Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Project Number: 52167-001 December 2020

Regional: TAPI Gas Pipeline Project (Phase 1)

Pakistan: Main (Part 6.1)

Prepared by the TAPI Pipeline Company Limited for the Asian Development Bank.

This environmental and social impact assessment 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. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. 6 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE

6.1 Project Setting and Current Land Use

6.1.1 Overview

Information in this section has been compiled using remote sensing analysis undertaken along the pipeline route. This information has been crucial in supporting input to the assessment in other chapters.

The TAPI pipeline corridor enters northeast of , to run north of City and cross the before reaching the Indus Plain area. Within the Indus Plain, the route bypasses the Dera Ghazi Kahn City (north) and Multan City (south).

The geographical diversity of Pakistan falls into three main categories: the northern highlands, the plain, and the Plateau (Penspen, 2015). The pipeline route runs through the Balochistan Plateau in the west of Pakistan, before descending through the east of the Balochistan region and the agricultural lowlands in the region. It crosses the range of Khwaja Amran Mountains near the - Pakistan border (Balochistan Province) and ascends to a maximum elevation of approximately 2,500 masl. From the highest point, the pipeline corridor descends into the Punjab region within the Sulaiman Mountains, before remaining at low-lying levels throughout the rest of Pakistan, that is the Indus Plain area. Within the Indus Plain, the pipeline corridor crosses the Indus River, , and the River just before reaching the Pakistan - India border (ILF, 2017a).

The Punjab part of the pipeline corridor is extensively covered by agricultural lands and is the most intensively used by the local population. Most of the Balochistan part is dry, barren, and sparsely vegetated, with some spots with natural vegetation and limited lands used for agriculture, and many scattered settlements (Penspen, 2015).

Within the two provinces, the pipeline corridor passes through a total of 16 district areas and 26 tehsil areas, as presented in Table 6.1-1.

ESIA_Pakistan_Chapter_6.1_Project_Setting_and_Current_Land_Use Page 6.1-1 Table 6.1-1: List of Districts and Tehsils Affected by the Project

Province District Tehsil Punjab Province Killam Abdullah District Chaman Killa Abdullah Karezat Pishin Saranan District Sinjawi Sub Ziarat Sub Division Lorelai District Mekhtar (small portion) Zhob Musakehlo District Drug Sub Musa Khel Barkhan District (small portion) Barkhan Vehari District Burewala Vehari Balochistan Province District De-Excluded Area Dera Ghazi Khan Dera Ghazi Khan Khanewal District Mian Channu Multan District Multan City Multan Saddar Muzaffargarh District Muzaffargarh Okara District Depalpur Pakpattan District Arifwala Pak Pattan Sahiwal District Chichawatni Bahawalnagar District Minchinabad Source: ILF, 2017b

As with most linear projects, the land use changes along the TAPI pipeline corridor. Therefore, the Project setting and current land use are described in this section in accordance with the five construction spreads within Pakistan. The five spreads, as shown in Figure 6.1-1, include:

· Spread 1: KP 815.8 – KP 977.0, covering approximately 161.2 km; · Spread 2: KP 977.0 – KP 1170.0, covering approximately 193.0 km; · Spread 3: KP 1170.0 – KP 1299.0, covering approximately 129.0 km; · Spread 4: KP1299.0 – KP 1438.0 (including Indus and Chenab Rivers), covering approximately 139.0 km; and · Spread 5: KP 1438.0 – KP 1634.6 (including Sutlej River), covering approximately 196.6 km.

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Figure 6.1-1: Overview of Spreads 1 to 5

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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6.1.2 Remote Sensing Assessment

No existing land use map was publicly available at the time of drafting this ESIA report; therefore, a remote sensing exercise was undertaken to better characterize the Project Study Area where the greatest direct potential impacts may occur.

