs/ OH & @ 25 lakhs/acre OH & @ 25 lakhs/ acre for UG line) for UG line) acre for UG line) iii. Forest/Wildlife 20.00 lakhs (Including 5 times NPV for WLS) (UG Portion) 4. Major Crossings: i. Highway (NH/SH) 2 1 2 ii. Power Line (Nos.) 10 6 8 iii. Railway Line (Nos.) 2 2 2 iv. River Crossing (Nos.) Nil Nil 2 (Amaravati River & Chuliar Reservoir)

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 23 S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III 5. Overall remarks Line length is Shortest in line Relatively more longest and also length and involve line length and involve moderate minimum RoW also involve river RoW issues as the problems due to crossing and line route is avoidance of having moderate passing through plantation and RoW problems plantation area and habitation area due to proximity close to habitation of habitation area

As explained above, no alternative study was undertaken for UG section as cable will be laid along the shoulder of existing NH-544. However, from the comparison of three (3) different alternatives for OH section, it is evident that although none of the studied routes involve any forest/protected area, Alternative- II is found to be shortest route having minimum RoW issues. Further, lesser degree of environmental impacts like minimum tree felling as well as no construction and O&M problems are anticipated as Alternative- II doesn’t involve any plantation and habitation area unlike the other two alternatives. Hence, Alternative - II is considered as the most optimized route and recommended for detailed survey.

4.3 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR LILO OF NORTH THRISSUR - COCHIN 400 KV D/C LINE AT NORTH THRISSUR HVDC STATION

Since the proposed line connects two substations in close vicinity and having line length of only 0.4 km, no alternative has been studied for this line as there is no environmental or social issues including forest area that require such studies.

4.4 SUBSTATION

For substation site selection also analysis of 2-3 alternatives sites is usually carried out based on environment and social aspects and technical requirement. Such analysis considers various site specific parameters that include availability of infrastructure facilities such as access roads, water, distance from railheads, type of land (Government/ revenue/private land); social impacts such as number of families getting affected; Common Property Resources (CPR) including feasibility of acquisition. The finalization of substation land is done based on above analysis and site visit/verification. The social aspects are provided due weightage after technical requirement in decision making for selection/finalization of land for substation.

It may be noted that land for proposed underground cable transition point at Vadakancheri has been secured on long term lease (35 years) basis from Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). Therefore, the said exercise is not so relevant for proposed project as the consent of owner is major criterion in addition to technical feasibility.

Table 4.1: Status of land availability for proposed Terminal Substation

S. Name ofArea Location Surrounding Accessibility Land Status N. Substation (acre) 1. Transition The proposed The proposed The site is Govt land Station 0.54 site is located land is adjacent to taken on at Kerala State surrounded by NH-47), a 6 long term Vadakanc Electricity Board Paddy fields in Lane Highway lease basis. heri (KSEB) west, north close to premises at and eastern Vadakanchar- Vadakkencheri side and Pollachi Road Village, Althur habitation in Jn. Nearest Taluk, Palakkad Northern & Railway

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 24 District, Kerala. South eastern Station is The location is a side There as Palakkad at Co-ordinates: Nearest house distance of 10˚35’50.91”N /structure is at about 30km. 76˚28’43.07”E a distance of Nearest about 200m. Airport is Site is close to Kochi about Vadakkencheri 80 km. town. Nearest Palakkad is Seaport is approx. 30km Kochi about 90 km

Further details about proposed substation land have been provided in Section –5.0 (i).

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 25 SECTION – V: POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, THEIR EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT

5.0 IMPACT DUE TO PROJECT LOCATION AND DESIGN

Environmental impacts of transmission projects are not far reaching and are mostly localized to RoW (RoW width for ±320kV is 44 Mts.). However, transmission projects have some effects on natural and socio-culture resources. These impacts can be minimized by careful route selection. Moreover, in the instant project some portion of the said line is to be constructed underground, thus, further minimizing the adverse environmental & social impacts. In order to get latest information and further optimization of route, modern survey techniques/tools like Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) are also applied. Introduction of GIS and GPS in route selection result in access to updated/latest information, through satellite images and further optimization of route having minimal environmental impact. Moreover, availability of various details, constraints like topographical and geotechnical details, forest and environmental details etc. help in planning the effective mitigative measures including engineering variations depending upon the site situation/location. In the instant scheme also these techniques are used.. Although, all possible measures have been taken during the finalization of route alignment for the proposed transmission lines, due to peculiarity of terrain and strategic location of Peechi WL area where subprojects being implemented, some environmental impacts may be there. The explanations in brief with regard to specific environment review criteria based on detail survey are as follows:

(i) Resettlement Land is required for a) construction of substations and b) erection of transmission lines. In general requirement of land area for substation varies from 30 acres (for 400/220 kV) to 120 acres (±800 kV) depending upon voltage levels, no. of bays, topography of land and few more technical factors.

In the instant case, for proposed transition station Govt land measuring 0.54 acre of Kerala State Electricity Board at Vadakancheri has been secured on long term lease basis. Since no acquisition of private land is involved, R & R will not be an issue in the instant project. Location details along with approach to site of proposed substation is enclosed as Plate- 1. The proposed scheme also involved establishment of HVDC terminal stations at Pugalur & Thrissur for which land area measuring 153.4 acres (149 Pvt. + 4.4 Govt. land) & 31.44 Acres (Kerala Agriculture University Land) respectively were also secured.

In respect of (b), no permanent acquisition is envisaged. Land for tower and right of way is not acquired as agricultural activities can continue. A typical plan of transmission line tower footing indicating the above position along with extent of damage and area of influence are depicted in Fig.-1 & 1a respectively. As described earlier all measures are undertaken by POWERGRID at the line routing stage itself to avoid settlements such as cities, villages etc. It may be seen from the above description of proposed route alignments and also keeping in mind that no permanent acquisition of land is involved for tower foundation as per existing law, these subprojects don’t require any resettlement of villagers. However, some temporary damages/ disturbances can happen, which will be compensated as per the law of the land and applicable/prevailing guidelines. (ii) Land value depreciation

Based on past experience land prices are generally expected to rise in the areas receiving power. Generally transmission lines pass through uninhabited area,

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 26 agriculture fields and forests, where the land use is not going to change in foreseeable future. Moreover, in the instant case some portion of line is to be constructed underground which will have minimum pressure/impact on land. Therefore, the value of land will not be adversely affected to a significant degree.

(iii) Historical/cultural monuments/value As per the policy of route selection, only that route alignment is finalized which avoids all the historical and cultural monuments. As per the preliminary assessment carried out during finalization of route alignment in consultation with State Revenue authorities and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), no such monuments are coming in the proposed route alignments. Moreover, utmost care shall be taken during detailed survey to avoid such areas. However, during excavation, if any treasure, archaeological artifacts are found the same shall be intimated in writing to Collector/Archaeology department as per the provisions of Section-4 of “Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878 as amended in 1949”. The Collector shall initiate further action for its safe custody or its shifting to Treasury/ Secure place. The construction activity may be suspended temporarily during this process. (iv) Lines into precious ecological areas

Following the guiding principles of avoidance of ESPP, all possible measures have been undertaken at the time of route selection to avoid involvement of forest and protected areas like National Parks, Sanctuaries etc. As already explained in previous chapter, in spite of best efforts complete avoidance of forest and wildlife couldn’t be achieved as small portion of UG cable (i.e. 0.31% length) inevitably passing through Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary due to shifting of road alignment (approx. 1.1 km) by NHAI and non- availability/provision of any utility corridor for laying of cable in the tunnel road. Since no other alternative without involving reserve forest/ Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary due to its strategic location was possible to reach North Thrissur, POWERGRID has to follow the original route along the existing road (NH-544) which involve minimum area of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.

Though the forests/wildlife area to be traversed by the UG cable is categorized as Reserve Forest (RF), possibility of any adverse impact on ecology/biodiversity of the area is quite remote considering the already degraded/fragmented condition due to continuous interference of heavy traffic/ human since last 30-40 years of existence of this NH. This NH is a 340 km long connecting the city of Salem in Tamil Nadu to Kochi in Kerala. The stretch between the industrial city of Coimbatore and the port city of Kochi is one of the busiest in the Indian Highway system and high to very high volume of traffic movement is reported between Coimbatore and Kochi en-route of Thrissur every night. The actual site photomontage depicting traffic density/ interference in NH-544 including forest and Wildlife stretch is placed as Plate- 2 to 5.

It may also be noted that the UG cable will be laid in the shoulder area of NH-544 below 1 meter depth in a concrete duct with a maximum area of influence of 2 meter wide. However, after construction work a small covered manhole each at a distance of approx. 600-700 meter will be at ground for maintenance purpose (Plate-5). Since there will not be any kind of over ground structure/ obstruction, no hindrance to the movements of wildlife, if any is envisaged. Further, adequate clearance is already available in the shoulder area of NH without loss of single tree/vegetation even in the forest and wildlife area stretch and hence no loss of vegetation is envisaged. However, forest/wildlife authorities have suggested to erect rail fence in 2.5 km stretch (Plate-6) at a cost of Rs 4.0 crore along with other general measures proposed under wildlife mitigation plan (Appendix -1) to avoid any untowards incidents of man-animal conflict as the protected area itself and nearby areas are heavily populated with presence of many commercial shops/establishments. Apart from various compliances as stipulated

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 27 in the Forest/ Wildlife clearances, certain restrictions related to construction actvities in designated sanctuary area have also been made as part of the project specific EMP which shall be implemented during construction & major O & M activities by the contractor to minimize/avoid disturbance to wildlife (refer Specific measures/banned activities placed under Table - 6.1 EMP)

Moreover, as per regulatory requirements POWERGRID has obtained recommendation/ permission from State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) and National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) on 16.08.17 and 25.01.18 respectively (Appendix -2). Forest clearance has also been obtained on 9.10.2018 (Appendix -3). Further, NoC/permission from NHAI for utilizing 2 meters wide land available in the utility corridor along the NH-544 has already obtained from NHAI vide its letter dated 13.04.2016 (Appendix -4) with certain conditions including deposition of unconditional Bank Guarantee of Rs. 1.32 crores towards restoration charges in addition of Rs 6.67 Crores as License fees. With all above measures in place, we are confident that no adverse impact of any sorts on wildlife habitat and biodiversity of the area is anticipated.

(v) Lines into other valuable lands

Impacts on agricultural land will be restricted to the construction phase and when large- scale maintenance measures are required. The proposed transmission lines will pass mostly through agricultural fields and in underground portion cable will be laid along the existing RoW of NH-47. As per existing law, land for tower and right of way is not acquired and agricultural activities are allowed to continue after construction activity. POWERGRID pays compensation for all damages as per the law of the land and applicable/prevailing guidelines. Recently, MoP has issued guidelines for payment of compensation toward damages in regard to RoW for transmission lines (Annexure-1). However, the said compensation shall be paid to all affected farmers/land owners in addition to normal tree and crop damage compensation, once it is adopted by respective States.

In areas where transmission lines will traverse through agricultural land, compensation will be paid to owners for any crop damage incurred as a result of construction activities. POWERGRID field staff will consult affected villagers and local revenue dept. and apprise them about the project and tower location, which shall be erected in the agricultural land. Revenue dept. after evaluating the land loss due to construction activity and crop damages based on productivity of land arrives at the compensation cost which is paid to farmer. Agricultural activities will be allowed to continue following the construction period. If bunds or other on-farm works are disturbed during construction or maintenance, they will be restored to the owner's satisfaction following cessation of construction or maintenance activities. In the event that private trees are felled during construction or maintenance operations, compensation will be paid to the owner in an amount determined by the estimated loss of products from the tree over an eight year period (for fruit bearing trees). Agricultural lands under private ownership will be identified, and in accordance with normal POWERGRID procedures compensation will be paid to the affected villagers. The procedure for providing compensation is described in Annexure-2. Budgetary provision of Rs. 635.00 lakhs is made in the cost estimate to meet these expenses.

(vi) Interference with other utilities and traffic

As per regulations enacted by Government of India, it is mandatory for POWERGRID to seek clearance prior to construction from department of Railways, Telecommunications and wherever necessary from aviation authorities that are likely to be affected by the construction of transmission lines. The transmission lines affect nearby telecommunication circuits by causing electrical interference. A standing committee - Power Telecom Co-ordination Committee (P.T.C.C.) has been constituted by

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 28 Government of India to plan and implement the mitigating measures for the induced voltage which may occur to nearby telecom circuit and suggest necessary protection measures to be adopted. The committee suggests measures like rerouting of the telecom circuits, conversion of overhead telecom circuits into cables etc. to minimize the interference.

The cost of such measures is determined by the Committee on the basis of prevailing norms and guidelines. Though the exact cost to mitigate the impacts of induction in neighboring telecom circuits would vary from case to case, the cost on an average works out to be Rs. 50,000/- per km. Provision to meet these expenses has been made in the cost estimate for the same for transmission line proposed under the instant scheme.

The main approach road for accessing the construction sites including three new substations are either through National Highways, i.e. NH-47(now NH-544) or through other State/Village Roads bifurcating from these National Highways. The volume of traffic on these roads is found to be of low to medium intensity. Therefore, possibility of any steep rise in volume of traffic due to mobilization for said projects is not envisaged.

Wherever transmission line crosses the railways, clearance is taken from that department. In general, the system is planned and executed in such a way that adequate clearance is maintained between transmission lines on the one hand, and railways, civil aviation and defense installations on the other. Wherever the transmission lines pass near to airports, the towers beyond specified height are painted in alternate orange and white stripes for easy visibility and warning lights are placed atop these towers.

(vii) Interference with drainage pattern As the transmission lines are constructed aerially and the blockage of ground surface is limited to area of tower footings, which is very small, there is little possibility of affecting drainage pattern. However, management measures as specified in EMP (refer clause - 5 & 12) like appropriate siting of towers shall be undertaken during detailed alignment survey and design to avoid any incidence of flooding hazards & loss of agricultural production due to interference with drainage patterns or irrigation channels. In underground portion, cable will be laid by cut and cover method and there may be temporary hindrance to drainage for which adequate care will be taken to minimize the blockage by proper diversion of its flow. Also since the lines will be laid underground in elongated channel having width 2 m and depth 2 m, dewatering is not envisaged at most places, however if any water seeps from local surface drains dewatering pump will be deployed to facilitate construction. In the infrequent instances where the natural flow/drainage is affected, flow will be trained and guided to safe zones. Moreover, no tower will be placed in the river bed as there is no major river crossing in the proposed transmission lines. Further, all proposed substations are located in plane terrain and hence no affect on drainage of the area is envisaged particularly with adequate arrangement of drainage built in all substation design. 5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS DUE TO DESIGN (i) Escape of polluting materials The equipments installed on lines and substations are static in nature and do not generate any fumes or waste materials. However, detailed specification with respect to equipment design and substation sewage design has been included in tender document to avoid any incidence of land and water contamination. Apart from this, solid waste like packing materials, cables, aluminium conductor, sand, aggregate material, cements and steel generated during construction is carefully handled and removed from site. To avoid contamination of Ground water/land from leakage of transformer oil, an oil sump

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 29 is constructed below each transformer to collect any oil during change over or leakage. Oil sump is a part of standard design criteria for transformer foundation. (ii) Explosion/fire hazards During the survey and site selection for transmission lines and substations, it has been ensured that these are kept away from oil/gas pipelines and other sites with potential for creating explosions or fires. Fires due to flashover from lines can be a more serious problem in forest. However, adequate safety measures shall be taken to avoid such incidence and has been included in EMP (refer clause - 15, 23 & 52). Besides this forest authorities also incorporate measures like making fire lines to prevent spreading of fire in the affected forest area. Apart from this, states of art safety instruments are installed in the substations on both the ends so that line gets tripped within milliseconds in case of any fault. (iii) Erosion hazards due to inadequate provision for resurfacing of exposed area The volume of soil excavated in the construction of transmission lines vary significantly, depending upon several factors including wind zone, type of towers, type of foundation, topography of the land etc. It is estimated that for construction of overhead line (i.e. for erection of approx. 325 towers) and underground cable portion, the amount of soil excavation would be around 74010 m3 and 112000 m3 (2m x 2m x 28000 m) respectively. Again, for construction of UG transition point at Vadakancheri approximately 8000 m3 quantity of soil to be excavated. However, most of these excavated materials (about 80-90%) will be used for re-filling after construction work is over and remaining materials will be disposed properly as detailed out in EMP (refer clause - 25, 26 & 28). Moreover, the topsoil disturbed during the development of sites will be stored properly and used to restore the top surface of the platform. Left over infertile and rocky material will be dumped at carefully selected dumping areas and used as fill for foundations and leveling. Further, excavation in the hilly areas is avoided in rainy days. In hill slopes and erosion prone soils, internationally accepted engineering practices including bio-engineering techniques, wherever, feasible shall be undertaken to prevent soil erosion. Hence, possibility of erosion of exposed area due to construction activity is negligible.

(iv) Environmental aesthetics Since spacing between the towers in case of ±320kV transmission lines is approx. 400 meters, there will be no adverse affect on the visual aesthetics of the localities particularly when it is ensured to route the lines as far away from the localities as possible. In underground portion since the line to be constructed through underground cable, there won’t be any adverse impact on visual aesthetics of the localities. However, POWERGRID takes up plantation of trees to buffer the visual effect around its substations and to provide better living conditions. Wherever POWERGRID feels appropriate, discussions will be held with local Forest Department officials to determine feasibility of planting trees along roads running parallel to transmission lines to buffer visual effect in these areas. In addition, towers may be painted grey or green to merge with the background. (v) Noise/vibration nuisances The equipment installed at substation are mostly static and are so designed that the noise level always remains within permissible limits i.e. 85 dB as per Indian standards. The noise levels reported during normal operating conditions are about 60 to 70 dB at 2 m. distance from the equipment. To contain the noise level within the permissible limits whenever noise level increases beyond permissible limits, measures like providing sound and vibration dampers and rectification of equipment are undertaken. In addition, plantations of sound absorbing species like Casuarinas, Tamarind and Neem are raised at the substations that reduce the sound level appreciably. It is reported that 93 m3 of

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 30 woodland can reduce the noise level by 8 dB(A). Actual noise levels measured at perimeters of existing substations are 20 to 30 dB(A). .

(vi) Blockage of Wildlife passage Since the line/cable will be laid underground below 1 m depth in concrete duct without any structure/obstruction above ground in the forest & wildlife sanctuary area, possibility of any disturbance to wildlife is not anticipated. 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE

(i) Uncontrolled silt runoff

As already explained, during construction limited quantity of excavated material will be generated from tower foundations/laying of underground cable and substation foundation. However, adequate measures shall be taken to store excavated materials properly for leveling and refilling after construction is over. In case of hill slopes and erosion prone soils, internationally accepted engineering practices including bio- engineering techniques, wherever, feasible shall be undertaken to prevent soil erosion. Moreover, excavation in the hilly areas is avoided in rainy days. Hence, uncontrolled silt run off is not anticipated.

(ii) Nuisance to nearby properties

As already described in preceding paras, during site selection due care is taken to keep the lines and substations away from settlements. Further, all the construction activities will be undertaken through the use of small mechanical devices e.g. tractors and manual labour, therefore nuisance to the nearby properties if any, is not expected. Since all construction related activities for new substations shall be confined to existing substations which are already inaccessible for general public due to its separation/demarcation by the boundary wall. Moreover, such areas are declared as prohibited for general public as per the provisions of Electricity Act. Hence, any adverse impact arising during the construction of these substations will be temporary and limited to the boundaries of existing substations only and will neither impact nearby habitat/property nor health & safety of neighboring community

(iii) Interference with utilities and traffic and blockage of access way

Transportation of construction materials will be mostly through road network. Access to the site will be along existing National/State highway or village paths. Minor improvements to paths may be made where necessary, but no major construction of roads will be needed either during construction or as a part of maintenance procedures. In case, access road is not available at some places, existing field/path may be utilized and compensation for any damage to crop or field is paid to the owner.

As and when a transmission line crosses any road/ railways line, adequate care/caution is taken so as not to cause any hindrance to the movement of traffic. Stringing at the construction stage is carried out during lean traffic period in consultation with the concerned authorities and angle towers are planted to facilitate execution of work in different stages.

POWERGRID will follow all applicable standards concerned with safety for transmission and erection of Substation. These include IS: 5613 – recommendation on safety procedures and practices in electrical work as per CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulation, 2010 notified in the Gazette on 20th Sept. 2010. All safety measures related to OPGW /underground cable laying and installation are included in bidding document (Refer Sec VI, chapter 03 & Sec IV, chapter 15 of Technical specification respectively). Apart from this, safety precaution like barricading of work area with reflective tape/illumination and placement of visible signage,

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 31 placement of PCC route markers shall be undertaken to avoid any unforeseen incident. Furthermore, speed restrictions are imposed on project vehicles in project/habitation areas. Moreover, the construction activities associated with Transmission Line projects are not so extensive and only limited excavation is involved in tower foundations/laying of underground cabling. As such, the volume of traffic and movement of construction vehicles laden with construction materials is quite limited and don’t pose any safety hazards for local population as well as increase in road accidents. The construction activities in substation area are always undertaken in enclosed/confined area.

