Environmental Impact Assessment Report Dowarian Hydropower Project AJ&K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 PROJECT AREA ...... 2 1.2 ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) ...... 2 1.2.1 Objectives of the EIA ...... 2 1.2.2 Approach and Methodology ...... 4 1.2.2.1 Scoping ...... 4 1.2.2.2 Identification of Potential Impacts: ...... 4 1.2.2.3 Baseline Data Collection ...... 4 1.2.2.4 Impact Assessment ...... 5 1.2.3 Project Proponents ...... 5 1.2.4 Project Consultants...... 5 1.2.5 Organization of this Report ...... 6
2 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 7 2.1 NATIONAL POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 7 2.1.1 Overview ...... 7 2.1.2 The AJK, Environmental Protection Act, 2000 ...... 8 2.1.3 Regulations for Environmental Assessment ...... 8 2.1.4 Guidelines for Environmental Assessment ...... 9 2.1.5 National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) ...... 9 2.1.6 National Resettlement Policy and Ordinance ...... 10 2.1.7 The Land Acquisition Act, 1894 ...... 10 2.1.8 The Forest Act, 1927 and the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 ...... 10 2.1.9 The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Regulations, 1930 ...... 11 2.1.10 The AJK Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 1975 ...... 11 2.1.11 Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Ordinance, 2012 ...... 11 2.1.12 The Antiquities Act, 1975 ...... 13 2.1.13 The Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, and Rules, 1969 ...... 13 2.1.14 The Factories Act, 1934 ...... 14 2.1.15 The Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 ...... 14 2.1.16 The Explosives Act, 1884 ...... 14 2.2 INTERACTION WITH OTHER AGENCIES ...... 15 2.2.1 AJK- EPA ...... 15 2.2.2 Revenue Departments of AJK ...... 16 2.2.3 AJK of Forestry and Wildlife Departments ...... 16 2.2.4 Local Government and Municipalities ...... 16 2.3 APPLICABLE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ...... 17 2.3.1 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer ...... 17 2.3.2 UN (Rio) Convention on Biological Diversity ...... 17 2.3.3 The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, 1971 (Ramsar Convention) ...... 17 2.3.4 Conventions on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and Migratory Species ...... 18
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2.3.5 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ...... 18 2.3.6 Kyoto Protocol ...... 18 2.3.7 The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure ...... 18 2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES OF TURK EXIM BANK ...... 18 2.4.1 Screening and Classification ...... 19 2.4.2 Environmental Review ...... 20 2.4.3 Evaluation, Decision and Monitoring ...... 20 2.5 CATEGORIZATION OF THE PROJECT ...... 20
3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 21 3.1 GENERAL ...... 21 3.2 LOCATION ...... 21 3.2.1 Site Accessibility ...... 21 3.2.2 Route Distance ...... 24 3.3 MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT ...... 24 3.3.1 The Weir ...... 25 3.3.2 Power intake ...... 28 3.3.3 Connecting Channel ...... 28 3.3.4 Sandtrap ...... 28 3.3.5 Power Tunnel...... 29 3.3.6 Surge Tank ...... 32 3.3.7 Penstock ...... 32 3.3.8 Powerhouse ...... 33 3.3.9 Transmission Line ...... 34 3.3.9.1 Dispersal of Power ...... 34 3.3.9.2 Transmission Line Route ...... 34 3.3.9.3 Construction & Related Impacts of Transmission ...... 34 3.4 PROJECT LIFE ...... 34 3.5 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE ...... 39 3.6 CONSTRUCTION CAMP AND WORKFORCE ...... 39 3.7 SITE INSTALLATION AND MOBILIZATION ...... 40 3.8 CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY ...... 40 3.9 DELINEATION OF THE STUDY AREA ...... 40 3.10 LAND ACQUISITION PROCESS ...... 43 3.11 PROJECT COST ...... 44
4 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 45 4.1 GENERAL ...... 45 4.2 AREA OF STUDY ...... 45 4.3 LAND ENVIRONMENT ...... 47 4.3.1 Geological Setting...... 47 4.3.2 Seismicity...... 48 4.3.2.1 Results of Seismic Hazard Assessment ...... 51 4.3.3 Lithological Units...... 51 4.3.3.1 Soil Units ...... 51 4.3.3.2 ABGM ...... 52 4.3.3.3 RBGM ...... 52 4.3.3.4 ABG ...... 52 4.3.3.5 RBG ...... 52 4.3.4 Rock Units ...... 52
