ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT AUGUST 2018 (Updated in October 2018)

Home , Andaman Islands, Kamorta Island, Manilkara, Narcondam Island, Port Blair

CHENNAIANDAMAN NICOBAR ISLANDS SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM (CABLE LANDING AND CONSTRUCTION OF BEACH MAN HOLE AT EIGHT ISLANDS OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS: Port Blair, Little Andaman (Hut bay), Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar (Campbell bay), Havelock, Long and Rangat Islands)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT AUGUST 2018 (Updated in October 2018)

Submitted For: Submitted By:

Universal Service Obligation Fund, EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. Department of Telecom 304 and 305, 3RD Floor, Plot No. 16 20, Sanchar Bhawan, Ashoka Road, Rishabh Towers, Community Center New Delhi, Delhi-110001 Karkarduma, Delhi-110 092 Phone: 011-23739191 Phone – 011-3000-3200-3216

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. i Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1. The Project ...... 1 1.2. Project Background ...... 3 1.3. Need for the Project ...... 3 1.3.1. Need Based Assessment ...... 4 1.3.2. Alternative Sites Analysis ...... 5 1.4. Objective and Scope of EIA Study ...... 7 1.5. Legal framework ...... 8 1.6. Methodology of EIA Study ...... 11 1.6.1. Overview...... 11 1.6.2. Documents Review ...... 11 1.6.3. Data Collection ...... 11 1.6.4. Impact Assessment ...... 12 1.6.5. Environmental Management Plan ...... 12 1.7. Structure of the EIA Report ...... 12 2. Description of the Project ...... 14 2.1. Prelude ...... 14 2.2. Location of the Project ...... 15 2.2.1. Submarine Cable Route Details ...... 15 2.2.2. Landing Site at ANI ...... 20 Note * If any of the CLS will fall in CRZ, other than the above, then it is the responsibility of the project proponent to take the CRZ Clearance for the same separately or as addendum to this report only...... 25 2.2.3. Potential Risks to Submarine Cable Laying Operations and laid Submarine Cable ...... 26 2.3. Category of the Project ...... 29 2.4. Submarine Cable ...... 29 2.4.1. Submarine Cable – General Design Considerations ...... 29 2.4.2. Submarine Cable Specifications ...... 30 2.4.3. Submarine Cable - Toxicity ...... 33 2.4.4. Cable Joint and Repair ...... 34 2.4.5. Cable Repeaters ...... 34 2.4.6. Branching Units, Housing and Seal ...... 35 2.4.7. Cable Markers ...... 35 2.4.8. Cable Termination ...... 35 2.4.9. Cable End Seal ...... 35 2.5. Pre-Commissioning Activities ...... 35 2.6. Marine Installation Operations ...... 36 2.6.2. Cable Route Survey ...... 38 2.6.3. Route clearance...... 40 2.6.4. Pre-Lay Grapnel Run (PLGR) ...... 40 2.6.5. Main Cable Lay ...... 41 2.6.6. Plough Operation ...... 42 2.6.7. Crossings Engineering ...... 43 2.6.8. Post Lay Inspection and Burial (PLIB) ...... 44 2.6.9. Shore End Installation ...... 45 2.6.10. Pre-Lay Shore End ...... 46 2.6.11. Direct Landing ...... 46 2.6.12. Near shore operations during landings ...... 46 2.6.13. Navigation and as-laid position ...... 47 2.6.14. Methodology to Cross Coral Reefs Enroute ...... 48 2.7. Timeframe of the Cable Lay Installation ...... 50 2.8. Maintenance/Repair...... 50

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. ii Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

2.9. Lifecycle Analysis ...... 50 2.10. Effects of Marine Installation ...... 50 2.10.1. Toxicity ...... 50 2.10.2. Sonar in cable route survey ...... 51 2.10.3. Marine Pollution ...... 51 2.10.4. Large marine animals – Whales, Dolphin, Dugong, Cetaceans, Turtles ...... 51 2.10.5. Disturbance to Living Organisms ...... 52 2.11. Quality Assurance, Health and Safety ...... 53 2.11.1 Health and Safety ...... 53 3. Baseline Environment ...... 55 3.1. Introduction ...... 55 3.2. Baseline Analysis, Study Area and Salient Environmental Features ...... 56 3.2.1. Baseline Data Collection and Study Area ...... 56 3.2.2. Environmental Setting and Salient Environmental Features of the Study Area .... 56 3.3. Primary Data Collection: Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Procedures ..... 59 3.3.1. Primary Data Collection: Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Procedures ..... 60 3.3.2. Environmental Setting and Salient Environmental Features of the Project Area .. 61 3.4. Physical Environment ...... 66 3.4.1. Topography ...... 66 3.4.2. Drainage Pattern ...... 71 3.4.3. Land use ...... 71 3.5. Climate, oceanographic, geological, seismicity ...... 86 3.5.1. Meteorology ...... 86 3.5.2. Military Activities and Manoeuvre Areas ...... 96 3.5.3. Dumping and Dredging Activities ...... 96 3.6. Ambient Air Quality ...... 96 3.7. Ambient Noise Quality ...... 98 3.7.1. Sources of Noise ...... 98 3.7.2. Noise Levels in the Project area ...... 98 3.8. Water Quality ...... 99 3.8.1. Hydrogeology ...... 99 3.9. Soil Environment ...... 103 3.10. Biological Environment ...... 106 3.10.2. Forest Type ...... 106 3.10.3. Site specific Flora ...... 108 No Rare, endangered, threatened plant species were recorded from the proposed BMH locations during the visit...... 118 3.10.4. Terrestrial Fauna ...... 118 3.10.5. Marine Ec`ology ...... 122 3.11. Fishery ...... 126 3.11.2. Fish Species ...... 127 3.11.3. Marine Fishery ...... 128 3.11.4. Units under the Department of Fisheries: ...... 128 3.11.5. Fishery resources ...... 129 3.11.6. Fishery potential in A&N Island ...... 131 3.12. Socio-Economic Environment ...... 135 3.12.1. Demography ...... 135 3.12.2. Demography of the District ...... 135 3.12.3. Distribution of Population in project area ...... 136 3.12.4. Decadal Growth Rate ...... 136 3.12.5. Population Density & Sex Ratio ...... 137 3.12.6. Literacy Rate ...... 137 3.12.7. Economic Profile ...... 137 3.12.8. Social Profile of Island ...... 137 3.12.9. Socio-economic Profile of 500 m radius of the proposed BMH sites ...... 139

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. iii Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

4. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND THEIR PREDICTIONS ...... 149 4.1. Prelude ...... 149 4.2. Anticipated Environmental Impacts ...... 149 4.3. Pre construction Phase Impacts ...... 150 4.4. Construction Phase Impacts ...... 150 4.4.1. Impact due to sea bed penetration (Offshore and shallow water) ...... 150 4.4.2. Impact due to Re suspension of contaminants...... 152 4.4.3. Impact on Geology ...... 152 4.4.4. Vessel noise (due to laying of cable etc.) ...... 153 4.4.5. Emissions & liquid and solid waste generation from vessels used for construction work 153 4.4.5.1 Gaseous Emission ...... 153 4.4.5.2 Dust emission ...... 154 4.4.5.3 Solid waste Generation ...... 154 4.4.5.4 Ballast water management - Vessels operations ...... 155 4.4.5.5 Water Quality ...... 156 4.4.6. Risk of accidents that would results in pollution or hazard ...... 156 Vessels will increase watch when navigating in areas that are kwon to be used by fishermen and other vessels. If other vessels are observed within the near vicinity, the project vessel will stop moving, make contact with the other vessel if possible, and wait until it has been confirmed that the course of both vessels will not result in collision or damage to equipment...... 157 4.4.7. Ecological impacts ...... 157 4.4.7.1 Terrestrial Ecology ...... 157 4.4.7.2 Marine Impacts (due to on shore activities) ...... 157 4.4.7.3 Due to offshore activities ...... 157 4.4.8. Impact on fishing (due to onshore activities) ...... 159 4.4.9. Shipping Activities ...... 160 4.4.10. Social & cultural impacts ...... 160 4.4.11. Military Exercise Areas ...... 161 4.4.12. Oil and Gas Activity and Pipelines ...... 161 4.5. Operation stage Impacts ...... 161 4.5.2. Cable Repair and Retrieval Operations...... 162 4.5.3. Retired Undersea Cable Systems ...... 162 4.5.4. Exposed cables ...... 162 4.6. Impact Assessment and Proposed Mitigation ...... 163 5. Environmental & Social Management Plan ...... 171 5.1. Introduction ...... 171 5.2. Objective of Environmental Management Plan ...... 171 5.3. Environmental Management Plan ...... 171 5.3.1. Oil Pollution Management Plan ...... 172 5.3.2. Garbage Management Plan ...... 172 5.3.3. Sewage Management Plan ...... 172 5.3.4. Air Emissions Management Plan ...... 172 5.3.5. Noise Management Plan ...... 172 5.3.6. Bio-Diversity Management Plan ...... 172 5.4. Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan ...... 173 5.5. Emergency Preparedness Plan ...... 174 5.6. Institutional Framework: ...... 174 6. Summary and Conclusion ...... 176 6.1. Summary ...... 176 6.1.1. Beach Installation ...... 176 6.1.2. Marine Installation ...... 176 6.1.3. Associated Risks ...... 176 6.1.4. Conclusion ...... 177

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. iv Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

List of Tables TABLE 1.1 : NEED BASED ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROJECT - COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ...... 4 TABLE 1.2 : ALTERNATIVE BMH LOCATIONS ...... 5 TABLE 1.3 : ALTERNATIVE CABLE ROUTES ...... 7 TABLE 1.4 : LEGISLATIONS APPLICABILITY – CANI SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM ...... 8 TABLE 2.1 : DETAILS OF SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM ...... 15 TABLE 2.2 : DETAILS OF CABLE LANDFALL, BEACH MAN HOLE AND CABLE LANDING STATION ...... 21 TABLE 2.3 : ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISK ANALYSIS ASSOCIATED WITH CABLE ROUTES AND BMH LOCATIONS ...... 26 TABLE 2.4 : SUMMARY OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LW/LWP/SA/DA SUBMARINE CABLES ...... 33 TABLE 2.5 : DIMENSION OF VESSELS USED FOR CABLE LAYING ...... 38 TABLE 2.6 : DIMENSION OF VESSEL FOR PLGR OPERATIONS ...... 41 TABLE 2.7 : LOGISTICS OF EFFORTS REQUIRED DURING NEAR SHORE OPERATIONS DURING LANDING ...... 47 TABLE 3.1 : DETAILS OF SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM ...... 57 TABLE 3.2 : SUMMARY OF METHODOLOGY FOR PRIMARY/SECONDARY BASELINE DATA COLLECTION ...... 60 TABLE 3.3 : SALIENT ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES OF UNDERGROUND CABLE NETWORK ...... 61 TABLE 3.4 : TOPOGRAPHY AROUND 500 M AREA OF THE BMH SITES ...... 66 TABLE 3.5 : LAND USE AROUND 500 METER AREA OF BMH ...... 72 TABLE 3.6 : LAND USE AROUND 7 KM RADIUS ...... 77 TABLE 3.7 : LONG TERM METEOROLOGICAL DATA OF PORT BLAIR (30 YEARS AVERAGE 1981-2010) ...... 86 TABLE 3.8 : NO. OF DAYS WITH ZERO OKTAS OF CLOUD COVER (PORT BLAIR) ...... 87 TABLE 3.9 : AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING LOCATIONS ...... 96 TABLE 3.10 : AMBIENT AIR QUALITY RESULTS ...... 97 TABLE 3.11 : NOISE QUALITY MONITORING LOCATIONS ...... 98 TABLE 3.12 : NOISE QUALITY MONITORINGLOCATIONS ...... 99 TABLE 3.13 : DETAILS OF WATER RESERVOIRS ...... 100 TABLE 3.14 : NAME OF GROUND / SURFACE WATER SAMPLING LOCATIONS ...... 100 TABLE 3.15 : GROUND WATER QUALITY ...... 100 TABLE 3.16 : SURFACE WATER QUALITY ...... 102 TABLE 3.17 : CONTINUED...... 102 TABLE 3.18 : SOIL QUALITY OF STUDY AREA ...... 104 TABLE 3.19 THE STATUS OF MARINE MAMMALS AND REPTILES IN A&N ISLANDS ...... 106 TABLE 3.20 THE STATUS OF MARINE FAUNAL GROUPS IN A&N ISLANDS ...... 106 TABLE 3.21 ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY AROUND PROPOSED PORT BLAIR BMH/CLS SITES ...... 108 TABLE 3.22 ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY AROUND PROPOSED HUT BAY BMH/CLS SITES ...... 109 TABLE 3.23 ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY AROUND PROPOSED CAR NICOBAR BMH/CLS SITES ...... 109 TABLE 3.24 ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY AROUND PROPOSED KAMORTA BMH/CLS SITES ...... 110 TABLE 3.25 ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY AROUND PROPOSED CAMPBELL BAY BMH/CLS SITES...... 111 TABLE 3.26 ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY AROUND PROPOSED HAVELOCK BMH/CLS SITES ...... 112 TABLE 3.27 ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY AROUND PROPOSED RANGAT BMH/CLS SITES ...... 112 TABLE 3.28 ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY AROUND PROPOSED LONG BMH/CLS SITES ...... 113 TABLE 3.29 VEGETATION TYPE IN BMH/CLS ...... 116 TABLE 3.30 LIST OF MAMMALS & THEIR DISTRIBUTION ...... 118 TABLE 3.31 LIST OF REPTILES & THEIR DISTRIBUTION ...... 119 TABLE 3.32 IMPORTANT BIRD AREA OF A&N NICOBAR ISLAND ...... 122 TABLE 3.33 MARINE BIODIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM ...... 124 TABLE 3.34 FISHERMEN POPULATION ...... 126 TABLE 3.35 SPECIES OF FISHES FOUND IN ANDMAN& NICOBAR ISLANDS...... 127 TABLE 3.36 MARINE FISHERY RESOURCES & INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 129 TABLE 3.37 POTENTIAL FISHERY RESOURCES & INFRASTRUCTURES ...... 129 TABLE 3.38 EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AVAILABLE IN A&N ISLAND ...... 129 TABLE 3.39 YEAR WISE FISHING BOAT DETAILS (IN NOS.) ...... 130 TABLE 3.40 FISHING GEARS IN OPERATION (YEAR, 2004 - 2005 TO 2012 – 2013) (NO’S) ...... 131 TABLE 3.41 FISHERY POTENTIAL AND EXPLOITATION DURING 2006-07 TO 2015-16 (QTY. IN MT) ...... 132 TABLE 3.42 MARINE AND INLAND FISH PRODUCTION (2006-07 TO 2015-16 - QTY. IN TONNE) ...... 134

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. v Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

TABLE 3.43 DISPOSITION OF MARINE FISH CATCH (QTY. IN TONNE) ...... 134 TABLE 3.44 REGION WISE FISH LANDINGS FROM 2003-2012 (QTY. IN TONNE) ...... 134 TABLE 3.45 POPULATION OF A&N ISLAND ...... 135 TABLE 3.46 ISLAND WISE POPULATION DISTRIBUTION ...... 136 TABLE 3.47 CHANGES IN TRIBAL POPULATION IN ANI ...... 137 TABLE 3.48 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRIBAL COMMUNITIES OF ANI ...... 137 TABLE 3.49 SOCIAL CONCERNS AROUND 500 M AREA OF BMH SITES ...... 139 TABLE 4.1 :MAIN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBMARINE CABLES ...... 149 TABLE 4.2 : WASTE GENERATED DURING CABLE LAYING OPERATION ...... 154 TABLE 4.3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE PROJECT WITH PROPOSED MITIGATIONS ...... 164

List of Figures FIGURE 1.1 : LOCATION MAP OF EIGHT ISLANDS ...... 2 FIGURE 2.1 : OVERVIEW OF CANI SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM ...... 14 FIGURE 2.2 : OVERVIEW OF CANI SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM ...... 20 FIGURE 2.3 : MAIN SHIPPING LANE ACROSS BAY OF BENGAL ...... 29 FIGURE 2.4 : A TYPICAL LW TYPE SUBMARINE CABLE – OCC-SC530...... 31 FIGURE 2.5 : A TYPICAL LWS TYPE SUBMARINE CABLE – OCC-SC530 ...... 31 FIGURE 2.6 : A TYPICAL SA TYPE SUBMARINE CABLE – OCC-SC530 ...... 32 FIGURE 2.7 : A TYPICAL DAS TYPE SUBMARINE CABLE – OCC-SC530 ...... 32 FIGURE 2.8 : CABLE LAYING VESSEL ...... 37 FIGURE 2.9 : CABLE LAYING VESSEL (BARGE CABLE EMPOWERED) ...... 37 FIGURE 2.10 : PLGR OPERATIONS ...... 41 FIGURE 2.11 : PLOUGHING OPERATIONS ...... 43 FIGURE 2.12 : PLOUGHING MECHANISM ...... 43 FIGURE 2.13 : POST LAY INSPECTION AND BURIAL OPERATIONS ...... 45 FIGURE 2.14 : SHORE END OPERATIONS ...... 45 FIGURE 2.15 : CABLE LAYING ON CORAL REEF...... 49 FIGURE 2.16 : SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM BEACH MAN HOLE ...... 50 FIGURE 3.1 : OVERVIEW OF CANI SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM ...... 57 FIGURE 3.2 : DIFFERENT POSITIONING ...... 58 FIGURE 3.3 : PHOTOGRAPHS OF DGPS SURVEY ...... 59 FIGURE 3.4 500 M AREA MAP AROUND PROPOSED BMH SITES ...... 64 FIGURE 3.5 500 M AREA MAP AROUND PROPOSED BMH SITE ...... 65 FIGURE 3.6 : DEM OF PORT BLAIR BMH SITE ...... 67 FIGURE 3.7 : DEM OF HUT BAY BMH SITE ...... 67 FIGURE 3.8 : DEM OF KAMORTA BMH SITE ...... 68 FIGURE 3.9 : DEM OF CAMPBELL BAY BMH SITE ...... 69 FIGURE 3.10 : DEM OF HEVLOCK BMH SITE...... 69 FIGURE 3.11 : DEM OF LONG BMH SITE ...... 70 FIGURE 3.12 : DEM OF RANGAT BMH SITE ...... 70 FIGURE 3.13 : LAND USE 500 M RADIUS OF PORT BLAIR BMH...... 73 FIGURE 3.14 : LAND USE 500 M RADIUS OF HAVELOCK BMH ...... 73 FIGURE 3.15 : LAND USE 500 M RADIUS OF CAMPBELL BAYBMH ...... 74 FIGURE 3.16 : LAND USE 500 M RADIUS OF KAMORTA BMH ...... 74 FIGURE 3.17 : LAND USE 500 M RADIUS OF CAR NICOBARBMH ...... 75 FIGURE 3.18 : LAND USE 500 M RADIUS OF HUT BAY BMH ...... 75 FIGURE 3.19 : LAND USE 500 M RADIUS OF LONG BMH ...... 76 FIGURE 3.20 : LAND USE 500 M RADIUS OF RANGAT BMH ...... 76 FIGURE 3.21 : LAND USE7KM RADIUS OF PORT BLAIR BMH SITE ...... 78 FIGURE 3.22 : LAND USE7KM RADIUS OF HAVELOCK BMH SITE ...... 79 FIGURE 3.23 : LAND USE7KM RADIUS OF CAMPBELL BAYBMH SITE ...... 80 FIGURE 3.24 : LAND USE7KM RADIUS OF KAMORTABMH SITE ...... 81 FIGURE 3.25 : LAND USE7KM RADIUS OF CAR NICOBARBMH SITE ...... 82 FIGURE 3.26 : LAND USE7KM RADIUS OF HUTBAYBMH SITE ...... 83

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. vi Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

FIGURE 3.27 : LAND USE7KM RADIUS OF LONG BMH SITE ...... 84 FIGURE 3.28 : LAND USE7KM RADIUS OF RANGAT BMH SITE ...... 85 FIGURE 3.29 : WIND ROSE DIAGRAM OF PORT BLAIR ...... 88 FIGURE 3.30 : STROM TRACK OF STUDY AREA (FROM 1985 TO 2005) ...... 89 FIGURE 3.31 : TECTONIC MAP & DIFFERENT EARTHQUAKES OCCURS IN A&N ...... 90 FIGURE 3.32 : THE BATHYMETRY (IN METRES) OF ANDAMAN SEA IN 2D AND 3D (SECTIONED ALONG 95E) ..... 91 FIGURE 3.33 : VOLCANIC ISLAND ARC FORMATION ALONG A SUBDUCTION ZONE (BRADLEY, 2005) ...... 92 FIGURE 3.34 : TSUNAMI SOURCES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA ...... 93 FIGURE 3.35 : TSUNAMI SOURCES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA ...... 94 FIGURE 3.36 SUB SURFACE TEMPERATURE PROFILE ACROSS ANDAMAN SEA ...... 95 FIGURE 3.37 : SALINITY PROFILE ACROSS ANDAMAN SEA ...... 95 FIGURE 3.38 IMPORTANT PARKS & SANCTUARIES OF A&N ISLAND ...... 114 FIGURE 3.39 DISTANCE OF PORT BALIR BMH AND PROPOSED CAIN ROUTE FROM NEAREST MOUNT HARRIET NATIONAL PARK AND SADDLE PEAK NATIONAL PARK ...... 115 FIGURE 3.40 DISTANCE OF CAR NICOBAR BMH AND PROPOSED CAIN ROUTE FROM NEAREST BATTIMALV SANCTUARY AND TILLONGCHANG DESIGNATED SANCTUARY ...... 115 FIGURE 3.41 DISTANCE OF CAMPBELL BAY BMH FROM NEAREST CAMPBELL BAY NATIONAL PARK ...... 116 FIGURE 3.42 LOCATION OF TURTLE NESTING SITES, GREAT ANDAMAN ISLAND AND LITTLE ANDAMAN ISLAND ...... 120 FIGURE 3.43 LOCATION OF TURTLE NESTING SITES, KAMORTA AND GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND ...... 120 FIGURE 3.44 DUGONG SIGHTING RECORDS IN A&N ISLAND...... 123 FIGURE 3.45 PHOTOGRAPHS OF FISHING AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES ...... 148

List of Annexure

Annexure I – Cable Laying Vessel Details Annexure II – Details of Northern Endeavour Ship Annexure III – Details of Rescue /Salvage Boat Annexure IV – Onsite Emergency Preparedness Plan Annexure V – Onboard Garbage Management Plan Annexure VI – International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate Annexure VII – Management Plan to Prevent Oil Leakage Annexure VIII – CRZ Report and Map of BMH and CLS

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. vii Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

ABBREVIATIONS

USOF Universal Service Obligation Fund CANI Chennai Andaman and Nicobar Island ANI Andaman and Nicobar Island BMH Beach Man Hole BU Branching Unit CBL Cable Breaking Load CMFRI Central Marine Fisheries Resources Institute CLS Cable Landing Station cm Centimetre CRZ Coastal Regulation Zone DAS Cable Double Armoured Cable DC Direct Current DoT Department of Telecommunication DG Diesel Generator EHS Environment Health and Safety EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EQMS EQMS India Pvt. Ltd FADs Fish aggregating Devises FSI Fisheries Survey of India Gbps Gigabit per second GPS Global Positioning System GSM Global System for Mobile communications IMD Indian Meteorological Department IMO International Maritime Organization INCOIS Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services ISO International Standards Organisation kmph Kilometre per hour m meter MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 MEPC Marine Environment Protection Committee MoEF&CC Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change MOP Methods of Procedures MPA Marine Protected Area NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NOx Oxides of Nitrogen NPTS Nominal Permanent Tensile Strength NOTS Nominal Operating Tensile Strength NTTS Nominal Transient Tensile Strength OOS Out Of Service PLB Post Lay Burial PLGR Pre-Lay Grapnel Run PLIB Post-Lay Burial and Inspection PLSE Pre-Lay Shore End SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea SWBT Shallow Water Burial Tool QA Quality Assurance ROV Remote Operated Vehicle ROW Right-of-Way RPL Route Position List

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. viii Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

SO2 Sulphur Dioxide VoIP Voice over InternetProtocol WD Water Depth ZSI Zoological Survey of India

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. ix Environmental Assessment For Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides introduction to the cable system, project proponent, brief of Cable system, Need of Project, Alternative analysis to BMH locations, Need of the EIA Study, Legislative Requirements, EIA methodology and Structure of the report. .

1.1. The Project 1. Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has planned to connect the Andaman and Nicobar (ANI) group of islands (eight nos. of islands) with India mainland at Chennai through submarine optic fiber cable system: Chennai Andaman and Nicobar Island (CANI) cable system. CANI cable system will have speed of 100 (Gbps) Gigabit per second. Eight islands to be connected with Chennai includes Port Blair, Little Andaman (Hut bay), Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar (Campbell bay), Havelock, Long and Rangat Islands. CANI Submarine Cable System will help in augmenting the existing capacity to likely high capacity demand for communication and internet applications. CANI Submarine Cable System will help in augmenting the existing capacity to likely high capacity demand for communication and internet applications. USOF, DOT has appointed Telecommunication Consultants India Ltd as technical consultant for the project.

2. The cable system has initial traffic capacity consisting of eight segments with one being repeatered from Chennai to Port Blair and six unrepeatered segments from Port Blair to 7 different landing points as defined above. Cable will comprise of four pair of optic fibers, i.e. eight fiber cables. Total route length is estimated to be approx. 2199.66 km. CANI cable system will provide secure, reliable, robust, and affordable telecom facilities in these islands.

3. Desktop study for the proposed cable route has been carried out by consortium of three, companies, i.e. Ocean Science & Surveying Pvt. Ltd, Atlantis Consultancy and Saltwater Cablesfor all areas except for Rangat and Long Islands. The desktop study for Rangat and Long Island is carried out by the consortium of Eqms India Pvt. Ltd, Ocean Science & Surveying Pvt. Ltd, and Atlantis Consultancy.NEC Corporation, a Japanese company has been contracted for the deployment of submarine cable system by DoT. NEC shall be responsible for installing cable and repeaters and will also be responsible for project management, system design and commissioning and marine operations.

4. Project involves providing submarine cable connectivity between Indian mainland at Chennai and eight islands of A & N islands. Submarine cable will be laid in Bay of Bengal to connect Chennai and eight islands. Cable will land at all these islands and a BMH will be constructed to house the cable. A beach man hole (BMH) measuring 4 m X 3 m X 4 m will be developed for housing the cable. This cable will be then taken underground to the cable landing station for distribution. Cable landing station is a one to two room structure required for housing the machinery and equipment for cables. Generally existing BSNL exchange buildings are proposed to be used as cable landing station except at locations where space is not available, new room is required to be constructed for usage as cable landing station.

5. Cable landing points at sea edge, BMH and cable route from landing point to BMH and from BMH towards cable landing station till 500 m will fall under ICRZ area as defined under theIPZ Notification, 2011. As per requirement of IPZ

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 1 Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Notification, 2011, Anna University has been contracted for carrying out the CRZ survey and mapping of proposed landing points, BMH site and the cable route and through survey, it is found that these sites fall under ICRZ II & ICRZ- III area. Thus, as per IPZ Notification, 2011, it is required to obtain CRZ clearance from ANCZMA followed by MoEF&CC prior development on the basis of application form and rapid EIA study.EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. (EQMS) has been contracted by TCIL as environmental consultant to conduct the environment impact assessment study for the proposed project. This EIA report covers the impact due to the submarine cable laying and BMH construction at eight islands. Map showing location of BMH is given below in Figure 1.1.

Source: Mapping Done by EQMS Using Google Earth Imagery Figure 1.1 : Location Map of Eight Islands

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 2 Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

1.2. Project Background 6. The fiber optic option is the most cost-effective one and the one that is most compatible with the rest of the global network of transmission infrastructure. Without fiber optic connections to the rest of the world, internet services development and integration into the global information economy are achievable only with unnecessarily high cost, greater difficulty and more risk than need be the case given the choice of technology available.

7. In 2013, the European Investment Bank estimated that the international transmission capacity of submarine fiber optic cable is being 7 – 10 times cheaper than current prices for satellite-based links which currently is being provided to Andaman and Nicobar islands

8. An alternative to marine routing of the system is a terrestrial route. However, in practice the installation costs of a land-based system would be far higher than the marine option. Moreover for terrestrial systems permitting is complex and time consuming and cable faults are more frequent. In addition to these practical and security issues, there are clearly complicated potential environmental and social impacts to be expected from terrestrial cable burial for a system with a length of several thousand km.

9. Most carriers today therefore will prefer submarine fiber optic systems for long haul international transmission. This is confirmed by the continued successful existence of several precedents for the development of such systems to serve India‟s telecommunications needs.

1.3. Need for the Project 10. The proposed CANI Cable System will enhance the telecommunications connectivity, providing additional capacity, speed for traffic, secure, reliable, robust and affordable telecom system from Chennai to eight Islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands which are of immense strategic significance to India. It is a key infrastructural improvement that will assist the Andaman & Nicobar island and Chennai both economically and socially. It will enhance communications security, by diversifying the communications networks to improve the likelihood of continued connectivity during natural disasters or failures of other systems.

11. Currently the only medium of providing telecom connectivity between Mainland and Andaman & Nicobar Islands is though satellites, but the bandwidth available is limited to 1 Gbps. Satellite bandwidth is very costly and its availability is limited due to which future bandwidth requirement cannot be met solely through it. Then, there is an issue of redundancy, that is, no alternate media is available in case of any emergency. Lack of bandwidth and telecom connectivity is also hampering socio-economic development of the islands. Hence it is essential to have submarine OFC connectivity between the Mainland India and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, being the only option for catering to projected future bandwidth requirements.

12. Many advantages have been acknowledged for high-speed, high-volume internet connectivity including:  Overcoming geographical and financial barriers to a wide range of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities and resources,

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 3 Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

 Enabling provision of medical care to un-served and underserved populations through remote diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and consultations with specialists,  Promoting economic development and re-vitalisation through e-commerce,  Enabling electronic government to help streamline peoples interaction with government agencies and provide information about government policies, procedures, benefits and programs,  Providing access to new telecommunications technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).  Extending and enhancing opportunities for business process outsourcing, meetings through videoconferencing, digital media recordings and transmissions. 1.3.1. Need Based Assessment 13. A comparative analysis has been carried out for the project taking into account certain important factors – environmental, technical and socio-economic, to assess the importance of the project. Table 1.1 presents the summary of the attributes impacted by the project.

Table 1.1 : Need Based Assessment for the Project - Comparative Analysis Factors Without Project With Project Considered Environment All the biological and Short term impacts of negligible physical parameters of the significance may occur on marine environment remain environment during the project unaffected. implementation. Impact assessment study for the project has been carried out to assess the impacts and accordingly mitigation measures and an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is proposed. Society/People Data transferability, security The project will enhance and storage, hurdles in the telecommunications connectivity, field of advancement, will providing additional capacity and persist. speed for international traffic. There is a need of bringing Currently connectivity in A& N in advanced and quicker islands is very limited and is through communication technologies satellites only. This project will to strengthen the existing substantially enhance the telecommunication services connectivity and will increase the in Country. business opportunity in A&N islands also A key infrastructural improvement that will assist the A& N Islands and India, both economically and socially. Will enhance communications security, by diversifying the communications networks to improve the likelihood of continued connectivity during natural disasters or failures of other systems.

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1.3.2. Alternative Sites Analysis 14. The site for Submarine cable system and BMH location was selected taking into Environmental, Social, and Engineering feasibility and earlier precedence of CRZ clearance of other cables in near future. The cable alignment landing was considered based on location of Cable landing station and clear approach to the respective beach of eight islands. Two sites were considered for construction of the BMH out of which one is proposed as preferred location for setting up BMH site. Following points are considered while selecting BMH site  Distance from eco-sensitive zone, residential and recreational areas  Minimal disturbance to existing fishing activities, , shipping and future development  Minimal disturbance to recreational/ tourism activity  Minimal disturbance to ecology  Absence of Mangroves  Accessibility  Impact of overall cable route  Possibility of direct landing of cable (nearness to deep waters)  Minimum distance of BMH to the finalized cable landing station (CLS)

15. Proposed & optional landing site considered and the rational for selection of the site is tabulated in Table 1.2.

Table 1.2 : Alternative BMH Locations Island Proposed BMH Optional BMH Rational for Selection of Location Location Proposed BMH site Port Blair, 11° 38.711‟ N, 11° 38.752‟ N 92° Site 1 is preferred as it is sandy Greater 92° 44.914‟ E, 45.217‟ E, on the beach and the optional BMH Andaman at the Northern concrete-reinforced location is Island end of Corbyns coastline with a Concrete-reinforced coastline for Cove pedestrian walkway road. Construction of BMH would Two landing alongside the Corbyns require excavation of the concrete points i.e. two Cove Road, road which may impact the traffic BMH located approximately 650m whereas no such issues are parallel to each from the preferred associated with site 1. Also very other. BMH site less fishing activities are present along the proposed cable route and proposed BMH site. So first location is preferred Hut Bay, 10°35.243‟N, 10° 37.645‟ N 92° Proposed location is preferred as Little 92°33.710‟E at 32.700‟ E. for this BMH cable route will be Andaman the beginning of East of the jetty and vessel Island the existing movement route is towards west breakwater on so there will be minimum the beach disturbance to vessel movement Two landing during laying. Also beach at points i.e. two proposed location is not much BMH located used by tourist causing minimal parallel to each disturbance to recreational other. activities. Proposed BMH site is well connect and optional BMH site does not have direct access

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motorable road. Car Nicobar Near the 09° 10.670‟ N 92° Site 1 is selected as the other site Murugan 49.583‟ E, lies along is expected to receive high Temple on the the beach-vegetation boatand vehicular traffic in future. beach at boundary, Also approach of selected BMH 09°10.519‟N, approximately 25m site is free from coral reefs. 92°49.674‟E. from the right side of Other sites are not considered for Two landing the jetty when looking BMH establishment as other points i.e. two seawards beaches are not accessible by BMH located road and falls under tribal areas parallel to each and are at distance of more than other. 30 km from exchange office.

Kamorta 08°02.303‟N, 8° 3.338‟ N, 93° Site 1 is preferred as it is sandy 93°32.499‟E 32.863‟ E., is 2.5 km by terrain, within exchange building, located within road from the BSNL free from shipping or future the BSNL Exchange en route to development plans and also cable exchange the helipad. landing station is very close to this building location. Site 2 has rocky terrain, Two landing 10 km away from exchange points i.e. two building and it is needed to cross BMH located portion of forest land and private parallel to each land for laying cable from BMH to other. exchange building. Site 1 lies close to landing point and exchange building so the forest permission is required only landing cable from shore to BMH site (30 m). Access to proposed BMH site is free from the corals which is difficult to find in Kamorta island. Corals are also present in approach of optional BMH site. Campbell 07°00.799‟N, End of Bikori beach at Preferred site is selected as the Bay, Great 93°56.153‟E 07°01.207‟N other site has rocky outcrops and Nicobar One landing 93°56.008‟E the selected site is majorly sandy, point i.e. one well connected and close to BMH BMH located. site. Also site is free from corals.

Havelock Towards west east coast of the Optional BMH site is at risk from Island of Radhanagar Havelock island at 11° rivulet outflow so option 1 is beach entry 58.798‟ N 93° 0.983‟ selected as preferred BMH point near location. Also the proposed site is Elephant free from corals Boarding Beach at location 11° 59.068‟ N; 92°57.149‟E Two landing points i.e. two BMH located parallel to each other.

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Long Island 12°21.898‟N, 12° 21‟ 48.7”N, 92° 55‟ Proposed BMH site has a proper road 92°55.316‟E 32.5”E right up to the location. For the Two landing optional site the nearest access is points i.e. two about 100m from a track road. BMH located Protection in the form of articulated pipe (AP) will be required as some parallel to each land erosion is evident. other.

Ranget 12°30.903‟N, 12° 29‟ 16.7”N, 92° 57‟ Proposed road is more easily Island 92°58.005‟E 49.5”E accessed via a tarred road up to the One landing site. The optional site is about 100m point i.e. one away from a rough track. AP protection will be required due to BMH located. visible land erosion

16. Route for cable is also selected by taking environmental, social and engineering feasibility in the account. Two routes were considered for laying submarine cable for Car Nicobar to Kamorta Island. Routes are selected to avoid fishing area, high boat or ship traffic areas, existing cables, military activities, environmental sensitive areas like MPAs, coral reefs, cable fault histories and hydrocarbon exploration & production locations. Alternate route alignments considered is given in Table 1.3.

Table 1.3 : Alternative Cable Routes Cable Proposed Route Optional Route Rational for Selection Segment of Proposed Route Car Nicobar Eastern route: cable Western route: cable will Western route selected to Kamorta will arrive and exit the arrive and exit the landfall as it is shorter and no landfall heading east- heading west-182 km length shipping activities is 191 km length with with no current shipping involved currently ongoing activities shipping activities 1.4. Objective and Scope of EIA Study 17. The purpose of this EIA is to document the assessment of the environmental consequences arising from the installation of CANI Submarine Cable System, in eight islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This EIA is structured in accordance with the recently developed environmental assessment guidelines by MoEF&CC that comply with Indian legislations and MoEF&CC safeguard policies being adopted for preserving the environment.

18. The EIA for the proposed submarine cable landing has been conducted to identify and minimise the adverse environmental impacts, if any, associated with construction, installation, and operation of the submarine fibre optic cable network. The four basic objectives of the EIA are the following:  Provide information about the general environment along the cable route and at cable landing site as baseline data;  Determine the magnitude of potential environmental concerns to ensure that appropriate consideration is given to the environmental parameters when laying or installing the cable;  Identify potentially required mitigation measures, if any; and  Develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

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19. To meet the objectives of the EIA, the EIA was carried out with a suitable methodology focused on the following:  Review of applicable laws and guidelines;  Collection of environmental data from primary and secondary sources;  Interaction with key stakeholders;  Interaction with other members of the Project Team, and;  Project details provided by the Team.