(iv) Inadequate resurfacing for erosion control Since the proposed transmission lines are to be constructed in plain areas, soil erosion will not be a major issue. If due to terrain at some points towers may be placed on slopes and erosion prone soils, internationally accepted engineering practices including bio-engineering techniques wherever feasible shall be undertaken to prevent soil erosion. This will include cutting and filling slopes wherever necessary. The back cut slopes and downhill slopes will be treated with revetments. As explained above adequate steps shall be taken to resurface the area after construction. Wherever sites are affected by active erosion or landslides, both biological and engineering treatment will be carried out, e.g. provision of breast walls and retaining walls, and sowing soil binding grasses around the site. Further, construction is generally undertaken in dry/non-monsoon period. (v) Inadequate disposition of borrow area

As mentioned earlier the tower foundations & laying of underground cable involve excavations on small scale basis and the excavated soil is utilized for back filling. In case of substations generally the sites are selected in such a manner that the volume of cutting is equal to volume of filling avoiding borrowing of the area. As such acquisition/opening of borrow area is not needed.

(vi) Protection of Worker's health/safety

All health and safety issues and its management aspects are integral part of project/contract specific safety plan (Annexure-3) which is also part of contract condition. Various aspects such as work and safety regulations, workmen's compensation, insurance are adequately covered under the General Conditions of Contract (GCC), a part of bidding documents. Project is executed as per the approved plan and is regularly monitored by dedicated Safety personnel. Moreover, for strict compliance of safety standard/plan a special provision as a deterrent has been added in the contract which provides for a heavy penalty of Rs.10 lakhs for each accidental death and Rs1.0 lakh/each for any injury and is deducted from the contractor’s payment and paid to the deceased/affected family (Annexure – 4).

POWERGRID maintains safety as a top priority and has framed guidelines/checklist for workers’ safety as its personnel are exposed to live EHV apparatus and transmission lines. These guidelines/checklists include work permits and safety precautions for work on the transmission lines and substation both during construction and operation (Annexure-5) and is regularly monitored by site in-charge. In addition training is imparted to the workers in fire fighting and safety measures. Standard safety tools like helmet, safety belt, gloves etc. are provided to them in accordance to the provisions of Safety Rules. First aid facilities will be made available with the labour gangs, and doctors called in from nearby towns when necessary. The number of outside (skilled) labourers will be quite small, of the order of 25-30 people per group and remaining workforce of unskilled labourers will be comprised of mostly local people. As per policy/norms preference shall be given to the eligible local labor having required skills a specific clause has been incorporated in contract conditions (refer clause- 22.2.1 of GCC) for compliance of same by Contractor. Workers are also covered by the statutory

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 32 Workmen (Compensation) Act. Regular health checkups are conducted for construction workers. The construction sites and construction workers’ houses will be disinfected regularly, if required. In order to minimize/checking of spread of socially transmitted diseases e.g. HIV/AIDS etc. POWERGRID will conduct awareness building programs on such issues for the construction workers.

5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM OPERATION

(i) O&M Staff/Skills less than acceptable resulting in variety of adverse effects

The O&M program in POWERGRID is normally implemented by substation personnel for both, the lines as well as substations. However in respect of the long distance transmission lines, there are monitoring offices that are located at various points en- route. Monitoring measures employed include patrolling and ground based thermo- vision scanning. Aerial scanning through helicopters is not so prevalent in the country. Moreover, most of the important faunal species are normally confined either to forest or wildlife areas, where scanning by helicopters is also not feasible due to thick forest canopy. The supervisors and managers entrusted with O&M responsibilities are intensively trained for necessary skills and expertise for handling these aspects. A monthly preventive maintenance program will be carried out to disclose problems related to cooling oil, gaskets, circuit breakers, vibration measurements, contact resistance, con- densers, air handling units, electrical panels and compressors. Any sign of soil erosion is also reported and rectified. Monitoring results are published monthly, including a report of corrective action taken and a schedule for future action. POWERGRID is following the approved international standards and design, which are absolutely safe. Based on the studies carried out by different countries on the safety of EHV lines in reference to EMF affect POWERGRID have also carried out such studies with the help of PTI, USA and CPRI, Bangalore on their design. The studies inferred that the POWERGRID design are safe and follow the required international standard (for details refer Annexure- 6). Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) due to its high heat capacity, low flammability and low electrical conductivity was extensively used as insulating material in capacitors and transformers. But after the finding that these PCBs are non-biodegradable and has carcinogenic tendency, its use in electrical equipments as insulating medium has been banned all over the world long back. However, it has been reported in some studies that chances of contamination of oil with PCB is possible. Keeping that in mind, POWERGRID has taken all possible steps in association with NGC, UK and setup Regional testing laboratories for testing of existing oil for PCB traces and results of this suggests that PCB contamination is not an issue with POWERGRID. The World Bank has also made following comments after a detailed study on Management of PCBs in India: “Power Grid was the most advanced in testing for PCBs of the organizations visited for this project. They have established a procedure for identification of the presence of PCBs in transformer oil and more detailed analysis for positive identification sample. To date no significant concentrations of PCBs have been detected. Power Grid do not appear to have any significant issues regarding PCB management and have initiated a testing program. The experience & laboratories of Power Grid could be used to provide a national PCB auditing service”.

5.4 CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW CRITERIA (i) Loss of irreplaceable resources The transmission projects do not involve any large scale excavation. In overhead line land is affected to the extent 278 sq. m below the tower base whereas underground

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 33 lines are constructed in elongated channels of 2m x 2m dimension, for which compensation is paid to land owner. Besides, the UG Cable is passing through 1.22 km of forest/sanctuary area. However, as per regulation POWERGRID shall provide fund for implementation of wildlife mitigation measures (Rs. 4.00 crores) and other mitigation costs to forest deptt. for conservation of forest and wildlife.

(ii) Accelerated use of resources for short-term gains

The subject project will not be making use of any natural resources occurring in the area during construction as well as maintenance phases. The construction materials such as tower members, cement etc. shall come from factories while the excavated soil shall be used for leveling and backfilling to restore the surface. During construction of line, very small quantity of water is required which is met from nearby existing source or through takers. However, for substation water requirement is met mostly by ground water derived by digging a borewell during construction as well as for operational stage. Moreover, provision of rain water harvesting in all proposed new substations under the present scheme has been made to conserve precious water resources and enhance the ground water level. Hence, it may be seen that the activities associated with implementation of subject project shall not cause any accelerated use of resources for short term gain.

(iii) Endangering of species As described earlier, no endangered species of flora and fauna exist in the subprojects area is getting affected thus there is no possibility of endangering/ causing extinction of any species. (iv) Promoting undesirable rural-to urban migration The subprojects will not cause any submergence or loss of land holdings that normally trigger migration. It also does not involve acquisition of any private land holdings. Hence, there is no possibility of any migration.

5.5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION:

Public consultation/information is an integral part of the POWERGRID project cycle. POWERGRID follows a well-defined procedure for conducting public consultation involving different techniques as laid down in its ESPP, which is also approved by The World Bank under the Use of Country System (UCS). There are 10 different techniques which are used either independently or in combination appropriately at different milestones of the project depending on field conditions.(for details refer Annexure -7). The location for public meeting is usually selected at every 50-100 km involving major villages/habitated area en-route of line. However, in other villages/parts, informal group meetings or other techniques are applied for consultation. The consultation and feedback process is a continuous one and implemented regularly at different milestone of project cycle. The process of consultation and information dissemination begins even before the start of work as POWERGRID informs the general public by publishing in 2 (Two) local newspapers in vernacular language on implementation of project indicating the route of final alignment with name of the town /villages its passing through about the project and invites their suggestion, if any. During survey also POWERGRID site officials meet people and inform them about the routing of transmission lines. During construction, every individual, on whose land line is constructed and people affected by RoW, are consulted. Apart from this, Public consultation using different technique like Public Meeting, Small Group Meeting with special focus on women, and vulnerable groups, Informal Meeting shall also be carried out during different activities of project cycle. During such consultation the public are informed about the project in general and in particular about the following:

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 34  Complete project plan (i.e. its route and terminating point and substations, if any, in between);  Design standards in relation to approved international standards;  Health impacts in relation to EMF;  Measures taken to avoid public utilities such as school, hospitals, etc.;  Other impacts associated with transmission lines and POWERGRID approach to minimizing and solving them;  Trees and crop compensation process. Additionally, questions, doubts and apprehensions of members of public are heard and answered to the extent possible. Queries raised by participants were mostly concentrated on improvement in power availability to their village, safety and RoW compensation. Some of the queries raised are presented below:  Whether this line will improve the power supplies in our village and remove frequent interruption/outage;  Whether these lines are safe for the nearby dwellers without any problems of electrocution while working in the fields;  What is compensation policy for the standing crops damaged and compensation for the land occupied by the tower footings;  What about employment for local people and procedure for same;  What is the width of RoW for cutting tree. How much compensation for the trees will be given and when. In the instant scheme also, many group meetings were organized (informally and formally) in all villages where the interventions are likely to happen. Such consultation culminated in public meeting organized at different locations as provided in Table- 5.3. These meetings were attended by Gram Panchayat leaders/members, Village heads, interested villagers/general public and representatives from POWERGRID. Village women folk also actively participated in consultation. To ensure maximum participation, prior intimation in local language was given and such notices were also displayed at prominent places/panchayat office etc. During the public consultation details of line and its importance were explained to the villagers by the officials of POWERGRID. The consultation was arranged in interactive manner in local language and queries like tree/crop compensation, engagement of local people in construction activity, health & safety, improvement of power scenario in region etc. were addressed. The initiative was appreciated by the villagers and they assured their cooperation for construction of the said lines. The process of such consultation shall continue during different stage of project implementation and even during O& M stage. Details of above public consultation meetings including public notice, list of participants, photographs and public queries & answers are enclosed as Annexure -8.

Table -5.3: Public Consultation en-route of Transmission Lines Sl. Date & time Venue Person Attended No. of Consultation 1. 15th Dec.’ 15, At-Panchayat Total 38 persons including Panchayat 2.00 PM Auditorium, President & Secretary, interested Village- Nalleppilly, villagers/ general public and District- Palakkad representatives from POWERGRID State- Kerala 2. 16th Dec.’ 15, At- Grampanchayat Total 25 persons including Village 3.00 PM Community Hall, heads, interested villagers/ general Village- Arasampalayam public and representatives from District- Coimbatore, POWERGRID State- Tamil Nadu

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 35 5.6 CONCLUSION:

It is clear from the above assessment/studies that the project area is rich in natural resource and also hosts many protected areas. However, careful route selection ensured avoidance of most of the protected areas barring involvement of small stretch of Reserve Forest and Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in the UG cable portion due to its strategic location. The proposed UG cable will be laid below 1 meter depth in a concrete duct with a maximum area of influence of 2 meter width along the shoulder area of NH-544 which is already in degraded/ fragmented conditions due to constant interference of heavy traffic/ anthropogenic activities since last 30-40 years of existence of this NH. It may be noticed from the assessment/analysis that there are very remote chances of any sort of impacts on wildlife habitat and biodiversity of the area by implementation of said project particularly when various management measures including specific measures as listed in EMP as well as wildlife mitigation plan as suggested by the CWW are in place. The developmental benefits of the project outweigh the negligible impacts that may be there which favour implementation of the said scheme for overall development of the area and substantially improve the power availability of the region.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 36 SECTION – VI: PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENT & MONITORING

6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM IN POWERGRID:

Monitoring is a continuous process for POWERGRID projects at all the stages be it the site selection, construction or maintenance.

The success of POWERGRID lies in its strong monitoring systems. Apart from the site managers reviewing the progress on daily basis regular project review meetings are held at least on monthly basis which is chaired by Executive Director of the region wherein apart from construction issues the environmental aspects of the projects are discussed and remedial measures taken wherever required. The exceptions of these meetings are submitted to the Directors and Chairman & Managing Director of the Corporation. The progress of various on-going projects is also informed to the Board of Directors. Flow chart showing institutional arrangement for implementation ESPP is placed as Exhibit-2. A three tier support structure has also been developed at corporate, regional and site level with following functions for effective implementation of environment and social safeguard measures.

6.1.1 Corporate Level

An Environmental Management Cell at corporate level was created within POWERGRID in 1992 and subsequently upgraded to an Environment Management Department (EMD) in 1993 and in 1997 it has been further upgraded to Environment & Social Management Deptt. (ESMD) by incorporating social aspect of project. Briefly, the ESMD's responsibilities are as follows:

 Advising and coordinating RHQs and Site to carry out environmental and social surveys for new projects;  Assisting RHQs and site to finalize routes of entire power transmission line considering environmental and social factors that could arise en-route;  Help RHQs and Site to follow-up with the state forest offices and other state departments in expediting forest clearances and the land acquisition process of various ongoing and new projects;  Act as a focal point for interaction with the MoEFCC for expediting forest clearances and follow-ups with the Ministry of Power;  Imparts training to POWERGRID’s RHQs & Site Officials on environment and social issues and their management plan.

6.1.2 Regional Level

At its Regional Office POWERGRID has a Environmental and Social Management Cell (ESMC) to manage Environmental and Social issues and to coordinate between ESMD at the Corporate level and the Divisional Headquarters. The key functions envisaged for ESMC are:

 Advising and coordinating field offices to carry out environmental and social surveys for new projects envisaged in the Corporate Investment Plan;  Assisting the ESMD and site to finalize routes of entire power transmission lines considering the environmental and social factors that could arise en-route;  To follow-up forest clearances and land acquisition processes with state forest offices and other state departments for various ongoing and new projects;  Acting as a focal point for interaction with the ESMD and site on various environmental and social aspects.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 37 6.1.3 Site Office At the Divisional Headquarters level, POWERGRID has made the head of the division responsible for implementing the Environmental and Social aspect of project and are termed as Environmental and Social Management Team (ESMT). Key functions of the ESMT are:  Conduct surveys on environmental and social aspects to finalize the route for the power transmission projects;  Conduct surveys & Interact with Revenue Authorities for land acquisition;  Interact with the Forest Departments to make the forest proposal and follow it up for MoEFCC clearance;  Implementation of Environment Management Plan (EMP);  Monitoring of EMP & producing periodic reports on the same.

From above, It may be noted that POWERGRID is well equipped to implement and monitor its environment and social management plans.

As regards monitoring of impacts on ecological resources particularly in Forest and Protected areas like Wildlife Sanctuaries or National Parks, it is generally done by the concerned Divisional Forest Officer, Chief Wildlife Warden and their staff as a part of their normal duties. Besides, a detailed Environment Management Plan (EMP) including monitoring plan for all possible environmental and social impact and its proper management has been drawn (Table- 6.1) and will be implemented during various stage of project execution. Since many provisions of EMP are to be implemented by contractor, hence for proper monitoring EMP has been included in the contract document. A budget estimate towards tree/crop compensation, forest/wildlife compensation and EMP implementation is prepared and is placed at Annexure-9. A summary of the same is presented below:

S. N. Budgetary Head Amount (Rs. Lakhs) 1 Forest compensation 20.00 2 Wildlife Mitigation 400.00 3 Tree & Crop Compensation 635.00 3 Land Compensation for a) Overhead line 3941.00 b) UG portion 1185.00 4 EMP Implementation, Monitoring & Audit 40.39 Total 6221.39

6.2 GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM (GRM)

Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is an integral and important mechanism for addressing/resolving the concern and grievances in a transparent and swift manner. Many minor concerns of peoples are addressed during public consultation process initiated at the beginning of the project. For handling grievance, Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be established at two places, one at the project/scheme level and another at Corporate/HQ level. The GRCs shall include members from POWERGRID, Local Administration, Panchayat Members, Affected Persons representative and reputed persons from the society on nomination basis under the chairmanship of project head. The composition of GRC shall be disclosed in Panchayat/Village council offices and concerned district headquarter for wider coverage.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 38 The complainant will also be allowed to submit its complaint to local project official who will pass it to GRC immediately but not more than 5 days of receiving such complaint. The first meeting of GRC will be organized within 15 days of its constitution/disclosure to formulate procedure and frequency of meeting. However, GRC meeting shall be convened within 15 days of receiving a grievance for its solution. GRC endeavor will be to pronounce its decision/ may also refer it to corporate GRC for solution within 30-45 days of receiving grievances. In case complainant/appellant is not satisfied with the decision of GRC they can approach POWERGRID Corporate Level Committee/District Collector or Court of law for solution.

The corporate level GRC shall function under the chairmanship of Director (Project) who will nominate other members of GRC including one representative from corporate ESMC who is conversant with the environment & social issues. The meeting of Corporate GRC shall be convened within 7-10 days of receiving the reference from project GRC or complainant directly and pronounce its decision within next 15 days.

6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Periodic review by corporate ESMD and higher management including review by POWERGRID CMD of all environmental and social issues is under taken to ensure that EMP and other measures are implemented at site. A semi-annual environmental monitoring report reflecting the status of EMP implementation and corrective actions if any, will be prepared and disclosed on POWERGRID’s website. The monitoring report will also be submitted to ADB for disclosing on its website. The IEE, the EMP, and revisions and updates, if any will also be disclosed. The format of environmental monitoring report is shown in Annexure- 10. Besides, an annual review by Independent Auditor under ISO: 14001 shall also be undertaken for compliance of agreed policy and management plan.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 39 Table- 6.1: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Pre-construction 1 Location of line Exposure to Setback of dwellings to line Tower location and Setback distances to POWERGRID Part of tower towers and line safety related route designed in accordance alignment selection nearest houses – once sitting survey alignment and risks with permitted level of power with respect to nearest and detailed design frequency and the regulation of dwellings alignment supervision at sites survey &design 2 Equipment Release of PCBs not used in substation Transformer design Exclusion of PCBs in POWERGRID Part of tender specifications chemicals transformers or other project transformers stated in specifications for and design and gases in facilities or equipment. tender specification – the equipment parameters receptors once (air, water, Processes, equipment and Process, equipment Exclusion of CFCs POWERGRID Part of tender land) systems not to use and system design stated in tender specifications chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), specification – once for the including halon, and their use, if equipment any, in existing processes and Phase out schedule to Part of systems should be phased out be prepared in case equipment and and to be disposed of in a still in use – once process design manner consistent with the requirements of the Government 3 Transmission Exposure to Line design to comply with the Electromagnetic field Line design POWERGRID Part of design line design electromagne limits of electromagnetic strength for proposed compliance with parameters tic interference from power lines line design relevant standards – interference including those of ICNIRP once 4 Substation Exposure to Design of plant enclosures to Expected noise Compliance with POWERGRID Part of detailed location and noise comply with National ambient emissions based on regulations - once siting survey design noise standards which are also substation design and design compatible with the EHS guidelines of the World Bank. Social Careful selection of site to avoid Selection of substation Consultation with local POWERGRID Part of detailed inequities encroachment of socially, location (distance to authorities -once siting survey culturally and archaeological sensitive area). and design sensitive areas (i.e. sacred groves, graveyard, religious worship place, monuments etc.)

