Initial Environmental Examination

May 2006

Pakistan: Renewable Energy Development Sector Investment Program

Prepared by Sarhad Hydel Development Organization, Government of NWFP Peshawar, for the Asian Development Bank.

S H Y D O SARHAD HYDEL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

GOVERNMENT OF N.W.F.P. PESHAWAR

ADB TA No. 4425-PAK (TAR 34339-01) Renewable Energy Development Project

RANOLIA HPP FEASIBILITY STUDY

Volume 3: Environment Assessment

S H Y D O SARHAD HYDEL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

GOVERNMENT OF N.W.F.P. PESHAWAR

ADB TA No. 4425-PAK

Renewable Energy Development Project (TAR 34339-01)

RANOLIA HPP FEASIBILITY STUDY

Integration Environment & Energy Ltd

In association with

ENTEC AG

ADB TA No. 4425-PAK

Renewable Energy Development Project (TAR 34339-01)

RANOLIA HPP FEASIBILITY STUDY

Volume 1 of 4 Technical Report

Volume 2 of 4 Economic and Financial Analyses

Volume 3 of 4 Environment Assessment

Volume 4 of 4 Resettlement Plan

RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 Objectives and Approach ...... 1 Main environmental impacts ...... 1 Environmental mitigation...... 2 Conclusions...... 2 I INTRODUCTION ...... 3 A. Purpose and Scope of Environmental Report ...... 3 II DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT...... 5 A Type of and Category of the Project...... 5 B Government Approval Requirements ...... 5 C Location and General Description ...... 5 D. Construction Schedule ...... 6 III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 6 A. Provincial Context ...... 6 B Physical Environment...... 6 C. Ecological Resources...... 7 1. Wildlife...... 7 2 Forest Resources ...... 8 3 Fish Resources ...... 9 D Socio-Economical and Cultural Environment ...... 10 IV CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS ...... 15 V SCREENING OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION ...... 15 A. Positive Impacts ...... 15 B Loss of Land and Houses...... 16 C Loss of Trees...... 17 D. Construction Impacts and Mitigation ...... 17 1 Materials...... 17 2 Construction Activities ...... 18 3. Road Access ...... 18 4. Construction Site and Camp Impacts...... 18 E. Loss of Water to the River System...... 19 1. Human Impacts ...... 19 2. Fish Impacts ...... 19 F Specific Mitigation Measures...... 20 1 Compensation and Resettlement ...... 20 2. River Water Flow...... 20 3. Fish Mitigation Measures ...... 21 4 Compensation for Loss of Trees and Replanting Programme ...... 22 5. Water Quality Monitoring Program ...... 23 G Impacts and Mitigation of Transmission Lines ...... 23 VI. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN AND INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS...... 24 VII. CONCLUSION, FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 25

-iv- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Summary of Mitigation ...... 2 Table 2 Summary of Mitigation Costs ...... 2 Table 3 Protected Areas in NWFP ...... 6 Table 4: Estimated Size and Population of Villages in Ranolia Valley...... 10 Table 5: Schools in Ranolia Valley...... 11 Table 6: Shops in Ranolia Valley ...... 13 Table 7: Relative Poverty Distribution in Villages...... 13 Table 8: Water Demand for Community Infrastructure in Winter ...... 14 Table 9: Comparison of Impacts by Original and New Design of RKHP...... 15 Table 10 Comparative Analysis of CO2 Emission using Oil, Gas & Coal for Generation...... 16 Table 11: Permanent Land Acquisition by Type of Land for Ranolia HPP...... 16 Table 12: Number of Affected Trees...... 17 Table 13: Estimated Cost of Land Acquisition and Resettlement ...... 20 Table 14 Annual Budget for Fish Sampling...... 21 Table 15: Estimated Cost of Compensation for Affected Trees of Ranolia HPP ...... 22 Table 16 Cost Estimates for Raising One Acre Tree Plantations ...... 22 Table 17 Annual Budget for Quarterly Analysis of Drinking Water Quality ...... 23 Table 18 Proposed Mitigation Costs ...... 24 Table 19 Estimate for Environmental & Resettlement Specialist & Monitoring...... 25 Table 20 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 27

LIST OF MAPS

Map 1 Project Area: Ranolia Khwar ...... 4

LIST OF ANNEXES

ANNEX 1 List Of Organizations/Persons Contacted/Visited...... i ANNEX 2 Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist ...... iii ANNEX 3 Terms of Reference for ESDC Staff and External Specialists ...... vi ANNEX 4 Photos of Ranolia Project Site ...... x

Photos from MR Marlene Richter DR Derek Ratcliff

-v- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

LIST OF ACRONYMS

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS Currency Unit Pak Rupee (Rs) US$1.00 = Rs.60.00

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank AEDB Alternative Energy Development Board CEP Code of Environmental Practices DFO Divisional Forest Officer EA Environmental Assessment ESDC Environmental and Social Development Cell EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESDC Environmental and Social Development Cell FD Forest Department GoP Government of Pakistan GoNWFP Government of North Western Frontier Province GTZ Deutsche Gesellshaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (German Agency for Technical Cooperation) GWh Giga Watt hour HHs House Holds IEE Initial Environmental Examination IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature NOX Oxides of Nitrogen NWFP North Western Frontier Province O&M Operation and Maintenance Pak EPA Pakistan Environment Protection Agency PHED Public Health Engineering Department PMU Project Management Unit RKHP Ranolia Khwar Hydropower Project RoW Right of Way SC Supervision Consultant SHYDO Sarhad Hydel Development Organization SOX Oxides of Sulfur TA Technical Assistance WAPDA Water and Power Development Authority WWF Worldwide Fund

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

ac acre ft Feet/Foot ha hectare km kilometre m meter 3 m cubic meter m2 square meter s seconds

Note: In this report, “$” refers to US dollars and “Rs” refer to Pak Rupees.

-vi- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Objectives and Approach The Sarhad Hydel Development Organization (SHYDO) of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan carried out an initial Feasibility Study of Ranolia Khwar Hydropower Project (RKHP) with the assistance of the Pak- Swiss Small Hydel Programme in the mid-1990s. SHYDO has been trying to obtain Provincial and Federal Government approval and funding, but the project has not progressed beyond feasibility because of non-availability of reliable funding.

The Government of Pakistan has requested loan funding from ADB for a number of renewable energy projects. ADB is making loan preparations and a PPTA is being conducted in cooperation with the provincial power cells in NWFP (SHYDO) and Punjab and Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) as Executing Agency. The RKHP is one of the locations to be reviewed by the project team for the preparation of the ensuing loan.

The project is a small (11.5 MW) run-of river hydropower scheme using water from the Ranolia Khwar (river) to provide a gross head of 403 m. Under ADB guidelines Ranolia is a Category B project, and, as such has been subjected to an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). The project also requires an IEE under the Environmental Assessment requirements of the Government of Pakistan. A resettlement plan was also undertaken as part of the TA.

The project consists of a weir intake, open power canal, siphon to transfer canal water from left to right bank of the river, penstock, powerhouse, spillway and tail race. Water is taken from the Ranolia Khwar (River) and delivered to the powerhouse on the main Dubair Khwar (river) a few hundred metres downstream of the confluence of the Ranolia and Dubair Khwars. The water delivery system is designed to provide a maximum of 3.5 m3/s to two turbines in the summer months when water flows are high. In the winter months natural flows in the river reduce to about 1.0 m3/s and the powerhouse would operate for four hours only to supply an evening peak requirement. As a result of the project, in the winter months, between October and April, the Ranolia Khwar will experience reduced water flow in the 5 kms of the river below the proposed weir.

Main environmental impacts The main potential environmental impacts of the project relate to:

• Construction activities along some steep and hilly slopes to make the power canal, siphon and penstock causing landscape scarring, some loss of trees, and encroachment on existing land uses and on down hill slopes, • Loss of two residences and agricultural land at powerhouse and tail race sites, • Reduced water quantity and quality in the Ranolia Khwar.

Loss of water in the Khwar has the potential to affect the water needs of the population in the valley during the winter months, when the river has a much reduced natural flow already. In the winter water is used directly from the river for drinking purposes. Water also supplies micro hydro-projects which provide electricity to the people of the Khwar (estimated population 9,700). There are also grain grinding mills which operate in the winter. Estimated use of water for human activity is 200 litres/s or 0.2 cu.m/s. There are no arrangements for sewage disposal from houses and shops in the Khwar and human waste disposal already presents a problem.

-1- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

Reduction in the quantity of water flow in the river also has implications for fish life and fish movements to and from the river to the catchment above.

Environmental mitigation The main mitigation measures included in the EMP are as indicated below:

Table 1 Summary of Mitigation # Potential Impact Mitigation 1 Destruction and scarring of Implementation through detailed EMP attached land with construction impacts to the IEE including a tree plantation in steep mountain terrain programme. 2 Loss of houses and agricultural Project components redesigned to avoid any land and forestry loss of houses. Resettlement plan to be implemented and compensation package for loss of land & trees. 3 Reduced water flows in the Adequate water flow of 500 litres/s retained in river from which water is taken the river; this will be adequate for human and for the project fish activities.

As well as resettlement and tree compensation, a tree planting programme is included in mitigation. Surveys of water quality and fish numbers will take place in the river as a monitoring precaution.

Mitigation costs are estimated at US$ 462,623 as indicated in Table 2.

Table 2 Summary of Mitigation Costs

# Mitigation Measure Total (Rs) Total $US 1. Land acquisition & Resettlement costs including 18,338,005 305,633 compensation for loss of trees. 2. Plantation of tree for stabilisation & restoration 80,460 1,341 3. Water quality testing to drinking water standards 102,200 1,703 4 Survey fish numbers and movements in the river system 116,200 1,937 5 Environment & Resettlement Implementation Specialist 5,500,000 91,666 & Monitoring Sub-Total 24,136,865 402,281 15% contingencies 3,620,530 60,342

Total 27,757,395 462,623 Items 3 & 5 are annual costs

Conclusions

The Project will have minimal negative environmental impacts and these can be successfully mitigated by implementing the EMP attached to the IEE. The IEE and EMP are adequate to ensure compliance with ADB and GOP environmental safeguards. On the basis of this IEE, there is no need for a full environmental impact assessment. However SHYDO, the Implementing Agency, (IE) will need to strengthen its capabilities to implement and monitor the measures in the EMP. This has been designed into the project by requiring the setting up of an Environment and Social Development Unit in SHYDO, the appointment of environmental & resettlement specialists and the hiring of an independent monitor.

-2- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

I INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose and Scope of Environmental Report

1. This Environment Assessment (EA) is undertaken as part of the overall feasibility study for the Ranolia Hydropower Project (RKHP) and is designed to meet the requirements for EA under the guidelines of Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Sarhad Hydropower Development Organization (SHYDO) of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan is responsible for RKHP and SHYDO will submit this report for review and approval by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak EPA) under the EA laws of Pakistan.

2. The RKHP is one of a number of small and medium sized hydropower projects proposed in the valley systems of NWFP. Such schemes will help to extend the national power supply and distribution systems to remoter areas, like the settlements affected by the project in the Ranolia valley. At the same time the project will help supply Pakistan’s overall energy needs.

3. According to the Pakistan Power Policy, large power projects are implemented by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), and, smaller ones up to 50 MW are generally undertaken by the Provincial Organisation (SHYDO in the case of NWFP).

4. The project will change the water flow characteristics in the Ranolia Khwar (Ranolia River) and has the potential for environmental impacts to the watershed of this river system, and particularly in the five km section from which water will be diverted away to feed the proposed powerhouse. There is also some potential for environmental impacts upstream, particularly if water is taken away completely from a section of the natural river system. This study looks at the potential impacts of construction and operation of the project on Ranolia Khwar and its watershed.