Using Landsat 8 imagery from 2017 (3-month period of June, July, and August), a remote sensing analysis was undertaken to identify land cover types. Landsat 8 imagery was initially processed to a 7-band mosaic dataset. One of the common methods of producing land cover maps from remote sensing is supervised classification. To train a classifier, a set of reference data is required. To collect reference data, the photo key presented in the Land Cover Atlas of Pakistan (FAO, 2014) was used. Polygon training samples were digitized within a 25 km corridor, representing eight classes as follows:

· Planted/cultivated land; · Barren land (bare areas/bare areas with sparse vegetation, rocks); · Sand (sand dunes); · Herbaceous vegetation (crop irrigated/marginal/rain fed, natural vegetation); · Trees and tree crops (orchards, tree forest plantation, natural vegetation); · Shrubland (orchards crop, shrub, natural vegetation); · Developed area; and · Water resource.

Different plant growth stages or crops temporarily without vegetation are reflected on images and can lead to confusion during classification. To determine training samples more accurately, polygons were collected using Landsat 8 imagery from three different months. Additionally, maps of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index were used to recognize areas with live green vegetation. Google Earth was used to obtain current imagery and a 3D view of terrain to develop a better understanding of spatial context.

Classification was executed with an object-based classification algorithm1, using the collected training samples and Landsat imagery as input. In the first stage, the segmentation image was processed by grouping together neighboring pixels with similarity in color and shape. Spectral detail level was set as higher-than-spatial detail. The first and second parameter refer to the level of importance given to the spectral differences of features and their proximity, respectively. The higher spectral detail, the greater discrimination between features and the more detailed segments (more applicable for urban areas). Minimal segment size was set to 20 pixels.

Preliminary classification result was generalized to remove single pixels smooth boundaries of objects and to produce final results with a 65 to 70% accuracy level. As

1 Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier was used to classify segmented image. SVM is a supervised machine learning algorithm, less susceptible to noise and correlated bands than other widely used algorithms. In general, SVMs are based on the concept of decision planes that define decision boundaries. A decision plane separates between a set of objects having different class memberships.

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there is a generic problem with the classification of urban areas using Landsat imagery, confusion between barren land class and developed class was noted.

Results of this land use classification process for each construction spread within Pakistan are discussed in the following subsections are indicated on Figures 6.1-2 to 6.1-6.

6.1.2.1 Spread 1: KP 815.8 – KP 977.0

Ground elevation varies between 1,450 and 2,500 masl within Spread 1, crossing pediments, mountain ranges, and valleys.

Spread 1 contains crossings of the main Quetta-Chaman Road, N-50 Kuchlak-Zhob Highway, Chaman Bostan Railway Link, and of the Quetta Bostan Railway line. Spread 1 contains three river crossings and two seismic fault crossings, namely, the and the Ghazaband Fault.

Based on the Landsat 8 imagery land use classification, the current land use within Spread 1 is dominated by barren land (78%), followed by planted/cultivated land (15%), with the remaining attributed to trees and tree crops, developed areas, and shrubland (7%).

6.1.2.2 Spread 2: KP 977.0 – KP 1170.0

Ground elevation varies between 2,300 and 1,200 masl within Spread 2, crossing dissected mountainous terrain.

Spread 2 contains four crossings of the NH-70 Highway and five rivers crossings.

Based on the Landsat 8 imagery land use classification, the current land use within Spread 2 is dominated by barren land (85%), followed by planted/cultivated land (7%), with the remaining attributed to sand, developed areas, and water resources (8%).

6.1.2.3 Spread 3: KP 1170.0 – KP 1299.0

Ground elevation varies between 2,020 and 125 masl within Spread 3, crossing the Sulaiman Mountains to flat and slightly undulating terrain, which becomes more mountainous and dissected.

Spread 3 contains three crossings of the NH-70 Highway, a crossing of the Main Railway Line–2, and 2 rivers crossings. Within Spread 3, the two main ridges of the Sulaiman Mountains, reaching elevations of approximately 2,020 masl, are crossed.

Based on the Landsat 8 imagery land use classification, the current land use within Spread 3 is dominated by barren land (55%), followed by shrubland (15%) and planted/cultivated land and sand (14%), with the remaining attributed to herbaceous vegetation, developed areas, and trees and tree crops (16%).

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6.1.2.4 Spread 4: KP1299.0 – KP 1438.0

Ground elevation within Spread 4 is approximately 125 masl, mostly consisting of flat terrain with agricultural lands crossing major rivers and irrigation canals.