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 40 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 5 Location of line Impact on Avoidance of such water bodies Tower location and line Consultation with local POWERGRID Part of tower towers & line water bodies to the extent possible. alignment selection authorities– once siting survey and alignment and Avoidance of placement of (distance to water detailed design tower inside water bodies to the bodies) alignment survey extent of possible and design Social Careful route selection to avoid Tower location and line Consultation with local POWERGRID Part of tower inequities existing settlements and alignment selection authorities and land siting survey and sensitive locations (distance to nearest owners – once detailed dwellings or social alignment survey institutions) and design Minimise impact on agricultural Tower location and line Consultation with local land alignment selection authorities and land (distance to agricultural owners – once land) Careful selection of site and Tower location and line Consultation with local route alignment to avoid alignment selection authorities -once encroachment of socially, (distance to sensitive culturally & archaeological area) sensitive areas (i. g. sacred groves, graveyard, religious worship place, monuments etc.) 6 Securing lands Loss of land/ In the case of Involuntary Compensation and As per provisions laid POWERGRID Prior to for substations. income Acquisitions, Compensation and monetary R&R out in the act award/start of change in R&R measures are extended as amounts/ facilities substation social status per provision of RFCTLARRA, extended before construction. etc. 20132 possession of land. 7 Line through Loss of Avoid siting of lines through Tower location and line Consultation with local POWERGRID Part of tower protected area/ precious such areas by careful site and alignment selection forest authorities - siting survey and precious ecological alignment selection (National (distance to nearest once detailed ecological area values/ Parks, Wildlife Sanctuary, designated ecological alignment survey damage to Biosphere Reserves/ protected/ sensitive and design precious Biodiversity Hotspots) areas) species

2 In the instant case no Involuntary acquisition of land (permanent) is involved, hence this clause shall not be applicable. IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 41 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Minimize the need by using Tower location and line Consultation with local POWERGRID Part of tower RoW wherever possible alignment selection authorities and design siting survey engineers - once &detailed alignment survey and design 8 Line through Damage to Study of earmarked elephant Tower location and line Consultation with local POWERGRID Part of tower identified the Wildlife/ corridors to avoid such alignment selection. forest authorities – sitting and Elephant Birds and corridors, Adequate ground once. detailed corridor / also to line clearance, Fault clearing by alignment Migratory bird Circuit Breaker, Barbed wire Minimum/maximum Monitoring – quarterly survey & design wrapping on towers, reduced ground clearance basis and Operation spans etc., if applicable Avoidance of established/ Tower location and line Consultation with local POWERGRID Part of tower identified migration path (Birds & alignment selection forest authorities - siting survey Bats). Provision of flight diverter/ once and detailed reflectors, bird guard, elevated alignment perches, insulating jumper survey and loops, obstructive perch design deterrents, raptor hoods etc3., if applicable 9 Line through Deforestation Avoid locating lines in forest Tower location and line Consultation with local POWERGRID Part of tower forestland and loss of land by careful site and alignment selection authorities – once siting survey biodiversity alignment selection (distance to nearest and detailed edge effect Minimise the need by using protected or reserved Consultation with local alignment existing towers, tall towers and forest) authorities and design survey and RoW, wherever possible design engineers – once Measures to avoid invasion of Intrusion of invasive Consultation with local alien species species forest authorities - once Obtain statutory clearances from Statutory approvals Compliance with the Government from Government regulations – once for each subproject

3 As per International/National best practices and in consultation with concerned forest/wildlife Authority. IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 42 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 10 Lines through Loss of Use existing tower or footings Tower location and line Consultation with local POWERGRID Part of detailed farmland agricultural wherever possible. alignment selection. authorities and design alignment survey production/ engineers – once and design change in Avoid sitting new towers on Tower location and line Consultation with local Part of detailed cropping farmland wherever feasible alignment selection authorities and design sitting & pattern engineers – once alignment survey /design 11 Noise related Nuisance to Substations sited and designed Noise levels Noise levels to be POWERGRID Part of detailed neighbouring to ensure noise will not be a specified in tender equipment properties nuisance and shall comply with documents – once design National Ambient Noise Standards, which are also compatible with the EHS guidelines of the World Bank. 12 Interference Flooding Appropriate sitting of towers to Tower location and line Consultation with local POWERGRID Part of detailed with drainage hazards/ loss avoid channel interference alignment selection authorities and design alignment patterns/ of agricultural (distance to nearest engineers – once survey and irrigation production flood zone) design channels 13 Escape of Environment Transformers designed with oil Equipment Tender document to POWERGRID Part of detailed polluting al pollution spill containment systems, and specifications with mention specifications equipment materials purpose-built oil, lubricant and respect to potential – once design fuel storage system, complete pollutants /drawings with spill cleanup equipment.

Substations to include drainage Substation sewage Tender document to POWERGRID Part of detailed and sewage disposal systems to design mention detailed substation avoid offsite land and water specifications – once layout and pollution. design /drawings 14 Equipments Contamination Substations constructed above Substation design to Base height as per POWERGRID Part of detailed submerged of receptors the high flood level(HFL) by account for HFL flood design- once substation under flood raising the foundation pad (elevation with respect layout and to HFL elevation) design/drawings

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 43 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 15 Explosions Hazards to Design of substations to include Substation design Tender document to POWERGRID Part of detailed /Fire life modern fire fighting equipment compliance with fire mention detailed substation Provision of fire fighting prevention and control specifications – once layout and equipment to be located close to codes design transformers /drawings Construction 16 Equipment Noise and Construction techniques and Construction Construction POWERGRID Construction layout and vibrations machinery selection seeking to techniques and techniques and (Contractor period installation minimize ground disturbance. machinery machinery creating through minimal ground contract disturbance- once at provisions) the start of each construction phase 17 Physical Disturbed Construction activities on Timing of start of Crop disturbance – POWERGRID Construction construction farming cropping land timed to avoid construction Post harvest as soon (Contractor period activity disturbance of field crops (within as possible but before through one month of harvest wherever next crop – once per contract possible). site provisions) 18 Mechanized Noise, Construction equipment to be Construction equipment Complaints received POWERGRID Construction construction vibration and well maintained. – estimated noise by local authorities – (Contractor period operator emissions every 2 weeks through safety, contract efficient provisions) operation Noise, Turning off plant not in use. Construction equipment Complaints received POWERGRID Construction vibration, – estimated noise by local authorities – (Contractor period equipment emissions and every 2 weeks through wear and operating schedules contract tear provisions) 19 Construction of Increase in Existing roads and tracks used Access roads, routes Use of established POWERGRID Construction roads for airborne dust for construction and (length and width of roads wherever (Contractor period accessibility particles maintenance access to the line new access roads to be possible – every 2 through wherever possible. constructed) weeks contract provisions)

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 44 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Increased New access ways restricted to a Access width (meters) Access restricted to POWERGRID Construction land single carriageway width within single carriage –way (Contractor period requirement the RoW. width within RoW – through for temporary every 2 weeks contract accessibility provisions) 20 Construction Safety of Coordination with local Periodic and regular No. of incidents- once POWERGRID Construction activities local villagers communities for construction reporting /supervision every week (Contractor period schedules, Barricading the of safety arrangement through construction area and spreading contract awareness among locals provisions) Local traffic Coordination with local authority, Traffic flow (Interruption Frequency (time POWERGRID Construction obstruction requisite permission for smooth of traffic) span)- on daily basis (Contractor period flow of traffic. Imposing speed through limits on Project vehicles in contract project/habitation areas. provisions) 21 Temporary Overflows, Measure in place to avoid Temporary fill Absence of fill in POWERGRID Construction blockage of reduced dumping of fill materials in placement (m3) sensitive drainage (Contractor period utilities discharge sensitive drainage area areas – every 4 weeks through contract provisions) 22 Site clearance Vegetation Marking of vegetation to be Vegetation marking and Clearance strictly POWERGRID Construction removed prior to clearance, and clearance control (area limited to target (Contractor period strict control on clearing in m2) vegetation – every 2 through activities to ensure minimal weeks contract clearance. provisions) No use of herbicides and pesticides 23 Trimming Fire hazards Trees allowed growing up to a Species-specific tree Presence of target POWERGRID Construction /cutting of trees height within the RoW by retention as approved by species in RoW (Contractor period within RoW maintaining adequate clearance statutory authorities following vegetation through between the top of tree and the (average and max. tree clearance – once per contract conductor as per the height at maturity, in site provisions) regulations. meters) Loss of Trees that can survive pruning Species-specific tree Presence of target POWERGRID Construction vegetation to comply should be pruned retention as approved species in RoW (Contractor period and instead of cleared. by statutory authorities following vegetation through contract deforestation clearance-once per site provisions)

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 45 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Felled trees and other cleared or Disposal of cleared Use or intended use of POWERGRID Construction pruned vegetation to be vegetation as approved vegetation as (Contractor period disposed of as authorized by the by the statutory approved by the through statutory bodies. authorities (area cleared statutory authorities – contract in m2) once per site provisions) 24 Wood/ Loss of Construction workers prohibited Illegal wood /vegetation Complaints by local POWERGRID Construction vegetation vegetation from harvesting wood in the harvesting (area in m2, people or other (Contractor period harvesting and project area during their number of incidents evidence of illegal through deforestation employment, (apart from locally reported) harvesting – every 2 contract employed staff continuing weeks provisions) current legal activities) 25 Surplus Runoff to Soil excavated from tower Soil disposal locations Acceptable soil POWERGRID Construction earthwork/soil cause water footings/ substation foundation and volume (m3) disposal sites – every (Contractor period pollution, disposed of by placement along 2 weeks through solid waste roadsides, or at nearby house contract disposal blocks if requested by provisions) landowners 26 Substation Loss of soil Loss of soil is not a major issue Borrow area sitting Acceptable soil borrow POWERGRID Construction construction as excavated soil will be mostly (area of site in m2 and areas that provide a (Contractor period reused for leveling and re-filling. estimated volume in benefit - every 2 through However, in case of requirement m3) weeks contract of excess soil the same will be provisions) met from existing quarry or through deep excavation of existing pond or other nearby barren land with agreement of local communities Water Construction activities involving Seasonal start and finish Timing of major POWERGRID Construction pollution significant ground disturbance of major earthworks(PH, disturbance activities – (Contractor period (i.e. substation land forming) not BOD /COD, Suspended prior to start of through undertaken during the monsoon solids, others ) construction activities contract season provisions)) 27 Site clearance Vegetation Tree clearances for easement Ground disturbance Amount of ground POWERGRID Construction establishment to only involve during vegetation disturbance – every 2 (Contractor period cutting trees off at ground level clearance (area, m2) weeks through

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 46 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule or pruning as appropriate, with Statutory approvals Statutory approvals contract tree stumps and roots left in for tree clearances – provisions) place and ground cover left once for each site undisturbed 28 Tower erection Waste Excess fill from substation/tower Location and amount Appropriate fill POWERGRID Construction Substation disposal foundation excavation disposed (m3)of fill disposal disposal locations – (Contractor period foundation- of next to roads or around every 2 weeks through disposal of houses, in agreement with the contract surplus local community or landowner. provisions) earthwork/fill 29 Storage of Contamination Fuel and other hazardous Location of hazardous Fuel storage in POWERGRID Construction chemicals and of receptors materials securely stored above material storage; spill appropriate locations (Contractor period materials (land, water, high flood level. reports (type of material and receptacles – through air) spilled, amount (kg or every 2 weeks contract m3) and action taken to provisions) control and clean up spill) 30 Construction Noise Construction activities only Timing of construction Daytime construction POWERGRID Construction schedules nuisance to undertaken during the day and (noise emissions, only – every 2 weeks (Contractor period neighbouring local communities informed of [dB(A)] through contract properties the construction schedule. provisions) 31 Provision of Contamination Construction workforce facilities Amenities for Presence of proper POWERGRID Construction facilities for of receptors to include proper sanitation, Workforce facilities sanitation, water supply (Contractor period construction (land, water, water supply and waste disposal and waste disposal through workers air) facilities. facilities – once each contract new facility provisions) 32 Influx of Conflict with Using local workers for Avoidance/reduction of Observation & POWERGRID Construction migratory local appropriate asks conflict through supervision–on weekly (Contractor period workers population to enhancement/ basis through share local augmentation of contract resources resource requirements provisions) 33 Lines through Loss of Use existing access roads Usage of existing Complaints received POWERGRID Construction farmland agricultural wherever possible utilities by local people (Contractor period productivity Ensure existing irrigation Status of existing /authorities - every 4 through facilities are maintained in facilities weeks contract working condition provisions)

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 47 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Protect /preserve topsoil and Status of facilities reinstate after construction (earthwork in m3) completed Repair /reinstate damaged Status of facilities bunds etc after construction (earthwork in m3) Loss of Landcompleted owners/ farmers Process of Crop/tree Consultation with POWERGRID During income. compensated for any temporary compensation in affected land owner construction loss of productive land as per consultation with forest prior to existing regulation. dept.(for timber yielding implementation and tree) and Horticulture during execution. deptt. (for fruit bearing tree) 34 Uncontrolled Soil loss, Need for access tracks Design basis and Incorporating good POWERGRID Construction erosion/silt downstream minimised, use of existing construction design and (Contractor period runoff siltation roads. procedures (suspended construction through Limit site clearing to work areas solids in receiving management practices contract waters; area re- – once for each site provisions) Regeneration of vegetation to 2 stabilise works areas on vegetated in m ; completion (where applicable) amount of bunds Avoidance of excavation in wet constructed [length in meter, area in m2, or season 3 Water courses protected from volume in m ]) siltation through use of bunds and sediment ponds 35 Nuisance to Losses to Contract clauses specifying Contract clauses Incorporating POWERGRID Construction nearby neighbouring careful construction practices. good construction (Contractor period properties land uses/ management practices through values – once for each site contract As much as possible existing Design basis and Incorporating good provisions) access ways will be used layout design engineering practices– once for each site

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 48 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Productive land will be Reinstatement of land Consultation with reinstated following completion status (area affected, affected parties – of construction m2) twice – immediately after completion of construction and after the first harvest Social Compensation will be paid for Implementation of Consultation with POWERGRID Prior to inequities loss of production, if any. Tree/Crop affected parties – once construction compensation (amount in a quarter paid) 36 Flooding Flooding and Avoid natural drainage pattern/ Contract clauses (e.g. Incorporating good POWERGRID Construction hazards due to loss of soils, facilities being suspended solids and construction (Contractor period construction contamination disturbed/blocked/ diverted by BOD/COD in receiving management through impediments of of receptors on-going construction activities water) practices-once for contract natural (land, water) each site provisions) drainage 37 Equipment Contamination Equipment stored at secure Store room level to be Store room level as POWERGRID Construction submerged of receptors place above the high flood above HFL (elevation per flood design-once period under flood (land, water) level(HFL) difference in meters) 38 Inadequate Loss of land Existing borrow sites will be Contract clauses Incorporating good POWERGRID Construction siting of borrow values used to source aggregates, construction (Contractor period areas (quarry therefore, no need to develop management practices through areas) new sources of aggregates – once for each site contract provisions)) 39 Health and Injury and Safety equipment’s (PPEs) for Contract clauses Contract clauses POWERGRID Construction safety sickness of construction workers (18.1.3, 18.3.1.1, compliance – once (Contractor period workers and Contract provisions specifying 18.3.1.4 etc) every quarter through members of minimum requirements for (requirements of worker contract the public construction workers camps camp, number of provisions) Contractor to prepare and incidents and total lost- implement a health and safety work days caused by plan. injuries and sickness) Contractor to arrange for health and safety training sessions

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 49 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 40 Inadequate Likely to Training of environmental Training schedules No. of programs POWERGRID Routinely construction maximise monitoring personnel attended by each throughout stage damages person – once a year construction monitoring Implementation of effective Respective contract Submission of duly period environmental monitoring and checklists and remedial completed checklists reporting system using checklist actions taken thereof. of all contracts for of all contractual environmental each site - once requirements Appropriate contact clauses to Compliance report Submission of duly ensure satisfactory related to completed compliance implementation of contractual environmental aspects report for each environmental mitigation for the contract contract – once measures. Operation and Maintenance 41 Location of line Exposure to Setback of dwellings to Compliance with Setback distances to POWERGRID During towers and line safety related overhead line route designed in setback distances (“as- nearest houses – once operations alignment & risks accordance with permitted level built” diagrams) in quarter design of power frequency and the regulation of supervision at sites. 42 Line through Injury/ Avoidance of established/ Regular monitoring for No. of incidents- once POWERGRID Part of detailed identified bird mortality to identified migration path (Birds & any incident of every month siting and flyways, birds, bats Bats). Provision of flight injury/mortality alignment migratory path etc due to diverter/reflectors, elevated survey /design collision and perches, insulating jumper and Operation electrocution loops, obstructive perch deterrents, raptor hoods etc., if applicable 43 Equipment Contamination Equipment installed above the Substation design to Base height as per POWERGRID During submerged of receptors high flood level (HFL) by raising account for HFL (“as- flood design – once operations under flood (land, water) the foundation pad. built” diagrams)

44 Oil spillage Contamination Each transformer has a secure Substation bunding Bunding (Oil sump) POWERGRID During of land/nearby and impervious underlying pit (Oil sump) (“as-built” capacity and operations

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 50 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule water bodies with a storage capacity of at diagrams) permeability - once least 20% of the total oil volume of the transformer and the individual pits are connected to a main collection sump of capacity of 220% of largest transformer oil volume, which acts as a Secondary Containment, in case of a leakage. (refer para 8.6 of TS) 45 SF6 Emission of Reduction of SF6 emission Leakage and gas Continuous POWERGRID During management most potent through awareness, density/level monitoring Operations GHG causing replacement of old seals, climate proper handling & storage by change controlled inventory and use, enhance recovery and applying new technologies to reduce leakage 46 Inadequate Injury and Careful design using appropriate Usage of appropriate Preparedness level for POWERGRID Design and provision of sickness of technologies to minimise technologies (lost work using these operation staff/workers staff /workers hazards days due to illness and technologies in crisis – health and injuries) once each year safety during Safety awareness raising for Training/awareness Number of programs operations staff. programs and mock and per cent of staff Preparation of fire emergency drills /workers covered – action plan and training given to once each year staff on implementing emergency action plan Provide adequate sanitation and Provision of facilities Complaints received water supply facilities from staff /workers every 2 weeks 47 Electric Shock Injury/ Careful design using appropriate Usage of appropriate Preparedness level for POWERGRID Design and Hazards mortality to technologies to minimise technologies (no. of using these technology Operation staff and hazards injury incidents, lost in crisis- once a month work days)

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 51 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule public Security fences around Maintenance of fences Report on substations maintenance – every 2 Barriers to prevent climbing on/ Maintenance of barriers weeks dismantling of towers Appropriate warning signs on Maintenance of warning facilities signs Electricity safety awareness Training/awareness Number of programs raising in project areas programs and mock and per cent of total drills for all concerned persons covered – parties once each year 48 Operations and Unnecessary Adequate training in O&M to all Training/awareness Number of programs POWERGRID Operation maintenance environmental relevant staff of substations & programs and mock and per cent of staff staff skills less losses of line maintenance crews. drills for all relevant covered – once each than various types Preparation and training in the staff year acceptable use of O&M manuals and standard operating practices 49 Inadequate Diminished Staff to receive training in Training/awareness Number of programs POWERGRID Operation periodic ecological environmental monitoring of programs and mock and per cent of staff environmental and social project O & M activities drills for all relevant covered – once each monitoring. values. staff year 50 Equipment Release of Processes, equipment and Process, equipment Phase out schedule to POWERGRID Operation specifications chemicals systems using chlorofluorocarbons and system design be prepared in case and design and gases in (CFCs) including halon, should still in use – once in a parameters receptors be phased out and to be quarter (air, water, disposed of in a manner land) consistent with the requirements of the Govt. 51 Transmission Exposure to Transmission line design to Required ground Ground clearance - POWERGRID Operation line electro- comply with the limits of clearance (meters) once maintenance magnetic electromagnetic interference interference from overhead power lines 52 Uncontrolled Fire hazard Periodic pruning of vegetation to Requisite clearance Assessment in POWERGRID Operation growth of due to growth maintain requisite electrical (meters) consultation with vegetation of tree/shrub clearance forest authorities - /bamboo No use of herbicides/ pesticides once a year (pre/post along RoW monsoon

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 52 Clause Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. / stage Impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 53 Noise related Nuisance to Substations sited and designed Noise levels {dB(A)} Noise levels at POWERGRID Operation neighbouring to ensure noise will not be a boundary nearest to properties nuisance properties & consulta- tion with affected parties if any - once

Specific measures/ activities to be complied by the Contractor/Workers while working in in Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

In addition to various mitigation measures as listed in EMP above, a calendar month of permitted/restricted activities along with specific & banned measures shall be applied while carrying out construction & major O & M activities in Sanctuary area to avoid/minimize disturbance to wildlife.

Activity JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC All Construction Activity Excavation & Concreting /////////// /////////// /////////// /////////// Laying of Cable O & M

Legend Colour Action No go No activity/commencement of work till new tunnel route is operational. /////////// No activity during monsoon period i.e. June to Sept. to avoid incident/accident to wild animals. Restricted/ Controlled Permitted with certain restriction like proper barricading and other measures listed in “A”. Permitted With due permission from concerned authorities such as forest/wildlife along with required safety protection measures.

A. Specific Measures in Sanctuary area : 1. Construction activities allowed only during day time and no activity allowed after sunset. 2. Construction materials including earth, stone etc. be strictly brought from designated quarry/supplier located outside/away from sanctuary area and no quarrying/removal of any materials from sanctuary area is allowed/ permitted. 3. Ecofriendly engineering practices such as use of low noise/vibration machinery, no blasting etc. during construction work to be followed to avoid disturbance to wildlife. 4. Excavated pits/trench to be properly fenced and filled with concrete soon after laying of cable so that there will be no hindrance to wild animals. 5. Compliance/implementation of all directions of Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW).

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 53 B. Banned activities in Sanctuary area : 1. Camping of people/workers 2. Use of domestic animals. 3. Vehicle maintenance like change of oil & grease and washing of vehicle/ equipments. 4. Dumping of waste materials- All the debris generated as a result of construction works including waste material shall be removed immediately and the area shall be brought to normal condition. 5. Cutting/removal of trees for use as fuel. 6. Chasing/scaring of Wild animals 7. Damage/disturbance to flora & fauna.