5. For the construction of the transmission lines which will link Ranolia Khwar project to the national grid 36 km away at Besham an indicative assessment of land requirements is included but a full EA will be required by WAPDA of the lines and corridor prior to construction.

6. This EA along with a resettlement plan investigation, is part of an ADB-TA to examine a number of small hydropower projects in NWFP1 and Punjab2. The work on RKHP was completed with approximately three weeks of input from international and local consultants.

7. An EA for RKHP was conducted in 1994 by the Government of Switzerland, Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (SDC) and SHYDO, as part of a Feasibility for RKHP and the information contained therein has been updated and incorporated in this report, where appropriate. Various consultation meetings took place with local community leaders and individuals in July, September and November (see RKHP Resettlement Plan for full details). Government Agencies were contacted in Islamabad, Peshawar, Saidu Sharif and interviews were also held with Government Officials, representatives of NGOs and other resource persons in Dubair and Pattan towns. A full list of those contacted is provided in Annex 1.

1 Projects investigated in NWFP are at Batal Khwar, Daral Khwar, Ranolia, Machai in NWFP 2 Projects in Punjab are Sheikhupura, Pakpattan, Gujranwalla, Marala and Okara.

-3- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

Map 1 Project Area: Ranolia Khwar

Not to Scale - Diagrammatic Representation only Weir & Intake

Access Road to be upgraded

Ranolia Headrace Channel Bazaar (Upper)

Siphon

RANOLIA RIVER

Headrace Channel (Lower) Access Road

Forebay

Penstock Dubair River

Jijal Bela Dubair Power house -4- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

II DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

A Type of and Category of the Project

8. This project, because of its relatively small size (11.5 MW), is classified as a Category “B” project, in accordance with ADB Guidelines for environmental assessment, 2003. An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is required to determine if there are significant impacts, in which case, a more detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is necessary.

B Government Approval Requirements

9. The Government of Pakistan has exactly the same environmental assessment requirement as ADB for hydro projects of less than 50 MW. An IEE submission is required to the NWFP Provincial EPA by SHYDO. A full scale EIA is mandatory only for projects bigger than 50 MW unless significant impacts requiring more study are determined in the IEE report.

C Location and General Description

10. The project is located in Kohistan District of North West Frontier Project in a side valley of the Indus River know as Ranolia Khwar. RKHP is 150 km north of Abbottabad, the Regional capital of the Division. River water is diverted from the Khwar and the main elements of the projects are as follows (see Map 1 also):

• A tyrolean weir and intake structure with gravel trap and a two chamber sand trap on the right bank of Ranolia Khwar diverting river flow, • A power canal, 2,650 metre open canal which is 2.3 x 2.5 metres on the right bank initially, it transfers to the right bank of the river after 2,400 m, • A 740m inverted siphon across the river which is raised over the river with a footbridge, • A forebay (28 x 10m) with a side weir to accommodate surges, • Penstock with spillway providing the 403 metres gross head of water, • Powerhouse with two turbines and two generators on the right bank of the Dubair River, immediately below the main road and close to Dubair Khwar, and • Discharge of water directly into the Dubair River.

11. The water delivery system is designed to deliver a maximum of 3.5 m3/s to the turbines and generate 11.5 MW of power. In the summer months the plant will run at maximum capacity. In winter, when water flows are much reduced, it is intended to store water in the delivery canal and use the stored water to meet the four-hour evening peak demand for electricity. There is currently an un-metalled road into the Ranolia valley. It will be necessary to upgrade this road and a crossing to provide access for construction of the weir intake. An inspection path will run all along the power canal to the surge tank. Civil structures for offices, storage of equipment and residential buildings are required close to the powerhouse to support operation of the project.

-5- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

D. Construction Schedule

12. From the beginning of construction to the commissioning of the project will take approximately 36 months. Construction work can be undertaken simultaneously at the weir, power canal, inverted siphon and the powerhouse.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A. Provincial Context

13. The general project area is characterised by diverse ground topography with rugged mountains, forested valleys, alpine pastures and rich biodiversity. Fertile valley soils in some locations support high yielding cash crops. NWFP also possesses nearly 17 percent of high hill coniferous forest cover3.

14. Various protected areas, spread across the province, are given in the following Table4: None of the protected areas in Table 3 are in close proximity of RKHP. Table 3 Protected Areas in NWFP # Name Number Area (hectares) 1 National Parks 3 26,602 2 Wildlife Sanctuaries 3 34,212 3 Game Reserves 36 363,839 4 Private/Community Game Reserves 52 345,963 5 Wildlife Parks 3 1,948 6 Wildlife Refuges 2 8,954 Total 781,518

B Physical Environment

15. The project falls in a sub-side valley of Pattan Tehsil of District Kohistan, which is located in the Indus gorge. The main Indus valley is hot, dry and arid. The side valleys, which are deeply cut meandering gorges, have lush green landscape, thickly forest laden hill slopes, white water streams and milder climate, which makes it a tourist destination. The upper valley reaches remain glaciated throughout the year.

16. The project area has an average yearly rainfall of about 1700 mm. Maximum precipitation is in the form of winter snow, which is brought by western Mediterranean winds. Ordinarily, the hottest month of the year is July, where mid day temperatures may reach in excess of 30° C. Similarly January has the lowest temperatures and high chill factors and night temperatures reach as low as -30° C5.

17. Soils are a mixture of varying degrees of alluvial deposits, and sizeable concentrations of organic matter is found in bowl shaped valley depressions. Such places are used for rich cash crops like off-seasonal vegetables and potatoes.

3 (i) “Environmental Profile of NWFP”, May 1994, DHV Consultants, (ii) “Sarhad Provincial Conservation Strategy”, 1996, IUCN. 4 Brief by NWFP Wildlife Department. 5 Ibid, paragraph 7.5.2.2.2, page 26, 27.

-6- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

18. According to “Seismo-Tectonic Map of Pakistan”, a sizeable part of Swat Kohistan belongs to a major earthquake zone with recent past earthquakes up to a magnitude of M ≤ 6.5 of the Richter scale. According to the “Structural Geology and Tectonics” map, the main earthquake centres fall in the Thakote – Pattan – Madyan triangle. Within a circle of 50 km radius around Madyan, at least two earthquakes occurred during the last decade with magnitudes of 6.0 ≤ M ≤ 6.5. Ranolia is in an area classified as a relatively calm peripheral zone of the seismic triangle6. However, Dubair river was the epicentre of 6.8 earthquake in 1974 which killed 5,000 people.

19. The Ranolia Khwar system has a total catchment area of only 95 square kilometres, with a maximum height in the catchment of 4,562 metres above sea level. There are some small lakes above the tree line in an area of vast grazing pastures. These pastures are a summer grazing area for the livestock of the people of Ranolia village.

20. Below the proposed weir site and before the confluence with the main river there are two small right bank tributaries of the Ranolia Khwar. These streams are usually dry in the winter months. Eighteen medium and small sized canal off-takes from the main Khwar below the weir site were identified during the field visit. There are a number of perennial fresh water springs, which are tapped by the residents to meet domestic water needs.

21. Water flow readings have been taken daily at Ranolia over a 10 year period since 1989 when a gauge station was established by SHYDO nearly 1.5 km upstream of Ranolia bazaar. There is a significant variation in flow rates owing to seasonal precipitation and the fluctuation of temperatures which affect the rate of snow melt in the upper catchment.

22. The annual average discharge in the Khwar is 3.4 m3/s. There is a low flow period extending from November until February, and December and January have average mean daily flows over the period of record of 0.97 m3/s and 1.54 m3/s, respectively (data from 1989 to 1999). Monthly flows as low as 0.47 m3/s have been experienced (January 1996) and the lowest ever-daily flow recorded was 0.39 m3/s on 22nd January 1996. In spring, with summer snow melt, flow tends to increase and between May and September there is roughly between 4 and 6 m3/s flow in the Khwar. During the months March until September thunderstorms can cause peak flows much in excess of these figures.

C. Ecological Resources

1. Wildlife 23. Since the creation of Kohistan District in 1975-76, the wildlife profile of the project area has experienced a major decline, mainly due to disputes over forests between the local people and GoNWFP, excessive forest cutting and commercial harvesting, slack forest controls, and increased use of armaments. Except for Palas Valley, on the left bank of Indus River, there has been almost no wildlife survey of Kohistan District. However, based on consultative sessions with the locals, forest and wildlife officials during the fieldwork, prevalent wildlife profile of the project area is as follows7:

6 Feasibility study of Ranolia Khawar by SHYDO – GTZ, paragraph 7.4.1.3, page 15. 7 An EU funded Palas Conservation & Development Project along the assistance of Wildlife Department of NWFP have made significant surveys in the neighboring valley, opposite Ranolia+Dober, across Indus River.

-7- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

• Mammals: The most common mammal of the area and its adjoining valleys is the rhesus monkeys – Beza – (Macaca mulatta), which is reported to be inflicting considerable crop damages. Quite a few farmers regard it as a menace. Markhor (Capra falconeri) and Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferous) are now very rare in the area, though they were present 20 years ago. Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetaqnus), Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), Wolf (Canis lupus), Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) and Panther (Panthera uncia) have also been reported in the area.

• Birds: Besides common birds like Chakor (Alectorista graeca), there are a variety of highly endangered and rare pheasants in the Kohistan area like monal – Murghe Zareen – (Lophophorus impeyanus), white crested Khalij (Lophura leucomelana), Snow Cock (Tetragallus himalayensis), Koklas (Pucrasia macrolopha), Snow Partridge (Lerwa lerwa) and the most endangered Western Tragopan (Tragopan meianocephalus)8.

• Reptiles: Owing to climatic severity of hot summers and cold winters, no significant reptiles have been reported from the project area. Reptilian and amphibian fauna of the area is not well documented. However, local people have reported some snakes, with negligible cases of any snakebite. Rock lizards are common in the region.

24. Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Musk Deer and Snow Partridge have declining population and are classified as endangered species. Bears are hunted because of cattle damages and for extracting their fats, which has high medicinal value. However, despite the presence of considerable armaments amongst the local population, no significant cases of illicit hunting and poaching are reported from the project area.

25. In the immediate Ranolia project area there is degraded habitat and no threat exists to any rare or endangered species.

2 Forest Resources 26. Once the entire project area had thickly laden high hill coniferous forest, associated with the dry-temperate climate zone. The forest is now somewhat degraded. Deodar (Cedarus deodara) is the dominant tree species (constituting more than 50 % of the tree cover); it is regarded as the best quality construction timber. Other coniferous species are Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana), Fir (Abies pindro) and Spruce (Pacea smithiana). The common broad-leafed tree varieties are Walnut (Juglan regia), Bankhore (Aesculus indica), Oak (Qurcus ilex), Sharol (Shoria rolousta), Amlok (Dispyros lotus), Kangar (Pistachia intergermia), Toot (Morus alba and Morus serrata) and Barmi (Texus baccata), the later being a threatened species. The under-growth of shrubs on these slopes is Kainth (Indigofera gerardiana), Guchh (Viburnum narosam), and Barunj (Ferosia jacomentiana). More recently exotic species like Eucalyptus, Acacia robinica, and Bakain (Melia azdarach) have also been introduced into the area, displaying good signs of adaptability.

27. Forests of the entire Indus Kohistan fall in the category of “Protected Forests”, including the project area. These forests were taken over by NWFP Forest Department at the time of amalgamation of Indus Kohistan tribal belt into the Hazara

8 Key objective of PCDP is to save the habitat of tragopan, the last natural habitat of this bird in the Himalayas.

-8- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

Division in 1974. The proportionate share of stakeholders in timber sales is as follows:

• 60 % local population, • 20 % handling charges by FD or Forest Development Corporation, and • 20 % for the development of exploited forest resource.