1.5. Legal framework 20. Table 1.4 lists thelegislations applicable to the CANI Submarine Cable System.

Table 1.4 : Legislations Applicability – CANI Submarine Cable System

Legislation Key Requirement Applicabi Reason and Granting Type of Responsib lity Stage of Agency, if permit and ility Applicability or applicable Indicative And Stage non- time frame of applicability for grant of Applicabili permission ty if , if applicable applicable A. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION I. Coastal Zone Management Legislation Island Defines the area Applicable BMH and Cable ANCZMA CRZ Project Protection where laying operation followed by Clearance Owner and Zone ( IPZ), development activity will MoEF&CC prior to 2011, under activities are happen (Ministry of commence (EnvironmentP regulated on withinICRZhowe Environment ment of rotection) Act, Andaman and ver this activities , Forests& BMH 1986 Nicobar and are permissible Climate constructio Lakshadweep in ICRZ with Change), n and cable islands. Requires permission Government laying CRZ clearance of India activity. prior establishment of permissible activities in ICRZ areas II. Environmental Protection Legislation

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Air (prevention An Act to prevent Limited Since no air Not Not Contractor and control of and control of Air applicabili polluting plant is Applicable Required pollution) Act, Pollution ty proposed to be since no hot 1981 and rules (Applicabl installed, the mix or air there under e only for applicability will polluting ambient be limited to plant is air quality construction proposed to perspectiv stage only and be set up e) for maintaining air quality of the area as per National Ambient air quality standards

Noise Pollution To comply with Applicable Primarily Not No specific Contractor (Regulation Ambient Noise for the Applicable Applicable permission And Control) Standards for duration during is required. Act, 2000 different of construction To ensure Noise area/zone constructi Stage compliance Amendment on due to to the Rules, 2010 generatio Ambient n of Noise constructi standard for on noise residential areas.

Construction & To manage the Applicable Primarily Not No specific Contractor Demolition waste generated but only Applicable Applicable permission Waste Rules, due to very small during is required. 2016 construction and quantity of construction To ensure demolition works waste stage compliance many of rules generate due to constructi on of BMH and Cable landing stations B. NOT APPLICABLE LEGISLATION

I. Environmental Protection Legislation

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Environmental Requires prior Not BMH Not Not Not (Protection) environmental Applicable construction or Applicable Applicable Applicable Act, 1986 and clearance for cable laying are rules there specified project. not included in under the list of project including EIA requiring Notification, environmental 2006.amende clearance d 2009 appended to this EIA notification. Water An Act to Prevent Not No liquid waste Not Not Not (prevention and Control of Applicable is likely to be Applicable Applicable Applicable and control of Water Pollution discharged from pollution) Act, the project 1974 and rules activities. there under Municipal An Act for Not No significant Not Not Not Waste Rules, Management of Applicable municipal Applicable Applicable Applicable 2016 municipal waste waste will be generated during cable laying operation as activity will not involve moe than 10 people and will take less than 2 weeks Hazardous Protection to the Not No Hazardous Not Not Not and Other general public Applicable wastes are likely Applicable Applicable Applicable Waste Rules, against improper to be generated 2016 handling, storage during and disposal of construction or hazardous wastes operation stage The Bio To control Not Very short Not Not Not Medical Waste storage, Applicable duration Applicable Applicable Applicable (Management transportation and activities. No and Handling disposal of Bio medical waste is rules) 2016 Medical Waste. likely to be generated. II. Forests Conservation and Wild Life Protection Legislation

Forest Restriction on the Not No Diversion of Not Not Not (conservation) de-reservation of Applicable Forest Land is Applicable Applicable Applicable Act, 1980 and forests or use of involved rules there forest land for under non-forest purpose Wildlife No person shall Not No Such area is Not Not Not (protection) destroy, exploit or Applicable located in and Applicable Applicable Applicable Act, 1972 and remove any wild around the rules there life including project area. under forest produce from a EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 10 Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

sanctuary/Nationa l park or destroy or damage or divert the habitat of any wild animal by any act whatsoever or divert, stop or enhance the flow of water into or outside the sanctuary, except under and in accordance with a permit granted by the Chief Wild Life Warden

1.6. Methodology of EIA Study 1.6.1. Overview 21. The EIA study carried out following the standard practice of data collection, Identification of Environmental Impact due to project activities, developing mitigation measures to eliminate or minimise the impacts Assessment, and evolving the environmental management plan to implement the identified mitigation measures. The broad step followed is given below: 1.6.2. Documents Review 22. Technical reports, project information (including the project plan), execution schedules, and associated details were provided by TCIL, Desk Top Study Reports (prepared by Ocean Science & Surveying Pvt. Ltd, Atlantis Consultancy and EQMS India Pvt. Ltd.), Saltwater Cables and NEC Corporation.These reports were reviewed to identify the potential environmental aspects and impacts associated with project activities. The project‟s environmental issues were studied to characterise and quantify the various environmental releases and waste streams that would be generated from the project during its life cycle.

23. Technical consultations and information exchange were madewith project authorities and NEC ( the project execution contractor) throughout the review process to better understand project activities. EIA studies conducted for similar projects were also reviewed. In addition, the rationale for the selection of all critical project processes and technologies were reviewed. The control and management schemes proposed for marine discharge, air emissions, wastewaters, solid wastes, and noise were also reviewed. 1.6.3. Data Collection 24. The majority of the environmental baseline information on climate, meteorology, oceanography, and marine ecology was sourced from the published documents from government departments, non-government institutions, and previous studies in this region. Other relevant information also was gathered from Internet searches.

25. Site-specific field investigations were carried out to augment and validate the available baseline data at the cable landing site.

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26. CRZ mapping on the scale of 1:4000 scale showing LTL, HTL of 200 m, 500 m line was also undertaken with the help of Anna University. Ann University report was also used in the study.

1.6.4. Impact Assessment 27. The significant environmental aspects were reviewed with respect to project activities. The qualitative assessment technique was used to determine the nature and magnitude of these impacts. The anticipated impacts on the environment were then rated accordingly in terms of no impact, minor to moderate impact, and significant impact.

1.6.5. Environmental Management Plan 28. The EMP has been developed to minimise and mitigate all significant and minor to moderate impacts to acceptable levels. The EMP discusses both the phases of the project (i.e., construction, and operation). An environmental monitoring program has been developed to ensure proper implementation of the EMP.

1.7. Structure of the EIA Report 29. The EIA report contains project features, baseline environmental conditions, assessment of environmental impacts, the formulation of mitigation measures and an EMP. The report has six chapters. The structure of the EIA Report, with necessary tables, drawings, and annexure is as follows:

Chapter 1: Introduction

30. This Chapter provides background information on the project need, reasons for conducting the EIA, and overview of the project. The scope and EIA methodology adopted in the preparation of the EIA report is also described in this chapter. It discusses the identification of the project and the project proponent; a brief description of the nature, size, and location of the project; and its importance to the country and region.

Chapter 2: Project Description

31. This Chapter deals with the project details of The CANI Submarine Cable System including location, route identification, submarine cable specification, marine installation operations, quality assurance and health and safety.

Chapter 3: Description of the Environment

32. This Chapter describes the baseline environmental conditions around the project site for various environmental attributes, within 500 meters of radial zone, which is termed as the study area. Topography, soil, water, meteorology, air, noise, and land constitute the physical environment, whereas flora and fauna constitute the biological environment. Baseline environmental conditions are based on the field studies carried out during study period around the project site.

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Chapter 4: Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

33. This Chapter describes the overall impacts of the proposed project activities and underscores the areas of concern for which mitigation measures should be implemented.

Chapter 5: Environmental Management Plan

34. This Chapter details out the management plan formulated for ensuring the environmental health and safety protection during and after commissioning of project.

Chapter 6: Summary and Conclusion

35. This Chapter provides the summary and conclusions of the EIA study for the proposed project, with overall justification for project implementation and a description of how adverse effects will be mitigated.

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2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

This chapter deals with the project details of The Chennai Andaman & Nicobar Island (CANI) Submarine Cable System including location, route identification, submarine cable specification, marine installation operations, quality assurance and health and safety.

2.1. Prelude 36. Proposed Chennai Andaman and Nicobar Island (CANI) cable system, a 100 (Gbps) Gigabit per second will connect Chennai and eight islands at Andaman and Nicobar. Cable landing islands are Port Blair, Little Andaman (Hut bay), Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar (Campbell bay), Havelock, Long and Rangat Islands. CANI cable system will provide secure, reliable, robust, and affordable telecom facilities in these islands. Cable will land at beaches and will terminate in the proposed BMH location. Cable from BMH will then be taken to cable landing station for distribution. Figure 2.1 presents the overview of the route of CANI Submarine Cable System.This EIA covers laying of submarine cable in Indian territorial water (upto 12 nm), cable landfall and BMH construction, laying of cable upto cable landing station (CLS) and establishment of CLS.

Source: Mapping Done by EQMS on Basis of Information Provided in DTS Survey Report Figure 2.1 : Overview of CANI Submarine Cable System

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

2.2. Location of the Project 2.2.1. Submarine Cable Route Details 37. There are total eight segments of submarine cable which will be laid in Bay of Bengal under the project “CANI Cable Laying System”. Total length of the cable and route is 2245.96 km and 2199.66 km respectively. Detail of the cable segments along with cable and route length is given in Table 2.1. Submarine cable route to be laid within the territorial waters (12 nauticle miles) is considered under the study.Interactions of proposed cable with the other submarine cables off Chennai within territorial watersof India Mainlandare shown in Figure 2.2.There are 105 protected areas on islands of which about 100 are marine protected areas (MPAs). These protected areas are well clear off the proposed cable routes& proposed BMH locations. Only Campbell Bay National Park (Part of Great Nicobar Bio-sphere reserve) is within 10 km radius of proposed cable route. BMH sites are not proposed within any notified national park/sanctuary area. The cable enroute crosses many existing cable, maritime boundaries and concession blocks1. Bay of Bengal area where cable is to be laid falls under Indian contiguous zone, Indian EEZ, High seas (open sea) and Indian territorial sea waters. Cable route maps are given in Figure 2.3 to 2.9. CRZ study is carried out considering the area defined in IPZ notification, i.e. inland CRZ zone and the Indian territorial waters.

Table 2.1 : Details of Submarine Cable System Segment Cable Length- km Route Length-km Seg 1 Chennai to Port Blair 1452.08 1424.57 Seg 2 Port Blair to Little 141.36 138.18 Andaman Seg 3 Little Andaman to Car 191.65 186.11 Nicobar Seg 4 Car Nicobar to Kamotra 186.37 181.79 (Western Route) Seg 5 Kamotra to Great 146.32 142.10 Nicobar (Western Route) Seg 6 Port Blair to Havlock 46.43 45.973 Island Seg 7 Havlock Island to Long 54.620 54.079 island Seg 8 Long Island to Rangat 27.128 26.860 Island Total 2245.96 2199.66 Source: DTS Survey Report

1 Concessions are long term agreements signed between the State of a producing country and the operating company, usually an International Oil Company (IOC), for at least 20 years. The area subjected to a concession is usually called a block. None of these blocks is within 12 nm distance

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Figure 2.2 Cable Interactions near Chennai Landfalls

Route Alignment Chennai to Pot Blair

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Cable Route: Port Blair to Hut Bay N

Cable Route: Hut Bay to Car Nicobar

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Cable Route: Car Nicobar to Kamorta N

Cable Route: Kamortato Campell Bay, Great Nicobar

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Cable Route: Port Blair to Little Andaman (Havelock Island) N

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Cable Route: Little Andaman (Havelock Island) to Long Island N

Cable Route: Long Island to Rangat Island Source: DTS Survey Report Figure 2.2 : Overview of CANI Submarine Cable System

2.2.2. Landing Site at ANI and Cable Landing Stations 38. Island where the submarine cable will land includes Port Blair, Little Andaman (Hut bay), Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar (Campbell bay), Havelock, Long and Rangat Islands. Proposed cable landfall, BMH sites and CLS sites does not fall under any of the notified eco-sensitive zone. However CLS site at Kamotra, Campell Bay and Long island falls in ICRZ area. As per the preliminary survey by Anna University the CLS sites at these three islands falls under ICRZ-III areas. 39. Cable will land on these islands and then cable will be pulled in the Beach Man Hole. Beach man hole is man hole of dimension (4 m X 3 m X 4 m) which will be constructed for housing the cable landed on beach. Then the cable from Beach man hole will be taken to cable landing station for distribution. Cable landing station locations at each island has been identified. Detail of cable landfall, beach man holes and cable landing station is given in Table 2.2.

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Table 2.2 : Details of Cable Landfall, Beach Man Hole and Cable Landing Station Island Cable Landfall, BMH Site and CLS Site Photographs Port BMH Blair Geographical Coordinates: 11° 38.711‟ N, 92° 44.914 E Landing Points: Two landing points i.e. two BMH located parallel to each other Location: Northern end of Corbyns Cove Terrain: Beach is sandy but surrounded by rocky sea bed Connectivity: Well connected Distance from CLS: Approx. 2.7 km (Premises of Aberdeen exchange building) Land Use: Forest Area. No corals or mangroves observed at BMH site and approach CRZ Classification: ICRZ-II Cable Landing Station Geographical Coordinates : 11.666900 N, 92.737300 E BMH Site Location and Description: New CLS within the Premises of Aberdeen Exchange Building Connectivity: 2 lane road Existing Cables The site is presently linked through satellite. There are no cables landing for internet Hut Bay BMH Geographical Coordinates: 10° 35.243‟ N; 92° 33.710‟ E Landing Points: Two landing points i.e. two BMH located parallel to each other Location: beginning of the existing breakwater on the Hut Bay beach Terrain: Beach is sandy with some stones on far end of the beach, about a km from beach, sea bed is rocky Connectivity: Well connected by wide road Distance from CLS: Approx. 3.0 km Land Use: Forest Area. No corals or mangroves observed at BMH site and approach CRZ Classification: ICRZ-III BMH Site Cable Landing Station Geographical Coordinates : 10.597094 N, 92.535370E Description: New CLS proposed

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Connectivity: narrow road existing but the road is under proposal for widening Existing Cables The site is presently linked through satellite. There are no cables landing for internet. Car BMH Nicobar Geographical Coordinates: 09°10.519‟ N 92°49.674 E. Landing Points: Two landing points i.e. two BMH located parallel to each other Location: Near the Murugan Temple on the beach Terrain: Beach is sandy with some detrital stones on the beach but sea bottom is sandy Connectivity: Well connected Distance from CLS: Approx. 1.2 km Land Use: Forest Area. No corals or mangroves observed at BMH site and approach. CRZ Classification: ICRZ-III

Cable Landing Station BMH Site Geographical Coordinates :9.175206N, 92.816925 E Description: New CLS proposed Connectivity: well connected Existing Cables The site is presently linked through satellite. There are no cables landing for internet. Kamorta BMH Geographical Coordinates: 08° 02.303‟ N, 93° 32.499‟E. Landing Points: Two landing points i.e. two BMH located parallel to each other Location: Within BSNL Exchange Site. Landfall of cable is 30 m below the selected site. Terrain: Site is flat land and the sea bottom is mix of sand and medium stones. Boats are accessible to proposed landfall site of cable Connectivity: Stepped pathway lead to the site Distance from CLS:Approx. 70 m Land Use: Forest Area. No corals or mangroves observed at BMH site and approach. Approach to Preferred BMH Site CRZ Classification: ICRZ-III Cable Landing Station

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Geographical Coordinates : 8.039507N, 93.541626 E Descripton: New CLS Proposed (falls in ICRZ-III) Connectivity: Through walkable road Existing Cables The site is presently linked through satellite. There are no cables landing for internet Campbe BMH ll Bay Geographical Coordinates: 07° 00.799‟N, 93° 56.153‟E on beach Landing Points: One landing points i.e. one BMH located Location: Within BSNL Exchange Site. Landfall of cable is 30 m below the selected site. Terrain: One side is rocky and remaining beach is sandy Connectivity: connected through pedestrian pathway and motorable road is approx. 100 yards from BMH site Distance from CLS: Approx 460 m Land Use: Forest Area. No corals or mangroves observed at BMH site and approach. CRZ Classification: ICRZ-(B) Cable Landing Station BMH Location Geographical Coordinates : 7.014680N, 93.932000 E Description: New CLS proposed (falls in ICRZ-III) Connectivity: Through motorable road Existing Cables The site is presently linked through satellite. There are no cables landing for internet. Haveloc BMH k Island Geographical Coordinates: 11° 59.068‟ N; 92° 57.149‟ E Landing Points: Two landing points i.e. two BMH located parallel to each other Location:. Towards west of Radhanagar beach entry point near Elephant Boarding Beach. It is approximately 100m west of a meandering rivulet debouching onto the beach. Terrain: Beach is sandy Connectivity: Well connected through motorable road Distance from CLS: Approx. 2.3 km Land Use: Forest Area. No corals or mangroves observed at BMH site and approach.

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CRZ Classification: ICRZ-III BMH Location Cable Landing Station Geographical Coordinates : 12.003427N, 92.960000 E Description: New CLS proposed Connectivity: Through motorable road Existing Cables The site is presently linked through satellite. There are no cables landing for internet. Long BMH island Geographical Coordinates: 12° 21.898”N, 92° 55.316”E Landing Points: Two landing points i.e. two BMH located parallel to each other Location:. Located on the beach Terrain: Beach is sandy Connectivity: Well connected through road Distance from CLS: Approx. 300 m Land Use: Forest Area. No corals or mangroves observed at BMH site and approach. CRZ Classification: ICRZ-III

Cable Landing Station Geographical Coordinates : 12.367700 N, 92.921244 E Location: New CLS Construction (falls in ICRZ-III) Connectivity: Proposed site is well connected

Rangat BMH island Geographical Coordinates: 12° 30.903”N, 92° 58.005”E Landing Points: One landing points i.e. one BMH located Location:. Located on the beach Terrain: Beach is sandy Connectivity: Well connected through road Distance from CLS: Approx. 5.2 km Land Use: Forest Area. No corals or mangroves observed at BMH site and approach. CRZ Classification: ICRZ-III Cable Landing Station Geographical Coordinates : 12.508205 N, 92.920620 E

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Location: New CLS construction Connectivity: Proposed site is well connected

Note * If any of the CLS will fall in CRZ, other than the above, then it is the responsibility of the project proponent to take the CRZ Clearance for the same separately or as addendum to this report only.

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

2.2.3. Potential Risks to Submarine Cable Laying Operations and laid Submarine Cable 40. Risks associated with the cable laying operations can be physiographical, geological and environmental. Physiographical and geological risks include cyclones, high waves, heavy surface currents and volcanoes. Risks due to cyclone, high waves and heavy surface currents can be minimize by scheduling the cable laying operations during non monsoon period, i.e. Dec to April and taking additional care during installation. CANI cable system doesnot cross any area of significant volcanic activity. Closest known volcano to the cable route is barren island, NE of Havelock Island at approx 135 km from the cable route. There is no significant risk from the known volcanoes along the Andaman-Nicobar volcanic arc as these are widely spaced and not highly active. Also, no impacts are anticipated due to the volcano due to large distance. For further protection, it is recommended to avoid interface with volcano, canyons and route directly down slope. Risk anticipated to cable due to volcanic presence is low. 41. Environmental and social risks associated are risks due to shipping, anchoring, trawling, Tuna longlining, FADs (Fish aggregating Devises)/traps, hydrocarbon concessions, mineral/sand excavation, pipelines, dumping or dredging or land reclamation, existing submarine cables, military activity areas (especially areas with buried UXO), wrecks, sea-grass, coral reefs, sea turtle nesting sites and presence of mammals like Cetaceans and Dolphins. Environmental and social risk analysis is given in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3 : Environmental and Social Risk Analysis Associated with Cable Routes and BMH Locations Environmental/Social Presence Remarks Parameters Shipping √ Cable route is designed to avoid these risks as much as possible. Shipping activities are minimal along the proposed cable route except near Chennai and ten degree channel. Map showing proposed cable route and high shipping traffic zones is given in Figure 2.3. Fishing, Trawling, √ The number of active large fishing vessels in the Tuna Long lining, FAD CANI landfall areas is generally low, but numerous smaller artisanal vessels are likely to be encountered in the inshore areas, particularly off Chennai. Larger vessels are engaged in trawling in addition to longlining and purse seining. Fishing stakes have not been identified as a threat to this system. Assistance of fishing department is required for liasoning with fishermen prior taking up cable laying operations. No FAD exist in proposed cable route as per present route. FAD exist close to Great Andaman Island but that is avoided to prevent damage to cable. More trawling risks anticipated along the Long to Rangat Island route and

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Havelock to long island. So it is proposed to bury cable 3 m deep within articulated pipe for protection. Anchoring X Anchorage can pose threat to the cable especially in shallow water (1000 m depth) so to minimize the risk cable is proposed to be buried to 1 m depth. However cable could be affected by large commercial and fishing vessels anchoring in the shallow water areas (generally around 5 to 100m) on the continental shelf in the case of emergency anchoring, or if anchors drag due to severe weather and seas. But, majority of the cable route lies in water too deep for vessels to consider anchoring except in an emergency. As a safety measure, deep burial of cable is proposed for cable near the shores especially where ships are liable to anchor for commercial or weather related reason. After laying the cable, cable should be registered in the charts immediately to prevent risk from anchors Hydrocarbon X Noconcession blocks exists within 12 nauticle Concession miles from the islands Mineral/sand X No mined or previously mined areas have been excavation identified near the proposed CANI routes. There is no charted offshore mineral extraction or sand mining activity along the proposed CANI routes.

Pipelines X There are no known petroleum or water pipelines in the identified route. Dumping or dredging X There are no reports of dredging activity off or land reclamation Chennai and none of the other landfalls are close to Port facilities. There are therefore no spoil grounds or charted dump sites near the proposed route Existing submarine √ No power cable exists along the route. Cable cables and cable faults are reported in the proposed cable laying faults area and cable faults are reported due to anchoring, cable industry, seismic activity, fishing etc. Military activity areas X Two military exercise area lies along or close to (especially areas with the route, i.e. Firing practise area off the Chennai buried UXO) landfall and Firing practice area east of Great Andaman Island. Proposed cable route crosses Chennai Firing Practise area whereas Great Andaman island area is avoided. There are no charted prohibited or restricted areas along the CANI cable route. Wrecks X Wrecks are common in Bay of Bengal, but are avoided along the proposed cable route

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Marine protected X No marine protected area is crossed by Areas proposed cable route. Campbell Bay National Park lies close to the proposed cable route. No BMH and CLS route falls within 10 km area of marine protected area/ wildlife sanctuary except Cambell Bay National Park which is located about 4.7 km from the Reserve Buffer Zone of Campbell Bay BMH Site. Refer Figure 3.39 to 3.42. Ramsar Site X No Ramsar site exists in proposed landfalls Coral reefs √ Coral reefs are a common feature of Andaman and Nicobar island. All the BMH sites and approaches to BMH are free from corals. However corals presence is indicated along the cable route Sea turtle nesting sites X Although widespreadin Andaman and Nicobar Islands but turtle nesting is not reported at any of the proposed landfall site or BMH site. Refer Figure 3.43 and 3.44. Seagrass √ Seagrass is likely to be encountered in shallow waters near landfalls. Route can be diverted to minimize the seagrass bed during laying with help of divers. Impact can be minimized further on sea grass bed by carrying out burial by jetting in place of plough burial. Important Bird Areas √ There are about 19 Important Bird areas (IBA) is whole Andaman & Nicobar district. Out of the total the IBA Sites of relevance to the CANI routes are Little Andaman (Hut Bay), Car Nicobar (nicobar) and Great Nicobar (Kamorta) only. Presence of mammals √ Cable laying operations are done through slow like Cetaceans and shipping methods where speed of ship may not Dolphins (high noise exceed 5-6 knots (9 -10.4 kmph) thus risks of and collisions) encountering or collision with mammals is minimal. Level of noise emitted by survey and installation vessels is indistinguishable from that emitted by other sea-going vessels. Anecdotal evidence indicates that both whales and dolphins occasionally approach operational survey vessels and come close alongside, without any visible signs of discomfort. However survey and installation operations will be stopped if whales are observed within 1 km area.

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Source: DTS Survey Report Note: Intense traffic is shown in red, less predominant lanes in green and the low traffic areas in blue Figure 2.3 : Main Shipping Lane Across Bay of Bengal

2.3. Category of the Project 42. The proposed project does not require environmental clearance with reference to the “List of projects or activities requiring prior environmental clearance” mentioned in the Schedule of EIA Notification, 2006, by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). However Island Protection Zone (IPZ) Notification, 2011 is applicable on the project as proposed cable landing areas in sea, cable landfall, BMH locations and cable laying on beach falls within the ICRZ classifications as defined in the IPZ Notification, 2011. Thus in accordance to the requirement of the Island Protection Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2011, rapid EIA study has been conducted for the project. EIA study is conducted in accordance with IPZ (ICRZ) Notification, 2011 and further amendments. 2.4. Submarine Cable 2.4.1. Submarine Cable – General Design Considerations 43. In a fiber optic cable, data is transmitted via beams of laser-generated light that travel along glass optical fibers housed within the core of the cable.The main design function of a cable is to protect the optical fiber transmissionpath over the entire service life of the system, including laying, burial, andrecovery operations.

44. A secondary function is that its metallic elements are used either to feed anelectric current to the repeaters or to monitor on a permanent basis the statusof the transmission system and to localise cable breaks.

45. Cable to be laid is OCC-SC530 optic fibre cable. This cable can house 8 pairs of optic fibre (16 fibres). Four types of optical submarine cables to be used are LW

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

cable, LWS cable, SA cable and DAS cable. Cable is designed such that it protects the optical fibres from external forces such as high water pressure, tensile load, lateral load, bending and water ingress. Fibre. Optical fibres are surrounded by the gel to prevent water ingress and three layer of the steel segments which act as armour. Detail structure & layers of all the 4 cables is given in sections below.

46. For shallow water applications, external layers of steel armour wires will be added to provideadditional protection as per the requirement of site and hazard anticipated in the area.The cable design ensures that negligible strain and ultra low pressure are applied to the fibers in normal operation. Even in the most adverse conditions such as cable recovery, cables are dimensioned so that stress applied to the fibres never reach critical levels. The combination of loose structure and fibre proof-test prevents any fibre break that will be caused by ageing stress during the design life of the system.Even if the cable breaks, high strain on the fibers and seawater ingress are limited to a short length, so that the bulk of the cable remains serviceable.The cable will have insulation resistance of more than 2X1011Ώ-km after application of 0.5kV between the copper tube and earth for 5 minutes or more, DC resistance value of less than 1.2 Ώ/km at 30C. Cable can withstand +/-45kV DC applied between the copper tube and earth for 5 minutes and will have capacitance of 198nF/km. Cable is designed to inhibit the water and gas ingress into its internal structure under normal operating conditions. In the event of cable damage, it has been confirmed experimentally and theoretically that the maximum length of cable to be replaced from the point of damage is 250m in shallow water (less than 1,000 m) and 1km in deep water (down to 5,500 m). The cable core structure inhibits the ingress of gases up to the fibers. Therefore no effects are caused on the optical fibre attenuation by corrosion of installed armored cables. All cables, joint boxes and cable terminations are designed to be capable of being operated in the temperature range from -100C to +400Cwhile meeting the overall system performance requirement.

2.4.2. Submarine Cable Specifications 2.4.2.1 Light Weight (LW) Cable 47. Optic fibres are provided with the three layers, i.e. steel pipe, tension member & copper tube and insulating layer. Steel pipe: In this cable three divided steel segments are assembled longitudinally over the optical fibres to form pressure resistant steel pipe. The space between the fiber and the pipe's inner walls is filled with water blocking compound (thixotropic gel) continuously to prevent water ingress into the cable. The nominal outer diameter of the steel pipe is 5.3mm. Tension member & copper tube: The tension member consists of 14 high tensile steel wires, has a nominal diameter of 1.5mm, and is left hand stranded around the steel pipe. The water blocking compound is filled up around the tension member at regular intervals to prevent longitudinal water ingress into the cable. The copper tape is applied longitudinally over the stranded wires and both edges of it are seam welded to form a tube. The oversized tube is then swaged down tightly on the tension member. The nominal outer diameter of the finished composite copper tube is 8.9mm. Insulating Sheath: Medium density polyethylene is extruded over the copper tube to insulate the power feed conductor and protect it against external abrasion. The nominal outer diameter of the insulating Sheath is 17.0mm. Cross

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

section of typical LW submarine cable is given in Figure 2.6. This cable can be laid in deep sea.

Source: OCC-SC530 by OCC Corporation Figure 2.4 : A Typical LW Type Submarine Cable – OCC-SC530

2.4.2.1.2 Light Weight Screened (LWS) Cable 48. The above defined LW cable structure is protected by an additional coated steel tape formed longitudinally over the cable core for a protection from fish bite, external abrasion and so on followed by sheath of High density polyethylene. This cable has outer diameter of 23.5 mm. This cable should be used in lesser deeper waters where damage to cable is expected due to anchoring or fish bites. Typical section of the LWS cable is given in Figure 2.7.

Source: OCC-SC530 by OCC Corporation Figure 2.5 : A Typical LWS Type Submarine Cable – OCC-SC530 2.4.2.1.3 Single Armoured Cable (SA) 49. SA cable is armoured cable and is suitable for shallow waters and areas where cable is at risk due to various activities like fishing, trawling, anchoring etc. In this armour is provided over the LW cable for additional protection. Armouring consist of 20 galvanized steel wires of 3.0mm nominal diameter. These wires are coated with bitumen compound and helically applied over the cable core with left hand lay. This is then covered with outer serving consisting of polypropylene yarn helically applied over the armour wires followed by bitumen. The finished cable is coated with chalk and outer diameter of the SA cable is 28 mm. Typical section of the SA cable is given in Figure 2.8.

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Source: OCC-SC530 by OCC Corporation Figure 2.6 : A Typical SA Type Submarine Cable – OCC-SC530

2.4.2.1.4 Double Armoured Smart Cable (DAS Cable) 50. DAS cables are further protected cables. In DAS cable typical LW cables are provided with four additional layers so as finished diameter of cable is 38 mm. In this LW cable is covered with inner armour comprising of 20 galvanized steel wires of 3.0mm nominal diameter which are coated with bitumen compound and helically applied over the cable core with left hand lay. This inner armour is followed by intermediate serving comprising of polypropylene yarn helically applied over the inner armoring wires which is then covered with Bitumen. Intermediate serving is followed by outer armour comprising of 28 galvanized steel wires of 3.2mm nominal diameter coated with bitumen compound and helically applied over the intermediate serving with left hand lay. Outer armouring is followed by outer serving. Outer serving consists of polypropylene yarn helically applied over the outer armor wires covered with bitumen followed by chalk. Typical section of the DAS cable is given in Figure 2.9.

Source: OCC-SC530 by OCC Corporation Figure 2.7 : A Typical DAS Type Submarine Cable – OCC-SC530

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

51. The standard tension characteristics of the LW, LWP, SA and DA OALC-4 cables are summarised in Table 2.2

Table 2.4 : Summary of the Characteristics of LW/LWP/SA/DA Submarine Cables Characteristics Unit LW LWS SA DAS Cable Outer diameter mm 17 23.5 28 38 1st layer steel pipeouter dia mm 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 2nd Layer tension membrane and - 8.9 8.9 8.9 8.9 copper tube outer dia 3rd Layer Insulating sheath outer dia mm 17 17 17 17 Steel Tape and HDPE sheath outer dia mm - 23.5 - - Armouring galvanized steel wires outer mm - - 20 20 dia Intermediate Serving outer dia mm - - - 27 Double Armouring outer dia mm - - - 30 Outer Serving outer dia mm - - 28 38

Weight in air kN /k m 5.7 8.3 18.3 37.9 Weight in water kN / k m 3.5 4.0 13.2 28.5 Performances NPTS kN 22 22 80 140 NOTS kN 48 48 130 260 NTTS kN 60 60 200 350 CBL kN >/77 >/77 >/250 >/500 Crushing Load kN/10 cm 10 10 15 30 Impact Energy kgX1 m 2 2 4 8 Hydrodynamic constant deg.knots 44 38 61 77  The Nominal Permanent Tensile Strength (NPTS) is the maximum tension that the cable can withstand during the system lifetime without any impairment of fibers or degradation of the overall cable performance.  The Nominal Operating Tensile Strength (NOTS) is the maximum tension that can be applied to the cable during the time necessary to make cable joints, without significant reduction of NPTS.  The Nominal Transient Tensile Strength (NTTS) is the maximum tension that can be applied to the cable during a cumulative period of one hour, without significant reduction of NPTS/NOTS.  CBL: Cable Breaking Load

2.4.3. Submarine Cable - Toxicity 52. Submarine cables are made of a mixture of materials including the following from the inside to the outside:  Optical fiber: Silica glass and Epoxy/Acrylic resins  Water blocking thixotrpic gel: Amorphous silica in a mineral oil base  Stainless Steel  High Carbon Steel  Oxygen free high purity copper

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

 Medium Density Polyethylene  Medium Carbon Steel  Zinc in the form of Galvanizing of the steel  Blown Asphalt  Polypropylene yarn 53. The construction is designed for a minimum 25-year operational life and this requires stable construction materials. There are only three materials that can be exposed to the sea water in an operational system: zinc (in the form of galvanizing of the steel), blown asphalt and polypropylene yarn.

54. All submarine cables use Polyethylene as an insulator. Polyethylene insulation is very stable and hydrophobic. It is commonly used in the transportation of water for human consumption, in construction and domestic installations. It has no components that leach.

55. The outer layers of the cable, designed to prevent ingress of sea water, consist of several layers of polypropylene yarn impregnated with a proprietary compound of blown asphalt.

56. Polypropylene, like polyethylene is a very common material used for the storage of potable water and similarly does not leach any material. The yarn is similar to that used in agricultural binding twine and some fishing netting.

57. Blown asphalt is a petroleum-based product. Asphalts are well known for their low erosion rates and suitability for a wet environment. The material on the cable is the base asphalt without the mineral content added. Asphalt is an inert material, and not soluble or harmful in a water environment, e.g. asphalt paving materials are used to line the surfaces of fish hatcheries and drinking water reservoirs. Asphalt cement has also been used to line water pipes that supply potable water to humans.

58. Steel armour wires are carbon steel with a zinc coating to minimize corrosion. Minimal chemical dissolution of the zinc can be expected at a very slow rate when exposed to the sea (as might happen if the external coating were abraded, or through limited sea water ingress). In this case the zinc surface quickly becomes coated with insoluble carbonates. 2.4.4. Cable Joint and Repair 59. Cable joints are required for connecting two cables accommodating different type fibres each other for the transmission compensation, restoring a cable by joint in case of an unexpected accident during the process. 2.4.5. Cable Repeaters 60. Transoceanic Repeaters are key elements in submarine networks where periodic amplification of the optical transmission signal is required to overcome the loss of the optical fibers within the undersea cables. Repeater Unit is composed of the Surge Protection Circuit and Sub-System Units, consisting of Optical Amplifier Circuits for "UP" and "DOWN" directions. EachSub-System Unit is electrically

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

connected in series. The input electrical surge to the Repeater is by-passed by Gas Tube Arrester for both directions. Both Gas Tube Arrester and Zener diodes protect the Repeater electronics from excessive voltage. Repeaters are design so as heat generated is easily dissipated.

61. Repeaters are designed to function continuously without maintenance for a minimum system life of 25 years, however the design allows laying, operation, recovery and re-laying of optical repeaters in deep waters also with no degradation in mechanical, electrical and optical performance. Each repeater has individual identification marking which is not altered during the life of the system.There is no noise emitted from the Repeater, as its internal construction does not use any intentional noise generating components. High efficiency erbium-doped fiber and low loss gain flattening filter enables wide band amplification. 980nm pump lasers are used for low noise amplification 2.4.6. Branching Units, Housing and Seal 62. Branching Unit (BU) is designed for repeatered applications in submarine cable networks. It provides fibre branching capabilities and a simple robust scheme for reconfiguring the power feed paths, enabling flexible and economical solutions. Branching units are housed in branching units housings. The housing comprises a monobloc sea-case of high tensile steel, a three cable entry system and provision to connect a Sea Earth.

63. Branching unit & housingassembly seals the housing providing full protection to the internal unit against water and gas ingress, both directly from the surrounding sea and from axial cable leakage should a cable be broken close to the BU. 2.4.7. Cable Markers 64. Cable section markers, as per the SLD/RPL, are applied at both ends of each cable piece, which is separated from the next one by repeater or JB. For spare cables, tape code indicating the fibre type is applied in addition to the above described marking method.

65. Length markers are applied at 2km intervals according to the laying direction. The cable length marker position accuracy is ±0.5% of the cable span length. Warning markers are applied at 1 km and 2 km away from repeater or JB according to the laying direction. 2.4.8. Cable Termination 66. Cable terminations are assembled to connect the ends of the cable with repeater or branching units mechanically, optically and electrically. 2.4.9. Cable End Seal 67. Cable end seal will be performed with the metal cap for buoying off during laying operation or repair operation 2.5. Pre-Commissioning Activities 68. The pre-commissioningactivities for a submarine cable system include the following tasks:  Route study and desktop review;  Identification of feasible ROW for the cable system;

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

 Marine route survey; and  Project permitting.  Installation

69. A project-specific cable laying operation plan will be followed when the CANI Submarine CableSystemis installed. 2.6. Marine Installation Operations 70. The installation process will be done by especially designed vessels for cable laying. The vessel to be used will have an obligation (as per any other competent marine provider) to comply with all International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements on not only the marine environment (i.e. Marine Pollution - MARPOL3 etc) but Safety (i.e. Safety of Life at Sea - SOLAS) and maritime security as well. The details of the Cable Laying Vessel following ploughing and burial process are included in Annexure I.

3MARPOL is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978. It was designed to minimize pollution of the seas, including dumping, oil and exhaust pollution. Its stated object is to preserve the marine environment through the complete elimination of pollution by oil and other harmful substances and the minimization of accidental discharge of such substances. All ships flagged under countries that are signatories to MARPOL are subject to its requirements, regardless of where they sail and member nations are responsible for vessels registered under their respective nationalities. There are six Annexures:

Annex I: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil (October 1983). Annex II: Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk (April 1987). Annex III: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried at Sea in Packaged Form (July 1992). Annex IV: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships (September 2003). Annex V: Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Garbage from Ships (December 1998). Annex VI: Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships (May 2005).

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

Source: Information provided by NEC Figure 2.8 : Cable Laying Vessel

Source: Information provided by NEC Figure 2.9 : Cable Laying Vessel (Barge Cable Empowered)

71. In water deeper than 1,000 meters, the cable will be laid on the surface of the seabed. There is no mechanical contact with the seabed during the operation. The cable is laid out from the stern of the vessel, descends through the water column by gravity and finally comes to rest upon the surface of the seabed, in an alignment corresponding to the route developed from the by the survey and route engineering process.

72. The vessel does not require the use of anchors to assist in any of the cable installation operations – cable laying, ploughing and shore end landings are all performed using dynamic positioning mode. The installation vessels can produce a

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

high bollard pull for ploughing, which is essential for achievement of target burial depths for submarine cable systems. The vessel is entirely self-sufficient throughout all cable installation operations. Figure 2.10 depicts a typical cable laying vessel followed by ploughing process. Figure 2.11 depicts the cable laying vessel followed by burial process.Table 2.5 shows the dimension of vessels used for cable laying.