IEER FOR HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN PUGALUR AND NORTH THRISSUR (R1) 54 PLATE – 1 PROPOSED TRANSITION STATION LOCATION Transition Station at Vadakancheri

Proposed Site PLATE – 2 ACTUAL SITE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN NH - 47 (NOW NH 544) ALONG WITH UNDER CONSTRUCTION DIVERTED TUNNEL ROUTE

Plate-2: Actual Site Traffic Conditions of NH - 47 (now NH 544) along with under construction diverted Tunnel Route

Existing Road

Already constructed road connecting Tunnel and Existing Road Proposed Cable Route

Prevailing Traffic Conditions

PLATE – 3 ACTUAL SITE CONDITIONS OF PROPOSED UG CABLE ROUTE IN PARVATHANI HILL RESERVE FOREST STRETCH

Plate-3: Actual Site Conditions of Proposed UG Cable Route in Parvathani Hill Reserve Forest Stretch

Actual Traffic condition in Forest Area

Proposed Cable Route in side RF

Road along with available shoulders area for laying cable adjoining to RF

PLATE – 4 ACTUAL SITE CONDITIONS OF PROPOSED UG CABLE ROUTE IN PEECHI- VAZHANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Plate-4: Actual Site Conditions of Proposed UG Cable Route in Peechi- Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Habitation & Shops inside Sanctuary

Actual Traffic condition in Sanctuary Area

Proposed Cable Route inside Sanctuary

Temple & Habitation in side Sanctuary

PLATE – 5 AREA OF INFLUENCE AND ACTUAL DAMAGE DUE TO CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES FOR LAYING OF UG CABLE Plate -5 : Area of Influence and Actual damage due to construction activities for laying of UG Cable

Under Construction Concrete Duct along Shoulder Completed Stretch of UG cable without any Safe Work Practices during construction of Existing Road at a span of 600 - 700 m approx. damage/obstruction Activity

Concrete Duct for Cable laying Constructed 1 m below ground

PLATE – 6 PROPOSED RAIL FENCING AS PER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN TO AVOID MAN-ANIMAL (ELEPHANT) CONFLICT Plate-6 : Proposed Rail Fencing as per Wildlife Management Plan to avoid Man-Animal (Elephant) Conflict

APPENDIX – 1 PROPOSED WILDLIFE MITIGATION PLAN

APPENDIX – 2 RECOMMENDATION FROM STATE BOARD FOR WILDLIFE (SBWL)

Government of India

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Wildlife Division) 6th Floor, Vayu Wing Indira Paryavaran Bhawan Jor Bag Road, Aliganj New Delhi 110 003

F.No. 6-4/2018 WL Date: 07.02.2018

To All Members Standing Committee of NBWL

Sub: Minutes of 47th Meeting of the Standing Committee of NBWL- reg.

Sir/Madam,

Kindly find enclosed copy of the Minutes of 47th Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife held on 25th January 2018 at 01.00 PM in Teesta Conference Hall, I Floor, Vayu Block, Indira Paryavaran Bhavan, New Delhi under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Yours faithfully,

(Dr. Pasupala Ravi) Scientist C E-mail: [email protected]

Encl: As above Distribution

(1) Secretary, MoEF&CC (2) DGF&SS, MoEF&CC (3) Member Secretary, NTCA (4) ADGF(FC), MoEF&CC (5) ADGF(WL), MoEF&CC (6) Director, WII, Dehradun (7) Director, GEER Foundation, Gandhinagar, Gujarat (8) Prof. R. Sukumar, Member, NBWL (9) Dr. H.S. Singh, Member, NBWL (10) Pr. Secretary (Dept. of Envi., Forest, Science & Tech.), Govt. of Andhra Pradesh

Copy to

(1) PS to Hon’ble MoEF&CC (2) PPS to DGF&SS, MoEF&CC (3) PPS to Addl.DGF(WL), Member Secretary, NBWL (4) PPS to IGF(WL)/PS to DIG(WL)/PS to JD(WL) [4] The User Agency shall not establish any temporary or permanent labour camp in the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. [5] The User Agency or his contractor shall not create any fire places inside the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. [6] All the material required for the work shall be prepared outside the sanctuary. [7] The work in the National Park will be allowed only in the daytime from 8 AM to 6 PM. [8] Approval under Forest Conservation Act, 1980 if required shall be obtained separately for use of forestland. [9] The User Agency shall deposit NPV for the use of land of Protected Area as per the existing rates. [10] The User Agency shall create a speed breaker at a distance of every 500 m.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions and mitigation measures stipulated by the CWLW with the condition that Wildlife Mitigation Plan will be prepared and implemented by the CWLW / State Government at the project cost and standard mitigation measures suggested by the by the WII in its document named “Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts on Linear Infrastructures on Wildlife” should be adopted by the user agency in consultation with the CWLW.

47.4.1.10 Laying of ±320 kv HVDC underground power cable from Vadakkancherri to Thrissur

The DIGF(WL) briefed the Standing Committee on the proposal and stated that the project involves the diversion of 0.098 ha forestland from the Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary for underground laying of power cable of 12ʺ diameter of length of 490 m and width of 2 m from Vadakkancherri to Thrissur. The project would provide electricity to the households and for irrigation purpose in the region. He added that the State CWLW has recommended the proposal with the condition that the project proponent would construct rail fence barrier in the stretch that is falling in the Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions and mitigation measures stipulated by the CWLW with the condition that Wildlife Mitigation Plan will be prepared and implemented by the CWLW / State Government at

21

the project cost and standard mitigation measures should be adopted by the user agency in consultation with the CWLW.

47.4.1.11 Construction of 27.5 km double railway line and its electrification in Katni – Singrauli Section of Sanjay Tiger Reserve

The DIGF(WL) briefed the Standing Committee on the proposal and stated that the project involves the diversion of 27.5 ha of forestland from the Sanjay Tiger Reserve for the construction of railway line from Katni to Singrauli of length of 27.5 km and width of 10 m (km 1203/5 to km 1231/0). This proposed project would improve the railway connectivity in the State. He added that the State CWLW has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

[1] The project proponent shall ensure that minimum vehicular movement is done. Any consignment above 2.5 MT would be routed through railway line and not through road of the reserve. [2] No damage should be caused to flora and fauna of the said area by the project proponent. [3] During construction, the user agency shall not use noisy machinery. [4] The entire electric supply shall be insulated and with cable so as to avoid any electric shock. The electric cables shall be overhead. [5] The contracting agency of the project property will strictly follow the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. [6] The user agency and / or contractor will not use the area of the sanctuary which is not included in the project for the movement, transpiration and any other purpose of the construction and maintenance of the project. [7] The User agency will take utmost care and precaution so that no damage is caused to wildlife. [8] 5% of the project cost corresponding to the area falling in the protected area would be paid by the use agency for the purpose of development of Sanjay Tiger Reserve. [9] Considering the national interest, permission for construction of only crossing section by laying two additional lines (72 m length + 5.3 m width of either side0 shall be allowed on forestland already diverted in favour of railways and handed over to them in 1969. [10] No additional forestland should be demanded / diverted for ancillary activities like approach roads, construction of building, etc.

22

APPENDIX – 3 RECOMMENDATION FROM STATE BOARD FOR WILDLIFE (SBWL)

APPENDIX – 4 NOC/PERMISSION FROM NHAI rff{ffiq' ir6dq it-* ii,:; ij.r, ! .i-1i:iii)r{l 1y-* vfo**; -rlt?.*t+ *zraqi .i3f_-s{"r,rr ,-;.A i 5 -riii;j ir,!3:i rC i.;',.i{]g:r:; .a:ra! laA,A:-rird; itlationaf Highways Autirorify of India il.. : (fv{nistry of Road Transport & Highways) Govt. of tndia 4fiFI a7T|i7q, ?nlla'r - Regional officr, Keraia ji"'"5''il:J'*:"i#i;,:"#Jffi iiiu"i."Ji *' ;':,*;1",., NHAI/RO -Kerata/pKD/2015/l\,' Ap;-ii 1 3, 2076 :i Project Director i National Highways Authority of india Project implernentation Unit Palakkad

'; sub: NHAr, Ro, Kerala - pru, pafakkad - Laying of +/- 32o Kv qE:-Fr"..,. U_nderground HVDC Cable in Vadakkanchery - Mannuthy (RHs) section of NH-544 (ord NH-47) by power Grid .,- : gorporation of trndia l-imited , palakkad Approvat Communicated - Reg. Ref: PD, PI:IJ, patakkad Letter No.NHAI /PDlpatakkad/N H47 /HVDC/ Cabte/ ,,,, Power Grid/236-262/285 dated Zg.AZ,2Ot-6. i Refer PD, PIU, Palakkad letter cited, wherern a proposal see

2. On rarrti"y of th. Propo*I, permission is her.eby conv€t€rJ for altowirgeCGL ts lay the Underground Cabtes a,ong NH-544, su-triect-to folf owin$ contitions:

(i) The Cables will be laid at a deptn oL 3g.from th,e,bottom of the road crust as per strip plan furnished by pGCL atong with the Proposal.

(tt) <+:

f{ roozs**,ro ;T-:^y: f[ro, T*:,dTd . : nnp:rranrnvnr";; corporate orric? :G=5 & 6, sector 10, Dwarka, ttew Detrr, - iroozi ofi;il';1;il,iffil.rhai.ors ijrl:1?1,.r'i:i:1:1i.r:l,f '

Natianal lliqh,va1,s Authority of Indfa

before cornmencement of the yyork "end ensure that nO damage is caused to the existing utililies,

(xii) No digging of the ca?iiageway rvifl be al,oured.

(xiii) Working pits, if any', shall be made o;tside the ROU/. t

(xiv) PD, PIU, Palakkad shall ensure that, avenue plantalion, rain water harvesting system and boundary stones are not disturbed. Damages if any, shall be gct rectified through the appficant. t" €' '. (xv) l4/s. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Pala

(xvi) NHAI has every right to cancel the permissiOn given, without assigning any reason.

(xvii) PD, Palakkad to ensure compliance cf all guidelines issued by Ministry before enter"ing in to the agreement

(xviii) PD, PIU, Pafakkad shall collect restoration charges from the applicant @ Rs. 100/- per: running meter along the road (4 Nos) plus centage charges @ 23.5o/o which works cut to We Rs. 1,3t,08,290/-, ds detailed below;

ha

/-\ 1,06,140m ' f- Rs. 1,06, i.4,0041-,,.

Rs. 24,94,2901::

;*'$i:i;j'ni6x:;ci ,r::

o.{r.. National Highways Authority of Indin -4-

for (xix) The performance Securily towards r6'storation charges be Ri.f .,3Z Cr.ores as per MoRT&H Circular shall obtane! 1l fr.om the apptiganQin the form-of an unconditional tsank ll r* Guarantee and cor:i-TJrmation of BG milE?rtt*ffiEd=riom li ti:"-ia6;atiVe fgncfi" aS per - NffAl*'guideline3l b:e,fdre entering in to the agreement. r tl f lil*"'*-ot**inw, -_--17-.: (v' CHTNNA REDDY) ':

iii:'r'.t'.,:

,::jr,:r ':':' :: ;r:"',,;

a

,:;,.1

iii ,j' r i rir. : ANNEXURE – 1 GUIDELINES ISSUED BY GOVT OF INDIA REGARDING ROW COMPENSATION No.3/7/2015-Trans Government of India Ministry of Power Shram Shakti Bhawan Rafi Marg, New Delhi - 110001

Dated, 15th October, 2015 To

1. Chief Secretaries/Administrators of all the States/UTs (As per list attached) 2. Chairperson, CEA, New Delhi with the request to disseminate the above guidelines to all the stakeholders. 3. CMD, PGCIL, Gurgaon. 4. CEO, POSOCO, New Delhi. 5. Secretary, CERC, New Delhi. 6. CMD of State Power Utilities/SEBs

Subject: Guidelines for payment of compensation towards damages in regard to Riqhtof Way for transmission lines.

During the Power Ministers Conference held on April 9-10, 2015 at Guwahati with States/UTs, it has, inter alia, been decided to constitute a Committee under the chairmanship of Special Secretary, Ministry of Power to analyse the issues related to Right of Way for laying of transmission lines in the country and to suggest a uniform methodology for payment of compensation on this count. Subsequently, this Ministry had constituted a Committee with representatives from various State Governments and others. The Committee held several meetings to obtain the views of State Governments on the issue and submitted its Report along with the recommendations (copy of the Report is at Annex-1).

2. The Recommendations made by the Committee are hereby formulated in the form of following guidelines for determining the compensation towards "damages" as stipulated in section 67 and 68 of the Electricity Act, 2003 read with Section 10 and 16 of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 which will be in addition to the compensation towards normal crop and tree damages. This amount will be payable only for transmission lines supported by a tower base of 66 KV and above, and not for sub- transmission and distribution lines below 66 KV:-

(i) Compensation @ 85% of land value as determined by District Magistrate or any other authority based on Circle rate/ Guideline value/ Stamp Act rates for tower base area (between four legs) impacted severely due to installation of tower/pylon structure; --,~ (ii) Compensation towards diminution of land value in the width of Riqht of Way (RoW) Corridor due to laying of transmission line and imposing certain restriction would be decided by the States as per categorization/type of land in different places of States, subject to a maximum of 15% of land value as determined based on Circle ratel Guideline valuel Stamp Act rates;

(iii) In areas where land owner/owners have been offeredl accepted alternate mode of compensation by concerned corporationl Municipality under Transfer Development Rights (TDR) policy of State, the licensee IUtility shall deposit

compensation amount as per (i) & (ii) above with the concerned Corporationl Municipalityl Local Body or the State Government.

(iv) For this purpose, the width of RoW corridor shall not be more than that prescribed in the table at Annex-2and shall not be less than the width directly below the conductors.

3. Necessary action may kindly be taken accordingly. These guidelines may not only facilitate an early resolution of RoW issues and also facilitate completion of the vital transmission lines through active support of Statel UT administration.

4. All the States/UTs etc. are requested to take suitable decision regarding adoption of the guidelinesconsidering that acquisition of land is a State subject. Yjo~r~A::', Jyoti Arora) Joint Secr ary (Trans.) Tele: 011-2371 0389 Copy, along with enclosure, forwarded to the following:

1. Secretaries of Government of India (Infrastructure Ministries/Deptt including MoEF - As per attached list)

2. Prime Minister's Office (Kind Attn: Shri Nripendra Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM). 3. Technical Director, NIC, Ministry of Power with the request to host on the website of Ministry of Power.

Copy to PS to Hon'ble MoSP (IC) I Secretary (Power) I AS (BNS) I AS (BPP) I All Joint Secretaries/EAI All Directors/DSs, Ministry of Power. ANNEXURE – 2

TREE / CROP COMPENSATION PROCEDURE

TREE AND CROP COMPENSATION PROCEDURES

In exercise of the powers vested with Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) under Indian telegraph Act'1885, part 3, section 10 to 19 conferred under section 164 of the Electricity Act 2003 through Gazette by India, extra ordinary dated 24th Dec. 2003, has the authority to place and maintain transmission lines under over along or across and posts in or upon, any immoveable property. As per the provisions of Indian Telegraph Act1885 Part III Section 10 (b) which prohibits acquisition of any rights other than that of use only, land for tower and right of way is not acquired and agricultural activities are allowed to continue. However, as per clause 10 (d) of same act stipulates that the user agency shall pay full compensation to all interested for any damages sustained during the execution of said work. Accordingly, POWERGRID pays compensation to land owners towards damages if any to trees or crop during implementation of transmission project as well as during Operation and maintenance phase. The procedure followed for such compensation is as follows:

POWERGRID follows the principle of avoidance, minimization and mitigation in the construction of line in agricultural field having crop due to inherent flexibility in phasing the construction activity and tries to defer construction in cropped area to facilitate crop harvesting. However, if it is unavoidable and is likely to affect project schedule, compensation is given at market rate for standing crops. All efforts are also taken to minimize the crop damage to the extent possible in such cases. As regards trees coming in the Right of Way (RoW) following procedure is adopted for enumeration:

i) All the trees which are coming within the clearance belt of ROW on either side of the center line are identified and marked/numbered from one AP to the other and documented. ii) Type, Girth (Measured 1 m. above ground level), approximate height o the tree is also noted for each tree iii) Trees belonging o Govt., Forest, Highways and other local bodies may be separately noted down or timely follow up with the concerned authorities for inspection and removal. iv) Cashew, Guava, Lemon and other hybrid trees which are not of tall growing nature are not marked for cutting since these trees can be crossed using standard tower extensions if required.

A notice under Indian Telegraph Act is served to the land owners informing that the proposed transmission line is being routed through the property of the individual concerned. The notice shall contain the particulars of the land, ownership details and the details of the trees/crops inevitability likely to be damaged during the course of the construction of the proposed transmission line and acknowledgement received from land owner. A copy of said notice is further issued to the Revenue Officer, who has been authorized by the State Govt. for the purpose of assessment/valuation and disbursement of compensation to the affected parties.

The revenue officer shall further issue a notice of intimation to the concerned land owner and inspect the site to verify the documents related to the proof of ownership and a detailed Mahazar is prepared for the identified trees and crops inevitability damaged during the course of the construction. For assessing the true value of timber yielding trees help of forest officials is taken and for fruit bearing trees help of Horticulture department is taken.

The Mahazar shall contain the land owner details type of tree/crop, its present age, variety, yielding pattern etc. and the same is prepared at site in the presence of the land owner. These Mahazars are further compiled and a random verification is conducted by the concerned District Collector OR his authorized representative in order to ascertain the assessment carried out by the revenue office is genuine and correct. After this process the District collector issues a tree cutting permit to Power Grid Corporation to enable removal / damage to the standing tree/crop identified in the line corridor.

Once the tree/crop is removed / damaged, POWERGRID shall issue a tree cutting/crop damaged notice to the land owner with a copy to the Revenue Officer to process the compensation payment. Based on the above the compensation payment is generated by means of a computerized programme developed by the National Informatics Center exclusively for this purpose. The detailed Valuation statement thus generated using this programme is verified at various levels and approval of payment of compensation is accorded by the concerned District Collectors.

On approval of compensation, the revenue officer shall further intimate the amount payable to the different land owners and POWERGRID arranges the payment by way of Demand Draft to the affected parties. The payment is further disbursed at the local village office after due verification of the documents in presence of other witnesses.

Procedure exclusively followed in Kerala State:

Due to typical demography of Kerala state and presence of several orchards of Coconut and Rubber, State government in consultation with Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) have devised a formula for arriving the compensation which is as follows:

Compensation = yield X constant factor X average market value X future age.

The constant factor is to arrive the net return component for the particular variety of tree in line with the annuity ratio slab prescribed for the balance life of the tree. A sample calculation sheet using the said formula to arrive at compensation towards trees / crop is enclosed for ready reference.

Another measure adopted in Kerala to expedite assessment and disbursement by POWERGRID is to appoint an Special Revenue Officer and associated staff on deputation from State Government exclusively for the project under execution. This has helped in timely assessment and distribution of compensation amount to affected farmer. Moreover, it has further contributed in simplifying the process as affected farmer need not to visit revenue official again and again and his case is processed at site quickly.

TREE / CROP COMPENSATION PROCESS

Walk over / preliminary survey of route alignment

Detailed / Check Survey of final route alignment to fix the angle point and tower spotting

If the line passing through private cultivable areas. Issue of Notice under Indian Telegraph Act to the land owner

Preparation of Mazhazer by Revenue official at site in presence of land owner, POWERGRID and two witnesses.

Inspection / verification by DC or his authorized representative

Issue of tree cutting permit by DC

Cutting of trees by POWERGRID and issue of cutting certificate to land owner and revenue official by POWERGRID Grievance Procedure Association of AP may represent if not Forest / satisfied with Preparation of checklist and valuation Horticulture Deptt. assessment to revenue statement by revenue official for assessment of or to DC for value of timber and revision/review. fruit bearing trees Approval of valuation statement by DC respectively. If still not satisfied he/she may move to court. Disbursement of compensation to affected farmers and acknowledgement Local Court

ANNEXURE – 3 SAFETY PLAN

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-149

SAFETY PLAN

13. FORM OF SAFETY PLAN TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE CONTRACTOR WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF AWARD OF CONTRACT

[TO BE EXECUTED ON A NON JUDICIAL STAMP PAPER WORTH RS. TWENTY ONLY]

SAFETY PLAN

THIS SAFETY PLAN is made this ……….………...... day of ….……..... 20...... by ………….………………… a Company registered under the Companies Act, 1956/Partnership firm/proprietary concern having its Registered Office at …………...... [to be modified suitably for JV Contractor] (hereinafter called as ‘Contractor' which expression shall include its successors and permitted assigns) for approval of ...... (insert name of the Employer)...... , a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 having its Registered Office at ...... (insert registered address of the Employer)...... for its Contract for .……………….…...... (insert package name, project name alongwith Specification number of the Contract)......

