Agenda No.4

File No.8-03 / 2014 - FC 1. The State Government of vide their letter no. Vanbhumi-16/2013-5120 dated 26.12.2013 submitted the proposal for diversion of 265.658 ha of forest land in favour of M/s M/s Power Grid Corporation of Ltd.for construction of 400 KV transmission line from Chandwa-Gaya in Chatra and Latehar Districts in the State of Jharkhand. 2. Proposal has been envisaged for construction of a 400 KV (D/C) transmission line from Chnadwa (Jharkhand) to Gaya 765/400 KV substation (Bihar) to evacuate power from the Chandwa Super Thermal Power Plant of Essar (2000 MW) at Jharkhand. 3. Total Length of the proposed transmission line is 117.409 Km out of which 64.44 Km of length falls in the forest area. A total of 331 towers will be established for the line comprising of 175 towers to be established in the forest area (35 in Chatra North, 88 in Chatra South and 52 in Latehar Forest Divisions). 4. RoW proposed for the transmission line is 46 meters which is in accordance with the guidelines issued by the MoEF. 5. The State Government has mentioned that proposed transmission line passes through the eco-sensitive Zone of Lavalaung Wildlife Sanctuary i.e. at a distance of 4.5 to 6 km from the boundary of Wildlife Sanctuary. So far, eco-sensitive zone of the Wildlife sanctuary has not been notified so far. However, the transmission line projects being not covered in the EIA Notification, 2006 do not require environment clearance and hence clearance from the NBWL is also not required for this transmission line. 6. Proposal does not contain the opinion of the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State Government. The State Government has indicated that same is being requested from the Chief Wildlife Warden and receipt of the opinion from the CWLW, it will be submitted to the MoEF. 7. The State Government has recommended the proposal with general and standard conditions applicable to the transmission line projects. 8. The facts related to the proposal as indicated in the proposal submitted by the State Government of Jharkhand are summarized below in the form of fact sheet: FACT SHEET

1. Name of the Proposal 265.658 ha of forest land in favour of M/s M/s Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. for construction of 400 KV transmission line from Chandwa-Gaya in Chatra and Latehar Districts in the State of Jharkhand.

2. Location i) State Jharkhand ii) District Chatra, Latehar 3. Particulars of Forests a) Name of Forest Latehar, Chatra North and Chatra South forest Divisions Division b) Forest area Total : 265.658 ha involved Latehar: 59.907 ha Chatra North: 61.517 ha Chatra South: 144.234 ha c) Legal Status/Sy. PF- 192.999 ha No JJ - 72.659 ha Total : 265.658 ha 4. Maps SOI – enclosed (pg 233-235/c) DGPS map – Enclosed (pg 37-115/c) Forest Cover map – Map showing alternative alignment - enclosed

5. Topography of the - area (i) Vegetation Main species are Akashiya, Arjun, Aasan, Amla, Amra, Amrud, Ashan, Bahera, Bail, Bair, Bargad, Babul, Bel, Ber, Bhelwa, Chakundi, Chidchidi, Chiraita, Dow, Dhou, Dhawtha, Doka, Dumar, Eucalptus, Gamhar, Ghorkarain, Gijen, Gullar, Haldi, Jamun, Jungli, Kahua, Kairdi, Karain, Karam, Kari, Karmi, Kend, Khair, Khajur, Kusum, Lalsa, Lodh, Liptas, Mahua, Makur Kned, Mango, Munga, Neem, Pakad, Palash, parsa, Paprot, peepal, Palmi, Pear, Pharhad, Pipal, Piyar, Rori, Sal, Saleya, Semal, Shisum, Sidha, Tilo, Tund, Safedi, Sakhua, Semar, Sidha, Simar, Sirish

(ii) No. of trees Total trees enumerated = 8064 which will be No of Trees 8064 affected Trees with Girth below 60 cms 3036 Trees with Girth above 60 cms 5058