Spread 4 contains eight crossings of the N-55 Highway, N-70 Highway, Motorway and N-5 Highway. In addition, Spread 4 contains four railway crossings, crossing of major rivers (namely, the Indus and Chenab Rivers) and canals (such as the irrigation channel Muzaffargarh), and wetlands in the vicinity of the river and canal crossings.

Based on the Landsat 8 imagery land use classification, the current land use within Spread 4 is made up of planted/cultivated land (23%), tree and tree crops (23%), barren land (17%), herbaceous vegetation (15%), shrub lands (10%), water resources (6%), and developed areas (5%).

6.1.2.5 Spread 5: KP 1438.0 – KP 1634.6

Ground elevation within Spread 5 ranges between 125 and 175 masl. The pipeline corridor crosses flat terrain with agricultural lands crossing major rivers and irrigation canals.

Spread 5 includes a crossing of the Bahawalnagar Arifwala Sahiwal Road, a railway crossing, a major river crossing at the Sutlej River, crossing of irrigation canals (such as the Sidhnai Mailsi Link Channel and the Fordwah / Eastern Sadiqia Canal), and wetlands in the vicinity of the river and canal crossings.

Based on the Landsat 8 imagery land use classification, the current land use within Spread 5 is predominantly made up of trees and tree crops (47%), followed by planted/cultivated land (21%) and shrubland (21%), with the remaining attributed to sand, herbaceous vegetation, developed areas, barren land, and water resources (11%).

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Figure 6.1-2: Spread 1 Land Use Classification

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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Figure 6.1-3: Spread 2 Land Use Classification

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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Figure 6.1-4: Spread 3 Land Use Classification

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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Figure 6.1-5: Spread 4 Land Use Classification

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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Figure 6.1-6: Spread 5 Land Use Classification

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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6.1.3 Sensitivity Mapping

Within the concept of this ESIA report, a receptor is defined as an aspect of the receiving physical, natural, social, or community health baseline that may experience impacts as a result of the Project. Sensitivity mapping has been undertaken to identify areas that may be particularly sensitive to the Project, directly or indirectly, based on the environmental, social, and cultural assets present. These areas include, but are not limited to:

· Residential areas; · Hotels; · House of worship, such as mosques, · Healthcare facilities; · Nursing homes; · Schools; · Court houses; · Public meeting facilities; · Museums and libraries; and · Areas of natural biodiversity, economic, recreational, or cultural value, such as parks, protected areas, archaeological sites, surface water bodies, campgrounds, and beaches.

An overview of the potentially sensitive areas within each PAI, as identified in the early scoping stage of this ESIA Process, is presented in Chapter 5. Impact Assessment Methodology. The most extensive PAI was determined by the dispersion of air emissions from point sources up to 10 km from AGIs; therefore, the sensitivity maps aim to characterize the territory within this area.

Results of sensitivity mapping for each construction spread within Pakistan are discussed in the following subsections are indicated on Figure 6.1-7 to 6.1-11.

6.1.3.1 Residential Areas

There are a number of settlements within 10 km of the pipeline corridor, including:

· 1,353 settlements within 10 km of Spread 1, falling within the districts of Killa Abdullah, Loralai, Pishin, and Ziarat; · 676 settlements within 10 km of Spread 2, falling within the districts of Loralai, Musa Khel, and Ziarat; · 583 settlements within 10 km of Spread 3, falling within the districts of Barkhan, Loralai, Musa Khel, and Dera Ghazi Khan; · 1,220 settlements within 10 km of Spread 4, falling within the districts of Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Muzafargarh, Vehari, and Khanewal; and · 1,047 settlements within 10 km of Spread 5, falling within the districts of Bahawalnagar, Okara, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Vehari, and Khanewal. There are 148 communities/villages within the Project Study Area (a corridor of 500 m for the pipeline route), which have been identified as Affected Communities and

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considered for stakeholder engagement. Within these communities/villages, both educational establishments and religious sites are present.