WHEREAS ...... (abbreviated name of the Employer)...... has awarded to the Contractor the aforesaid Contract vide its Notification of Award/Contract No. ……..……….... dated ....…………..and Amendment No...... (applicable when amendments have been issued) (hereinafter called the "Contract") in terms of which the Contractor is required to submit ‘Safety Plan’ along with certain documents to the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager of the Employer within Sixty (60) days of Notification of Award for its approval.

NOW THEREFORE, the Contractor undertakes to execute the Contract as per the safety plan as follows:

1. THAT the Contractor shall execute the works as per provisions of Bidding Documents including those in regard to Safety Precautions / provisions as per statutory requirements.

2. THAT the Contractor shall execute the works in a well planned manner from the commencement of Contract as per agreed mile stones of work completion schedule so that planning and execution of construction works goes smoothly and consistently through out the contract duration without handling pressure in last quarter of the financial year/last months of the Contract and the shall be finalized in association with EMPLOYER Engineer In-charge/Project Manager from time to time as required.

3. THAT the Contractor has prepared the safe work procedure for each activity i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. to be executed at site, which is enclosed at Annexure – 1A (SP) for acceptance and approval of Engineer In- charge/Project Manager. The Contractor shall ensure that on approval of the same from Engineer In-charge/Project Manager , the approved copies will be circulated to Employer’s personnel at site [Supervisor(s)/Executive(s)] and Contractor’s personnel at site [Gang leader, supervisor(s) etc.] in their local language / language understood by gang.

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-150

THAT the Contractor has prepared minimum manpower deployment plan, activity wise as stated above, which is enclosed at Annexure – 1B (SP) for approval of Engineer In- charge/Project Manager.

4. THAT the Contractor shall ensure while executing works that they will deploy minimum 25% of their own experienced work force who are on the permanent roll of the company and balance 75% can be a suitable mixed with the hired gangs / local workers / casual workers if required. The above balance 75% work force should be provided with at least 10 days training by the construction agencies at sites and shall be issued with a certificate. No worker shall be engaged without a valid certificate. Hired gang workers shall also follow safe working procedures and safety norms as is being followed by company’s workmen. It should also be ensured by the contractor that certified fitters who are climbing towers / doing stringing operations can be easily identifiable with a system like issue of Badge / Identification cards (ID cards) etc. Colour identification batches should be worn by the workers. Contractor has to ensure that inexperience workers / unskilled workers should not be deployed for skilled job.

5. THAT the Contractor’s Gang leader / Supervisor / Senior most member available at every construction site shall brief to each worker daily before start of work about safety requirement and warn about imminent dangers and precautions to be taken against the imminent dangers (Daily Safety Drill). This is to be ensured without fail by Contractor and maintain record of each gang about daily safety instructions issued to workers and put up to EMPLOYER site In-charge for his review and record.

6. THAT the Contractor shall ensure that working Gangs at site should not be left at the discretion of their Gang Leaders who are generally hired and having little knowledge about safety. Gang leader should be experienced and well versed with the safe working procedures applicable for transmission line/ Sub Station works. In case gang is having Gang leader not on permanent roll of the company then additional Supervisor from company’s own roll having thorough knowledge about the works would be deployed so as to percolate safety instructions up to the grass root level in healthy spirits. Contractor has to ensure close supervision while executing critical locations of transmission lines / sub stations and ensures that all safety instructions are in place and are being followed.

7. THAT the Contractor shall maintain in healthy and working condition all kind of Equipments / Machineries / Lifting tools / Lifting tackles / Lifting gears / All kind of Ropes including wire ropes / Polypropylene ropes etc. used for Lifting purpose during execution of the project and get them periodically examined and load tested for safe working load in accordance with relevant provisions and requirement of Building & other construction workers Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Rule 1998, Factories Act 1948, Indian Electricity Act 2003 before start of the project. A register of such examinations and tests shall be properly maintained by the contractor and will be promptly produced as and when desired by the Engineer In-charge/Project Manager or by the person authorised by him. The Contractor has to ensure to give special attention on the formation / condition of eye splices of wire rope slings as per requirement of IS 2762 Specification for wire rope slings and sling legs.

THAT the Contractor has prepared a list of all Lifting machines, lifting Tools / Lifting Tackles / Lifting Gears etc. / All types of ropes and Slings which are subject to safe working load is enclosed at Annexure – 2 (SP) for review and approval of Engineer In- charge/Project Manager.

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-151

8. THAT the Contractor has to procure sufficient quantity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)conforming to Indian / International standards and provide these equipment to every workman at site as per need and to the satisfaction of Engineer-in-charge/Project Manager of EMPLOYER. The Contractor’s Site Supervisor/ Project Manager has to ensure that all workmen must use Personal Protective Equipment at site. The Contractor shall also ensure that Industrial Safety helmets are being used by all workmen at site irrespective of their working (at height or on ground). The Contractor shall further ensure use of safety shoes by all ground level workers and canvas shoes for all workers working at height, Rubber Gum Boots for workers working in rainy season and concreting job, Use of Twin Lanyard Full body Safety Harness with attachment of light weight such as aluminium alloy etc. and having features of automatic locking arrangement of snap hook, by all workers working at height for more than three meters and also for horizontal movement on tower shall be ensured by contractor. The Contractor shall not use ordinary half body safety harness at site. The Contractor has to ensure use of Retractable type fall arrestors by workers for ascending / descending on suspension insulator string and other similar works etc., Use of Mobile fall arrestor for ascending / descending from tower by all workers. The contractor has to provide cotton / leather hand gloves as per requirement, Electrical Resistance Hand gloves for operating electrical installations / switches, Face shield for protecting eyes while doing welding works and Dust masks to workers as per requirement. The Contractor will have to take action against the workers not using Personal Protective Equipment at site and those workers shall be asked to rest for that day and also their Salary be deducted for that day. EMPLOYER may issue warning letter to Project Manager of contractor in violation of above norms.

THAT the Contractor shall prepare a detailed list of PPEs, activity wise, to commensurate with manpower deployed, which is enclosed at Annexure – 3 (SP) for review and approval of Engineer In-charge/Project Manager. It shall also be ensured that the sample of these equipment shall be got approved from EMPLOYER supervisory staff before being distributed to workers. The contractor shall submit relevant test certificates as per IS / International Standard as applicable to PPEs used during execution of work. All the PPE’s to be distributed to the workers shall be checked by EMPLOYER supervisory staff before its usage.

The Contractor also agrees for addition / modification to the list of PPE, if any, as advised by Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager.

9. THAT the Contractor shall procure, if required sufficient quantity of Earthing Equipment / Earthing Devices complying with requirements of relevant IEC standards (Generally IECs standards for Earthing Equipments / Earthing Devices are – 855, 1230, 1235 etc.) and to the satisfaction of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager and contractor to ensures to maintained them in healthy condition.

THAT the Contractor has prepared / worked out minimum number of healthy Earthing Equipments with Earthing lead confirming to relevant IS / European standards per gang wise during stringing activity/as per requirement, which is enclosed herewith at Annexure – 4 (SP) for review and acceptance of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager prior to execution of work.

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-152

10. THAT the Contractor shall provide communication facilities i.e. Walky – Talkie / Mobile Phone, Display of Flags / whistles for easy communication among workers during Tower erection / stringing activity, as per requirement.

11. THAT the Contractor undertakes to deploy qualified safety personnel responsible for safety as per requirements of Employer/Statutory Authorities.

THAT the Contractor employing more than 250 workmen whether temporary, casual, probationer, regular or permanent or on contract, shall employ at least one full time officer exclusively as qualified safety officer having diploma in safety to supervise safety aspects of the equipment and workmen who will coordinate with Engineer In-charge /Project Manager/Safety Coordinator of the Employer. In case of work being carried out through sub contractors the sub – contractor’s workmen / employees will also be considered as the contractor’s employees / workmen for the above purpose. If the number of workers are less than 250 then one qualified safety officer is to be deployed for each contract. He will report directly to his head of organization and not the Project Manager of contractor He shall also not be assigned any other work except assigning the work of safety. The curriculum vitae of such person shall be got cleared from EMPLOYER Project Manager / Construction staff.

The name and address of such safety officers of contractor will be promptly informed in writing to Engineer In-charge with a copy to safety officer - In-charge before start of work or immediately after any change of the incumbent is made during the currency of the contract. The list is enclosed at Annexure – 5A (SP).

THAT the Contractor has also prepared a list including details of Explosive Operator (if required), Safety officer / Safety supervisor / nominated person for safety for each erection / stringing gang, list of personnel trained in First Aid Techniques as well as copy of organisation structure of the Contractor in regard to safety. The list is enclosed at Annexure – 5B (SP).

12. The Project Manager shall have the right at his sole discretion to stop the work, if in his opinion the work is being carried out in such a way that it may cause accidents and endanger the safety of the persons and/or property, and/or equipment. In such cases, the Contractor shall be informed in writing about the nature of hazards and possible injury/accident and he shall comply to remove shortcomings promptly. The Contractor after stopping the specific work can, if felt necessary, appeal against the order of stoppage of work to the Project Manager within 3 days of such stoppage of work and decision of the Project Manager in this respect shall be conclusive and binding on the Contractor.

13. THAT, if, any Employer’s Engineer/ supervisor at site observes that the Contractor is failing to provide safe working environment at site as per agreed Safety Plan / EMPLOYER Safety Rule/ Safety Instructions / Statutory safety requirement and creates hazardous conditions at site and there is possibility of an accident to workmen or workmen of the other contractor or public or the work is being carried out in an un safe manner or he continues to work even after being instructed to stop the work by Engineer / Supervisor at site / RHQ / Corp. Centre, the Contractor shall be bound to pay a penalty of Rs. 10,000/ - per incident per day till the instructions are complied and as certified by Engineer / Supervisor of Employer at site. The work will remain suspended and no activity will take place without compliance and obtaining clearance / certification of the Site Engineer / Supervisor of the Employer to start the work.

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-153

14. THAT, if the investigation committee of Employer observes any accident or the Engineer In-charge/Project Manager of the Employer based on the report of the Engineer/Supervisor of the Employer at site observes any failure on the Contractor’s part to comply with safety requirement / safety rules/ safety standards/ safety instruction as prescribed by the Employer or as prescribed under the applicable law for the safety of the equipment, plant and personnel and the Contractor does not take adequate steps to prevent hazardous conditions which may cause injury to its own Contractor’s employees or employee of any other Contractors or Employer or any other person at site or adjacent thereto, or public involvement because of the Contractor’s negligence of safety norms, the Contractor shall be liable to pay a compensation of Rs. 10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakh only) per person affected causing death and Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh only) per person for serious injuries / 25% or more permanent disability to the Employer for further disbursement to the deceased family/ Injured persons. The permanent disability has the same meaning as indicated in Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923. The above stipulations is in addition to all other compensation payable to sufferer as per workmen compensation Act / Rules

THAT as per the Employer’s instructions, the Contractor agrees that this amount shall be deducted from their running bill(s) immediately after the accident, That the Contractor understands that this amount shall be over and above the compensation amount liable to be paid as per the Workmen’s Compensation Act /other statutory requirement/ provisions of the Bidding Documents.

15. THAT the Contractor shall submit Near-Miss-Accident report along with action plan for avoidance such incidence /accidents to Engineer – In-charge/ Project Manager. Contractor shall also submit Monthly Safety Activities report to Engineer – In-charge/ Project Manager and copy of the Monthly Safety Activities report also to be sent to Safety In-charge at RHQ of the Employer for his review record and instructions.

16. THAT the Contractor is submitting a copy of Safety Policy/ Safety Documents of its Company which is enclosed at Annexure – 6 (SP) and ensure that the safety Policy and safety documents are implemented in healthy spirit.

17. THAT the Contractor shall make available of First Aid Box [Contents of which shall be as per Building & other construction workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Rule 1998 / EMPLOYER Guidelines)] to the satisfaction of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager with each gang at site and not at camp and ensures that trained persons in First Aid Techniques with each gang before execution of work.

18. THAT the Contractor shall submit an ‘Emergency Preparedness Plan’ for different incidences i.e. Fall from height, Electrocution, Sun Stroke, Collapse of pit, Collapse of Tower, Snake bite, Fire in camp / Store, Flood, Storm, Earthquake, Militancy etc. while carrying out different activities under execution i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. which is enclosed at Annexure – 7 (SP) for approval of the Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager before start of work.

19. THAT the Contractor shall organise Safety Training Programs on Safety, Health and Environment and for safe execution of different activities of works i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-154

of materials at site / store etc. for their own employees including sub contractor workers on regular basis.

The Contractor, therefore, submits copy of the module of training program, enclosed at Annexure – 9 (SP), to Engineer In-charge/Project Manager for its acceptance and approval and records maintained.

20. THAT the Contractor shall conduct safety audit, as per Safety Audit Check Lists enclosed at Annexure – 8 (SP), by his Safety Officer(s) every month during construction of Transmission Lines / Sub Stations / any other work and copy of the safety audit report will be forwarded to the Employer’s Engineer In-charge / Site In-charge/Project Manager for his comments and feedback. During safety audit, healthiness of all Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) shall be checked individually by safety officer of contractor and issue a certificate of its healthiness or rejection of faulty PPEs and contractor has to ensure that all faulty PPEs and all faulty lifting tools and tackles should be destroyed in the presence of EMPLOYER construction staff. Contractor has to ensure that each gang be safety audited at least once in two months. During safety audit by the contractor, Safety officer’s feedback from EMPLOYER concerned shall be taken and recorded. The Employer’s site officials shall also conduct safety audit at their own from time to time when construction activities are under progress. Apart from above, the Employer may also conduct surveillance safety audits. The Employer may take action against the person / persons as deemed fit under various statutory acts/provisions under the Contract for any violation of safety norms / safety standards.

21. THAT the Contractor shall develop and display Safety Posters of construction activity at site and also at camp where workers are generally residing.

22. THAT the Contractor shall ensure to provide potable and safe drinking water for workers at site / at camp.

23. THAT the Contractor shall do health check up of all workers from competent agencies and reports will be submitted to Engineer In-Charge within fifteen (15) days of health check up of workers as per statutory requirement.

24. THAT the Contractor shall submit information along with documentary evidences in regard to compliance to various statutory requirements as applicable which are enclosed at Annexure – 10A (SP).

The Contractor shall also submit details of Insurance Policies taken by the Contractor for insurance coverage against accident for all employees are enclosed at Annexure – 10B (SP).

25. THAT a check-list in respect of aforesaid enclosures along with the Contractor’s remarks, wherever required, is attached as Annexure – Check List herewith.

THE CONTRACTOR shall incorporate modifications/changes in this ‘Safety Plan’ necessitated on the basis of review/comments of the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager within fourteen (14) days of receipt of review/comments and on final approval of the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager of this ‘Safety Plan’, the Contractor shall execute the works under the Contract as per approved ‘Safety Plan’. Further, the Contractor has also noted that the first progressive payment

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-155 towards Services Contract shall be made on submission of ‘Safety Plan’ along with all requisite documents and approval of the same by the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Contractor has hereunto set its hand through its authorised representative under the common seal of the Company, the day, month and year first above mentioned.

For and on behalf of

M/s...... ………......

WITNESS 1. Signature...... Signature......

Name...... Name......

2. Signature...... Authorised representative

Name...... (Common Seal)

Address...... (In case of Company)

Note: All the annexure referred to in this “Safety Plan“ are required to be enclosed by the contractor as per the attached “Check List “

1. Safety Plan is to be executed by the authorised person and (i) in case of contracting Company under common seal of the Company or (ii) having the power of attorney issued under common seal of the company with authority to execute such contract documents etc., (iii) In case of (ii), the original Power of Attorney if it is specifically for this Contract or a Photostat copy of the Power of Attorney if it is General Power of Attorney and such documents should be attached to this Safety Plan.

2. For all safety monitoring/ documentation, Engineer In-charge / Regional In-charge of safety at RHQ will be the nodal Officers for communication.

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-156

CHECK LIST FOR SEFETY PLAN

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents 1. Annexure – 1A (SP) Yes/No Safe work procedure for each activity i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. to be executed at site. 2. Annexure – 1B (SP) Yes/No Manpower deployment plan, activity wise foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. 3. Annexure – 2 (SP) Yes/No List of Lifting Machines i.e. Crane, Hoist, Triffor, Chain Pulley Blocks etc. and Lifting Tools and Tackles i.e. D shackle, Pulleys, come along clamps, wire rope slings etc. and all types of ropes i.e. Wire ropes, Poly propylene Rope etc. used for lifting purposes along with test certificates. 4. Annexure – 3 (SP) Yes/No List of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), activity wise including the following along with test certificate of each as applicable:

1. Industrial Safety Helmet to all workmen at site. (EN 397 / IS 2925) with chin strap and back stay arrangement. 2. Safety shoes without steel toe to all ground level workers and canvas shoes for workers working on tower.

3. Rubber Gum Boot to workers working in rainy season / concreting job. 4. Twin lanyard Full Body Safety harness with shock absorber and leg strap arrangement for all workers working at height for more than three meters. Safety Harness should be with attachments of light weight such as of aluminium alloy etc. and having a feature of automatic locking arrangement of snap hook

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-157

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents and comply with EN 361 / IS 3521 standards. 5. Mobile fall arrestors for safety of workers during their ascending / descending from tower / on tower. EN 353 -2 (Guided type fall arresters on a flexible anchorage line.) 6. Retractable type fall arrestor (EN360: 2002) for ascending / descending on suspension insulator string etc. 7. Providing of good quality cotton hand gloves / leather hand gloves for workers engaged in handling of tower parts or as per requirement at site. 8. Electrical Resistance hand gloves to workers for handling electrical equipment / Electrical connections. IS : 4770 9. Dust masks to workers handling cement as per requirement. 10. Face shield for welder and Grinders. IS : 1179 / IS : 2553 11. Other PPEs, if any, as per requirement etc. 5. Annexure – 4 (SP) Yes/No List of Earthing Equipment / Earthing devices with Earthing lead conforming to IECs for earthing equipments are – (855, 1230, 1235 etc.) gang wise for stringing activity/as per requirement. 6. Annexure – 5A (SP) Yes/No List of Qualified Safety Officer(s) along with their contact details. 7. Annexure – 5B (SP) Yes/No Details of Explosive Operator (if required), Safety officer / Safety supervisor for every erection / stinging gang, any other person nominated for safety, list of personnel trained in First Aid as well as brief information about safety set up by the Contractor alongwith copy of organisation of the Contractor in regard to safety 8. Annexure – 6 (SP) Yes/No Copy of Safety Policy/ Safety Document of the Contractor’s company 9. Annexure – 7 (SP) Yes/No ‘Emergency Preparedness Plan’ for different incidences i.e. Fall from height, Electrocution, Sun

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-158

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents Stroke, Collapse of pit, Collapse of Tower, Snake bite, Fire in camp / Store, Flood, Storm, Earthquake, Militancy etc. while carrying out different activities under execution i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. 10. Annexure – 8 (SP) Yes/No

Safety Audit Check Lists ( Formats to be enclosed) 11. Annexure – 9 (SP) Yes/No

Copy of the module of Safety Training Programs on Safety, Health and Environment, safe execution of different activities of works for Contractor’s own employees on regular basis and sub contractor employees. 12. Annexure – 10A (SP)

Information along with documentary evidences in regard to the Contractor’s compliance to various statutory requirements including the following: (i) Electricity Act 2003 Yes/No ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (ii) Factories Act 1948 Yes/No ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (iii) Building & other construction workers (Regulation Yes/No of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Act 1996) and Welfare Cess Act 1996 with Rules. ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (iv) Workmen Compensation Act 1923 and Rules. Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (v) Public Insurance Liabilities Act 1991 and Rules. Yes/No ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-159

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents (vi) Indian Explosive Act 1948 and Rules. Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (vii) Indian Petroleum Act 1934 and Rules. Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (viii) License under the contract Labour (Regulation & Yes/No Abolition) Act 1970 and Rules.

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (ix) Indian Electricity Rule 1956 and amendments if Yes/No any, from time to time. ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (x) The Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Yes/No Rules. ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (xi) Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act 1986. Yes/No ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (xii) National Building Code of India 2005 (NBC 2005). Yes/No ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (xiii) Indian standards for construction of Low/ Medium/ Yes/No High/ Extra High Voltage Transmission Line ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (iv) Any other statutory requirement(s) Yes/No [please specify] ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] 13. Annexure – 10B (SP)

Details of Insurance Policies alongwith

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-160

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents documentary evidences taken by the Contractor for the insurance coverage against accident for all employees as below: (i) Under Workmen Compensation Act 1923 and Yes/No Rules. ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of insurance taken] (ii) Public Insurance Liabilities Act 1991 Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of insurance taken] (iii) Any Other Insurance Policies Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of insurance taken]

____

EMPLOYER ANNEXURE – 4 HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS IN CONTRACT DOCUMENT

ANNEXURE – 5 HEALTH & SAFETY CHECKLISTS HEALTH AND SAFETY CHECKLIST

Safety Related Check List during Construction of Transmission Lines

Region : ...... Name of DHQ/GHQ: ...... Date of Safety Audit:......