28. Besides this share in the sale proceeds for harvested timber, the local population also enjoys other rights like grazing, grass cutting, local construction timber needs and fuel-wood collection etc. Landowners are legally required to obtain formal permits from Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) to cut pine trees for their house construction needs. In practice, they cut pine and other trees for both firewood and timber needs, and even for sale and furniture making. Their largest wood consumption is for cooking and heating in the snowy winters.

29. As well as meeting the construction timber and fuel needs, these forests yield non-forest timber products (NFTP), which are of significant economic importance for the local population. Such products include mushrooms, Black Moral fetching the highest prices, a large number of medicinal herbs and a variety of grasses, being the main source of cattle fodder.

30. Common forest crimes reported by local forest officials are illicit tree cutting and timber smuggling. Dober-Ranolia forest range has a forest area of 3,557 ha and a non-forest area of 14,165 ha9.

31. Ranolia valley has less forest cover than adjoining valleys. Local elders stated that considerable forests were destroyed due to apprehensions that the Forestry Department would take it over at the time of the annexation of the area into Kohistan. Once densely forested, the area was heavily deforested by local people and contractor in the 1970s and 1980s, and this left coniferous cover restricted to the mountain tops. Further commercial logging was banned by the Government in 1992, following the catastrophic flooding in other parts of the country. To replace the lost forest cover, a reforestation project was implemented during part of the 1990s10, with planting of various exotic and native broad-leaf species, which are yet to reach maturity, mostly on the lower ridges and on stream-banks. As a result, this valley has experienced the stress of fuel-wood shortages for some years. It is estimated that in winters an average family is consuming nearly 50 – 55 kg of fuel-wood on a daily basis. Local people have also started using dried cow-dung cakes for fuel purposes11.

3 Fish Resources 32. There are limited data available regarding fish species in the Dubair Khwar system. No specific information was found for Ranolia Khwar. However, there were fish surveys in September 1995 of other streams in NWFP including three sites in the Indus River system12.

33. Swati fish (Schizothorax plagiostomas) , which breeds throughout the year is found in most rivers of NWFP, including Indus River tributaries. Other studies (Allai Khwar Fish Survey, Jan 1998) state that 12 indigenous species have been recorded in the valley. Trout have been introduced in Dubair Khwar in 1990. This stream is

9 Working Plan, Dober Forest Range, 2000 – 2003, page 1. 10 ADB-assisted “NWFP Forestry Development Sector Project”, 1995-99. 11 Working Plan, Dober Forest Range, 2000 – 2003, 4.8 Use of Natural Resources, page 22. 12 Open Water Fisheries Management Plan Directorate of Fisheries, Peshawar.

-9- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

being restocked by the Fisheries Department on a regular basis through their hatchery at Upper Dubair Village, nearly 16 km upstream of its confluence with Ranolia Khwar. No trout is, however, found in the Ranolia Khwar and local Fisheries officers put this down to the relative low flows and warmer temperatures in this Khwar.

34. Discussions with local people indicate there is a low dependence upon fishing, which is done casually mainly for domestic consumption using nets, which are used illegally. Angling with rods is totally unknown in this valley.

D Socio-Economical and Cultural Environment 35. The people of the area belong to different Kohistani tribes and sub-tribes which account for more than 97% of the total population of the project area. They mainly speak Kohistani, but most men also speak Urdu and Pushto. Due to the conservative nature of Kohistanis, there are almost no outsiders settled in the area.

36. The central village in the project valley is called Ranolia, after which the project takes its name. This village is situated in the middle of the valley and on both sides of the Khwar with a bridge connection at the Ranolia bazaar (see Map 1). On either side of the Ranolia Khwar and on the slopes overlooking the valley there are additional scattered sparsely distributed clusters of habitation. The valley sides are steep but land is terraced wherever possible for agricultural purposes.

37. There are some 13 recognised villages in the valley with 60 additional mountain-side hamlets scattered on the upper slopes. One small settlement, Jijal Bela affected by the powerhouse site, is in the Dubair valley on the Karakoram Highway. Table 4 shows the population of the 14 settlements; together with 60 hamlets there is an estimated population of 9,700 persons in the project area.

Table 4: Estimated Size and Population of Villages in Ranolia Valley No. Name of Location Number of Average Estimated Village/Hamlet Bank/Project-Site Households HH Size Population 1 Upper Hamlets (60) Both/Mountain-Slope 360 11.1 4,000 2 Mani Khel Bela Right/Upstream 62 12.1 750 3 Khoshi Bela Right/Upstream 13 12.3 160 4 Dhar Mir Khel Right/Upstream 40 12.5 500 5 Bar Kilay, Ranolia Right/Weir-Site 82 12.2 1,000 6 Ashiyal Right Bank 16 12.5 200 7 Serai Right Bank 19 13.2 250 8 Kuz Kilay, Ranolia Both Sides 63 11.9 750 9 Zorh Kilay - Dongo Right/High-Up 72 11.8 850 10 Gabair Right/Syphon-Site 6 12.5 75 11 Ghail Left/Syphon-Site 33 12.1 400 12 Tahsil Banda Left/Below Syphon 21 12.4 260 13 Chuchang Left Bank 6 12.5 75 14 Seirtoo Left/Confluence 13 11.5 150 15 Jijal Bela (Dubair)* Right/Powerhouse 21 13.3 280 Total: - 827 11.7 9.700 * Jijal Bela is situated about 600 m north of Dubair Bazaar, on the Dubair Valley Road (see Map), downstream of Ranolia Khwar confluence with Dubair Khwar. (From Resettlement Plan) From Resettlement Plan

-10- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

38. The population is living mostly in a joint and extended family system with all family members, even the married sons, living jointly in a large house with separate accommodation under the authority of the father who, as head of the family, manages family affairs. The social and cultural context of the tribal (clan) society is patriarchal. The jirga (committee of elders) represents the Ranolia Khwar community and is the decision making body.

39. The average household (HH) size for Kohistan District has decreased from 9 persons in 1981 to 6.4 persons in 1998, while the annual population growth rate has declined significantly from 10.18% in 1981 to 0.09 % in 1998.13 In rural areas of NWFP the average size of HHs is only 7.6714 persons whereas in Ranolia Valley the average HH size amounts to 11.7 (see Table 4). On average two members are employed per HH.

40. Education levels in Kohistan District are very low compared to Swat or the overall situation in NWFP. The total literacy rate for persons aged 10 years and above is only 11.08%15 (17.23% for males and 2.97% for females). Of those receiving education 33.60% have passed primary school, 17.21% middle school and 17.07% matriculation, while only 0.82% graduated.

41. School enrolment16 rates are very low with 10.60% for males and 1.34 % for females. Ranolia has several Primary Schools for boys and girls and a Middle and High School for boys as shows in Table 5. However, three of the five girls primary schools, although constructed, have never opened because of lack of interest on the part of villagers to educate their daughters, and the non-availability of female teachers. Only two schools (at Kuz Kilay and Tehsil Banda) are running each having around 50 girls students but female teachers come from Mansehra District and are often absent. There are no educated girls in the whole valley who could be teachers.

Table 5: Schools in Ranolia Valley Location Primary School Middle School High School No. Village/Hamlet Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls 1 Upper Hamlets (60) 3 - - - - - 2 Mani Khel Bela 1 1 - - - - 3 Dhar Mir Khel 1 - - - - - 4 Bar Kilay, Ranolia 1 1 - - - - 5 Kuz Kilay, Ranolia - 1 - - - - 6 Zorh Kilay - Dongo - - 1 - - - 7 Gabair - 1 - - - - 8 Ghail 1 - - - - - 9 Tehsil Banda 1 1 - - 1 - 10 Jijal Bela (Dubair) - - - - 1 - Total: 8 5 1 - 2 - From Resettlement Plan

13 Source: District Census Report of Kohistan District, Population Census organization, Statistic Division, GoP 1999. 14 Source: Summary of Household Integrated Economic Survey 2001/2002, page 10. 15 Source: Population Census 2001 & National Institute of Population Studies Islamabad 1998 updated 2002. 16 Enrollment rate is defined as the percentage of students to population of ages 5-24 years.

-11- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

42. In the whole of Kohistan there is only one hospital and 37 Basic Health Centres, one of which serves the project hamlets of Mani Khel Bela and Tehsil Banda. It was, however, without a medical officer during the field study visits undertaken and the nearest medical officer available was at Dubair Bizaar on the main road. The closest female health officer is at Besham. The main diseases are reported as being diarrhoea, dysentery, fever and headache.

43. Residents of project area rigidly follow traditional cropping practices. Maize is the main crop (see Photo No 1) and a little wheat is grown as a staple food crop, but wheat is normally brought from outside the valley. Pulses and pumpkins are available, but few vegetables are cultivated and commercial cultivation is almost unknown. Vegetables are usually obtained from Swat. Except for walnut and a wild black berry, amlok, no other fruit has been noted during the field visit. Due to the relatively steep slopes terraced fields are very small and cropping intensity is high.

44. Most households have one cow and between two to five goats for milk. The livestock is grazed in the mountains as fodder resources are scarce in the valley. Poor households keep some chicken for eggs, consumption and sale.

45. Households need additional money to satisfy their various daily needs. So, majority of the male population, even children, go to down country towns for both seasonal and year-round jobs to earn cash to supplement their household needs.

46. Seasonal migration in winter time is the general strategy to substitute food production by cash availability. In some families male members even stay on a long term contract for several years in Saudi Arabia, thus contributing to the joint family income. In winter, in all households, several family members travel south for seasonal work. Only their dehqans stay behind in Ranolia to take care of their homes. Depending on the quality of work, household members can save between 1,000 and 10,000 Rs per person. They work in factories, in construction business, as daily labourers and watchmen.

47. The average monthly income in rural areas in NWFP amounts to Rs. 6,031 ($ 100) whereas in urban areas it is Rs. 9,90417 ($ 165).

48. A little additional cash income comes from business and transportation. Table 6 indicates the number of shops in Ranolia Valley. Of 15 villages/hamlets in the project area only 8 have access to shops of any kind.

17 cited from Summary of Household Integrated Economic Survey, Federal Bureau of Statistics, Government of Pakistan, 2003, p. 10

-12- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

Table 6: Shops in Ranolia Valley No. Name of Number Village/Hamlet of Shops* 1 Upper Hamlets (60) 10 2 Mani Khel Bela 22 3 Dhar Mir Khel 2 4 Bar Kilay, Ranolia 7 5 Kuz Kilay, Ranolia 26 6 Zorh Kilay - Dongo 3 7 Tahsil Banda 1 8 Jijal Bela (Dubair) 1 Total: 72 From Resettlement Plan

49. The distribution of relative poverty in the settlements in the project area is shown in Table 7.

Table 7: Relative Poverty Distribution in Villages No. Name of Percentage Distribution of Population* Village/Hamlet Poor Medium Better Rich Total Off 1 Upper Hamlets (60) 30 60 10 - 100 2 Mani Khel Bela 25 60 10 5 100 3 Khoshi Bela 20 60 20 - 100 4 Dhar Mir Khel - 70 30 - 100 5 Bar Kilay, Ranolia 25 50 20 5 100 6 Ashiyal 20 50 20 10 100 7 Serai - 60 30 10 100 8 Kuz Kilay, Ranolia 10 40 25 25 100 9 Zorh Kilay - Dongo 15 40 25 20 100 10 Gabair - 70 20 10 100 11 Ghail - 75 25 - 100 12 Tahsil Banda 10 60 20 10 100 13 Chuchang - 70 20 10 100 14 Seirtoo - 75 20 5 100 15 Jijal Bela (Dubair) - 50 50 - 100 Poverty Categories by Average Monthly Income (Pak. Rupees): Poor: upto Rs. 6,000; Medium: Rs. 6,000-9,000; Better Off: Rs. 9,000-12,000; Rich: Above Rs. 12,000. From Resettlement Plan

50. Since creation of the Kohistan District in 1976, there has been no land settlement survey by the state revenue agencies. Hence, the inheritance land divisions, sale transactions and many other land related matters are being handled in a traditional system.