6.1.3.2 Areas of Ecological Value

The pipeline corridor is proposed within close proximity to a number of protected areas supporting a range of wildlife. Along the western border of Pakistan, the desert is habitat for endemic reptiles and small mammals. Moving to the east, the straight horned Markhor, once endangered, and the threatened Balochistan forest dormouse inhabit the montane conifer forest. An important corridor for migratory waterfowl exists near the Sulaiman Mountains. In the thorn scrub forest, the Balochistan black bear may be present. Due to development in the eastern half of the pipeline corridor, the most important wildlife areas are major river crossings, supporting freshwater dolphins, declining otter and freshwater turtle populations, and potentially threatened fish.

The pipeline will be in the proximity of an area of Balochistan known for its juniper (Juniperus excelsa polycarpos) forest, which includes some of the oldest living trees in the world. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, subpopulations of Juniperus excelsa polycarpos are under pressure and the juniper forests in many areas are actually declining. The Ziarat Juniper Forest was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2013, and was submitted to the Tentative List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Center in 2016. In addition, juniper has been declared a Royal tree in Pakistan, decreeing that it is not allowed to be cut even if on private land.

Further details relating to ecological areas along the pipeline corridor are included in Chapter 6.5. Ecology and Biodiversity Baseline and Chapter 7.5. Ecology and Biodiversity Impact Assessment.

6.1.3.3 Areas of Cultural Heritage Value

According to the field baseline data gathered along the pipeline, four cultural heritage sites were identified within the 500 m corridor and may be impacted by the Project, namely:

· In Balochistan, the Khojak Tunnel and the Inzargai Karez System; and · In Punjab, the Tomb of Hazrat Shah Yousaf and the Naqiba Abad Archaeological Mound.

All of these sites have historical, architectural, contextual and associative values, as well as artistic and religious significance, translating as them being important archaeological and cultural heritage.

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Figure 6.1-7: Spread 1 Potentially Sensitive Areas

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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Figure 6.1-8: Spread 2 Potentially Sensitive Areas

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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Figure 6.1-9: Spread 3 Potentially Sensitive Areas

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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Figure 6.1-10: Spread 4 Potentially Sensitive Areas

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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Figure 6.1-11: Spread 5 Potentially Sensitive Areas

Source: Jacobs, 2020

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6.1.4 Under Development / Future Projects in Surrounding Areas

Based on information available from ADB and World Bank, a number of new infrastructure projects are planned within Pakistan. These are aimed at growing and stabilizing the energy supply across the country, promoting economic and social development, and reducing poverty by rehabilitating, improving, and growing road network links (World Bank, 2017).

Key projects across the country include (ADB, 2018; World Bank, 2018):

· Provincial Roads Improvement Projects; · Post-Flood National Highways Rehabilitation Project; · Barrages Improvement Project; · Second Power Transmission Enhancement Investment Program: - Tranche 1 – improve Pakistan's power transmission infrastructure and management; and - Tranche 2 – expanding the transmission system in Sindh and Balochistan Provinces to remove transmission network bottlenecks in the system and to enable the network to handle the expected future loads. · National Transmission Modernization I Project; · Economic Cooperation Corridor Development Investment Program; and · Triconboston Wind Power Project.

Additional information regarding the cumulative impacts associated with future projects in the area are included in Chapter 8: Cumulative Impacts.

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REFERENCES

Asian Development Bank (ADB), 2018. https://www.adb.org/projects/sector/transport- 1064/sector/industry-and-trade-1062/sector/energy-1059/sector/transport-and-ict- 1372/country/pak.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2014. Land Cover Atlas of Pakistan, the Punjab Province. A joint publication by FAO, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPRACO), and the Crop Reporting Services, Government of Punjab. Available at: http://www.fao.org/3/a-be839e.pdf.

ILF Consulting Engineers (ILF), 2017a. Route Selection Report – Pakistan. K358-ILF-PAK- GEN-PL-REP-0002/REV.2.

ILF Consulting Engineers (ILF), 2017b. Construction Concept. K358-ILF-OVA-GEN-CM-CMS- 0001_0_ConstructionConcept.

Penspen, 2015. Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the - Afghanistan - Pakistan - India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project.

World Bank, 2018. http://projects.worldbank.org/search?lang=en&searchTerm=&countrycode_exact=PK.

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