Name of Tr. Line: ...... ………

Loc. No: ...... ………………………………………Voltage Level: ......

Name of Contractor: ...... ……

Name of Sub Contractor: ...... ………

A. DURING TOWER FOUNDATION :

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks

I) EXCAVATION : 1. Dumping of Excavated soil. (Minimum 1.5 Mts. or half the depth of the pit which ever is more) Yes / No. 2. Whether angle of repose of soil as per design in the foundation is maintained or not. Yes / No. 3. De watering arrangement is available ( If necessary) Yes / No. 4. Working area has been protected properly to avoid against fall of passerby or animal in the excavated pit. Yes / No. 5 Shoring & Shuttering to protect the loose rock / soil against fall exists. Yes / No. 6 Arrangement of illumination at construction site is available. (if required ) Yes / No. 7 Check proper/adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose Yes / No. connection for De-watering Pumps/ Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 8 Check for damage / Uneven settlement of foundation. Yes / No. 9 Ensure Life saver arrangements have been made during construction of well foundation in river bed. (Where necessary) Yes / No. 10 Check that the adequate arrangement is made for the storage of blasting material at safe place. (if required) Yes / No. 11 Check that the blasting materials is handled with due care at site. ( If required ) Yes / No. 12 Check that during blasting operation, Labour / Workmen / Passerby are at safe places and arrangement is made to inform public by Yes / No. caution markings (Red Flag) / Public Notices. 13 Check that the Blaster is holding the proper license issued by the appropriate authority. as per the Indian Explosive Act. Yes / No. 14 Check that the length of the fuse wire used during blasting operation is adequate. Yes / No. 15 Ensure Laying of temporary cable used for operation of Machines SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks used during construction should not cause any danger for Yes / No. electrocution of workmen. 16 Check that PPEs i.e. Safety helmets, Safety Shoes, is used by blaster and their gang members during blasting. Yes / No. 17 Ensure that Shuttering and timbering has been made as detailed in I:S: 3764. Yes / No. 18 Ensure that before undertaking excavation, the soil has been tested and in case of availability of any explosive / dangerous gas, Yes / No. necessary arrangement must be made to remove / dilute such gases. 19 The positions of underground installations such as sewers, water pipes and electrical cables have been verified and in case of their Yes / No. existence, they must be isolated. 20 Arrangement shall be made to prevent external vibrations due to rail / road traffic (If required). Yes / No. 21 Safety is ensured during the construction of Tr. Lines for buildings, structures etc. which are coming in the vicinity of the excavated Yes / No. area from collapse. ( If required ) 22 Check that sufficient strong ladder of suitable length is available for ingress / outgress of persons in the pit Yes / No. 23 Lone worker should not be allowed to work in the excavated area beyond shoulder level. Yes / No. 24 Check for any possibility of seepage of water from nearby pond / river should be estimated and taken care of. Yes / No. 25 After excavation the work has been completed speedily and back filling done at the earliest. Yes / No.

II) CASTING OF FOUNDATION / CONCRETING : 1 Check construction materials are stacked at safe place and also does not cause any danger. (Away from pit by 1.5 Mtrs. Or half the depth Yes / No. of pit, which ever is more. ) 2 Check arrangement of illumination at Construction Site. (If required). Yes / No. 3 Ensure life saver arrangements have been made during construction of Well foundation in River Bed. Yes / No. 4 Check that the Concreting Mixer machine is placed at a safe place. (Not very near to pit.) Yes / No. 5 Check proper / adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose Yes / No. connection for De watering Pumps / Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 6 Check that laying of temporary cables used during construction Yes / No. activities should not cause any danger for electrocution to workmen. 7 Inspection of excavations shall be made by a Competent Person every day. In case, possible cave in or slide is apparent, all working Yes / No. in the excavation shall be seized until the necessary precautions have been taken to safeguard the possible cave in or slide.

8 Jacks and vertical supports shall be positioned in such a manner that SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks the vertical loads are distributed equally and do not exceed the Yes / No. capacity of the jacks and the jacks are placed away from pit edge etc. 9 Proper Jacking arrangement is made to take the entire load of template. Yes / No. 10 In case of long template in stub setting, more jacks have been provided and check that the Jacks are placed on levelled and hard Yes / No. surface to avoid the unbalancing and fallen. 11 Wire mesh rolls shall be secured in order to prevent dangerous recoiling action. Yes / No. 12 Lone worker should not be allowed to work in the excavated area. Yes / No. 13 Check that sufficient strong ladder of suitable length is available for ingress / outgress of persons in the pit Yes / No.

B. TOWER ERECTION :

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1 Check proper communication facility is available at site during Tower erection. (If required) Yes / No. 2. Check damages or uneven settlement of foundation. Yes / No. 3. Ensure the derrick used before tower erection has been checked for adequate strength/ size. Ensure for copy of test certificate for all the Yes / No. lifting machines and tackles. 4. Ensure that the pulleys used before tower erection has been checked for adequate strength / proper size (diameter). Also in case of open Yes / No. type pulleys proper locking arrangements like providing of Safety Pin is made. Ensure for copy of test certificate for all the lifting machines and tackles. 5. Ensure that the ropes used before tower erection has been checked for adequate strength / physical condition (Free from break of Yes / No. strands and knots etc. 6. Check that the lifting tools and tackles i.e. Winch Machine, Chain Pulley Block, Trifor, D - Shackle etc. are in healthy condition and Yes / No. has been tested periodically. (Attach copy of test certificate). 7. Ensure that permission has been obtained from Aviation Authority for erection of special towers. (Where necessary). Yes / No. 8. Ensure that permission has been obtained form Aviation Authority for erection of towers which comes in the vicinity of flying zone. Yes / No. (Where necessary) 9. Check that the safety measures has been taken before undertaking for the Road / Rail / River Xing jobs involving like wise stretches. Yes / No. 10. For rail or road crossing check whether written working plan is available at site with specific reference to safety e.g. local earthing, Yes / No. skilled & experience manpower, proper T&P, strength and height of scaffolding to maintain the required clearance etc. 11. Ensure that all the members and proper size of Nuts and Bolts of lower section are fitted properly before erection of the upper section Yes / No. of tower is taken up. 12. Check that the anti climbing devices are provided in the tower after SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks erection job. Yes / No. 13. Check that the danger plates have been provided. Yes / No. 14. Check that only erection team members are allowed to stand near the tower while erection is in process and should wear the safety Yes / No. helmet / Safety Shoes. 15. Working area of the tower has been demarcated during erection. Yes / No. 16 Check that proper guying arrangement has been made. And also to see that proper size of the crow bars has been used which has been Yes / No. fixed at hard surface in case of sandy soil or loose soil. 17 Check that proper arrangement is made while lifting the tower members and fixing them at height i.e. Proper size and strength of Yes / No. the hook used for lifting the tower members. 18 Check sufficient numbers of guys are made while lifting the assembled cross arm and also avoiding use of single sheeve pulleys Yes / No. while lifting the assembled cross arm / heavy load.

C. CONDUCTOR STRINGING:

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. All drivers and plant operators are holding the valid driving license. Yes / No. 2. Check that the permit has been obtained from the Competent Authority for stringing of conductor while crossing through Road / Yes / No. Rail / River / Venerable areas etc. ( Where necessary ) 3. Check that required painting has been made on tower falling in the vicinity of aviation zones. (Where necessary.) Yes / No. 4. Check that all safety measures have been taken during stringing of conductor crossing the EHV / HV / LT lines (Earthing of existing Yes / No. lines etc.) 5. Ensure that proper size of Nuts and Bolts is rigidly tightened and punching / tacking / tack welding is done in towers before Yes / No. undertaking stringing job. 6. Ensure that proper scaffolding arrangements made during stringing of conductor ( While Road Xing / Power Line Xing etc. Yes / No. 7. Ensure that all members are fitted in tower before undertaking conductor stringing work. Yes / No. 8. Check that the back filling of the foundation has been done as per specification. Yes / No. 9. Ensure that the discharge rod is electrically tested before use. Yes / No. 10. Stringing Machine / Tension pullor Machine are properly earthed. Yes / No. 11. Check the brake arrangement of the TSE Machines is working. Yes / No. 12. Ensure that the pulleys used before conductor stringing has been checked for adequate strength / proper size (diameter), also in case Yes / No. of open type pulleys proper locking arrangements like providing of Safety Pin is made Ensure for copy of test certificate for all the lifting machines and tackles. 13. Ensure the ropes used before conductor stringing has been checked for adequate strength / physical condition (Free from break of Yes / No. strands and knots etc. 14. Check that the lifting tools and tackles i.e. Winch Machine, Chain SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks Pulley Block, Trifor, D - Shackle etc. are in healthy condition and Yes / No. has been tested periodically. (Attach copy of test certificate). 15. Check for the brake arrangement of the Drum reel of conductor during laying / paying out of conductor. Yes / No. 16. Check that proper communication facility is available at site during of stringing of conductor ( If required ) Yes / No. 17. Whether the tower has been permanently earthed. Yes / No. 18. Check that Sag Board is provided at two locations. Yes / No. 19. Check that the Sag Board arrangement is made by the experienced / trained persons. Yes / No. 20. Check approved Sag tension chart is available and followed at site. Yes / No. 21. While clamping of conductor / EW to be done, check for earthing. Yes / No. 22. Ensure sending signal to puller to stop when last layer of conductor / EW being pulled. Yes / No. 23. Check tension applied on the dynamo meter dial and check values with approved data. Yes / No. 24. Before stringing starts check that the villagers do not come underneath the job of the concerned section. Yes / No. 25. Only nylon or polypropylene ropes should be used during conductor stringing in vicinity of live overhead lines. Yes / No. 26. Ensure that PTW has been taken from the concerned authority. Yes / No. 27. Ensure that Winch, Pulleys etc. are properly earthed. Yes / No. 28. For LT lines, whether special persons are posted at each point of isolation till return of permit (PTW). Yes / No. 29. Whether the network of LT lines has been thoroughly checked and precautions taken Against inadvertent charging. Yes / No. 30. Check that proper arrangement is made / available for development and use of a Portable Earthing and Short – Circuiting Devices which Yes / No. can be engaged and disengaged to and from the LT lines, keeping away from the LT lines, until all operations on the same are completed and all men and materials are removed from LT lines. 31. Check the provision and proper positioning for the guying and back staying (Where necessary). Yes / No. 32. Check demarcation of feeder is done for D/c Line. Yes / No. 33. Ensure that all the insulator strings are thoroughly checked for availability and proper fixing of cotter / split pins before hoisting the Yes / No. same.

General Points common for all activities during Excavation, Casting of Foundation

A. ERECTION OF TOWER AND STRINGING OF CONDUCTOR :

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check whether the contractor had procured required quantity of PPEs considering maximum numbers of erection gangs deployed at Yes / No. one time. 2. Supervisors/ Workmen have been provided with required healthy PPEs, like Safety helmet / Safety Belts / Safety Shoes / Gum Boot Yes / No. etc. as applicable. 3. Availability of First Aid Box with required medicines at site. Yes / No. 4. Instruction register is available at site. Yes / No. 5. Ensure that Supervisor / Gang Leader always issues instruction to the Workmen before start of work. Yes / No. 6. Ensure that supervisory staff from Power Grid is available at site during construction. Yes / No. 7. All driver and plant operators are holding valid driving license. Yes / No. 8. Check the vehicle for rescue is available at site. Yes / No. 9. Ensure engaged labour are aware of the job. Yes / No. 10. Check that the unskilled labourers are not engaged in skilled job. Yes / No. 11. Ensure that supervisor / workmen engaged in the field are aware of First Aid Techniques ( Such as in case of Electric Shock, Fall from Yes / No. the height, Snake bite and the person rescued from buried under the debris etc. 12. Check for nearby Hospital / Doctor in case of emergencies arises. Yes / No. 13. While transporting heavy consignment of conductor / EW drums from central store to site by the use of Cranes, Truck, and Tractor. Yes / No. The safety aspect for construction and failure of brake system of moving machinery is to be checked. 14. At least one dry powder type of portable fire extinguisher shall be provided especially where explosive or blasting agents are used for Yes / No. excavation. 15. Check the competence (Qualification / Experience) of supervisor / gang leader of contractor. Yes / No.

REMARKS IF ANY:

Signature Signature Signature

Name : Designation : Name : Name : Representative of Designation: Designation: Contractor Power Grid Rep. from Site. Power Grid Rep. from RHQ.

Safety Related Check List during Construction of Substation

Region: ...... …. Name of DHQ / GHQ: ...... Date of Safety Audit:......

Name of Sub Stn. / Switching Stn.: ...... ………

Name of Contractor: ...... ……….

Contractor License / Registration No.:………………...... Validity...... …….....

Name of Sub Contractor : ...... ……….

A. SUB STATION CIVIL WORKS :

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks

I): SAFETY DURING EXCAVATION : 1. Check Sub station area has been protected by constructing boundary wall all around the sub station to avoid entry of passerby / Yes / No. unauthorized person or animal in the sub station. 2. De watering arrangement is available ( If necessary ) Yes / No. 3. Check proper / adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose Yes / No. connection and no naked wire connection to Pumps / Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 4. Check arrangement of illumination at construction site is available. Yes / No. 5. Check dumping of Excavated soil (Minimum 1.5 Mts. Or half the depth of the pit which ever is more from the edge of the pit.) Yes / No. 6. Check Shoring & Shuttering to protect the loose rock / soil against Yes / No. fall. (if required). 7. Check lone worker is not be allowed to work in the excavated area. Yes / No. 8. Ensure Laying of temporary cables used for operation of Machines Yes / No. used during construction should not cause any danger for electrocution of persons / animals. 9. Ensure that before undertaking excavation, the soil has been tested and in case of availability of any explosive / dangerous gas, Yes / No. necessary arrangement must be made to remove / dilute such gases. 10. The positions of underground installations such as sewers, water pipes and electrical cables has been verified and in case of their Yes / No. existence, they must be isolated before further excavation works to ensure Human Safety. 11. Check that the scaffolds are not overloaded in any case. Scaffolds Yes / No. are to be erected and supported properly. 12. Stability of the soil of the excavated pit for safe working is to be checked and certified by a competent person daily before start of Yes / No. work. A register at site is maintained where competent person can certify accordingly. No manhole should remain uncovered during night & off days. 13. Check the provision of sufficient strong ladder of suitable length is Yes / No. available near the working place during excavation. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 14. Check if any permission is required from local statutory body before excavation. Yes / No. 15. Check for No undercutting / toe cutting in soil. Yes / No. 16. Check after excavation the work should be speedily completed Yes / No. without delay and back filling done at the earliest. 17. Check for any possibility of seepage of water from nearby pond / Yes / No river has been estimated and taken care of. 18. Check to avoid slide / collaps of side walls of excavated pit, the Yes / No. excavation is to be done in trapezoidal cross – section.

II): SAFETY PRECAUTION DURING STORAGE, HANDLING AND USE OF BLASTING MATERIAL: 1 Check that the adequate arrangement is made for the storage of blasting material at safe place. (Temporary Magazine is to be Yes / No. installed observing all norms) as per Indian Explosive Act. 2. Check that the blasting materials is handled by licensed blaster with Yes / No. due care at site. (If applicable) 3. Check smoking is prohibited in the vehicle carrying explosives. Yes / No. 4. Check that the Blaster is holding proper license issued by the Yes / No. appropriate authority. As per Indian Explosive Act. 5. Check that the length of the fuse wire used during blasting operation Yes / No. is adequate. 6. Check while transportation, no unauthorized person is allowed in Yes / No. vehicle carrying explosives. 7. Check that the loading and unloading of explosives is being done Yes / No. carefully. 8. Check explosives and detonators or blasting caps is not being Yes / No. transported in the same vehicle. 9. Check while transportation the detonators and explosives are not Yes / No. carried loose or mixed with other materials. 10 Check surplus explosives shall not be stacked near working area Yes / No. during loading / unloading. 11. Check explosives shall not be held in hands when lightening the Yes / No. fuse. 12. Check that blasting in the open has been carried out during the fixed Yes / No. hours every day or on fixed days in the week so that the public at large should know about this. 13. Check that arrangement has been made to display sufficient Yes / No. warnings / sign board to enable the people to get out of the blasting area to get off the danger zone 14. Check that the danger zone has been suitably cordoned off. Yes / No. 15. Check during blasting operations begin / after the firing of explosives shall follow the loud siren. Yes / No. 16. Check that during blasting operation, Labour / Workmen / Passerby are at safe places and arrangement is made to inform public by Yes / No. caution markings ( Red Flag ) / Public Notices etc. 17. Check that PPEs i.e. Safety helmets, Safety Shoes, is used by blaster and their gang members during blasting and also the persons Yes / No. supervising the blasting operations. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 18. For covered blasting ensure placement of cover plates of proper thickness and sufficient numbers of sand filled bags. Yes / No. 19. Ensure that permission for blasting has been obtained from the appropriate authority. Yes / No.

III) SAFETY DURING CASTING OF FOUNDATION / CONCRETING : 1. Check construction materials are stacked at safe place and also does not cause any danger. (Away from pit) i.e. 1.5 Mtrs. or half the Yes / No. depth of the pit which ever is more.) 2. Check proper arrangement of illumination at Construction Site of Sub station is available. Yes / No. 3. Check that the Concreting Mixer/ Vibrator machines etc are placed at a safe place (Not very near to any pit at least 1.5 Mtr. from the Yes / No. edge of the pit) to avoid transfer of vibrations and should be operated by skilled persons. 4. Check proper / adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose Yes / No. connection for De watering Pumps / Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 5. Check for laying of temporary cables used during construction activities should not cause any danger for electrocution to persons / Yes / No. animals. 6. All bracing, struts and shuttering in excavations shall be adequately secured so as to prevent their accidental displacement. Yes / No. 7. Ensure Shuttering and timbering has been made as detailed in I:S: 3764 for protecting the loose rock / soil against fall. Yes / No. 8. Check for proper placing of Hydraulic jacks with stability and constant watch of these instruments (which are continuously loaded) Yes / No. to avoid any danger of displacement causing sever accident.

B. SAFETY DURING STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT ERECTION & CABLE LAYING ETC. :

SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 1. Check Back filling done prior to erection activity. Yes / No. 2. Check the derrick used before structure erection has been Test certificate is checked for adequate strength / size and no joints are Yes / No. required apart permitted. from visual inspection. 3. Check that the pulleys used before structure erection / Test certificate is Equipment Erection has been checked for adequate strength / Yes / No. required apart proper size (diameter), also in case of open type pulleys from visual proper locking arrangements like providing of Safety Pin is inspection. made Safe working load should be punched. 4. Check the ropes used before structure erection / Equipment Test certificate is Erection has been checked for adequate strength / physical Yes / No. required apart condition (free from break of strands and knots etc. from visual inspection. SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 5. Check that the lifting tools and tackles are in healthy Test certificate is condition and has been tested periodically. Yes / No. required apart from visual inspection. 6. Check permission has been obtained from Aviation Authority for erection of Lightning Mast which comes in the vicinity of Yes / No. flying zone. (Where necessary ) 7. Check that all Nuts and Bolts are fitted in the structure before undertaking the job of other section of the structure and are Yes / No. tightened. 8. Check area has been cordoned off to prevent injuries to unauthorized persons from hitting against structural Yes / No. component or falling in the excavated pits. 9. Check that danger plates are available on all the equipment & structures in the switchyard. Yes / No. 10. Check demarcation of feeder is done for Double Circuit Line. Yes / No. 11. Check only erection team members are allowed to stand near the structure / Equipment while erection is in process and Yes / No. should wear the safety helmet / Safety Shoes. 12. Check proper guying arrangement has been made while lifting structure / Equipment, if necessary. Yes / No. 13. Check that proper arrangement is made while lifting the structure members and fixing them at height i.e. Proper size Yes / No. and strength of the hook used for lifting the structure members. 14. Check sufficient numbers of guys are made while lifting the assembled structure / heavy loads and also avoiding use of Yes / No. single sheeve pulleys while lifting the assembled structure / heavy load. 15. Check arrangement has been made for equipment identification. Yes / No. 16. Check that required painting made on tower falling in the vicinity of aviation zones. (Where necessary.) Yes / No. 17 Check no live wires nearby. Take shut down if necessary. Yes / No. 18. Check the structure has been permanently earthed. Yes / No. 19. Check crane are preferably be used for erection of pipe structure in the sub station building works ( if required.) Yes / No. 20. Check all safety procedures for erection work like use of safety helmets, Safety belts, use of guy wires, lowering / Yes / No. lifting of tools by rope etc. are strictly adhered to during structure erection works is in progress in the switchyard. 21. Check that correct size of spanner (Box or ring type) as well as DE spanners is being used. Yes / No. 22. Check working area of the structure has been demarcated during erection. Yes / No. 23. Check heavy structures are lifted with crane with proper Yes / No. safety.

SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 24. Only polypropylene ropes are to be used to tie the aluminium tube / Bus bar since this is soft material and will not damage Yes / No. aluminium tube / Bus bar during erection. 25. Ensure that R clips in insulator caps are fixed properly to avoid disconnection of insulator discs. Yes / No. 26. Ensure that all the necessary security pins (split pins) are fixed. Yes / No. 27. Check all nuts of jumper fittings are properly tightened and live metal clearance have been maintained as per Yes / No. POWERGRID specification. 28. In case of tension fitting dead end joint dimensions before & after the compression are checked and recorded. Yes / No. 29. No damaged component of any hardware fitting should be used on works. Yes / No. 30. Length of jumpers has been measured properly to give it a parabolic shape. No sharp bend should exist. Yes / No. 31. Check surge counter erection facilitates proper reading and that earthing is done with minimum bends. Yes / No. 32. Check Surge monitor has been earthed by connecting it to main earth mat with (G I Flat 75 x 12 mm) and earth pit Yes / No. separately as per drawing. 33. Check the alignment of earth switch with isolator, earth switch of isolator is put into operation and the contacts are Yes / No. cleaned. After completion of pre commissioning checks and formats are dully filled and signed. 34. Ensure that the rubber beedings are kept in good condition. Yes / No. 35. Check CT has been placed on the support structure very carefully and all nuts have been tightened. Earthing is done as Yes / No. per drawing. 36. Ensure the lattice structure of CT has been earthed at two points. Yes / No. 37. Check the marshalling box in the switchyard has proper illumination arrangement. Yes / No. 38. Check the capacitor unit is short circuited & earthed, until erection and commissioning works are being done on CVT. Yes / No. (The capacitor get charged by the electrical fields in the vicinity and they keep these charges for a long time, which can be dangerous to human life. Hence the shorting of capacitor unit is necessary). It should be removed before tests / use. 39. Check Fuses in the marshaling box are OK. Yes / No. 40. Check proper earthing of CVT tank has been done. Yes / No. 41. Check all housing accessories, mounting stools including bolts / Nuts for fixing Line Trap and insulators are of non Yes / No. magnetic material. 42. Check H.F. point of CVTs on which the coupling device is not mounted has been earthed. Yes / No.

SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks

43. Check the remaining CVTs have been earthed thro’ coupling device. Yes / No. 44. Cable drums after visual inspection should be stored preferably in the covered area. Cable ends should be clamped. Yes / No. 45. Ensure each cable and conduit run should be tagged with cable identity numbering as per the approved that appear in Yes / No. the cable and conduit schedule. 46. The tag should be of aluminium plate with ID number punched on it and securely attached to the cable conduit by Yes / No. not less than two turns. Cable tags should of rectangular shape for power cables and of circular shape for control cables. 47. Check underground cable markers should project 150 mm above ground and spaced at an interval of 30 Mts. They shall Yes / No. be located on both sides of road and drain crossing and also at every change in direction. 48. Check cable tags should be provided inside the switchgear, motor control centres, control and relay panels etc. wherever Yes / No. required for cable identification, where a number of cables enter together through a gland plate. 49. The cable (power and control) between LT stations, Control room, DG set building and fire fighting pump house should Yes / No. be laid in the buried cable trenches. In addition to the above, for lighting purpose also, buried cable trench can be used in outdoor area.(as per Technical specification of specific contract ) 50. Cable route and joint markers and RCC warning covers should be provided wherever required. The voltage grade of Yes / No. cables should be engraved on the marker. 51. Tray Identification Number on each run of trays at an interval of 10 Mtrs should be painted. Yes / No. 52. In case the outer sheath of a cable is damaged during handling / installation, the same should be repaired to the satisfaction Yes / No. of the site. In case any other part of a cable is damaged, the same should be replaced by a healthy cable. Power cables should be at the top most layers. The armor of control cable is to be earthed. 53. All cable termination should be appropriately tightened to ensure secure and reliable connections. All the exposed parts Yes / No. of cable lugs should be covered with tape, sleeve or paint. 54. Power and control cables are laid on separate cable trays Yes / No. 55. Co-axial cable is laid separately from power cable. Yes / No. 56. All cable trays, racks and metallic ducts have been grounded by connecting each to earth / mat. ( As per Scheme ) Yes / No. 57. Check sections of cable trays have been bridged by copper jumpers/ G I to retain continuity of earthing. (As per Scheme) Yes / No. 58. Check earthing of panel is done by the erection contractor for connecting it with switchyard earth mat. ( As per Scheme ) Yes / No.

SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 59. Auxiliary bus wiring for AC and DC supplies, Voltage Transformer circuits, annunciation circuits and other common Yes / No. services is provided near the top of the panels running through out the entire length of the panels. 60. All internal wiring to be connected to external equipment is terminated on terminal blocks, preferably vertically mounted Yes / No. on the side of each panel. 61. Check whether Mimic Diagram is available preferably made of anodized aluminium or plastic of approved fast colour Yes / No. material and screwed on to the panel that can be easily cleaned. 62. Check the panels all equipment mounted on front and rear side as well as equipment mounted inside are provided with Yes / No. individual name plates with equipment designated engraved. 63. Check on top of each panel on front as well as rear side, large and bold name plates are provided for circuit / feeder Yes / No. designation. 64. Check all front mounted equipments are provided at the rear with individual name plates engraved with tag numbers Yes / No. corresponding to panel internal wiring to facilitate easy tracing of the wiring. 65. Check the name plates mounted directly by the side of the respective equipments should not be hidden by equipment Yes / No. wiring. 66. Check availability of 240V single phase 50 HZ, AC socket with switch suitable to accept 5 Amps and !5 Amps pin round Yes / No. standard plug, is provided in the interior of each cubicle with ON-OFF switch for connection of hand lamps. 67. Check that panels are provided with a fluorescent lighting fixture rated with 240 Volts single phase, 50 Hz supply for Yes / No. the interior illumination of the panel during maintenance. The fittings are complete with switch fuse unit and switching of the lighting is controlled by the respective panel door switch. Adequate lighting with fuse unit is also provided for the corridor in control panels. 68. Check control panels are provided with necessary arrangements for receiving, distributing, isolating and fusing Yes / No. of DC and AC supplies for various control, signalling, lighting and space heater circuits. The incoming and sub circuits are separately with switch fuse units. 69. Check panels are provided with a space heater rated for 240 V, single phase, 50 Hz, AC supply for the internal heating of Yes / No. the panel to prevent condensation of moisture. 70. Check all panels are equipped with an earth bus securely fixed Yes / No. 71. Check when several panels are mounted adjoining each other, the earth bus is made continuous with necessary connectors Yes / No. and clamps for this purpose. 72. Check provision is made for extending the earth bus bars to adjoining panels on either side. Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 73. Check provision is made on each bus bar of the end panels for connecting earthing grid. Yes / No. 74. Check all metallic cases of relays, instruments and panel mounted equipment including gland plates are connected to Yes / No. the earth bus by copper wires of specified size. 75. Check the colour code of the earthing wire is green. Yes / No. 76. Check that earthing made with equipment is with Nuts and Bolts i.e. For such connection lugs should be pressed and Yes / No. tightened to the terminals through Nuts and Bolts. 77. Check that no equipment is mounted on the panel doors. Yes / No. 78. Check each switch should bear clear inscription identifying its function. Yes / No. 79. Check those who have sufficient knowledge of steel structural job have been employed in steel structural works only. Yes / No. 80. Check necessary instruction has been communicated by supervisor before start of the day’s works to workmen under Yes / No. his control. 81. Storing of equipments is to be made properly to avoid any accident during handling. Yes / No. 82. Check all Nuts and bolts are properly raised or lowered preferably using closed loop pulleys and gully bags / hand Yes / No. bags tied at the end for carrying nuts and bolts. 83. Check that Fire resistant sheets are used before entrance of control cable in control room. Yes / No. 84. Check air compressor tubing properly tightened. Yes / No. 85. Check all carrying connectors / clamps properly tightened. Yes / No.

C. CONDUCTOR LAYOUT DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE :

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check all members are fixed in structure and ensure proper size of Nuts and Bolts are rigidly tightened and punching / tacking / tack Yes / No. welding is done in towers / structures before undertaking conductor laying job. 2. Ensure proper scaffolding arrangements made during laying of conductor (While Power Line crossing etc). Yes / No. 3. Ensure that all members are fitted in structure before undertaking conductor laying work. Yes / No. 4. Ensure that the discharge rod is electrically tested before use. Yes / No. 5. Ensure whether the structure is properly earthed. Yes / No. 6. Only nylon or polypropylene ropes should be used during conductor laying in vicinity of live overhead lines. Yes / No. 7. Ensure that PTW has been taken from the concerned authority when extension of existing sub station is under execution. Yes / No.

8. Ensure that Winch, Pulleys etc. are properly earthed. Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 9. For LT lines, check whether special persons are posted at each point of isolation till return of permit (PTW) if positioning of person is Yes / No. not possible then it is to be seen that all the point of isolation has been kept in the locked position till the work is in progress. 10. Whether the network of LT lines has been thoroughly checked and precautions taken against inadvertent charging. Yes / No. 11. Check that proper arrangement is made / available for grounding LT lines coming across during conductor laying. (This can be done by Yes / No. way of portable earthing and short circuiting devices which cab be engaged to and disengaged from LT lines, keeping away from the LT lines until all operations on the same are completed and all man and materials are removed from the LT lines). 12. Check the provision and proper positioning for the guying and back staying (Where necessary). Yes / No. 13. Check working of hydraulic crimping machine. Yes / No. 14. Check before and after crimping, dimensional changes in clamps and are in accordance with the drawings and specifications. Yes / No.

D SWITCHYARD EARTHING DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE:

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check that while earthing conductor crossing the road is laid 300 mm below the road or at greater depth depending upon the site Yes / No. conditions. 2. Check that while laying the Earthing conductor in outside area is buried at least 600 mm below the furnished ground level. Yes / No. 3. Check that the earthing pads have been provided for the apparatus / equipments at accessible position. Yes / No. 4. Check all steel columns, metallic stairs are connected to nearby earthing grid conductor by two earthing leads. Yes / No. 5. Check of earthing of lightening fixtures, receptacles switches, junction boxes lighting conduits has been done by a separate Yes / No. earthing conductor. 6. Check that the railway tracks within switchyard area has been earthed at a spacing of 30 Mts. / specified distance and also at both Yes / No. ends. 7. Check cable trays has been connected to earthing flat of 50X6 mm / specified sized earthing flat at intervals specified in approved Yes / No. drawing. 8. Check that this earthed flat is earthed at about 30 Mts. distance. Yes / No. 9. All accessories in transformer and reactor like radiators tank, cooling banks etc are connected to the earthing grid at minimum Yes / No. two points. 10. Check metallic conduits are not used as earth continuity conductor. Yes / No. 11. Check flexible earthing connectors should be provided for the moving parts. Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 12. Check sheath and armor of single core power cable is earthed at switchgear end and equipment side. Yes / No. 13. Check contact surface of earthing pads for jointing free from scale, paint, enamel, grease, rust or dust. Yes / No. 14. Check that light poles, junction boxes on the poles, cable and cable boxes / glands, lockout switches etc. are connected to the earthing Yes / No. conductor running along with the supply cable which intern is connected to the earthing grid conductor at a minimum two points. Check earthing conductor which is generally buried 2000 mm 15. outside the switchyard fence. All the gates and every alternate post Yes / No. of the fence are to be connected to earthing grid. 16. Check megger used for measuring soil resistivity is calibrated with desired accuracy. Yes / No. 17. The earth resistivity has been measured in dry weather condition. Yes / No. 18. Check the earthing of Transformers and Shunt reactor, earth pits are constructed as per relevant standard / approved drawing. Yes / No. Check that the measured value of combined earth resistance should 19. be less than 1 Ohm. Yes / No. Check that for earth electrode and individual earth pits, this value 20. should not be more than one Ohm. Yes / No. Check all non current carrying metal parts shall be effectively 21. earthed by two separate and distinct earth connections ( Indian Yes / No. Electricity Rule 61,67 ) 22. Check that all pylon supports in the Fire Fighting HVSW system has been earthed to the earthmat. Yes / No.

E: GENERAL POINTS COMMON FOR ALL ACTIVITIES DURING EXCAVATION, CASTING OF FOUNDATION

Erection of structures, laying of Conductor, storage and transportation of material:

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check Supervisors / Workmen have been provided with required healthy PPEs. Like ( Safety helmet / Safety Belts / Safety Shoes / Yes / No. Gum Boot etc. as applicable ) 2. Check availability of First Aid Box with required medicines at site. Yes / No. 3. Check Site Instruction register is available at site. Yes / No. 4. Ensure Supervisor / Gang Leader always issues instruction to the Workmen including contractor labour before start of work. Yes / No. 5. Ensure supervisory staff from Power Grid is available at site during construction. Yes / No. 6. Check all driver and plant operators are holding valid driving license. Yes / No. 7. Check the vehicle for rescue is available at site. Yes / No. 8. Ensure engaged labour are aware of the job. Yes / No 9. Ensure supervisor / workmen engaged in the field are aware of First Yes / No. Aid Techniques ( Such as in case of Electric Shock, Fall from the SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks height, Snake bite and the person rescued from buried under the debris, rescue of person from drowning etc. 10. Check for availability and to keep a record of nearby Hospital / Doctor in case of emergencies arises. Yes / No. 11. While transporting heavy consignment of conductor / EW drums from central store to site by the use of Cranes, Truck, Tractor. The Yes / No. safety aspect for construction and failure of brake system of moving machinery is to be checked. 12. At least one dry powder type of portable fire extinguisher shall be provided especially where explosive or blasting agents are used for Yes / No. excavation. ( If applicable ) 13. Check the competence (Qualification / experience) of supervisor / gang leader of contractor. Yes / No. 14. Wire mesh rolls shall be secured in order to prevent dangerous Yes / No. recoiling action. 15. Proper unloading arrangement has been made at site (Preferably with crane) to unload the material. Yes / No. 16. After unloading the material visual inspection of the materials has been carried out along with the erection contractor to check that the Yes / No. material has not been damaged or not (Galvanizing is proper or not) As per approved Field Quality Plan etc. 17. While transporting the heavy laden equipment like transformer / Reactor by road from Rly Stn to Sub station check whether for all Yes / No. safety precaution taken. Like safe lifting capacity of crane, safe load on culvert / Bridge / Nala / Drain etc.and working plan is available at site with specific reference to safety e.g. local earthing, skilled & experience manpower, proper T&P, strength and LT wires / HT wires interrupting the height of equipment and the required clearance maintained etc. Permission to be obtained from concerned authority if required. “Impact recorder on the equipment like Reactor / Transformer must be installed during transportation” 18. Check that the adequate and safe means of access and aggress has been provided for all work places as far as reasonably practicable Yes / No. and is being used by the workers. 19. Check proper illumination is provided at the work places and their approaches including passage ways. Yes / No. 20. Check that the lamps have been protected by suitable guards where necessary to prevent danger, in case the lamp breaks. Yes / No. 21. Check loose materials which are not required for use shall not be placed or left so as dangerously to obstruct work places or passage Yes / No. ways. 22. Check all projected nails has been removed or bent over to prevent injury. Yes / No. 23. Check scrap, waste and rubbish has not been allowed to accommodate on the site or the scrap materials has been stored at Yes / No. the isolated place. 24. Check that the worker while working at height scaffold materials, waste materials and tools are not being thrown by them to cause Yes / No. injury to any person. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 25. Check whether contractor has procured required quantity of PPE considering maximum number of erection gangs deployed at one Yes / No. time. Check the quantity of PPEs. 26. Check that the PPEs required by the workmen are being utilized by them always. Yes / No. 27. Check the worker is under constant surveillance by the other person while working at height. Yes / No. 28. Check construction site has been barricaded for unauthorized persons / animals. Yes / No. 29. Check that lifting appliances and machines and vehicles used on the construction site is of sound material and good quality and is free Yes / No. from patent defects and is strong enough to with safely the load and stresses to which they will be subjected. 30. Check structures and equipment is being used only for the purpose for which they were intended. Yes / No. 31. Check equipment has been operated by the competent person. Yes / No. 32. Check portable ladders shall not exceed 9 Mts. in length, other wise Yes / No. may cause danger while climbing of person and back legs shall be equally braced. 33. Check unskilled labour are not utilized for skilled jobs and only experience persons are deployed for erection. Yes / No. 34. Check a well planed and documented procedure for the entire Construction works of Sub station shall be prepared by contractor Yes / No. and get approved from Power Grid for distribution to Contractors’ field staff and Power Grid for follow up. 35. Check no metallic measuring tapes are being used during expansion of charged bays. Yes / No. 36. Check metal ladders are not being used in the vicinity of exposed live electrical equipment. Yes / No. 37. Check one bore well is available for water supply in case Municipal Construction supply is not available Yes / No. 38. Check charged area of a yard should be properly fenced off. Yes / No. 39. Check ladders / lengthy articles / lengthy equipments etc. should always be carried in horizontal position. Yes / No. 40. Check insurance by contractor for the labour to provide adequate Yes / No. coverage for any accident etc.

REMARKS IF ANY:

Signature Signature Signature

Name : Name : Name : Designation: Designation: Designation : Power Grid Rep. Rep. from Contractor Rep. from

ANNEXURE – 6 REPORT OF PTI ON EMF

ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FIELD

Power Technologies, Inc. has been requested to review POWERGRID’s 132 KV, 220 KV, 400 KV and 800 KV lines with respect to conductor to ground, phase to phase and circuit to circuit clearances and their appropriateness in light of present practice.

Based on a review of POWERGRID’s designs, we find that the phase to phase and circuit to circuit clearances are consistent with practices used for line clearances throughout the world. The values used by POWERGRID are generally in the middle range of that used throughout the world and are expected to provide satisfactory performance.

The conductor to ground clearances are within typical limits and meet or exceed the requirements of the National Electrical Safety Code, American National Standard Institute, C2, as shown on Figure.

16

14 Rule 232C Rule 232D 1.8 Pu SS 12 2.0 2.2 2.4 Actual 10

8

6 800 400 220 System Voltage (kV) - Clearances as a Function of System Voltage

Analysis of POWERGRID Transmission Line Clearances

The analysis was based on the following data as supplied by POWERGRID.

800 KV S/C LINE

Configuration - Horizontal Conductor Bundle - Quad CSR Bursitis (35.1 mm id) Max. conductor sag - 14.56 m Phase to phase spacing - approx. 15 m. Ground clearance - 12.4 m (as per IE rules):15 m (maintained to limit max. electric field to 10 KV/m) Right of way - 85 m

400 KV S/C LINE

Configuration - Horizontal Conductor Bundle - Twin ACSR Moose (31.77 mm dia) Maximum conductor sag - 12.87 m Phase to phase spacing - 10 to 12 m Ground clearance - 8.84 m (as per IE rules) Right of way - 52 m

400 KV D/C LINE

Configuration - Vertical Conductor Bundle - Twin ACSR Moose (31.77 mm dia) Maximum conductor sag - 12.87 m Phase to phase spacing - 8 to 9 m Ckt. to ckt. spacing - 12 to 14 m Ground clearance - 8.84 m (as per IE rules) Right of way - 52 m

220 KV D/C LINE

Configuration - Vertical Maximum conductor sag - approximately 9.8 m Phase to phase spacing - 5 to 5.5 m Ckt. to ckt. spacing - approximately 10 Ground clearance - 7.015 m (as per IE rules) Right of way - 35 m

132 KV D/C LINE

Configuration - Vertical Conductor - ACSR Panther (21 mm dia) Maximum conductor sag - approximately 6.6 m Phase to phase spacing - approximately 4 m Ckt. to ckt. spacing - approximately 7 m Ground clearance - 6.1 m (as per IE rules) Right of way - 27 m

ANNEXURE – 7 PROCEDURE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION

POWERGRID’S PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS

Public consultation forms an integral part of POWERGRID’s project cycle, and will be carried out in Regional/local language for wider/better understanding. The process of consultation and its documentation shall be as follows:

TRANSMISSION LINES

1. When planning a transmission line, public consultation is used as an integral tool for screening, assessment and finalisation of route alignment. During initial screening and walkover survey, POWERGRID's staffs meet the public in the route of proposed transmission line. Observations and problems arising from these discussions are given due consideration while finalising the route.