51. There is no central water supply system by Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) in the Ranolia Khwar. The local government has made some attempts to provide water supply, but, because of scattered residences, the rural populace depends upon a number of perennial springs to meet their drinking water supply needs. Besides washing, bathing and cattle watering, some people also

-13- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

depend upon river water for drinking in the summer months because of its relative coolness.

52. Water for irrigation is diverted from the Ranolia Khwar. 24 watermills and 18 irrigation intakes were identified. Watermills operate throughout the year, whereas the irrigation intakes are needed only in the period April – October. The water for milling always flow back into the river, sometimes after having passed a cascade of four mills. The amount of water diverted varies between 45 and 85 l/s. The minimum discharge needed to supply milling requirement in the Khwar is, therefore, regarded as a flow of 100 l/s, which is needed throughout the year. There are also 8 micro hydropower projects which operate year round. Table 8 gives an overview of the estimated water demand in the project area in winter months.

Table 8: Water Demand for Community Infrastructure in Winter

Water use Water demand Number 24 watermills (all along the river, at different 100 l/sec (if there are by 2 altitudes, only running in wintertime: Sept. till chance 2 watermills at the April) same level: 200 l/sec.) 8 Micro-hydros working for 12 months 100-150 l/sec 2 HH drinking water in winter (frozen pipes) 15-20 l/person/day 400 HHs with 12 persons each Livestock drinking water in winter 1 cow/30 l/day 300 cows Mountain Herds coming down in winter 1 cow/30 l/day 200 cows

53. Taking into consideration the water demand of the population for the different community purposes, the total residual water requirements from activities of the villagers are estimated at 200 litres/s including water losses.

54. Kohistan does not attract significant numbers of tourists. However, the Karakoram Highway passes along the Dubair River to Northern Areas and China. With a general lack of flat building lands, there has been a growth of hotels and shops, all along the main highway such as Dubair bazaar, without any master planning and negligible controls by the respective state regulatory institutions. Buildings in Dubair and in Ranolia dispose of their sewage effluents and solid wastes directly into the water courses. There are few flush toilets and the fields are used for defecation and the human waste is used for fertilizing crops. Sewage and other wastes are increasingly disposed of into the Ranolia Khwar. This creates a potential health hazard, which becomes more of a problem during periods of low river flow, when the effluents are not being diluted.

55. The entire Kohistan District suffers from poor infrastructure development. Following the1974 earthquake in the area the Kohistan Development Project (KDP) was set up. It was during that period that a small hydropower plant of 150 kW capacity was constructed at Dubair using Ranolia Khwar as its source. Subsequently this plant was taken over by SHYDO, but the generators have been taken away and the plant has been idle for more than two years.

56. A shingle road of 6 – 7 km length leads up the valley, terminating at the village Bela Mani Khel. There is no mains electricity supply in any villages in the valley. The nearest telephone service is in Dubair bazaar.

-14- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

IV CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS

57. Various design alternatives have been investigated during the course of the EA and measures have been adopted in the IEE mitigation to minimise environmental impacts. The original design of the project has been changed and savings between the original design and the proposed new design for the project are summarised in Table 9. The alternatives adopted result in less permanent land loss, fewer trees being taken and allows existing community infrastructure on the Khwar to continue to function. Measures are discussed in more detail in subsequent Chapters.

Table 9: Comparison of Impacts by Original and New Design of RKHP No. Item Unit Initial Proposed Saving Design Design 1 Affected Land - Forest/Pasture Hectare 6,700 5,280 1,420 2 Affected Land - Farmlands Hectare 1,100 0,685 0,415 3 Stone Quarry Site (Forest Land) Hectare 0,150 0,120 0,030 4 Intake & Gravel/SandTrap (Farmland) Hectare 0,12 0,04 0,080 5 Relocation of Residential Houses* Number 8 2 6 6 Forest - Wild Oak Trees Number 250 168 82 7 Forest - Other Wood Trees (Planted) Number 200 139 61 8 Privately Planted Fruit Trees Number 12 5 7 9 Residual Water Flow (Winter Season) Litres/Sec - 500 (500) 10 Irrigation Channels (Winter Season) Number 18 - 18 11 Water Mills (Winter Season) Number 24 - 24 12 Micro-Hydros (Winter Season) Number 8 - 8 13 Affected Persons (APs) Number 37 23 14 * At Weir Site One House saved, at Penstock-Powerhouse of seven houses, only two now affected.

V SCREENING OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION

58. The ADB rapid environmental assessment checklist for hydropower projects was used to screen for potential environmental impacts. Aspects of the project, which were determined as having impacts, are analysed further and, where necessary, are addressed with mitigation measures. The checklist is attached as Annex 2 to this document. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Table 20 identifies all aspects of the project where there are potential impacts and then addresses each impact in terms of mitigation and institutional responsibility for implementation.

A. Positive Impacts

59. The project will provide Ranolia, the wider population of the Dubair Khwar and NWFP with significant benefits. Electricity generated will supply the national electricity grid along with other hydropower projects in the region and the people will have the convenience of mains power twenty fours a day for domestic and business activities. Mains power will mean cooking and domestic heating for those who can afford it, which will reduce consumption of timber and other fossil fuels for this purpose.

60. DKHP will also provide unskilled jobs during the construction phase and a limited number of jobs in operations. This will be a bonus for the men of the area, many of whom are used to having to travel down country for employment.

-15- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

61. Hydropower is a clean and renewable source of energy and avoids contributions to pollution loads, which would result from the alternative use of thermal electricity generation. Hence, it is environment friendly. Thermal power generation plants are known for a large variety of toxic emissions i.e. carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) etc. The following table provides a comparative analysis of estimated emissions of CO2 from a power station generating the same amount of energy over a 30 year period using oil, gas & coal as a fuel source. Between 0.45 and 0.79 metric tons of carbon dioxide is saved over the 30 years of the project by using hydro power rather than fossil fuels.

Table 10 Comparative Analysis of CO2 Emission using Oil, Gas & Coal for Generation Fuel Source Oil Gas Coal

Grams CO2/kwh 297 232 410 Total Saving (million 0.57 0.45 0.79 tons CO2) Note: Assumes generation of 64.3 GWh per year over a 30 year project life = 1929 GWh.

62. An extension of the electricity generation system will take place, and SHYDO will ensure the distribution network is in place to provide electricity to local people prior to the commissioning of the project.

B Loss of Land and Houses

63. For the construction of the various elements of the RKHP there will be a permanent loss of 6.22 ha of commonly owned forest/pasture land and privately owned farmlands (see Table 11). Only 0.68 ha of the land required is private land. There are total of 23 households who will lose a total of 0.685 ha of privately owned farmlands at six locations. Two landowners will lose over 10% of their productive terraced farmland. In addition, two residential houses will be affected by the penstock and powerhouse construction in Jijal Bela by the Dubair Khwar and road.

Table 11: Permanent Land Acquisition by Type of Land for Ranolia HPP No. Component Total Affected Forest/Riverbed Private Land (ha) Land (ha) Farmlands (ha) 1 Rock Quarry Site (Weir) 0.120 0.120 - 2 Diversion Weir (3 m high) 0.080 0.080 - 3 Intake Channel (from Weir) 0.040 - 0.040 4 Channel:Gravel+SandTraps 0.035 0.035 - 5 Spillway-1 (Sand Trap) 0.025 0.025 - 6 Power Channel – A 1.400 1.400 - 7 Syphon (Embedded Pipe) 0.750 0.700 0.050 8 Power Channel – B 1.250 1.000 0.250 9 Surge Tank + Dumping Site 0.120 0.120 - 10 Piped Penstock + Spillway-2 0.725 0.600 0.125 11 Power House (+Switch Yard) 0.120 - 0.120 12 Staff Colony + Rest House 0.300 0.300 - 13 Access Road (New) 1.000 0.900 0.100 Sub-Total (a): Project 5.965 5.280 0.685 14 Transmission Line (33KV) 0.252 0.252 - Total Land: 6.217 5.532 0.685 Percentage: 100.0 89.0 11.0 Figures from Resettlement Plan

-16- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

64. A number of village consultations meetings took place in Ranolia and Dubair Village with Affected People and as a result, the alignment of the penstock and the design of the powerhouse were slightly altered to save five houses, while two houses could not be saved. The latter have been considered for relocation against adequate cash compensation, including a relocation and disturbance allowance. During the consultation meetings, an option of relocation by the project was offered but both the affected persons preferred self-relocation.

65. In addition to the permanent land requirement, temporary land acquisition will be needed at two sites, namely at the diversion weir and the powerhouse sites. Total area for temporary acquisition is estimated at 0.15 ha which will be mostly the riverbed or forest/pasture lands, and not the farmlands. This land will be acquired for a maximum period of three years. According to the local rates, the total rent for this land lands is computed at Rs. 90,000 (US$ 1,500). For further details of compensation see the Resettlement Plan.

C Loss of Trees

66. It is estimated that in total 252 trees (pines, other native species and some fruit trees) will be affected by the project and a further 60 will be affected by the transmission lines. The location of trees at the various project locations is given in Table 12).

Table 12: Number of Affected Trees Wild Oak Trees Other Wood Trees Fruit Total Trees Trees No Project Site Large Small Large Small (Mixed) (All) 1 Rock Quarry Site (Weir) 3 6 - - - 9 2 Diversion Weir (3 m high) - - - - - 0 3 Intake Channel (from Weir) - - 1 1 - 2 4 Channel:Gravel+SandTraps - - - - - 0 5 Spillway-1 (Sand Trap) - - - - - 0 6 Power Channel - A 42 16 - - - 58 7 Syphon (Embedded Pipe) 7 3 2 3 - 15 8 Power Channel - B 14 6 30 40 - 90 9 Surge Tank + Dumping Site 6 10 - - - 16 10 Piped Penstock + Spillway-2 4 5 1 9 4 23 11 Power House (+Switchgear) - - - 2 1 3 12 Staff Colony + Rest House - - - 3 - 3 13 Access Road (New) 4 6 2 21 - 33 Sub-Total (a): Project 80 52 36 79 5 252 14 Transmission Line (33KV) 12 24 6 18 - 60 Total Affected Trees: 92 76 42 97 5 312 Figures from Resettlement Plan

D. Construction Impacts and Mitigation

1 Materials

67. Good quality construction stone is available and temporary sites will be identified for small quarries at the weir and siphon sites. A mobile crusher will be required at these small quarries. These sites will be supervised and restored on

-17- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

completion of the work with the planting of trees. Sand for production of concrete for construction of the project will be imported from the lower reaches of the Indus valley, as far down as Dandai-Maira, nearly 50 – 60 km from Dober. These are established quarries alongside the main road, which have been in use a long time for construction of the Karakoram Highway.

2 Construction Activities

68. The canal structure (1.6m wide by 1.7m deep) will be constructed using stone masonry on a labour-intensive basis. The canal will pass through glacial moraine, but there are also some solid rock sections, which are steep and blasting will be required. There is potential for the power canal to be constructed with significant scarring of the landscape and encroachment on downhill slopes if material is pushed down the slopes and not removed or consolidated properly. The penstock will be constructed on steep slopes and there is some habitation and gardens in the general area. It is also intended to construct the penstock over-ground raised on concrete pedestal blocks. Here there is also potential for erosion.