Table 2.5 : Dimension of vessels used for cable laying Parameters Dimension Segero, kt Submarine Plough 0.5 - ~ 2 km/hr ROV 0.3 km/hr Cable Laying 2.0 ~ 7.0 km/hr Speed for Transit 10 ~11 kts Barge Cable Empowered, OMS Burial 0.5-2.0 km/hr Cable Laying 1.0 – 5.0 km/hr Speed for Transit 8~10 kts

73. The cable laying vessel does not deploy high powered or low frequency seismic or sonar survey technology, and noise will be limited to that associated with engines and thrusters. In areas that are well-used by shipping, there will not be a significant addition to the level of background noise in the water column.

74. The marine installationcomprises of the following constituent operations:  Cable Route Survey  Route Clearance and Pre-lay Grapnel Run  Shore end Installation  Main cable laying and Burial  Post Lay Inspection and Burial 2.6.2. Cable Route Survey 75. Cable route surveys are conducted to define a cable routing that will maximize cable survivability for the life of the cable system. The route that will be eventually selected will determine cable length and cable design (factors that the cable manufacturer must understand), and establish the methods to be followed for cable installation. The survey also generates a reference record that supports subsequent maintenance and repair of the cable. Route selected is such that it avoids presence of geographical, physiographic and environmental risk parameters. For surveying cable route, R.V. Northern Endeavour ship(having survey speed 2~3 knots and speed for transit is 10 knots) is selected, details are attached as Annexure II.

76. In water of depths less than 1,000 meters, swath bathymetry, side scan sonar, seismic profiling and a geotechnical survey will be performed. In water of depths greater than 1,000 meters, only multi-beam bathymetry will be performed. The nominal corridor to be surveyed is usually 500 meters wide. This corridor allows adjustment of the cable location to an optimal position. The final installed cable will lie within the survey corridor.

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

77. It is a common practice to bury the cable to a depth of about 1 meter in the sea bed in shallow water sections (i.e. between 1,000 meters and 15 meter of water depth), to protect it from hazards such as fishing trawls. This is only done where conditions will allow, e.g. in sandy and muddy sediments. Cable is buried to 3 m depth in areas of shallow waters where the risks of trawling or anchoring are high.

78. Cable route survey also involves “burial assessment”, which tests the mechanical properties of the seabed along sections of the proposed route where it is expected that the cable will be buried. The sediments are investigated by hydro-acoustic means (side scan sonar and sub-bottom profiler), and by intermittent physical samples (grab samples or penetrometer tests).

79. Inshore cable route survey (0-15-meter water depth) is conducted using small boats and divers to perform visual checks of the seabed and map the ideal route for the cable as it will approach the shore. The inshore survey is normally conducted along a corridor of about 200 meters wide, in order to provide flexibility to adjust the cable routing to avoid hazards and minimize threats to marine habitats.

80. If necessary, the inshore survey can also incorporate video footage or mapping of important ecological zones, habitats and features on the approach to shore, to ensure that they will not be damaged, or to support planning of mitigating and compensating measures for unavoidable impacts.

81. The studies (desktop studies) and route surveys that precede cable installation are mainly intended to determine a stable and benign route for cable installation; e.g. one in which the plough can be operated most effectively for burial if needed; and one in which there can be the highest possible confidence that the cable will not be affected by seabed disturbances of various kinds. A cable route designed in this way will tend to be directed away from structurally diverse seabed terrain, seamounts, volcanoes, canyons, vents, seeps, deep-water reefs, carbonate mounds and other such features. These kinds of seabed features are often associated with above average ecological importance and relatively high biological values.

82. Cable route study and route engineering ensures that statutorily protected sites are avoided as far as possible.

83. Complementary local site visits and local consultations are part of the process and these obtain further information on sites that may be important habitats or feeding grounds, nesting sites and migratory routes for marine wildlife; or places that are important for other marine users or which have heritage value. The existence of such sites in the vicinity of the proposed route is recorded and an aim of the route engineering process is to ensure they are avoided to the greatest extent possible. All these areas not only pose problems for plough deployment, but which are also often associated with above-average biodiversity values.

84. The overall effect of the observance of these principle in cable route survey and cable route engineering is that the final cable route will be on an “ecologically optimal” alignment compared with what might be expected had the cable been routed in a in a random and insensitive fashion though the same area.

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

2.6.3. Route clearance 85. The purpose of Route Clearance (RC) is to clear the cable path of obstacles such as old cables identified during the cable route survey, as these can be hazardous to both the Vessel‟s installation equipment and the cable itself. The RC is only carried out in areas where plough burial is deemed necessary.

86. The Desktop Study and Marine Route Survey will establish positions of any redundant (i.e. Out Of Service, OOS) cables that may need to be removed from the proposed routes.

87. Vessel position itself perpendicular and close to the OOS cable. Then an adequate sized grappling device shall be towed along the cable route. The vessel will then move towards the cable, allowing the fluke of the DTG to penetrate the seabed and unbury the cable. The vessel will then continue to move until the cable is broken, leaving the two ends on the seabed. The vessel will then do the grapnel runs to retrieve each end individually. Once back on the deck, a section will be cut from the cable. Clump weights are attached to the cut cable ends. The Vessel will return the ends to the seabed, leaving a space of 1 km though which the new cable will be installed. The OOS cables in the ploughing section would need to be recovered so as to clear a corridor from the center line of the route. Any recovered cable would be landed for proper disposal at locations that are convenient to the operations. It is assumed that recovery operations will only proceed following the obtainment of necessary approvals for recovery of the crossed OOS cables by the System Owners.OOS cable sections are normally removed so as to clear a 500 meters corridor on either side of the centerline of the route. The cable ends will be left on the seabed.

88. RC operation will exclude all works associated with ordnance, radio-active, or other hazardous materials. 2.6.4. Pre-Lay Grapnel Run (PLGR) 89. Prior to the Main Lay operations, at each location a pre-lay grapnel run may be carried out along the cable route where ploughing is required. The intention is to attempt clearance of any seabed debris, for example wires or hawsers, fishing equipment, etc. which may have been deposited along the route. Any debris recovered during these operations would be discharged ashore on completion of the operations.

90. One or an array of grapnels will be towed along the length of the route to be ploughed. The vessel will move at a speed that will ensure that the grapnel(s) stay in continuous contact with the seabed.

91. PLGR operations will normally be carried out by a specially mobilized and fitted out vessel capable of sustaining good slow speed positional control, and with high strength bollard pull capability, details of vessel (Wakashio Maru-Ocean Going Rescue/Salvage boat) is attached as Annexure III.The dimension of ship is shown in Table 2.6. The vessel will have sufficient deck space to mount a simple winch, simple guides and a stern roller to deploy the grapnel(s) and stow any recovered debris. Alternatively, depending on operational logistics and on the information

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Environmental Assessment for Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System

obtained from the surveys, the PLGR operation may be performed by the main lay vessel.Depth of penetration of the seabed by the grapnel is up to 40-80 cm.

Table 2.6 : Dimension of Vessel for PLGR Operations Parameters Values LOA 51 m Breath 8.3 m Depth 3.7 m Draft 3.3 m Speed for transit 9 knots Speed for PLGR 1 - ~1.5 knots

92. The route followed by the PLGR is maintained as close as practicable to the selected ploughing route and is always maintained within the swathe of the route surveyed during route selection.

93. PLGR operation will exclude all works associated with ordnance, radio-active, or other hazardous materials. Figure showing the PLGR operations is given in Figure 2.12.

PLGR Vessel

Grapnel Anchor Chain Planned Cable Route

Source: Information provided by NEC Corporation Figure 2.10 : PLGR Operations 2.6.5. Main Cable Lay 94. In order to install the cable system, a suitable cable ships will be used. Cable installation vessels will meet the Purchaser‟s requirements, which can generally stow the submersible plant safely to lay and repair the cable in emergency cases. It is noted that actual ship arrangements are subject to the ship‟s availability at the time of project implementation.

95. Precise route tracking and slack control shall be applied to lay the cable on the sea- bottom topographies. State of art navigation such as Differential GPS system and

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a detail cable laying monitoring system is equipped to assist the precise cable installation.

96. The cable installation vessel is designed to stow the submersible plants in a good condition. Cables are horizontally coiled in the cable tanks. Submersible housings are stacked in appropriate condition. The cable bights shall be correctly arranged between repeater stack and cable tank via cable recess of the tank slot. Cable trough is laid out towards cable engine without excessive bending and with smooth face finish to prevent chafing to the cable. 2.6.6. Plough Operation 97. From the shore end approach limit down the continental slopes, the cable installation vessels (Main lay vessel) use their reasonable endeavors to plough the cable to the target burial depthof 1.0m by simultaneous lay and bury operation. The actual limit of cable burial operation shall be designed reflecting the results of the Marine Route Survey and capability of the burial machine. The main cable installation is planned to carry out in favorable sea conditions.

98. The amount of burial required to provide adequate protection is greatly influenced by the type of seabed material. Soft materials that are easily penetrated require deeper cable burial to protect the cable from external aggression. Harder seabed‟s, that are difficult to penetrate, will provide adequate protection with less burial depth.Also, deep burials are required in area prone to risk of fishing/trawling and anchoring.

99. During cable laying operation, support vessels may assist the cable vessel for plough launch/recovery and guarding against the fishery vessel working in vicinity of the cable routes. Ploughing operations are depicted in Figure 2.13.

100. In water of depths of less than 1,000 meters where the seabed conditions allow, the cable will be buried using a cable plough. An industry-standard cable plough weighs approximately 12 tonnes in water. It will be deployed from the stern of the installation vessel and towed behind the ship, burying the cable into the seabed, usually to a depth of 1 meter, as it will progress along the route.

101. As the plough will be towed across the seabed, its share blade and inclined cutting disk will lift a wedge of substrate. As the plough will progress forward, this sediment will be dropped back into the trench, emplacing the cable at the bottom of a relatively undisturbed sediment wedge.

102. A combination of specialist cable lay software and a differential GPS will allow close control of the position of the ship and the plough to achieve accurate cable positioning. The ship will maintain station using thrusters and propellers and there will be no need for anchors.

103. The plough will not be deployed in areas where steep or side slopes prevent it, or where the route crosses an in-service cable or pipeline. After the plough will have passed, a 4 meters wide strip footprint will be evident for a period depending on the nature of the substrate and local seabed hydrodynamics and sedimentation regimes. The cable route will be selected and planned so that the plough can be

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utilized effectively wherever burial is required.Figure 2.14 shows the typical plough burial mechanism.

Cable Ship

Cable Ship Umbilical cable

Cable Target Burial Towing wire Depth

Plough

Source: Information provided by NEC Corporation Figure 2.11 : Ploughing Operations

Source: The Schematic diagram drawn from similar cable laying system for view prospective purposes. Figure 2.12 : Ploughing Mechanism 2.6.7. Crossings Engineering 104. It is not possible to plough without interruption through areas where the route of the cable will cross in-service cables, oil and gas pipelines or other seabed installations.

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105. Buried in-service cables can be located by use of tone detection equipment. If necessary, this may be followed by careful excavation with diver‟s jetting/Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) tools to allow verification and identification.

106. The plough is raised and lowered either side of the intersection, thereby creating a “plough skip” or interruption in the ploughed alignment. This may be done 100-500 meters on either side of the intersection, the margin of safety depending on factors like crossing angles, complexity of the seabed installation, etc.

107. Alternative means must be used to achieve cable burial at and around crossing points to avoid any risk of damage to in-situ infrastructure while ensuring that the new cable is also protected. Divers or ROV then perform the cable burial precisely around the intersection using jetting or other tools.

108. Pipeline crossings may be protected by use of concrete mattressing, “uraduct” (a plastic sleeving on the cable to reduce friction with pipe casing) or, rarely, by rock dumping.However, there are no pipelines being crossed by cable on proposed route.

2.6.8. Post Lay Inspection and Burial (PLIB) 109. As a result of the cable installation, due to restriction of operational circumstances, several sections of cable might be left unburied on the seabed. In order to bury these temporary surface-laid-cables to the specified target burial depth, a Post Lay Burial (PLB) work by means of water jetting by Remotely Operational Vehicles (ROV) shall be carried out. Figure showing post lay inspection and burial operation is given in Figure 2.15. The following areas are the major possible sections for PLB operations. 1) Shore end / Main Cable Interface in cable burial section 2) Final/Interim Splice Bight in burial section, if any 3) Plough Share Change, if any 4) Cable/Pipeline Crossing Section. 5) Section where Plough Operation was limited due to seabed condition

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“PLI” Mother Vessel “PLB” Mother Vessel

Umbilical cable Umbilical cable

Cable

Source: Information provided by NEC Corporation Figure 2.13 : Post Lay inspection and Burial Operations 2.6.9. Shore End Installation 110. Shore End installation methods are categorized into two methods. One is the Direct Landing which is directly installed from the main cable vessel and the other is Pre-Lay Shore End Lay which is installed by a small vessel or specially rigged barge to access shallow water depth.

111. Selection of above two shore end installation method is dependenton-site conditions and approach limit of the main cable vessel to the shore. The actual method to be adopted shall be determined after detail analysis of the result of marine route survey. Figure showing the cable laying operation direct and through pre-lay shore methodology is given in Figure 2.16.

Direct Landing by Main Lay vessel PLSE Barge Main Lay Vessel

BMH Landing Approach <2km WD = 15m

Maximum 2km

PLSE by Barge

BMH Landing Approach <2km Main Lay continues

WD = 3m

Source: Information provided by NEC Corporation Figure 2.14 : Shore End Operations

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2.6.10. Pre-Lay Shore End 112. Pre-Lay Shore End (PLSE) installation methods are adopted if main lay vessel‟s approach limit is typically more than 2km from BMH. In such case, a small vessel approaches to BMH less than 2km and lay the shore end cable prior to commencement of Main Lay.

113. After PLSE completion, main lay vessel comes and pick up the cable end, joint to main cable, and start main lay from that point. 2.6.11. Direct Landing 114. Where possible, cable will be brought to shore directly from the main-lay cable ship (where this is not possible, a “separate” shore end will be required). Such shore- end operations are usually completed within one day, although some preparations are often made the previous day.

115. Prior to the cable landing operation, divers will place a marker buoy at the inner limit of the cable to be laid by the Cable Vessel. This will mark the start position of the proposed shore end route. Divers will identify gullies / slopes along the route center line, through which the cable can be routed, and will again mark their position(s) using marker buoys.

116. During the shore end landing operation, the Cable Vessel will position itself as close as reasonably practicable to the first marker buoy. The cable will be floated off the stern of the vessel and pulled into the Beach using a winch or similar device. This will enable the cable to be initially aligned as close as possible to the target route selected by the divers. During the pull-in operation, additional slack cable (approx. 10-15 meters) will be pulled inshore of the anchor points, installed by the divers.

117. On completion of the pull-in operation, the cable will be stoppered off to ensure that the slack cable is secured, prior to cutting off the cable floats and laying the cable down onto the seabed. By maneuvering the vessel and controlling the tension of the cable during the lay down operation, the cable can be laid down as close as possible to the optimum route.

118. Following completion of cable testing, the vessel will depart, and the divers will release the slack cable from inshore and where necessary move the cable manually, using the slack cable available, to finalize the position of the cable on the seabed. This process will exploit natural features on the seabed, such as channels and gullies, to protect the cable and minimize “suspensions”.

119. With planned preparation prior to each of the shore ends, controlled lay down during the shore end landings and post lay utilization of slack cable, shore ends can be laid close to the required final position in good conformity with sea bed topography. 2.6.12. Near shore operations during landings 120. The near shore operation includes the diving team and small workboats required to support the cable landing operation, cable sinking and positioning on seabed out to around 15 meters of water and may do any post burial activities, if required.

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121. All work will normally be done in daylight hours only and will be subject to tide wind, current and waves. Table 2.7 presents the summary of the logistics of the efforts required, in terms of manpower and equipment, for the near shore operations during landing.

Table 2.7 : Logistics of Efforts Required during Near Shore Operations during Landing

Min. 2 small local work boats Diving Team normally includes One diving supervisor One diving team of 3-6 men One NEC Representative Other resources One USOF (DoT) Representative

Work boat from main lay vessel Airlifts and compressors If post burial is required Water jetting burial tools and water pumps

Small workboat(s) Clamps and bolts, as required/agreed If clamping of articulated pipe Special underwater drills plus engine driven power pack is required and hoses/cables Chemical resin and guns to extrude resin into drilled holes Small local work boat or zodiac

122. It is not possible at this point in time to specify precisely which local vessels will be used and will be available for this activity. The Beach contractor and the diving team, when selected, will ensure to highlight this as required, when they will apply for local permits to do the specific work. Furthermore, local notification to relevant authorities and parties will be made as agreed/required.

2.6.13. Navigation and as-laid position 123. All cable ships/vessels will have state of the art navigational systems and software that will allow precise surface positioning and prediction where cable will be installed on seabed.

124. In ploughing mode acoustic positioning, together with water depth and tow wire length deployed, will determine precisely where the cable will be ploughed into the seabed. In surface lay mode, the precise horizontal position of the vessel, and advanced cable lay software will predict where the cable will be on the seabed.

125. Available software may also use current vector data to improve prediction of as-laid accuracy within certain depth ranges. The planned route position list will indicate the target route to follow. The as-laid route position list will be available after installation. However, additional alter course (A/C) points may be included to give accurate track of cable on seabed based on actual vessel and plough movements during installation.

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2.6.13.1 Shore-end cable protection and fixing – burial methods 126. Plough burial operations are not normally possible where water is shallower than 15 meters depth, due to the size of the plough and the draught of the cable vessel. Consequently, where such areas have suitable sea-bed characteristics, the cable can be buried by other means.

127. Various kinds of Shallow Water Burial Tool (SWBT) will be used to accomplish the burial. The SWBT is a system that employs water jetting to cut trenches of depths of 0.5-1.0 meters in the sea bed, in water up to 20 meters water depth, under the manual control of divers. There is no instrumentation on the burial tool. The SWBT is usually connected to a pump on a barge or pontoon which provides high pressure pumped water.

128. Using the high-pressure water directed as jets through nozzles on a jetting “sword”, the SWBT cuts into the seabed a channel no wider than the sword itself. Sediment will be generated and dispersed to varying degree depending on the seabed substrate characteristics.

2.6.13.2 Shore-end cable protection and fixing – non-burial methods 129. Cables laid across rocky seabed will be protected by the installation of articulated pipe, which will be fitted by divers after the cable is landed. Articulated pipe is commonly used to protect the cable in the near-shore area where burial is impracticable for environmental or engineering/technical reasons.

130. Articulated pipe can be installed with minimal impact to existing marine environmental conditions. The pipe is readily colonized by marine flora and fauna. Like the cable, iron pipe is non-toxic and inert in the marine environment, though in certain situations it may be oxidized by Sulphur reducing bacteria.

131. The cable will be buried across the Beach, both for system security and environmental and public safety reasons. The cable trench is usually dug with hydraulic digging machinery and the Beach will be reinstated at the end of burial. 2.6.14. Methodology to Cross Coral Reefs Enroute 132. Reef area is generally very hard therefore burial cannot made. In such case, further protection is required, especially in Andaman & Nicobar islands, cable may suffer from wave action by seasonal monsoon. Also, reefs are ecologically sensitive, so it cannot be curt or removed.

133. It is proposed to put additional protection, one is Articulated pipes (AP) and the other is Polypropylene (PP) duct, depending on location. Cast Iron Articulated Pipe to be applied at inner reef and PP duct to be applied from surf zone to 15m water depth. For further protection, fixing the cable onto seabed using clamps, typically 10m interval could be applied. Figure showing cable laying on the coral reefs is given in Figure 2.18.

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Inner Reef Surf Zone

BMH Reef Edge

15m W/D (Typical)

Cast Iron PP duct Articulated Pipe

PPT Duct on Seabed Cable Clamp Source: Information provided by NEC Corporation Figure 2.15 : Cable Laying on Coral Reef 2.6.14.2 Beach Manhole (BMH) 134. The BMH is the transition between the submarine cable and the land cable. The Beach joint will be made here and if required, the OGB connected to the earth cable. The BMH is a concrete chamber situated below ground, above the high- water level, in the coastal area. On the Beach, the cable is typically installed in articulated pipe with outside diameter on the order of 20 cm, in a trench 4 meters deep dug previously by equipment such as backhoe. The installation will be achieved by the cable vessel stationed offshore near its minimum working depth – a messenger line will be passed ashore and a winch located near the BMH will pull the cable through the trench and into the manhole. There may be some localized, short term, disruption to recreational activities but after installation, Beachgoers are typically unaware of the cable and it will have no effect on their activities. Figure 2.18 shows the layout of a typical BMH.

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Source: Information provided by NEC Corporation Figure 2.16 : Schematic Diagram Beach Man Hole 2.7. Timeframe of the Cable Lay Installation 135. The timeline expected for the cable lay installation at each landing site is 15-20 days 2.8. Maintenance/Repair 136. The cable is to be regularly serviced during a standard 25-year design life. If the marine cable is damaged or broken, it may be necessary to retrieve and remove damaged sections and replace them with new cable, which is spliced into the system. Cable recovery involves grapnel operations similar to those used in route clearance.

2.9. Lifecycle Analysis 137. Donavan (2009) estimated that over a 25-year operational lifetime (manufacture-to- decommissioning)4, the main environmental impacts of a submarine fiber optic cable system are the carbon emissions associated with:  power use at the terminal stations  Vessel transits to and from site of cable maintenance and repair work.

2.10. Effects of Marine Installation 2.10.1. Toxicity 138. In an installed system, normally the only three materials exposed to sea water and ocean floor are: Polyethylene, Blown Asphalt and Polypropylene yarn.

139. The external protection of the cable comprises a naturally occurring bitumen (asphalt) as a compound to adhere the outer polypropylene roving to the armour

4 Donavan, 2009. “Twenty thousand leagues under the sea: A life cycle assessment of fiber optic submarine cable systems”.

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wires on the armoured shallow water cables. No form of additive to prevent bio- degradation or anti-fouling is used in the cable's outermost layers. The other cable components in contact with the sea are the galvanized steel armour wires and the polyethylene sheath, which also contain no additives harmful to marine life. 2.10.2. Sonar in cable route survey 140. The acoustic systems used in cable route surveys are very much less powerful than those deployed for oil industry seismic operations or military exercises. High- energy oil industry seismic surveys and military applications also generate most sound within the frequency range of normal hearing of marine animals, while route survey sonar propagates sound at higher frequencies.

141. Reports of effects on cetaceans of marine acoustic systems have been associated with oil industry seismic operations and military operations, and there have been few, if any literature reports or direct observations of adverse impacts of route survey sonar. 2.10.3. Marine Pollution 142. The vessel conforms to IMO/MARPOL standards in relation to waste management and ballast water management. This includes general requirements over the control of waste oil, engine oil discharges and grey and black waste water discharges; prevention of pollution by garbage from ships and prevention of air pollution; and operating procedures for dealing with incidents such as oil and waste spillages that potentially may threaten the marine environment. Under normal circumstances the vessel therefore represents no risk as a source of marine pollution.

143. The vessel will be entirely self-sufficient throughout all cable installation operations. The vessel‟s dynamic positioning capability enables it to manoeuvre and hold station without the use of anchors; therefore, there will be no anchoring impacts on the seafloor. 2.10.4. Large marine animals – Whales, Dolphin, Dugong, Cetaceans, Turtles 144. Any kind of shipping can impactlarge marine animals, e.g., by:  collisions with ships  underwater noise pollution  disposal at sea of wastes from vessels

145. Collisions with ships are known to injure or kill cetaceans and certain species may be at particular risk because they make little effort to avoid large ships.

146. It is believed that the main collision hazard to whales, Dolphin, Dugong, Cetaceans, Turtles, etc is posed by large fast-moving vessels (e.g. high-speed ferries, which may operate at speeds of more than 20 knots). The cable-laying vessel is a large vessel but for cable laying operations, speed is normally restricted to 10 knots. The cable ship thus poses a lower collision risk to cetaceans than conventional fast shipping.

147. In areas where there is a risk of conflict with whales, smaller cetaceans, turtles and other large sea animals, the following general precautions will be observed:

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 Use accumulated knowledge from survey and other projects to define sensitivity zones and to identify critical periods in which operations must be conducted with extreme caution to avoid conflict with whales and related species.  During cable laying, nominate competent crew member to perform marine species observation during the operation.  Maintain records of sightings and on conclusion of operations provide the data to relevant local competent biological records authority in order to support research, monitoring and conservation programs that may be underway.  Reduce vessel speeds (10 knots) and avoid sudden changes of direction (by its nature, cable laying cannot involve sudden course changes: the vessel is connected to the seabed by the cable).  Report details of injury/death of any whales, or other large marine animals to the competent local authority.  Level of noise emitted by survey and installation vessels is indistinguishable from that emitted by other sea-going vessels. Anecdotal evidence indicates that both whales and dolphins occasionally approach operational survey vessels and come close alongside, without any visible signs of discomfort. However, survey and installation operations will be stopped if whales are observed within 1 km area.  Burial will be carried out through jetting in areas where seagrasses are present. 148. The cable laying vessel does not deploy high powered or low frequency seismic or sonar survey technology, and noise will be limited to that associated with engines and thrusters.

149. The vessel is MARPOL-compliant, and the usual standards and precautions are observed to minimise the possibility of pollution arising from discharge of shipboard wastes into the marine environment.

150. Modern methods of cable deployment allow the cable to be surface-laid on the seabed with good conformity with the seafloor topography. This together with the resistance of modern cables to coiling reduces the probability of formation of “suspensions” and loops that might pose an entanglement threat to large marine animals (no such incidents have been reported since the 1950s).

151. Cable laid in deeper water (eg in excess of 3,000 meters), is believed to be beyond the normal diving range of the deepest diving whales such as sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), which typically range through depths of 300 - 1,000 meters and only very exceptionally reach 3,000 meters. 2.10.5. Disturbance to Living Organisms 152. Opticalfibre cables carry a constant dc current of 1.6 Amps to feed power to the underwater repeaters. This current is fed along the copper clad steel inner conductor and depending on the length of the cable span it may require several thousands of volts to maintain it. In very approximate terms, the cable resistance is

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about 1 Ohm per kilometre and the repeaters, spaced at 50 km, drop about 30 volts each. Thus, a cable spanning 2,245.96 km will have about 45 repeaters and require a power feed voltage of about 3649.7 volts. It is a normal practice to apply half this voltage at positive polarity to one end of the system and half the voltage at negative polarity to the other end to establish a zero-voltage point midway along the cable span. This reduces the level of voltage stress on the cable and repeaters.

153. There will be no external electric field associated with the power on the inner conductor. The ratio of the conductivity of the polyethylene insulation to that of seawater means that the electric field remains only within the cable insulation. However, the dc current in the inner conductor does set up a stationary magnetic field in the form of concentric rings emanating from the cable.

154. The magnetizing force produced by this field diminishes with increasing radius from the cable. It is two orders of magnitude lower than the earth's natural magnetic field, meaning that marine life forms will need to approach to within less than half an inch of the cable to detect its magnetic field above that of the earth.

155. Audible sound lies in the range 15 to 40,000 Hertz and neither coaxial nor optical cables emit this range, or any other frequencies, during their normal operation. During the laying of the cable, it does vibrate as a result of regular vortex shedding as it descends the water column. This is a low frequency phenomenon, at approximately 10 Hertz, and ceases when the cable comes to rest on the bottom. 2.11. Quality Assurance, Health and Safety 156. The purpose of the Quality Plan is to define the Quality, Health and Safety and Environmental management practices and procedures in place that are to be employed during the implementation of the project.

157. Responsibility for the implementation of the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Policy rests with the USOF& Cable installation agency, each Function and Location and requires the active participation of each employee. The prime driver behind the implementation of the Policy and the establishment of the EHS Management System is the belief that all accidents can be prevented and that there can be continual improvement of the environmental performance so as to minimise any detrimental elements of any activities. 2.11.1 Health and Safety 158. Cable will be installed by NEC Corporation, Tokyo. NEC will be thus responsible to maintain the health and safety of its employee involved in cable installation process. NEC is committed to sustainable and safe operations that protect the health, safety and environment (HSE) of employees, contractors, customers, and the communities. It is their belief that all accidents and losses can be prevented. Meeting this commitment is a primary management objective and the individual and collective responsibility of all employees.

159. NEC has established procedures for the assessment of risks across its office, factory and field installation and maintenance activities and these are customised to reflect the specific activity concerned.

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160. The responsibility for planning and defining the nature and extent of the risk assessment rests with the line manager or senior supervisor of NECfor the field installation and maintenance location. The risk assessment findings are recorded, and all assessed risks are addressed to minimise impacts before activities commence. Standard assessment criteria for typical locations and activities are available, but it is also necessary to identify special local conditions or regulations and potential emergency situations relevant to the intended activity. A written record of actions required and carried is maintained and copied to the relevant functions within NEC.

161. NECactivities are reviewed to identify the associated aspects that have a potential environmental impact. These aspects are evaluated to determine those, which have or can have a significant impact on the environment.

162. Any aspect that potentially has a significant environmental impact are recorded in a Significant Aspects Register. This Significant Aspects Register is reviewed by the nominated site representative at least annually to ensure that the established control mechanisms and measures are still appropriate and effective.

163. NEC shall do the needful, wherever applicable:  Comply with applicable HSE laws, regulations, directives, commitments with customers, company requirements, and with other requirements.  Provide employees and those who visit or work at NEC locations or work sites with safe and monitored working conditions, and with the necessaryresources, equipment and training.  Assess and continually improve HSE performance in a responsible manner by implementing management systems, setting goals and meeting objectives.  Strive to efficiently and effectively prevent pollution, optimize energy and resource consumption, and increase recycling to minimize impacts from our current and futureactivities, services and products.  Regularly assess potential risks to employees and near misses in the activities with theintention of preventing accidents and losses.  Appropriately train, communicate, motivate and consult with employees to help them performtheir activities in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.  Promote the adoption of similar principles by contractors and suppliers.

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3. BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

This chapter describes the baseline environmental conditions around the project site i.e. BMH cable landing location for various environmental attributes, within 500 meters of radial zone, which is termed as the study area. Topography, soil, water, meteorology, air, noise, and land constitute the physical environment, whereas flora and fauna constitute the biological environment. Baseline environmental conditions are based on the field studies carried out during May 13th to June 10th, 2018 around the project site.

3.1. Introduction 164. Generation of environmental baseline of a project area is an important phase of environmental assessment process. Baseline data provide vital information on the existing environmental quality in which a development is planned. It is also useful for delineating environmental sensitive areas and for preparing an environmental sensitivity map for contingency planning. This will help to predict potential environmental impacts during the construction and operation phases.

165. Project involves providing submarine cable connectivity between Indian mainland at Chennai and eight islands of A& N islands. Submarine cable will be laid in Bay of Bengal to connect Chennai and eight islands of A&N. Cable will land at all these islands and a BMH will be constructed to house the cable. This cable will be then taken underground to the cable landing station for distribution. Cable laying operation will involve interface of project activity with the natural environment of the project area. The natural environment comprises of physical (air, noise, water, topographical, geological, land, soil and climate aspects), biological (terrestrial and marine ecology) and socio-economic aspects. It is sensitive to any developmental activity and the conditions may change with the proposed developmental activity. Thus, it is imperative to study the existing environmental conditions not only to establish the present physical, biological and socio-economic conditions but also in order to predict future impacts owing to construction and operation of the project. The baselines conditions have been studied based on secondary and primary data collection and analysis.

166. This section provides information on the physical, biological and socio-economic elements ofthe environment, which forms the baseline data set that can be used as benchmarks forfuture monitoring. An environmental impact assessment has been undertaken to investigate the effects of the marine route survey, the installation of the cable and any potential maintenance works. Baseline and DGPS survey was carried out between the 13th May to 10th June 2018 by EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. along with the Anna University, Chennai (DGPS survey team). The baseline and DGPS study was conducted for all the eight islands located in A&N.

167. Project Influence area: For the study of the environmental and social sensitive receptor Project area considered is defined as “Project influence Area”. Project influence area is the area which is getting directly and indirectly affected by the project. 500 m area around the proposed BMH site as well as 500 m either side along the cable route to the BMH location has been considered for the baseline study. Specific attention is given to collect the data pertaining to direct impact zone due to cable laying, construction of BMH site and cable laying from BMH site to Cable landing station. Further for the identification and assessment of notified eco-sensitive zones the study area is extended to 10 km from the project area boundary.

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3.2. Baseline Analysis, Study Area and Salient Environmental Features 3.2.1. Baseline Data Collection and Study Area 168. Analysis of environmental baseline of the project area is an important phase of Environmental Assessment process for understanding the prevailing environmental conditions in and around BMH site /cable alignment. It is also useful for delineating environmental sensitive areas in the project area so as impact and its mitigation plan can be prepared with the special focus on these areas. The environmental conditions of area to be affected due to proposed project were established through extensive literature review, field monitoring, laboratory analysis, stakeholder consultation and data interpretation.

169. Secondary data from literature search were also obtained from the Govt. sources i.e. Indian Meteorological Department, CPCB publications, CGWB and other Govt. Sources. The primary Baseline and DGPS survey was carried out between the 13th May to 10thJune 2018 by EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. along with the Anna University, Chennai (DGPS survey team). The baseline and DGPS study was conducted for all the eight islands located in A&N. Specific attention is given to collect the data pertaining to direct impact zone due to cable laying, construction of BMH site and cable laying from BMH site to Cable landing station. 3.2.2. Environmental Setting and Salient Environmental Features of the Study Area 170. Project activity area is located in eight islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Site visit was carried out to identify the land use and sensitive receptors in the project area (i.e. 500 m radius of proposed cable landing route and BMH site).

171. The Sensitive features around the cable landing route and BMH siteis considered using the following criteria  Environmental sensitive features which may get impacted due to project development: pond, drain, mangrove patches, CRZ area, wetland area, forest, park,lake, etc.  Social sensitive features which may get impacted due to project development: archaeological monuments, manmade sensitive features-school, hospital, community centre, shamshan ghat, hostels, daily sea shore activities, tourist activity, congested traffic junctions/road etc.

172. Location: There are total eight segments (i.e. Port Blair, Havelock. Long, Rangat, Hut Bay, Kamorta, Carnicobar and Campbell Bay) of submarine cable which will be laid in Andaman sea under the project. Total length of the cable and route is 2245.96 km and 2199.66 km respectively. Detail of the cable segments along with cable and route length is given in Table 3.1. There are 105 protected areas on islands of which about 100 are marine protected areas (MPAs). These protected areas are well clear off the proposed cable routes. Only Campbell Bay National Park (Part of Great Nicobar Bio-sphere reserve) is near the proposed cable route. BMH sites are not proposed within any notified national park/sanctuary area. The cable enroute crosses many existing cable, maritime boundaries and concession blocks5. Bay of Bengal area where cable

5Concessions are long term agreements signed between the State of a producing country and the operating company, usually an International Oil Company (IOC), for at least 20 years. The area subjected to a concession is usually called a block

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is to be laid falls under Indian contiguous zone, Indian EEZ, High seas (open sea) and Indian territorial sea waters. Cable route alignment is shown in Figure 3.1. CRZ study is carried out considering the area defined in IPZ notification, 2011 and further amendments i.e. inland CRZ zone and the Indian territorial waters.

Table 3.1 : Details of Submarine Cable System Segment Segment name Cable Length- km Route Length-km Seg 1 Chennai to Port Blair 1452.08 1424.57 Seg 2 Port Blair to Little Andaman 141.36 138.18 Seg 3 Little Andaman to Car Nicobar 191.65 186.11 Seg 4 Car Nicobar to Kamotra (Western 186.37 181.79 Route) Seg 5 Kamotra to Great Nicobar (Western 146.32 142.10 Route) Seg 6 Port Blair to Havlock Island 46.43 45.973 Seg 7 Havlock Island to Long island 54.620 54.079 Seg 8 Long Island to Rangat Island 27.128 26.860 Total 2245.96 2199.66 Source: DTS Survey Report 173. Island where the submarine cable will land includes Port Blair, Little Andaman (Hut bay), Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar (Campbell bay), Havelock, Long and Rangat Islands. Proposed cable landfall, BMH sites and CLS sites does not fall under any of the notified eco-sensitive zone. Cable will land on theseislands and then cable will be pulled in the Beach Man Hole. Beach man hole is man hole of dimension (4m X 3m X 4 m) which will be constructed for housing the cable landed on beach. Then the cable from Beach man hole will be taken to cable landing station for distribution. Cable landing stations are identified and details of the same are provided in chapter 2.

Figure 3.1 : Overview of CANI Submarine Cable System

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3.2.1. DGPS Survey (Inland CoastalRegulationZone (ICRZ) Mapping Survey) : 174. Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) is an enhancement to Global Positioning System that uses a network of fixed, ground-based reference stations to broadcast the difference between the positions indicated by the satellite systems and the known fixed positions. These stations broadcast the difference between the measured satellite pseudo ranges and actual (internally computed) pseudo ranges, and receiver stations may correct their pseudo ranges by the same amount.

Figure 3.2 : Different Positioning 175. Survey work: Detailed DGPS survey has been carried out for all the 8 Islands (i.e. Port Blair, Havelock. Long, Rangat, Hut Bay, Kamorta, Carnicobar and Campbell Bay) for BMH sites and at 3 locations (Campbell Bay, Kamorta and Ling Island) for CLS site. The survey work has done with the help of Differential Global Positioning System survey. Starting DGPS Survey by making Two permanent reference point (Base Stations) by setting up, initialization of all the parameters of BASE Unit. One BASE point has been established. Then Initialization of the ROVER Unit in the same manner. and each boundary pillars was established and fixed after 2 Hour of reading on static mode and that‟s how 14 boundary points and two ground control points has been fixed.

176. Study out Come: The DGPS survey work has been completed and detailsare attached as Annexure VII.

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Figure 3.3 : Photographs of DGPS Survey 3.3. Primary Data Collection: Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Procedures 177. Generation of environmental baseline of a project area is an important phase of any Environmental Assessment process. Baseline data provide vital information on the existing environmental quality in which a development is planned. It is also useful for delineating environmental sensitive areas and for preparing an Environmental Sensitivity Map for contingency planning. In this study, the environmental characteristics of the project area (500 m study area) were established through extensive literature search, field sampling / measurements, laboratory analysis, consultation and data interpretation.