(iii) Density Latehar: 0.2-0.4 Chatra North: 0.5 Chatra South: 0.5 6. Exploration of Map showing proposed and alternative alignments have been alternative alignment submitted by the State Government (Pg 233-235/c). However, no proper justification for selection of proposed alignment has been indicated except a statement made in the Part-I that all possible alternatives have been explored to reduce the demand of forest land. While finalizing the route of the line attempts have been made avoid Reserved Forest Land. 7. Whether area is No significant from wildlife point of view 8. Vulnerability of the Proposed area is vulnerable to soil erosion. area to erosion 9. Approximate distance Situated within forest of the proposed area from the boundary of the forest. 10. Whether forms part of No National Park, Chatra South: The present alignment of transmission line is Wildlife Sanctuary, not passing through the Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary but is biosphere reserve, aligned at a distance of 4.5 to 6 kms away from boundary of tiger reserve, elephant Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary corridor etc. 11. Whether any No endangered unique species of flora and fauna found in the area 12. Whether any No protected archeological heritage site, defence establishment, or other important monument located in the area 13. Compensatory Compensatory afforestation has been proposed over 533 over Afforestation double degraded forest land: Division wise detail of area identified for raising CA is shown below: Division Area Proposed Proposed Thana No. proposed CA Area CA land for in Mouza diversion Chatra 61.517 124 Ektara / North 104 Chatra 144.234 289 Siram Chatra/ 208 South Jainpur Chatra/ 137 Barta Gidhour/ 25 Karamdiri / 37 Latehar 59.907 60 Ganiari Balumath/ 296 Semersot Balumath/227 Total 265.658 533

Financial Outlay for raising CA Division Total Financial Outlay Chatra North 1,17,08,500 Chatra South 2,81,22,703 Latehar 96,12,000

CA scheme with 10 years maintenance has been submitted for Chatra North and South Forest Division while CA scheme with 7 years of maintenance has been submitted for Latehar Forest Division.

CA area has been depicted on thematic maps.

The Divisional Forest Officers, Chatra South forest division and Chatra North Forest division have submitted certificates regarding suitability of the area for Compensatory Afforestation. 14. Undertakings to bear The project proponent has submitted undertakings to bear the the cost of CA and cost of CA and NPV. NPV 15. Catchment Area Not Applicable Treatment 16. Employment Around 100 people will be engaged for 15-20 months during Potential the construction of line. Employment opportunities will also be opened up in beneficiary in agricultural and industrial sector. 17. Rehabilitation of Not Applicable Oustees 18. Recommendation All have recommended the proposal for approval. i. DFO 121/c,122/c, 588/c-591/c, 573/c-575/c ii. PCCF 117/c iii.State Government 116/c 19. Compliance of The project proponent has submitted certificate issued by the Scheduled Tribe and District Collector, Chatra (Pg 135/c) and Latehar (Pg 8-9/c) in Other Traditional accordance with the MoEF advisory dated 3.08.2009 read with Forest Dwellers Guidelines dated 5.02.2013 and 5.07.2013. However, copy of (Recognition of record of proceedings of Gram Sabha have not been submitted Forest Rights) Act, by the State Government. 2006 20. Cost Benefit Analysis 1:35 (pg 159/c) Total Cost – 194.4 crores Banefit – Rs. 6766.88 crores 21. District Profile 22. (i) Total Geographical 1. Latehar: 3660.5 sq.km area 2. Chatra North: 3711.32 sq.km 3. Chatra South: 3732 sq.km 23. (ii) Total forest area 1. Latehar: 1309.64 sq.km of district / Divisional 2. Chatra North: 2257.51 sq.km forest area 3. Chatra South: 2013.7 sq.km 24. (iii) Total area 1. Latehar: 245.394 ha (8 proposals) diverted since 1980 2. Chatra North: 164.747 ha(4 Proposals) 3. Chatra South: 1999.975 ha (38 proposals) 25. (iv) Total CA 1. Latehar: Forest land (370.36 Ha), Non-forest land stipulated since 1980 (36.6 Ha) 2. Chatra North: Nil 3. Chatra South: Forest land (5237.46 Ha), Non-forest land (442.065 Ha) 26. (v) Total CA 1. Latehar: Forest land (120.36), Non-forest land (Nil) achieved since 1980 2. Chatra North: Nil 3. Chatra South: Forest land (Nil), Non-forest land (Nil)

SITE INSPECTION REPORT, REGIONAL OFFICE, BHUBANESWAR The site inspection of the above project was carried out on 04.03.2014 along with Ms. Mamta Priyadarshi, DFO, Lahetar Forest Division, Sri R K Sinha, ACF, Chatra South Forest Division, Sri B Ghosh, DGM, PGCIL Sri Soumitra Roy, Chief Manager, PGCIL and Sri A C Bag, Asst. Engineer, PGCIL. 1. Legal status of the forest land proposed for diversion: As reported by the State Govt., the legal status of the forest land is as follows: SI. Forest Division PF JJ Area in Ha No. 1 Chatra North 49.028 12.489 61.517 2 Chatra South 122.672 21.562 144.234 3 Latehar 21.299 38.608 59.907 Total 192.999 72.659 265.658