69. To avoid slippage of stone and earth material, stone gabions retaining structures will be used to prevent slippage of soil adjacent to the canal. Maximum use will be made of material in fill areas and there will be proper spoil planning particularly on steep slopes with bench terracing for high cut areas and avoidance of any pushing of material down slopes. Trees will be planted to consolidate and re- vegetate canal and penstock areas (see Table 20 for full details).

70. The siphon 744m in length will transfer the canal from left to right bank of the Khwar. It consists of a steel pipe 1.29m in diameter and it will be buried for most of its length. For the river crossing two alternatives were considered in the previous feasibility study (over or under the Ranolia Khwar bed). The siphon will be raised over the Khwar and will incorporate a 30m bridge, which can be used for local access.

71. It is intended that the canal and siphon construction is undertaken with the temporary erection of rail track and steps using trolleys from Ranolia Khwar banks to the inlet pond and outlet pond for erection of the siphon pipe and also for transport of material to construct the canal. Similarly a second rail track is proposed for penstock construction from power house site to surge bay. Using this method of construction avoids more intrusive temporary road access and will minimise the environmental impact of construction.

3. Road Access

72. This project does not need any additional or exclusive access roads. The site of the powerhouse is located adjacent to an existing sealed road. The existing road up to the weir will be improved, sealed and provided with improved bridges and funds are included in the project budget for this. A 1.5 m wide inspection path will be built alongside the power canal to allow construction of the canal and provide access for operations.

4. Construction Site and Camp Impacts

73. The construction of the project will be manpower intensive and where possible local labour force will be used. The contractor and sub-contractors building the project will require a temporary labour camp accommodation for staff. There may be social impacts, particularly as the local people in the Ranolia area are unused to

-18- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

outsiders. Contractors will be obliged to employ local labour where available and this will be written into contracts. Labour accommodation may be required at different locations – weir, siphon and penstock locations and any camps will be located away from local settlements in the Khwar.

74. Construction camps and the long term residential colony have the potential for environmental impacts in terms of solid and wastewater emissions. Clauses will be placed in sub-contracts to build the project requiring adequate water supply, solid waste and sewage disposal facilities.

75. The main construction site area is intended to be located close to the powerhouse site. With batching plant and material storage there will be associated dust problems. Conditions requiring the contractor to suppress any dust hazards by the use of water spraying of roads during dry periods will be included in contracts.

76. The construction site and any temporary residential areas will be cleaned of all debris and properly restored on completion of construction and when building contractors abandon the site.

E. Loss of Water to the River System

1. Human Impacts

77. As well as some use for drinking water, various activities of the population rely directly on the river for yearlong activities. These activities include watermills (photograph 3), power plants (photograph 2), livestock use and mosques. Irrigation water for crops is only required in the summer months when water flows in the Khwar are naturally relatively high. Adequate water will, therefore, be available for irrigation in summer even when the project is working at full capacity. For the activities which continue throughout the year, it is estimated that a minimum usage of 200 litres/s is required (see Table 8: Water Demand for Community Infrastructure in Winter).

78. Water borne disease is already prevalent in the area. Unfortunately there seem to be no records of testing of the quality of river or spring water for drinking purposes. Any reduction in the amount of water flows in the Ranolia Khwar will increase the public health risk. The potential hazard becomes more acute as river levels drop and there is no or reduced cleansing and dilution process. Taking all the water flow for an extended period from the Khwar will result in stagnation of water and the potential for water borne disease and health risks. It would also exacerbate existing water usage conflicts.

2. Fish Impacts 79. If all the water is taken from the Ranolia Khwar during the winter, there is likely to be severe impacts on fish populations. Any movement of fish upstream will be impossible. Downstream movement will be through the project water delivery and powerhouse and fish will have to pass through the turbine system. Fish breeding activity would be interrupted in the winter. During the five summer months May to September water flows would be sufficient to allow fish to travel to and from the Dubair River to the lakes in the upper reaches of the Ranolia Khwar catchment.

80. There are a whole series of small and medium sized projects identified by SHYDO and WAPDA in NWFP and Swat valleys in the Regional Power Plan. If a number of these projects are constructed and no consideration is given to providing adequate all year round water flows for fish movements, there is likely to be

-19- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

accumulated environmental impacts and reduced overall fish populations, as fish are increasingly denied access to the upper reaches of Pakistan’s river systems.

F Specific Mitigation Measures

1 Compensation and Resettlement 81. A sum of US$ 351,478 is allocated for the various elements of compensation and resettlement including tree compensation (see Table 13: Estimated Cost of Land Acquisition and Resettlement). More details are available in the Resettlement Plan document.

Table 13: Estimated Cost of Land Acquisition and Resettlement Item Description Unit Quantity Mean Rate Estimated Amount No. (Rs./Unit) Rs. US$ 1 Land Acquisition - Forest/Pasture* Ha 5,532 2,127,500 11.769,330 196,156 2 Land Acquisition - Farmlands* Ha 0,685 5,175,000 3,544,875 59,081 3 Temporary Land Acquisition (3 yrs) Ha 0,150 600,000 90,000 1,500 4 Compensation for Affected Houses** No. 2 1.377,500 2,755,000 45,917 5 Compensation for Affected Trees No. 312 573 178,800 2,980 Sub-Total 18,338,005 305,633 9 Contingencies (15%) 2,750,701 45,845 OVERALL COSTS: 21,088,706 351,478 * Including 15% CAS for Land Acquisition. **. Including Land Price and Relocation & Disturbance Allowance at 15% (in line with LAA: 15% CAS).

2. River Water Flow

82. If the project is implemented, as assumed in the previous feasibility report, and all the water in the river is used for power generation, during the winter months (October to April) there will be severe impacts on the ecology, human activities and the health of the population in the 5 km stretch of the Ranolia Khwar.

83. The impacts defined would be significant in the no water scenario, where the river is totally deprived of flow. It is also not acceptable to give the river just enough water to cover the daily human requirement for water in the winter (200 litres/s). It is also impossible to accurately define the quantitative impacts with respect to fish and fish habitat loss and with respect to the human health issues.

84. In the absence of a specific Pakistan guideline for the amount of water to be retained in a watercourse when water is extracted for hydropower purposes, it was decided to employ Swiss standards for residual water. The Swiss mountain topography and hydrology is similar to the mountain streams of northern Pakistan. The minimum residual water flow to be left in a river is determined by a formula. For 18 water bodies with a 500 litres/s discharge for Q347 a residual flow of 280 litres/s must be retained in the water body. For each further discharge of 100 litres/s above 500 litres/s an additional 31 litres/s must be left in the water body.

85. In the case of Ranolia Khwar the Q347 flow is 810 litres/s and the residual flow required is 280 + 124 (4 x 31) = 404 litres/s. It is recommended that 500 litres/s be left in the Khwar.

18 Q347 means the discharge appearing in the river 347 days a year, i.e. more than 95% of the year

-20- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

86. This is the main mitigation measure proposed by this IEE. The design of the project will be revised to provide a guaranteed flow of 500 litres/s. Because the proposed new 500 litres/s winter flow will be less than existing winter flow levels, SHYDO will initially undertake a base line survey of drinking water quality. A follow- up programme of water quality testing will then be undertaken to ensure that drinking water quality standards are met in the river once the project is in operation.

3. Fish Mitigation Measures

87. Ensuring year round water in the river will assist fish populations and will hopefully have little impact on migration and breeding habits. However, as 500 litres/s in the river is still below normal winter flows, it is important that fish populations are monitored. The following points are suggested for sampling:

• immediately below the confluence of Ranolia Khwar with the Dubair River, • in the 5 km stretch of the Ranolia Khwar and, • at a site above the Ranolia Khwar.

88. The fish-monitoring programme is proposed on a quarterly basis using Fisheries Department Peshawar or a consultant (specific programme to be developed in conjunction with Government fisheries specialist). The survey programme should be started as soon as possible to provide base line data on numbers and migration patterns. Costs for the survey are indicated in Table 14 below.

89. It is further strongly recommended that SHYDO commission other fish population surveys in parallel with the Ranolia Khwar survey in the other valley systems where river based hydropower schemes are proposed.

Table 14 Annual Budget for Fish Sampling # Item Rs 1. Hiring of field Assistants (Qualification: M.Sc Zoology) = 1 Nos. 4,800 Four visits @ Rs. 600/ day 2. Hiring of fish anglers = 3 Nos. 2,400 for fish sample collection on four visits @ Rs. 200/ day 3. Hiring of Taxonomist = 1 No. for identification of benthic samples 8,400 4. Hiring of Taxonomist = 1 No. for identification of fish samples 8,400 5. Hiring of security staff = 2 Nos. Four visits @ Rs. 200/ day 1,600 6. Honoraria for Driver Four visits @ Rs. 300/ day 1,200 7. Vehicle + POL charges Four visits @ Rs. 5000/trip 20,000 8. Chemical for operation of equipments 2,500 9. Batteries for operation of equipments 2,500 10. Purchase of sampling bottles 2,000 11. Report Writing 6,000 12. Stationary charges 12,500 13. Honoraria to Fisheries Supervisory Staff 16,700 14. Honoraria Field Staff 8,300 15. Total: 97,300 16. 30 % contribution to the salaries of the official staff will go to the Government 18,900 17. Grand Total 116,200 Based on Information supplied by Fisheries Department NWPF

-21- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

90. The weir intake structure will be designed and constructed to allow the minimum 500 litres/s of water flow to always be maintained in the Ranolia River. This channel will also be designed to ensure that any fish moving up river can easily negotiate the weir intake structure.

91. Metal grills or screens will be provided to the weir intake. These screens have 2cm gaps and will prevent larger fish from passing downstream into the power canal and water delivery system to the powerhouse.

4 Compensation for Loss of Trees and Replanting Programme

92. To compensate for the loss of 312 trees a total cost of compensation of Rs 178,000 (US$ 2,980) is allocated as per Table 15: Estimated Cost of Compensation for Affected Trees of Ranolia HPP.

Table 15: Estimated Cost of Compensation for Affected Trees of Ranolia HPP No. Type of Tree Size Number Rate Amount (Rs./Tree) (Rs.) 1 Wild Oak Trees Large 92 300 27,600 2 Wild Oak Trees Small 76 200 15,200 3 Other Wood Trees Large 42 1,200 50,400 4 Other Wood Trees Small 97 800 77,600 5 Fruit Trees (Mixed) All 5 1,600 8,000 Totals: - 312 - 178,800

93. A tree-planting programme will be implemented through either the Forestry Department or a private consultant. It is estimated that 10 acres of land will need to be re-afforested. The costs of planting and raising trees for a one acre plantation is estimated at Rs 5,364.00 as indicated below in Table 16 Cost Estimates for Raising One Acre Tree Plantations.

Table 16 Cost Estimates for Raising One Acre Tree Plantations # Particulars Work Amount Days (Rs) 1. Digging of 435 pits, 10x10 ft spacing, 1.5 ft 6.5 650.00 deep, @ Rs.100/cft for 625.50/cft. 2. Planting of 435 saplings, including carriage 8.70 870.00 and wing walls around pits, @ 50 plants/day. 3. Procurement of 435 plants, @ Rs.5/plant. - 2,175.00 i. Sub-Total 3,695.00 4. Beating up of 30 % failures in the 2nd year, 131 52 plants. a. Re-opening of 131 pits, 1.5 ft deep, 196.5 cft, 1.96 196.00 @ Rs.100/cft b. Planting of 131 saplings, including carriage 2.62 262.00 and wing walls around pits, @ 50 plants/day. c. Procurement of 131 plants, @ Rs.5/plant. - 655.00 ii. Sub-Total 1,113.00 5. Beating up of 15 % failures in the 3rd year, 65 plants. a. Re-opening of 65 pits, 1.5 ft deep, 98 cft, @ 1 100.00 Rs.100/cft

-22- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

b. Planting of 65 saplings, including carriage and 1.31 131.00 wing walls around pits, @ 50 plants/day. c. Procurement of 65 plants, @ Rs.5/plant. - 325.00 iii. Sub-Total 556.00 Total 5,364.00

94. Rs. 53,640 is, therefore, set aside for a tree raising programme and trees will be planted for slope stabilization along the canal, penstock area and at all project sites such as the weir quarry area. For landscaping implementation and planting of other shrubs and greenery, a further 50% of the tree raising costs (i.e. Rs 26,820) is added. The total amount set aside for trees and landscaping is therefore Rs 80,460.