178. Secondary data from literature search were also obtained from the Govt. sources i.e. Meteorological Department, CPCB publications; Forest Department and other Govt. Sources. The baseline environmental data generation has been done for the period of 13thMay 2018 to 10thJune 2018. The cable laying and

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BMH construction does not generate any emission, liquid effluent, or solid waste. As the site are not easily accessible though the primary data has been collected for air quality (using handy sampler), water, noise, soil, and ecology. Further focus of baseline status has been on climatic, oceanographic, geological, seismic, marine and ecological resources. 3.3.1. Primary Data Collection: Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Procedures 179. Primary baseline data has been collected as per CPCB guideline during 13th May 2018 to 10th June 2018. The study period and methodology for primary data collection is summarized in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2 : Summary of Methodology for Primary/Secondary Baseline Data Collection No. Of sampling Frequency/ Parameters Remark locations/ season BMH site Ambient Air Quality AAQ monitoring was carried out at 2 locations (representing upwind, Twice a downwind and sensitive locations). PM , PM , SO , and Nox 2 locations Week (10) (2.5) 2 8 hours sampling at each location

was carried out using Handy sampler. Ground Water Quality Ground water: Sampling was conducted at 1 location each BMH site. Samples were preserved, Physical, chemical and transported and analysed for

biological parameters as per IS different parameters based on 1 location 10,500 Once APHA methods.

Surface Water Quality Sampling was conducted at 1 location each BMH site. Samples were preserved, transported and Physical, chemical and analysed for different parameters biological parameters as per IS 1 location Once based on APHA methods. Temp, 10,500 conductivity, DO and pH which

were measured instantly at site itself.

Soil Texture, bulk density, pH, 1 location conductivity, cation exchange near BMH Soil samples were collected at one Once in capacity, organic matter, Total site location at each BMH site and N, P, K, and Heavy metals etc analysed as per IARI method Noise

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No. Of sampling Frequency/ Parameters Remark locations/ season BMH site 2 locations Noise monitoring was conducted in study within study area. Noise profiling for Noise profiling for 24 hrs Once area 24 hrs using integrated sound level meter, as per CPCB guidelines. Ecology (Flora & Fauna) Primary survey and Secondary Flora & Fauna Once sources (Marine Ecology)

Demography & Socio-economics Demography & Primary survey/ Secondary sources - Once Socioeconomic

180. Standard methods and procedures have been strictly adhered to in the course of this study. QA/QC procedures were strictly followed which covers all aspects of the study, and includes sample collection, handling, laboratory analyses, data coding, statistical analyses, presentation and communication of results. All analysis was carried out in NABL/MoEF accredited/recognized laboratory. 3.3.2. Environmental Setting and Salient Environmental Features of the Project Area 181. Project area comprise of the eight islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Chennai. There are no notified eco-sensitive locations identified within 500 m of all the eight-landing site at Andaman and Nicobar except Mount Harriet National Park which is located at approx. 5 km (N) and Saddle Peak National Park which is at approx. 2 km (N) from the landing site in Port Blaire. Guindy National Park is at approx. 5 km from landing site in SW direction from Chennai site. There are no mangroves present within 500 m radius of the all the selected BMH sites. Though mangrove are present within 10 km area of the BMH sites. Eco- sensitivity shall comprise of the (i) location of the notified eco-sensitive zones like national park, wildlife sanctuary, marine protected area, migratory routes of birds/fishes; (ii) other environmental sensitive zones like reserve forest, protected forest, bird areas, fishing grounds; (iii) social sensitive locations (iv) water bodies/wetlands; and (v) Mangroves; Salient environmental features along the 10-km area of the project is given in Table 3.3. The Location map of 500m area of BMH site is presented in Figure 3.4 & 3.5.

Table 3.3 : Salient Environmental Features of Underground cable network Environmental within BMH Within 10 km area S. No. Features Location 1 Ecological Environment No Wildlife Sanctuary/ National Presence of Wildlife Park/Biosphere Reserves is crossed by Sanctuary/ National proposed cable route. Campbell Bay Park/Biosphere National Park lies close to the proposed A None Reserves (within 10 cable route. km radius of the No BMH and CLS route falls within 10 km Project area) area of marine protected area/ wildlife sanctuary except Cambell Bay National

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Park which is located about 4.7 km from the Reseve Buffer zone of Campbell Bay BMH Site. Refer Figure 3.36 tp 3.38.

None but all Yes the BMH Forest are present within the 10 km area Reserve & Protected B sites are Forests under Forest Department No Yes Mangrooves Present within the 10 km area present on C Mangrove proposed BMH locations Wetland of state and None D None national interest Coral reefs are a common feature of Andaman and Nicobar island.Corals are All the BMH present in 10 km area of some BMH site like F Corals sites are free Havelock, Campbell Bay, Kamotra, Car from corals Nicobar, and HutBay.

The Nicobar Islands have more nesting leatherback turtles than any other site in the northern Indian Ocean. Dugongs have also been recorded throughout the region, and the Irrawaddy dolphin swims the Thai and Malaysian waters. Whale sharks, coconut crabs, various dolphins, and blue and sperm whales are some of the other Presence of marine animals that form this rich diversity G Schedule-I Terrestrial Yes of fauna. Fauna The proposed landfalls are all in areas of human activity, clear of any identified protected areas. The main identified group of endangered fauna in the area are marine turtles, which would probably have nested on the landfall beaches before human interventions occurred.But there is no record of recent turtle nesting on the proposed landing beaches

Although widespread in Andaman and Nicobar Islands but turtle nesting is not Sea turtle nesting H None reported at any of the proposed landfall sites site or BMH site. Refer Figure 3.39 and 3.40.

I Fishing ground Yes Yes There are about 19 Important Bird areas (IBA) is whole Andaman & Nicobar district. Important Bird Areas None Out of the total the IBA Sites relevance to the CANI routes are Little Andaman (Hut Bay), Car Nicobar (nicobar) and Great

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Nicobar (Kamorta) onlywhich are located away from the BMH location but within 10 KM area from BMH. . J Archaeological sites None None K Tourist place Yes Yes

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Port Balir BMH Havelock BMH

Hutbay BMH Long BMH Figure 3.4 500 M area Map around Proposed BMH Sites

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Rangat BMH Car nicobar BMH

Campbell Bay BMH Kamorta BMH Figure 3.5 500 M area Map around Proposed BMH Site

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3.4. Physical Environment 3.4.1. Topography 182. A total area of landmass of these islands is approximately 8249 Sq Km and coastline is about 2000 km. (Tikader and Das, 1985). These Islands constitute the physiographic continuation of the mountain ranges of Naga and Lushai Hills and Arakan Yoma of Burma through Cape Negrais to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and South-east of Sumatra (Achin Head). The chains of these islands are in fact the camel backs of the submerged mountain ranges projecting above the sea level running north to south.

183. The Union Territory ofAndaman andNicobargroup of islands aresepa-rated from themainlandbya vast expanse ofsea. Theseislands are grouped intotwodistricts,Andaman and Nicobar.They areelevations of continuoussubmerged ridge,which extendalmostunto Australia.Onthe Easternsideofthe ridgelieSumatra, Java, Bali andother islandsofIndonesia.TheAndaman and Nicobar group of islands are separated from each other bythe ten-degree channel. Ranges of lowhillsenclosingname valleys arecharacteristictopographic feature of Andamans,while the Nicobar groupisgenerally flat except GreatNicobar and Nancowry group, which are hilly. Thesoilof the Nan-cowrygroup isporouscoral sand, which quickly absorbs the rainwater leavinghardly any stagnation. Thetotal surface areaof these islandsis 8249 km2. Topography of the 500-m area around BMH sites is given in Table 3.4. DEM6and contour map of the Project area is given in Figure 3.6 to 3.12.

Table 3.4 : Topography around 500 m area of the BMH Sites Sl. BMH Sites Topography Elevation No. BMH site Within 500 m of (500 marea) BMH 1 Port Blair Plain Hilly an undulating 0 to 141 m 2 Hut Bay Plain All most plain 0-12, m 3 Car Nicobar Plain Plain 4 Kamorta Plain, Sloping Hilly and Undulating 0 to 48, m towards sea 5 Campbell Bay Plain Undulating 0 to 55, m 6 Havelock Plain Slightly undulating 0 to 37 m 7 Long Plain Hilly and undulating 0 to 81 m 8 Rangat Plain Slightly undulating 0 to 32 m

6 A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a digital cartographic/geographic dataset of elevations in coordinates. The terrain elevations for ground positions are sampled at regularly spaced horizontal intervals. DEMs are derived from hypsographic data (contour lines) (1:250,000-scale) topographic quadrangle maps.

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Figure 3.6 : DEM of Port Blair BMH Site

Figure 3.7 : DEM of Hut Bay BMH Site

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Figure 3.8 : DEM of Kamorta BMH Site

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Figure 3.9 : DEM of Campbell Bay BMH Site

Figure 3.10 : DEM of Hevlock BMH Site

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Figure 3.11 : DEM of Long BMH Site

Figure 3.12 : DEM of Rangat BMH Site

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3.4.2. Drainage7 Pattern 184. South Andaman District: Because of relatively less areal extent and paucity of catchments, the islands of South Andaman district are devoid of river systems. However, a few perennial streams such as Mithakhari Protheropore nala, Burma nala, Pema nala, Dhanikhari, Chandan nala etc. drain the South Andaman district. All the nalas meet the sea in Bays. The general drainage pattern of the islands varies from dendritic to sub-dendritic. However, land subsidence in the Post-tsunami hasfacilitated the tidal ingress along the streams of South Andaman Island.

185. Nicobar District: Nicobar district is endowed with stupendous rainfall. Facilitated by the flow from perennial springs as also the base flow and rainfall, perennial flow throughout the year could be observed in the streams. In Great Nicobar,Kamorta, Nancowry,Trinket, Tillonchong,Teressa, Bampooka, Katchal, Little Nicobar,Pilllo millo,Kondul etc. drainage density is high, while in Car Nicobar,ChowraIslands, drainage system is either absent or poor. However, potential springs are developed in Carnicobar because of cavernous condition in Limestone. At places copious emanation from springs also give rise to potential drainage in Car Nicobar. Because of relatively less areal extent and paucity of catchments in the islands of Nicobar, river systems are almost absent barring the Galathea, Amrit Kaur, Alexandria rivers in Great Nicobar. However, a few perennial streams such as Magar Nala IN Great Nicobar and numerous other streams in other islands drain the Nicobar district. All the nalas meet the sea in Bays through creeks. The general drainage pattern of the islands varies from dendritic to sub-dendritic. Land subsidence in the Post-tsunami has greatly influenced the tidal ingress along the streams of Nicobar District.

186. There is no creek or nala present within 500 m radius of the BMH locations. The general slope of the all the BMH locations is towards sea in Bays through creeks. 3.4.3. Land use 3.4.3.1 Land use Pattern(500 Meters Radius) 187. Land use within 500 Meters: Land use analysis was carried out using remote Sensing Data. Interpretation approach based on systematic digital imaging was used for delineating the land use classes. The demarcation of boundaries falling under different land use/land cover units is done using different colours assigned to different land use/land cover units of satellite imagery8.

188. The land use of the 500 meters radius of all the 8BMH sites is mainly waterbody and vegetation. There are no mangroves present in the 500 meters radius except Hevelock BMH site. Patches of Agricultural and Open shrub were also present. BMH site in all the islands is mainly barren land/sandy. The land use details of all the BMH sites are presented in Table 3.5. Land use of the 500 m area of the proposed BMH is provided in Figure 3.13 to 3.20.

7Ground water information booklets of south Andaman and Nicobar district 8The satellite Imagery of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS- ID, sensor P6, LISS III) of 24 m resolution was used. The Swath of the imagery is 141 Km x 141 Km. Band used are 4, 3, 2 and 5. LANDSAT imagery of 30 meter resolution and 185 x 185 km swath is also used for the comparative and overall analysis of the area. LISS III imagery and LANDSAT 4-5 TM imagery were used for the complete coverage of the study area

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Table 3.5 : Land use around 500 meter area of BMH Land use Port Blair Havlock BMH Campbell Kamorta BMH Car Nicobar Hut Bay BMH Long BMH Rangat BMH Class BMH Site site Bay BMH site BMH Site Site Site Site site Area

Sq km % Sq % Sq % Sq % Sq % Sq km % Sq % Sq % km km km km km km Agricultural 0.14 17.9 0.013 2 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 0.011 1.41 Nil Nil Land /Plantation 5 Water body 0.29 0.263 34 0.40 51 0.34 44 0.46 58.97 0.42 54 0.42 53.85 0.45 58 37.1 8 Open 0.04 Shrub/Scrub 0.121 15 0.013 2 0.12 15 0.023 2.95 0.019 2 0.22 28.21 0.022 3 land 5.13 Marshy Land/Mangroves Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Vegetation 0.29 37.1 0.35 45 0.32 41 0.24 31 0.24 30.77 0.32 41 0.07 8.97 0.28 36 8 Settlement 0.02 2 0.003 0.001 0.058 7 0.06 7.69 0.007 1 0.04 5.13 0.023 3 0.01 1.28 Barren Land 0.014 2 0.05 6 0.022 3 Nil Nil 0.018 2 0.021 2.69 0.005 0.001 0.017 2.18 Total 0.78 100 0.78 100 0.78 100 0.78 100 0.78 100 0.78 100.00 0.78 100 0.78 100

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Figure 3.13 : Land use 500 m radius of Port Blair BMH

Figure 3.14 : Land use 500 m radius of Havelock BMH

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Figure 3.15 : Land use 500 m radius of Campbell BayBMH

Figure 3.16 : Land use 500 m radius of Kamorta BMH

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Figure 3.17 : Land use 500 m radius of Car NicobarBMH

Figure 3.18 : Land use 500 m radius of Hut Bay BMH

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Figure 3.19 : Land use 500 m radius of Long BMH

Figure 3.20 : Land use 500 m radius of Rangat BMH

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3.4.3.2 Land use Pattern around 7 Kilometer Radius of the BMH site 189. The land use of the 7 kilometres radius of all the 8 BMH sites is mainly waterbodies and vegetation. There are mangroves vegetation is also present within the7-kilometreradiusarea. Mangroove vegetation is almost present within 7 km area of all the BMH sites except Campbell Bay and Hut Bay BMH sites. Patches of Agricultural and Open shrub were also present. The land pattern of all the BMH sites is presented in Table 3.6 and Figure 3.21to 3.28.

Table 3.6 : Land use around 7 km Radius Port Blair BMH Havelock Campbell Bay Kamorta BMH Car Nicobar Hut Bay Long BMH Site Rangat BMH Site BMH site BMH site site BMH Site BMH Site Site Area Area Area Area Area Area Area Area Class sqkm % sqkm % sqkm % sqkm % sqkm % sqkm % sqkm % sqkm % Agricultural Land 0.38 0.0001 5.12 3 0.28 0.001 Nil Nil 0.46 0.001 3.26 2 1.21 1 4.19 3 /Plantation Water body 96.96 63 93.34 61 103.18 67 82.80 54 89.63 58 92.25 60 112.50 73 89.09 58

Open 4.71 3 Nil Nil 2.69 2 11.55 8 Nil Nil 2.35 2 Nil Nil Nil Nil Shrub/Scrub land Marshy 2.84 2 7.97 5 Nil Nil 0.72 0.001 1.37 1 Nil Nil 6.24 4 2.38 2 Land/Mangroves Vegetation/Forest 29.75 19 46.04 30 43.77 28 58.27 38 56.90 37 52.86 34 33.64 22 56.07 36

Settlement 18.46 12 0.31 0.001 2.82 2 0.33 0.00 3.91 3 1.63 1 0.077 0.0001 1.94 1

Barren Land 1.13 1 1.37 1 1.34 1 0.25 0.00 1.52 1 1.57 1 0.54 0.00 0.38 0.00

Total 154.23 100 154.15 100 154.08 100 153.92 100 153.79 100 153.92 100 154.20 100 154.05 100

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Figure 3.21 : Land use7km radius of Port Blair BMH site

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Figure 3.22 : Land use7km radius of Havelock BMH site

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Figure 3.23 : Land use7km radius of Campbell BayBMH site

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Figure 3.24 : Land use7km radius of KamortaBMH site

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Figure 3.25 : Land use7km radius of Car NicobarBMH site

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Figure 3.26 : Land use7km radius of HutBayBMH site

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Figure 3.27 : Land use7km radius of Long BMH site

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Figure 3.28 : Land use7km radius of Rangat BMH site

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3.5. Climate, oceanographic, geological, seismicity 190. Natural hazard risk and experience are major factors in cableroute selection. The distribution and frequency of naturalhazards varies with the regional geology, climate andoceanography. The most hazardous regions are where tectonicplates collide; a phenomenon marked by extensive earthquakeand volcanic activity, extreme erosion and disproportionally largedischarges of river sediment into the ocean. Following risk hazards are associated with cable laying projects, which are discussed in following section.

Sl. No. Risk Hazards 1 Seismicity Earthquakes shock (An understanding of the tectonic setting of the region is important in cable route design) 2 Tsunami triggered by Inundation of BMH and CLS, movement of inshore earthquake or volcanism cable. All landfalls except Kamorta exposed 3 Mass Movements Risk of earthquake or cyclone triggered down-slope sediment movement, 4 Active Faulting Risk of cable shear 5 Meteorology Heavy downpours during rainy season (avg. Rainfall 2968.3 mm) and possible flooding may hinder land work. 6 Currents Tidal currents of up to 1m/sec are reported in the Andaman-Nicobar Islands Cyclone 4 to 5 cyclones are likely to occur in the study area per year on average

3.5.1. Meteorology 191. Historical meteorological data was obtained from nearest IMD station located at Port Blair Andaman Nicobar. The predominant wind direction is from North-East and East in November to April months. In rest of the months,the predominant wind direction is from South-West and Westyear. Details provided in Table 3.7.

Table 3.7 : Long Term Meteorological Data of Port Blair (30 years average 1981-2010) Cloud Temperature Relative Predominant Amounts o Calm Period Wind ( C) daily Humidity (%) Rainfall Wind Oktas all Month Speed (mm) Direction clouds Km/hr 17:3 (From) Max Min 08:30 08:30 17:30 08:30 17:30 0 January 29.5 22.4 72 74 32.1 NE, E 9 11 4.3 4.9 5.8 February 30.2 22.1 71 72 16.8 NE, E 16 26 3.5 4.1 4.7 March 31.3 22.7 69 72 32.5 NE, E 22 37 3.7 4.4 4.5 April 32.3 24.1 69 74 75.8 NE, E 19 42 4.6 5.2 4.9 May 31.2 24.2 78 81 368.8 SW, W 16 24 6.2 6.4 8.6 June 29.8 23.9 82 84 448.2 SW, W 3 6 6.9 7.0 13.8 July 29.4 23.8 83 84 442.5 SW, W 6 8 6.9 6.9 12.9 August 29.2 23.6 84 85 446.4 SW, W 5 8 6.9 7.0 14.1 Septembe 29.2 23.0 84 87 458.3 SW, W 14 24 6.6 6.7 9.6 r October 29.7 23.0 80 85 301.4 SW, W 28 44 5.9 6.1 6.2

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November 29.8 23.3 77 82 242.4 NE, E 15 24 5.6 5.9 6.2 December 29.5 23.0 72 75 103.2 NE, E 7 10 4.8 5.3 6.7 Annual NE, E & SW, Total or 30.1 23.3 77 80 2968.3 14 23 5.5 5.8 8.2 W Mean Source: IMD Port Blair

192. Temperature–The A&N island had tropical humid climate because of their location in the equatorial zone surrounded by the Andaman Sea.Winter is virtually absent, and theislands have only twoseason‟s viz.rainy Season and summer Season. The temperature in Andaman & Nicobar island remains similar and ranges between22.10C (minimum)to 32.3 (daily mean maximum temperature).

193. Relative Humidity–Being a tropical humid climate high humidity is observed in all the months. The relative humidity in the region ranges between 69-87%. The maximum humidity during rainy season is 87%.

194. Rainfall– The annual total rainfall is 2968.1 mm. Over 95% of the total annual rainfall is received during the May to December month.

195. Cloud Cover – Most of the year clouds were observed in the sky. Maximum of the rain is received in the region from April to December. The Relevant details about the number of days with zero oktas of cloud cover (all clouds) for all months are presented in Table 3.8.

Table 3.8 : No. of days with zero oktas of cloud cover (Port Blair) Cloud Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 08:30 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Time 17:30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

196. Wind Speed– The mean wind speed ranges from 4.5 to 8.6 kmph during summer season, 9.6 to 14.1 kmph during monsoon season. High wind speed was observed during monsoon season and normal winds from November to April.

197. Wind Direction– The predominant wind direction at Port Blair is from North- East and East in November to April months. During monsoon period the predominant wind direction is from South-West and West. Wind rose digraim for the period of March 2018 to 29th July is depecite in Figure 3.29.

198. Special Weather Phenomena- The occurrence of thunderstorm is 64.8 days per year, mostly spread across the months of April to July. Annual Dust Storm is only 0.2 days during September month. Annually 0.5 days have visibility less than 1 km, 10.4 days has visibility in the range of 1 - 4 km, 95.4 days have visibility in the range of 4 -10 km, 219.4 days between 10 - 20 km and 39.3 days have visibility above 20 km.

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Source: https://www.envitrans.com/windrose.php Figure 3.29 : Wind rose Diagram of Port Blair 3.5.1.2 Tropical Revolving Storms9 199. The Andaman Sea is known for the genesis of many severe cyclones that traverse the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman Islands face the surge disaster threat as their north-south orientation comes across the eastward path of severe cyclones moving from the Andaman Sea and western Pacific Ocean. Tropical cyclonic revolving storm weather systems are classified based on the Saffir- Simpson scale (see www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php) in increasing order of severity as follows (Figure 3.30): In general terms it can be seen that the risk from tropical storms is moderate in the Andaman Sea.The north Indian Ocean accounts for 7% of global tropical cyclones; on average, 5 to 6 tropical cyclones form over this area every year. Activity is concentrated in two cyclone seasons; a pre-monsoon season from March to May and post-monsoon season in October to December. Of the cyclones in this area, about 80% form in the Bay of Bengal and about 20% in the Arabian Sea, thus 4 to 5 cyclones are likely to occur in the study area per year on average. Studies indicate that there is an increasing trend in the frequency of intense tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean.

9 DTS report

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Figure 3.30 : Strom Track of Study Area (from 1985 to 2005) 3.5.1.3 Seismicity 200. The regional tectonic setting of the northeast Indian Ocean is very complex. Running in a rough north–south line on the seabed of the Andaman Sea is the boundary between two tectonic plates, the Burma Plate and the Sunda Plate. These plates (or microplates) are believed to have formerly been part of the larger Eurasian Plate, but were formed whentransform fault activity intensified as the Indian Plate began its substantive collision with the Eurasian continent. As a result, a back-arc basin center was created, which began to form the marginal basin which would become the Andaman Sea, the current stages of which commenced approximately 3–4 million years ago. The boundary between two major tectonic plates results in high seismic activity in the region. Numerous earthquakes have been recorded, and at least six, in 1797, 1833, 1861, 2004, 2005, and 2007, had the magnitude of 8.4 or higher. On 26 December 2004, a large portion of the boundary between the Burma plate and the Indo-Australian plate slipped, causing the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. This mega thrust earthquake had a magnitude of 9.3. Between 1,300 and 1,600 kilometers of the boundary underwent thrust faulting and shifted by about 20 meters, with the sea floor being uplifted several meters. This rise in the sea floor generated a massive tsunami with an estimated height of 28 meters that killed approximately 280,000 people along the coast of the Indian Ocean including A&N Island. The initial quake was followed by a series of aftershocks along the arc of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The entire event severely damaged the fishing infrastructure also.

201. The study area lies on the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. However, the Eurasian Plate is divided into several platelets and the study area comprises of the Burma Plate and the Sunda Plate. The route from Chennai to Port Blair crosses 1 tectonic boundary and the routes linking the islands parallel the boundary between the Burma Plate and the Eurasian Plate. As per the seismic10 map the study area falls in Zone V which falls in high damage risk

10 Landscape Changes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) after the December 2004 Great Sumatra Earthquake and Indian Ocean Tsunami (Javed N. Malik,a… C.V.R. Murty,a… M.EERI, and Durgesh C. Rai,a… M.EERI)

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zone. The generalized tectonic map of the A&N islands and different earthquake occurs in A&N region is provided in Figure 3.31.

Epicenters of the different earthquakes occurs in Generalized tectonic map of the A&N islands A&N Figure 3.31 : Tectonic Map & different earthquakes occurs in A&N

3.5.1.4 Physiography of the study Area 202. A broad overview of the geography of the area is presented in Figure 3.32.

203. Working from west to east the CANI routes encounter the following:  The South Indian continental margin  The Bay of Bengal  The Andaman and Nicobar Island arc

204. The following physiographic/geological features are anticipated along the CANI Cable System route, from west to east:

 The narrow continental shelf and moderately steep continental slope off Chennai  The Bengal Fan in the Bay of Bengal with associated meander channels  The Ninety East Ridge (possibly)  The Sunda Trench

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 The Andaman-Nicobar Island Arc, with steep western flank formed by subduction process  The Andaman Sea, with ridges and troughs formed by tectonic processes

205. As per NDMA Earthquake hazard map, Andaman and Nicobar Islands falls in seismic zone V which is Very high risk Damage Zone (MSK IX or more).

3.5.1.5 Bathymetry11 of Andaman Sea 206. The Andaman Sea is 750 miles (1,200 km) long from north to south and 400 miles (645 km) wide. Less than 5 percent of the sea is deeper than 10,000 feet (3,000 metres), but, in a system of submarine valleys east of the Andaman- Nicobar Ridge, depths exceed 14,500 feet (4,400 metres). The sea‟s northern and eastern third is less than 600 feet (180 metres) deep, in part because vast quantities of silt have been deposited by the Irrawaddy River at its delta. The western and central half of the sea is 3,000 to 10,000 feet (900 to 3,000 metres) deep. 2D and 3D Bathymetry of Andaman sea is presented in Figure 3.29.

Figure 3.32 : The bathymetry (in metres) of Andaman Sea in 2D and 3D (sectioned along 95E) 3.5.1.6 Volcanic Activity12 207. Volcanoes are caused by the violent expulsion from the earth of molten rock, solids, gases and water. Almost all of the world‟s 500-600 active terrestrial volcanoes are located along volcanic arcs at convergent plate boundaries, on the landward side of subduction zones. Mid-ocean ridges are however the loci of the majority of the Earth's volcanism, which in turn plays a pivotal role in the global transfer of mass and heat from the Earth's lithosphere to the hydrosphere. Only a few oceanic volcanic events have been detected to date,

11https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andaman_Sea 12 Source: Chennai – Andaman Nicobar Islands Cable System (Cani) Desk Top Study

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often days to weeks after finishing, by indirect observations of transient thermal and chemical anomalies in the water column (termed event-plumes). As a result, there is a gap in our understanding of the magnitude and duration of submarine volcanic events and their substantial potential to affect water column structure, mixing and overturn. Volcanoes along convergent plate boundaries are formed by the processes illustrated in Figure 3.33below, showing an oceanic plate subduction below an oceanic plate.

Figure 3.33 : Volcanic island arc formation along a subduction zone (Bradley, 2005)

3.5.1.7 Tsunami 208. Tsunami are long-wavelength, long-period sea waves generated by an abrupt movement of large volumes of water, generally caused by vertical displacement of the seabed along fault lines by earthquakes with Magnitude 7 or above, by volcanic eruption, volcanic collapse or submarine landslides.

209. In the open ocean, the distance between wave crests can be greater than 100km, and the wave periods can vary from five minutes to one hour. Such tsunami travel at 600-800km per hour, depending on water depth. Large subduction earthquakes causing vertical displacement of the seafloor and having magnitudes greater than 7.5 are the most common cause of destructive Tsunami. Large waves produced by an earthquake or a submarine landslide can overrun nearby coastal areas in a matter of minutes. Tsunami can also travel thousands of kilometres across open oceans and wreak destruction on far shores hours after the earthquake that generated them has passed.

210. Tsunami wave heights at sea are usually less than 1m and the waves are frequently not noticed by people in ships. As tsunami waves approach the shallow water of the coast, their heights increase and sometimes exceed 20m. Run-up height is highly influenced by offshore bathymetry and on-shore topography and as a result the level of destruction varies widely. The destructive power of the wave correlates with water depth and the square of velocity. Water has a thousand-fold greater density than air and this attribute, together with enhanced drag coefficients due to partial inundation, more than compensate for lower fluid velocities. In addition to the impact of the direct hydraulic forces, floating objects acting as battering rams also cause damage (Similar effects are also caused by cyclones). This debris can destroy buildings

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that may otherwise have remained standing. Scouring may also undermine supporting walls.

211. As per NDMA, coastal areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are prone to cyclones and tsunami and have a very high damage risk.

Tsunami Events in Study Area 212. The USA NOAA National Geophysical Data Centre Runup Database contains information on locations where Tsunami sources and runups have occurred. Tsunami sources within the study area are presented in Figure 3.34& 3.35 as green squares. The source events in this area have all been earthquakes, predominantly associated with the Sunda Trench subduction zone.

Figure 3.34 : Tsunami sources within the study area Source: (http://maps.ngdc.noaa.gov/viewers/hazards/?layers=0)

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Figure 3.35 : Tsunami sources within the study area Source: (http://maps.ngdc.noaa.gov/viewers/hazards/?layers=0)

3.5.1.8 Storm Surges 213. Storm winds blowing over shallow, continental shelves pile water against the coast. The increase in sea level is known as a storm surge. Several processes are involved in storm surge formation:  Waves generated by winds parallel to the coast transport water toward the coast by diffraction, causing a rise in sea level.  Winds blowing toward the coast push water directly toward the coast.  The low pressure inside a storm raises the sea level by around one cm for each MPa decrease in pressure.

214. Since the final water level is a combination of storm surge and tide, a high tide can change a relatively weak surge into a much more dangerous one. Storm surges usually accompany storms, generating large waves and increasing sea level at the coast. Storm surges can be expected at the CANI landfalls in Andaman and Chennai as these are exposed landings in areas subject to Tropical Cyclones.

3.5.1.9 Subsurface Temperature and Salinity 215. Subsurface Temperature data for the Andaman Sea are presented in Figure 3.36. Equivalent profiles for salinity are presented in Figures 3.37.

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Source: http://www.ewoce.org/gallery/eWOCE_tables.html Figure 3.36 Sub surface Temperature profile across Andaman Sea

Source: http://www.ewoce.org/gallery/eWOCE_tables.html Figure 3.37 : Salinity Profile across Andaman Sea

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216. The sub surface temperatures within the Andaman Sea remain higher; they drop from around 25°C at the surface to around 5°C at 1500m WD but do not drop much further in the deep waters. This is graphically illustrated in Figure 3.36, which shows a well of water at 5°C in the Andaman Sea at 3000m WD.Bottom temperatures are warmer than can be explained by simple adiabatic heating (R Burns 1964) and it is inferred that the increased temperatures in the basin are due to geothermal heat flows. 217. In the deep waters of the Andaman Sea, salinity remains higher and does not drop to reach 34.8 psu, even at depths below 3000m. The increase in salinity at depth is very slight, indicating that any heat transfer from the sub surface is not accompanied by a large inflow of highly saline water.

3.5.1. Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production No hydrocarbon concession blocks lie within the 12 nm from the islands. Hydrocarbon concession blocks are present along the cable route but beyond the 12 nm mile distance. 3.5.2. Military Activities and Manoeuvre Areas 218. There are no charted prohibited or restricted areas along the CANI cable route. However, it is possible that some currently uncharted areas may require coordination with local authorities, during future marine operations. These should be identified during cable laying process.

3.5.3. Dumping and Dredging Activities 219. Most harbours have a dredging program of some sort to maintain their channels. No current dumping, dredgingreclamation has been identified near the routes.

3.6. Ambient Air Quality 220. Two numbers of monitoring stations were set up to assess the prevailing ambient air quality within the impact zone of each BMH site. Monitoring was carried out using Handy sampler following standard procedures; however, certain adjustments were incorporated because of local infrastructure. The locations of the monitoring stations were based on the frequent wind directions besides at the location of sensitive receptor as human habitation for exposure assessment.

221. Ambient air quality monitoring was carried out during 13th May to 13th June 2018. All the ambient air analysis with respect to each parameter were analysed as per standard operating procedures. The AAQ monitoring locations with their terrain feature are provided in Table 3.9. AAQ results provided in Table 3.10.

Table 3.9 : Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations

BMH Location AAQ Location Name of Characteristics/Terrain Code Code Location Features Port Blair AQ-1 Plain terrain, near Carbyns beach Near BMH area AQ-2 Near Carbyns Plain terrain, residential area cove

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Hut Bay AQ-3 Near BMH Plain terrain, near jetty area AQ-4 Plain terrain, commercial & Market Hubay residential area Car Nicobar AQ-5 Murgesan Plain terrain, at Murgesan temple temple AQ-6 PWD guest Plain terrain, commercial and house residential area Kamorta AQ-7 Slope, undulating terrain, at BSNL Near BMH office AQ-8 PWD guest undulating terrain, residential area house Campbell Bay AQ-9 Near BMH Plain terrain, at Murgesan temple AQ-10 PWD guest undulating terrain, residential area house Havelock AQ-11 Plain terrain, near Radhanagar Near BMH beach AQ-12 undulating terrain, near Andman Near resort island resort residential area Long AQ-13 Near BMH undulating terrain, near jetty AQ-14 Forest guest undulating terrain, Forest guest house house, residential area Rangat AQ-15 Near BMH plain terrain, near jetty AQ-16 PWD guest Plain terrain, near jetty market, house residential area

Table 3.10 : Ambient Air Quality Results

3 3 BMH Location AAQ Location PM2.5, g/m PM10 (g/m ) Code Code Min Max Mean Min Max Mean Port Blair AQ-1 17 32 25 37 66 56 AQ-2 16 30 24 36 64 52 Hut Bay AQ-3 14 31 24 32 55 48 AQ-4 12 27 20 27 50 42 Car Nicobar AQ-5 14 27 19 32 57 48 AQ-6 13 24 17 30 50 42 Kamorta AQ-7 12 25 17 30 48 39 AQ-8 11 24 16 28 46 38 Campbell Bay AQ-9 14 28 19 32 50 41 AQ-10 12 26 18 29 49 40 Havelock AQ-11 18 32 25 40 64 55 AQ-12 19 34 26 42 66 57 Long AQ-13 12 28 19 28 54 42 AQ-14 13 29 20 30 49 41 Rangat AQ-15 14 32 21 32 60 54 AQ-16 16 35 22 34 66 56

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222. Observations: Overall the ambient air quality of the all the sites of the Project area is meeting the prescribed National Ambient Air Quality Standard at all locations. The base line air pollution results reflect that the ambient air is not contaminated, and assimilative capacity exists for this environmental component. 3.7. Ambient Noise Quality 223. The noise level was measured at two locations at each BMH site. As mentioned earlier a sound level meter has been used to measure noise levels as instant values which are integrated over a given period to give Leq values as A weighted average. At each location, readings were taken at uniform interval of 5 seconds over a period of 10 minutes per hour for twenty-four hours‟ period, with further divisions of day and night noise as per CPCB guidelines (between 6.00 A.M to 10.00 P.M and between 10.01 P.M to 5.59 A.M representing day and night period noise levels). 3.7.1. Sources of Noise 224. There is no major source of noise pollution within the BMH area except tourist noise in Radhanagar and Carbyons beach. However, the sea wave (natural) is the source of noise at the entire BMH site. No industries are located within the project area. 3.7.2. Noise Levels in the Project area 225. Ambient noise measurement was taken at 2 locations per BMHsite considering the probable project influence areas. Noise monitoring locations are presented in Table 3.11. Noise monitoring results for day time and night time is presented in Table 3.12.

Table 3.11 : Noise Quality Monitoring Locations

BMH Location Noise Location Name of Location Code Code Port Blair NQ-1 Near BMH NQ-2 Near Carbyns cove Hut Bay NQ-3 Near BMH NQ-4 Market Hubay Car Nicobar NQ-5 Murgesan temple NQ-6 PWD guest house Kamorta NQ-7 Near BMH NQ-8 PWD guest house Campbell Bay NQ-9 Near BMH NQ-10 PWD guest house Havelock NQ-11 Near BMH NQ-12 Near resort Long NQ-13 Near BMH NQ-14 Forest guest house Rangat NQ-15 Near BMH NQ-16 PWD guest house

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Table 3.12 : Noise Quality MonitoringLocations Location Code Day time Night time BMH Location Leq dB(A) Leq dB(A) Code L L Min Max eq Min Max eq dB(A) dB(A) Port Blair NQ-1 59.4 76.4 68.6 61.2 77.6 68.5 NQ-2 56.2 59.6 51.6 40.5 49.6 43.2 Hut Bay NQ-3 55.8 72.5 65.6 59.4 77.9 66.8 NQ-4 41.6 50.8 46.7 38.5 44.6 41.0 Car Nicobar NQ-5 55.8 76.8 63.8 57.8 74.8 62.8 NQ-6 39.8 47.8 43.6 37.0 44.8 41.0 Kamorta NQ-7 54.1 68.2 61.5 56 66.9 55.9 NQ-8 38.9 47.2 42.4 36.4 44.8 40.5 Campbell Bay NQ-9 55.8 68.9 62.8 54.2 66.9 61.9 NQ-10 40.4 49.6 43.2 37.9 44.8 42.5 Havelock NQ-11 59.5 76.8 68.7 61.2 75.8 68.6 NQ-12 43.5 56.8 44.2 40.4 45.0 43.6 Long NQ-13 58.2 68.9 64.6 58.9 69.5 65.6 NQ-14 39.6 44,2 42.4 36.7 42.3 40.5 Rangat NQ-15 56.5 75.3 66.9 55.6 70.2 64.7 NQ-16 40.8 47.8 43.4 37.6 46.5 42.7

226. Ambient noise monitoring locations are selected near the BMH site. The day time and night time Leq; dB(A)ambient noise level of the project area other than BMH location is found within the prescribed National Ambient Noise Quality Standard. However, the noise level near BMH location is found high due to the natural sound of the sea waves. 3.8. Water Quality 3.8.1. Hydrogeology 227. Ground water in Marine sedimentary formation occurs under unconfined condition in weathered residuum. Preponderance of clayey mineral render groundwater development is possibility very low. Yield of dug well (5-6m dia,6m depth) in Marine sedimentary group varies from 4000-5000 litres/day. Ground water in Ophiolites occurs under unconfined to semi confined condition in weathered residuum while in fractured hard rock in deeper horizon in confined condition. Yield of dug well (5-6m dia,6m depth) in Marine sedimentary group varies from 40,000-50000 litres/day. In case of bore well (6//dia,80m deep) yield varies from 80,000-1,00,000 litres per day. In Coralline limestone in archipelago group yield of dug well (5-6m dia,6m depth) varies from 80,000-1,00,000 litres/day. Springs are profuse in all the geological formations. However, springs are sustainable in ophiolites and archipelago group.

