IND: Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism – Tranche 2

Initial Environment Examination

Project Number: 40648-033 January 2014

Submitted by

Government of Uttarakhand, Dehrdaun

This report has been submitted to ADB by the Government of Uttarakhand, Dehradun and is made publicly available in accordance with ADB’s public communications policy (2011). It does not necessarily reflect the views of ADB.

Response Matrix

Initial Environmental Examination 1. Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand 2. Building and Environmental Upgradation of Parichay Tourist Rest House, Uttarakhand Sr. No. as per From ADB Remarks/Response suggestion/ Comments from ADB 2 We note that there are no changes in the scope of Agreed works originally approved (ADB approved IEE At TA stage DPR was not prepared; IEE report of November 2011), and the submission of was developed on the basis of updated IEE reports is to ensure compliance with conceptual design. Now revised IEE is the agreed environmental safeguards related developed considering specific project arrangements for the Loan. components as pointed out in detailed design report and complying loan covenant 3 Based on the desk review of the information No deviation. Revised IEE reports provided with the updated IEE reports and the IEE indicate categorization of the project as report of November 2011; the environment “B” as per level of impact category of the sub-projects continues to be “B”, and the sub projects are eligible for financing under the Loan from environmental safeguards perspective.

4 We note from the IEE reports that all sub-projects No project components are selected are outside the boundaries of environmentally within environmental sensitive area sensitive areas such as national parks, sanctuaries, etc., and the proposed activities are in line with the approved conservation /development plans of the relevant regulatory agencies.

5 During our desk review, we noted that certain In 2011 TA stage IEE report was environmental impacts (and associated mitigation prepared for entire program considering and monitoring measures) identified for these sub- number of sub projects and mitigation projects in the ADB approved IEE report were measures were developed in generic missing in the updated IEE reports. It is likely that way, not as per specific work on account of certain other initiatives undertaken components, locations and specific sub during the past 24 months, since the approval of projects. earlier IEE report (not referred to in these IEE Now IEE is revised as per specific work reports), these impacts no longer exist. We components (which is supposed to be request you to provide a rationale for not revised again in form of “site specific considering these impacts (and associated EMP”) and that’s the reason of deviation mitigation and monitoring measures) at this stage, from earlier generic mitigation especially when the scope has remained measures against impacts. unchanged.

Sr. No. as per From ADB Remarks/Response suggestion/ Comments from ADB As per suggestion mitigation measures under EMP reviewed once again and revised wherever required 6 The public consultation section requires to be During preparation of IEE (design strengthened by providing details of consultations stage) consultation has been carried with local people. The section should elaborate on out with primary and secondary (i) whether the environmental assessment, either stakeholders. During consultation draft IEE reports of the anticipated impacts and project components, possible impacts proposed mitigation measures (in local language) and mitigation measures were were shared with the local community prior to explained in local Hindi language consultations; (ii) the issues raised by locals during the meetings; and (iii) the methodology Issues raised by locals have been adopted to incorporate those issues in the final considered for development of design. Form the details furnished, it appears that mitigation measures and action plan. the majority of consultations have been with local government officials. Some of the photo plates Further local level community attached with IEE reports are the same. A consultation particularly related to clarification should be included in those IEE environmental attributes attached in the reports stating that the stakeholders including revised IEE report. Additional local communities are the same for such sub- photographs are included in the revised projects. It is also not very clear whether the IEE report. reports or summaries (after incorporating the consultation discussions) in local language have After approval executive summaries of been shared with local people or disclosed at the IEE will be translated to local Hindi easily accessible places. language and will be disclosed to program website, local offices, line agencies and public places like libraries/ village panchyat office/ ULBs 7 We request you to ensure that

(i) Statutory regulations of India at the national. State Complied and to be comply as per loan and local levels are complied with; the relevant covenant. clearances, consents, permissions, etc. are All will be reflected in quarterly and obtained prior to commencement of works; the semiannual report terms and conditions stipulated therein are fully complied with; and the relevant clearances, consents, permissions are renewed in timely manner.

(ii) All proposed improvement or augmentation Complied and to be comply as per loan measures in environmentally sensitive areas are covenant. in accordance with the respective regulatory All will be reflected in quarterly and authority approved management plans; semiannual report

Sr. No. as per From ADB Remarks/Response suggestion/ Comments from ADB (iii) The permissions are obtained from the relevant Obtained as per requirement/ selection regulatory agencies for the sub-projects in or close of project components location to protected monuments;

(iv) The environmental budget mentioned in the IEE Environmental budget for monitoring report is included in the overall sub-project cost and application of mitigation measures and made available during implementation and O&M phases;

(v) The environmental management and monitoring Environmental management and plans are made a part of the bidding documents monitoring plans is attached in BID (stating that the associated IEE reports could be document. Entire IEE is available for made available to interested bidders and/or by observation by contractor. Revised and providing a web link of disclosed IEE report); and approve IEE will be disclosed in web subsequently in the works contracts; site

(vi) The contractors and other agencies responsible Will be complying by concerned for the implementation of EMMPs understand the contractor as per EMMP. environmental safeguards related requirements Monitoring report will show level of agreed under the sub-project; compliance

(vii) The proposed bio-manipulation activities in the As per BID condition Works under Naukuchiatal lake would be carried out in Supply of “Permanent Equipment” for consultation with the concerned regulatory Bio-Manipulation of Naukuchiatal Lake authorities and the agencies with expertise in the (Schedule II) and Operation of Bio subject; Manipulation work for three (3) years (Schedule IV) shall be executed by the nominated Agency, College of Fisheries, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Dist. Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand.* (viii) In case of any unanticipated environmental risks Agreed. or impacts or in case of any changes in the scope In case of changes in scope and of subproject during implementation, you shall location IEE will be revised and to be promptly inform ADB about such risks, impacts or send to ADB for review and approval. changes; and prior to commencing with works in All will be reflected in quarterly and such sections, undertake environmental semiannual report assessment for further revision of IEE reports as deemed necessary, and submit to ADB for review and approval.

*comment and response for only Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal project

Environmental Assessment Document

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Loan Number: 2833 IND Revised January 2014

Infrastructure Development Investment Programme for Tourism, Uttarakhand,

Subproject –Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Prepared by the Government of Uttarakhand for the Asian Development Bank

This IEE is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB - Asian Development Bank BOD - Biological Oxygen Demand BoQ - Bill of Quantities CO - Carbon monoxide CPCB - Central Pollution Control Board DSC - Design and Supervision Consultant EA - Executing Agency EAC - Expert Appraisal Committee EARF - Environment Assessment and Review Framework EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EMP - Environment Management Plan ES - Environmental Specialist GC - General Conditions KMVN Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam GoI - Government of India GoUK - Government of Uttarakhand IDIPT - Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism IEE - Initial environmental examination INR - Indian Rupee IPIU - Investment Program Implementation Unit IPMU - Investment Program Management Unit PUC - Pollution Under Control Certificate MLD - Million Liters per day MoEF - Ministry of Environment and Forests MFF - Multi- Trench Financing Facility NGO - Non-Governmental Organization NOx - Nitrogen oxide PD - Project Director PIU - Project Implementation Unit PM - Particulate Matter PMU - Project Management Unit RP - Resettlement Plan RPM - Respirable Particulate Matter SC - Scheduled Castes SEAC - State Expert Appraisal Committee SO2 - Sulphur dioxide SPM - Suspended Particulate Matter SPS - Safeguards Policy Statement ST - Scheduled Tribe

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. The Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism (IDIPT) envisages an environmentally and culturally sustainable and socially inclusive tourism development, in the project states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand, delivered through a multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) modality. Project 2 includes the states of Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu.

2. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has been prepared for the Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal in Nainital District of Utttarakhand under Tranche 2. The main aspect for the scope of work at this site is Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal for Development of Tourism in Naukuchiatal lake area. The IEE has been prepared based on the primary, secondary data, field visits, reconnaissance survey and public and stake holder's consultations.

3. The subproject is needed to strengthen the tourism potential of this area as this site is very popular among local visitors, nature lovers, bird watchers and other interest groups.

4. The proposed subproject mainly comprises of (i) Installation of Aeration Equipment (ii) construction of Compressor Houses, and (iii) Bio-manipulation of Lake Naukuchiatal.

5. Detailed design started in April 2013. Construction of all elements will begin in the 2nd quarter of the year 2014, and work will be completed by 2015. Total implementation period is 12 months.

6. The lake Naukuchiatal is a closed water system. It is surrounded by hills and has a catchment area of 17.21 km2 with an average annual rainfall of approximately 2424 mm. The lake has an irregular shape with nine corners and V shaped basin. It is situated at 29025’ N, 79020’ and an altitude of 1300 m above mean sea level, with a surface area of 0.306 km2 (30.6 ha) and volume of 8.13 million cum. The Lake has 950.9 m length and 691.8 m breadth and a maximum depth of about 40.8 m. It receives water from springs and through canal in different parts of the year.

7. There are five revenue villages with a total of 377 households and a population of 1780 in the periphery of the lake. In addition, there are 17 hotels/resorts in the periphery of the lake. Majority of the hotels/resorts in the lake periphery have septic tanks for sewage treatment. Almost all the households have soak pit but no septic tank for sewage treatment.

8. The subproject has been categorized as B as per the ADB‘s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). The subproject is not covered in the ambit of the EIA notification 2006 and EIA Act 2009. As a result, the categorization, and the subsequent environmental assessment and clearance requirements, either from the state or the Government is not triggered.

9. As a part of IEE, a detailed impact assessment covering impacts due to location, design and pre-construction, construction, operation and maintenance have been assessed. The project

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

will lead to marginal impacts on lake water quality due to disposal of sewage, construction waste, etc.

10. The installation of aerators will increase DO level at various depths in the lake. Similarly, BOD, ammonia nitrate and Orthophosphates level shall reduce. This coupled with biomanipulation will improve the ecology of lake. The stocking of mahaseer (fish) will be an added attraction for anglers. The improved tourist facilities will greatly improve the environmental quality in and around the destinations, and also enhance the attractiveness of these destinations. While the enhanced tourist generation due to these improvements may not be significant, the facilities will enhance the site experience of the tourists. The project will facilitate environmental improvements through the provision of training to operators for all sanitation and solid waste facilities provided by the Project, in order to sustain any improvements made.

11. An Environmental Management plan (EMP) outlining the specific environmental measures to be adhered to during various phases of implementation of the subproject has been prepared. The subproject will conform to all Government regulations, policies, and standards, as well as Asian Development Bank‘s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009).

12. A stakeholder discussion has been conducted. The project design incorporates the views of primary and secondary stakeholders including local communities and local officials who were all meaningfully consulted during IEE and project preparation

13. The environmental impacts of the project are therefore not significant and at Category B level, as per ADB's Safeguards Policy Statement. The specific measures stated in the EMP will address all adverse environmental impacts due to the subproject. Impacts are readily mitigated through careful siting, specific selection criteria for procuring contractors with demonstrated experience; execution of proven mitigation measures during the design; and adoption of good engineering practices during construction and implementation. A detailed monitoring plan prepared as part of this IEE will further mitigate negative environmental impacts during implementation.

14. A Project Management Unit (PMU) is established in Dehradun for the overall project management and Project Implementation Unit (PIU) is also established at Bhimtal. A Safeguards Specialist within the PMU will be responsible for implementation of the environmental safeguard provisions. Project Management Consultants (PMC) and Design and Supervision Consultants (DSC) provide assistance to the PMU/PIUs in project implementation. Within the PMC team a Safeguards Specialist will provide overall management of environmental and social issues, and will provide technical support to the PMU including implementation of the environmental and resettlement issues according to ADB’s requirements, and assist in monitoring impacts and mitigation measures associated with sub- projects. The Safeguards Specialist of the DSC team will be responsible for preparation of the Environmental Assessment documents in line with the EARF and supervise the implementation of the EMP provisions in the various sub-projects.

15. The DSC Safeguards Specialist will support environmental management functions including

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

updating sub-project IEEs in respect to environmental management plans, assisting in preparing IEEs, and assist in monitoring impacts and mitigation measures associated with sub- projects. He/she will be required to include mitigation measures in designs where appropriate, and to specify other measures in construction contracts. Contractors will be required by their contracts to implement all specified mitigation, monitoring, and reporting assigned to contractors as presented in sub-project IEE.

16. The subproject is unlikely to cause significant adverse impacts. The potential adverse impacts that are associated with design, construction, and operation can be mitigated to standard levels without difficulty through proper engineering design and the incorporation or application of recommended mitigation measures and procedures. Based on the findings of the IEE, the classification of the Project as Category “B” is confirmed, and no further special study or detailed EIA needs to be undertaken to comply with ADB SPS (2009) or GoI EIA Notification (2006).

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Table of Contents S. Chapter Page No. No. I Introduction 8 A. Background 8 B. Purpose of the IEE 9 C. Environmental Regulatory Compliance 9 D. Report Structure 11

II Description of Project Components 11 A. Project Overview 11 B. Present Status 11 C. Project components 11 D. Project Period and Implementation Schedule 12

III Description of Existing Environment 12 A. Environmental Profile – Physical Resources 12 B. Ecological Resources and Biodiversity 18 C. Economic Resources 21 D. Social and Cultural Resources 23

IV Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 25 A. Location Impacts 26 B. Design Impacts and Pre-Construction Impacts 26 C. Construction Impacts 26 D. Operation and Maintenance Impacts 28 E. Environmental Mitigation Measures 29 F. Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 32

V Environmental Management Plan 37 A. Institutional Arrangements 37 B. Environment Management 38 C. Environmental Monitoring Plan 40 D. Capacity Building 41 E. Environmental Budget 44 F. Environmental Monitoring and Reporting 45

VI. Public Consultation and Information Disclosure 47 A. Consultation Process 47 B. Future Consultation and Information Disclosure 48 C. Grievance Redress Mechanism 49

VII Findings & Recommendations 51

VIII Conclusions 51

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

List of Tables

Table No. Description Page No. 1. Environmental Regulatory Compliance for Amelioration of 9 Naukuchiatal Lake in Nainital District 2. Elevation – Area- Storage Curve at Naukuchiatal 15 3. Distribution of different landuse of Naukuchiatal Catchment 16 4. Quality of water at Naukuchiatal 16 5. Ambient Air Quality (24 hours basis) 17 6. Ambient Noise Quality at Naukuchiatal area 18 7. Phytoplankton in Naukuchiatal Surface Waters 19 8. Zooplankton density in Naukuchiatal surface waters 19 9. Macrophytes in Naukuchiatal Lake 20 10. Macrobenthos in Naukuchiatal Littoral Region 20 11. Fish Biodiversity in Naukuchiatal Lake 21 12. List of Hotels/Guest houses in the vicinity of the project area 22 13. Demographic profile of Nainital District 23 14. Demographic profile of project area villages 23 15. Basic Amenities in the Project Area 24 16. Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 32 17. Environmental Monitoring Plan 40 18. Training Modules for Environmental Management 42 19. Environmental Budget 44 20. Consultations with Stakeholders 47

List of Annexure

Annexure No. Description Page no. 1. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist 52 2. Project Location Map & Layout Plan 57 3. NOC from Irrigation Department 59 4. Photographs of Project Area 61 5. Water Quality, Ambient Air Quality, Noise Level Monitoring 62 Report 6. Public Consultation Photographs 69 7. Public Consultation on 04-06-2013 71 8. Public Consultation on 20-12-2013 74 9. NOC from Jal Sansthan 79 10. NOC from Subhash Rana for Access 80

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

I. INTRODUCTION A. Background

1. The India Inclusive Tourism Infrastructure Development Project (ITIDP) envisages an environmentally and culturally sustainable and socially inclusive tourism development, in the project states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. The expected Impact of the Project in the four states is sustainable and inclusive tourism development in priority State tourism sub circuits divided into marketable cluster destinations that exhibit enhanced protection and management of key natural and cultural heritage tourism sites, improved market connectivity, enhanced destination and site environment and tourist support infrastructure, and enhanced capacities for sustainable destination and site development with extensive participation by the private sector and local communities.