5. Water Quality Monitoring Program

95. A water monitoring quality program is proposed to assess impacts of reduced water flows in the Ranolia Khwar. Water quality will be sampled and tested against Pakistan and WHO parameters for drinking water quality. It is intended that SHYDO use PCSIR (Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) laboratory at Peshawar for this purpose. Locations for sampling will be discussed with PCSIR but should be taken on a quarterly basis at the following locations:

• at the weir intake, • an intermediate point between weir and the confluence with Dubair Khwar, & • immediately before the confluence of the Ranolia Khwar with the Dubai Khwar.

96. The annual cost of water sampling is indicated in Table 17

Table 17 Annual Budget for Quarterly Analysis of Drinking Water Quality

Details Rs US$ 1. Hiring of Field Assistant @ Rs. 600/ day 2 x 4 x 600 4,800 80 2 Honoraria for Driver @ Rs. 300/ day 2,400 40 3. Vehicle + POL charges @ Rs. 4,250/trip 17,000 283 4. Purchase of sampling bottles 2,000 34 5 Honoraria for Field Assistant 1 x 4 @ 2,000 16,000 266 6 Sample testing @ Rs 5,000 per sample 4 x 3 x 5000 60,000 1,000 Total: 102,200 1,703

G Impacts and Mitigation of Transmission Lines 97. Ranolia powerhouse will be connected to the national grid by a 33 kV transmission line which will be constructed along the Karakorum Highway to Besham, a distance of 36 km. For the 36 km long 33 kV transmission line it is estimated that 0.252 ha of land is required on the basis of 7 poles per kilometre with each pole requiring 10 m². The lines will be within the existing road right-of-way (RoW), for which no additional land acquisition is necessary.

98. The transmission lines do not pass through any protected area, ecological reserve or wildlife habitat. 60 trees will be affected (see Table 12: Number of Affected Trees), and this will be mitigated through a re-plantation programme.

-23- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

VI. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN AND INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

99. Project mitigation measures and costing are indicated in the Table 18 Proposed Mitigation Costs below. The measures for tree plantation, water and fish sampling require ongoing monitoring will be managed and monitored by SHYDO.

Table 18 Proposed Mitigation Costs

# Mitigation Measure Total (Rs) Total $US 1. Land acquisition costs including compensation for 18,338,005 305,633 loss of trees. 2. Plantation of trees & landscaping on slopes & for 80,460 1,341 restoration of quarry area & at other locations 3. Sample water testing on quarterly basis, as per 102,200 1,703 WHO and Ministry of Health parameters at (i) weir intake, (ii) intermediate point between weir & confluence of Ranolia Khwar with main river, & (iii) immediately above the confluence with the Dubair Khwar. 4 Fish survey, with specific focus on the availability of 116,200 1,937 various varieties, its quantification, breeding period, and migration patterns. 5 Environment & Resettlement Implementation 5,500,000 99,666 Specialist & Monitoring Sub-Total 24,136,800 402,280 15% contingencies 3,620,520 60,342

Total 27,757,320 462,622 3 to 5 are annual costs

100. The Environmental Management Plan is developed in full in Table 20. Supervision and implementation of the EMP will be undertaken by SHYDO management in conjunction with proposed implementation specialists.

101. SHYDO will also obtain approvals from EPA GoNWFP and then monitor the project and forward monitoring reports on a regular basis to the Provincial EPA as per the requirements of the Federal EPA regulations. This IEE and the EMP will form the basis of a submission for environmental approval from the EPA GoNWFP.

102. SHYDO will be responsible for ensuring that conditions are included in project construction contract documents. It will also ensure that during the construction phase, environmental mitigation measures, as per the EMP, are effective and are implemented. The EMP implementation will be coordinated with relevant Government Agencies such as Forest, Fisheries and Wildlife Departments, for such activities as securing removal permits for trees on the power canal route and the implementation of the monitoring programmes.

103. SHYDO has engineering and support staff, but has no specific capacity or qualified personnel in the environment and resettlement fields. SHYDO is, however, currently responsible for the Malakand III project and wants to develop other hydropower projects in NWFP. To handle its general environmental responsibilities SHYDO will develop the necessary capacity and allocate manpower to specifically implement the Ranolia Khwar environmental management plan and monitoring programme.

-24- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

104. SHYDO will create an Environmental and Social Development Cell (ESDC) similar to that already at WAPDA. The cell will consist of two members: an environmental specialist and a resettlement specialist. The ESDC will work in close cooperation with the respective field-based office on the day-to-day activities of the Short Resettlement Plan implementation. ToR for these positions is attached in Annex 3.

105. As SHYDO does not yet have the expertise and capacity required for implementing the IEE and Resettlement Plan, it will have to depend on additional external technical assistance and will, therefore, hire the following additional expertise:

• Two part time Implementation Consultants (Environmental and Resettlement Specialists) who will be directly hired by SHYDO, to provide technical assistance in implementation of the environment and resettlement plans and the EMP; • Another part-time Consultant (External Monitoring) will be hired to conduct the external monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the EMP and resettlement activities for the project.

106. The two Implementation Consultants (ToR in Annex 3) will carry out internal on-the-job training and institutional capacity building for the members of the newly appointed Environmental and Resettlement Development Cell, thus supporting SHYDO to acquire the necessary expertise to implement EMPs and resettlement plans by itself in future.

Table 19 Estimate for Environmental & Resettlement Specialist & Monitoring Item Description Unit Quantity Average Estimated Amount Rate No. (Rs. /Unit) Rs US $ 1 Environment Specialist (Package) PM 12 150,000 1,800,000 30,000 2 Environmental Monitoring & PM 4 200,000 800,000 13,333 Evaluation 3 Resettlement Specialist PM 12 150,000 1,800,000 30,000 (Package) 4 Resettlement Monitoring & PM 4 200,000 800,000 13,333 Evaluation Training, Information Brochure 300,000 5,000 and Consultation Meetings 5 Total cost 350,000 5,500,000 91,666 6 Contingencies (15 %) 825,000 13,750 7 Total with contingencies 6,325,000 105,416

VII. CONCLUSION, FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

107. The IEE was conducted using the ADB screening matrix. There are no impacts on wildlife or sites of historic or archaeological importance. The main impact identified in this environmental examination is the potential removal of all water flow from the 5.0 km stretch of the Ranolia Khwar during the winter months when water flow is naturally much reduced. If the project were to be carried out by taking away all

-25- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

the water flow in winter, there would be significant human and ecological impacts. There is considerable human activity in the river valley and water is used for micro- hydro projects to provide power to the people of Ranolia. Grain grinding water mills use the water and it is a source of drinking water for human and livestock in the winter months.

108. The main measure to mitigate impacts caused by the Ranolia Khwar project is the guaranteed provision of a minimum of 500 litres/s of water flow to the river. The foregone electricity generation is a major cost to the project. Keeping 500 litre/s of water in the river will allow the river to continue to be used for water supply in the winter. It will also allow the cleansing of the riverbed and negation of any harmful effects of sewage and rubbish concentrating in the river system along the 5 km stretch of the Ranolia Khwar.

109. There is potential for construction impacts in the steep mountain terrain and it is important that construction activities are controlled through careful monitoring of activities by SHYDO. Measures are included in the EMP attached to this IEE.

110. The project will have limited environmental impacts with the mitigation and environmental management plan proposed. A full EIA is not required. It is important, however, that SHYDO as the Implementing Agency develops its internal capacity to implement and monitor the measures in the EMP. This has been designed into the project by requiring the setting up of an Environmental monitoring Unit in SHYDO and the appointment of environmental & resettlement specialists and the hiring of an independent monitor.

-26- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

Table 20 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Environmental Aspect & Institutional Responsibility Remedial Measure Means of Implementation Potential Impact Implementation Supervision Design /Pre-construction Components Project construction & - Design for maximise ratio of waste cut and fill materials. Proper planning. Measures Design consultants SHYDO potential loss of property, - Alignment of canal, siphon, penstock, power house and tail race to avoid to be added in relevant & SHYDO. agricultural & other land dwellings and other features wherever possible parts of contract uses - Compensation at market rates, prior to work commencement. documents. Excavation of construction - Maximum use of existing quarry & borrow areas already in operation. Proper planning and Design consultants SHYDO materials and development - Degraded, barren, riverbeds & wastelands to be used for borrow materials. measures to be added in & SHYDO. of quarries & borrow areas the relevant parts of causing loss of alternative contract documents. land use Reduced water flows and - Base line water testing to begin on quarterly basis will be undertaken at (i) Planning & add measure to Design consultants SHYDO reduction in water quality in weir, (ii) between weir and Dubair River & (iii) immediately above the relevant parts of contract & SHYDO. Water the existing river course. confluence of Khwar with Dubair Khwar. documents. testing at PCSIR lab - Keep residual water flow in river to meet population needs. Peshawar. Water diverted from the river - Keeping adequate residual water flow in the river. Undertake base line fish Survey undertaken by Dept leaving reduced water survey on quarterly basis in river and catchment. Continue survey through of Fisheries, NWFP or impacting on fish activity other stages of project. consultant Construction stage Earth Works for upgrading & Slopes along upgraded access road & penstock will be provided with; Careful monitoring. Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, access road. Construction of - Catchments/ cut-off drains & chutes to minimize soil erosion. Environment EPA, weir site, siphon, penstock - Masonry retaining structures. Engineer on steep slopes leading to - Formation of sediment basins & slope drains. erosion & encroachment - Maximum usage of material in fill areas. - Spoil planning particularly on steep slope with bench terracing for high cut areas &- avoidance of any pushing over of material on down slopes - Tree planting programme on canal and penstock areas. Taking of Borrow Materials - No earth will be borrowed from cultivable lands. Conditions included in Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, with potential for loss and - Borrowing to take place from barren, wastelands, & riverbeds. contracts. Careful Environment EPA degradation of land - For new borrow areas, all measures will be taken avoid loss of productive soil. monitoring Engineer - Any borrow areas will be refilled, re-vegetated & landscaped. Taking of Quarry Materials - Quarry materials will be obtained from existing operating sites with proper Careful monitoring Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, with loss and degradation of licenses & environmental clearances. Environment EPA land - New quarries to be opened only with permission of respective authorities. Engineer Operation of construction - Fuel storage & refuelling will have adequate containment away from water Careful monitoring of Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, equipment and construction bodies/channel. Equipment will be properly maintained. conditions included in Environment EPA