228. There is no typical river occur which drains andalso receives the entire run-off occur in the islands as happens in mainland. More over the islands are discrete and separated by sea. The main source of water in islands is spring water. However, a few perennial streams such as MithakhariProtheroporenala, Burma nala, Pema nala, Dhanikhari, Chandan nala etc. drain the South Andaman

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district. All the nalas meet the sea in Bays. The details of reservoirs used for water is given in Table 3.13below:

Table 3.13 : Details of water reservoirs Sl. No. Water Source Area 1. Dhanikari Reservoir 65 2. V.K. Puram Reservoir 48 3. R.K. Puram Reservoir 65 4. Dilthaman Tank 03 5. Chakkargaon Tank 03 6. Nayagaon Tank 03 7. Kalpong Reservoir 180 TOTAL 367

229. GW analysis is important as a prime water source for domestic use. However, in most of the island the supply water is used for the drinking purpose. APWD supplies the water in most of the island. Dug wells are the other source of drinking water. One ground water and one surface water sample were collected from each BMH site. The water samples were examined for physicochemical parameters as well as for bacteriological parameters. Samples for chemical analyses were collected in polyethylene carboys. Samples for bacteriological analyses were collected in sterilized bottles (APHA Method). The details of sampling locations is presented in Table 3.14. Analysis results of ground water and surface water are presented in Table 3.15 and Table 3.16.

Table 3.14 : Name of Ground / surface Water Sampling Locations S. No. Location Source

GW1 Port Blair near BMH site Dug well GW2 Hevelock Near Radhanagar Dug well GW3 Long Forest Guest House Dug well GW4 Rangat PWD guest house APWD supply GW5 Hut Bay near Jetty APWD supply GW6 Kamorta, PWD guest house APWD supply GW7 Car Nicobar, Murgan Temple APWD supply GW8 Campbell Bay, PWD guest house APWD supply Sampling Locations Surface Water SW1 Port Blair near BMH site Sea water SW2 Hevelock near BMH site Sea water SW3 Long near BMH site Sea water SW4 Rangat near BMH site Sea water SW5 Hut Bay near BMH site Sea water SW6 Kamorta, near BMH site Sea water SW7 Car Nicobar, near BMH site Sea water SW8 Campbell Bay, near BMH site Sea water

Table 3.15 : Ground Water Quality S.N. Parameters GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 Method Desired Limit /Permissible Limit

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1 pH Value 7.12 6.98 7.30 7.10 APHA-4500 6.5-8.5/ No relaxation 2 Temperature 0C 24.6 25.0 24.8 24.6 Part 9 -- 3 Conductivity, 514 456 592 357 APHA-4500 -- mhos/cm 4 Turbidity (NTU) <1 <1 <1 <1 APHA-2030B 1-5 5 Total Dissolved Solids 334 296 385 232 APHA-2540B 500/2000 mg/l 6 Total Suspended <2 <2 <2 <2 APHA-2540D -- Solids mg/l 7 Total Hardness as 198 158 210 126 APHA-2340C 200/600 8 ChlorideCaCO3 mg/l as Cl mg/l 44 38 52 30 APHA-4500B 250/1000 9 Total Alkalinity mg/l 180 166 238 142 Part -23 200/600 10 Sulphates as SO4 mg/l 18.0 16.8 22 12.2 APHA-4500E 200/400 11 Nitrates as NO3 mg/l 0.98 0.82 0.88 0.56 APHA-4500 45/No relaxation 12 Fluoride as F mg/l 0.62 0.48 0.56 0.42 APHA-4500D 1/1.5 13 Iron as Fe mg/l 0.78 0.52 0.62 0.46 APHA-3111B 0.3/No relaxation 14 Zinc as Zn mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 APHA-3111B 5/15 15 Calcium as Ca mg/l 67.2 52 72.8 48 APHA-3500B 75/200 16 Magnesium as Mg mg/l 7.3 6.8 6.8 1.5 APHA-3500B 30/100 17 Sodium as Na mg/l 11 9 13 14 APHA-3500 -- 18 Potassium as K mg/l 3.2 1.9 APHA-3500 -- 2.3 2.8 KB 19 Cadmium as Cd mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 APHA-3111B 0.003/No relaxation 20 Copper as Cu mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 APHA-3111B 0.05/1.5 21 Nickel as Ni mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 APHA-3111B 0.02/No relaxation 22 Lead as Pb mg/l 0.025 0.033 0.046 0.43 APHA-3111B 0.01/No relaxation 23 Mercury as Hg mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 APHA-3112 0.001/0.001 24 Chromium (Total as <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 APHA-3111B 0.5/No relaxation Cr) mg/l 25 Arsenic as As mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 APHA-3114 0.01/0.05 26 Phenolic compound <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Part 43 0.001/0.002 mg/l 27 Total coliform Nil Nil Nil Nil APHA-9230B Nil MPN/100ml

Table 3.15 : Continued….. S.N. Parameters GW5 GW6 GW7 GW8 Method Desired Limit /Permissible Limit 1 pH Value 7.22 7.10 7.42 7.56 APHA-4500 6.5-8.5/ No relaxation 2 Temperature 0C 24.8 25.2 25.0 24.9 Part 9 -- 3 Conductivity, mhos/cm 412 334 298 357 APHA-4500 -- 4 Turbidity (NTU) <1 <1 <1 <1 APHA-2030B 1-5 5 Total Dissolved Solids 267 217 193 232 APHA-2540B 500/2000 mg/l 6 Total Suspended Solids <2 <2 <2 <2 APHA-2540D -- mg/l 7 Total Hardness as 158 132 122 142 APHA-2340C 200/600 8 ChlorideCaCO3 mg/l as Cl mg/l 34 28 24 30 APHA-4500B 250/1000 9 Total Alkalinity mg/l 134 112 98 120 Part -23 200/600 10 Sulphates as SO4 mg/l 13.6 10.8 9.6 11.6 APHA-4500E 200/400 11 Nitrates as NO3 mg/l 0.48 0.36 0.28 0.39 APHA-4500 45/No

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relaxation 12 Fluoride as F mg/l 0.36 0.32 0.22 0.34 APHA-4500D 1/1.5 13 Iron as Fe mg/l 0.18 0.24 APHA-3111B 0.3/No 0.26 0.22 relaxation 14 Zinc as Zn mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 APHA-3111B 5/15 15 Calcium as Ca mg/l 56.8 47.2 44 51.2 APHA-3500B 75/200 16 Magnesium as Mg mg/l 3.9 3.4 2.9 3.4 APHA-3500B 30/100 17 Sodium as Na mg/l 7 5 3.8 7 APHA-3500 -- 18 Potassium as K mg/l 0.98 1.5 APHA-3500 -- 1.5 1.3 KB 19 Cadmium as Cd mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 APHA-3111B 0.003/No relaxation 20 Copper as Cu mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 APHA-3111B 0.05/1.5 21 Nickel as Ni mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 APHA-3111B 0.02/No relaxation 22 Lead as Pb mg/l 0.025 0.033 0.046 0.43 APHA-3111B 0.01/No relaxation 23 Mercury as Hg mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 APHA-3112 0.001/0.001 24 Chromium (Total as Cr) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 APHA-3111B 0.5/No mg/l relaxation 25 Arsenic as As mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 APHA-3114 0.01/0.05 26 Phenolic compound mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Part 43 0.001/0.002 27 Total coliform MPN/100ml Nil Nil Nil Nil APHA-9230B Nil

Table 3.16 : Surface Water Quality Sl. No. Parameters SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4

1 pH Value 7.39 7.48 7.52 7.12 2 Temperature 0 C 24.6 25.0 24.2 24.8 3 Turbidity NTU <5 <5 <5 <5 4 Total Suspended Solids mg/l <2 <2 <2 <2 5 Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 5430 5692 5112 4898 6 Salinity 20.6 22.2 18.5 18.0 7 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 6.6 7.0 6.8 7.2 8 B.O.D (27 0C, 3 days)mg/l 3.2 3.0 3.4 3.8 9 C.O.D. mg/l 8 5 7 10 10 Oil &Grease mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL 11 Nitrite as Nmg/l 0.18 0.22 0.15 0.12 12 Nitrate as Nmg/l 0.08 0.10 0.07 0.05 13 Phosphates mg/l 0.08 0.10 0.05 0.03 14 Silicates mg/l 0.98 1.2 0.88 0.76 15 Lead as Pbmg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 16 Mercury as Hgmg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 17 Cadmium as cd mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 18 Total Coliform MF 110 100 120 40 Count./100ml

Table 3.17 : Continued....

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Sl. No. Parameters SW5 SW6 SW7 SW8

1 pH Value 7.62 7.08 7.14 8.02 2 Temperature 0 C 24.8 24.5 25.0 25.2 3 Turbidity NTU <5 <5 <5 <5 4 Total Suspended Solids mg/l <2 <2 <2 <2 5 Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 4952 4662 5238 5556 6 Salinity 20.0 18 19 20.0 7 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 6.8 6.2 6.6 7.0 8 B.O.D (27 0C, 3 days)mg/l 3.0 3.2 3..4 3.0 9 C.O.D. mg/l 9 6 10 8 10 Oil &Grease mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL 11 Nitrite as Nmg/l 0.16 0.18 0.20 0.22 12 Nitrate as Nmg/l 0.06 0.08 0.12 0.14 13 Phosphates mg/l 0.05 0.07 0.10 0.13 14 Silicates mg/l 0.82 0.76 0.84 0.92 15 Lead as Pbmg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 16 Mercury as Hgmg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 17 Cadmium as cd mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 18 Total Coliform MF 50 40 60 30 Count./100ml

3.9. Soil Environment 230. For studying soil quality in the study area, one sample each has been collected from each BMH location. Soil sampling locations and analysis results presented in Table 3.12.

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Table 3.18 : Soil Quality of Study Area S. Parameters Unit Port Blair Hutbay Havelock Rangat Long Car Kamorta Campbell No. Nicobar Bay Physical Characteristics 1. Colour - Reddish Reddish Reddish Reddish Reddish Reddish Reddish Reddish Brown Brown Brown Brown Brown Brown Brown Brown 2. Texture USDA Sandy Sandy Sandy Sandy Sandy Sandy Sandy Sandy Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam 3. Porosity % 44.9 47.9 45.3 43.0 46.4 44.2 48.3 49.1 4. Bulk Density gm/cc 1.46 1.38 1.45 1.51 1.42 1.48 1.37 1.35 5. Water Holding % 30.5 28.8 30.2 29.6 29.7 30.8 29.4 31.8 Capacity Chemical Characteristics 7. pH 20% Slurry 7.45 7.41 7.38 7.62 7.65 7.52 6.85 7.25 8. Conductivity µmhos/cm 482.5 358.4 326.5 465.4 385.5 428.5 392.4 (EC) 445.2 9. CEC meq/100gm 10.8 11.6 9.5 10.2 9.6 8.5 10.5 11.5 10. Organic % 0.78 0.72 0.74 0.78 0.76 0.85 0.62 0.68 Carbon 11. Organic Matter % 1.34 1.31 1.47 1.06 1.17 1.34 1.24 1.28 12. Chloride as Cl mg/kg 115.8 124.6 128.6 118.2 118.6 105.2 112.5 145.8 13. Magnesium as mg/kg 18.4 55.8 48.6 56.4 36.5 44.8 0.52 0.29 Mg 14. Zinc as Zn mg/kg 1.85 1.69 1.95 1.74 1.68 1.82 1.77 1.80 15. Iron as Fe mg/kg 15.4 24.8 16.4 16.8 15.6 14.6 18.8 22.4 16. Copper as Cu mg/kg 0.66 0.74 0.84 0.75 0.72 1.28 0.85 1.05 17. Manganese as mg/kg 8.85 6.64 11.4 9.46 8.75 7.94 7.88 8.44 Mn 18. Boron as B mg/kg 1.75 1.82 1.74 1.71 1.68 1.59 1.44 1.74 19. Available Nutrients i). Nitrogen as N kg/ha 358.4 329.6 298.5 285.2 278.5 382.7 355.5 342.8 ii). Phosphorus as kg/ha 20.5 17.6 20.2 21.6 19.5 18.5 22.8 22.4 P iii). Potassium as K kg/ha 165.6 176.2 145.5 164.6 186.4 175.4 125.8 146.2

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Interpretation of Analytical Results & Conclusion 231. On the basis of above Soil Testing results in the study area the conclusion may be revealed as follows; Physiochemical Characteristics of Soil  Physical Properties 232. Texturally the soils in the study area are observed as Sandy Loam and sandy Soils. The bulk density of the soils was found in the range of 1.29 to 1.51 gm/cm3. Porosity was observed in the range of 43.0 to 51.3% in the soils of the study area. Water Holding Capacity of study area soils was observed as 28.8 to 31.8%. The results show the Permeability levels were found to be varied from 0.93 to 1.80 cm/hr under Sandy Loam Soils in the study area.  Chemical Properties Soil Reaction Classes and Critical Limits for Macro & Micro Nutrients in Soil 233. According to Soil Survey Manual (IARI, 1970), the soils are grouped under different soil reaction classes viz; extremely acidic (pH<4.5), very strongly acidic (pH 4.5-5.0), strongly acidic (pH 5.1-5.5), moderately acidic (pH 5.6-6.0), slightly acidic (pH 6.1-6.5), neutral (pH 6.6-7.3), slightly alkaline (pH 7.4-7.8), moderately alkaline (pH 7.9-8.4), strongly alkaline (pH 8.5-9.0).The soils are rated as low (<0.50%), medium (0.50-0.75%) and high (>0.75%) in case of organic carbon, low (<280kg/ha), medium (280 to 560kg/ha) and high (>560kg/ha) in case of available Nitrogen, low (<10kg/ha), medium (10 to 25kg/ha) and high (>25kg/ha) for available Phosphorus, low (<108kg/ha), medium (108 to 280kg/ha) and high (>280kg/ha) for available Potassium & low (<10mg/kg), medium (10-20mg/kg) and high (>20mg/kg) for available Sulphur (Singh et. al. 2004, Mehta et. al.1988). Critical limits of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B, which separate deficient from non-deficient soils followed in India, are, 4.5, 2.0, 0.5, 0.2 & 0.5mg/kg respectively. (Follet & Lindsay 1970 and Berger &Truog 1940) 234. The soil pH ranges from 6.85 to 7.86, thereby indicating the soils are neutral to slightly alkaline in nature. The organic carbon content of soil varied from 0.58 to 0.85% (1.00 to 1.47% as organic matter), thereby implying that soils are with medium to high organic content. Available nitrogen content in the surface soils ranges between 278.5 & 382.7 kg/ha thereby indicates that soils are low to medium in available nitrogen content. Available phosphorus content ranges between 17.6 & 24.5 kg/ha thereby is indicating that soils are medium in available phosphorus content. Available potassium content in these soils ranges

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between125.8 & 186.4 kg/ha thereby is indicating that the soils are medium in potassium content. 235. The available manganese content in surface soils was recorded as 4.55 to 11.4 mg/kg as the critical limit of available manganese is 2.0 mg/kg. The available Zinc in surface soils of the study area ranges from 1.68 to 1.85 mg/kg. As per the critical limit of available Zinc as 0.5 mg/kg, most of the study area soils are with sufficient available Zinc level in the vicinity of the project. Above description of study area soils reveals that the soils in the study area are having moderate fertility index.

3.10. Biological Environment 236. General: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are very rich in biodiversity, harbouring unique endemic life forms. The islands have both rich terrestrial as well as marine ecosystems, such as mangroves, coral reefs and sea grass beds. The marine biodiversity includes marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, dugong; marine turtles; estuarine or salt water crocodile; fishes; prawns and lobsters; corals; sea shells including rare and endangered Trochus species and Giant Clam Shells and numerous other marine life forms including coelenterates and echinoderms etc. 237. The sandy beaches on some islands provide nesting places for four species of marine turtles. The near shore waters are rich in fin fish, shell fish and other economically important species such as sea shells, sea cucumbers, crabs, lobsters etc. While seas around these islands are also rich in pelagic fishes such as Tunas, Indian Mackerel, Seer fish, Sharks etc. The rich marine resources not only provide livelihood to local fisherman, but attract fishing vessels such as trawlers for deep sea fishing in these waters from mainland India also. The status of wildlife in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Marine Species) are as given below:

Table 3.19 The status of marine mammals and reptiles in A&N Islands Faunal Group No. of Species Marine Species.

Mammals 62 Dugong, Dolphins & Whales Reptiles 104 Marine Turtles, Estuarine Crocodile, Sea Snakes

Table 3.20 The status of marine faunal groups in A&N Islands Faunal Group No. of Species Fish 1283 Echinoderms 430 Molluscs 1583 Crustaceans 607 Corals 431* Sponges 112 (Source- Zoological Survey of India, Port Blair)

3.10.2. Forest Type 238. Vegetation of these islands has been classified by Champion and Seth intodifferent types depending upon the nature of soil, tidal influence, moisture retainabilityand floristic composition. However, these forest types

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are not distinctly demarcated, buton the other hand they imperceptibly merge into one another and form an intimatemixture. Important forest types are:

 lAIC 1 - Giant Evergreen Forest 239. (This type is present in small areas near the banks of the larger streams, where soils are deep alluvium).Dipterocarpus alatus,L. is the loftiest tree in the Andamans. The other tree species associate in top canopy are Artocarpus chaplasha, Artocarpus gomeziana, Dipterocarpus gracilis, Calophyllum soulattri, Sideroxylon longipetiolatum, etc., Dipterocarpus species form the greater percentage.' Other species present near the top canopy are Amoora wallichi, Pterocymbium tinctorium etc. In the lower storey can be found Pometia pirulata, Messua ferrea etc. Climbers present are Dinochloa andamanica, Gnetum scandens and a variety of canes.

 IAlC2 - Andaman Tropical Evergreen Forest: 240. Type of forest present Throughout the Andamans typically as caps to the hills with moistdeciduous forests on the ,slopes. The vegetation is dominant. Dipterocarpus forms more or less pure stand in the. top storey but is present in alllayers. The common tree species present area Dipterocarpus grandiflorus, D.pilosus, Artocarpus chaplasha, A Gomeziana,Calophyllum soulattri, Planchonia andamanica, Hopea odorata, Endospermum chinense, 'Sideroxylon longipetiolatu, Xanthochymus andamanicum, Myristica andamanica, M.glaucescens, Baccaurea, sapida, Croton argyratus and Pterospermum aceroides.

 IAlC3 - Southern Hilltop Tropical Evergreen Forest, 241. A more or less inferior addition of the tropical wet evergreen, not more than 10m high in extreme cases. This type of forest distributed nn the upper slopes and tops of hills and some times on teep slopes lower down. Common flora observed in this type of forest is Dipterocarpus costatus, Messua ferrea, Canarium manii, Harpulia cupanioides, Hopea andamanica, Cretoxylon fonnosum, Euphorbia trigona and Euphorbia epiphylloides. Memecylon caeruleum, Cryptocarya ferrarsi and some small bamboo and Phoenix species.

 2AJC1 - Andamans Semi-Evergreen Forest, 242. Low Evergreen Forest (Chengappa) a luxuriant type of forest with many giant trees which include both deciduous and evergreen species often intimately mixed but frequently in groups, articularly the evergreens. Climbers are often heavy, bamboos mayor may not be present. Top canopy is represented by Dipterocarpus alatus, D.Pilosus, Pterygota alata, Pterocymbium tinctorium,Ster~ulia campanulata, Tenninalia bialata,, Tenninalia pro cera, Albizzia chin ens is, Alebbek. Calophyllum soulattri, Salmalia ins ignis. Artocarpus lakoocha, A.chaplasha, Pterocarpus dalbergioides. The middle canopy is represented by Lagerstroentia hypoleuca, Dillenia pentagyna, Dracontomelum mangiiferum. Pometia pinnata, Myristica rrya, Pisorua excelsa, Litsea panamonja, Zanthophyllumandamanicum etc along with Saprosma tematum, Moosa andamaruca, Micromelum pubesccns, Clerodendrom and viscosum,species.

 3A1C1 - Andamans Moist Deciduous Forest 243. There is typically a somewhat irregular top storey, of predominantlydeciduous trees about 40 meter or more in height, many of the trees being of very

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largegirth and heavily buttressed. The top canopy is dominated with Ptercarpus dalbergioides*, Terminalia bialata*, T.manii, T.procera, Canariumeu phyllurn, Pterocymbium tinctoriurn. Beneath these trees is a rather defmite second storey ofnumerous species like Lannea coromandelica, Adcnanthera pavonica, Dillenia pentagyna, Diospyros marmorata, Saccopetalum tinctoriurn, Sageraea elliptica, Crotoxylon formosum, Semicarpus, kurzii, Cinnamomum spp., Pterospermum aceroides etc are present.

 4NLl - Littoral Forest: 244. The term Beach and Dune Forest are in general use. This type of forest is present near coasts. All the BMH site has this type of vegetation. The most characteristic species is the tall evergreen Manilkara littoralis (Andaman Blue wood) which often forms an almost pure fringe on sandy beaches and dunes along the sea face. Scattered smaller evergreen trees occur with fewer deciduous trees and these form the dominant canopy.the other tree species are Pongamia pinnata. Morinda citrifolia, Erythrina variegata var. Orientalis, Calophyllumnophyllum, Terminalia catappa. Barringtonia asiatica, Cordia subcordata etc.

 4BffS2 - Tidal Swamp Forest (Mangrove). 245. Typically a closed evergreen forest of moderate height, composed of treesspecially adapted to survive on tidal mud which is permanently wet with salt water andsubmerged during every tide. Stilt roots are very typical (notably in Rhizophorea), soalso are leathery entire leaves and vivipary. This type of forest is present along the creeks and sea cost. The common mangroves species areRhizophora mucronata, Rfandelaria (outer edge), Bruguiera conjugata,B.parviflora, Avicennia officinalis, Ceriops tagai, Kandelia candel, Xylocarpus molluccensis, Sonneratia caseolaris, Excoecaria, etc. 3.10.3. Site specific Flora 246. The proposed CLS and BMH sites are located near sea cost/ beach area. The vegetation type is Littoral Forest. Specific attention is given to collect the data pertaining to direct impact zone due to cable laying, BMH and CLS activities. Other than this, study area was extended upto 10 km radius of activity area for identification of protected areas and other sensitive locations. The salient environmental/ ecological features within the 500 m and 10 km area of the proposed BMH sites is describes in Table 3.21.

Table 3.21 Ecological sensitivity around proposed Port Blair BMH/CLS sites Sl. No. Environmental Port Blair CLS/ BMH location Sensitivity 500 M area 10 km area 1 Presence of Wildlife None None within 10 km area Sanctuary/ National The Mount Harriet National Park/Biosphere Park about 11.5 km (N) from Reserves (within 10 km the BMH and about 7.24 km radius of the Project from CANI route. Saddle Peak area) National Park is approx. 15 km (N) from the BMH and about 9 km from CANI route. (refer Figure 3.36. 2 Ramsar Sites None None 3 Notified Forests area There is no forest Yes present in BMH site but the island is

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under forest Department, 4 Mangrove No mangroves at Yes BMH site and CLS Present within the 10 km area route 5 Wetland of state and None None national interest 6 Migratory route for wild None None animals 7 None Yes Red List Category & Dolphins & Whales and Criteria Fauna Turtles 9 None Leatherback Turtle and Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites are Turtle nesting sites reported in the island but no nesting site lies within the proposed landing beach 9 None at proposed Yes Fishing ground BMH site 10 Presence of Coral Not observed Yes

Table 3.22 Ecological sensitivity around proposed Hut Bay BMH/CLS sites Sl. No. Environmental Sensitivity Hut Bay CLS/ BMH location

500 M area 10 km area 1 Presence of Wildlife None None Sanctuary/ National Park/Biosphere Reserves (within 10 km radius of the Project area) 2 Ramsar Sites None None 3 Notified Forests area Yes, Yes No Forest land in All the beaches are under Forest proposed but BMH department area comes under Forest Dept. 4 Mangrove No mangroves at BMH Yes site and CLS route Present within the 10 km area 5 Wetland of state and None None national interest 6 Migratory route for wild None None animals 7 None Yes Red List Category & Criteria Dolphins & Whales. Fauna

8 None Leatherback Turtle and Olive Rdley turtle and Hawksbill turtle nesting Turtle nesting sites site are reported in the Hut Bay island but no nesting site lies within the proposed landing beach 9 None at proposed BMH Yes Fishing ground site 10 No corals Yes Presence of Coral Some of the beaches in 10 km area have coral reefs.

Table 3.23 Ecological sensitivity around proposed Car Nicobar BMH/CLS sites Sl. No. Environmental Car Nicobar CLS/ BMH location Sensitivity 500 M area 10 km area 1 Presence of Wildlife None None

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Sanctuary/ National Nearest Battimalv Sanctuary Park/Biosphere and Tillongchang Reserves (within 10 Designated sanctuary are km radius of the located more than 30 km Project area) from the BMH as well as proposed CANI route. (refer Figure 3.37).

2 Ramsar Sites None None 3 Notified Forests area No forest at prosed Yes BMH and CLS All the beaches are under route but BMH Forest department area comes under Forest Dept.

4 Mangrove No mangroves at Yes BMH site and CLS Present within the 10 km route area 5 Wetland of state and None None national interest 6 Migratory route for wild None None animals 7 None Yes Dolphins & Whales. Red List Category & Turtles/crocodile breeding Criteria Fauna sites are also present in the island and coastal waters of island 8 None None Turtle nesting sites

9 None at proposed Yes Fishing ground BMH site 10 No live corals but Yes dead corals Some of the beaches in 10 Presence of Coral observed at beach km area have coral reefs. near BMH sites

Table 3.24 Ecological sensitivity around proposed Kamorta BMH/CLS sites Sl. No. Environmental Kamorta CLS/ BMH location Sensitivity 500 M area 10 km area 1 Presence of Wildlife None None Sanctuary/ National Park/Biosphere Reserves (within 10 km radius of the Project area) 2 Ramsar Sites None None 3 Notified Forests area BMH is located on Yes BSNL land. All the beaches are under Forest department 4 Mangrove No mangroves at Yes BMH site and CLS Present within the 10 km

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route area 5 Wetland of state and None None national interest 6 Migratory route for wild None None animals 7 None Yes Dolphins & Whales. Red List Category & Turtles/crocodile breeding Criteria Fauna sites are also present in island and its coastal water 8 None Nesting site forEretmocheys imbrica squamata (Hawksbill Turtle nesting sites turtle) present at island but no nesting site lies within the proposed landing beach 9 None at proposed Yes Fishing ground BMH site 10 No coral at BMH or Yes BMH approach Island is surrounded by Presence of Coral channel but island corals is surrounded by corals

Table 3.25 Ecological sensitivity around proposed Campbell Bay BMH/CLS sites Sl. No. Environmental Campbell Bay CLS/ BMH location Sensitivity 500 M area 10 km area 1 Presence of Wildlife None No Sanctuary/ National The site is located Reserve Buffer Zone of Park/Biosphere in non reserved Campbell Bay fall about 4.7 Reserves (within 10 land km in NW from BMH site km radius of the Project area) 2 Ramsar Sites None None 3 Notified Forests area The site is located Yes in non reserved Some of the beaches are land but under under Forest department forest department. 4 Mangrove No mangroves at Yes BMH site and CLS Present within the 10 km route area 5 Wetland of state and None None national interest 6 Migratory route for wild None None animals 7 None Yes Red List Category & Dolphins, shark & Whales. Criteria Fauna

8 None Lepidochelys olivaceae, Eretmocheys imbrica squamata and Caretta Turtle nesting sites carettanesting sites are present in islandbut no nesting site lies within the

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proposed landing beach 9 None at proposed Yes Fishing ground BMH site 10 No live corals but Yes dead corals Some of the beaches in 10 Presence of Coral observed at beach km area have coral reefs. near BMH sites

Table 3.26 Ecological sensitivity around proposed Havelock BMH/CLS sites Sl. No. Environmental Havelock CLS/ BMH location Sensitivity 500 M area 10 km area 1 Presence of Wildlife None None Sanctuary/ National Park/Biosphere Reserves (within 10 km radius of the Project area) 2 Ramsar Sites None None 3 Notified Forests area No forest present Yes at BMH site. BMH All the beaches are under area comes under Forest department Forest Dept. 4 Mangrove No mangroves at Yes BMH site and CLS Present within the 10 km route area 5 Wetland of state and None None national interest 6 Migratory route for wild None None animals 7 Red List Category & None Yes Criteria Fauna Dolphins & Whales 8 Turtle nesting sites None None 9 None at proposed Yes Fishing ground BMH site Local fishing 10 No coral at BMH or Yes BMH approach Some of the beaches like Presence of Coral channel elephant beach of Island have corals

Table 3.27 Ecological sensitivity around proposed Rangat BMH/CLS sites Sl. No. Environmental Rangat CLS/ BMH location Sensitivity 500 M area 10 km area 1 Presence of Wildlife None None Sanctuary/ National Park/Biosphere Reserves (within 10 km radius of the Project area) 2 Ramsar Sites None None 3 Notified Forests area No forest involved Yes but BMH area All the beaches are under

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comes under Forest department Forest Dept. 4 Mangrove No mangroves at Yes BMH site and CLS Present within the 10 km route area 5 Wetland of state and None None national interest 6 Migratory route for wild None None animals 7 Red List Category & None Yes Criteria Fauna Dolphins, shark & Whales 8 Turtle nesting sites None None 9 None at proposed Yes Fishing ground BMH site Local fishing 10 No coral at BMH or Yes Presence of Coral BMH approach Not reported corals channel

Table 3.28 Ecological sensitivity around proposed Long BMH/CLS sites Sl. No. Environmental Long CLS/ BMH location Sensitivity 500 M area 10 km area 1 Presence of Wildlife None None Sanctuary/ National Park/Biosphere Reserves (within 10 km radius of the Project area) 2 Ramsar Sites None None 3 Notified Forests area Notified forest area Yes and BMH area All the beaches are under comes under Forest department Forest Dept. 4 Mangrove No mangroves at Yes BMH site and CLS Present within the 10 km route area 5 Wetland of state and None None national interest 6 Migratory route for wild None None animals 7 Red List Category & None Yes Criteria Fauna Dolphins 8 Turtle nesting sites None None 9 None at proposed Yes Fishing ground BMH site Local fishing 10 No coral at BMH or Not reported Presence of Coral BMH approach channel

247. Environment Sensitivity along proposed CANI route: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have no Ramsar sites but do have a large number of protected areas. Out of total 4,947 sq km area of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 1,510 sq km is protected under India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. There are 105

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protected areas (refer Figure 3.38 for important areas) in the islands, of which about 100 are marine protected areas (MPAs). These cover more than 30 per cent of terrestrial areas of islands and protect more than 40% of the available coastal habitats of the islands. No Wildlife Sanctuary/ National Park/Biosphere Reserves is crossed by proposed cable route. Campbell Bay National Park lies close to the proposed cable route. No BMH and CLS route falls within 10 km area of marine protected area/ wildlife sanctuary except Cambell Bay National Park which is located about 4.7 km from the Reserve buffer zone of Campbell Bay BMH Site.P refer Figure 3.39 to 41 for nearst parks to project activities.

Figure 3.38 Important Parks & Sanctuaries of A&N Island

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Figure 3.39 Distance of Port Balir BMH and Proposed CAIN route from nearest Mount Harriet National Park and Saddle Peak National Park

Figure 3.40 Distance of Car Nicobar BMH and Proposed CAIN route from nearest Battimalv Sanctuary and Tillongchang Designated sanctuary

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Figure 3.41 Distance of Campbell Bay BMH from nearest Campbell Bay National Park

248. Vegetation Type in proposed BMH site and proposed CLS route: The vegetation type in proposed BMH site and proposed CLS is described in Table 3.28.

Table 3.29 Vegetation Type in BMH/CLS Sl. No. BMH/CLS Name Type of vegetation 1 Port Blair The proposed BMH site is located close to the Carbyns Cove beach. The vegetation type is littoral. Coconut plantation is dominant along the cost. Manilkara littoralis occur with tree species are like Morinda citrifolia, Erythrina variegata, Peterocarpus dalbergiodes, Depterocarpus species (on hill slope) Calophyllumno phyllum, Terminalia catappa. Barringtonia asiatica, Cordia subcordata etc. 2 Havelock The proposed BMH site is located close to the Radhanagar beach. The vegetation type is littoral. The most characteristic species is the tall evergreen Manilkara littoralis occur with fewer deciduous trees and these form the dominant canopy. The other tree species are Cocos nucifera, Morinda citrifolia, Erythrina variegata, Calophyllumno phyllum, Terminalia catappa. Barringtonia asiatica, Cordia subcordata etc. The herbs and shrubs speices like Barringtonia asiatica, Pandanus species along with coconut and areca species.

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3 Hut Bay Peterocarpus dalbergiodes, Depterocarpus species, Terminalia procera, T. Bilata, Terminalia manni, Diospyrus marmorata, Sageraea elliptica, Manilkara littoralis, Pandanus species and coconut trees are observed in and around the proposed BMH site and CLS route. 4 Car Nicobar No major vegetation observed near the BMH site. Coconut plantation is dominant. The other tree species observed are Phoenix sps. Casuarina equisetifolia, Manilkara littoralis Barringtonia asiatica and Pandanus sp. Magnificent strands of Casuarina equisetifolia with good regeneration status.

5 Kamorta There are many coconut plantation near BMH site. The other trees plant observed near by the BMH site are Peterocarpus dalbergiodes, Depterocarpus species, Terminalia procera, T. Bilata, phoenix sps. Sageraea elliptica, Manilkara littoralis etc. 6 Campbell Bay The site is located near B Querry beach. The vegetation type is littoral with Barringtonia asiatica, Cordia subcordata etc. other tree species include Terminalia procera, T. bialata, Pterocymbium tinctorium and Albizia sp. 7 Long The site is located near beach with littoral vegetation like Barringtonia asiatica, Cordia subcordata etc. The other tree species within the study area along the slope include Pterocarpus dalbergioides, Mangifera andamanica, syzygium samarangnse, Anona glabra, Grewia chlorophilla, Terminalia procera, T. bialata, Canarium euphyllum, Diplokema butyracea, Albizia lebbeck, Artocarpus sp.and Tetrameles nudiflora. Mangroves are also present within the 10 km area and dominant species include Lumnitzera racemosa, Xylocarpus granatum,Sonneratia apetala, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum and Pongamia pinnata. 8 Rangat The site is located near beach with littoral vegetation like Barringtonia asiatica, Cordia subcordata etc. The other tree species within the study area are Casuarina equisetifolia, Albizia lebbeck, cocuc nucifera, Azadhiracta inidca, Delbergia sisoo, Syzygium samarangense,Planchonella longipetiolatum, Codiocarpus andamanica, Mallotus andamanicus, Rinorea bengalensis, Claoxylon indicum. Shruby species like Scaevola sericea, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Atalantia monophylla are common. Mangroves are also present within the 10 km area and dominant species include Lumnitzera racemosa, Xylocarpus granatum,Sonneratia apetala, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum and Pongamia pinnata.

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No Rare, endangered, threatened plant species were recorded from the proposed BMH locations during the visit. 3.10.4. Terrestrial Fauna

249. Mammals:The fauna of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is unique and Andaman pig (Sus scrofa andamanensis) and Crab eating Macaque (Macaca facicularis umbrosa) is of main concerns. The other common mammals area masked palm civet (Paguma larva tytlerii). Andaman spiny shrew (Crocidura andamanensis), Nicobar tree shrew (Taupaia nicobarica nicobarica), Andaman horse shoe Bat (Rhinophus cognatus famulus), Lasser short nose bat (Cynopterus brachiotis). Among the mammals the Andaman pig is the largest indigenous animal. Crab eating Macaque is found only in the Nicobar Islands. Among the terrestrial reptiles many types of geco and lizards are reported in the A&N island. The list of fauna reported in Andaman is presented in Table 3.30.

Table 3.30 List of Mammals & their distribution S. Distribution Zoological name English Name Red List N Category & o Criteria Class-Mammalia (Order: Primates) 1 Distributed in Jarwa Sus scrofa Andaman wild pig Protected forest area of Andaman andamanensis Schedule-I and Nicobar Island. 2 Endemic to the Nicobar Macaca fascicularis Crab eating Vulnerable Islands only umbrosa Macaque 3 Found in forest areas of Pteropus giganteus Flying Fox, Indian Least A&N island concern 4 Restricted to dense Muntiacus muntjak Deer, Barking Least Forest zones of A&N concern island 5 Distributed in dense Paguma larva tytlerii Musk Palm Civet Least forest areas of all A&N Concern 6 Distributes throughout Felis chaus Wild cat Least the study area Concern 7 Middle Andaman region Crocidura hispida Shrew, Andaman Vulnerable only (Recent surveys by Island Spiny Chakraborty et al.(2004) did not yield any specimens of this species.) 8 This species was Crocidura Andaman spiny Critically previously only known by andamanensis shrew Endangered the holotype of 'South Andaman Island', India in the eastern Indian Ocean. A single individual was collected on Mount Harriet, South Andaman Island (Das 1999, Hutterer 2005). 9 The Nicobar treeshrew is Taupaia nicobarica Nicobar tree shrew Endangered a treeshrew species nicobarica

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within the Tupaiidae. It is endemic to the Nicobar Islands where it inhabits the islands' rain forests 10 Widely distributed Funambulus pennanti Squirrel, Northern Least Palm Concern 12 Widely distributed Rattus rattus house rat Least alexandrinus Concern

250. The critical endangered and vulnerable species are distributed in dense forest areas. There is no endangered and vulnerable species of mammals present with 500 m area of the proposed BMH and CLS route.

Reptiles: 251. Andaman and Nicobar Island have rich reptilian diversity. As many as 77 species of reptiles (Turtle, snakes, geckos and lizards) are recorded so far, of which about 69 species are terrestrial and 8 are marines. But BMH site are free from any reported turtle nesting site

252. Crocodiles: Only a single species of crocodile viz., salt water crocodile is found in A&N Island. However a variety of Turtle, geckos, lizards and snakes are reported to occur in the islands. The list of the reptile is provided in Table 3.31.

Table 3.31 List of reptiles & their distribution Sl. Zoological name English Name Red List Distribution No. Category & Criteria 1 Demochelys Leatherback Vulnerable No turtle were coriacea Turtle found/observed in near 2 Chelonia mydus Green sea Endangered proposed BMH location turtle and CLS route. The 3 Eretmocheys imbrica Hawksbill turtle Critical distribution Map of the squamata turtle is presented in 4 Lepidochelys Olive Rdley Vulnerable Figure 3.42& 3.43. olivaceae turtle 5 Lepidochelys kempii - Crtically endangered 6 Caretta caretta - endangered 7 Natator depressus - Vulnarable 8 Crocodylus porosus Salt water Present of salt water crocodile crocodile is reported in Protbalir, Rangat, Long, Hutbay, Kamorta Campbell bay island. This species is reported to present in creeks along the sea coast. Crocodilesare not reported to present in proposed BMH locations.