2. The lake Naukuchiatal is a closed water system. It is surrounded by hills and has a catchment area of 17.21 km2 with an average annual rainfall of approximately 2424 mm. The lake has an irregular shape with nine corners and V shaped basin. It is situated at 29025’ N, 79020’ E and an altitude of 1300 m above mean sea level, with a surface area of 0.306 km2 (30.6 ha) at an elevation of 1314m and volume of 8.13 million cu.m. The Lake has 950.9 m length and 691.8 m breadth and a maximum depth of about 40.8 m. It receives water from springs and through canal in different parts of the year.

3. The proposed subproject mainly comprises of- (i) Installation of Aeration Equipment (ii) construction of Compressor Houses (iii) Bio manipulation of Lake Naukuchiatal. The subproject is needed to strengthen the tourism potential of this area as this site is very popular among local visitors, nature lovers, bird watchers and other interest groups. Detailed design started in April 2013. Construction of all elements will begin in the last quarter of the year 2013, and work will be completed by 2014. Total implementation period is 12 months.

4. As per the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Environmental Assessment Guidelines, and in line with the Environment Assessment and Review Framework (EARF) for the project, all the sub-project components for the proposed works are categorized as ‘B’ and an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) prepared. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) assesses the environmental impacts due to the proposed Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal and specifies measures towards addressing the impacts. The IEE was based on a review of sub-project site plans and reports; field visits, and secondary data to characterize the environment and identify potential impacts; and interviews and discussions with stakeholders.

5. Based on the findings of the IEE, an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared, outlining the specific environmental measures to be adhered to during implementation of the sub project. This EMP forms part of the contract document, and shall enable integration of environmental provisions / management measures in the Contract Document.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

B. Purpose of IEE 6. The present proposal is aimed at the restoration of Lake Naukuchiatal through aeration & biomanipulation technologies. These technologies will help in completely deeutrophying the lake. The environmental impacts due to this subproject are mostly related to the location of the site. There are also construction impacts but these will be of limited intensity and of short duration. Therefore, as per the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Environmental Assessment Guidelines, the sub-project components are categorized as ‘B’ and this IEE carried out. This IEE provides mitigation measures for impacts related to location and design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

C. Environmental Regulatory Compliance

7. The realm of environmental regulations and mandatory requirements for the proposed subproject is shown in Table 1. The EIA Notification (2006) as amended with EIA Act in 2009 by the Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) specifies the mandatory environmental clearance requirements. Accordingly, all projects and activities are broadly categorized in to two categories - Category A and Category B, based on the spatial extent of potential impacts and potential impacts on human health and natural and man-made resources.

Table 1: Environmental Regulatory Compliance for Amelioration of Naukuchiatal Lake in Nainital District Applicability of Acts/Guidelines Compliance Criteria ADB Safeguard Policy Statement, Categorization of subproject components into A, B or C and (2009) developing required level of environmental assessment for each component. Sub-project is Category B as no significant impacts are envisaged.

The Water (Prevention and The Act and Rules outlines the activities which are prohibited on Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and account of their potential to cause water pollution. Pollution from The Water (Prevention and various sources along the lake periphery need to be controlled as Control of Pollution) Rules 1975 per this Act and Rules

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 This act provides guidelines for conservation of forests and diversion of forest land for non-forest use. The law also states guidelines on de-reservation of various categories of forests for diversion of forest land. This law describes the penalty for contravention of the provisions of the Act. Restriction on the de- reservation of forests or use of forest land for non-forest purpose. If forest land is to be acquired for the project, the Forestry Clearance needs to be taken. For felling of the tree if any permission will be required from local

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Applicability of Acts/Guidelines Compliance Criteria The Indian Wildlife (Protection) This Act provides guidelines for protection of [Wild animals, birds Act, 1972, amended 1993, The and plants] and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or Wild Life (Protection) Amendment incidental thereto. It also states the norms for hunting of wild Act, 2002 animals, prohibition of picking, uprooting, etc., of specified plants. The Act deals with the declaration of area as Sanctuary, National Park, and closed area and also states the restriction of entries in the sanctuary. Not Applicable for the subproject

Biodiversity Act 2002 and The Act essentially controls access to indigenous biodiversity Biodiversity Rules 2004 resources. No agency/person referred to in sub-section (2) shall, without previous approval of the National Bio-diversity Authority, obtain any biological resource occurring in India or knowledge associated thereto for research or for commercial utilization or for bio-survey and bio-utilization. Not Applicable for the subproject The Ancient Monuments and Project site is not an ASI protected monument and there are no any Archaeological Sites and Remains monuments of this nature within the jurisdiction. Act, 1958, and the rules, 1959 The provisions of the act does not apply provide guidance for carrying out activities, including conservation, construction and reuse in and around the protected monuments. Environmental Impact It delineates the steps required for obtaining Environmental Assessment Notification, 2006 clearance. As per the notification, a list of projects, requiring and Environmental Impact Environmental Clearance from regulatory agencies at the State or Assessment Act, 2009 Central government level has been provided. As per this notification, the subproject does not require Environmental Clearance.

8. The above Table indicates that the proposed sub-project does not need to go through a full- scale environmental assessment process; as the scale of impacts and categorization of the sub-project components will not require clearances from Competent Authorities. Therefore, any further approvals or environmental clearances from the GoI or GoUK are not envisaged. The sub-project selection criteria specify that all project elements within the Naukuchiatal Lake area are in accordance with the provisions of the Management Plan.

9. The ADB guidelines, stipulate addressing environmental concerns, if any, of a proposed activity in the initial stages of Project preparation. For this, the ADB Guidelines categorizes the proposed components into categories (A, B or C) to determine the level of environmental assessment required to address the potential impacts. The Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist method was followed as per ADB requirement to assess the potential impacts of the project in planning phase. The REA checklist is attached as Annexure 1 with this report. The subproject has been categorized as B as per the ADB‘s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). Accordingly this IEE is prepared to address the potential impacts, in line with the recommended IEE content and structure for Category B project. The IEE was based mainly on primary and secondary sources of information and field 10

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

reconnaissance surveys and stakeholder consultations. An EMP outlining the specific environmental measures to be adhered to during implementation of the subproject has been prepared. D. Report Structure

10. This Report contains eight (8) sections including this introductory section: (i) Introduction; (ii) Description of Project Components; (iii) Description of the Existing Environment; (iv) Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures; (v) Environmental Management Plan; (vi) Public consultation & Information Disclosure; (vii) Findings and Recommendations; and (viii) Conclusions

II. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMPONENTS A. Project Overview

11. The Naukuchiatal lake has been adversely affected due to heavy construction activity and brazen flouting of rules as well as the trash that is being dumped into the lake by the tourists and small shops as well as kiosk owners near the lake. Most of the buildings that have been constructed in Naukuchiatal are very close the lake’s shore. During the British time no construction was allowed within a belt of 50 yards above the highest water line. This was mandatory. The Lake Development Authority also does not permit construction upto 10 m from the shores of the lake, but this rule is being openly flouted in Naukuchiatal and other lake areas.

B. Present status

12. At present, the Naukuchiatal Lake is polluted with blooms of algae and organic matter due to disintegration of leaves, stems from trees surrounding the lake. The density of algae observed about 50 x 105 Cells/I. The transparency in the lake is very poor and hypolimnion is devoid of oxygen. The concentration of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, phosphorous and methane are high. Lake Bottom remains anoxic during the time of stratification which lasts for a period of 9 months in a year. The lake has experienced mass mortality of fishes especially during winter months. Bottom sediments contain very high concentration of undesirable organic materials/compounds. Overall, the water of the lake is not suitable for aquatic life purpose.

13. Raw sewage discharge from 200 households in and around the lake. Septic tank for 1000 users will suffice to stop the leakage.

C. Project components

14. A list of major subproject components is given below:  Construction of Compressor rooms  Installation of Aeration equipment.  Bio-manipulation of the Lake

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

15. It is proposed to install aerators in the lake which will increase the DO levels in the lake, decrease concentration of toxic gases like carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and methane. It will also decrease in the production of algae thus increasing the transparency of lake water. In overall, installation of aerators in the lake Naukuchiatal will improve the water quality

16. The system to be used for the aeration of the lake shall comprise of three compressors which will be connected to aeration discs, 39 aeration discs in all. 13 discs with each compressor will be placed in each basin. The compressors will be housed in three separate buildings. Building will be constructed above the highest flood level. The location map of the subproject area and the layout map showing location of aerators are given in Annexure 2. The compressors will be operated as per requirement based on the concentration of the dissolved oxygen, thermal stratification, season, etc. The aeration discs will send billions of the tiny bubbles up in a water column (size of bubble 0.08µ). As a result, the oxygen will be distributed in the whole water column. The availability of oxygen in the bottom region will block the release of nutrients thus reducing the nutrient levels in the euphotic zone. Within a few years the eutrophication level of the lake will be greatly reduced.

17. Bio-manipulation in cohesion with aeration would restore the stable lake ecosystem. Bio- manipulation is a biological engineering which reconstructs the ecosystem by using biological as well as/ or nutrient reduction to reduce the algal crop. The Naukuchiatal Lake will be stocked with silver carp and mahseer fishes. The stocking size and density will be based on the analysis of trophic niches and existing fauna. In first phase hatchery produced silver carp will be stocked aiming at reduction of phytoplankton population in the lakes. This will be followed by the stocking of golden mahseer, Tor putitora aiming at development of lake as angling tourism attraction. Proper balance of mahseer and silver carp will be maintained.

18. The land along the lake belongs to irrigation department of Govt. of Uttarakhand. No objection certificate from irrigation project related to said infrastructure project is attached as Annexure 3.

D. Project Implementation Schedule

19. The implementation period for the proposed subproject is 12 months. Detailed design started in April 2013. Construction of all elements will begin in the 2nd quarter of the year 2014, and work will be completed by 2015.

III. DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

A. Environmental profile - Physical Resources

20. Uttarakhand became a separate state carved out of hill districts and sub Himalayan regions of Uttar Pradesh in the year 2000 and is the newly formed hill state in the Indian Himalayan Region. The geographical location (28°43' N to 31°27' N and 77°34' E to 81°02' E) resource setting of Uttarakhand is unique and shares its borders with China and Nepal. It 12

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

borders the Tibet Autonomous Region on the north, Nepal on the east and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the South, Haryana to the West and Himachal Pradesh to the North West. There are 13 districts in Uttarakhand which are grouped into two divisions: Kumaon division and Garhwal division. The Kumaon division includes six districts: (i) Almora, (ii) Bageshwar, (iii) Champawat, (iv) Nainital, (v) Pithoragarh, and (vi) Udham Singh Nagar. The Garhwal division includes seven districts: (i) Dehradun; (ii) Haridwar; (iii) Tehri Garhwal; (iv) Uttarkashi; (v) Chamoli; (vi) Pauri Garhwal (commonly known as Garhwal); and (vii) Rudraprayag.

21. Uttarakhand has a total geographic area of 51,125 km², of which 93% is mountainous and 64% is covered by forest. Most of the northern parts of the state are part of Greater Himalaya ranges, covered by the high Himalayan peaks and glaciers, while the lower foothills were densely forested. The difference in altitude between the lowest parts and the highest part (snow peaks of Nandadevi) is almost 7,000 meters.

Project Area: Lake Naukuchiatal 22. The Subproject area is situated on longitude 79° 36' and latitude 29° 19' and is located about 4 km from Bhimtal. The Naukuchiatal means a nine cornered lake (edge). It has a shape like a sea horse and is located at an altitude of 1300 m. The Naukuchiatal or the lake with nine corners is situated some 320 km from the Delhi and 25 km east of Nainital on Bhowali-Bhimtal-Naukuchiatal road. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (30 km), while the nearest airport is at Pantnagar (60 Km). It is the deepest lake of Nainital district famous for its serenity and idyllic ambiance. Naukuchiatal Lake is considered as a perfect place for mountain biking, fishing and para-sailing. The banks of this magnificent lake offer a nice walk away with the colourful display of the most beautiful birds, orchids and flowers. At Naukuchiatal one can plan a lot of things like swimming, boating or meditation or else simply sit by side of the lake and switch out one’s imagination. The photographs of the Naukuchiatal Project area are enclosed as Annexure 4.

23. The genesis of the Naukuchiatal is intimately related to Bhimtal, which is 30m above Naukuchiatal. The lake has a 950.9m length, 691.8m breadth and a maximum depth of about 40.8m. It has a total length of shoreline is 3600 m. The lake receives water as surface runoff and also as underground recharge through springs and seepage zones. The shoreline is mostly rocky with scree and rock boulders. The lake water is pumped for drinking. The hills are fairly thickly vegetated except the higher peaks, which are devoid of vegetal cover. The slope around the lake is about 15-20° becoming steep in the adjoining ranges.

Topography 24. The Naukuchiatal Subproject area is situated in the lesser himalayas or Shivalik zone. The Subproject area has sub temperate climate with hilly terrain. The altitude of the area is between 1200 to 1900m above Mean Sea Level. This region comprises of several fresh water lakes including Naukuchiatal.

Climate 25. The lake basin receives an annual average rainfall of 242 cm. The average number of rainy 13

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

days (i.e. days with more than 2.5 mm rainfall) in a year is about 90. About 80% of the rainfall is received under the influence of south-west monsoons i.e from June-September. The maximum and minimum temperature prevailing in the area range from 29-1.8° C. Generally, May and the early part of June are the hottest period of the year. With the onset of monsoons, there is a steady drop in the temperature. January is generally the coolest month of the year. The winds are generally light with an increase in force in summer and the south-west monsoons. The humidity is generally moderate throughout the year, except during monsoon months, when relative humidity is close to 85%. The April is the driest month of the year with relatively humidity in afternoons being less than 45%.