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4.3.4.1 Schists ...... 52 4.3.4.2 Gneiss ...... 52 4.3.4.3 Granite ...... 53 4.3.5 Climate...... 53 4.3.5.1 Temperature ...... 54 4.3.5.2 Precipitation ...... 55 4.3.6 Catchment Area ...... 56 4.3.7 Flows at Dowarian ...... 58 4.3.7.1 Measured Flows at Dowarian Nullah ...... 58 4.4 COMPENSATION WATER ...... 60 4.5 AIR, NOISE AND WATER ...... 60 4.5.1 Air Quality ...... 60 4.5.2 Methodology of Environmental Monitoring ...... 61 4.5.3 Noise ...... 62 4.5.4 Water Quality ...... 64 4.6 FLORAL DIVERSITY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY ...... 68 4.6.1 Rare Species ...... 68 4.6.2 Threatened Species...... 68 4.6.3 Vegetation Types ...... 68 4.7 FISH DIVERSITY OF THE PROJECT AREA ...... 68 4.8 LARGE MAMMALS ...... 69 4.9 HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT ...... 69 4.10 AVIFAUNA ...... 70 4.11 Socio- Economic Conditions ...... 70 4.11.1 Demography ...... 70 4.11.2 Social Composition ...... 73 4.11.3 Political and Administrative Set-Up ...... 73 4.11.4 Conflict and Social Tension ...... 73
5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION ...... 74 5.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 74 5.1.1 Project Area ...... 74 5.1.2 Establishment of the Existing Environment ...... 74 5.1.3 Prediction / Evaluation of Impacts ...... 74 5.1.4 Potential Impact Sources ...... 75 5.1.4.1 Impact Evaluation and Description ...... 82 5.1.4.2 Impact Significance Rating ...... 84 5.1.4.3 Mitigation and Good Practice Measures ...... 84 5.2 IMPACTS ON PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL ...... 86 5.2.1 Soil Quality...... 86 5.2.2 Soil Erosion...... 87 5.2.3 Water Contamination ...... 88 5.2.4 Change in Drainage Pattern ...... 89 5.2.5 Fugitive Dust Emissions ...... 90 5.2.6 Vehicular and Generator Exhaust Emissions ...... 91 5.2.7 Damage to Infrastructure due to Blasting ...... 92 5.2.8 Noise Nuisance...... 93 5.3 IMPACTS ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 93 5.3.1 Economic Opportunities ...... 94 5.3.2 Improved Healthcare ...... 95 5.3.3 Loss of Livelihoods ...... 96 5.3.4 Disease Incidence ...... 97 5.3.5 Access blockade ...... 97
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5.3.6 Privacy ...... 98 5.3.7 Conflicts with local population ...... 99
6 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 100 6.1 NO PROJECT SCENARIO ...... 100 6.2 ALTERNATE METHODS OF POWER GENERATION ...... 101 6.2.1 Electricity Generation Options ...... 101 6.2.2 Cost for Electricity Generation ...... 102 6.2.3 Reliability of Power Generation ...... 102 6.2.4 Green House Gas Emissions ...... 103 6.2.5 Rationale for Selection of Hydro Power Generation Option ...... 103 6.3 PROJECT LAYOUT ALTERNATIVES ...... 103 6.3.1 Alternative Project Layout - I ...... 104 6.3.2 Geological Aspects of Alternative - I ...... 104 6.3.2.1 Weir Site ...... 105 6.3.2.2 Headrace Tunnel ...... 105 6.3.2.3 Surge tank ...... 106 6.3.2.4 Penstock ...... 106 6.3.2.5 Powerhouse / Tailrace ...... 106 6.3.2.6 Salient Features of Dowarian Alternative - I ...... 106 6.3.3 Alternative Project Layout - II ...... 107 6.3.4 Geological Aspects of Alternative - II ...... 107 6.3.4.1 Weir Site ...... 107 6.3.4.2 Pressure Pipe ...... 107 6.3.4.3 Powerhouse ...... 107 6.3.4.4 Salient Features of Dowarian Alternative - II ...... 108 6.4 COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVE LAYOUTS ...... 108 6.4.1 Gross Head and Power Potential ...... 108 6.4.2 Project Layout ...... 108 6.4.3 Snowfall and Landslides ...... 109 6.4.4 Project Cost ...... 109 6.5 SELECTED LAYOUT ...... 109
7 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 110 7.1 MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 110 7.2 MONITORING PLAN ...... 127 7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING ...... 131 7.4 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT COST ...... 131 7.5 Institutional Arrangements ...... 132