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Figure 3.42 Location of Turtle nesting sites, Great Andaman Island and Little Andaman Island (Source: DTS report)

Figure 3.43 Location of Turtle nesting sites, Kamorta and Great Nicobar Island (Source: DTS report)

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253. Snakes& Lizards: Over 40 species of snakes were reported from the A&N region. The common species reported from the region are Python reticulates (Python), Naja sagitifera (Indian Cobra), Opchiophagus hannah (King cobra), Bungarus andananensis (Andaman krait), Trimeresurus purureomaculatus (Andaman pit viper) and many species of non poisonous snakes like Brahming worm snake, oat blind snake, sunbeam and red tailed trinket snake.

254. Among the lizards water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator andamanensis). Curd tailed gecko (Gonydactylus rubidus), Forest day gecko (Cnemaspis kandianus), Tokay gecko (Gecko gecko) Andaman gaint gecko (Gecko veeeeauxi), Smith‟s gecko ((Gecko smithi), Andaman day gecko (Phelsums andamanensis) and Morning gecko (Leptidodactylus lagubris) etc.

Avifauna13:

255. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands constitute a globally important biodiversity hotspot. Because they are off the mainland and isolated,endemicity is very high in all taxa, but especially in reptiles, plants, fish and corals. These islands are one of the Endemic Bird Areas(Stattersfield et al.998). Thirteen bird species are considered Restricted Range in the Andaman group, and nine in the Nicobar islands(Stattersfield et al.1998). The forests on the islands are classified into twelve different types. The coral reefs and marine habitats supportan extraordinary faunal diversity (Gandhi 2000). The diversity at the subspecies level is very high, with different subspecies present ondifferent islands on account of their geographical separations (Gandhi 2000). Most of the Restricted Range birds are forest species in the Andamans and many can be seen near Port Blair (Curson 1989). Most of them can be seen easily in the Middle and South Andaman, and the Great Nicobar group, and many of them are restricted to these islands (Stattersfield et al.1998). For example, Nicobar Parakeet Psittacula caniceps is confined to the Great Nicobar group while Nicobar Bulbul Hypsipetes nicobariensis is present only in the Nancowry group. Similarly, the Andaman Scops-owl Otus balli is found in Narcondam and South Andaman, (Stattersfield et al 1998).

256. About 270 bird species and subspecies have been reported from these islands (Sankaran and Vijayan 1993), of which 126 were recorded only from the Andamans and 56 were from Nicobar (Andrews and Sankaran 2002). Among the 13 restricted range species, three are globally threatened species, the Nicobar Scrubfowl found in the forest and secondary growth, the Andaman Crake, the bird of marshland in the forested areas, streams and mangrove creeks and the third is the Narcondam Hornbill found on Narcondam isla nd. In the Nicobar group of islands, the Nicobar Scrubfowl and Nicobar Bulbul are found in forested areas, but the Bulbul can also be seen in gardens.

257. There are about 19 Important Bird areas (IBA) is whole Andaman & Nicobar district. Out of the total the IBA Sites of relevance to the CANI routes are Little Andaman (Hut Bay), Car Nicobar (nicobar) and Great Nicobar (Camorta) only.

13http://ibcn.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Andaman-Nicobar.pdf

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Table 3.32 Important Bird Area of A&N Nicobar Island SR IBA CODE SITE_NAME DISTRICT Located in project area 1 IN-AN-01 Austin Strait Andaman Islands No 2 IN-AN-02 Baratang – Rafters Creek Andaman Islands No 3 IN-AN-03 Car Nicobar Nicobar Islands No 4 IN-AN-04 Chainpur and Hanspuri Andaman Islands No 5 IN-AN-05 Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar Nicobar Islands NO 6 IN-AN-06 Interview Island WLS Andaman No 7 IN-AN-07 Jarawa Reserve (Middle and Andaman Islands No South Andaman) 8 IN-AN-08 Kadakachang Andaman Islands No 9 IN-AN-09 Land Fall Island Andaman Islands No 10 IN-AN-10 Little Andamans Andaman Islands No 11 IN-AN-11 Mahatma Gandhi Marine Andaman islands No 12 IN-AN-12 Mount Diavalo – Cuthbert Andaman Islands No Bay 13 IN-AN-13 Mount Harriet – Shoal Bay Andaman Islands No 14 IN-AN-14 Narcondam Island Andaman Islands No 15 IN-AN-15 North and South Sentinel Andaman Islands No 16 IN-AN-16 North Reef Island Andaman Islands No 17 IN-AN-17 Rani Jhansi Marine Andaman Islands No 18 IN-AN-18 Saddle Peak Andaman Islands No 19 IN-AN-19 Tilanghong, Camorta, Nicobar Islands No Katchal, Nancowry, Trinkat

3.10.5. Marine Ec`ology Mammals14: 258. The Dolphins and the Dugongs are the marine mammals ofAndaman and Nicobar waters. There are also frequent reports onthe occurrence of large whales blowing 'water-spouts' off Nancowry,Little and Middle Andamans. Whales have also been reported from these islands. TwoFalse Killer Whales, Pseudorca crassidens were entangled in gillnets during 1976 and 1977 off Port Blair (Sivaprakasham,1980), ofwhich larger one was 3.9 m. Two False Killer Whales were alsostranded near Shastrinagar (32 km from Campbell Bay), of whichone was a male and the other a female, measuring 4.37 m and 4.87 min length respectively (James, op. cit.).

Dugongs: 259. The sea cow, Dugong dugon(Muller) is the only existing species of the Dugongidaefamily in the Order Sirenia, the others being extinct. It is a herbivore and inhabits coastaland near shore waters. The dugong is currently listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species asbeing vulnerable to extinctionIn India, dugongshavebeen given the highest level oflegal protection and listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Dugongs were common in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands until the 1950s butcurrently there are only sporadic sightings and poaching records (Das and Dey 1999).

14Glimps of Animal life of A&N Island by B.K. Tikadar & A.K. Das

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260. Dugongs are very sluggish in itsmovement. It mainly browses on sea grass and marine algae.The distribution of the dugong is mainly depends on characteristics of the meadow and seagrass species composition and the spread of seagrass within a meadow. Based on the above characteristics of meadow the distribution of dugongs15Dugong sighting records in A&N Island were prepared after a detailed study done by Elrika D‟souza and Vardhan Patankar which is presented in Figure 3.44.

Source: Ecological studies on the Dugong dugonof the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A step towards species conservation (Elrika D’souza and Vardhan Patankar) Figure 3.44 Dugong sighting records in A&N Island

261. Dugong occurrences in A&N Island: Dugongs were once abundant across the Andaman and Nicobar islands but now Dugongs are rarely seen. Based on the above study recent sighting <5 year ago of Dugong is reported in Portbalir, hevelock, Campbell Bay and Kamorta sea water.

262. Reptiles: The proposed landfalls are all in areas of human activity, clear of any identified protected areas. The main identified group of endangered fauna (reptiles) in the area are marine turtles, which would probably have nested on the landfall beaches before human interventions occurred. Many of the Andaman Sea eco-region islands, as well as certain stretches of coastline, are important nesting areas for a variety of sea-turtles, all of them endangered or threatened. Some of these nesting sites are of global importance. The Nicobar

15 Ecological studies on the Dugong dugonof the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A step towards species conservation (Elrika D’souza and Vardhan Patankar)

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Islands have more nesting leatherback turtles than any other site in the northern Indian Ocean. But none of the turtle nesting sites exits at proposed landing sites 263. Presence of Sponge, Molluscs Coelenterates, Corals, Marine Worms, Crustaceans, lobsters, prawns and shrimps occurs in the sea water of A&N is the

264. Coral Reefs and Marine Biodiversity: ANI is fringed with one of the most spectacular and extensive reefs in the world. Andaman reefs consist of about 83% of coral diversity found anywhere in the world and is at par with the „Coral Triangle‟ of Indonesia. ANI has the last pristine reefs in the Indian Ocean region and is one of the most important coral reef sites in the world. Coral reefs are intimately connected to other marine communities such as mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and the open seas as water currents transport larvae, plants, animals, nutrients, and organic materials. They play a significant role in the development of other ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands and protect coastlines from wave and storm damage and erosion. Life-saving medicines, such as anticoagulants, and anticancer agents, such as prostaglandins, come from coral reefs. Around 180 species of corals have been recorded. Atleast two species appear to be endemic to Andaman waters. They are Deltocyathus andamanicus (Alcock) and Polycyathus andamanensis (Alcock), both belonging to family Caryophyllifae. Two more species, namely, Pocillopora ankeli (Scheer and Pillai) and Pavona xarifae (Scheer and Pillai) have been described as new species from Nicobar waters. By far the highest number of coral species have been recorded from Andaman and Nicobar coral reefs in comparison to reefs occurring along Indian mainland coast.Marine biodiversity of the A&N Island is given in Table 3.33.

Table 3.33 Marine biodiversity and endemism Animal group No. of species/ sub No. of endemics Percentage of spp. endemism Marine fauna Mammalia 7 – – (mammals) Reptilia (reptiles) 12 – – Pisces (fishes) 1,200 2 0.2 Echinodermata (star 350 4 0.4 fishes, etc.) Mollusca (squids, 1,000 18 1.9 octopus, etc.) Crustacea (crabs, 600 6 1.0 lobsters etc.) Polychaeta (marine 184 4 2.2 worms) Anthozoa (sea 326 2 0.6 anemones and corals) Porifera (sea 72 – – sponges) Meiofauna (small 490 102 21.0 invertebrate sea creatures) TOTAL 4,241 138 0.11 Source: State Action Plan on Climate Change Andaman and Nicobar Islands (2013) 2013

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265. Sponges: Sponges are sedentary organisms, those live attached to rocks or any other hard or soft substrata of marine habitats. They are found in irregular to specific shapes of fan or vase. About 70 species are known from Andaman waters and two sponge species are known to be endemic, occurring exclusively in Andaman Sea. One species has been named as Dinatia andamanensis which comes under class Demospongiae (Phylum: Porifera). Sponge are common feature of A&N sea and found in whole A&N sea water. 266. Coelenterates:These include Sea anemones, jelly fishes, corals, sea fans, seawhips etc. The Phylum coelentrata or Cnidaria is divided into classes Hydrozoa and Anthozoa (sea anemones), and scleractinia (stony corals). Under Hydrozoa about 13 species namely Halamohydra andamanensis Rao, has been described as a new species for Andaman‟s and possibly H. chouhari also. Under Alcyonaria 104 species have been recorded and one species, Echiomuricia andamanensis may be endemic. About 30 species of sea anemones are likely to occur and no endemism is known among them. 267. Marine Worms:These include flat worms (Platyhelminthes), round worms (Nematodes), ribbon worms (Nemerteans) and segmented worms (Polychaetes). The marine flat worms come under the groups Turbellaria, comprising free living polyclada. Two polycladas namely, Psedoceros coralliophilus and Thysanozoon sp. Occur in association with ascidians on coral reefs. A few turbellarians also occur as meiofauna in the interstitial niches. 268. Marine round worms are found as large free living worms living buried in sand or mud. These worms belong to family Enoplidae. The ribbon worms are abundant in meio-fauna of sand or muddy habitats. The polychaetes from the largest group among the marine worms. About 160 species are known to occur under 30 families. These include scale worms (Harmoathoe), paddle worms (Phyllodoce), rag worm (Nereis) and cat worms (Nepthys). While some polychaetes are free living (Eurythoe, Eunice, Pectinaria) many other live in burrows or as tube dwellers (Sebellids, Spirorbis, Chaetopterus), Sipunculids are also special type of worms which live boring corals. 269. Crustaceans: Two groups of crustacean, namely, microcrustacea and macrocrustacea exist. The former includes copepods, ostracods, cladocerans etc. The later include lobsters, crabs, prawns etc. They all come under class Crustacea of phylum Arthropoda. More than 400 species of crustaceans have been recorded which include 14 species of barnacles (sub class: Cirripedia), 146 species of prawns, shrimps and allied forms (sub class: Malacostraca; order: Decapoda; suborder: Ntantia), 217 species of crabs and allied forms (suborder: Reptantia), 217 species of crabs and allied forms (suborder: Reptantia), 7 species of lobsters and 37 species of mantis shrimps (order: Stomatopoda). 270. The barnacles live in the intertidal region, attached to any hard substratum. These are found as fouling organisms on ship bottom and other moored objects. Balanus is the common rock barnacle and Lepas is the common goose barnacle found attached on floating objects like drift wood. 271. Among crabs the fiddler crabs, Uca and bubbler crab, and Dotilla are common in internal areas. The soldier crab, Myctyris longicarpus, moves in large numbers in sandy flat. The pinnotherid crabs, like Pinnotheris purureus are commensals living in mollusks, tabular polychaetes and corals. The porcellanid and xanthid crabs live as symbionts of living corals. The swimming crabs portunids, include economically important crabs like Portunus (P. pelagicus, P. sanguinolentus) and mud crab Scylla serrata. Emerita and Albunea are plankton feeding crabs. The hermit crabs abound in the intertidal and seashore areas. Clibanarius spp. occurs in back waters. The coconut or robber crab (Birgus latro) is endemic and is found in South Sentinel and Great Nicobar Islands. This

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crab grows more than 30 cm in length and has strong pincers (chelipeds) which can tear the coconut husk. The large crabs may weigh upto 8 kg. 272. Among lobsters, seven species have been known viz., Panulirus spp. (six) and one Linuparus sp. The most common species are Panulirus versicolor and P. longipes, P. penicillatus and P. ornatus occurring in deeper waters. Linuparus sp., has been found as an important lobster resource in trawl catches along east coast of Andamans. The deepsea lobster Purulus sewvelli is also an important exportable lobster resource, caught off Andamans, both off east and west coasts. 273. Among prawns and shrimps, more than 120 species have been known, most of which are deep water forms. The important ones in the fishery belong to Penaeid group with six genera, namely, Solenocera (2 species), Penaeus (5 species),Metapenaeus (8 species), Parapenaeopsis (2 species), Trachypenaeus (1 species) and Metapenaeopsis anadamanensis is known from Andamans. There are many other caridean prawns (Alpheus, Caridean, Aegeon, Pontophilus, Glyphocrangon, Hippolyte, Latretes, Thor, Anchistus, Palaemon, Periclimenes, Heterocarpus, Plesionika, Leptochela). In coral reefs beautifully coloured shrimps occur, many of them being commensals belonging to family Stenopidae. 274. Molluscs:These constitute very large group as sea shells and they exhibit diversity in shape, size, colour and forms. The Gastropoda have single shells, many of which command high commercial value because of beautiful coloration and shape. The bivalves have two shells and many of them serve as edible sea food. The nudibranches have no shell and have less economic importance. The Cephalopods are fast swimming mollusks with high commercial value. There are primitive mollusks like Chiton which, live adhering to intertidal rocks. 3.11. Fishery 275. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the union territories of India and it consists of around 572 small and large islands, of which only 38 islands are having Inhabitants. The majority of the population in these islands is settlers from mainland India including fisherman community. In 1970s the Government of India had takenan effort and encouraged the fishermen fromSrikakulam district to settle down in Andaman Islands toimprove the fisheries of theislands.The migrated fishermen wereprovided with incentives like free accommodation,concessions ontravel andfishingassets includes Durga (atraditional Burmesetype boats), fishing gears andworking capital assistanceto begin fishing operations.The advantage of this programme was also enjoyed bySompeta, Kaviti and Mandasamandalsfisherwiththeir families.The process of migration had takenplaceoverfewdecades and the migrated fishers are considered asAndamanlocals. As per census 2001 the population of these islands was 3.80 lakhsincluding 17496fromfishing community.

276. From 0 to 12 Nautical Miles, fishing in Andaman and Nicobar waters is regulated by the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as per the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Marine Fishing Regulation. Fishing is the prime occupation of the islander. The details of fishing and fishing facilities available within the 8 islands (study area) is provided in following sections. Details of the fishing Censes of all the eight islands is provided in Table 3.34.

Table 3.34 Fishermen Population S. Area / No. of HH in No. Population details Family No. Island Fishing Earlier of Male Female Total Size Villages Data HH Adult Children Adult Children

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S. Area / No. of HH in No. Population details Family No. Island Fishing Earlier of Male Female Total Size Villages Data HH Adult Children Adult Children A. North & Middle Andaman District 1. Long 01 18 20 35 09 28 07 79 3.95 Island 2. Rangat 15 397 283 600 372 393 276 1641 5.79 Total (A) B. South Andaman District 1. Port Blair 10 548 891 1448 696 1321 609 4074 4. 57 (Urban) 2. Havelock 03 119 148 313 130 244 131 818 5.52 3. Hut Bay 05 311 362 489 268 480 266 1503 4.15 Total (B) C. Nicobar District 1. Car 15 195 383 665 414 595 298 1972 2.33 Nicobar 2. Nancowry/ 11 98 255 413 187 352 162 1114 4.36 Kamorta 3. Campbell 08 124 230 351 190 327 189 1057 4.60 Bay Total ( C ) 38 486 868 1429 791 1274 649 4143 4.77 Total A & N 134 3275 4861 8046 3978 6793 3371 22188 4.56 Islands (A + B + C ) Source: Fisheries At A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair 3.11.2. Fish Species 277. Fishing activities in A&N islands can be divided into Commercial Fishing, Artisanal Fishing, Game Fishing and Aquaculture. However the line between commercial and artisanal fishing is not clear-cut as artisanal fishers will on occasion sell their catch if they have too much for their immediate needs.The marine fisheries in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are classified into 1. Coastal fisheries or inshore fisheries 2. Offshore fisheries. 278. Until recently, sea fishing operations in these islands were restricted to a narrow coastal belt, the offshore and deep-sea regions left mostly unexplored. This was partly because of the non-mechanized nature of craft and tackle and partly because of lack of sufficient knowledge of the availability of lucrative catches in the offshore grounds. The Andaman and Nicobar fish fauna is an assemblage of more than 1200 species from the coastal and offshore waters, of which 282 species are economically significant food fishes belongingto 130 genera covering 62 families. The fish species found in Andaman & Nicobar Island is given in Table 3.35.

Table 3.35 Species of Fishes found in Andman& Nicobar Islands Species of Fishes found in A & N Islands: 1368 Crustaceans 580 Mollusks 900 Echinoderms 300 Commercially Important Species 350 Source: Fisheries At A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair

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3.11.3. Marine Fishery

279. More than 1150 fish species under 507 genera of 151 families have been recorded from the sea around Andaman and Nicobar Island. These species occur in freshwater, brackish water, coastal waters and offshore. The interesting groups are, chimaerids (Chimaeridae), pelagic sharks (Carchaehinidae), deep sea sharks (Squalidae), skates (Rhinobatidae) sting rays (Rajidae), herrings, moray eels (Muraenidae), sardines (Clupeidae), Milkfish, catfish, (Ariidae), lizard fish (Synodontidae), flying fish (Exocoetidae), halfbeaks (Hemi- rhamphidae), alligator gar (Belo-nidae) , soldier fish (Holocentridae), pipefish (Syngnathidae), groupers (Serranidae), grunters (Teraponidae), flag tails (Kuhlidae),Bulls eye (Priacanthidae), cardinal fishes (Apogonidae), whitings (Sillaginidae), sucker fish (Echeneididae), travellys (Carangidae), silver belly (Leiognathidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), fusiliers (Caesionidae), silver biddys (Gerridae), grunters (Haemulidae), sweetlips (Haemulidae), breams (Sparidae, Lethrindae), threadfins (Nemipterdae), jaw fish (Sciaendae), goat fish (Mullidae), bat fish (Ephippididae), butterfly fish (Chaetodontidae), angel fish (Pomacanthide), Tilapia (Cichlidae), demoiselles (Pomacentridae), anemone fish (Pomacentridae), mullets (Mugilidae), barracuda (Sphyraenidae), tassel fish (Polynemidae), wrasses (Labridae), Parrot fishes (Scaridae), blennids (Blennidae), dragonets (Callionymides), gudgeons (Eleotrididae), gudgeons (Eleotrididae), goby (Gobidae), sword fish (Istiophoridae), mackerel (Scombridae), tunas (Scombi-dae), flounders (Pleuro-nectidae), soles (Cynoglassidae, sollidae), file fish (Balitidae), tiger fish (Balistidae), Box fish (Ostra-cidae), Blow fish (Tetrodontidae), and porcupine fishes (Diodontidae). Sharks, sardines, mackerels, travellys, cat fish, mullets, ribbon fish, barracudas, groupers, snappers, seer fish and tunas are from important fish groups in commercial fishery. 280. Other than marine, the backwaters fisheries in the mangroves creeks form animportantcomponent of fisheriesresourcesof theseislands.Mangrove creeks and backwatersenvironment is characterized by considerable fluctuations in temperature, salinity and turbidity. Creeks are relatively productive regions and serve a valuable function as nursery areas for the young one of many sub littoral species. Many species of fishes move into mangroves at a particular stage in their life cycle, usually as juveniles. Some non-commercial fishes of the family Gobiidae spend their whole life in creeks and back waters, others are common in creeks but often found in the ocean too (e.g., mullet or mugilids). Commercial fishing in mangrove areas is often carried out using hand line, cast nets, bamboo traps and barrier nets. The catch consists mainly of snappers (Lutjanidae), herrings and sardines (Clupeidae), anchovies (Engraulididae), groupers (Serranidae), jacks (Carangidae),pony fishes Leiognathidae), grunts (Haemulidae), emperors (Lethrinidae), goat fishes (Mullidae), mullets (Mugilidae and rabbit fishes (Siganidae). The Mugil sp., Liza sp., Lates calcarifer, Chanos chanos, Epinephelus coioides, E. foscoguttatus, E. mafabaricus, E. polystigms, Lutjanus argentimacufatus, Toxotes sp. constitute the major commercially important species from the mangrove ecosystem.

3.11.4. Units under the Department of Fisheries: 281. Following units are under the department of Fisheries: 1. Directorate at Port Blair 2. Aquarium/Museum near Marina Park, Port Blair 3. Fisheries Training Centre at Marine Hill, Port Blair 4. Fish seed Farm at Naya Gaon, Port Blair

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5. Central Store at Phoenix Bay, Port Blair

Fisheries Zonal Offices  South Andaman at Phoenix Bay, Port Blair  North & Middle Andaman at Mayabunder  Nicobar at Car Nicobar Fisheries Sub-stations No. Station i) Rangat ii) Havelock iii) Little Andaman iv) Campbell Bay Source: Fisheries At A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair

3.11.5. Fishery resources 282. The details of fishery resources and infrastructure available in the A&N islands is given in Table 3.36& 3.37.

Table 3.36 Marine Fishery Resources & Infrastructure S. Continental No. of No. of Approx Resource No Nation/U.T of Shelf (‘000 Beach fisher Length of Potential A & N Islands Sq. Km) Fish Villages Coastline (lakh Landings (Km.) tonne) 1) India 506 2,333 3,726 8,041 39.21 2) Andaman & 35 56 98 1,912 1.48 Nicobar Islands Source: Fisheries at A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair

Table 3.37 Potential Fishery Resources & Infrastructures S. Nation/U.T of A & Oceanic Pelagic Demersal Total No N Islands (in tone) (in tone) (in tone) 1. India 489200 1357500 458662 2305362 2. Andaman & Nicobar 60000 56000 32000 148000 Islands Source: Fisheries at A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair Cold Storage facility

Table 3.38 Existing Infrastructure available in A&N Island Existing Government Ice Plant Rangat 10 Department of Fisheries Hutbay 10 Department of Fisheries Campbell Bay 10 Department of 2015 Fisheries (Re- constructed) Total 30 Private Havelock 05 M/s ANIIDCO Total 05 Total A & N Islands 218

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Existing Cold Govt. Port Blair 15 Department of Storage Fisheries Rangat 15 Department of Fisheries Hut bay 15 Department of Fisheries Car Nicobar 10 Department of 2014 Fisheries Campbell Bay 15 Department of 2015 Fisheries Re-constructed Total 70 Undertaking Havelock 10 M/s ANIIDCO Total 20 Total A& N Islands 215 Source: Fisheries at A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair

283. Fishing Gears and Boats: From 0 to 12 Nautical Miles, fishing in Andaman and Nicobar Waters is regulated by the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as per the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Marine Fishing Regulation. 284. There arethreemain and common types of crafts in these islands. These are Dugoutcanoe, FlatbottomandRound bottom. It is found that operationof smaller boats is more economical as most of the boats are used for gill netting and line fishing in the inshore area and there is very little scope for bottom trawling. Details of year wise fishing boats in operation in Andman and Nicobar Island is given in Table 3.39.

Table 3.39 Year wise Fishing Boat Details (in Nos.) S. Fishing 2006- 2007- 2008- 2009- 2010- 2011- 2012- 2013- 2014- 2015- No Boats in 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 . operation 1. Mechanized 05 12 12 63 55 72 59 43 68 69 Boats 2. Motorized 1274 1257 1257 1431 1293 1444 1484 1481 1352 1385 Boat 3. Non 1524 1451 1451 1620 1465 1611 1604 1591 1510 1528 Motorized (Country Crafts) Total 2803 2720 2720 3114 2813 3127 3147 3115 2930 2982 Source: Fisheries at A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair 285. In Andamanand Nicobar Islands, the following types of nets are used  Drift Gill net  Shore seine net  Anchor net  Cast net 286. Drift Gill net: Drift gill nets are widely used and operated all over the island. They are locally known as Nylon jaal. Thisnet is used and operated mainly at South Andaman and also at Great Nicobar Islands. Main fishes caught are Mullets, Sardines, Tunas and Mackerels. 287. Shore seine net: Shore seine net is operated mostly at South Andaman and Little Andaman. It is commonly known as 'Maha jaal'and is more or less similar to the Bar jaal of mainland. The net is operated during the time of retrieving tide.

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288. Anchor net: It is most advanced type of traditional net. It consists of a bag tapering into cod and wings tapering towards the free end. The mouth is kept open by fixing floats on the upper end and sinkers on the lower part, a large float is provided at the cod end. The net is operated from smallcrafts at the time of returning tide. 289. Castnet: It is the most common gear used by regular as well as occasional fishermen in Andaman and Nicobar islands. It is locally called as 'Haat jaal' A single fisherman in shallow inshore waters operates it by hand. Theseare circular nets and as the name implies are castor thrown. 290. Hook and Line: Hook and lines are also frequently used by the local people. Details of the fishing gears in operation during year 2004 to 2013 is given in Table 3.40.

Table 3.40 Fishing Gears in Operation (Year, 2004 - 2005 to 2012 – 2013) (No’s) S. Name of 2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 2008- 2009- 2010- 2011-12 2012- No. the Gears 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 13 1. Gill Net 2348 2184 2287 2192 2192 2243 2249 2265 2357 2. Shore Seine -- 12 13 20 20 23 23 24 31 Net 3. Anchor Net -- 06 08 04 04 04 04 04 04 4. Cast Net 2101 2250 2350 925 925 958 1033 1029 975 5. Hook & Line 1381 1500 1550 3170 3170 3238 3244 3245 3212 6. Long Line ------240 240 261 264 256 231 7. Disco Net ------56 56 56 56 56 59 8. Others 98 ------Source: Fisheries at A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair 3.11.6. Fishery potential in A&N Island 291. Details of the fishery potential and exploration in Andaman and Nicobar island is provided in Table 3.41 to 3.42.

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Table 3.41 Fishery Potential and Exploitation During 2006-07 To 2015-16 (Qty. In Mt) S. Species/Group Potential Exploitation (in tones) No. Yield 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 Demersal Resource 1. Elasmobranchs 4200 1208 1215 1290 2327 2124 2135 2214 2443 2132 2304 2. Silver Bellies 5000 1980 2000 2050 3153 3162 3181 3169 3495 2961 2976 (Leiognathids) 3. Perches 8000 5498 5518 5635 3718 3721 3912 4011 4336 5004 4023 4. Pomfrets 1900 309 314 323 300 323 365 369 396 309 302 5. Cat Fish 1000 279 286 379 262 253 241 244 269 182 142 6. Thread Fins (Polynemids) 400 50 50 53 46 43 39 39 42 40 39 7. Croakers (Sciaenids) 1200 890 895 886 897 891 854 861 841 756 749 8. Gerrids 1400 135 139 218 220 215 209 209 212 231 134 9. Goat Fishes (Upenoids) 900 9 10 08 9 13 11 12 11 09 08 10. Silver Grunt 100 8 13 16 19 08 16 21 19 12 21 11. Drift Fish (Ariommaindica) 300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12. Threadfin Breams 500 247 254 282 273 282 257 263 273 159 136 (Nemipterids)

13. Lizard Fish 150 10 12 13 13 11 09 11 13 10 08 14. Flat Fish 50 10 11 26 25 32 31 32 13 11 09 15. Bulls Eye (Priacanthids) 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16. Cephalopods 100 45 46 43 41 43 34 39 21 13 11

17. Penaeid Shrimps 800 565 586 594 632 642 680 713 709 712 710

18. Crabs 1000 513 514 563 641 629 723 741 752 693 734 19. Deepsea Lobster 120 22 32 37 41 0 53 56 69 27 21 20. Deepsea Shrimps 110 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21. Deepsea Fishes 1970 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22. Others 2700 2012 2019 2169 2411 2647 2665 2859 3091 3068 3078 Total 32000 13790 13894 14585 15028 15039 15409 15863 17005 16329 15405 Pelagic Resources 1. Anchovies 6200 2175 2115 2206 2150 2415 2402 2510 3593 3114 3258 2. Sardines 8000 3170 3079 3704 3627 3710 3704 4001 3952 4102 4098 3. Hilsa shad 2500 153 168 261 281 273 316 316 306 356 367

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S. Species/Group Potential Exploitation (in tones) No. Yield 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 4. Wolf Herring 600 75 77 68 80 82 79 82 68 74 64 (Chirocentrids) 5. Mackerel 4500 2000 2016 2225 2051 2135 2120 2125 2208 2268 2510 6. Round scads 1300 175 173 171 183 194 164 161 154 146 113 (Decapterids) 7. Other carangids 6000 2470 2282 3185 2287 2659 2618 2611 2745 2393 2965 8. Ribbon fish 1000 232 252 214 202 193 143 200 211 183 163 9. Half beaks & full 600 294 232 215 204 275 284 262 198 211 214 beaks(Belonids) 10. Barracuda 2200 611 508 677 626 507 502 503 667 987 650 11. Mullets 2500 938 944 1010 986 1010 1064 1060 935 946 921 12. Seer fish 1800 1086 1238 1215 990 910 933 939 914 910 936 13. Neritic tunas 18000 776 1015 1102 1172 1563 1908 2181 2187 2200 1972 14. Others 800 494 334 405 271 250 258 344 316 341 473 Total 56000 14649 14433 16658 15200 16276 16495 17295 18454 18231 18704 Oceanic Resources 1. Yellowfin tuna 24000 02 38 49 58 67 85 81 84 87 89 2. Skipjack tuna 22000 0 34 41 48 59 68 60 59 93 79 3. Bigeye tuna 500 01 01 01 01 01 02 02 08 12 13 4. Bill fishes (Marlin, sailfish, 2800 151 440 935 1796 1408 2069 2072 142 1210 1825 swordfish) 5. Wahoo 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6. Pelagic sharks 7000 06 07 52 668 780 827 945 954 932 893 7. Dolphin fish 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8. Barracuda 200 0 04 06 19 23 25 21 18 18 21 9. Flying fish 300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10. Oceanic squids 2000 0 02 03 09 13 19 23 29 30 64 11. Others 800 01 02 05 173 69 73 64 0 38 32 Total 60000 161 528 1092 2772 2420 3168 3268 1294 2420 3016 Grand Total 148000 28600 28855 32335 33000 33735 35072 36426 36753 36980 37125 19.32% 19.49% 21.84% 22.29% 22.79% 23.69% 24.61% 24.83% 24.98% 25.08% Source: Fisheries at A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair

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Table 3.42 Marine and Inland Fish Production (2006-07 to 2015-16 - Qty. in Tonne) Fish 2006- 2007- 2008- 2009- 2010- 2011- 2012- 2013- 2014- 2015- Productio 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 n Marine 28600 28855 32335 33000 33735 35072 36426 36753 36980 37125 Inland 85 159 158 159 186 192 194 195 197 200 TOTAL 28,685 29,014 32,493 33,159 33,921 35,264 36,620 36948 37177 37325 Source: Fisheries at A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair

Table 3.43 Disposition of Marine Fish Catch (Qty. in tonne) S. Nature of 2006- 2007- 2008- 2009- 2010- 2011- 2012- 2013- 2014- 2015- No. Disposition 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1. Marketing 18590 18756 21018 21450 21928 22797 23677 23889 24037 24131 (Fresh) 2. Freezing 4290 4328 4850 4950 5060 5260 5464 5513 5547 5568 3. Salting and 5720 5771 6467 6600 6747 7015 7285 7351 7396 7426 Drying Total 28600 28855 32335 33000 33735 35072 36426 36753 36980 37125 Source: Fisheries at A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair

Table 3.44 Region Wise Fish Landings From 2003-2012 (Qty. In Tonne) Island 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Rangat 847 192.49 159.56 801.4 769 908 930 1050 1505 953 South 27157 22834.83 6584.72 13871.3 15124 18677 18697 20681 21050 20000 Andaman (Rural+ Urban) Havelock 0 391.76 162.10 232.75 180 152 165 178 172 170 Little 619 498.88 35.85 170.75 261 982 613 620 614 518 Andaman/ Hut Bay Car Nicobar 6 8.52 - 71.26 64 264 273 273 261 148 Campbell bay 119 121.50 27.03 107.05 99 131 89 106 133 158 FSI 0 13.40 19.91 11.0 12 09 04 06 03 02 Total 30636 26920.50 8635.37 24096 28005 32785 32050 33740 34680 36458 Source: Fisheries at A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair

Fish Landing Center and Fish Landing Points: detail of the total Fish Landing Center and Fish Landing Points in Andaman and Nicoba island is given below:

FISH LANDING CENTRES S. No. District Name of Fish Landing Latitude Longitude Centre 1. North & Middle Rangat Bay 12O29‟31” N 92O57‟21” E Andaman Fish Landing Centre

FISH LANDING POINTS S. No. District Name of Fish Landing Latitude Longitude Points Havelock 12O02‟N 92O58‟E Vivekanandpur, 10O44‟N 92O34‟E Little Andaman/ Hut Bay EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 134

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S. No. District Name of Fish Landing Latitude Longitude Points Harminder Bay, 10O35‟N 92O33‟E Little Andaman/ Hut Bay Machidera (Hutbay), 10O35‟N 92O32‟E Little Andaman/ Hut Bay Rama Krishna Pur, 10O43‟N 92O35‟E Little Andaman/Hut Bay Long Island 12O22‟N 92O55‟E 3. Nicobar Tee top, Car Nicobar 09O12‟N 92O44‟E Malacca, Car Nicobar 09O07‟N 92O46‟E Sawai, Car Nicobar 09O12‟N 92O44‟E Passa, Car Nicobar 09O12‟N 92O45‟E Mus, Car Nicobar 09O14‟N 92O46‟E Kimus, Car Nicobar 09O07‟N 92O46‟E Campbell Bay 07O00‟N 93O65‟E Source: Fisheries at A Glance2016 Department of Fisheries A&N Administration,Port Blair 292. The Rangat bay fish land center is located away from the proposed BMH location. In other BMH location the fish landing points are there but located away from the BMH sites. 3.12. Socio-Economic Environment 293. Impact on the socio-economic environment near any project area revolves around the modes of change that are likely to occur due to beneficial and adverse effects arising out of proposed developmental activity. These pertain to economic output, job opportunities and strain on the existing basic amenities as well as overall impact on the quality of the environment of the region. Therefore, assessment of such an impact calls for detailed baseline information and impact on the socio- economic environment and to suggest environmental management plan to minimise the adverse impacts. To analyse the impact, it is necessary to establish the existing socio-economic environment of the area. Project falls in “Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)”. Details of socio-economic environment of “Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)” and Project area are presented in the section below. Census, 2011 data has been refereed to collect the data on socio-economy. 3.12.1. Demography 294. Demography is one of the important indicators of environmental health of an area. It includes population, number of households, literacy, population density, etc. In order to assess the demographic features of the area, census data of Andaman and Nicobar District a Union Territory for the year 2011 was compiled and placed in the form of tabulation and graphical presentation. 3.12.2. Demography of the District 295. According to the provisional census figures of 2011, the total population of ANI is 3, 79,944 comprising 2, 02,330 males and 1, 77,614 females. The decadal population growth is 23,792 in absolute numbers. The decadal growth in population has shown an increase of 6.68% over the population of 2001. While the percentage of increase in the male population is 4.85, the growth in female population is 8.85% (Table 3.45).

Table 3.45 Population of A&N Island UT/District Total Males Females Population 2011: ANI 3,79,944 2,02,330 1,77,614 South Andaman District (Project Area) 2,37,586 1,26,804 1,10,782 North and Middle Andaman 1,05,539 54,821 50,718 EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 135

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Nicobar District (Project Area) 36,819 20,705 16,114 Decadal Growth: 2001–2011 23,792 9,358 14,434 Percentage Decadal Growth 2001–2011 6.68 4.85 8.85 Source: Census 2011

3.12.3. Distribution of Population in project area 296. The proposed BMH sites are located in 8 island of Andaman Nicobar. As per the district census handbook 2011, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Unionterritory embracing a group of 572 Islands, Islets and Rocks, big and small, out of which only 31 Islands were reported to be inhabited during Census 2011. Project area falls in South Andaman and Nicobar district. The Island wise population of the study area is presented in Table 3.46.

Table 3.46 Island wise Population Distribution S. No. Name of Island Total Males Females 1 Port Blair 165754 32969 132785 2 Hut Bay 18823 9964 8859 3 Havelock 6315 3495 2820 4 Rangat 36626 33885 2741 5 Long 1032 529 503 6 Car Nicobar 17841 9735 8106 7 Kamorta 3688 2146 1542 8 Campbell Bay 8367 5025 3342 Source: Census 2011

3.12.4. Decadal Growth Rate 297. The percentage decadal growth of population in Andaman & Nicobar Islands has decreased from 26.90 percent in 1991 – 2001 to 6.90 percent in 2001 – 2011. Similar patterns of declining growth rate of population had been observed during the past two decades 1991 – 2001 as well as 1981 –1991.