Geology and Seismicity 26. The rocks around Naukuchiatal belong to the Nagthat Formation. The rocks of the area are represented by meta-volcanics inter-bedded with quartzite. The meta-volcanics represent the oldest part of the succession and comprise amygdaloidal, vesicular and massive basalt, which are partially converted into epidiorites and amphibolites. These meta-volcanics represent an important magmatic event of the Proterozoic times. The small hillocks in the western side of the lake have thin inter-beds of greenish whitish siltstone and quartzite. The project site is located in Zone –IV as per Seismic Zoning map of India outlined in IS1893:2002.

Geomorphology 27. Geomorphologoically the area represents a denudational ridge-valley couple with poiycyclic fluvial imprints. High gradient and low drainage density within the catchments of Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal and Khurpata is not conducive to accumulation of clastic derivatives along the drainage lines. However, the presence of lake bodies has produced deltaic conditions at the mouth of the few streams that debouch into the water bodies. As a result of sudden break in stream regime large detritus accumulation as fans are observed in these deltaic environs. The Nauli Gad fan at the mouth of Bhimtal is very conspicuous and is a cause of' concern for the life of the lake. High rate of infiltration transfers the subsurface water into intennontane depressions fonning perennial water bodies. Similarly large subsurface seepage is expected from the lake bottoms through subsurface plumbing system (fractures and dislocation zones) into lower levels across the catchment ridges. High infiltration is observed as lost drainage lines and disappearance of drainage lines even in a non- carbonate terrain.

28. Predominance of sheet runoff over channelised runoff appears to be the main mechanism of surface runoff along the catchment slopes. As a result seasonal scree/debris"' transfer to lake rims takes place regularly, ultimately entering into the water bodies and is the main source of unnoticed ongoing siltation process in the catchment. A few landslip " zones along Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal though appear in nacent stage have enough potential to be a major geohazard for contributing large sediment flow into the lake bodies. Remnants of high level terraces along the lake bodies indicate the post pliestocene downward movement of the lake depressions, an indication of neotectonic movement in the area. This has bearing on the future land-water resource development in the area as far as seismicity induced damage reduction strategy is concerned.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Soils 29. The soil texture in the catchment area varies from coarse loamy to clayey loamy to silty clay depending on location in the catchment. The majority of forest soil belon to brown forest soil category. Textural variation is so great that within small area sand content may vary from 4.5 to 65%. SIlt content ranged from 6.6 to 46.7% and clay content ranged from 3.1 to 56%. Variations are explained by the change of parent material. Sand, stones and shales occur side by side, where as limestone may be found erratically. Alluvium derives forms may vary within short distances depending on the nature of streams.

Bathymetry 30. The shoreline is gently inclined being very steep after 12 m depth. The side towards Kamaltal (north western) is relatively gentle with fallen blocks of volcanics and quartzite. The interstitial spaces of these blocks are occupied by mud. The central part of the lake near the intercept line of maximum width and length is about 40.8 m. As such this is the deepest lake of the region. The Bathymetric map of the lake is embedded as Figure1. The Elevation Area storage details of the lake are given in Table 2.

Bathymetric map of the lake

Figure-1: Bathymetric map of lake Nakuchiatal

Table 2: Elevation – Area- Storage Curve at Naukuchiatal Elevation (m) Water surface area (sqm) Storage (MCM) 1270 0.001071 0.001071 1276 0.022967 0.073 185 1280 0.068255 0.255629 15

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Elevation (m) Water surface area (sqm) Storage (MCM) 1286 0.130237 0.851104 1290 0.163217 1.438013 1296 0.193290 2.507534 1300 0.231387 3.356888 1302 0.243066 3.831341 1304 0.255799 4.330206 1306 0.268770 4.854775 1308 0.282047 5.405592 1310 0.295086 5.982725 1312 0.305745 6.583556 1314 0.306000 7.195301 1315 0.307100 7.501301 1317 0.309200 8.1133 Source: Irrigation Department, Nainital District

Land Use of Nakuchiatal catchment 31. The catchment is about 218.6259 ha out of with 23.05% area is covered by forest category (Pine, Oak, Mixed and Degraded forest) scrubs has 24.94% of catchment. The distribution of different land use of Naukuchiatal Catchment is given in Table 3.

Table 3: Distribution of different land use of Naukuchiatal Catchment Land use Type Area(ha) Area (%) Pine Forest 1.2653 0.5788 Oak Forest 21.9365 10.0338 Mix. Forest 19.6213 8.9748 Degraded Forest 7.5491 3.4530 Scrub/shrub 54.5206 24.9379 Pastures/Grazing land 18.2971 8.3691 Habitation 00.0000 0.0000 Agriculture 62.2143 28.4570 Fallow/uncultivated 3.4376 1.5724 Water body 29.6978 13.5838 Barren/waste land 0.0863 0.0395 Shadow/cloud 0.0000 0.0000 Total 218.6259 100.0000 Source: Botany Department, Kumaon University, Nainital Water Quality 32. The water sample of Naukuchiatal has been collected on 5th May 2013 and was analyzed at Govind Ballav Panth University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar. The results are depicted in Table 4.

Table 4: Quality of water at Naukuchiatal S.No Parameters Value at Value at Remarks Surface 27m Depth a) Air Temp (0C) 30.5 - Satisfactory 16

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

S.No Parameters Value at Value at Remarks Surface 27m Depth b) Water Temp(0C) 25 12.4 Colder Towards bottom c) Conductivity(µS/cm) 253 384 Higher value at the bottom d) Transparency (cm) 85 Less transparent e) TDS(mg/l) 142.5 280.9 Higher towards bottom f) DO(mg/l) 9.12 0.17 Deficient at bottom g) BOD(mg/l) 1.2 12.3 Large Variation

h) Free CO2(mg/l) 0 0 Unsatisfactory at bottom i) Total Alkalinity(mg/l) 110 160 Lower at surface j) pH 7.8 8 Alkaline k) Nitrate(mg/l) 0.36 0.25 At Higher level l) Chloride (mg/l) 8.3 9.2 m) Magnesium( mg/l) 9.0 9.6 Higher towards Bottom n) Calcium (mg/l) 16.75 25.80 o) Potassium (mg/l) 4.0 5.1 p) Iron (mg/l) 0.08 0.1 q) Lead (mg/l) 0.03 0.04 Higher towards Bottom r) Cadmium (mg/l) 0.02 0.025 Source: Water sampling done on 5th May 2013

33. The pH values vary from 7.7 at surface to 8.0 at bottom. The total dissolved solid was recorded as 142.5 mg/1 in surface water and 280.9 mg/l at a depth of 27m indicating that chemical stratification exists during this period along with thermal stratification. The electrical conductivity was recorded as 253 µs/cm at surface and 384 µs/cm at a depth of 27m.

34. The coliform count of 175 and faecal coliform of 15 (MPN) recorded in July 2002 tends to confirm the low status of pollution. The water analysis carried out by Uttaranchal Jal Sansthan of Lake Naukuchiatal reveals that the feacal coliform content is 94 as on 26th December 2012. The Test report is annexed as Annexure 5.

Ambient Air Quality 35. Ambient air quality measurements in Naukuchiatal Lake area are shown in Table 5 below (Annexure 5 – Testing Certificates). The ambient air quality monitoring was done on 3 08/07/2013 and 09/07/2013. The PM10 and PM2.5 level ranged from 54 to 64µg/m and 25 to 27µg/m3 which is well below the permissible limit of100 µg/m3and 60 µg/m3. Likewise, Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide too were well below the permissible limit. This is expected in area with no major sources of pollution. Table 5: Ambient Air Quality (24 hours basis)

Parameters measured Unit Near Pump TRH Lake View Allowable Limit* House Parichay Resort Respirable Particulate µg/m3 64 56 54 100 Matter (PM10) Respirable Particulate µg/m3 31 27 25 60 Matter (PM2.5) 3 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) µg/m 10 08 06 80 3 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) µg/m 14 18 16 80 *Allowable Limit = National Ambient Air Quality Standards as per CPCB Notification New Delhi, 18 Nov,2009, 17

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Date of sampling= 08.07.2013 to 09.07.2013

Ambient Noise Levels 36. Ambient noise quality has been monitored during preparation of this report. The data of noise monitoring are shown in Table 6 below (Annexure 5 – Testing certificates )

Table 6: Ambient Noise Quality at Naukuchiatal area

S.No. Location Unit Measured values Allowable limits (*Leq Values) /Specification (CPCB)/Leq 1. Near Pump House dB(A) 40.8 (dB (A) 2. TRH Parichay dB(A) 39.4 55

3. Lake View Resort dB(A) 40.4

*Leq Values = Equivalent Continuous Sound Pressure Level Date of sampling= 09.07.2013

B. Ecological Resources and Biodiversity Forest Type 37. This region is covered by mostly forest of pines, oak. shrubs and grasses mostly cover the degraded slopes. The southern aspect of lower slopes is covered by lantana and xerophytic vegetation. The vegetation of the study area has been heavily altered with human activity. The study area is partially dominated by forest and by agricultural ecosystem. The major forest type reported in the catchment area of lake Naukachiatal are:

o Chir Pine forests are the most important forest type of this zone growing on a large scale from about 150m to about 2000 m and ascending higher wherever adverse conditions prevent ~ survival of temperate forests. On the whole, Chir crop is remarkably pure. Banj (Quercus leucotrichophora), Burans (Rhododendron arboreum), Kaphal (Myrica sapida), Mehal (Pyrus pashia), Utis (Alnus nepalensis) towards the upper limit and Sandan (Ougenia oogenensis), Jamun (Sygigium cuminii). Tunga (Rhus parvijlora) are also reputed. Large belts of pure chir crops are a common sight throughout the hills.

o Oak Forests: Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) forests occupy the altitudinal zone of 1800 2100m and descending to 1500m on northern slopes or even to 1100m in deep valleys and ravines. Banj occurs in association with Burans, Anyar, Mehal, Kaphal, Garpipal (Populus ciliata), Rianj (Qztercus lanuginosa) and Phaniyat (Queries glauca), etc. The undergrowth is dense with Viburnum spp., Rubus spp., Berberis asiatica, Desmodium, Rosa moschata, ringal etc. The oak forests have nearly lost their capacity of regeneration due to overgrazing and heavy lopping.

Flora & Fauna: 38. The forest area surrounding the Naukuchiatal lake mainly comprises of Van Panchayat (village forest) land of village Thapalia Mehragaon, Silouti and Chanouti villages. Besides there are small pockets of privately managed forests in the close vicinity of the lake. The

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

main forest vegetation of these forests consist of Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) and Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii). On management basis all the forests of the surrounding hills falls under van panchayat forests management system. All these forests lies within one km distance from lake villages. The local community is dependent on these forests for fuel, fodder and leaf litter. Along the Naukuchiatal lake, there is close plantation of Willow (Salix sp.) and Jackaranda as avenue plantation. Orchids and lichens are common in these trees. A large variety of medicinal and aromatic herbs are also found in these forests. There is no requirement of tree felling for the said project.

39. Among the major wild life, leopard (Panthera pardus), wild bear (Sus scrofa cristatus), Sambhar deer (Cervus unicolor), Swamp deer (Cervus duvaucelli), wild boar, monkey (Macaca mubuatavillosa), langur (Presbytis schistaceous), jackal (Canis aureus), porcupine (Hystrix indica) are common. The common bird species are Harial (Treron phoenicoptera), Dhanesh (Tockus birostris), jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) and the Great Indian Hornbill (Dichoceros bicornis). Among the reptiles, python, rat snake, monitor lizard, King Cobra, Cobra, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper and pit Viper infests the forests of Naukuchiatal catchment.

Aquatic life 40. The phytoplanktons were represented by four species of Chlorophyceae and four species of Bacillariophyceae. The blue green alga was represented by the sole species of Microcystis and Dinophyceae by Peridinium. A total of 10 species were observed and the Community abundance was 24.7 x105 cells /l (Refer Table 7). Diatoms and Desmids account for 54% of the phytoplankton.

41. The zooplanktons were dominated by Copepods (Cyclops-Eucylops) and Cladocera (Daphnia and Chydorus). Together they correspond with 72.5% population. The Rotifers though more in species (6 sp.) accounts for 28% population while it indicates diversity (Table 8). A total of 10 species were observed and the Community abundance was 106 individuals per litre.

Table 7: Phytoplankton in Naukuchiatal Surface Waters Group Taxa Density (Cell x 105/l) Chlorophycease Oocystis sp. 30 Chlamydomonas sp. 3.3 Closteidiumsp. 3.0 Chlorococcum humicola 1.3 Dinophyceae Peridinium sp 2.3 Bacillariophyceae Synedra sp 5.6 Navicula sp 2.6 Fragilaria sp. 1.3 Ropalodia sp 1.0 Cyanophyceae Microcystis sp 1.3 Source: Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries, Bhimtal

Table 8: Zooplankton density in Naukuchiatal surface waters Group Taxa Density (Indv/l) Copepoda Cyclops sp. 26.3 19

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Eucyclops sp. 30 Rotifera Monostyla sp 5.6 Philodina sp. 6.3 Lacne sp. 2.6 Rotaria sp. 4.6 Euchlanis sp. 5.0 Asplanchna sp. 5.6 Cladocera Daphnia sp. 16.0 Chydorus sp. 4.6 Source: Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries, Bhimtal 42. Macrophytes The macrophytes found in Naukuchiatal lake are given in the Table 9 below

Table 9: Macrophytes in Naukuchiatal Lake S.No. Species 1. Eleocharis palustris 2. Polygonum glabrum . Attached, Emerged 3. P. hydropiper 4. Potamogeton natans 5. Nymphoides indica Rooted, Floating leaves 6. Nilumbium nucifera 7. Hydrilla verticillata 8. Vallisenaria spiralis 9. Potamogeton pectinatus Submerged 10. P. crispus 11. Ceratophyllum demursum 12. Myriophyllum spciatum Source: Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries, Bhimtal

43. The submerged plants constituted the dominant group in the depths from 5-6 m to 11-12 m. The rooted floating leaves were dominant in 2-3 m depth. The transitional zone was inhabited by attached emerged plants, the two submerged species Myriophyllum and Ceratophyllum and one rooted floating leaves species, Nymphoides indica were main contributors of macrophyte vegetation of lake. The Nilumbium and Nymphoides are now restricted to a small portion of lake (lotus pond).