-27- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

Environmental Aspect & Institutional Responsibility Remedial Measure Means of Implementation Potential Impact Implementation Supervision activities and contamination - Precautions to be taken to prevent water pollution due to increased siltation & contracts Engineer of soils, loss of water quality turbidity from weir site, siphon & road construction particularly in winter month & water pollution when flows are low and water used for drinking. - Approved sites defined for storage & disposal of wastes materials - Any waste petroleum products will be collected, stored, & disposed of at approved sites as per Hazardous Waste Management Act. Construction activities - Appropriate rain-storm-water channels will be constructed. Proper planning and Design consultants SHYDO causing disruption of existing - Provision for cross drainage structures will be made. measures to be added in & SHYDO. surface drains, water - Immediate rehabilitation of damaged irrigation channels for irrigation & other the relevant parts of Contractor’s channels and water supply uses such as hydropower and water mills. contract documents. Environment - Identify existing water pipes supplying Ranolia village. Avoid and/or realign Careful monitoring of site Engineer etc. No interruption of drinking water supply will take place. conditions Construction Camp & - The construction camp will be located away from Ranolia settlements close to Careful monitoring of site Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, Residential colony. Social the powerhouse site. conditions and Environment EPA impacts & pollution from - Camps & residential colon will have properly designed sewage system for implementation of contract Engineer wastewater & solid waste wastewater effluent and solid waste collection. conditions. Emission from Construction - Emission levels of all construction vehicles & equipment will conform to the Careful monitoring Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, Vehicles & Equipments Pakistan emission standards. Environment EPA causing air pollution - Pollutant parameters will be monitored during construction. Engineer - Crushing, & concrete plants will be away from population centres at weir & surge tank sites Dust particulate causing - All precautions to be taken to reduce dust level emissions from batching Careful monitoring Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, health impacts for workers plants & portable crushers at weir and penstock sites. Environment EPA and villagers - Regular water spraying at all mixing sites & temporary service roads will be Engineer undertaken. - All delivery vehicles will be covered with tarpaulin. Mixing equipment will be sealed & equipped as per existing standards. Construction activity Noise - All construction equipment & plants will conform to EPA NEQS noise Careful monitoring Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, from Vehicles, Plant & standards. Environment EPA, Equipment causing noise - All vehicles & equipment to be fitted with noise abatement devices. Engineer pollution - Construction workers will be provided with earplugs. Noise pollution from Blasting - Blasting works will be in accordance with Pakistan Explosives Act. Careful planning & Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, activities at weir and power - No blasting between dusk & dawn. monitoring Environment EPA canal route, pond area and - Residents close by will be informed well in advance of blasting times. Engineer penstock. - Workers associated with blasting sites will be provided with earplugs, helmets & other safety devices. Construction of weir, power - No trees to be removed without prior approval of FD and trees requiring Careful monitoring of Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, canal, pond and penstock removal will be paint-marked. measures to be Environment EPA, with loss of Vegetation & - Compensation for lost trees. implemented using Forestry Engineer using Tree cover. - Plantation Programme implemented at weir site, construction platform, Department of private Forestry Department

-28- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

Environmental Aspect & Institutional Responsibility Remedial Measure Means of Implementation Potential Impact Implementation Supervision penstock and other elements of the project. Indigenous tree species being contractor. of sub-contractor accorded priority over exotic species. Work force during - Construction workers to be educated for wildlife conservation with no hunting Contractor to enforce Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, construction causing impacts & poaching to be allowed for workers. measures included in Environment EPA to wildlife contract Engineer Construction Activities & - All blasting sites will have warning & clearance signals. Site will be inspected Inclusion of measures in Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, Accident Risks prior/after blasting. contracts and follow up Environment EPA - Workers will be provided helmets, masks & safety goggles etc. monitoring Engineer - A readily available first aid unit with dressing materials etc. - Road safety education will be given to construction vehicle drivers. - Traffic management will be ensured during road construction periods. - Information dissemination through banners & local announcement at mosques about project time frame, activities causing disruption & any temporary arrangements for public relief will take place Construction Activities - All public utilities likely to be impacted, such as water supply pipe system, To be added in the relevant Design consultants SHYDO causing disruption to Public power/phone lines etc must be relocated to suitable places, in consultations parts of contract & SHYDO. Utilities with local beneficiaries. documents.

Operational Stage Reduced water flow in river - Provide guaranteed winter flow of water in the Khwar Measurements Undertaken SHYDO’s SHYDO impairing socio-economic - Regular monitoring of the quantity of daily water flows below the weir intake. by SHYDO hydrology Environment activities of population in the - Check water usage of local people to determine if new flow regime is engineers Engineer valley adequate and any pattern of increased usage from the river. Erosion in river bed of - Place riprap in river bed at immediate area where water discharges from During construction phase Contractor’s SC, SHYDO, Dubair river from powerhouse to the Dubair River implementation of contract Environment EPA powerhouse discharge conditions. Engineer Low flows in river causing - Water quality sampling programme on quarterly basis of river water drinking Water testing at by SHYDO’s SHYDO water quality & health water quality for parameters of WHO & GOP at (i) weir intake, (ii) intermediate laboratory in Peshawar Environment problems point between weir and Dubair River, & (iii) at confluence with Dubair River. Engineer Changed pattern of water - Fish survey, with specific focus on the fish varieties, numbers, breeding period Department of Fisheries Fisheries SHYDO flows in the river causing & migration patterns. Monitoring upriver, in Khwar and below confluence with Peshawar or consultant Department reduced fish numbers and Dubair River on quarterly basis during the life of the project. SHYDO’s species Environment Engr Soil erosion, land degrada- - Maintenance of trees and vegetative cover over initial five year of project Using sub-contractor or SHYDO’s SHYDO tion & vegetation loss along power canal, penstock, access road and at other project infrastructure. Forestry Department Environment Engr particularly on steep slopes

-29- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

ANNEX 1 List Of Organizations/Persons Contacted/Visited

NAME ADDRESS TELEPHONE FAX E-MAIL Mr. Javed Khan Gilani, Secretary Irrigation Irrigation Department, Civil Secretariat, Peshawar. Mr. Bahadar Shah, Director Planning # 375, WAPDA House, Shahmi Road, Peshawar. +92-91-9211995 +92-91-9211988 Engr: Zahid Hussain Akhtar Sabri, Deputy Director # 375, WAPDA House, Shahmi Road, Peshawar. +92-91-9211995 +92-91-9211988 [email protected] (Electrical) Mr. Farhat Mahmood, Deputy Director # 375, WAPDA House, Shahmi Road, Peshawar. +92-91-9211995 +92-91-9211988 Mr. Habib Khan, Deputy Project Manager Malakand III Project, Dargai, Malakand. Mr. Masood Pervaiz Quereshi, Superintending Mardan Irrigation Circle, Nisata Road, Mardan. +92-931-9230194 Engineer IRRIGATION & POWER DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB Engr: Mohammad Yaqub, Director Technical (Power) 1st Floor, Central Design Building, Old Anarkali, +92-42-9212799 +92-42-9212795 Lahore. Mr. Liaqat Iqbal, Executive Engineer (Barrage) Marala Headwork, Sialkot. +92-432-502102 +92-432-502121 Mr. Syed Sajed Hussain Rizvi, SDO (Barrage) Marala Headwork, Sialkot. +92-432-502102 WAPDA, HYRDO ELECTRIC POWER ORGANIZATION Mr. Syed Wali Waheed, Director WAPDA Environmental Cell, # 3 Canal Bank, +92-42-6849506 Mughalpura, Lahore. +92-303-6457569 MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Dr. Muhammad Bashir Khan, Director General NWFP EPA, Old Court Building, 3rd Floor, Khyber Road, +92-91-9210421 +92-91-9210280 [email protected] Peshawar. +92-91-9210263 Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan, Deputy Director NWFP EPA, Old Court Building, 3rd Floor, Khyber Road, +92-91-9210282 +92-91-9210280 [email protected] Peshawar. +92-91-9210148 FOREST DEPARTMENT Mr. Ghazi Marjan Khan, Chief Conservator Forests Forest Office Complex, Shami Road, Peshawar. Mr. Hazrat Mir, Range Officer (Bahrain Range) Forest Offices, Bahrain, Upper Swat. Mr. Shireen Zada Khan, Forest Guard Forest Offices, Utror, Upper Swat. Mr. Muhammad Ikram Khan, DFO Nisata Road, Mardan. +931-923005 WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT Mr. Abdul Faraz Khan, DFO (Wildlife) Forest Office Complex, Shami Road, Peshawar. +92-91-9211479 +92-91-2561235 [email protected] Mr. Israr Khan, RFO (Wildlife) Forest Office Complex, Shami Road, Peshawar. +92-91-9211479 +92-91-2561235 Mr. Niaz A. Khan, RFO (Wildlife) Forest Office Complex, Shami Road, Peshawar. +92-91-9211479 +92-91-2561235 Mr. Amanullah Khan, RFO (Wildlife) Near Bilal Masjid, Nowshera Road, Mardan. +92-931-71823 -i- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

NAME ADDRESS TELEPHONE FAX E-MAIL FISHERIES DEPARTMENT Mr. Umar Hayat Khan, Director Forest Office Complex, Shami Road, Peshawar. +92-91-9212096 Mr. Abid Sohail, Assistant Director Forest Office Complex, Shami Road, Peshawar. +92-300-9202761 Mr. Chaman Gul, Fishery Watcher Bahrain, Upper Swat. HEALTH DEPARTMENT Dr. Fazal Ahad, Medical Officer Basic Health Unit, Bahrain, Upper Swat. Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman, Medical Officer Basic Health Unit, Dobair, Kohistan. +92-987-404138 Mr. Shamsul Haq, Veterinary Technician Veterinary Dispensary, Dobair, Kohistan. DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Mr. Muhammad Ishfaq Khan, Project Director Malakand Rural Development Project, PO Box – 14, +92-936-817101-3 +92-936-817100 [email protected] Kalam Road, Fizaghat, Mingora, Swat. Mr. Fazal S. Khan, Program Manager (Agriculture, Malakand Rural Development Project, PO Box – 14, +92-936-817101-3 +92-936-817100 [email protected] Livestock & NRM) Kalam Road, Fizaghat, Mingora, Swat. NGOs & CBOs Mr. Iqmail Hussain Shah, Regional Project Manager Mountain Area Conservancy Project, # 1Haji Ghamay +92-936-726530-1 +92-936-711776 [email protected] Laar, Makan Bagh, Mingora, Swat. Mr. Hameed Hasan, Coordinator Governance IUCN Sarhad Program, # 109, Street 2, Defence +92-91-5271728 +92-91-275093 [email protected] Officers Colony, Peshawar. g Dr. Javed Khan, Country Leader, Snow Leopard WWF – Pakistan, # 34-D/2, SAQ Road, University +92-91-5852845-6 +92-91-5841594 [email protected] Conservation Program Town, Peshawar. COMMUNITY MEMBERS & OTHERS Mr. Dildar Khan, ex-Nazim Union Council Utror, Kalam, Upper Swat. +92-946-830118 Mr. Karim Khan, ex-Nazim Union Council Bahrain, Upper Swat. Mr. Syed Altaf Hussain, District Revenue Officer District Government Office Complex, Saidu Sharif, Swat.

-ii- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

HYDROPOWER ANNEX 2 Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist Instructions:

• This checklist is to be prepared to support the environmental classification of a project. It is to be attached to the environmental categorization form that is to be prepared and submitted to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Regional and Sustainable Development Department.

• This checklist is to be completed with the assistance of an Environment Specialist in a Regional Department.

• This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social dimensions are adequately considered, refer also to ADB checklists and handbooks on (i) involuntary resettlement, (ii) indigenous peoples planning, (iii) poverty reduction, (iv) participation, and (v) gender and development.

• 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: Pakistan (NWFP) / Small Hydel Power Development Project (Ranolia Khawar)

Sector Division: South Asian Infrastructure Division

SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS A. Project Siting

Is the Project area adjacent to or within any of the following environmentally sensitive areas? ‰ Cultural heritage site There are no known archaeological, cultural or religious X heritage site located within close proximity of the project area. No protected areas have been reported within the project ‰ Protected Area X area of environmental influence. There are no wetlands within project area of environmental X influence. By virtue of being a mountainous area, there are ‰ Wetland white water streams in the valley bed. Some high altitude lakes have been reported in the Ranolia Khawar. ‰ Mangrove Not applicable.