2. Item – wise break- up of the forest land proposed for diversion (in ha.) SI. Forest Thana Village Forest Land (Ha) No. Division Name No. Name PF JJ Total 1 Latehar Chandwa 276 Ambadohar 0.897 0.377 1.274 2 240 Nagar 1.265 3.3988 4.664 3 Balumath 210 Chitarpur 4.406 2.001 6.407 4 211 Nawadih 0 1.57 1.57 5 206 Jogiadih 0.562 4.966 5.528 6 204 Chetag 0.23 3.496 3.726 7 72 Komar 2.477 3.197 5.674 8 86 Hathdih 0.115 1.1452 1.26 9 73 Pukchu 0 0.123 0.123 10 84 Patnadag 1.399 2.162 3.561 11 81 Gari 2.336 5.075 7.411 12 34 Bathet 3.812 2.059 5.871 13 29 Karma 0.741 1.136 1.877 14 33 Ranhe 1.679 0.985 2.664 15 32 Birbir 0 1.677 1.677 16 36 Nawadih 1.38 5.24 6.62 17 Chatra Chatra 160 Sikid 7.084 0.092 7.176 18 South 157 Darha 18.124 0 18.124 19 171 Sanghri 0.851 2.875 3.726 20 191 Sajna 4.163 0 4.163 21 192 Amauna 2.691 0.621 3.312 22 194 Suruj 2.093 0 2.093 23 189 Kathautia 0 2.652 2.652 24 187 Jaipur 6.164 2.415 8.579 25 213 Parbat Alias 4.278 5.731 10.009 Barahmana 26 215 Gulhutu 3.312 0.138 3.45 27 217 Bhang 8.172 3.203 11.381 28 Lawalong 69 Barwadih 5.267 0 5.267 29 71 Ratnag 2.231 0 2.231 30 79 Chandanpur 5.658 0.184 5.842 31 78 CHatar 0.575 1.271 1.846 32 80 Sheorajpur 1.081 0.862 1.943 33 85 Atampur 1.012 0 1.012 34 86 Darha 4.876 0 4.876 35 117 Tatej 5.819 0 5.819 36 89 Ichaadar 1.196 0 1.196 37 Simaria 115 Luditih 5.888 0.276 6.164 38 102 Gothai 2.392 0 2.392 39 103 Haphua 0 0 0 40 104 Sandli 0.184 0.529 0.713 41 98 Kuti 5.428 0 5.428 Rangania 42 97 Arsel 11.224 0.713 11.937 43 108 Kasari 12.903 0 12.903 44 Chatra Hunterganj 296 Gorre 4.554 0 4.554 45 North 295 Bandatanr 14.413 0 14.413 46 291 Paharpur 0.782 0 0.782 47 294 Dhangiri 0.529 0.161 0.69 48 293 Salaiya 0 0.391 0.391 49 300 Demdem 3.404 2.139 5.543 50 301 Painikalam 5.244 1.311 6.555 51 141 Kataia 0.437 2.806 3.243 52 302 Ketaribar 1.104 0 1.104 53 337 Baniadih 0 0.253 0.253 54 139 Tarwagara 0 3.174 3.174 55 121 Raharbar 1.357 0.851 2.208 56 122 Daha 2.139 0 2.139 57 81 Chakalpur 1.403 0 1.403 58 82 Bailgara 3.588 0 3.588 59 79 Baheri 0.782 0 0.782 60 83 Satgharwa 3.496 0 3.496 61 114 Partapur 1.449 0 1.449 62 92 Dhardhara 1.817 0 1.817 63 91 Uraili 2.53 1.403 3.933 64 93 Bahera 0 0 0 Total 1092.999 72.659 265.658