44. Macrobenthos The macrobenthos is represented by eight species of Helminthes, Hirudinea, Ephemeroptera and Mollusca (Table 10). Table 10: Macrobenthos in Naukuchiatal Littoral Region Group Taxa Helminthes Dugesia lugubris Planaria sp Hirudinea Barbronica weberi Hemiclepsis marginata Ephemeroptera Beatis Leptophlebia sp. Mollusca Lymnaea acuminate Gyraulus convexiusculus Source: Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries, Bhimtal 20

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

45. Fish Biodiversity The Lake Naukuchiatal was once having abundant population of mighty sport and food fish, Mahseer. Presently the population of Mahseer in Naukuchiatal is very poor. The fish fauna is represented by Gambusia affinis and Puntius spp. in littoral regions, Silver carp and Grass carp in limnetic and common carp in benthic. The important fish biodiversity of Naukuchiatal Lake is summarized below: Table 11: Fish Biodiversity in Naukuchiatal Lake Order Family Fish Speicies Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Calla calla Cirrhinus mrigala Ctenopharyngodon idellus Cyprinus carpio Labeo bata Labeo calbasu Labeo rohita Puntius conchonius Puntius sophore Puntius ticto Tor putitora Tor tor Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Barilius bola Barilius bendelisis Barilius vagra Raiamas bola – Schizothorax richardsonii Noemachelius beavani Noemachelius montanus Poccilidae Gambusia affinis Perciformes Channoidei Channa striatus Channa gachua Channa marulius Channa puntatus Mastacembeloidae Mastacembelus armatus Source: Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries, Bhimtal

46. The presence of abundant population of unwanted fishes is highly destructive to Lake Ecosystem. Also the water quality parameters are not in optimum concentration and create problems to the survival of fishes. The lake gets thermally stratified during summer months while during the winter months there is circulation resulting in occasional fish kills.

C. Economic Resources 47. The people of these villages are directly dependent on tourism based activities for their livelihoods. More than 150 households of these villages are engaged in the tourism activities like boating, horse riding, taxi driving, restaurant, guest houses, photography, general store, sale of local produce etc. May-June months are the peak tourist season when majority of the tourist (8 to 10 lakh or 80%) visits the lake during the year. Around 15 lakh tourists visit area mainly during the summer and autumn.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Livestock 48. Livestock is mainly reared for milk production and compost agriculture is the project area is closely integrated with forests and animal husbandry. The agriculture is predominantly subsistence based and majority of population is dependent on market fall grains, pulses, vegetables and milk. Tourism and allied activities are the main occupation of local community. Due to closeness from the block and district head quarters and being a tourist destination the project has almost all infrastructure facilities like road, electricity, education, drinking water, health banks, post office, market, police station etc. within a periphery of 5 km.

Livelihoods and Employment: 49. The average income of each household engaged in tourism activity is INR 10,000 per month. As per livelihood portfolio survey done by the team, around 60 households are involved in boating with more than 150 boats, 15 households mainly scheduled caste are involved in horse riding, 40 families associated in hotel/guesthouse enterprise, 15 household manage restaurants and teashops, 4 person practice photography and 8 households having general store. There is huge potential of tourism development in the area which will provide more employment to the local youth and improve the livelihoods security of local community. 50. The rural economy is largely agriculture and tourism based with almost 100% practice agricultural and allied activities like horticulture, and livestock, Non Agricultural economic activities includes tourism related activities like boat keeping, horse keeping, restaurant, selling of wild edibles, fruits etc, skilled and unskilled labor in construction works, Government service, private jobs, shop-keeping, tailoring, transport service etc. Youth unemployment in the project area is high among illiterates and those below 10th class pass than among those with higher education.

51. The sex ratio of project area is 1:1 i.e. one thousands females per thousands males. Along with the favorable sex ratio, women also face the challenge of doing maximum households chores and most of the agricultural tasks. The time use analysis shows that on an average women spend 17, 15 and 14 hours per day in various households and agricultural works during summers, winters and rainy season respectively. Industries 52. There are no industries located in the vicinity of Lake Naukuchiatal except for some hotels/resorts to cater the tourist requirement. The list of hotels is given below in Table12.

Table 12: List of Hotels/Guest houses in the vicinity of the project area S.No. Name of Hotel/Guest Location Accommodation availability House/Lodge No of rooms No of beds 1. Green valley Naul 11 28 2. Paridise resort Naul 15 30 3. Lagooon Naul 4 16 4. Amity Guest house Naul 5 10 5. Spring bird Naul 5 10 6. Grace villa Naul 10 20

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

7. Alinda house Thaplia Mehragaon 7 14 8. Karnatak guest house Thaplia Mehragaon 3 6 9. Lake resort Thaplia Mehragaon 32 64 10. Club mahindra Thaplia Mehragaon 32 64 11. Jungle advanture camp Thaplia Mehragaon 7 14 12. TRH Thaplia Mehragaon 14 36 13. Parichay Thaplia Mehragaon 20 50 14. Breeze n cloud Thaplia Mehragaon 24 48 15. Blue rose Siloti 3 6 16. Firdan cottagel Siloti 3 6 17. Lake plesent Siloti 3 6 18. Green avanue Siloti 3 6 19. Habitat Siloti 3 6 20. Garden nest Siloti 6 12 21. Hill skirt Siloti 13 26 22. Manoram view Siloti 6 12 23. At last Chanoti 4 8 24. R.n.R Chanoti 7 14 25. Lake view Chanoti 6 12 26. Lake village Chanoti 30 60

D. Social and Cultural Resources Demography 53. The subproject area lies in Bhimtal block of Nainital District. There are five revenue villages situated in the immediate catchment of Naukuchiatal lake. These are Thaplia Mehragaon, Bohragaon, Chanauti, Siloti and Naul. The population of these villages is 1780 with 377 households, mainly belonging to the Brahmins, Rajput and Schedule castes. The demographic data of Nainital District and project area villages are summarized in the following Table 13 and Table14 respectively.

Table 13: Demographic profile of Nainital District S.No Nainital Total House Population District holds Total Male Female SC ST 1 Rural 114954 582871 299257 283614 137906 5780 2 Urban 76429 371734 194409 177325 53300 1715 3 Total 191383 954605 493666 460939 191206 7495 Source: Census data, 2011 of Nainital District, Department of Statistics

Table 14: Demographic profile of project area villages S.No Villages Total House Population holds Total Male Female SC ST 1 Thapalia 141 735 389 346 47 0

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Mehragaon 2 Bohragaon 66 295 148 147 69 0 3 Siloti Pant 75 284 157 127 90 0 4 Chanoti 43 236 125 111 0 0 5 Naul 52 230 124 106 28 0 Total 377 1780 943 837 234 0

Source: Census data, 2011 of Nainital District, Department of Statistics

Basic Amenities and Infrastructure 54. Due to closeness from the block and district headquarters, the project has almost all basic infrastructure facilities but their management is poor. All the villages are accessible by motorable roads, electricity and telephone/mobile-phone. The primary and secondary education facility are available in the project area, but the nearest primary health facilities are available at Bhimtal (5 kms). Bank and postal services are also available in the project area. Bhimtal, Bhowali, Haldwani and Nainital are the main markets of the project area. The details of basic amenities and infrastructure available in the project area is given in the following Table 15.

Table15: Basic Amenities in the Project Area Basic amenities and S.No. Location & Distance (kms) Infrastructure 1 Primary Health Centre Bhimtal (5 kms) 2 Intermediate School Bhimtal (5 kms) 3 Post Graduate College Nainital (27 kms) 4 Post Office Bhimtal (5 kms) 5 Bank Naukuchiatal (1 kms), Bhimtal (5 kms) 6 Veterinary Hospital Bhimtal (5 kms) 7 Petrol Pump Khutani (8 kms) Bhimtal, Bhowali (16 kms), Haldwani (30 kms) and 8 Main Market Nainital Mandi/market for selling of 9 Bhowali (16 kms) and Haldwani (30 kms) produce 10 Police Station Bhimtal (5 kms)

Government Tourism Infrastructure 55. In tourism sectors there are two main structures owned by the government. These are tourist rest house at the western corner of the lake and Parichay resort an old heritage building constructed in late nineteenth century by the prisoners of Boar war. Both these TRH are presently managed by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam or KMVN (a state government agency) and unable to cope up during the peak season demand of the tourists the facilities are inadequate and needs renovation /up gradation. As per information received by the manager at the Parichay resort, although having 13 rooms with 42 beds average occupancy was 13.4% and 18.6% in year 2011-12 and 2012-13 respectively .Similarly, revenue generated in these year was INR 16.5 lakhs and 23.4 lakhs ,and total number of tourist visited were 1297 and 1457 respectively. These figures are low as

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

compared to the total visitors which visit the area annually.

SWOT Analysis 56. The SWOT analysis of Naukuchiatal region as a tourist destination was done with the objective of assessing its tourism potential and possibilities for sustainable tourism development in the next decade. The study of SWOT analysis shows that the important and accepted livelihood option is tourism based. The strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of which are summarized below.

Strengths: Opportunities:  Availability of Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal lake  The Government of India has given special which attracts millions of tourists every year attention to eastern Uttarakhand tourism  Climate and geographical conditions are circuit. soothing and abundance of natural  ADB has supported the state for tourism endowments development in this region of Uttarakhand.  Tourism the primary occupation of majority  There is potential for private sector of HHs investment in tourism projects  Rich Cultural Heritage and bio diversity of  Besides Intra regional tours there are the region opportunities for promoting cross border  Availability of KMVN as a government towns to neighboring countries like Nepal enterprise is promoting tourism in kumaon region Weaknesses: Threats:  Underutilized infrastructural facilities of the  Competition from other tourism destinations government owned TRH's like Nainital  Lack of effective marketing of tourism based  Threats from uncontrolled urbanization and products tourism development  Poor industrial capacity and lack of proper  Environmental concerns like pollution of training. lake, Noise pollution, landslides etc  Underutilized network and synergy among public and private organization of the region

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

57. The assessment for environmental impacts due to the implementation of this project has been carried out for potential impacts during the following stages of the project planning and implementation:  Location impacts. Impacts associated with site selection, including impacts on environment and resettlement or livelihood related impacts on communities and wildlife  Design impacts. Impacts arising from project design, including the technology used, scale of operations, discharge standards etc  Construction impacts. Impacts resulting from construction activities including site clearance, earthworks, civil works, etc.  O&M impacts. Impacts associated with the operation and maintenance of t h e 25

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

infrastructure built in the project.

A. Location Impacts

58. The location considered for the subproject is within the area designated for ecotourism as part of developing Uttarakhand‘s conservation, heritage, natural and cultural attractions, and are outside areas demarcated for habitat protection and conservation. The proposed sub-project envisages installation of aerators in lake for which no land is to be acquired. For associated facilities on land, like compressor, operating room etc. about 108 sqm [36 sqm in 3 sides] will be required. The land belongs to Irrigation department & Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. No resettlement is required for the project. However based on the ownership status of the land, suitable compensatory measures will be decided by the Project Implementation Unit, Bhimtal.

B. Design Impacts and Pre-Construction Impacts

59. Impacts arising from the inappropriate designs of proposed facilities would in general include the contemporary designs for the traditional and cultural environment, etc. Selection of materials, if not carefully chosen, will adversely impact the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings. The results of interventions are unobtrusive and will be integral part of the overall ambience so as to avoid impacts on the aesthetics of the site. Structural designs to be worked out in such a manner that over ground structures do not affect the aesthetics of the area. All component designs will be worked out to minimize any impacts on the adjoining properties, and considering the drainage and sewerage connections on the road. Given that the there is a need for disposal of construction wastes, the contractors will be required to consult with the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Board (UEPPB) for safe disposal sites.

60. The land required for the sub-project is very less, and its location will be such that Telephone lines, electric poles and wires, water and sewer lines will not be affected. For areas along vulnerable to slope failures and along steep stretches, designs will include slope protection measures for uncovered slopes as pitching, vegetation, benching, etc. The storm water runoff from alterations of the site‘s natural drainage patterns due to landscaping, excavation works in the periphery of the lake which will be taken care in the designs. Selection of materials and construction technologies has been carefully chosen, so that it does not adversely impact the aesthetic appeal of the destinations. Designs will ensure energy conservation.

C. Construction Impacts

61. All construction activities to be undertaken at the site will be approved by P I U and before start of any such activity in the vicinity of the site so that the history and sanctity as well as the usability of the site by the projected number of tourists are not hampered. The construction stage impacts due to the proposed project components are generic to the construction activities. The EMP emphasizes on the construction impacts and necessary mitigation measures to be strictly followed by the contractor and supervised by the DSC and PIU. The Key impacts are covered in the following paragraphs. 26

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

62. Impacts due to stock piles of waste and top soil: Improper stockpiling of construction materials and top soil can obstruct drainage, disturb tourists, etc. A quantity of 90 cum is expected to be generated during construction of the compressor rooms. Due consideration will be given for material storage and construction sites such that it doesn‘t cause any hindrance to tourists movement within the site. Stockpiles will be covered to protect from dust and erosion.

63. Disposal of construction waste: The construction waste could lead to siltation of the lake. In the proposed subproject, it should be made mandatory for the contractor involved in construction activities for proper disposal of the construction waste at the disposal site as designated by the PIU and DSC. It will also be ensured that no construction waste will be disposed in the lake and the site will be stabilized with proper leveling and landscaping. Disposal of weeds from lake water body will be done at low laying area (with due permission from forest dept.) along with earth cover for reduction of smell during decomposition

64. Quarry/Borrow pits operations: As the construction material includes bricks, cement and steel which will be procured from market. No quarrying/borrow pit operation are required. Hence there are no impacts in this subject.

65. Impacts due to operation of construction equipment: Two weed removal boats with buoyancy of 2.8 tons are being procured under the project. The same boats will be used for ferrying the compressors to the site. Thereafter a chain pulley system which also will be taken in the boat prior to ferrying the compressors will be erected at a suitable location to unload the compressors. Due to this, no impact on the lake and its environment is envisaged.

66. Impacts due to sewage disposal: About 20 labor and technical staff are likely to be involved in the project construction activities. The labor will be locally available. Hence no labor colony will be established. Thus sewage will not be generated.

67. Impacts on drainage pattern: The land to be used for the project is quite less. Proper care has been taken for selecting location of construction sites. Hence, no impact is expected on drainage pattern in the area.

68. Increase in noise levels: Noise levels in the immediate proximity of most work sites are expected to increase during construction. The duration of this exposure will be relatively brief. This exposure represents temporary, localized, adverse residual effect of low to moderate significance for affected receptors. While building damage due to ground vibrations is unlikely, there may annoyance to spatially located receptors during construction. Noise levels associated with the subproject operations will be largely imperceptible as civil works will be confined in relatively small sites.

69. Impacts on biodiversity during construction phase: Since no labor camp is being established no impacts are expected on the biodiversity during the construction phase.

70. Disturbance to traffic during construction phase: At the time of construction there will be disturbance and inconvenience for the movement of the public and vehicles due to project 27

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

construction activities. These inconveniences will be temporary in nature and last for a very short duration.

71. Impacts on cultural properties: The proposed project does not interfere through any sites of religious, historical and/or cultural significance.

72. Impacts on utilities: Due care has been taken during design of the project components. Hence no adverse impact is envisaged.