‰ Estuarine Not applicable.

‰ Buffer zone of protected area Not applicable.

‰ Special area for protecting biodiversity No special areas for biodiversity protection are close to X project site. B. Potential Environmental Impacts

Will the Project cause…

‰ Loss of precious ecological values due to There are no chances of encroachment on ecological, flooding of agricultural/forest areas, and X agricultural or forest areas. wild lands and wildlife habitat; destruction There a potential for negative impacts on fish spawning, of fish spawning/breeding and nursery breeding and nursery grounds, as well as fish migration grounds, and disruption of fish migration routes. routes?

-iii- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS ‰ Loss of archaeological, historical or No archaeological, historical or cultural sites/monuments cultural monuments? X have been reported in the project area.

‰ Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of There is potential for impacts on residences in the people? X powerhouse and tailrace area.

‰ Disruption of tribal/indigenous people? Homogeneity of tribal or indigenous people will not be X affected due to this project.

‰ Environmental degradation from increased Minor environmental degradation may occur mainly due pressure on land? X to construction activities - workers camps, fuel spillage, free rolling of spoil and others. ‰ Conflicts on water supply rights and Water rights conflicts may occur in winter season of related social conflicts? X lowest water flow for operation of water-mills, livestock use, hydropower generators and for drinking & washing requirements. ‰ Decreased production from capture There is no dam and no submersion of river stretches fisheries due to submersion of river X but there will be negative impacts on fish due to low stretches and associated flood channels, flows or water stoppages in winters, which will make the and resultant destruction of fish breeding natural river bed almost dry. and nursery grounds? ‰ Proliferation of aquatic weeds in reservoir NA as there is no dam and reservoir to the project and downstream impairing dam discharge, irrigation systems, navigation and fisheries, and increasing water loss through transpiration? ‰ Scouring of riverbed below the dam? NA as no dam is constructed in this project

‰ Increased incidence of waterborne or There is potential for increased chances of water related water related diseases? X diseases with reduced river flows as there is poor sanitation conditions and improper solid waste disposal. Some of population living along the river and the hotels discharge their wastewater directly into the river. ‰ Depletion of dissolved oxygen by large Not applicable as there is no dam or significant water quantities of decaying plant material, fish storage capacity in the project design. mortality due to reduced dissolved oxygen content in water, algal blooms causing successive and temporary eutrophication, growth and proliferation of aquatic weeds? ‰ Deterioration of water quality in the Not applicable as there is no large reservoir or water reservoir? retention for longer than a day.

‰ Decline or change in the fisheries below There will be impact on fish in the Ranolia Khwar and dams due to reduced peak flows and X the rive system above. This will affect fish populations floods and water quality changes? below the power house as the Ranolia Khwar is probably used for fish breeding. ‰ Loss of migratory fish species due to the There is no dam. But any fish which migrate in winters, impediment posed by the dam? X will have negative impacts, as there will be negligible flow. ‰ Formation of sediment deposits at There is no reservoir involved and no chances of any reservoir entrance, creating backwater X water-logging in the steep fast flowing Khwar. effect and flooding and water-logging upstream?

‰ Sedimentation of reservoir and loss of NA no large dam or storage facility included in the storage capacity? project

‰ Alteration of water quality due to NA no large dam or reservoir with this project evaporation in reservoir, lowered temperatures during low flow periods, silt concentration in density currents, low dissolved oxygen, and high levels of iron

-iv- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

SCREENING QUESTIONS Yes No REMARKS and manganese? ‰ Salinization of floodplain lands and Not applicable. saltwater intrusion in estuary and upstream? ‰ Decrease in floodplain agriculture? Not applicable.

‰ Introduction or increase in incidence of Incidence of water-related diseases are likely to increase waterborne or water-related diseases? X in the winter period of low water flow. Some of the population living on the river banks and the hotels discharge their wastewater directly into the river, without any treatment. ‰ Environmental problems arising from The improvement of access and the introduction of uncontrolled human migration into the X electric power to the area may contribute some in- area, made possible by access roads and migration on a small scale. transmission lines?

-v- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

ANNEX 3 Terms of Reference for ESDC Staff and External Specialists

A. Terms of Reference for SHYDO/ ESDC Environment Engineer

Specific Job Description

• Responsible on behalf of SHYDO for ensuring the implementation of the IEE and EMP. • Facilitate SHYDO and the design/supervision consultants in the site-specific environmental issues to ensure the least damages and disturbances to the natural environment and social values of the local residents. • Examine, evaluate and advise persons in adopting suitable, cost-effective, socio- cultural, socially sensitive, and sound engineering project design, where the local residents receive the least disturbance. • Conduct a cross checking and vetting of design/specification, tender, and contract documents, making them suitably orientated towards the environmental and sound engineering needs for the successful site selection, construction, and post-completion operation and maintenance of the project in an environment friendly manner. • Recommend revision of Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans to PMU so that the proposed mitigation measures are properly implemented in a cost effective manner. • Ensure water testing on regular basis, note any changes and adopt suitable measures, accordingly and analyse results and make recommendations to SHYDO if there is deterioration in water quality. • Supervise implementation of water quality testing and fish monitoring programmes. • Provide information as necessary to external consultants. • Ensure environmental conditions included in contracts are fulfilled by contractors. • Establish regular contacts and on-going liaison with EPA, Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Departments, local/regional NGOs, local officials, and all other stakeholders connected with the project related environmental issues. • Collect environment related ecological/social data/information, make computer data entries, carry out the analysis and apply the results. • Liaison between SHYDO and the GoNWFP, particularly the Environmental Protection Agency Peshawar who must receive 6 monthly reports on compliance with the EMP.

Qualifications

The ESDC Environmental Engineer is required to at least, to hold a Bachelor’s degree and five years work experience in road engineering or as an environmental engineer on construction projects

-vi- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

B. Job Description – SHYDO/ ESDC Resettlement Officer Social Scientist

Specific Tasks

• Conduct a crosschecking and vetting of specification conflicts, tender, and contract documents, making them suitably orientated towards the social needs of the residents in the area of project operations. • Make the specification document congruent in the proposed social mitigation measures, so that it is congruent to all other project related planning. • Conduct vigilant monitoring of the implementation of the Resettlement Plans and Land Compensation Activities so that the affected persons and communities are paid their due share of compensation in a timely manner well before the commencement of construction work. • Supervise SHYDO/PMU, consultants and the contractor in adherence to the resettlement plan as per their respective obligations. • Maintain an on-going intra-departmental and inter-departmental liaison and coordination with all concerned. • Establish regular contacts with EPA, Forest, Wildlife, and Fisheries Departments, local/regional NGOs, local officials, and all other stakeholders connected with the project- related social and environmental issues. • Supervise the collection of socio-environment data/information, supervise computer data entries, carry out the analysis and apply the results.

Qualifications

The ESDC Social Scientist/Resettlement Specialist is required to hold a Master’s degree in social sciences and five years work experience in an organization such as Local Government and Rural Development Department or any other development project.

ToR for this person is taken from the Resettlement Report for the Project

-vii- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

Terms of Reference for SHYDO/ESDC External Specialists

A. Terms of Reference SHYDO/ESDC External Specialist Environmental Engineer

As an integral part of Environmental Cell of SHYDO, the Environmental Engineer is required to discharge maximum engineering application responsibilities. He is required, at least, to hold a Bachelor’s degree and five years work experience in road engineering. Job activities for this officer will consist of the following responsibilities:

• Facilitate SHYDO and the design/supervision consultants in the site-specific environmental issues in a manner which is entailing the least damages and disturbances to the natural environment and social values of the local residents. • Examine, evaluate and advise persons in adopting suitable, cost-effective, socio- cultural, socially sensitive, and sound engineering project design, where the local residents receive the least disturbance. • Conduct a cross checking and vetting of design/specification, tender, and contract documents, making them suitably orientated towards the environmental and sound engineering needs for the successful site selection, construction, and post-completion operation and maintenance of the project in an environment friendly manner. • Make the specification document congruent in the proposed social and vegetative mitigation measures for the entire project, adopting a holistic approach and methodology. • Conduct Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans so that the proposed mitigation measures are being implemented in a cost effective manner. • Ensure that EMP is implemented in letter and sprits, if warranted, make suitable adjustments. • Ensure water testing on regular basis, note any changes and adopt suitable measures, accordingly. • Facilitate SHYDO, appointed consultants and contractors in adopting the environmental plans as per their contract deeds. • Maintain adequate liaison and coordination with other environmental staff persons. • Establish regular contacts and on-going liaison with EPA, Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Departments, local/regional NGOs, local officials, and all other stakeholders connected with the project related environmental issues. • Collect environment related ecological/social data/information, make computer data entries, carry out the analysis and apply the results. • Act as an advisor to SHYDO, the parent department, and the GoNWFP, who must be kept apprised for the then prevalent site-specific environmental issues, if any.

-viii- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

B. Terms of Reference for SHYDO/ESDC External Resettlement Specialist

The external Consultant for Resettlement will support SHYDO/PMU and ESDC in implementing the Resettlement Plan. He/she is an advisor to SHYDO/PMU/ESDC and controls the implementation of the Resettlement Plan as agreed upon between the concerned parties. This covers but is not limited to the following activities:

• Design and produce an information brochure in Urdu to be used for Information/ disclosure to the Affected Persons. • Support SHYDO/ESDC in finally measuring the permanently and temporarily required land at the project site. • Ensure that the required official request for land acquisition to District Revenue Officer Kohistan, FMU is followed up by SHYDO/PMU. • Conduct consultation meetings regularly with Affected Persons on resettlement matters and provide all necessary information related to their entitlements, necessary legal documentation, and procedures of payments, and estimated payment schedules, finalize entitlement packages for individual Affected Persons as per the entitlement matrix and also assist them in receiving payments • Monitor all land acquisition and resettlement related activities and prepare progress reports on behalf of PMU/ESDC highlighting monthly progress in all areas as well as implementation issues/constraints that require decisions by SHYDO/PMU and other agencies involved. • Ensure the information, consultation and participation of the affected people and the Ranolia and Dubair communities, so that the socio-cultural and socio-economic site specific issues are integrated in the Resettlement Plan implementation. • Supervise the integration of the different agreed upon alterations in the project design to mitigate resettlement effects and minimize them. • Examine, evaluate and advise SHYDO/PMU/ESDC in adopting a suitable, cost- effective, socio-cultural and socially sensitive final project design, where the local residents of Ranolia receive the least disturbance in resettlement. • Inform the concerned parties regularly about the RP implementation progress and mention bottlenecks in order to avoid time delay. • Supervise compensation payments to affected people and community. • Support ESDC in creating and organising the RAC and GRC. Inform the committees about their tasks. • Organize with SHYDO/ESDC a workshop on ADB policies and guidelines concerning Involuntary Resettlement and the implementation procedures of a RP. • Act as an advisor to SHYDO/PMU/EDSDC in all resettlement associated questions.

-ix- RANOLIA Feasibility Study: Environment Assessment

ANNEX 4 Photos of Ranolia Project Site 1 22

Existing access road on right bank of the ViewView fromfrom leftleft bankbank - - existingexisting micro-micro- Khwar and maize field (MR). hydropowerhydropower plantplant closeclose toto siphonsiphon crossingcrossing pointpoint (MR). (MR). 3 44

Maize grinding mill in operation (DR). SiteSite of of the the weir weir intake intake on on the the left left bank bank (DR). (DR). 5 6 6

Ranolia river close to confluence with Duber ViewView from from right right bank bank upriver upriver (DR). (DR). river (MR).

-x-