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3.12.5. Population Density & Sex Ratio 298. The „Population Density’ per kilometre has increased to 46 in 2011 from 43 in Census 2001. The sex ratio (number of females per 1000 males) has increased to 878 in 2011 from 846 in Census 2001. 3.12.6. Literacy Rate 299. The literacy rate of Andaman & Nicobar Islandshas followed an increasing trend since 1961. It hasincreased from 81.30 in Census 2001 to 86.63 inCensus 2011. 3.12.7. Economic Profile 300. Agriculture consists mainly of rice, coconuts, areca nut, and bananas. Some rubber and oil palm plantations have also been developed. Approximately 50,000 ha are currently under cultivation, of which more than half is planted with coconut and areca nut. Tourism and wood business are the other sources of the economy. 3.12.8. Social Profile of Island 301. The Islands have been home to indigenous tribal communities for over 20,000 years. The original inhabitants of the Andaman group of Islands are tribes of Negrito origin such as the Great Andamanese, the Jarawas, the Onges, and the Sentinelese. People of Mongloid origin occupy Nicobar and it hosts two distinct groups of tribal people, the Nicobarese and the Shompens. There are six Scheduled Tribes, of which five are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) i.e.Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawa, Sentinelese & Shompens.These indigenous groups exhibit varied livelihoods, preferences for social exclusivity, and cultural differences. The tribal population is affected by fluctuating populations, high incidence of malaria, hepatitis, and other diseases, loss of traditional livelihoods and way of life, influx of outsiders, etc. the changes in Tribal population in A&N island is given in Table 3.47.

Table 3.47 Changes in Tribal Population in ANI Category Census Year 1981 1991 2001 Shompens 223 250 398 Nicobarese 21,984 26,000 28,653 Andamanese 26 45 43 Onges 97 95 96 Sentinelese NE 100 estimated 39 estimated Jarawas 31 280 estimated 240 estimated Source: Census 2011 The characteristics of the prominent tribal communities of ANI are given as follows in Table 3.48.

Table 3.48 Characteristics of the Tribal Communities of ANI Name of the Characteristics Tribe The Shompen  They were the first inhabitants of the Nicobar Islands. They came from Sumatra more than 10,000 years ago.  They are a nomadic tribe of hunter–gatherers. They build huts on elevated platformsclose to streams and practice arboriculture. They raise pandanus, colocasia, lemon, banana, chili, tobacco, betel,and coconuts.

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 Their diet consists of pandanus, pigs, monitor lizard, megapod bird and their eggs,andtheyalso practise ethno-medicine.

The Nicobarese  Largest tribal group of ANI. They are scattered on different islands of the Nicobar group. They are of Mongloid origin and their language has roots in the Austro-Asiatic family.  Nicobarese in different islands exhibit diversity in traditions. While Car Nicobar is strictly patriarchal, central group of islands such as Nancowry have had women as leaders.  They live in extended families called 'tuhets' and village structure and organization isbuilt around the tuhets. The tribal council holds great power.  Trade in coconut has been the mainstay of the Nicobarese economy. They also participate is subsistence fishing and pig rearing. The  Originally hunter–gatherers, they have been resettled in Strait Andamanese Island and have been beneficiaries of government schemes and activities  They are literate and politically aware. The Jarawa  Confined to the West Coast of South and Middle Andaman Islands in dense evergreen forests reserved for them.  Jarawas have held on to their territory and traditional lifestyle and have been hostile towards intruders. They do not mingle or marry outside their tribe. The Sentinelese  They have been living on the North Sentinel Island for thousands of years without any contact with the outside world and are hostile to outsiders. The Onges  The Onges inhabited Little Andaman and are now confined to Dugong Creek and South Bay  They have fallen prey to many diseases and other social maladies.  302. Tribal Influence Areas: There is only Kamorta and Nicobar island has the tribals (Nicobarese). However, today the younger Nicobarese receive free education through the government. Nicobarese are becoming educated over time and they are seen in multiple government jobs as Doctors, teachers, policemen, and clerks, among other occupations.

Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) 303. As per the District census handbook 2011, this organisation works for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.There are six Scheduled Tribes, of which five are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) i.e.Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawa, Sentinelese & Shompens. The population of PVTGs of this UnionTerritory is increasing. Welfare programme for Particularly EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 138

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Vulnerable Tribal Groups of this UnionTerritory is implemented through Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS), as per requirementof the tribes and policy followed for each tribe. The schemes are formulated for the welfare, protection,safety and upkeep of cultural heritage of PVTGs. Capital works are done through APWD, as perrequirement and as per policy followed for each tribe.

3.12.9. Socio-economic Profile of 500 m radius of the proposed BMH sites 304. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications & IT has decided to connect the Andaman and Nicobar (ANI) group of islands on submarine cable with mainland India at Chennai. Project shall connect eight islands of Andaman and Nicobar Island with Chennai, India on submarine optical fiber cable. The Route from Chennai to islands of Andman&Nicobar shall consist of eight segments with the segment from Chennai to Port Blair being repeatered and the remaining segments unrepeatered. Name of landing stations, route length and the cable length for connecting Chennai and eight islands at Andaman and Nicobar is given in Table 3.49.

Table 3.49 Social Concerns around 500 m area of BMH sites BMH Details of the site Co- Social concerns LOCATION ordinates of BMH Port Blair Corbyns Cove BMH 11°38.690'N, Location: The Preferred Landing site is recommended over 92°44.897'E located at 11° 38.690‟ N, 92° 44.897‟ E, at the optional site, which northern end of Corbyns Cove (sometimes also has no beach but called Carbyns Cove) beach. concrete-reinforced Settlements: There is no settlement close to coastline for road. the proposed BMH site. Cultural and heritage sites: None within BMH site Public activity near BMH site:BMH sites is located at the northern end of Corbyns Cove beach.

Accessibility to BMH: the BMH site is accessible through Corbyns Cove road which runs along the coast and touches the beach at its northern end. Either side of the road can be used for cable laying. The beach area falls under the Forest Department. There was no visual evidence of coral around the site. Presently there are no cable landings on the island. Connectivity: Port Blair island is connected only through airwys and water ways from main lands. Maritime Activity: Port Blair is a major port of the Islands and has a working jetty to receive passenger vessels operating between Chennai–Campbell Bay–Port Blair, Vizag–Port Blair and Kolkata–Port Blair. Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) runs passenger and cargo ships. It also runs inter-island ferries for passengers and goods. It is a major base for defense, housing the integrated command HQ. The proposed BMH site is located away from the Jetty and shipping activity shall not get disturb due to proposed BMH Construction and EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 139

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operation.

Existing Cables and Pipe Lines: The site is presently linked through satellite. There are no cables landing for internet. The exchange has laid out fibre optic cable to connect with other BTS it operates. The land cables are laid along the present road owned partly by APWD and administration.

Bus service: Bus/Taxi service is available in Portblair. Fishing:Local fishing is by small fishing boats fitted with outboard motors, not very extensively. The administration has recently given permission for operation of trawlers but beyond territorial waters. These trawlers shall be operating 12 NM away from the islands. There is limited fish export to Chennai and Kolkata. Tourism: No major tourism Mobile/ Internet connectivity: Internet connectivity is available but not good. The mobile services are provided by „Cell One‟ of BSNL, Air Tel and Vodaphone.

Hut Bay Location at jetty 10°35.287'N, Location: BMH site is located very close to the recommended as 92°33.710'E existing jetty which very much accessible route is east of jetty. through road. Vessel movements Settlements: There is no settlement close to are to west of jetty, the proposed BMH site. the existing jetty is towards optional close to the proposed BMH location. site. Cultural and heritage sites: None within BMH site Accessibility to BMH:Road access is average and being widened for two lanes for old and existing Exchange. There is light traffic of cars, bike and trucks exists on the roads.

Connectivity: Hut bay is connected to Portbalir and main land through waterways and airways only. Road network is available within the island only.

Maritime Activity: Hut Bay has a fully operational jetty. The old jetty was destroyed by the tsunami. Construction of additional berths at the new jetty is in full swing. Private ferries operate between Port Blair and the island for tourists and goods. It also receives inter-island ferries operated by SCI, for passengers and goods. There are cargo vessels coming to deliver goods but such activities are nominal The proposed BMH site is located away from the Jetty and shipping activity shall not get disturb due to proposed BMH Construction and operation

Existing Cables and Pipe Lines: Presently the site is linked through satellite EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 140

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communication. There are no cable landings for Internet. The Exchange has laid out fibre optic cable to connect with two other BTSs it operates. The land cables are laid along the present road owned partly by APWD, Gram Panchayat and administration. Bus service: Bus/Taxi service is available within the island only. Fishing:Local fishing is by small fishing boats fitted with outboard motors, not very extensively. The administration has recently given permission for operation of trawlers but beyond territorial waters. These trawlers shall be operating 12 NM away from the islands. There is limited fish export to Chennai and Kolkata. Tourism: The Butler Bay Beach located 14 km from Hut Bay is the best surfing point in the island. It is also suitable for sun basking and snorkelling. White surf fall and Kala Pathar beach are the other tourist destination in Hut bay. All the tourist site are located away from the BMH site. Mobile/ Internet connectivity: Internet connectivity is very poor. The mobile services are provided by „Cell One‟ of BSNL.

Car Nicobar Murugan Temple 09°10.520‟N, Location: The BMH location is located near to site (BMH 1) 92°49.682‟E the Murgan Temple. appears to have Settlements: There is no settlement close to extensive shallow the proposed BMH site. fringing reef, Cultural and heritage sites: None within BMH necessitating AP site. HoweverMurgesan Templeis located close anchoring/pinning to to the BMH site. prevent movement. However, the Jetty Social:The Nicobarese tribal‟s is a largest site (BMH 2) is tribal group of ANI. Nicobar island is the home anticipated to of these tribes. They are of Mongloid origin and experience their language has roots in the Austro-Asiatic increased boat and family. Trade in coconut has been the mainstay vehicular traffic in of the Nicobarese economy. They also future, hence BMH 1 participate is subsistence fishing and pig is recommended rearing. Public activity near BMH site: Only Murgan Temple is close to the BMH site. Jetty is about 0.5 km away from the proposed BMH. Peoplegathering is anticipated during Puja/festival time in Murgan temple. Accessibility to BMH:Road access from Car Nicobar DC office is available upto Murgan temple. Road is wide and single lane. There is very little Traffic on the existing road.

Connectivity: Car Nicobar island is connected only through water ways and airways from port Blair and other islands.

Maritime Activity: Car Nicobar has an operational jetty for coast guard vessels and inter Island ferries for passengers and goods. EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 141

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Cargo vessels deliver goods but such activities are very minimal. Total number of vessels touching the island is not more than 5-6 in a month at present. The proposed BMH site is located away from the Jetty and shipping activity shall not get disturb due to proposed BMH Construction and operation Existing Cables and Pipe Lines: Presently the site is linked through satellite communications. There are no cable landings for internet. The Exchange has laid out fibre optic cable to connect with two other BTS it operates. The land cables are laid along the present road owned partly by APWD and administration. Bus service: Bus/Taxi service is available within the island. Fishing:Local fishing is carried out using small fishing boats with outboard motors. No extensive organised fishing here. No trawlers operate in the economic zone. Total population of this island is about 13000. Tourism: Due to the restricted entry for outsider tourism activities are very minimum. Outsider shall have a tribal pass to visit the car Nicobar. Mobile/ Internet connectivity: The island is very poor in Internet connectivity. The mobile services are provided by „Cell One‟ of BSNL. Kamorta site (Camorta 8°02.348'N, Location: The BMH location is located near to Exchange BMH 1) is 93°32.470'E the BSNL office. preferred due to: no Settlements: The proposed BMH site is close shipping, no to the BSNL office and hospital and development settlements are located near to the BMH envisaged, very location. short land route Cultural and heritage sites: None within BMH site. Social:The Kamorta island is tribal island and permission to be required for outsider to visit the island. Shompen/ Nicobarese tribals were the first inhabitants of the Nicobar Islands. They came from Sumatra more than 10,000 years ago. They are a nomadic tribe of hunter– gatherers. They build huts on elevated platformsclose to streams and practice arboriculture. They raise pandanus, colocasia, lemon, banana, chili, tobacco, betel,and coconuts.. Public activity near BMH site:The proposed BMH site is located close to the Existing BSNL office in Kamorta. Govt. Health Centre and Police Thana is close to the site.

Accessibility to BMH:Road access from Helipad and Jetty is available. Road is wide and single lane. There is very little Traffic on the existing road.

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Connectivity:Kamorta island is connected only through water ways and airways from port Blair and other islands.

Maritime Activity: Kamorta has an operational jetty for coast guard vessels and inter-island shipping, ferries for passengers and goods shipment. There are cargo vessels coming to deliver goods but such activities are very minimal. Total number of vessels touching the island is not more than 15 to 20 in a month at present. The proposed BMH site is located away from the Jetty and shipping activity shall not get disturb due to proposed BMH Construction and operation.

Existing Cables and Pipe Lines: Electric cables run along the side of the road. No gas or oil pipelines exist on the island. There is light traffic on this single lane road. There are no cables landing for internet. The land cables are laid along the present road owned partly by APWD and administration.

Bus service: Taxi service available within the island. Fishing:Local fishing is done by small outboard motor-powered fishing boats and no extensive organised fishing. No trawlers operate in the economic zone. Total population of this island is about 7000. Tourism: Due to the restricted entry for outsider tourism activities are very minimum. Outsider shall have a tribal pass to visit the car Nicobar. Mobile/ Internet connectivity: The island is very poor in Internet connectivity. Mobile service is provided by „Cell One‟ of BSNL.

Campbell Bay BMH 1 site appears 07°00.796‟N, Settlements: There is no settlement close to to have rock outcrop 93°56.168‟E the proposed BMH site. and fringing reef, Cultural and heritage sites: None within BMH necessitating AP site. anchoring/pinning to Public activity near BMH site:BMH sites is prevent movement. located along the east of the Island. In the Recommend use of preferred location there is a motorable road BMH 2 site leading to the Bikori beach. The site is about 1 km away from the proposed CLS (BSNL Exchange). Accessibility to BMH:Road access is narrow and single lane. There are no crossings of canal, road cutting or any other infrastructure except a few street lamps and associated underground electric cables running along the side of the road. No privately owned land will fall on the cable route to CLS. Connectivity: Campbell Bay island is connected only through water water ways from port Blair and other islands. EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 143

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Maritime Activity: Campbell Bay has an operational jetty to receive passenger vessels plying between Chennai and port Blair via Campbell Bay. It also receives inter-island ferries for passengers and goods. Cargo vessels do deliver goods but such activities are very minimal. Total number of vessels touching the island is not more than 5-6 in a month presently. The proposed BMH site is located away from the Jetty and shipping activity shall not get disturb due to proposed BMH Construction and operation

Existing Cables and Pipe Lines: Presently the site is linked through satellite communication. There are no cable landings for Internet. The Exchange has laid out fibre optic cable to connect with two other BTSs it operates. The land cables are laid along the present road owned partly by APWD, Gram Panchayat (village admin) and administration. Bus service: Bus/Taxi service is available within the Campbell Bay island up to Indra point only. Fishing:Local fishing is carried out using small fishing boats with outboard motors. No extensive organised fishing here. No trawlers operate in the economic zone. Total population is about 3000. Tourism: No major tourism Mobile/ Internet connectivity: The island is very poor in Internet connectivity. The mobile services are provided by „Cell One‟ of BSNL.

Havelock Area east of access 11°59.028'N, Settlements: There is no settlement close to track is at potential 92°57.197'E the proposed BMH site. However the approach risk from rivulet road to BMH and surrounding area is under outflow. BMH 1 commercial activities. The identified land is relocated under Forest department. approximately 100m Public activity near BMH site: Radhangar west of outflow. beach is the busy beach and people gathering is always noticed. Cultural and heritage sites: None within BMH site. Accessibility to BMH: The preferred BMH 1 Landing site is towards west of Radhanagar beach. It is approximately 100 m west of a meandering rivulet debouching onto the beach. The road from the proposed Radhanagar Exchange is available right up to the beach. Heavy machinery and manpower will have easy access Connectivity: BMH site is well connected through paved road upto Havelock Jetty and from Havelock to Port Balir via water ways.

Maritime Activity: Havelock has a working jetty to receive passenger vessels operating between Havelock and Port Blair. Private ferries operate between Port Blair and the EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 144

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island. It also receives inter-island ferries for passengers and goods by ships operated by SCI. Cargo vessel activities are nominal. The majority of barges carrying goods are beached at a place called Meetha Nala and unloading operations carried out manually. The total number of ferries touching the island is not more than 5-8 every day. The proposed BMH site is located away from the Jetty and shipping activity shall not get disturb due to proposed BMH Construction and operation Existing Cables and Pipe Lines: Presently the site is linked through satellite. There are no cable landings for internet. The exchange has laid out fibre optic cable to connect some sites. The land cables are laid along the present road owned partly by APWD, Gram Panchayat and administration. Bus service: Taxi service is available within the Havelock island only. Fishing:Local fishing is by small fishing boats with outboard motors, not very extensively. Total population is about 9000. No trawlers operate in the economic zone Tourism: Havelock is the most sought for destination by the tourists who are visiting Andaman. Among the Andaman group of Islands it is an inhabited Island located 39 km North-East of Port Blair. It is a natural paradise with beautiful white sandy beaches, pristine and serene island with rich coral reefs, lush green forest and transparent clean water. Radhangar beach is one of the tourist destination close to the BMH site. Mobile/ Internet connectivity: The island is very poor in Internet connectivity. The mobile services are provided by „Cell One‟ of BSNL Airtel, and Voda Phone.

Long Located near Lond 12° 22.136'N Settlements: There is no settlement close to Jetty in south 92° 55.077'E the proposed BMH site. however the approach direction road to CLS is close to the settlement. The approximately 50 m. identified land is under Forest department. Cultural and heritage sites: None within BMH site. Public activity near BMH site: No major public activity observed near the BMH site. Accessibility to BMH: Paved Road access is narrow and single lane. There are no crossings of canal, road cutting or any other infrastructure except for a few street lamps and associated underground electric cables running along the side of the road. No privately owned land will fall on the cable route to the CLS. Connectivity: BMH site is well connected through paved road upt to Yeretara Jetty and water ways from Port Blair. Maritime Activity: Long Island has an operational jetty to receive passenger vessels plying from Port Blair/other islands. It also EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 145

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receives inter-island ferries for passengers and goods. Cargo vessels do deliver goods but such activities are very minimal. Boats ply from Yeratta jetty on Rangat Island to Long Island and back on a daily basis. The proposed BMH site is located away from the Jetty and shipping activity shall not get disturb due to proposed BMH Construction and operation Existing Cables and Pipe Lines: Presently the site is linked through satellite communication. There are no cable landings for Internet. No pipelines enter or exit the island Bus service: Not available Fishing:Local fishing is carried out using small fishing boats with outboard motors. No extensive organized fishing here. No trawlers operate in the economic zone. Total population is about 800. Tourism: BMH site is not a tourist place however tourism used to come to see Lalaji beach and other tourist places located near to the long island. Mobile/ Internet connectivity: The island is very poor in Internet connectivity. The mobile services are provided by „Cell One‟ of BSNL

Rangat BMH site is Located 12° 29.254'N Settlements: There is no settlement close to about 290 m, east of 92° 57.730'E the proposed BMH site. the existing jetty Public activity near BMH site: No major public activity observed near the BMH site. Cultural and heritage sites: None within BMH site. Accessibility to BMH: The road leading to the site is on Revenue land, thus permission of administration will be required. Road access is narrow and single lane. There are no crossings of canal, road cutting or any other infrastructure except a few street lamps and associated underground electric cables running along the side of the road. No privately owned land will fall on the proposed cable route to the CLS.

Connectivity: Rangat island is about 95 kms north to Port Blair, The Island is approachable by road and sea.

Maritime Activity: Rangat has an operational jetty to receive passenger vessels plying from Port Blair. It also receives inter-island ferries for passengers and goods. Cargo vessels do deliver goods but such activities are very minimal. Boats ply from Yeratta jetty on Rangat to Long Island and back on a daily basis. The proposed BMH site is located away from the Jetty and shipping activity shall not get disturb due to proposed BMH Construction and operation Existing Cables and Pipe Lines: Presently the site is linked through satellite EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 146

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communication. There are no cable landings for Internet. There are no pipelines approaching the island either.

Bus service: Available upto Rangat Fishing:Local fishing is carried out using small fishing boats with outboard motors. No extensive organized fishing here. No trawlers operate in the economic zone. Total population is about 3000. Tourism: BMH site is not a tourist place however the Amkunj beach just 10 kms away from Rangat township has got immense tourism potential. Cutbert Bay beach is a turtle nesting ground and one can see turtle nest during the December –February period. Mobile/ Internet connectivity: The island is very poor in Internet connectivity. The mobile services are provided by „Cell One‟ of BSNL

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Figure 3.45 Photographs of fishing and associated Activities

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4. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND THEIR PREDICTIONS 4.1. Prelude 305. This chapter discusses the environmental and social impacts that may results from the proposed development. Potential impacts are identified, mitigation measures listed and residuals impacts, taking these measures into account, are described. Predicting environmental impacts is the most important component in the impact assessment study because it provides quantitative/qualitative information on anticipated environmental impacts resulting from a project well in advance. Several mathematical/statistical techniques and methodologies are available for predicting impacts from developmental projects on the surrounding physicochemical, ecological, and socio-economic components of the environment. The qualitative and/or quantitative impacts derived from predictions also are essential in order to delineate an effective environmental management plan for minimizing the adverse impacts on the surrounding environment during the construction and operation phases of the project.

306. The following sections outline these impacts, giving detailed explanations and assessment with regard to the predicted significance of the impacts. Where appropriate mitigation, management and enhance measures are identified to avoid, reduce or remove the predicted impact. 4.2. Anticipated Environmental Impacts 307. Modern submarine telecommunication systems are fibre optic cables using pulses of light to transport information. Coaxial cables, as the former standard, use electric current to carry information and are sporadically still in service. However, long-distance optical cables require repeaters and thus also need a constant power supply. Whereas coaxial cables have a diameter of up to 10 cm, fibre optic cables are only 2 – 5 cm thick. Submarine cables are usually buried to minimize the risk of damage by, for example,anchors and fishing gears. Submarine cables have a wide range of potential impacts on the marine environment due to their placement (i.e. cable-laying) as well as due to their operation. The various potential impacts of submarine cables differ considerably in terms of their spatial extent, duration, frequency and reversibility. Main environmental impacts associated with submarine cables are mostly during construction period which are discussed in Table 5.1.

Table 4.1 :Main environmental impacts associated with submarine cables Sl. Phase Likely Environmental Issues Type of impact No Sea bed disturbance (penetration) Potential to cause concern Re suspension of contaminants Potential to cause concern Cable laying (Damage & disturbance to Potential to cause concern Construction aquatic and benthic organism) Visual disturbance Unlikely to cause any concern 1 Impact on Geology Unlikely to cause any concern Vessel noise (due to laying of cable etc.) Potential to cause concern Emissions & liquid and solid waste Unlikely to cause any generation from vessels used for concern construction work

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Risk of accidents that would results in Unlikely to cause any pollution or hazard concern Ecological impacts (marine) Potential to cause concern Impact on fishing Potential to cause concern Social & cultural impacts Potential to cause concern 2 Operation Impact marine ecology due to Potential to cause concern electromagnetic field Exposed cable (erosion) Unlikely to cause any concern Decommissioning of project (after Potential to cause concern lifetime)

4.3. Pre construction Phase Impacts 308. The pre construction phase refers to initial route selection work including the desk top study (DTS) which delineated the cable route, and subsequent onshore/offshore route selection survey work, the marine survey. It therefore includes a number of onshore surveys and the use of vessels and survey equipment. There are no impacts resulting from DTS phase work (selection of the cable route).

309. Several techniques are used during route selection studies that include geophysical and geotechnical survey equipment, such as side scan sonar, sub- bottom profiler, multibeam/Singlebeam, magnetometer, corer (grativity or vibrocorer), Grabber and cone penetrometer.These equipments use non-intrusive techniques to record sea bed bathymetry. Coring, grabbing or penetration tests involve minimal ground disturbance at location. Impacts from these survey techniques are all considerate to be low. Impacts that may results from the operation of survey vessels which is discussed in subsequent sections. 4.4. Construction Phase Impacts 310. The environmental consequences during the construction phase of the proposed cable landing are anticipated to be short-term, temporary, and minor. It shall be noted that onshore activities (construction activities within the coastal regulation zone) will be limited to excavation of a trench using standard construction equipments and installing the cable at the beach man hole locations at all the island. The overall time frame of the onshore activities will be limited to 4-5days. The land and sediment grade will return to pre-existing conditions within a relatively short timeframe following installation. All other activities are mainly linked with the offshore marine cable installation.

311. Construction activities will result in some negative environmental impacts during route clearance and cable laying, particularly to benthic biota along the survey route. However, at any one location the disturbance will occur over a very short duration, natural recovery will readily occur and impacts will therefore tend to be minor in nature. 4.4.1. Impact due to sea bed penetration (Offshore and shallow water) A. The pre-laying grapple run: The grapnel will penetrate the seabed to a depth of up to 0.8 meters. Due to the intrusive nature of this operation some negative impact is unavoidable. Impacts include the generation of:

 A small amount of turbidity through physical contact mortality or injury to marine organisms,particularly plants and other organisms that have low mobility.

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 The pre-laying grapple run and cable installation will have some minor physical impact on sea bed geology. This impact will be limited to the area where the cable will be installed only and will vary in intensity depending on the installation method (cable burial in a trench or laying on the seabed), which is discussed in next section.

B. Cable laying: The laying of cables leads to seabed disturbance and associated impacts of damage, displacement or disturbance of flora and fauna,  increased turbidity  release of contaminants  alteration of sediments.

312. These effects are mainly restricted to the installation, repair works and/or removal phase and are generally temporary. In addition, their spatial extent is limited to the cable corridor (in the order of 5 m width if the cable has been ploughed into the seabed).Some mobile benthos is able to avoid disturbance and though sessile species (bivalves, tubeworms etc.) will be impacted. The cable installation process will only result in short term direct impacts to the subtidal bottom habitats and assemblage present on intertidal area near the beach landing point. The short term loss of benthic organisms directly along the cable routes is not considerate to represent an unacceptable ecological impact. The rapid natural reinstatement of the seabed will result in the area being available or rapid recolonisation and hence, no permanent impacts are anticipated from cable project.

313. As the sea water of all the cable landing site as well as of Andman & Nicobar sea has very clear water and raised turbidity and suspended sediment levels can have a number of adverse effects on marine organisms. Where suspended sediment concentrations may present for prolonged periods, or are particularly high and widespread, visibility can be reduced affecting the ability of some fish to feed.The high turbidity can also reduce light penetration in the water column and reduce photosynthesis/productivity in sea grasses and affecting the coral reef presents in the area.

314. However the duration, spatial extent and level of suspended sediment associated with route clearance and cable installation in this project are unlikely to cause such problems. Nevertheless, turbidity levels should be minimized during cable lay operations by minimizing the duration and extent of physical seabed disturbance.

Mitigation 315. No immediate mitigation known due to temporal nature of impact would be selected. But this can be achieved using the sea plough burial method16 in preference to jetting wherever possible. The impact of turbidity generation is assessed as being of low significance.

316. The Project will implement mitigation measures to reduce the risks of impacts on fauna with particular attention is paid to sensitive marine species including marine mammals and turtles. This will include:  Monitoring for the presence of marine mammals and turtles during marine activities;

In water depths up to approximately 2,000 metres, the cables may be buried in a narrow (<1 m wide) trench cut by water jet or plough. The usual and most efficient burial method is by use of a subsea cable plough which is towed on the seabed

16 behind the cableship.

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 Working with an appropriate environmental organization to develop a notification process;  Minimizing the impact of lighting at the beach areas.  With appropriate mitigation the significance of impacts on fauna are predicted to be negligible.

4.4.2. Impact due to Re suspension of contaminants 317. During the jet plough cable laying process, the seabed sediments will be disturbed and a small percentage will be lost to suspension in the lower part of the water column in the immediate vicinity of the jet plough.

318. The analysis of the potential transport of fine sediments suspended into the water column during the cable laying process is presented below. The sediment lost to suspension is calculated as follows:

Release Rate : Cross sectional area of disburbed sediment x speed of cable laying machine x sedimentary dry density x percentage loss Depth of Disturbance : 1 m (approximate burial depth of cable) Width of Disturbance : 0.5 m (width of seabed disturbance as cable is buried) Maximum Cross-Sectional Area : 0.5 m2 Loss Rate : 5% (majority of sediments not disturbed) Speed of Machine : 0.239 m/s (approximately 0.83 km/hr) In situ dry density : 600 kg/m3 Release Rate : 3.465 /s

319. During cable laying, the seabed sediment will be released at the bottom of the water column, resulting in a high localised suspended sediment concentration and high setting velocities. At high concentrations and within a localised area, suspended sediment tends to form large aggregations of sediment particles (i.e., flocculation) that have a higher setting velocity than the individual sediment particles. It is expected that the suspended sediments will remain within 1 m of the seabed, which is independent of water depth. The current velocities at the seabed are lower then those near the water surface due to effects such as bottom friction. In line with the above discussion, impact on the geology and sediments due to the proposed development is considered to be “Low” and “Negligible.” 4.4.3. Impact on Geology 320. Due to Onshore Activities: There will be no impact on geology or sedimentary characteristics of the beach due to the onshore activities.

321. Due to Offshore Activities: The environmental impacts of constructing the cable network on the geology or sedimentary characteristics of the Andaman Sea and along the proposed submarine corridor would be temporary and have no anticipated significant impact over the lifetime of the project. The cable material is composed of inert materials that will not alter the geological or physical properties of the seafloor. Displacement of sediments within the route is only temporary, and sediments will settle back into the jetted trench immediately following installation.

322. Direct impacts to the geological and sedimentary resources of the deepwater features of the Andaman Sea will be short-term and minimal. No permanent or long-term impacts are anticipated to affect the quality of sediments, including EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 152

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texture or other chemical characteristics. For the excavation of the underwater trench near the seashore, a seawater jetting system will be adopted. The seabed materials are moved to form the trench during the jetting operation, which naturally re-form and “backfill” the trench after passage of the burial tool. Therefore, there is no material excavated and removed from the site. The near shore trench will be backfilled by concrete mat, which will not contaminate the water. 4.4.4. Vessel noise (due to laying of cable etc.) 323. Due to Onshore Activities:During the construction of the BMH and cable laying, noise will be generated in the beach area. The landing site falls in a less active beach in the entire island except Hevelock, Portblair and Campbel bay BMH sites. In other locations at present, the beach is not used for any recreational activity by the people and is not having any tourist attraction. No residential area is present within the immediate vicinity of the BMH sites.

324. Tourist activities are noticed in Hevelock, Portblair and Campbel bay BMH sites. During construction period proper barricading of site to be done to attenuate the noise generated. The construction noise levels at the nearby noise sensitive areas will be kept within the ambient noise levels as per the ambient air quality standards regarding noise as applicable for commercial and residential areas.

325. Due to Offshore Activities: Noise generated from the barge and cable laying equipment during the submarine cable installation will be minimal, and therefore, no unacceptable noise impacts upon the nearby residential and commercial areas will result from this project. Based on the preceding arguments, noise-related impacts during construction to on-site receptors are considered to be “Medium.” 4.4.5. Emissions & liquid and solid waste generation from vessels used for construction work 4.4.5.1 Gaseous Emission 326. Due to on shore Activities: The main sources of air emissions during the construction period are engine driven construction machinery, DG sets, earthworks (excavation, compacting activities, etc.)trenching, mechanical / electrical installations and vehicular emissions. It is to be noted that construction of beach manhole and cable laying on the beach will be spanned out a period of 3 to 6 days. There will be no foul odor due to the construction of BMH and laying of cable on the beach.

327. The present baseline AAQ results of all the BMH sites indicate that the ambient air quality in all the BMH location is well within the NAAQS for residential, rural and other areas. During construction period there will be slight change in the air quality due to the construction activity. Also, as the duration of construction activity is of limited period and no major construction work is involved in the whole process, the impact related to gaseous emissions and odor is considered to be “Low” and “Insignificant”.

Due to offshore Activities: 328. During Offshore construction the main source of air pollution is from ship include exhaust fumes from combustion of engines and the equipment used for the cable laying operation. At the time there are no Indian regulations for emissions from the mobile sources however; International standard like MARPOL and International Maritime Organization (IMO), and Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) will be followed. All such ships and vessels are subjected to the national and international regulations on controlling emissions. The Protocol of 1997

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(MARPOL Annex VI) set the limits on Sulphur Oxide and Nitrogen Oxide emissions form the ship exhaust.

Mitigation Measures  Procure standard construction equipment and vehicles.  Plan periodic maintenance schedules including engine tuning, filter cleaning, etc. for construction equipment and vehicle.  Minimize idling time of fuel run heavy equipments by adequate planning of construction activity.  Plan periodic maintenance schedules including engine tuning, filter cleaning etc for vessels.  Comply with international standards.  Cable laying vessel conforms to IMO/MARPOL standards in relation to prevention of air pollution (among others). Thus, under normal circumstances the vessel represents no risk as a source of air pollution

4.4.5.2 Dust emission 329. Due to on shore activities: The only dust-generating activity that will occur at the project site is the construction at the cable landing site. The construction will be small in scale, and no significant dust impacts will result. The dust control measures stipulated in the EMP will be applied during the construction phase to mitigate any impact due to dust. In line with the discussion, impact related with ambient air quality is considered to be “Low.”

330. Due to offshore activities: There will not be any dust generation due to offshore activities and hence the impact is considered to be “Negligible”.

4.4.5.3 Solid waste Generation 331. Due to Onshore Activities: Solid wastes are generated from construction debris, excavated soil, packaging material, scrap metal, vehicle/ equipment maintenance waste, etc. While soil can be utilized for construction (to backfill the trench), other wastes will be segregated and stroed at the site and will be recycled to the extent possible. The waste generated during the construction of BMH and cable laying would be reused for reinstatement. No waste material or disposal problem that would cause adverse impact on the environment will be left.

332. Due to Offshore Activities:The wastes generated from the ships are normally divided into solid nonhazardous waste and hazardous waste. The waste expected to be generated during the route survey and cable laying operations are given in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2 : Waste Generated during Cable Laying Operation Waste Type Source of Generation Nature of Release Non-hazardous Waste Domestic waste and general Onboard general activities Intermittent; Nonrecyclable waste &biodegradable Empty plastic containers of Packaging material recyclable nonhazardous material etc. Paper, packing material, cables, Packaging material Intermittent; recyclable, steel, etc. biodegradable

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Empty metal containers of Packaging material Intermittent; recyclable, nonhazardous material biodegradable Hazardous Waste Clinical waste Medical treatment Small quantity Waste oil and sludge Fuel oil storage Small Special waste (batteries and Machinery Periodic and in small used filters) quantity Mitigation Measures  The non-hazardous waste will be segregated and collected in a designated area within the ship or barge and will be brought on-shore for disposal.  Any non-recyclable or re-usable non-hazardous waste will be transported to municipal landfills.  Appropriate facilities will be provided in the ships and barge for storage and handling of hazardous waste generated during the construction phase.  The facility will be designed to provide enough space for storing the entire quantity generated.  The hazardous waste will be brought on shore and transported to authorized facilities for treatment or disposal.

A. Liquid waste generation 333. Due to Onshore Activities): The onshore construction activities will not generate any liquid effluent.

334. Due to Offshore Activities: There will be wastewater generation from the ship used for cable laying operations. The wastewater generation from ship will be of two types: (i) Machinery space water (ii) Sanitary wastewater. Mitigation Measure 335. Machinery space water contains washing from machinery. The drainage may also include spilled lubricating oil, degreasers etc. The machinery-space water is directed to oil removal vessels (skimmer vessels) for the separation of oil and water and the water is allowed to drain to the sea. Oil is collected in barrels and will be sent to the recyclers authorized by State/ Central Pollution Control Boards. No wastewater will be drained to the sea within 50 nautical miles from the shore. The sanitary wastewater on the ship is generally from toilets, washrooms, galleys etc. The volume and quantity of such wastewater varies with the number of persons on ship. Sanitary wastewater will be treated as per MARPOL before release to the sea. A package sewage treatment plant will be installed in the ship for treatment of sanitary wastewater. However, untreated sewage will not be drained to the sea within 12 nautical miles from the shore. Therefore, the anticipated impact will be “Negligible”.

4.4.5.4 Ballast water management - Vessels operations 336. Introduction of non native species in marine ecosystem: Cable laying will require use of dedicated cable lay vessels resulting in that invasive (predominantly non-native) species may be unintentionally introduced in to sea water due to discharge of blast water. The discharge of blast water may have a potential impact on the native fauna and flora if invasive species become highly aggressive, outcompeting native species and altering the structure and community composition of marine ecosystems.

Mitigation

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337. Marine vessels will be required to adhere to International Maritime organization (IMO) regulations on bilge and ballast water discharge in order to avoid unintentional introduction of non-native species to the marine environment.

4.4.5.5 Water Quality 338. Due to Onshore Activities: Water quality impacts during the land-based activities primarily relate to surface water run-off and discharge of pumped water, if any. The following measures will be incorporated to prevent any adverse impacts: Care will be taken during BMH construction to avoid spilling material into the adjacent marine waters; Surface run-off from the construction site will be directed into storm drains via adequately designed sand/silt removal facilities; Any water pumped from the excavated trenches will pass through silt- removal facilities prior to discharge to storm drains; Silt removal facilities, channels, and manholes will be maintained regularly at the onset of and after each rainstorm; and Stockpiles of material will be covered with tarpaulin or a similar fabric.

339. Impacts on water quality during the onshore construction phase are rated as “Negligible.”

340. Due to Offshore Activities: The impacts to the quality of the water resources within the Andaman Sea should be minimal and temporary. No long-term, permanent, or significant impacts on chemical or physical characteristics or the quantity of available water resource within the project area are anticipated.

341. The impacts to water quality during cable laying will result from the disturbance of seabed sediments during jet ploughing of the submarine section of the cable. The impacts to water quality from jet ploughing will be in the form of seabed sediments suspended in the water column, which would form a dense cloud in the immediate vicinity of the cable laying operations and, due to the high concentrations and the nearness of the release to the seabed, would settle back onto the seabed rapidly. For this project, the surrounding seawater will be used for the jetting system (i.e., nothing alien will be introduced into the environment, and no seabed materials from the area will be removed).

342. There are no anticipated indirect impacts on water quality as there will be no source of input to the water resources within the project area following cable installation. All vessels and equipment associated with the project will leave the project area, with only the inert buried cable remaining. Based on the preceding arguments, impacts on water quality during the onshore construction phase are rated as “Low and Negligible.” 4.4.6. Risk of accidents that would results in pollution or hazard 343. There is potential for impacts on human health and safety to occur as a result of accidents and unplanned events that may occur during the Project installation activities. The project activities have the potential to results in a direct and indirect negative impact on human health and safety within the development area and near surrounds.