D. Operation and Maintenance Impacts

73. It is proposed to install aerators in the lake which will result into beneficial impacts on lake. Although during the operation of the aeration equipment marginal noise will be generate, that will be insignificant and well within the permissible limit. The beneficial impacts of aeration and Bio-manipulation are summarized below:  Increased transparency of lake  Decrease in concentration of toxic gases like carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and methane  Equal distribution of nutrients concentrations throughout the lake water  Decrease in the production of algae thus increasing the transparency of lake water  Replacement of the undesirable flora and fauna and development of desirable life forms in the water.  Create conditions suitable for the growth and breeding of environment friendly fishes.  Increase in the concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the lake particularly in oxygen deficient bottom waters

74. The most significant beneficial impact on the environment is through improvement of lake eco-system. The project has developed a holistic approach by treating the lake by aeration system in integrated manner with focus on tourism development. It will promote livelihood opportunities of the local community and increase the economic status of the people. The lake treatment activities will increase fish population and reduce the solid waste and weed population in the lake. The project initiatives will encourage tourist populations to these destinations. The project will also build the capacity of primary and secondary stakeholders by training on environmental and livelihood aspect.

75. As mentioned earlier that livelihoods of the local community are directly dependant on tourism activities around Naukuchiatal. Around 150 households of surrounding villages are associated in tourism activities like boating, horse riding, restaurant, hotel/lodge, photography etc and indicative assessment shows that the project intended to develop government infrastructure and lake amelioration. Over the period of the project implementation, it is expected that about 500 households of nearby 5 villages covering 3000 population will be directly or indirectly benefited from project interventions and increase in tourist population. The project is expected to promote about 100 tourism value chain related enterprises which will lead to the social and economic empowerment to local community.

76. As a part of Bio-manipulation, unwanted fish species will be removed. Then, Naukuchiatal lake will be stocked with silver carp and mahseer. In first phase hatchery produced silver 28

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

carp will be stocked aiming at reduction of phytoplankton population in the lakes. This will be followed by the stocking of golden mahseer (Tor putitora) to develop angling tourism. Biomanipulation in cohesion with aeration and desilting would restore the stable lake ecosystem. Proper balance of mahseer and silver carp will be maintained. Thus, biomanipulation will be a positive impact on the lake water quality and ecology.

E. Environmental Mitigation Measures

77. The specific measures stated in the EMP will address all adverse environmental impacts due to the subproject. A detailed monitoring plan prepared as part of this IEE will ensure negative environmental impacts during implementation are mitigated. Before implementation of the project site specific EMP will be developed for specific package. EMPs will be appended to the respective contract documents to enable integration of environmental provisions in the contract. Based on the environmental baseline conditions, planned project activities and impacts assessed earlier, the set of measures to be adopted to ameliorate the adverse impacts are listed in following paragraphs.

78. Measures to Mitigate Location Impacts  In accordance with the provisions in the subproject selection criteria, the subproject design will include adequate provisions for ensuring effective maintenance and protection of the assets created so as to ensure the long term sustainability of the sites.  Designs will be worked out and implemented in accordance with the provisions. Further, the design guidelines for the project components will strictly conform to Uttarakhand architecture.

79. Measures to Mitigate Design Impacts  Areas along vulnerable to slope failures and along steep stretches, the designs of subproject components will include slope protection measures for uncovered slopes as pitching, vegetation, benching, etc.  Design of proposed components will enable efficient drainage of the sites and maintain natural drainage patterns.  Designs will be worked out in such a manner that exposed steel and concrete structures are avoided. The design brief for all components proposed will strictly conform to the Uttarakhand architecture.

80. Measures to Mitigate Impacts due to Pre-construction Activities  Prior to commencement of site activities and mobilization on ground, the Contractor will prepare and get approved by the PIU and DSC, circulation plan during construction for safe passage of tourists during construction stage, including development of alternative access routes, traffic regulations, signage, etc. during construction.  The commencement of site clearance activities will be undertaken with due permission from the Environment Specialist of the DSC consultant to minimize environmental impacts.  All areas used for temporary construction operations will be subject to complete restoration to their former condition with appropriate rehabilitation procedures.  Location of disposal sites will be finalized by the Environmental Specialist of the DSC so that disposal of the material does not impact natural drainage courses or surface water bodies or low lying areas and that no endangered / rare flora is impacted by such 29

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

materials

81. Measures to Mitigate Construction Impacts  Due consideration will be given for material storage and construction sites such that it doesn‘t cause any hindrance to tourist movement within the site.  Stockpiles will be covered to protect from dust and erosion.  The topsoil from areas of cutting will be stripped to a specified depth of 150mm, translocated and stored in stockpiles.  The stockpile will be designed such that the slope does not exceed 1:2 (vertical to horizontal).  Stockpiles will not be surcharged or otherwise loaded and multiple handling will be kept to a minimum to ensure that no compaction will occur. The stockpiles will be covered with gunny bags or tarpaulin.  Slope protection measures will be undertaken along slopes near compressor room. The work will consist of measures as per design, or as directed by the Engineer to control soil erosion, sedimentation and water pollution.  Silt fencing to be provided at construction sites to prevent sediments from the construction site to enter into the lake watercourses. The number of units of silt fencing to be installed is to be decided by the engineer.  The contractor will take every precaution to reduce the levels of dust at construction sites to the satisfaction of the Engineer. All earthworks to be protected/covered in a manner acceptable to the satisfaction of the engineer to minimize dust generation. Clearance will be affected immediately by manual sweeping and removal of debris, or if so directed by the Engineer.  The discharge standards promulgated under the Environmental Protection Act, will be strictly adhered to. All vehicles, equipment and machinery used for construction will conform to the relevant Standard.  All vehicles, equipments and machinery used for construction will be regularly maintained to ensure that pollution emission levels comply with the relevant requirements.  Noise limits for construction equipment used in this project (measured at one metre from the edge of the equipment in free field) such as compactors, rollers, front loaders, concrete mixers, cranes (moveable), vibrators and saws will not exceed 75 dB (A). Notwithstanding any other conditions of contract, noise level from any item of plant(s) will comply with the relevant legislation for levels of noise emission.  All workers employed on cement, lime mortars, concrete etc., will be provided with protective footwear and protective goggles.  Construction waste will be disposed off safely at the disposal sites.  All reasonable precaution will be taken to prevent danger of the workers and the public from fire, flood, drowning, etc.  All necessary steps will be taken for prompt first aid treatment of all injuries likely to be sustained during the course of work.  Contractor to prepare site restoration plans for approval by the Engineer. The plan is to be implemented by the contractor prior to demobilization.

82. Measures to Mitigate O&M Impacts 30

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

 In line with the Government targets of coverage of all urban and rural areas with environmentally safe solid waste management systems, the tourist destinations will be covered with integrated waste management facilities, including treatment and disposal, in line with the Solid Waste Handling Rules, 2000.

83. Responsibilities of Contractors-  Abide by the environmental laws formulated by the community institution (Naukuchiatal lake conservation and management society).  Signages and wall writings along the road side for generating lake conservation awareness.  Regularly remove trash from the site on daily basis.  Report camp fires or other inappropriate human use of the Naukuchiatal lake, and inappropriate behaviour from construction workers affecting lake ecology and biodiversity.  The area should be declared as plastic free, smoking free and silence zone and sign boards for the purpose should be displayed at work site and workers should be made aware about it by training  Swimming, bathing and washing clothes by the workers in the lake will be strictly prohibited  Cutting and collection of fuel wood by the construction workers from the nearby forest should be strictly prohibited  It will be ensured by the contractor that the topsoil will not be unnecessarily trafficked either before stripping or when in stockpiles. Such stockpiled topsoil will be returned to cover the disturbed area and cut slopes.  The Contractor with support of the PIU will carry out dissemination of these information and circulation plan at key entry points to the respective destinations  The contractor will be responsible for arrangement of water in every workplace at suitable and easily accessible place for the whole construction period. Sufficient supply of cold potable water to be provided and maintained. If the drinking water is obtained from an intermittent public water supply then, storage tanks will be provided.  The Contractor will ensure that construction activities not result any contamination of land, water or air by polluting substances  Contractor will ensure that no trees or shrubs or water side vegetation are felled or harmed except those required to be cleared for execution of work. The Contractor will protect tree and vegetation from damage to satisfaction of the engineer.

84. Responsibilities of PIU & DSC-  Sponsor seminars and/or distribute educational materials to contractors and visitors about environmentally beneficial conservation procedures  Organize workers’ training program for the contractors for environmental management during construction works  Educate the contractors regarding the eco-sensitivity of the area and explain how to protect bio-diversity during construction works  Regular site visit and reporting during construction works to check whether objectives of EMP being followed

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

F. Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 85. The summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures to be followed in this project are given in Table16.

Table16: Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Field Duration/ Magnitude Mitigation Measures Responsibility Extent 1. Location Impacts 1.1 Lack of sufficient planning to Permanent Major In accordance with the provisions in the subproject selection criteria, PIU/DSC assure long term sustainability of the subproject design will include adequate provisions for ensuring the improvements and ensure effective maintenance and protection of the assets created so as to protection of the assets created ensure the long term sustainability of the sites. and the architectural character of The designs are be worked out and implemented in accordance with the surroundings. the provisions. Further, the design guidelines for the project components will strictly conform to Uttarakhand architecture. 2. Design Impacts 2.1 Slope stability related issues Permanent Minor Areas along vulnerable to slope failures near lake side compressor PIU/DSC room, the designs of subproject components will include slope protection measures for uncovered slopes as pitching, vegetation, benching, etc. 2.2 Increased storm water runoff from Permanent Minor Design of proposed components will enable efficient drainage of the PIU/DSC alterations of the site‘s natural sites and maintain natural drainage patterns. drainage patterns due to excavation works in the periphery of the lake and addition of paved surfaces. 2.3 Selection of materials and Permanent Moderate Designs to be worked out in such a manner that exposed steel and PIU/DSC construction technologies, if not concrete structures are avoided. The design brief for all carefully chosen, will adversely components proposed will strictly conform to the Uttarakhand impact the aesthetic appeal of the architecture. destinations 2.4 Integration of energy efficiency and Permanent Minor The detailed designs for the subproject components will ensure PIU/DSC energy conservation programs in that energy efficiency design of subproject components 32

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Field Duration/ Magnitude Mitigation Measures Responsibility Extent 3. Pre-construction Activities 3.1 Circulation plan during construction Temporary Moderate Prior to commencement of site activities and mobilization on ground, Contractor/ in the tourist destinations the Contractor will prepare and get approved by the Engineer, DSC/PIU circulation plan during construction for safe passage of tourists during construction stage, including development of alternative access routes, traffic regulations, signages, etc., during construction. The Contractor with support of the PIU will carry out dissemination of these information and circulation plan at key entry points to the respective destinations. 3.2 Site clearance activities, including Temporary Moderate The commencement of site clearance activities will be undertaken Contractor/ delineation of construction areas with due permission from the Environment Specialist of the DSC DSC consultant to minimize environmental impacts. All areas used for temporary construction operations will be subject to complete restoration to their former condition with appropriate rehabilitation procedures. 3.3 Drinking water availability and Temporary Major The contractor will be responsible for arrangement of water in every Contractor/ water arrangement workplace at suitable and easily accessible place for the whole DSC construction period. Sufficient supply of cold potable water to be provided and maintained. If the drinking water is obtained from an intermittent public water supply then, storage tanks will be provided. 3.5 Identification of disposal sites Permanent Minor Location of disposal sites will be finalized by the Environmental Contractor/ Specialist of the DSC so that disposal of the material does not DSC impact natural drainage courses or surface water bodies or low lying areas and that no endangered / rare flora is impacted by such materials 4. Construction Impacts 4.1 Improper stockpiling of construction Temporary Minor Due consideration will be given for material storage and construction Contractor/ materials cause impacts starting sites such that it doesn‘t cause any hindrance to tourists movement DSC from obstruction of drainage, within the site. Stockpiles will be covered to protect from dust and disturbance/ safety hazard to erosion. tourists, etc.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Field Duration/ Magnitude Mitigation Measures Responsibility Extent 4.2 Soil Erosion Temporary Minor Slope protection measures will be undertaken along slopes of the Contractor/ compressor room. The work will consist of measures as per design, DSC or as directed by the Engineer to control soil erosion, sedimentation and water pollution. 4.3 Soil and Water Pollution due to fuel Temporary Minor The fuel storage will be stationed such that fuel discharge does not Contractor/ and lubricants, construction waste drain into the water body. Not to dispose any construction waste DSC within the water body. Soil and water pollution parameters will be monitored as per monitoring plan. 4.4 Siltation of water bodies due to Temporary Minor Silt fencing to be provided near lake water body construction sites to Contractor/ spillage of construction wastes prevent sediments from the construction site to enter into the DSC watercourses. The number of units of silt fencing to be installed is to be decided by the engineer. Haul roads on the site and approaches to the watercourse (or drains leading to watercourses) will be regularly cleaned to prevent the buildup of mud; areas of bare soil will be kept to a practical minimum to reduce silt runoff. No disposal of construction wastes will be carried out into the lake. Extraneous construction wastes will be transported to the pre-identified disposal site for safe disposal. 4.5 Generation of Dust Temporary Minor The contractor will take every precaution to reduce the levels of dust Contractor/ at construction sites to the satisfaction of the Engineer. All earthwork DSC to be protected/covered in a manner acceptable to the satisfaction of the engineer to minimize dust generation. 4.6 Emission from Construction Temporary Minor The discharge standards promulgated under the Environmental Contractor/ Vehicles, Equipment and Protection Act, will be strictly adhered to. All vehicles, equipment DSC Machinery and machinery used for construction will conform to the relevant Standard. All vehicles, equipments and machinery used for construction will be regularly maintained to ensure that pollution emission levels comply with the relevant requirements. 4.7 Noise from construction Temporary Minor Maintenance of vehicles, equipment and machinery will be regular Contractor/ Equipments and to the satisfaction of the Engineer, to keep noise from these at a DSC

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Field Duration/ Magnitude Mitigation Measures Responsibility Extent minimum. All vehicles and equipment used for construction will be fitted with exhaust silencers. During routine servicing operations, the effectiveness of exhaust silencers will be checked and if found to be defective will be replaced. Noise limits for construction equipment used in this project (measured at one metre from the edge of the equipment in free field) will not exceed 75 dB (A). Notwithstanding any other conditions of contract, noise level from any item of plant(s) will comply with the relevant legislation for levels of noise emission. 4.8 Material Handling at Site Temporary Minor All workers employed on mixing asphaltic material, cement, lime Contractor/ mortars, concrete etc., will be provided with protective footwear and DSC protective goggles. Workers, who are engaged in welding works, will be provided with welder‘s protective eye-shields. Workers engaged in stone breaking activities will be Provided with protective goggles and clothing and will be seated at sufficiently safe intervals. In case of working within the lake safety belt and floating devices will be considered 4.9 Impacts due to operation of Temporary Minor Two weed removal boats with buoyancy of 2.8 tons are being Contractor/ construction equipment procured under the project. The same boats will be used for ferrying DSC the compressors to the site. Thereafter a chain pulley system which also will be taken in the boat prior to ferrying the compressors will be erected at a suitable location to unload the compressors. No impacts on biodiversity and local environment 4.10 Disposal of Construction Waste/ Temporary Minor Proper disposal of the construction waste at the disposal site as Contractor/ Debris / Cut Material/weeds designated by the PIU and DSC DSC No construction waste will be disposed in the lake and the site will be stabilized with proper leveling Disposal of weeds from lake water body will be done at low laying area (with due permission from forest dept.) along with earth cover 35

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Field Duration/ Magnitude Mitigation Measures Responsibility Extent for reduction of smell during decomposition 4.11 Safety Measures During Temporary Moderate Personal Protective Equipment for workers on the project and Contractor/ Construction adequate safety measures for workers during handling of materials DSC at site will be taken up. The contractor has to comply with all regulations regarding safety operation 4.12 Risk caused by Force Majeure Temporary Minor All reasonable precaution will be taken to prevent danger of the Contractor/ workers and the public from fire, flood, drowning, etc. All necessary DSC steps will be taken for prompt first aid treatment of all injuries likely to be sustained during the course of work. 4.13 Malaria Risk Temporary Minor The Contractor will, at his own expense, conform to all anti-malaria Contractor/ instructions given to him by the Engineer. DSC 5. O&M Impacts 5.1 Environmental Conditions Temporary Moderate The tourism department / forest department will undertake seasonal Tourism monitoring of air, water, and noise quality through an approved department monitoring agency. The parameters to be monitored, frequency and duration of monitoring as well as the locations to be monitored will be as per the Monitoring Plan prepared. 5.2 Adequate drainage of site area Permanent Minor The tourism department / forest department to ensure efficient flow Tourism of surface water and prevent water logging along the side of the department roads and diversion of raw sewage from direct discharge to lake water

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

V. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN (EMP)

A. Institutional Arrangements 86. The institutional arrangements specify the arrangements for the implementation of environmental provisions of the entire project, and include the proposed subproject also.