3. Whether proposal involves any construction of buildings (including residential) or not. If yes, details thereof: No. 4. Total cost of the project at present rates: As reported by User Agency, the total cost of the project is Rs. 172 Crore. 5. Wildlife: Discussion with DFO, Latehar forest division revealed that the faunal species line Hyaena, Rabbit, Mongoose, Wild cat, Porcupines, Wolf, jackal, Wild boar, Common Langur, Pangolin, barking Deer, Viper, Ratsnake, Python, Cobra, Krait are found in the region. Besides birds like common fruit bat, dove, mountain quail, common owl are also found in the region. Whether forest area proposed for diversion is important from wildlife point of view or not: The area does not form part of National park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Bio-sphere reserve, tiger reserve, elephant corridor etc. However, there are a few instances of elephant movement in the region. 6. Vegetation: As reported by concerned divisional forest officers, the density of vegetation is 0.5 in Chatra North forest divisions, 0.5 in Chatra South forest divisions and 0.2 to 0.4 in Latehar forest divisions, the same was verified in the field during inspection. a) Total number of trees to be felled (in cm). As reported by the PCCF cum Executive Director , Waste land Development Board, Jharkhand a total of 8094 no of trees have been enumerated (1633 no of trees in Chatra North forest divisions, 4238 no of trees in Chatra South forest divisions and 2223 in Latehar forest divisions). Out of 8094 no of trees, 413 are in sapling stage, 2623 nos are in pole stage and the remaining 5058 are in timber stage. Effect of removal of trees on the general eco system in the area: As there is large number of trees to be felled, it will naturally adversely affect the general eco-system in the area. b) Important species: Discussion with DFO, Latehar forest division revealed that the floral species line Sal, Sidha, Dhaw, Piar, Aunla, Chilbil, Asan, Harre, Palas, Kendu, Bhelwa, Mahua, Koreya, Putri, Kaunda, Marorophal, Phuldhobai, Kalmegh, Dithor, Satawar, Ramdatun, Mahulan, Dub, Jharu are found in the region. The Number of trees of girth below 60 cm are 3036. The Number of trees of girth above 60 cm are 5058 7. Background note on the proposal: As reported by User Agency, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (A Govt of India Enterprise) is primarily entrusted for the construction and successful operation of EHV transmission lines with a mission to form a national grid to facilitate effective transfer of power within and across the regions of the country. In the present scheme, a 400 KV D/C (Quad) transmission line is to be constructed from Chandwa Super thermal power plant of Essar (2000 MW) in Jharkhand. This line is very much vital in view of strengthening of transmission system in the state of Bihar and Jharkhand. Therefore, the power transmitted through this line will boost the industrial and agricultural growth of Bihar, Jharkahnd and nearby states. In this way this will lead to accelerate the development of economy of the state of Jharkhand as well as our country as a whole. During operation of survey, erection of line etc and other related activities for laying of transmission line, necessary survey has been carried out to avoid forest land. The proposed line is passing through Latehar forest division from 0 kms to 30.659 kms (with total length of 30.3659 kms), Chatra South forest division from 31.438 kms to 69.383 kms (with total length of 37.945 kms) and Chatra North Forest division from 69.383 kms to 91.251 kms (with total length of 21.868 kms).

8. Compensatory Afforestation The details of CA land is given below:

Division Area Proposed Proposed Thana No. Plot No. proposed for CA Area CA land in diversion Mouza Chatra 61.517 124 Ektara Hunterganj/ 104 220,230,234, North 235,236,237, 238,239,248, 233 Chatra 144.234 289 Siram Chatra/ 208 1,59 South Jainpur Chatra/ 137 648,649,650, 651,652 Barta Gidhour/ 25 2,363,364, 365,366,367, 368 Karamdiri Tandwa/ 37 53,54,183, 195,285,489 Latehar 59.907 60 Ganiari Balumath/ 296 280,356,357, 358,372,375, 378,404,411, 424,826,903 Semersot Balumath/227 1,2,3,4 Total 265.658 533 a) Whether land for compensatory afforestation is suitable for plantation and management point of view or not: The divisional forest officers, Chatra South forest division and Chatra North Forest division have submitted certificates regarding suitability of the area for Compensatory Afforestation. The divisional forest officer, Latehar division has certified in Part-II of proposal itself. b) Whether land for compensatory afforestation is free from encroachment/ other encumbrances: As reported by User Agency, the land for CA is degraded protected forest and is free from encroachment/other encumbrances. c) Whether land for compensatory afforestation is important from religious/ Archaeological point of view: Not reported. d) Land identified for raising compensatory afforestation is in how many patches, whether patches are compact or not: As understood from maps, the total number of patches are 07(seven). e) Map with details Enclosed f) Total financial outlay: As reported by the Divisional Forest Officers of concerned forest divisions, the total financial outlays of all the 3 divisions are as follows:

Division Total Financial Outlay Chatra North 1,17,08,500 Chatra South 2,81,22,703 Latehar 96,12,000 9. Whether proposal involves of forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 or not. If yes, a detailed report on violation including action taken against the concerned officials: As reported by the Divisional Forest Officers of all the three forest divisions, the is No violation of FC Act. 10. Whether proposal involves rehabilitation of displaced persons. If yes, whether rehabilitation plan has been prepared by the slated government or not: As reported by User Agency, the proposal does not involves any displacement of person as well as rehabilitation of displaced persons. 11. Reclamation plan: Not applicable. Details and financial allocation: Not applicable. 12. Details on catchment and command area under the project: Not applicable Catchment area treatment plan to prevent siltation of reservoir: Not applicable 13. Cost benefit raito: As reported by User Agency, the cost benefit ratio for Latehar forest division is 1:42, Chatra South forest division is 1:35 and Chatra North forest division is 1:82. The average cost benefit ratio is 1:53. 14. Recommendations of the Principal chief conservator of Forests/State Government: Recommended by the PCCF, Jharkhand/State Govt. 15. Recommendations of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of forests (central) along with detailed reasons: Appended separately. 16. Conservator of Forests (central) shall give detailed comments on whether there are any alternatives routes/ alignment for locating the project on the non- forest land: The project being non-site specific in nature, details of other alternatives for the alignment have been explored by user agency in order to avoid / minimize the use of forest land and the one with the minimum forest land has been chosen. 17. Utility of the project: As reported by User Agency, for the construction of transmission line, there will be generation of employment , Around 100 people will be engaged continuously for 15- 25 months during construction of the line. Also, employment opportunities will be opened in the beneficiary Agricultural and Industrial sector. Numbers of Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribes to be benefited by the project: The power transmitted through this line is likely to boost the industrial and agricultural growth of Bihar, Jharkhand and nearby States. The Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribes residing in the nearby area are likely to be benefitted by this project. 18. a) Whether land being diverted has any socio-cultural/religious value: Not reported. b) Whether any scared grooved or very old growth trees/forests exist in the areas proposed for diversions: Not Noticed c) Whether the land under diversion forms part of any unique eco-system: The proposed forest area does not form part of National park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Bio-sphere reserve, tiger reserve, elephant corridor etc. 19. Situation with respect to any Protected Area: The DFO, Chatra South forest division has reported that the present alignment of transmission line is not passing through the lawalong wildlife sanctuary but is aligned at a distance of 4.5 to 6 kms away from boundary of lawalong wildlife sanctuary. 20. Any other information relating to the Project: a) Precautions for wildlife: there are instances of wildlife animals visiting the area. Specific precautionary measures should be taken by the user agency so that wild animals do not meet accidents due to transmission line towers. b) The user agency has been instructed not to construct any new roads inside the forest area for transportation of materials or machines etc. c) Towers should be installed at places devoid of any vegetation as for as practicable. Recommendation of the Addl. PCCF (Central), RO, Bhubaneswar The instant proposal is for diversion of 265.658 ha of forest land for construction of 400 KV D/c transmission line from chandwa to gaya in latehar, chatra north and chatra south forest division by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. On perusing the records and the site inspection report of the Conservator of Forests (Central), the following observations are made. 1. Transplantation of trees upto firth 30 cm; trees having girth up to 30 cms should not be felled as far as possible; rather they should be transplanted to near by suitable places with utmost care under the supervision of state forest department under other transmission line that trees should not unnecessarily be felled. If necessary, they may be pruned or lopped. 2. No new road will be constructed inside the forest area for transportation of materials or machines. 3. Environmental Awareness Program: The user agency should arrange environmental awareness programs to create awareness among the employee as well as nearby people regarding better environmental management and its safeguards. There should be programs, weeks for the forest and wildlife, to be celebrated by the project proponent and the wildlife lovers. Officials involved in the process should participate in such functions and the idea of protection of precious natural resources line forest wildlife etc should leave an inedible impact in the mind of the people voluntarily and enthusiastically work for the protection and enrichment of the forest and wildlife of the region. 4. CSR activities: The user agency should implement a corporate plan for the overall development of the people in the vicinity like providing quality technical education, creating employment opportunities & health care facilities. Sanitation aspect, literacy drive etc. should also be taken care of by them. The user agency should also support the economically backward students in their education in terms of providing study materials and stipends. The CSR activities undertaken by the user agency for the development of people should be uploaded n the website of the company in details. The observation of the CF (Central) may also kindly be looked into. With above conditions, the Addl. PCCF (Central) has recommended the diversion of 265.658 ha of forest land for the above project. In view of the above, if approved the proposal may be submitted to the FDAC for its consideration in its forthcoming meeting scheduled to held on 29th to 30th April, 2014. ****