2. During the survey for tower spotting, POWERGRID’s site officials meet the public i.e. people coming in the route of the line. This enables POWERGRID to gauge public opinion. At the time of construction, every individual on whose land a tower is to be erected is met with. People coming in the way of the ROW are consulted and their views and suggestions are incorporated thus allowing for public participation.

3. During construction POWERGRID pays the compensation for any damages to each land owner and obtains their final acknowledgement.

4. During maintenance, POWERGRID consults the individual landowners, obtains their approval and pays compensation for any damage to property.

SUBSTATIONS

1. POWERGRID identifies location of the substation and notifies the area under LA Act.

2. Public consultation is a part of LA Act. Under Section 4 of LA Act, a notification is published in the official Gazette and in two local daily newspapers (at least one of which is in the local regional language) about the details of the project. Any objections related to the land to be acquired are made to the collector in writing. Under section 5a, the District Collector hears the public objections by calling a public meeting, if so desired. DC sends report along with recommendations along with details of proceedings to the state government. DC issues notice under section 6 only after he receives the state government's approval.

3. Under Section 6 of LA Act, the DC issues a notice informing the public about the land to be acquired and invites their claims. All effective people informed individually. Compensation is paid to public according to local norms.

4. Besides publication consultation as an integral part of the LA Act, POWERGRID is committed to assessment of all probable impacts associated with land acquisition through its social assessment and management process which includes a socio- economic survey of the proposed substation sites. The socio-economic survey will assess both adverse and positive impacts of the project on aspects such as the natural resource base, developmental potential of the area, economy of the affected area, social structure, norms and traditions. The socio-economic survey will include a complete household census recording members, property with legal rights and resources which are in possession or in use. Appropriate methods such as participatory rural appraisal and questionnaires will be used where necessary.

5. POWERGRID assess the social impacts of its land acquisition based on the socio- economic survey and designs its compensation packages in consultation with the people. POWERGRID organises meetings with the PAPs to evolve the RAP.

In order to further streamline the above process and to facilitate documentation of the same, and to discuss the following:  complete project plan (i.e. its route and terminating point and substations, if any, in between);  POWERGRID design standards in relation to approved international standards;  health impacts in relation to EMF;  measures taken to avoid public utilities such as school, hospitals, etc.;  other impacts associated with transmission lines and POWERGRID’s approach to minimising and solving them; and  land acquisition details, proposed R&R measures and compensation packages in line with POWERGRID’s policy

POWERGRID uses one or more of the following techniques at various stages. These include:

(1) Public meetings: POWERGRID will hold public meetings during its EAMP process at appropriate locations along the length of the transmission line. Public meetings will include one to one meetings with land owners during transmission tower spotting. Larger group meetings will be organised at strategic distances along the length of the transmission line. These will consist of all or at least most of the people to be directly affected by the concerned project and their local Gram Panchayat leaders.

(2) Informal small group meetings: Informal small group meetings will be conducted during walkover survey to find out local environmental and social issues along the proposed transmission line route. These meetings will be conducted by ESMT staff at appropriate intervals.

(3) Information brochures and Pamphlets: POWERGRID will make available information and project specific details to the public through Information brochures and Pamphlets. These brochures and pamphlets will contain information on: the overall project plan; design and construction standards; prudent deviations from design standards from transmission towers near schools, hospitals, human habitation; potential impacts and generic mitigation measures; resettlement and rehabilitation; and, compensation.

(4) Operating field offices: Information regarding the proposed transmission line can be accessed by the public from operating field offices. Information will be provided through brochures and pamphlets and any further queries will be responded by POWERGRID’s staff.

(5) Local planning visits and site visits: POWERGRID staff will visit field sites. During this time informal contacts will be established with the local people. Reactions of the public to the project will be informally gauged.

(6) Response to public Enquires: ESMC/ESMT will respond to public enquiries by post or through notices in local news papers.

(7) Press release inviting comments: POWERGRID will publish details of proposed transmission routes in two local newspapers. Public will be invited to comment in writing or by meeting concerned POWERGRID officials within a specified period. POWERGRID will then incorporate relevant objections and suggestions.

(8) Project coordination committees: POWERGRID will set up grievance redressal committees to address the complaints and objections that PAP’s may have regarding the project, its impacts or mitigation measures.

(9) Ombudsman or representative: For building a consensus on the project its impacts and mitigation measures, the PAPs will be encouraged to elect or appoint a trusted ombudsman or representative.

(10) Public Displays: POWERGRID will show their model projects to public/small representative groups.

DOCUMENTATION

The proceedings of the above consultation shall be documented. Details recorded will include date of the meeting, venue, number and possibly the names of the people attended, issues discussed and the outcome of the meeting.

The manager at DHQ will apply combinations of the appropriate techniques at various activities of a project depending upon the field conditions as shown below:

Milestones Process Techniques 1. Environmental & . Screen &scope Tls from an environmental Informal small group social screening & and social perspective meetings, local planning scoping for TLs - spot verification visits and site visits 2. Environmental & . Screen &scope SS from an environmental Informal small group social screening & and social perspective meetings, Local planning scoping for SS - spot verification visits and site visits

3. EAMP . Tls & SS Public meetings, Press - undertake environmental review and release inviting comments formulate appropriate management measures 4. SAMP . Tls Informal small group - negotiate compensation packages with meetings, local planning revenue authorities and PAPs visits and site visits, - finalise and document compensation and Response to public other management measures enquiries

. SS - finalise SS site Public meetings, - notify area under LAA Ombudsment or - undertake detailed LA census representative, Public Milestones Process Techniques - final negotiations and documentation of display agreements 5. Execution of . Execute environmental management works Information brochures and Environmental - appropriate clearance for Transmission pamphlets, Operating field management works line ROW, etc. offices, Response to - compensatory afforestation public enquiries 6. Execution of . Tls Information brochures and Social - pay compensation as agreed and pamphlets, Operating field management works documented in SAMP and execute other offices, Response to measures public enquiries

. SS Information brochures and - deposit compensation and take possession pamphlets, Operating field of land offices, Response to - execute R&R measures as prescribed in public enquiries the SAMP 7. Environmental and . Monitor EAMP measures Information brochures and Social monitoring - maintenance of ROW pamphlets, Operating field - progress on compensatory afforestation offices, Response to public enquiries . Monitor SAMP measures - appropriate compensation and other Informal small group measures during maintenance of towers meetings and lines - progress on R&R measure

ANNEXURE – 8 DETAILS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION Report on Public Consultation meeting held from 15th & 16th Dec.’5 on construction of HVDC transmission lines from Pugalur & North Thrissur ------1. Nalleppilly, Palakkad District, Kerala

A notice was served to the gram panchayat informing them about the meeting, copy of the meeting notice enclosed at Annexure 1.The meeting was attended by panchayat president, panchayat secretary, ward members along with the general public of the village. This meeting was conducted in the panchayat auditorium. The list of participants & photographs are enclosed as Annexure2 & 2a respectively.

POWERGRID officials were introduced to the villagers by Sri. Sarangadharan, who welcomed to the meeting and expressed his happiness that such a prestigious project is coming near their village and requested POWERGRID to help in getting employment for the villagers in this project construction. Smt. Joyce Varghese, Secretary addressed the gathering.

Sri. Ravindran, DGM, Palakkad welcomed the panchayat president and the public on behalf of POWERGRID to the public consultation meeting and described about the proposed HVDC line construction project and its requirement in the power scenario of Kerala state and described about the role of POWERGRID in the field of interstate transmission of power from far away states to Kerala.

Sri. Sanju Kishan, Sr. Environment Officer, RHQ, Bangalore briefed the Environment and Social Policy and Procedures (ESPP) of POWERGRID. It was informed that the public consultation was being held as per this policy to address the apprehensions / questions of the public.

The entire session was interactive with active participation of the public in local language; Malayalam. People clarified their queries about the project with POWERGRID officials, details enclosed as Annexure 3.

The meeting concluded with vote of thanks and with a request to the public for their support in completion of the project by Sri. Rajeev, AE, POWERGRID, Pallakad SS.

POWERGRID Page 1

List of participants for the public consultation at Nalleppilly village, Palakkad District on 15.12.2015

POWERGRID: 1. Sri. Ravindran DGM 2. Sri. Sanju Kishan Sr. Environment Officer/ RHQ Bangalore 3. Sri. Rajeev AE/ Palakkad

Nalleppilly, Palakkad District, Kerala 4. Sri. Sarangadharan Panchayat President 5. Smt. Joyce Mathew Secretary 6. Other villagers

Total 35 no’s of people attended the meeting (list attached)

POWERGRID Page 2

Annexure 1: Meeting Notice – Nallepilly, Palakkad District, Kerala

POWERGRID Page 3

Annexure 2: Attendance Lists – Nallepilly, Palakkad District, Kerala

POWERGRID Page 4

POWERGRID Page 5

POWERGRID Page 6

Annexure 2 (a): Photographs

POWERGRID official introducing the proposed project

Panchayat President addressing the gathering

POWERGRID Page 7

Gathering at the meeting

Ward member seeking some clarifications

POWERGRID Page 8

Ward member seeking clarification

Ward member seeking clarification

POWERGRID Page 9

Annexure 3: Gist of clarifications raised by the Villagers

1. Sri. Sakthivel (ward member) a. Question: How this tower line will affect agriculturist? Answer: Tree / crop compensation would be paid as per the rates fixed by the district authorities of revenue / forest / horticulture department for the damage to tree and crops, if any. Agricultural activities can be continued below the ROW of the Over Head line. No effect on agriculture as the Underground line in along the NH47 till Vadakancheri in Kerala.

2. Sri. Periyasamy (Villager) a. Question: According to survey map it shows that the line is passing through about half portion of Nalleppilly, what are the steps taken by POWERGRID to minimize the disturbances? Answer: POWERGRID is committed towards sustainable growth and conservation of nature and natural resources, hence all due care to minimize the disturbance to the surrounding environment and public in particular will be taken up. Technology driven construction techniques are being used with due precautions to minimize disturbance to human habitation. Underground cable is proposed in Kerala from Trichur to Vadakancheri along NH47 and subsequently overhead line is proposed till Pugalur in Tamilnadu.

3. Sri. Murugadas (Villager) Question: Describe at present whether it is conducting preliminary survey or detailed survey for this project? Answer: Detailed survey is in progress along the NH47 from Trichur to Vadakancheri in Kerala for laying Underground cable subsequently overhead line is proposed till Pugalur in Tamilnadu.

4. Sri. Binu (Villager) Question: Requested to POWERGRID officials that further to this after completion of detailed study to conduct a public meeting about this project for affected persons. Answer: This meeting is conducted as a part of the Initial Environment Assessment Report (IEAR) as the detailed survey is under progress for underground cable in Kerala till Vadakancheri, hence this public meeting. However, the request was noted. 5. Sri. Periyasamy (Villager) Question: Please describe about the compensation package for drawing the line? Is the land compensation in addition to crop compensation?

Answer: Tree/crop compensation would be paid as per the rates fixed by the district authorities of revenue/forest/horticulture department. Yes it is paid as per the guidelines of Ministry of Power and the State Government.

POWERGRID Page 10

6. Sri. Thankavelu (Villager) Question: Describe about procedures after completion of detailed survey?

Answer: Normally after detailed survey the final route alignment of the transmission line is finalized, survey numbers of the towers footing area and the corridor are fixed. The necessary compensation for tree/crop/land etc as per the rates fixed by state government officials are be paid by POWERGRID and line will be constructed. POWERGRID being a CTU is guided by the Indian Telegraph Act and Electricity Rules 2003 in its construction and operations.

POWERGRID Page 11

2. Arasampalayam, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu

A notice was served to the gram panchayat informing them about the meeting, copy of the meeting notice enclosed at Annexure 1.The meeting was attended by the general public of the village as the panchayat president and vice president could not make it due to the MLA visit in that area. This meeting was conducted in a community hall near panchayat. The list of participants and photographs are enclosed as Annexure2 & 2a.

Sri. Ravindran, DGM, Palakkad welcomed the public on behalf of POWERGRID to the public consultation meeting and described about the proposed HVDC line construction project and its requirement in the power scenario of Kerala state and described about the role of POWERGRID in the field of interstate transmission of power from far away states to Kerala.

Sri. V. Saravanan, Chief Manager, introduced the project scheme to the public and briefed them about the importance of the project and the benefits to the state of Tamil Nadu in particular and nation in general.

Sri. Sanju Kishan, Sr. Environment Officer, RHQ, Bangalore briefed the Environment and Social Policy and Procedures (ESPP) of POWERGRID. It was informed that the public consultation was being held as per this policy to address the apprehensions / questions of the public.

The entire session was interactive with active participation of the public in local language; Tamil. People clarified their queries about the project with POWERGRID officials, details enclosed as Annexure 3.

The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Sri. Rajeev, AE, POWERGRID, Pallakad.

POWERGRID Page 12

List of participants for the public consultation at Arasampalayam, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu on 16.12.2015

POWERGRID: 1. Sri. Ravindran DGM / Palakkad 2. Sri. Saravanan Chief Manager / Ariyalur 3. Sri. Sanju Kishan Sr. Environment Officer/ RHQ Bangalore 4. Sri. Sugumar Sr. Engineer, Udumalpet 5. Sri. Rajeev AE/ Palakkad

Arasampalayam Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu 6. Villagers

Total 5 no’s of people attended the meeting (list attached)

POWERGRID Page 13

Annexure 1: Meeting Notice Arasampalayam Coimbatore District

POWERGRID Page 14

Annexure 2: Attendance Lists – Arasampalayam, Coimbatore District

POWERGRID Page 15

POWERGRID Page 16

Annexure 2 (a): Photographs

POWERGRID officials introducing the proposed project

Addressing the clarification

POWERGRID Page 17

Villagers at the meeting

Officials addressing the gathering

POWERGRID Page 18

Annexure 3 Gist of clarifications raised by the villagers:

1. Sri. A.P. Somasundaram (Villager) Question: What is the exact route of this Transmission line project? Answer: The transmission line is proposed through underground cabling along NH-47 from Trichur to Vadakancheri in Kerala, subsequently its overhead line till Pugalur in Tamilnadu. Detailed survey is in progress for underground portion for route finalization.

2. Sri. A.R Narayana Swamy (Villager) Question: Will POWERGRID acquire land for this project? If we will raise objection on this project what will be the next step? Land value at current market price is good, but after drawing transmission line value will be diminished, what will be compensation for this diminished value? Answer: No acquisition is envisaged in construction of transmission line; only for substation land is purchased or acquired. Tree/crop compensation would be paid as per the rates fixed by the authorities of revenue/forest/horticulture department of the state. ROW compensation will be as per the Ministry of Power (MOP) and state guidelines. POWERGRID is a CTU guided by the Indian Telegraph Act and Electricity Rules 2003 in its construction and operation activities.

3. Sri. K. Muthusamy (Villager) Question: Is there any power tapping point in between Pugalur and Trichur? Answer: No tapping is possible in this high voltage line, only a transition station will be there between underground and overhead portion at Vadakancheri, Kerala.

4. Sri. Senthil Kumar (Villager) Question: Time schedule of the project? Answer: It is being implemented in a compressed time schedule of 36 months.

POWERGRID Page 19

ANNEXURE – 9 ESTIMATED BUDGET Budget Estimate

Total line length (Overhead Portion) - 127.4 km Total line length (Underground Portion) - 26.5 km

A. Compensation/Mitigation Measures

1 Forest Involvement (5 km in UG portion with RoW @ 4 meter) - 2.0 ha.

- Forest compensation - Rs. 20.00 lakh

2. Crop & Trees

- Line length in Private /Revenue land - 127.0 km.

- Crop/tree compensation (@Rs.5 lakhs/km) - Rs. 635.00 lakh

3. Land Compensation for Tower Base & RoW corridor-155 km (127 OH+ 28 UG) (Considering land compensation @ 15 lakhs/acre for agricultural -- Rs 5126.00 lakh land in rural setting in OH & @ 25 lakhs/acre for Urban/ Semi-urban land near Cities/Towns)

4. Cost for Wildlife Mitigation Plan - Rs 400.00 lakh

4. EMP Mitigation* - Rs 15.00 lakh

Sub Total A – 1+2+3+4 = Rs. 6196.00 lakh

B. Implementation Monitoring & Audit

i) Man-power involved for EMP implementation & Monitoring in entire route of Transmission lines (Rs.10,000/-x 153.9 km) - Rs. 15.39 lakh

ii) Independent Audit (LS)** if needed - Rs. 10.00 lakh

Sub Total B- - Rs. 25.39 lakh

Grand Total (A+B) = Rs. 6221.39 lakh

* Most of the EMP related cost included in Contractor scope and is part of overall bidding cost. However, provision for Rs. 15.00 lakhs has been made to meet future contingency, if any

**Generally not required for Environment Category B projects under ADB SPS 2009.

ANNEXURE – 10 FORMAT FOR ENVIRONMENT SAFEGUARD MONITORING REPORT Environmental Safeguard Monitoring Report

Reporting Period {From Month, Year to Month, Year} Date {Month, Year}

Title of the Project {Example: SRI: Green Power Development and Energy Efficiency Improvement Investment Program}

Prepared by the {Executing Agency} for the Asian Development Bank

This environmental safeguard monitoring report is a document of the borrower and made publicly available in accordance with ADB’s Public Communications Policy 2011 and the Safeguard Policy Statement 2009. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Brief Project Description 1.2 Project Progress Status and Implementation Schedule

2.0 Compliance to Applicable Statutory Requirements/National Regulations

3.0 Compliance to Environmental Covenants from the ADB Loan Agreement

3.1 Schedule 5 Environment (prepare a matrix to show how compliance was achieved)

4.0 Compliance to Environmental Management Plan

(Refer to the EMP of the Project)

5.0 Safeguards Monitoring Results and Unanticipated Impacts

(Refer to the Environmental Monitoring Plan and document any exceedence to environmental standards (if any), or any unanticipated impact not included in the EMP and any correction action/measures taken)

6.0 Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Complaints Received from Stakeholders

(Summary of any complaint/grievance and the status of action taken)

7.0 Conclusion

8.0 Recommendations(if applicable)

MAP – 1 FOREST COVER MAP OF KERALA Map-1 : Forest Cover Map of Kerala

Subprojects Area

MAP – 2 FOREST COVER MAP OF TAMIL NADU Map-2 : Forest Cover Map of Tamil Nadu

Subproject Areas

Subprojects Area MAP – 3 ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT OF ±320 KV HVDC BIPOLE LINK BETWEEN NORTH THRISSUR AND PUGALUR

MAP – 4 SECTION WISE DRAWING OF PROPOSED UNDERGROUND CABLE ROUTE

EXHIBIT – 1 SCHEMATIC MAP SHOWING PROPOSED SUBPROJECTS EXHIBIT -1 EXHIBIT – 2 ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR EMP & ESPP IMPLEMENTATION (EXHIBIT -2) ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR ESPP IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING

Chairman & Managing Director

Vigilance Company Secretary Chief vigilance officer

CORPORATE LEVEL Director Director Director Director (Finance) (Operation) (Projects) (Personnel) REGIONAL LEVEL Executive Director (Regional) Executive Director (ESMD, CSR & LA)

AGM/DGM (PESM)

AGM AGM DGM (Env & Soc.) (Env. & Soc) Env . Officer (Land Acquisition) (Regional)

Soc. Officer Sr. Soc. (Regional) Officer SITE LEVEL Ch. Mgr Sr. Engg. Engg. (Soc.)

Sr. Env. Sr. Env. Chief Mgr./.Mgr Chief Mgr./.Mgr Officer Officer Sr. Soc. T/L S/S Officer (Sites) (Sites)

ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL SPECIALIST BEING PLACED ON CONTRACT IF NEEDED.

FIGURE – 1 TYPICAL PLAN OF TRANS. LINE TOWER FOOTINGS SHOWING ACTUAL GROUND POSITION AND EXTENT OF IMPACT Fig.-1

TYPICAL PLAN OF TRANSMISSION LINE TOWER FOOTINGS SHOWING ACTUAL GOUND POSITION AND EXTENT OF IMPACT

X

a

a

T R A N S M Y I S S I O N L I N E

ACTUAL POSITION ON GROUND INDICATIVE MEASURES X & Y = 10-15 METERS a = 300- 450 mm FIGURE – 1 a SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM INDICATING AREA OF INFLUENCE/IMPACT OF ±320 KV TRANSMISSION LINE Fig.-1a TREE FELLING AREA FOR ±320 KV TRANS. LINE

TOWER ERECTION AREA 35X35m

85m

SWING LINE OF CONDUCTOR.

ELECTRICAL 3 m CLEARANCE = 5.3 m

7M 200m 8.6 m 8.0 m

85m

TOWER ERECTION AREA 35X35m

10M

44 m TREE FELLING LOPPING / PRUNNING / AREA FOR CONST. FELLING AREA FOR CHARGING OF LINE