Project Management Unit (PMU) and Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

87. The Department of Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand is the Executing Agency (EA). Project Management Unit (PMU) will be established in Dehradun for the overall project management and Project Implementation Units (PIU) will be established for each of the three circuits. The proposed sub-project will be implemented by the PIU, Bhimtal. A Safeguards Specialist is proposed within the PMU, and will be responsible for implementation of the resettlement and environmental safeguard provisions. A Forest Conservation Specialist is also proposed in PMU and DSC to look the matters of forests in all the projects.

Project Management Consultant (PMC) and Design and Supervision Consultants (DSC)

88. Project Management Consultants (PMC) and Design and Supervision Consultants (DSC) are recruited to provide assistance to the PMU and PIUs respectively in project implementation. Within the PMC team an Environment Safeguards Specialist will provide overall direction for management of environmental issues, and will provide technical support to the PMU including implementation of the environmental requirements according to ADB requirements, and assist in monitoring impacts and mitigation measures associated with sub-projects. The Safeguards Specialist of the DSC team will be responsible for preparation of the Environmental Assessment documents in line with the EARF and supervise the implementation of the EMP provisions in the various sub-projects. The PMU, will oversee the implementation of the environmental provisions related to subproject implementation, its responsibilities include preparation and updating of IEEs consistent with the ADBs Environmental Assessment Guidelines and the environmental compliance requirements of the Government of Uttarakhand and the Government of India.

89. The DSC Safeguards Specialist will support environmental management functions including updating sub-project IEEs in respect to environmental management plans, assisting in preparing IEEs, and assist in monitoring impacts and mitigation measures associated with sub-projects. He/she will be required to include mitigation measures in designs where appropriate, and to specify other measures in construction contracts. Contractors will be required by their contracts to implement all specified mitigation, monitoring, and reporting assigned to contractors as presented in sub-project IEE. Environmental monitoring will be undertaken by the PMU supported by the DSC- Safeguards Specialist.

90. Towards addressing the environmental issues in the project components during design and implementation, the DSC will include provisions for inputs of an Environmental Specialist. In addition to addressing the issues related to environmental management in the project, the Environmental Specialist will play a central role in ensuring capability building on Environmental 37

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Management of the PMU/PIU, Contractor and Line Departments.

Naukuchiatal Tourism Committee

91. Naukuchiatal Tourism Committee (NTC) will be formed for ensuring successful project implementation and sustainability of project pertaining to amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal. It is proposed that NTC can also be involved in ensuring successful project implementation of sustainability of the upgradation of Parichay Tourist Rest House (project UK/IDIPT/BHT/01) as well. NTC will comprise members from activity groups, (boat association, hotel owners, restaurant owners etc) public representatives from project area villages and representatives from other project stakeholders namely Irrigation Department, KMVN, Lake Development Authority.

B. Environmental Management Plan

92. All works undertaken towards protection of environmental resources as part of the EMP and as part of good engineering practices while adhering to relevant specifications will be deemed to be incidental to works being carried out and no separate payment will be made unless otherwise specified explicitly. The costs towards environmental management as per EMP unless otherwise provided as a separate head, will be deemed to be part of the BOQ of the project. The scope of works of the contractor towards the implementation of the environmental provisions shall be as follows:  Abide by all existing Environmental regulations and requirements of the Government of Uttarakhand and Government of India, during implementation,  Compliance with all mitigation measures and monitoring requirements set out in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP)  Submission of a method statement detailing how the subproject EMP will be complied with as per the schedule of monitoring given in subsequent paragraphs.  Monitoring of project environmental performance and periodic submission of monitoring reports.  Compliance with all measures required for construction activities in line with the regulatory requirements and the guidelines set forth in the management plans for these areas.  Compliance of all safety rules and regulations applicable at work, and provision of adequate health and safety measures such as water, food, sanitation, personal protective equipment, workers insurance, and medical facilities.

93. The detailed provisions for specific environmental issues shall be as outlined in the EIMM table on impacts and mitigation measures. Key clauses are outlined in the following sections.

Debris Disposal

94. A total amount of 90 cum. (30 cum for each compressor house) of solid waste (earth) is expected to be generated during construction activities.

95. The contractor will, prior to start of construction operations, identify potential sites for disposal of 38

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

construction debris, sites for general construction wastes. The contractor will obtain approval on identified sites from the Engineer of PIU and Supervision Consultant and disposal will be only after consent letter from the Engineer.

Precautions for protection of Environmental Measures

96. The Contractor shall ensure that construction activities do not result in any contamination of land or water by polluting substances.

97. Unless otherwise provided in the specifications, the Contractor shall ensure that no trees or shrubs or other vegetation are felled or harmed except those required to be cleared for execution of the works. The Contractor shall protect trees and vegetation from damage to the satisfaction of the Engineer.

98. In the conduct of cleaning activities and operation of equipment, the Contractor will utilize such practicable methods and devices as are reasonably available to control, prevent and otherwise minimize air/noise pollution.

Noise and Air Pollution

99. All works will be carried out without unreasonable noise and air pollution. Subject and without prejudice to any other provision of the Contract and the law of the land and its obligation as applicable, the Contractor will take all precautions outlined in the EMP to avoid the air and noise pollution.

100. The Contractor shall monitor the environmental parameters periodically as specified in the monitoring plan and report to the Engineer. The Contractor shall reduce the dust emission due to construction activities by regular water sprinkling in the affected areas.

101. All the construction equipments and vehicles shall have Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate to ensure that no air pollution may be caused due to operation of their equipments and vehicles. All the construction equipments and vehicles should remain all time in good conditions up to satisfaction of site engineers.

102. The Contractor shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Employer from and against any liability for damages on account of noise or other disturbance created while carrying out the work, and from and against all claims, demands, proceedings, damages, costs, charges, and expenses, whatsoever, in regard or in relation to such liability.

Occupational Health and Safety During Construction

103. The Contractor shall, in accordance with the safety and health provisions specified in the EMP, provide workers with a safe and healthy working environment, in the work areas, through application of preventive and protective measures consistent with international good practice, as reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the ADB’s Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines. The borrower/client will take steps to prevent accidents, injury, and disease arising from, associated with, or occurring during the course of work by-  Providing preventive and protective measures, including modification, substitution, or 39

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

elimination of hazardous conditions or substances;  Providing appropriate equipment to minimize risks and requiring and enforcing its use;  Training workers and providing them with appropriate incentives to use and comply with health and safety procedures and protective equipment;  Documenting and reporting occupational accidents, diseases, and incidents; and  Having emergency prevention, preparedness, and response arrangements in place.  Provide first aid facilities in all the work sites and having qualified first aider to give first aid at the time of any accident.  Contractor should provide safe drinking water, clean eating and resting.  Contractor should have prepared emergency response plan with full details and methods of emergency response during any accident and shall have and display the emergency contact numbers at site.  Contractor should follow all the applicable rules and regulations for workers safety.

Post Construction Clearance

104. On completion of work, wherever applicable, the Contractor shall clear away and remove from the sites all constructional plant, surplus materials, rubbish, scaffoldings, and temporary works of every kind and leave the whole of the sites and works in a clean condition to the satisfaction of the Engineer.

Mobilization of major construction materials and equipments

105. Two weed removal boats with buoyancy of 2.8 tons are being procured under the project. The same boats will be used for ferrying the compressors to the site. Thereafter a chain pulley system which also will be taken in the boat prior to ferrying the compressors will be erected at a suitable location to unload the compressors

C. Environmental Monitoring Plan

106. Environmental monitoring will be done during construction in three levels; namely monitoring development of project performance indicators done by the DSC Environmental Specialist, monitoring implementation of mitigation measures done by the Contractor; and overall regulatory monitoring of the environmental issues done by the PMU Environmental Specialist. The environmental monitoring plan for the project is presented in Table17. The proposed monitoring of all relevant environmental parameters, with a description of the sampling stations, frequency of monitoring, applicable standards and responsible agencies are presented.

Table-17: Environmental Monitoring Plan S. Attributes Stage Parameters Location Frequency Responsibility No. to be Monitored

1 Air Quality Construction PM10, SO2, NO2, All construction Once in a season Contractor, to be Stage CO sites (except monitor through 40

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

S. Attributes Stage Parameters Location Frequency Responsibility No. to be Monitored monsoons) for the NABEL accreditated entire construction agency period 2 Water quality Construction TDS, TSS, pH, Three Twice a year (pre- Contractor, to be And DO, BOD, COD, Locations monsoon and monitor through Operation Faecal Coliform, post- monsoon) NABEL accreditated stage Ammonia, for the entire agency Nitrogen, period of Organophosphat construction and es, Operation Stage 3 Noise Levels Construction Equivalent Day All Once in a season Contractor, to monitor and & Night Time Construction during through on approved Operation Noise Levels sites construction and Monitoring Agency Stage Operation Stage 4 Biodiversity Operation Habitat quality Lake Area Three seasons Local Universities stage using standard (Pre-monsoon, equipped with sampling Monsoon and facilities for aquatic analysis winter) ecological sampling techniques for and analysis aquatic ecology

D. Capacity Building

Institutional Strengthening

107. The Department of Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand is the Executing Agency (EA). Project Management Unit (PMU) will be established in Dehradun for the overall project management. This subproject will be implemented by the PIU, Bhimtal. A Safeguards Specialist is proposed within the PMU, and will be responsible for implementation of the resettlement and environmental safeguard provisions. Project Management Consultants (PMC) and Design and Supervision Consultants (DSC) are recruited to provide assistance to the PMU/PIUs in project implementation. Within the PMC team a Safeguards Specialist will provide overall direction for management of environmental and social issues, and will provide technical support to the PMU including implementation of the environmental and resettlement requirements according to ADB requirements, and assist in monitoring impacts and mitigation measures associated with sub-projects. The Safeguards specialist of the DSC team will be responsible to assist in preparation of IEE and EMP report and supervise the implementation of the EMP provisions in the sub- projects. The PMU will oversee the implementation of the environmental provisions related to subproject implementation, consistent with the ADBs Environmental Assessment Guidelines and the environmental compliance requirements of the Government of Uttarakhand and the Government of India.

Training and Capacity Building

108. The Environmental Specialist of the PMC and DSC will provide the basic training required for

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand environmental awareness followed by specific aspects of infrastructure improvement projects along with environmental implications for projects located on lake and besides the lake. Specific modules customized for the available skill set will be devised after assessing the capabilities of the members of the Training Programme and the requirements of the project. The entire training would cover basic principles of environmental assessment and management; mitigation plans and programmes, implementation techniques, monitoring methods and tools. The proposed training program along with the frequency of sessions is presented in Table 18 below.

Table 18: Training Modules for Environmental Management Training Form of Duration/ Programme Description Participants Conducting Training Location Agency A. Pre-Construction Stage Sensitization Introduction to Environment: Tourism / Forest / Workshop 1 Environmental Workshop Basic Concept of Roads / Culture Working Specialist of the environment Environmental Department Day PMC Regulations and Statutory Officials, Project requirements as per Director (PD) and Government of Environmental India and ADB Specialist (ES) of the PMU/PIU Session I Module I Introduction to Environment: PMU/PIU Lecture 1Working Safeguards Basic Concept of (including the ES) Day Specialist of environment Safeguards and Engineering the PMC Regulations and Statutory staff of the requirements as per Govt. of implementing India and ADB Guidelines agencies on cultural resources, Environmental considerations in planning, design and implementing projects

Module II Environmental components PMU/ PIU Workshop 1 Safeguards impacted in construction and (including Working Specialist of operation stages Activities the ES) and Day the PMC causing pollution during Engineering staff construction and operation of Tourism dept stages Environmental Management Environmental Provisions Implementation Arrangements Methodology of Assessment Good engineering practices to be integrated into contract documents

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Training Form of Duration/ Programme Description Participants Conducting Training Location Agency Module III Improved Co-ordination with PMU/PIU Lecture / 1Working Safeguards other Departments: (including Interactive Day Specialist of the ES) and Statutory Permissions – Sessions the Engineering staff PMC Procedural Requirements of Tourism dept Co-operation & Coordination with other Departments. Module IV Environmental PMU/PIU Lecture / 2 Safeguards considerations (including the ES) Interactive Working specialist of in planning, designing and and Engineering Sessions days the PMC with implementing heritage staff of Tourism and site support from the dept Conservation buildings and conservation visits specialist of projects the PMC

Module V Environmental principles of Local Community Lecture / 1 Specialist eco-tourism (as per Groups, NGOs Interactive Working from DSC Uttarakhand eco tourism Sessions Day and PIU policies) and training and awareness building on Conservation and management aspects of the Naukuchiatal.