344. Extend of the impact is limited to on-site and local. The duration will range from temporary to permanent as some impacts will last only a short while (minor injury) and some may cause a permanent change (mortality related to vessel strike).At particular risk are fishermen and other vessels that may move at night-time or in reduced visibility conditions when the Project activities are taking place. EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 156

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345. Collision of Project vessels with fishing boats and nets or other vessels could result in damage of vessels and equipment, injury or loss of life. In onshore environment, human health and safety could be impacted through road traffic accidents involving construction vehicles. The risk of other injury associated with the construction activities at the landing site will be limited to the work force only (as the site will be secured to avoid public incursion into the active development area), but there is some risk of public injury associated with the installation of the cable between the landing site and CLS as this construction will not be fenced.

Mitigation  All active construction areas will be marked with high-visibility tape to reduce the risk accidents  All open trenches and excavated areas will be backfilled as soon as possible after the construction has been completed. Access to open tranches and excavated areas will be secured to prevent pedestrians or vehicle from failing in.  The project will require all contractors to implement an Environmental, Health and safety plan which will outline procedures for avoiding health and safety incidents and for emergency medical treatment.  Contractors will be required to wear suitable personnel protective equipment (hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety boots and gloves and life vests)  All construction and cable repair workers will sufficiently trained in the safe methods of working with fibre optic cables to avoid injury associated with laser lights and fibres.  While a ship is laying its manoeuvrability is restricted, as such it will display the day signals and lights of a hampered vessel to avoid collision with other vessels at sea.

4.4.7. Vessels will increase watch when navigating in areas that are kwon to be used by fishermen and other vessels. If other vessels are observed within the near vicinity, the project vessel will stop moving, make contact with the other vessel if possible, and wait until it has been confirmed that the course of both vessels will not result in collision or damage to equipment.Ecological impacts 4.4.7.1 Terrestrial Ecology 346. None of the infrastructure placements require clearance of vegetation or interaction with significant habitats. The potential site for the new cable station at all the islands will be situated on cleared land. No RET species present on proposed BMH and CLS route.The proposed BMH site does not located withiin the ESZ of any wildlife Sanctuary/ National Park and Biosphere Reserves area. 347. However Reserve Buffer Zone of Campbell Bay National Park is located about 4.7 km away from the BMH site. The proposed land to be used for BMH and cable lying is under the Forest department and permission shall be obtained for the same. Thus the impacts are rated to be “Negligible” to “Low” since there are no sensitive habitats in proposed BMH site and CLS route.

4.4.7.2 Marine Impacts (due to on shore activities) 348. The proposed work involves construction of a landing point at all the BMH locations. It is not expected that the proposed site construction will cause any significant impacts on marine ecology. 4.4.7.3 Due to offshore activities 349. The potential impact on marine ecology from cable installation are as follows:

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 Direct physical damage to marine flora and fauna: Dolphins, Turtle, Dugong, whale and shark etc are the marine fauna reported in A&N sea. The physical damage to marine fauna is anticipated from grappling, ploughing, cable movement, anchoring and seabed disturbance by vessels from the cable operation;  Excessive turbidity leading to depletion of dissolved oxygen levels; the excess turbidity and suspended sediment levels can have a number of adverse effects on marine organisms, particularly in areas that would normally have clear waters.  Asphyxiation of organisms with displaced sediment.  Direct impacts on marine ecology include damage to coral reefs, sea grasses and associated marine life. However, there are no sensitive coral reefs and other sensitive receptors along the planned cable RoW in 12 nauticle mile from beach edge.  Futher it is anticipated that the turbidity effects during project installation phase are also short-lived. Furthermore, native species in near shore environments are capable of adapting such short period elevated high turbidity. The baseline cable route survey did not encounter any sensitive species.  Physiological and or behavioural impacts to marine fauna from cable-related emissions, e.g. light, noise/acoustic or vibrations  Chemical and physical impacts to fauna through an unplanned release of hydrocarbons, environmentally hazardous chemicals to the marine environment.  Physiological impacts from entanglement of marine fauna with cables associated with seismic survey and/or cable laying equipment  Raised turbidity can also reduce light penetration in the water column and reduce photosynthesis/productivity in sea grasses and affecting the coral reef presents in the area

Mitigation Measures 350. The Project will implement mitigation measures to reduce the risks of impacts on flora, fauna and marine habitats with particular attention is paid to sensitive marine species including marine mammals and turtles. This will include:  Avoidance of ecologically important and sensitive areas during selection of final cable route. No such area however exists along the proposed cable route  Haulting vessels in case any whale, shark or dolphins are sighted  Monitoring will be undertaken to ensure marine ecology is not disturbed during cable laying process.  Avoid burial operations in strong current water to minimize sediment disturbance.  Cable laying vessel will comply with MARPOL guidelines.  Cable to be used is resistant to coiling and thus low risks of marine animals to get entangled within cable.  Competent and experienced crew members will be nominated so that they can observe marine species while performing the task. Also they can use their experience and review available literature to avoid sensitive zones and other marine mammals encounter zones.  Areas of habitat that are temporarily disturbed during cable installation will be restored upon the completion of the installation phase. Areas are disturbed during installation activities will be rehabilitated as soon as possible after the cable has been installed.  Vessel crews must report sightings of any injured or dead marine mammals and sea turtles immediately, regardless of whether the injury or death is caused by a Project vessel.  The report should include the date and location latitude/longitude) of the animal/strike, the name of the vessel involved, and the species identification or a description of the animal.

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 If there is any corals present during cable laying to prevent this the cable will be floated in and placed around the corals by divers working with a marine specialist who will direct this exercise. Further, the trenching machine will need to have a narrow as possible footprint such that the near by corals are not damaged by siltation or physical damage during the trencher is in operation.  Turbidity levels should be minimized during cable lay operations by minimizing the duration and extent of physical seabed disturbance.  Marine vessels will be required to adhere to IMO regulations on bilge and ballast water discharge in order to avoid tensional introduction of nonnative species to the marine environment.  Speed of cable laying vessel will be restricted to a maximum of 6 knots. Thus there will be low collision risks to cetaceans as compared to fast moving large vessels.  Activities that generate underwater noise (ploughing, jetting) could be timed to pose the least threat to migratory mammals  Adherence to MARPOL, Marine Orders and Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983, International Convention of the SOLAS 1974 and the Navigation Act 2012  Adherence to International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships, 2001 (IMO, 2001; ratified on 17 September 2008) and follow the “National Biofouling Management Guidance for Non-Trading Vessels”  Use of directional lighting and light shields  Vessel deck lighting switched off unless required under navigation or safety standards (AMSA Marine Orders)

In general, the project works are likely to cause a few potential adverse effects which persist for a short duration.With appropriate mitigation the significance of impacts on fauna are predicted to benegligible.

4.4.8. Impact on fishing (due to onshore activities) 351. Due to onshore activities:The most of the BMH sites are located near beach area and away from the fish landing site (jetty area). No commercial fishing sites are located close to the selected BMH sites. Only Hut bay BMH sites is located near to the jetty, where fish landing is anticipated. Local people used fishing (for fun/ time pass) near jetty area in morning and evening hours but it is not for commercial uses. Minor interruptions to fishing operations are expected to occur only during the cables deployment phase. This disturbance is predicted to be localized to the area in which the activities occur and near surrounds only, and will be short term and progressive in its nature as the activities move along the cable route corridor. Any disturbance to fisheries will be temporary.

352. Due to Offshore Activities: Fishing is the prime occupation of the islanders. During the cable installation, there is a risk of mutual obstruction both by vessels and by towed equipment, consisting of nets trawls and lines deployed by fishermen and survey equipment grapnels or cables by cable installers. Fishing activities of one sort or another will be most intense on the Continental Shelf. There may be trawlers operating throughout the area both singly and in pairs. Fishing with drift nets can be expected. In the approaches to landfalls the presence of fixed nets will be investigated as these will necessitate cable rerouting. Submarine cables and fishing have coexisted for many years and cable burial is adopted as the main method of protecting cables from fishing activities. This has greatly reduced the incidence of fishing related cable damage, to the point where it is now a rare occurrence on modern (buried) cables. Evening and morning hours are the main fishing period hence cable laying operation shall avoid the main fishing period. Since the cable laying operations are carried out for EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 159

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relative shorter periods at each location, the impacts on either side are considered to be negligible. 4.4.9. Shipping Activities 353. Due to Onshore Activities:All the BMH sites are located away from the the jetty and port area. Further no major shipping activities are present in all proposed BMH except Port Blair. To get to the Islands of Andaman and Nicobar (Port Blair) there are sail options that depart from three major seafront cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. These cities provide regular passenger ships that run to and fro. There are three to four trips to and fro every month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and only one trip for Visakhapatnam in a month. Except the passenger ferry the cargo shipping is also frequent upto the Port Blair. Similarly there are 2 trip to and fro from Port Blair to Campbelway via Noncarwey and Carnicobar. Generally, all marine activities should be notified to the nearest port in the area, so that vessels can be warned in advance of the ongoing operations and because most of the BMH sites are located away from the jetty or port hence no impact is envisaged on shipping activities due to onshore activities.

354. Due to Offshore Activities: Most of the BMH locations are located away from the Jetty area. However, only Hutbay location is near Jetty area. As there is very less traffic (1 to 2 ship in a week) the impact will be negligible. Both cable route survey and cable installation can cause temporary disruptions to shipping traffic flow. This is particularly the case if the survey or installation vessels have to maintain station for some time. However, these operations are of short duration and can generally be accommodated without significant disturbance to normal shipping activities.

355. Generally, all marine activities should be notified to the nearest jetty area, so that vessels can be warned in advance of the ongoing operations. When operating within Port limits or close to navigational channels takes place, there is a need for heightened awareness of the possible dangers posed by and to other vessels. In such instances, notifications will be issued and “Notices to Mariners” will be issued in coordination with concerned agencies. Historic data on subject did not reveal and indicate any adverse impact on shipping due to cable installation and maintenance operations. Hence, the impact on shipping can be classified as negligible taking into account the shorter duration of project works.

356. Controlled Shipping Channels:The CANI route does not cross any designated Traffic Separation Schemes. It does however cross the Ten Degree Channel, which is an important International shipping lane. There are currently 3 IS and 1 OOS cables passing through this channel.

357. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the body responsible for establishing and recommending measures on an international level concerning ships‟ routing. Where schemes lie wholly within territorial waters, decisions concerning routing rest with the national government but such schemes may also be submitted for IMO approval and adoption.

358. Anchoring Activities: All charted vessel anchorage areas have been avoided but anchoring is suspected or identified at Hut Bay and Kamorta location.In these areas the options for deeper burial, up armouring and/or establishment of cable protection corridors should be considered.

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is no likelihood of any adverse impacts on community services, schools, housing, or other local services and facilities. Once completed, the proposed submarine cable could potentially create a small number of additional jobs.

360. There are no cultural and heritage sites that could be affected due to the proposed cable laying and construction along or in close proximity to the cable route. However the Car nicobar BMH site is located near to the Murgesan Temple17. During construction period proper barricading of site to be done to attenuate the dust generated

4.4.11. Military Exercise Areas Firing practice areas east of Great Andaman Island are described in chapter 3. The Firing practice areas east of Great Andaman Island have been avoided by the cable routes, as there is a probability of presence of buried UXO in these areas which may be encountered during the cable laying process. Thus it is essential permission should be taken from such military exercise areas prior cable laying.

4.4.12. Oil and Gas Activity and Pipelines No petroleum, water or gas pipeline is present within the entire cable route. However oil concession blocks are existing along the cable route but beyond 12 nauticle miles distance. These blocks are currently not productive and no major infrastructure for exploration is visible.

4.5. Operation stage Impacts 361. During operation it is expected that the cable will have no significant negative environmental or social impacts. During the operational phase there will be no routine maintenance of the cable and the cable will have a passive influence on the environment. 362. Any repair or recovery work will be done with utmost care, not to disturb the seabed. The impacts above are found to be either “Negligible” or “Low” for the operational phase. 4.5.1. Electromagnetic Field Electromagnetic fields are generated by operational transmission cables. Electric fields increase in strength as voltage increases. In addition, induced electric fields are generated by the interaction between the magnetic field around a submarine cable and the ambient saltwater. Magnetic fields are generated by the flow of current and increase in strength as current increases. During AC electroding the intensity of the magnetic field in the near vicinity of cable has been reported as approximately 0.1µT which varies inversely with distance from the cable. This magnetic field is well below the background magnetic field produced by the earth. Additionally, scientific literature suggests that the electro sensory resolution ability of marine organisms able to detect alternating current induced fields appear to be limited to slowly alternating fields below 10Hz. Therefore marine organisms are not expected to be affected by the AC induced magnetic fields used for electroding (≈ 25Hz).

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4.5.2. Cable Repair and Retrieval Operations 363. Routine maintenance of the sea cable will not be needed, given the durability of the system and proven installation methods. In the highly unlikely event that the cable needs repairing, the only requirement would be to splice a broken cable, or to remove a part of the cable that had been damaged. Repair activities will occur in localized portions of the cable route and operational interaction with the surrounding environment will be negligible. In areas where the use of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is not deemed feasible, the cable ship will utilize an undersea grapnel to initially cut the area to be repaired and subsequently retrieve it. The cutting grapnel will be lowered to the seabed by a dynamically positioned (DP) cable repair vessel so as to ensure minimization of effort.

364. Upon the grapnel being lowered to the seabed, the vessel will attempt to engage the damaged cable by making a cutting run perpendicular to the run of the cable. Upon a successful cut, the cutting grapnel will be replaced by a holding grapnel and both ends of the system will be recovered to the cable ship where repairs will take place. Once the cable is spliced, it will be lowered, again by DP, to the seabed in the form of a final bight.

365. During repair and cable locating operations a technique known as AC electroding may be employed. This technique is used to locate cable faults through the application of a low frequency AC current modulated on the 1 amp DC current. The maximum amplitude of the AC signal is limited to 100 mA. The frequency range for electroding signals is adjustable between 4 to 50 Hz, however, the standard AC frequency used is 25 Hz. AC electroding generates a negligible longitudinal electric field and an extremely low magnetic field.

366. During AC electroding the intensity of the magnetic field in the near vicinity of cable has been reported as approximately 0.1µT which varies inversely with distance from the cable. This magnetic field is well below the background magnetic field produced by the earth. Additionally, scientific literature suggests that the electrosensory resolution ability of marine organisms able to detect alternating current induced fields appear to be limited to slowly alternating fields below 10Hz. Therefore marine organisms are not expected to be affected by the AC induced magnetic fields used for electroding (≈ 25Hz).

4.5.3. Retired Undersea Cable Systems 367. The structural integrity of Telecommunications Undersea Cable Systems is evident in the fact that many retired systems have been obtained by scientific research agencies to use for the study and protection of our oceans ecosystems and natural resources. Retired cable systems have been used in the development of artificial reefs to enhance the aquatic environment for the propagation of flora and fauna resulting in a positive environmental impact.

368. No significant environmental impacts in terms of noise, gaseous emissions, and water quality are expected to occur during the operation of the submarine cable. Other issues such as waste and marine ecology should be unlikely. The impacts above are found to be either negligible or low for cable installation and operational phase. 4.5.4. Exposed cables

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369. Cables can become exposed on beaches and in other areas prone to erosion. In addition to the unsightly nature of an exposed cable at low tide, it represents a safety risk to beach users and also substantially increases the risk of cable failure. For beach crossings the cable is typically installed in flexible steel pipe with an outside diameter in the order of 20 cm and buried in a trench 2 m deep dug previously by equipment such as a backhoe. In the unlikely event of severe erosion resulting in the pipe becoming exposed it will be reburied. The cable during operations is considered to be minimal and therefore the impact of exposed cables is assessed to be low.

4.6. Impact Assessment and Proposed Mitigation 370. Detailed assessment of the anticipated impact was made to assess the significance of these impacts on environment. Suitable mitigation measures have been proposed accordingly and the significance of these impacts was re-analyzed after the proposed mitigation measures. The impact assessment of the project along with the proposed mitigation measures are tabulated in Table 4.3.

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Table 4.3 Impact Assessment of the Project with proposed Mitigations S. No. Environmental Issues Receptors Significance Mitigation Measures Significance without with mitigation mitigation measures measures 1. Sea bed penetration Marine Negligible Mitigation measures to reduce the risks of impacts on fauna with particular Low (Offshore and shallow organisms attention is paid to sensitive marine species including marine mammals and water) (flora and turtles: fauna)  Monitoring for the presence of marine mammals and turtles during marine activities;  Working with an appropriate environmental organization to develop a notification process;  Minimizing the impact of lighting at the beach areas.  With appropriate mitigation the significance of impacts on fauna are predicted to be negligible. 2. Geology and Marine flora Low Low Onshore Activities Sediments and fauna and Negligible  Sediments removed from sea bed (> 15 m) deep by plough burial will be in form of wedges that will be placed back as plough burial moves forward. Sediments dispersed will settle back due to the heavy ocean currents. Vessel dynamic positioning ability will enable vessel to hold station without use of anchors therefore no anchoring impacts on sea bed will occur due to vessel.

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3. Noise Onshore Activities

Medium  Comply with Ambient Air Quality Standards with respect to noise, 2009. Human and  Avoid evening time operation on the busy Beaches like Hevelock, portbalir Low marine fauna and Campbell Bay.  Use only well maintained equipment. Install suitable enclosures for high noise equipments, wherever required and feasible.  Provide personal protection equipment (ear plugs or ear muffs) to all workers operating in the vicinity of high noise generating machines.  Monitor noise levels regularly to check compliance with the standards.  The acoustic systems used in cable route survey sonar use very high frequencies which do not affect the cetaceans. Offshore Activities  The cable laying vessel does not deploy high powered or low frequency seismic or sonar survey technology, and noise will be limited to that associated with engines and thrusters. However, there will be no significant addition to the level of background noise in the water column. Reducing the time for equipment use. 4. Gas Emissions and Onshore Activities Odour Human, Low  Comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards for residential, rural Insignificant (SO2, NOX, CO, PM10, Flora and and and other areas. PM ) Fauna Insignificant 2.5 Offshore Activities  Procure standard construction equipment and vehicles.  Plan periodic maintenance schedules including engine tuning, filter cleaning, etc. for construction equipment and vehicle.  Minimize idling time of fuel run heavy equipments by adequate planning of construction activity.  Plan periodic maintenance schedules including engine tuning, filter cleaning etc for vessels.  Comply with international standards.  Cable laying vessel conforms to IMO/MARPOL standards in relation to prevention of air pollution (among others). Thus, under normal circumstances the vessel represents no risk as a source of air pollution.

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5. Dust Human, Onshore Activities Flora and Low Nil Fauna  Stockpiles of excavated soil and loose construction material shall be less than 2 m height with a gradient of 2:1 to minimize the dust generation due to wind; and,  Implementation of dust suppression methods (e.g. water spraying etc.) at dust prone areas; 6.  7. Liquid Effluents Marine Flora Negligible Nil Offshore Activities and Fauna  The machinery-space water is directed to oil removal vessels (skimmer vessels) for the separation of oil and water and the water is allowed to drain to the sea.  Oil is collected in barrels and will be sent to the recyclers authorized by State/ Central Pollution Control Boards.  No wastewater will be drained to the sea within 50 nautical miles from the shore.  The sanitary wastewater on the ship is generally from toilets, washrooms, galleys etc. will be treated as per MARPOL before release to the sea.  A package sewage treatment plant will be installed in the ship for treatment of sanitary wastewater.  However, untreated sewage will not be drained to the sea within 12 nautical miles from the shore. 8. Solid Waste Human, Low Nil Onshore Activities Flora and Fauna  The excavated soil generated during the construction of BMH and cable laying process will be reused for reinstatement.  Construction debris generated during the BMH construction will be disposed off as per Municipal Corporation guidelines. Offshore Activities  The non-hazardous waste will be segregated and collected in a designated area within the ship and disposed off as per MARPOL guidelines.  Any non-recyclable or re-usable non-hazardous wastewill be transported to municipal landfills.  Appropriate facilities will be provided in the ships and barge for storage and handling of hazardous waste generated during the construction phase which will be managed as per MARPOL guidelines.

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9.  10. Water Quality Marine flora Low Low Onshore Activities and Fauna and Negligible  Vessels operating during route survey and cable laying operation shall be equipped with spill response kit and comply with international maritime laws such as MARPOL.  Discharge of waste or accidental discharge from the vessels will be prevented.  Avoid burial operation in strong current water to minimize sediment disturbance.  Debris retrieved during prelay grapnel run will be collected in vessel and will be disposed offshore as per prescribed standards. 11. Risk of Accidents Human Low Low  All active construction areas will be marked with high-visibility tape to reduce the risk accidents  All open trenches and excavated areas will be backfilled as soon as possible after the construction has been completed. Access to open tranches and excavated areas will be secured to prevent pedestrians or vehicle from failing in.  The project will require all contractors to implement an Environmental, Health and safety plan which will outline procedures for avoiding health and safety incidents and for emergency medical treatment.  Contractors will be required to wear suitable personnel protective equipment (hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety boots and gloves and life vests)  All construction and cable repair workers will sufficiently trained in the safe methods of working with fibre optic cables to avoid injury associated with laser lights and fibres.  While a ship is laying its manoeuvrability is restricted, as such it will display the day signals and lights of a hampered vessel to avoid collision with other vessels at sea.  Vessels will increase watch when navigating in areas that are knwon to be used by fishermen and other vessels. If other vessels are observed within the near vicinity, the project vessel will stop moving, make contact with the other vessel if possible, and wait until it has

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been confirmed that the course of both vessels will not result in collision or damage to equipment 12. Marine Ecology Marine flora Low Low Onshore Activities and fauna and Negligible  Areas of habitat that are temporarily disturbed during cable installation will be restored upon the completion of the installation phase. Areas are disturbed during installation activities will be rehabilitated as soon as possible after the cable has been installed.  Vessel crews must report sightings of any injured or dead marine mammals and sea turtles immediately, regardless of whether the injury or death is caused by a Project vessel.  The report should include the date and location latitude/longitude) of the animal/strike, the name of the vessel involved, and the species identification or a description of the animal.  If there is any corals present during cable laying to prevent this the cable will be floated in and placed around the corals by divers working with a marine specialist who will direct this exercise. Further, the trenching machine will need to have a narrow as possible footprint such that the near by corals are not damaged by siltation or physical damage during the trencher is in operation.  Turbidity levels should be minimized during cable lay operations by minimizing the duration and extent of physical seabed disturbance.  Marine vessels will be required to adhere to IMO regulations on bilge and ballast water discharge in order to avoid tensional introduction of nonnative species to the marine environment  Avoidance of ecologically important and sensitive areas during selection of final cable route. No such area however exists along the proposed cable route  Haulting vessels in case any whale, shark or dolphins are sighted  Monitoringwill be undertaken to ensure marine ecology is not disturbed during cable laying process.  Avoid burial operations in strong current water to minimize sediment disturbance.  Cable laying vessel will comply with MARPOL guidelines.  Speed of cable laying vessel will be restricted to a maximum of 6 knots. Thus there will be low collision risks to cetaceans as compared to fast moving large vessels.  Cable to be used is resistant to coiling and thus low risks of marine

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animals to get entangled within cable.  Competent and experienced crew members will be nominated so that they can observe marine species while performing the task. Also they can use their experience and review available literature to avoid sensitive zones and other marine mammals encounter zones.  If any injury to whale or any other organism happen to occur, incident will be reported to competent authority 13. Fishing Activities Humans Negligible Nil Offshore Activities  The presence of fishing fixed nets will be investigated during the cable lay process near the landing site.  Cable burial shall be carried out at most of the places to prevent any interference with fishing activity. 14. Shipping Activities Humans Negligible Nil Offshore Activities  All marine activities shall be notified to the nearest ports in the area, so that vessels can be warned in advance of the ongoing operations.  When operating within Port limits or close to navigational channels, “Notice to Mariners” shall be issued in coordination with concerned agencies. 15. Social Humans No negative -- Nil- impact

Cultural Cultural and Negligible  No cultural and heritage sites that could be affected due to the proposed heritage cable laying and construction along or in close proximity to the cable route. sites However the Car nicobar BMH site is located near to the Murgesan Temple . During construction period proper barricading of site to be done to attenuate the dust generated 16. Military Exercise Areas Humans and Low  Essential permission should be taken from such military exercise areas Low flora and prior cable laying. fauna Operational Phase 17. Electromagnetic fields Marine Negligible  Marine organism are not expected to be affected by EMF as electro Nil organism sensory resolution ability of marine organism is above the intensity of EMF produced by the proposed laying cables. 18. Cable Repair and Human and Negligible  Routine maintenance of the sea cable will not be needed, given the Nil Retrieval Operations marine durability of the system and proven installation methods. In the highly organisms unlikely event that the cable needs repairing, the only requirement would be to splice a broken cable, or to remove a part of the cable that had been damaged. Repair activities will occur in localized portions of the cable

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route and operational interaction with the surrounding environment will be negligible. 19. Retired Undersea aquatic No negative  Retired cable systems have been used in the development of artificial Nil Cable Systems environment impact reefs to enhance the aquatic environment for the propagation of flora and fauna resulting in a positive environmental impact. 20. Exposed cables Human and Low  The cable during operations is considered to be minimal and therefore the cable failure impact of exposed cables is assessed to be low.

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5. ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 5.1. Introduction 372. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is the synthesis of all proposed mitigation and monitoring actions, set to a time frame with specific responsibility assigned and follow-up actions defined. EMP is a plan of actions for avoidance, mitigation and management of the negative impacts of the project. Environmental enhancement is also an important component of EMP. A detailed set of mitigation measures have been compiled in view of the likely impacts associated with the proposed marine cable landing project.

5.2. Objective of Environmental Management Plan 373. The EMP consists of a set of mitigation, monitoring and institutional measures to be taken during the design, construction and operation stages of the project. The EMP has been designed keeping in view the regulatory and other requirements to ensure the following:  Minimum disturbance to the environment and social components  Compliance with the environmental acts, rules and guidelines of GoI & maintaining the quality of air, water, soil and noise as per the prescribed norms by regulatory bodies.  Conservation of natural resources to the extent possible  Enhancement of Project benefits for Society & Environment  Sustainable development and operation of project

5.3. Environmental Management Plan 374. Major activities associated with the marine cable landing project like laying of cables leads to seabed disturbance and associated impacts of damage, displacement or disturbance of flora and fauna, Noise generated from the barge and cable laying equipment, gaseous emissions, liquid and solid waste generation from vessels used for construction work etc. Civil interventions include construction of BMH, excavation and cable laying up to the CLS. A detailed environmental management plan for each associated development for proposed the project, i.e. design/pre-construction, construction and operation phase is prepared as applicable.An EMP consists of a set of mitigation, monitoring and institutional measures applicable to design, construction and operation (Post construction) stages. The major components of EMP are:  Implementation of mitigation measures for mitigation of potentially adverse impacts  Monitoring during project implementation and operation  Integration of EMP with project planning and implementation framework  Implementation schedule

375. The EMP has been designed considering regulatory and other requirements to ensure minimal disturbance to the baseline environmental conditions in the entire project area.

376. EMP for both construction and operation phase of the project is defined with respect to activities which may have an impact on the environment and society. The mitigation measures, as proposed in Table 4.3, will be implemented by NEC EHS personnel and other technical staff and will be supervised by the implementation agency and USOF, DOT.

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377. Additional best practices and management plan for various concern areas for onshore and offshore activities are defined in the Sections below.

5.3.1. Oil Pollution Management Plan 378. There may be incidents in the operation of a vessel whereby oil or oil and water mixtures can enter the sea and cause pollution. Oil leakage prevention will be ensured as per the MARPOL guidelines. No waste oil generation is anticipated during onshore activities. 5.3.2. Garbage Management Plan 379. Garbage management is the most important component of the EMP as it can impact air, water and soil environment and degrading the quality. Garbage management plan for both onboard and offshore (beach) has been addressed in the report. Onboard Garbage will be managed as per MARPOL guidelines.

380. Garbage Management Plan on Beach: Sand will be excavated for cable laying and BMH construction. However this sand will be filled back and remaining will be spread on the beach area. Small quantity of domestic waste may be generated as 8-10 personnel/BMH will be appointed for the Beach operations. Any domestic waste generated, however small quantity, will be properly collected and disposed off in the dustbin provided by Municipal Corporation. Most of the excavated sand will be re-filled and the remaining will be spread over the Beach. Any construction debris will be disposed off as per Municipal Corporation guidelines. Any cable cutting and packaging material remains will be disposed off as per Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2000. 5.3.3. Sewage Management Plan 1. Sewage expected to be generated onboard will be managed as per MARPOL guidelines as the cable laying vessel to be used will comply with MARPOL. 5.3.4. Air Emissions Management Plan 381. Cable laying vessel will comply with MARPOL guidelines. Emissions expected to be generated from cable laying vessels will be within the specified limits as per MARPOL. Small quantity of dust and exhaust gases are expected to be generated from excavators. Excavators and jackhammers that will be used at the Project Site will carry PUC certificates and will only use low sulphur diesel as the fuel. The construction of BMH and the cable laying process will take approximately 3 weeks and thus the effect, if any, will be temporary and insignificant. Water will be sprinkled over excavated sand to suppress dust generation. 5.3.5. Noise Management Plan 382. During the marine operations, noise will be generated by engines, thrusters etc. Noise generated by these is negligible as compared to background noise of water column. Sonar technology is used for cable route survey using high frequency sound waves (above normal hearing range of marine animal), which will have no impact on marine organisms.

383. During the construction of BMH and cable laying process, noise will be generated by the operation of excavators. Excavators have a noise range of 75-85 dB(A). Excavators will be operated only for 1-2 days for construction of BMH (4 x 3 x 4 m). Ear plugs will be given to men at work. Offshore activities will be carried out during day time only. 5.3.6. Bio-Diversity Management Plan

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384. Undersea cable laying operation will have minimal and temporary impact on marine ecology. However, management plan for bio-diversity protection has been prepared. The details of which are listed below.  The burial activity will take place away from areas with higher conservation value.  There will be no discharge of liquid effluents and solid waste in marine waters.  Speed of cable laying vessel will be restricted to a maximum of 10 knots which is very less as compared to large moving vessels. This low speed ensures low collision risks to cetaceans as compared to fast moving large vessels.  Cable that will be used for the Project is resistant to coiling. This will ensure low risks of marine animals getting entangled within cable.  Competent and experienced crew members will be nominated so that they can observe marine species while performing the task. Also, they can use their experience and review available literature to avoid sensitive zones and whale encounter zones.  Standard speed and specific route will only be followed during the cable laying process.  Burial depth at sea bed will not exceed 1 meter except at some locations having risks of fishing and anchoring. Sediments will be removed as wedges by plough burial causing minimum disturbance to habitat of micro flora dwelling within seabed. These wedges will be placed back as soon as the plough burial moves forward. This will lower the chances of disturbance to habitat of benthos and bottom dwellers.  There is no external electric field associated with the cable. Polyethylene is the outer covering of the cable and it serves as an excellent insulator. Concentric rings of very low magnetic field are set up around the cable, due to presence of internal conductor, but its strength diminishes with the distance. This can be experienced within less than half inch of distance from cable. 385. Due to sandy nature of Beach, no vegetation is found on the Beach. Excavation of sand may disturb the inhabiting micro flora and fauna residing in sand on Beach. Sand will be excavated, with utmost care to ensure zero mortality of any species. Sand removed will be filled back immediately after cable laying and termination operation. Floral and faunal life will be restored back very shortly as the cable laying process on Beach will take only 3 weeks. 5.4. Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan 386. Health and Safety Management Plan has been drafted for both the employees and visitors at the Project Site. Health and safety plan defines the roles and responsibilities of the participants of EHS cell.

387. Roles and Responsibility of Departmental Manager (Marine): The Departmental Manager (Marine) is responsible for establishment of safe working practices are established and compliance with the health and safety legislation for the Marine off-site operations. During Marine operations, the shipboard Project Manager will be responsible for ensuring the health and safety of the NEC team on board, that the procedures and instructions on the vessel are followed and that all appropriate vessel, equipment and health and safety documentation is onboard and is most current.

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388. Roles and Responsibilities of Site Directors are: The roles and responsibilities of the Site Directors are listed below: 1. For maintaining the site in safe condition by implementing following controls  Safe systems of Work: Maintenance of plant permit to work systems  Statutory Testing of all the construction machinery and equipment  Fire Precaution: Examination/testing of all equipment  Environmental Controls: Temperature, dust, lightning, noise, ventilation, pollution and cleanliness  Machine Guarding: To comply with legislation  Electricity: Safe installation and usage  Safety of Visitors: Warning signs, risk area identification and display 2. Ensuring no health and safety risk are introduced onto the site through their activities and all of their contractors‟ activities are covered by risk assessment and method statement. 3. Providing Competent Authorized persons for all relevant pieces of legislation. 4. Ensuring that all personnel are formally informed, trained and accept their Health and Safety responsibilities. 5. Ensuring that safe methods of working and risk assessments are established and maintained. 6. Providing sufficient competent resources to establish and maintain an effective EHS management system and ensure its continual improvement. 7. Implementing the EHS policy. 8. Providing EHS representatives and committees.

389. Roles and Responsibility of Employeeand Sub Contractors :All employee and temporary workers/contactors are responsible for: 1. Working safely and efficiently, by using protective equipment provided and by meeting statutory requirements. 2. Adhering to health and safety procedure and rules for securing a safe work place. 3. Raising EHS issue to their supervisor or to an appointed representative. 4. Co-operating in the investigation of accidents to aid prevention of a recurrence 5.5. Emergency Preparedness Plan 390. Project involves deployment of cable on the seabed and construction of BMH on the Beach. Both the operations have certain risks involved, which can be either natural such as cyclone, tsunami, earthquake, shark attack etc or man-made disasters such as failure of construction machinery or equipment, slip and fall etc.

391. First aid process is implemented by NEC as a statutory requirement covering provision of trained personnel and first aid facilities. An on-site emergency plan has been prepared which defines plans and processes for responding to and recovering from emergency situations (major incidents or minor localised incidents). On-site emergency preparedness plan for the project is attached as Annexure IV. 5.6. Institutional Framework: 392. Roles and Responsibilities: The EMP will be implemented by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)with technical manpower and best EHS practice support from NEC. One official will be designated from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)to ensure effective implementation of EMP and maintain. EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. 174

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NEC will also depute trained EHS professionals to ensure effective implementation of the proposed mitigation measures during the construction phase of the project

393. Time Frame: The construction of BMH and the complete cable laying process will take approximately three weeks of time.

394. Environmental Monitoring: During the construction phase, monitoring will be carried out for noise and air emissions, as required. In addition to that, NEC designated officer will monitor and ensure adherence to NEC operation procedures and proposed management plans. No environmental monitoring is proposed during operation (post construction stage). Monitoring reports will be submitted as per regulatory requirements and internal procedures of the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)and NEC.

395. Environmental Budget: No separate capital investment is required since all mitigation measures are related either to the design and constructions stage or monitoring during various stages of its implementation. Required money for ensuring implementation of mitigation measures and adherence to EMP will be part of construction budget and thus requisite money will be available for implementation of the EMP.

396. Grievance Redress Mechanism:Any complaint or suggestion received from the interested parties will be analyzed by designated EHS site officer of NEC. He will intimate the Project Proponent for the corrective and preventive action required to be

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6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 6.1. Summary 6.1.1. Beach Installation 397. Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has decided to connect the Andaman and Nicobar (ANI) group of islands on submarine cable with mainland India at Chennai. Proposed Chennai Andaman and Nicobar Island (CANI) cable system, a 100 (Gbps) Gigabit per second will connect Chennai and eight islands at Andaman and Nicobar, i.e. Port Blair, Little Andaman (Hut bay), Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar (Campbell bay), Havelock, Long and Rangat Islands.

Project involves providing submarine cable connectivity between Indian mainland at Chennai and eight islands of A& N islands. Submarine cable will be laid in Bay of Bengal to connect Chennai and eight islands. Cable will land at all these islands and a BMH will be constructed to house the cable. This cable will be then taken underground to the cable landing station for distribution. Out of eight Islands, 6 Islands (Port Blair, Little Andaman (Hut bay), Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Havelock, LongIslands) will have 2 landing points (2 BMH) except Rangat and Campbell Bay Island will have 1 landling point (1 BMH). 398. Beach operation including construction of BMH and cable route and termination of cable will take 3 weeks. After installation, Beach will be restored to its original state. Impacts due to air pollution, liquid effluent and solid waste generation are low and insignificant. Also, there is no significant impact anticipated on terrestrial ecology, water quality and socio-economic conditions. The only medium impact associated with the project will be there due to noise generation. 6.1.2. Marine Installation 399. The disturbance caused by cable laying operation can be assessed in two ways: 1) very short duration (i.e., hours to 1 day) in which sediment settles and fishes return and 2) longer duration (i.e., months to years) in which the benthos re-colonizes the cable path. The impacts associated with the construction and installation of the fiber optic cable are site-specific and of a short duration (i.e., hours to a days). The predicted impacts are, therefore, low and not significant. On the whole, the impacts would not substantially affect the maintenance and enhancement of long-term biological productivity or pose long-term risks to health or safety of the area.

400. Impacts due to air pollution, odor, liquid effluent and solid waste generation are low and can be easily mitigated by the mitigation measures suggested in EMP. Also, there is medium impact anticipated on marine ecology, water quality, fishing and shipping activities, which are reversible in nature and can be mitigated easily by the mitigation measures as suggested in EMP. 6.1.3. Associated Risks 401. Risk is minimal to the populace over the life of the system. The cable itself is protected through varying means along the length of the route onshore and offshore. If standard safety and construction techniques are followed in the vicinity of the cable, such as notification prior to operations and marking of the cable route,

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risk of damage to the cable and electrocution is mitigated. Based on the lack of electrical field and the minimal magnetic field, there is little to no known effect on the marine population. 6.1.4. Conclusion 402. Globally, project activities are expected to have no effect on the environmental or social environment. This is mainly a result of the benign nature of the Project and the associatedactivities as well as the result of the integration of preventative measures into the projectdesign. 403. The environmental assessment does indicate some potential for limited environmentaland social impacts to habitats and flora; fauna; water quality; and human health andsafety. The potential is reduced through the implementation of standard mitigationmeasures and industry best practices, none of which are excessive in cost.Given the low potential for negative impacts and the high potential for significant positivebenefits (both direct and indirect), the Project would be deemed to have a high level ofenvironmental and social acceptability.

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