B. Construction Stage Session II Module VI Role during Construction- Engineers and Lecture / 1 Safeguards Roles and Responsibilities staff of line Interactive Working Specialist of of officials / contractors / departments of Sessions Day the consultants towards DSC the Government protection of environment Implementation of Uttarakhand, Arrangements Monitoring and PMU/PIU mechanisms (including the ES) Module VII Monitoring and Reporting Engineers and Lecture / 1 Safeguards System staff of Interactive Working Specialist of implementing Sessions Day the DSC agencies and PMU/PIU (including the ES) Session III Module VIII Basic Knowledge of Aeration, Project Staff, youth Site visits, 3 Safeguard Bio Manipulation of the in the villages in interactive working Specialist of Naukuchiatal Lake Area periphery of the sessions days PMC lake, members of activity groups and NGOs in the district

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Training Form of Duration/ Programme Description Participants Conducting Training Location Agency Module IX Skill upgrade on ecotourism Youth in the Site visits, 2 Tourism and nature guides villages in the interactive working department periphery, and Hospitality, Interpretational sessions days skills, micro- planning, other NGOs in the Biodiversity etc district

Notes: PMU = Project Management Unit; PIU = Project Implementation Unit; PMC = Project Management Consultant; DSC = Design and Supervision Consultant; ES = Environment Specialist; NGO= N on- government organization

E. Environmental Budget

109. As part of good engineering practices in the project, there have been several measures as erosion prevention, rehabilitation of borrow areas, safety, signage, provision of temporary drains, etc., the costs for which will be included in the design costs of specific subprojects. Therefore, these items of costs have not been included in the IEE budget. Only those items not covered under budgets for construction are coasted in the IEE budget.

110. This is a small construction project and there are no major structures to be constructed therefore it is not expected to cause much significant air, water and noise pollution. The main EMP cost will arise from monitoring of lake water quality and biodiversity.

111. The costs of water sprinkling for dust suppression and providing personal protective equipment to construction workers shall be borne by contractor as part of conditions of contract. In addition the sources of funds for Mitigation measures during construction stage including monitoring during construction stage are also to be borne by the contractor. These are deemed to be included as part of the contract price amount quoted by the contractor for the works. The costs of components for monitoring in operation stage and the capacity building costs are to be funded by the PMU. The EMP cost is given in the Table 19 below-

Table 19: Environmental Budget Sl. Particulars Stages Unit Total Rate Cost (INR) Source of No. number (INR) fund A. Mitigation Measures 1 Site Fencing Construction Per 110 2,000 2,20,000 Contractor running meter Sub -Total (A) 2,20,000 B. Monitoring Measures During Construction Period 1 Water quality Construction Per 12 samples {Twice a 8,000 96,000 Contractor sample year (pre monsoon and Post Monsoon) at three locations (Surface and bottom)}

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

2 Air quality Construction Per 6 {Twice a week per 9,000 108,000 Contractor monitoring sample season at three locations for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season}

3 Noise Levels – Construction Per 9 samples 2,000 18,000 Contractor silence zones Sample {Once in a season at three locations} C. Monitoring Measures During Operation Phase 1 Water Quality for Operation Per 12 samples As a part of Bio Contractor one year sample {Twice a year (pre Manipulation the for initial monsoon and Post Biodiversity density to be three years Monsoon) at three monitored for a period of as a part of locations (Surface and 3 years. Hence there is the BoQ and bottom)} no need to allocate fund then by the 2 Biodiversity for Operation Per year {Twice a year} for these activities during Line Agency three years operation if necessary Sub -Total (B+C) 2,22,000 D. Capacity Building (All the workshops and trainings will be held in Bhimtal)

1 Sensitization Pre- L.S 1,00,000 PMU Workshop Construction 2 Training Session Pre- L.S 4,00,000 PMU I Construction 3 Training Session Construction L.S 2,00,000 DSC II 4 Training Session Construction L.S 5,00,000

Sub -Total (D) 12,00,000

Total (A+B+C+D) 16,42,000

F. Environmental Monitoring and Reporting

112. The PMU will monitor and measure the progress of EMP implementation. The monitoring activities will be corresponding with the project’s risks and impacts and will be identified in the EIAs/IEEs for the subprojects. In addition to recording information of the work, deviation of work components from original scope, the PMU and PIU will undertake site inspections and document review to verify compliance with the EMP and progress toward the final outcome.

113. DSC will submit monthly monitoring and implementation reports to PIU, who will take follow-up actions, if necessary. PIU will submit the quarterly monitoring and implementation reports to PMU who will then submit to the PD. The PMU will submit semi-annual monitoring reports to ADB. Project budgets will reflect the costs of monitoring and reporting requirements. For subprojects likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts during operation, reporting will continue at the minimum on an annual basis. Monitoring reports will be posted in a location accessible to the public.

114. For projects likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts, the EA will retain qualified 45

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

and experienced external experts to verify its monitoring information. The EA will document monitoring results, identify the necessary corrective actions, and reflect them in a corrective action plan. The EA, in each quarter, will study the compliance with the action plan developed in the previous quarter. Compliance with loan covenants will be screened by the EA.

115. ADB will review project performance against the EA’s commitments as agreed in the legal documents. The extent of ADB's monitoring and supervision activities will be commensurate with the Project’s risks and impacts. Monitoring and supervising of social and environmental safeguards will be integrated into the project performance management system. ADB will monitor projects on an ongoing basis until a project completion report is issued. ADB will carry out the following monitoring actions to supervise project implementation:

o conduct periodic site visits for projects with adverse environmental or social impacts; o conduct supervision missions with detailed review by ADB’s safeguard specialists/ officers or consultants for projects with significant adverse social or environmental impacts; o review the periodic monitoring reports submitted by EA to ensure that adverse impacts and risks are mitigated as planned and as agreed with ADB; o work with EA to rectify to the extent possible any failures to comply with their safeguard commitments, as covenanted in the legal agreements, and exercise remedies to re-establish compliance as appropriate; and o prepare a project completion report that assesses whether the objective and desired outcomes of the safeguard plans have been achieved, taking into account the baseline conditions and the results of monitoring.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

VI. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

A. Process for Consultation followed

116. During Project preparation, consultations have been held with the District Administration, Department of Tourism, KMVN, LDA, public representatives of project area villages, Hotel Owners, villagers of concerned various villages in vicinity of sub-project site and tourists on project orientation, issues pertaining to conservation and management of lake ecosystem, land acquisition problems and addressing the current gaps in provision of basic services and improvement of tourist infrastructure. These consultations (Table-20) provided inputs in identification of the felt needs of the communities, and the relevant stakeholders. Photographs of consultations are attached as Annexure 6 with this report

Table 20: Consultations with Stakeholders S. Place Date Consulted Issues discussed / Output Received No. persons/ Community 1. LDA 05.04.2013 Mr. C. M. Shah and Project Orientation and collected Office, team, Executive information regarding Naukuchiatal and Nainital Engineer tourism problems 2. DM Office, 14.05.2013 Ms Nidhi Mani First Expert project Monitoring Nainital Tripathi, IAS, DM Committee meeting regarding project Nainital orientation and land acquisition and legal issues for implementation of project activities. 3. New TRH, 04.06.2013 Manger, New TRH Appraise the project activity to the local Siloti and Local community. Received Community feedback/perception of community in successful implementation of the project. 4. Chanoti & 04.06.2013 Local Community Appraise the project activity to the local Siloti and Activity groups community. Received feedback/ perception of community in successful implementation of the project. (Report enclosed as Annex 7) 5. KMVN, 07.06.2013 Mr. Deepak Rawat, First meeting regarding project Nainital IAS, MD, KMVN orientation and land acquisition and role of KMVN in successful implementation of the project activities

6. Siloti 25.06.2013 Local Community Discussions with local community and Activity Groups related to well being ranking and piloting of baseline survey. 7. Siloti and 30.06.2013 Local Community Collected information about tourism Chanoti and tourists facilities and services available in the vicinity of Naukuchiatal.

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S. Place Date Consulted Issues discussed / Output Received No. persons/ Community 8. Lake view 02.07.2013 Stakeholders Meeting with hotel owners and activity resort and groups about problems faced by them Chanoti and their participation in the project activities. 9. Thapalia 03.07.2013 Local community Identification of potential livelihood mehragaon opportunities and receiving their perception and suggestion for subproject. 10. DM Office, 05.07.2013 Mr. A. S. Hyangki, First Expert project Monitoring Nainital DM, Nainital Committee meeting regarding project orientation and land acquisition and legal issues for implementation of project activities. 11. TRH 23.07.2013 Mr. Shirish Singh, Project Orientation and issues related Parichay GM, KMVN to land acquisition for installation of compressor in KMVN site. 12. TRH 20.12.2013 Various DPR Orientation and issues related to Parichay stakeholders environmental impact, public participation and project implementation. (Report enclosed as Annex 8)

B. Future Consultation and Information Disclosure

117. To ensure continued public participation, provisions to ensure regular and continued stakeholder participation, at all stages during the project design and implementation is proposed. A grievance redress cell will be set up within the PIU and PMU to register grievances of the people regarding technical, social and environmental aspects. This participatory process will ensure that all views of the people are adequately reviewed and suitably incorporated in the design and implementation process. Further, to ensure an effective disclosure of the project proposals to the stakeholders, an extensive project awareness campaign will be carried out.

118. For the information and benefit of the community the summary of IEE will be translated in the local language (Hindi) and made available at: (i) Office of the PIU/PMU; and, (ii) Office of the District Magistrate, Nainital and other relevant line departments in the District. These copies will be made available free of cost to any person seeking information on the same. Hard copies of the IEE will be available in the PMU/PIU as well as the district library at Nainital, and accessible to citizens as a means to disclose the document and at the same time creating wider public awareness. On demand, the person seeking information can obtain a hard copy of the complete IEE document at the cost of photocopy from the office of the PMU/PIU, on a written request and payment for the same to the Project Director. Electronic version of the IEE will be placed in the official website of the Tourism Department and the website of ADB after approval of the documents by Government and ADB. This will create awareness of the project implementation among the public.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

C. Grievance Redress Mechanism

119. The affected person/aggrieved party can give their grievance verbally or in written to the local grievances committee. Grievances of affected person will first be brought to the attention of the implementing NGO who can resolve the issue at site level. If the matter is not solved within 7 days period by the NGO or PIU, it will be brought to the Grievance Redress Committee constituted for the purpose in PIU. This GRC shall discuss the issue in its monthly meeting and resolve the issues within one month of time after receiving the grievance. If the matter is not resolved by GRC at PIU level within stipulated time, it shall be referred to GRC at PMU level by Executive Engineer of PIU.

120. GRC at PMU shall discuss the issue and try to resolve it and inform the PIU accordingly. If the matter is not resolved by the GRC at PMU level within one month of time, the aggrieved person/party can bring the matter to The Court of Law. The PIU shall keep records of all grievances received including contact details of complainant, date of receiving the complaint, nature of grievance, agreed corrective actions and the date these were affected and final outcome. The grievance redress process is shown below.

Composition and functions of GRC

121. Local Grievance Committee(LGC) – In this LGC has worked with NGO, SHG, Line Agency, representative of Gram Panchayat ,Special invitee.

122. Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) at PIU- In each PIU there shall be one GRC, which will include Project Manager (PIU), District Tourist Officer of Department of Tourism of Govt. Of Uttarakhand, Community Development Officer of PIU, nominated representative of District Magistrate and nominated representative committee shall be headed by Project Manager (PIU). The committee will meet at least once in every month. Agenda of meeting shall be circulated to all the members and affected persons/aggrieved party along with venue, date and time; informed in written at least 7 days in advance of meeting. The matters shall remain with GRC at PIU level for one month and if grievance is not resolved within this time period, the matter shall be referred to GRC at PMU.

123. GRC within Environmental and Social Management Cell (ESMC) at PMU- There shall be one GRC in PMU. The matters not resolved by the GRC at PIU level within one month shall come under GRC at PMU. GRC at PMU will include Community Development Expert of PMU, Safeguard Specialist of PMU and Additional Project Director (APD) of PMU. The Committee shall be headed by APD of PMU. This committee shall look the matters, which are referred to and not resolved by GRC at PIU level. If the matter is not resolved by the GRC at PMU level within one month of time, the aggrieved person/party can bring the matter to The Executive Committee/State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC). Approach to GRC 124. Affected person/aggrieved party can approach to GRC for redress of his/their grievances through any of the following modes- (a) Web based: A separate corner will be developed at the program website so that public / 49

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

community/ affected person can register their complaint in the online column. (b) Telecom based: A toll free no. Will be issued by the PMU/ PIU so that general public can `register their complaint through telephone / mobile phone to the PIU/PMU office. (c) Through implementing NGO: The local representative of the NGO appointed for the purpose will collect the problems & issues of the community or affected person and pass on the same to PIU / PMU.

Figure 2: Grievance Redress Mechanism in IDIPT, Uttarakhand Note: 1. LGC - NGO, SHG, Line Agency, Representative of Gram Panchayat, Special invitee 2. GRC – PM, CDO, Engineer, DFO, DTO, SDM 3. GRC in Environment and Social Management Cell (ESMC) – PMU (APD, SS, CDS, FS), PMC (EE, CDE)

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

VII. FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

125. The proposed components of Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal are in line with the sub-project selection criteria for the IDIPT. The subproject conforms to all GoI, GoUK and ADB regulations, policies, and standards including all necessary government permits and clearances.

126. The significance of the environmental impacts will be more due to the construction related impacts. It is to be noted that the resultant potential impacts from these proposals can be offset through provision of proven mitigation measures during the design and adoption of good engineering practices during construction and implementation. Further, the provision of environmental infrastructure will better the environmental conditions and minimize the pollution related and aesthetic quality near the tourist areas and the other destinations.

127. The specific management measures laid down in the IEE will effectively address any adverse environmental impacts due to the sub-project. The effective implementation of the measures proposed will be ensured through the building up of capacity towards environmental management within the PMU supplemented with the technical expertise of a Safeguards Specialist as part of the DSC Consultants. Further, the environmental monitoring plans provide adequate opportunities towards course correction to address any residual impacts during construction or operation stages.

VIII. CONCLUSIONS

128. The IEE carried out for the sub-project show that the proposed sub-components will result in net environmental benefits in terms of enhanced tourism facilities and revenue generation, and that any adverse environmental impact can be addressed through proper location, planning, and design of the proposed sub-project; control of construction activity and mitigation measures. The EMP provided for mitigation of all identified impacts and the contract clauses for the environmental provisions will be part of the civil works contracts. Further, the proposed designs have been consulted with the stakeholders and no significant issues requiring redress in terms of environmental safeguards exist.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

ANNEXURE- 1 RAPID ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT (REA) CHECKLIST

Instructions:

i. The project team completes this checklist to support the environmental classification of a project. It is to be attached to the environmental categorization form and submitted to the Environment and Safeguards Division (RSES) for endorsement by the Director, RSES and for approval by the Chief Compliance Officer. ii. This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social dimensions are adequately considered, refer also to ADB's (a) checklists on involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples; (b) poverty reduction handbook; (c) staff guide to consultation and participation; and (d) gender checklists.

iii. Answer the questions assuming the “without mitigation” case. The purpose is to identify potential impacts. Use the “remarks” section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures.

Country/Project Title: IDIPT: Uttarakhand, Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Sector Division: SAUW (South Asia Urban Development and Water Division)

SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS A. Project Siting: Is the project area adjacent to or within any of the following areas?  Densely populated?  Presently the proposed project area is not densely populated  Heavy with development  activities? No as such development activities nearby the project site  Adjacent to or within any  The area lies in the lake region of Uttarakhand environmentally sensitive having several fresh water lakes and rich in bio- areas? diversity.  Cultural heritage site   Protected Area   Wetland  The only region in Uttarakhand having several fresh water lakes  Mangrove   Estuarine   Buffer zone of protected area   Special area for protecting  biodiversity  Bay  B. Potential Environmental Impacts

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS Will the Project cause….  Impacts on the sustainability  The sanitation and solid waste related problems of associated sanitation and includes urine and dung of ponies, garbage and solid waste disposal systems plastics etc. These impacts shall result in the and their interactions with event of the sanitation and solid waste other urban services. management systems not being developed in the proposed sites. It will also dependent on the efficiency/capability of community institutions and inaction of environmental laws developed by community.  Deterioration of surrounding  It is envisaged that due to increase in tourism environmental conditions due related infrastructure development, more to rapid urban population entrepreneurs like hotel, lodge, home-stay, shops growth, commercial and etc will be developed resulting to rapid urban industrial activity, and population growth, commercial and industrial increased waste generation to activity, and increased waste generation the point that both manmade and natural systems are overloaded and the capacities to manage these systems are overwhelmed?  Degradation of land and  Not applicable as per nature of work ecosystems (e.g. loss of wetlands and wild lands, coastal zones, watersheds and forests)?  Dislocation or involuntary  Not applicable resettlement of people  Degradation of cultural  Not applicable property, and loss of cultural heritage and tourism revenues?  Occupation of low-lying lands,  Not applicable floodplains and steep hillsides by squatters and low- income groups, and their exposure to increased health hazards and risks due to pollutive industries? Water resource  Not applicable problems (e.g. depletion/degradation of available water supply, deterioration for surface and ground water quality,

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS and pollution of receiving waters?  Air pollution due to urban  Not applicable emissions? Risks and vulnerabilities  Only physical hazards to workers due to related to occupational accidents may come across during construction health and safety due to for which safety of workers should be taken in physical, chemical and priority. biological hazards during project construction and operation?  Road blocking and temporary  Road blocking and flooding is not expected in the flooding due to land project excavation during rainy season?  Noise and dust from  Minor impact envisaged during the construction construction activities? and post construction activity due to regular functioning of compressors. Adoption of mitigation measures shall effectively address such impact during construction.  Traffic disturbances due to  Minor impact envisaged during installation of construction material compressor located adjacent to the road. Due transport and wastes? care will be taken during construction to avoid traffic disturbances  Temporary silt runoff due to  Since the activities establishment of construction? Compressors are proposed in the periphery of lake Naukuchiatal. There is a potential of temporary silt runoff to the lake. Adoption of mitigation measures shall effectively address such impact during construction.  Hazards to public health due  No significant ambient, household and to ambient, household and occupational pollution is expected occupational pollution, thermal inversion, and smog formation?  Water depletion and/or  Water depletion or degradation is not expected in degradation? this project  Overpaying of ground water,  No excessive use of underground water is leading to land subsidence, required which may lead to depletion of ground lowered ground water table, water table or salinization and salinization?  Contamination of surface and  Not applicable as per nature of work ground waters due to improper waste disposal?  Pollution of receiving waters  Construction activities will not cause surface resulting in amenity losses, water pollution and loss of fisheries

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS fisheries and marine resource depletion, and health problems?  Large population influx  Only small number of workers shall execute the during project construction construction works, therefore no burden on social and operation that causes infrastructure and services is expected increased burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and sanitation systems)?  Social conflicts if workers  No social conflicts is expected due to workers from other regions or countries are hired?  Risks to community health  Not expected and safety due to the transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of materials such as explosives, fuel and other chemicals during operation and construction?  Community safety risks due  Not expected to both accidental and natural hazards, especially where the structural elements or components of the project are accessible to members of the affected community or where their failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning?

Climate Change and Disaster Risk Yes No Remarks Questions The following questions are not for environmental categorization. They are included in this checklist to help identify potential climate and disaster risks.  Is the Project area subject to  The project area is located in an area prone to hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, cloud bursts, earthquakes etc as it is floods, landslides, tropical cyclone located in the seismic Zone IV as per IS 1893:2002. winds, storm surges, tsunami or volcanic eruptions and climate changes (see Appendix I)?

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

 Could changes in temperature,  The project area lies in the hilly region having precipitation, or extreme events landslides a major environmental problem during patterns over the Project lifespan monsoons. In case of such events, the road blockage affect technical or financial may hamper project progress. sustainability (e.g., increased extreme rainfall increases flooding, damaging proposed infrastructure)?  Are there any demographic or  No socio-economic aspects of the Project area that are already vulnerable (e.g., high incidence of marginalized populations, rural- urban migrants, illegal settlements, ethnic minorities, women or children)?  Could the Project potentially  Due to development of tourism infrastructure, it is increase the climate or disaster envisaged that tourist inflow in the area will increase vulnerability of the surrounding area resulting to increase traffic and noise pollution in the (e.g., by paving vulnerable area. Also more enterprises like guest houses, lodges, groundwater recharge areas, or home-stays and shops are likely to come. Proper using water from a vulnerable source that is relied upon by many systems need to be developed to address such user groups, or encouraging problems in future. Development control plan needs to settlement in earthquake zones)? be followed for future development

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ANNEXURE- 2

PROJECT LOCATION MAP

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LAYOUT PLAN

KMVN Resort Guest Site

Compressors location

for

Pump House

Layout map showing the position

of compressors and aeration disks

Randhawa Brother Enterprises (H)

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ANNEXURE 3 NOC FROM IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT

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ANNEXURE- 4

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHS

View of Lake from TRH Parichay Unwanted growth in the lake

Boating Stand Solid waste along lake shore

Vegetation around the lake Existing Floating Jetty

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ANNEXURE-5

WATER QUALITY TESTING REPORT

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AMBIENT AIR QUALITY REPORT

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NOISE MONITORING REPORT

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ANNEXURE- 6

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION PHOTOGRAPHS

Public Consultation at Chanoti Village Public Consultation at Chanoti Village

Public Consultation at Siloti Village Public Consultation at Siloti Village

Public Consultation with Hotel Owners at Thapalia Mehragaon Consultation with Patwari

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Public Consultation at TRH Parichay on 20-12-2013 Public Consultation at TRH Parichay on 20-12-2013

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ANNEXURE- 7

Public Consultation with Local Community at Naukuchiatal on 04.06.2013

A team experts from WAPCOS, DSC Bhimtal and PIU Bhimtal organized a pubic consultation meeting with the local community at Naukuchiatal Lake premises (Siloti and Chanoti) dated 04.06.2013 at 1100 hrs. Total 33 participants from village Thapalia Mehragaon, Chanoti and Siloti attended the meeting. The List of participants is enclosed.

Initially WAPCOS briefed the local community regarding the project Overview and tentative scope and implementation strategy of the project Ämelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal and development of Surrounding environment". WAPCOS experts invited comments from the local community and the following points were discussed-

1. To develop a walking trail all along the shore of the lake to promote tourism which involves land acquisition issues from Private owners.

2. To develop an institution for solid waste management. At present the solid waste generated is being collected by the local community and burnt in an open pit excavated uphill. But during the rainy season many difficulties arise and ultimately the solid waste goes into the lake.

3. During the rainy season the soil erosion takes place and gets collected at the road and goes into the lake.

4. Ducks are being cultivated in the lake but there are no shelter and food facilities provided as of now.

5. To develop the existing access road facility to Sidh mandir which includes ancient caves.

6. Beautification of kamal tal.

7. Deficiency of the no of Life jackets for the boats.

8. Development and management of Public toilets which are not in the near vicinity. (Some exist in the uphill which are never used by the tourists).

9. A helipad exists in the vicinity of the lake which can be developed as a public park.

10. Need for development of parking facility.

11. Illumination of the lake surroundings.

12. Strengthening of local community.

13. Development of summer houses.

14. Improvement of drinking water facility.

15. A dirt road exists from Naukuchiatal to Amritpur (Near HMT Colony which is very near to Haldwani). As of now the tourist visiting lake Naukuchiatal has to come and travel back via bhimtal and reaches haldwani. If this road is developed the tourist can travel from Haldwani-Nainital-Bhimtal-Naukuchiatal- Haldwani which becomes a circuit 71

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

ANNEXURE- 8

Report on Public Consultation Meeting, Naukuchiatal, 20 December 2013.

Participants: (List attached)

Approximately 45 persons attended the meeting, held in the grounds of Parichay Guest House, Naukuchiatal from 11.30 am till 1.30 pm. They included:

1. Representatives of 4 villages, Chanauti, Silloti, Thapeliya Mehragaon and Naul

- Representatives of Gram Panchayats

- Women’s Group

- Representatives of Boating Association

- Representatives of farmers community

- Representatives of transport and tourism operators

- Students

- Representatives of civil society

2. Representative of KMVN: GM, KMVN and team

3. Manager, Parichay Guest House

4. APD, DRDA, Nainital

5. Representatives of PIU, Bhimtal

6. Representatives of DSC, Bhimtal, Dr Yaaminey Mubayi, PRIMA ACS, New Delhi

Discussion Points:

As per the agenda, the meeting began with an introduction to the projects, viz. the programme for aeration and improvement of Naukuchiatal lake via installation of an aeration plant, and the restoration and adaptive reuse project for TRH Parichay. The participatory approach involving consultations with local communities to achieve a consensus based roadmap for development in the area, was explained and discussed.

It was explained to the gathering that the aim of the project was to not simply upgrade tourism infrastructure, but also enable visitors to stay in the vicinity for a longer period and create greater employment and revenue generation opportunities for the local communities

The significance of TRH Parichay as a historic building and its association with the local communities over the past century was acknowledged and supported by the gathering. It was considered appropriate that the complex should become a vehicle for showcasing and promoting the local culture following restoration. Thus, the choice of TRH Parichay as a focal point for various programmes and activities that would have a greater involvement of local communities, build local livelihoods opportunities and become a platform for greater interaction between visitors and community members, was an argument that was received with approval and enthusiasm by the participants. 74

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

The details of the plans for restoration and reuse of the Parichay complex, were discussed as follows:

1. Curio Counter: A shopping counter at Parichay Guest House would provide an appropriate window for sale of locally manufactured Kumaoni products and would generate income as well as encourage diversification of agricultural produce in the area. The products for display and sale at the Curio Counter should include locally manufactured crafts products, including bamboo products, aepen paintings, knitted items and textiles as also food and agricultural products including rice, dals, mandua flour, spices, ghee and dairy products and chutneys and jams. These products could be sourced through the activities of SHGs set up by the DRDA, as also through collaborations with local NGOs working in the area. Training in jam and chutney making, organic farming and textiles and bamboo work can be provided under the programme in collaboration with appropriate institutions. The Curio Counter could be managed by the existing staff of the complex, although training in online accounts, stock keeping and updating of the website should be provided to them. The proposals were received with approval by the gathering.

2. Cafeteria/Restaurant – “Kumaoni Rasoi”: It was debated whether selected Kumaoni items should be catered by a local women’s SHG, the food cooked in their homes and transported to the Parichay complex, or else a cooking counter be provided in the existing kitchen for the SHG members to cook on site. The viability of providing Kumaoni dishes to visitors, in addition to the regular menu was also discussed. The following solutions emerged from the discussion:

- To begin with, a simple questionnaire should be circulated amongst existing visitors regarding their preference for Kumaoni dishes as a food choice.

- Taking the feedback for at least one month, if even 50% visitors expressed a positive desire for the dishes, a menu choice of a pre-fixed Kumaoni thali with about 4-5 items, may be offered to visiting groups.

- Timings for serving the Kumaoni thali should be fixed to avoid inconvenience to the catering SHG.

- Initially the food may be cooked in the homes and transported to the complex kitchen daily for serving. If there is a significant increase in orders, a cooking counter on site may be envisaged.

- The SHG should be sub-contracted by KMVN directly. Training in catering, hygiene and presentation via a local hotel management institute should be provided to the SHG.

3. Amphitheatre: The participants unanimously supported the idea of cultural performances of Kumaoni dance and music forms like Chhaliya, Jhora, Jaagar, Ramaul etc. They were appreciative of the idea of a Cultural Calendar involving local festivals like Harela and Sharadotsav, with regular performances which would be open to the local village communities. The events should be ticketed and rates can be varied based on online booking by visitors, with discounts being given to resident guests. Local communities, especially schoolchildren, should be encouraged to attend via concessional rates.

The concerns expressed by the women’s group, especially by senior member Jeevanti Devi, largely involved their financial vulnerability and inability to invest personal money in a business venture. They were assured that following their organisation and registration as a SHG, they would have access to financial assistance in terms of any credit requirement via DRDA schemes and the local Grameen Bank, and would not be required to offer any personal funds. They enthusiastically supported proposals for training and were open to capacity building measures.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

The second major project discussed at the meeting was the aeration plant and the environmental issues concerning the Naukuchiatal lake. A senior community member, Shri S.D. Sharma, explained the historical background of various measures to promote fisheries development in the lake. He stated that traditionally, species like Mahasher were naturally found in the lake. About 2 decades ago, a new species, Grass Carp, was introduced primarily to consume excess weeds in the lake. This was a destructive species which also consumes various beneficial grasses and plants that were necessary food for the valuable species, as also providing oxygen required by the fish. Thus, during winters, due to low oxygen in the deeper parts, the fish was forced to come to the surface to breathe where they were caught and killed by local fishermen. This led to a great depletion of valuable fish stock.

The participants proposed a multi-pronged approach consisting of various measures to improve the environmental health of the lake, in addition to the aeration plant, which would in principle, be a useful measure. These are:

1. Remove the Grass Carp, as it is a destructive species creating environmental imbalance in the lake.

2. Plant beneficial plants and grasses for oxygenation and provision of food for the valuable species.

3. Desilting of the lake is required, as there is a lot of silt, dead leaves and malba from construction activities around the lake. This is harmful to the fish life in the water.

4. Traditionally, there was a system of overflow from the lake that enhanced the oxygen content of the water. This should be restored.

5. The overflow discharge channel from the lake had created the subordinate water body called Kamal Taal (Lake of Lotuses), which had been silted over and destroyed in recent times. This should be restored, as it is a valuable collection of species of lotus and a tremendous attraction for visitors. This point was unanimously endorsed by the community.

The leader of the Boatmen’s Association, Mr Paladiya, suggested that a walking trail be developed around the lake, to showcase the biodiversity in the area. He explained that there should be controls on construction in the vicinity of the lake, as it was damaging the environment.

Another suggestion by the community was that roads in the area should be improved and upgraded to attract visitors.

The community was open to the idea of home stay and home food outlets, provided adequate regulations were put in place to protect the safety of the village settlements, as also ensure an authentic experience for the discerning visitors.

They were enthusiastic about organising environmental and cultural awareness campaigns to highlight the rich cultural and environmental resources of the region.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by the Team Leader of DSC, Bhimtal.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Annexure - 9

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Amelioration of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Annexure – 10