8 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS ...... 133 8.1 GENERAL ...... 133 8.2 IDENTIFICATION OF STAKEHOLDERS ...... 133 8.2.1 Primary stakeholders ...... 133 8.2.2 Secondary stakeholders ...... 133 8.3 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION PROCESS ...... 134 8.4 PRIMARY STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION ...... 135 8.4.1 Topics for Discussion ...... 135 8.4.2 Outcomes of Consultations ...... 149 8.4.3 Consultation Teams ...... 150 8.5 STRUCTURES/LAND & TREES TO BE AFFECTED ...... 152 8.6 LAND ACQUISITION AND RESETTLEMENT–RELATED CONCERNS ...... 153
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8.7 MEETINGS WITH SECONDARY STAKEHOLDERS...... 153 8.8 RESETTLEMENT ACTION PLAN (RAP)/COMPENSATION PLAN ...... 154 8.9 RESETTLEMENT PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES ...... 155 8.10 GRIEVANCE REDRESSING MECHANISM-FORMAL AND INFORMAL CHANNELS AND RESETTMENT ACTION PLAN ...... 157 8.10.1 Formal Channel ...... 157 8.10.1.1 Environmental Legislation ...... 157 8.10.1.2 STATE Environmental Protection Act and Environmental Management ...... 157 8.10.1.3 Enforcement of State Environmental Protection Act 2000 and Liability ...... 157 8.10.2 Grievance Redress Mechanism- Informal ...... 160 8.10.2.1 Procedure for Redress of Grievances ...... 160 8.10.2.2 Proposed Mechanism for Grievance Redress ...... 161 8.10.2.3 Operating Principles for PCU ...... 163 8.10.3 Compensation for Environmental Damages ...... 164
9 CONCLUSIONS ...... 165
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LIST OF TABLES Table - 2.1: Sector-Wise Legislation Table - 3.1: Summary of Construction Schedule (Tentative) Table - 4.1: Long Term Climatic Stations Table - 4.2: Average Obtained Concentrations of Priority Air Pollutants Table - 4.3: Water Analysis Results Table - 4.4: Annual Sighting Rate of Different Mammalian Species Table - 4.5: Demography of AJK Table - 4.6: Socio -economic Profile of Surrounding Villages Table - 4.7: Village Profile of the Area Table - 5.1: Evaluation of Environmental Impacts Table - 5.2: Method for rating the Significances of Impacts Table - 6.1: Plant Load Factor Table - 6.2: Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Electricity Source Table - 7.1: Environmental and Social Management Plan Table - 7.2: Environmental Monitoring Plan Table - 7.3: Environmental Management Cost Table - 8.1: Process of Stakeholder Consultation Table - 8.2: List of Primary Stakeholder’s Consultations in the Project Area Table - 8.3: Affected Trees Data by Dowarian Hydro Power Project
LIST OF FIGURES Figure - 1.1: Project Area Location Figure - 3.1: Project Location Figure - 3.2: Project Layout Plan Figure - 3.3: Weir Site Figure - 3.4: Weir Layout Figure - 3.5 (a): Headrace Tunnel Longitudinal Profile Figure - 3.5 (b): Headrace Tunnel Longitudinal Profile Figure - 3.6: Penstock Longitudinal Profile Figure - 3.7: Powerhouse Plan Figure - 3.8: Transmission Line Rout Proposed for the Project CONSTRUCTION Figure - 3.9: Contouring Map Figure - 3.10: Location of Camp Site Figure - 3.11: Project Influence Area Figure - 4.1: Project Right of Way Figure - 4.2: Geological Map of NE PAK and AJK Figure - 4.3: Geological Map of Neelum Valley, AJK Figure - 4.4: Mean Monthly Temperature at Muzaffarabad Figure - 4.5: Mean Annual Temperature at Muzaffarabad Figure - 4.6: Annual Rainfall at Muzaffarabad
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Figure - 4.7: Monthly Rainfall at Muzaffarabad Figure - 4.8: Catchment Area of Dowarian Nullah Figure - 4.9: Rating Curve - Dowarian Nullah at Gauge Site Figure - 4.10: Mean Monthly Flows – Dowarian Nullah Figure - 4.11: Mean Annual Flows at Proposed Weir Site – Dowarian Nullah Figure - 4.12: Noise Level at Proposed Powerhouse Site Figure - 4.13: Noise Level at Proposed Camp Area Figure - 4.14: Noise Level at Proposed Weir Site Figure - 4.15: Noise Level at Proposed Batching Plant Figure - 4.16 (a): Environmental Monitoring (Ambient Noise) at Site Figure - 4.16 (b): Environmental Monitoring (Air) at Site Figure - 4.17: Map Showing the Environmental Monitoring Points Figure - 4.18: A Summary of Plants Identified Figure - 7.1: Showing the Hierarchy for Implementing the EMP Figure - 8.1: Public Consultation in Process Figure - 8.2: Officials and Offices of Secondary Stakeholders Visited
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
AJK Azad Jammu & Kashmir AJK-EPA Azad Jammu & Kashmir Environmental Protection Agency AJK-EPC Azad Jammu & Kashmir Environmental Protection Council AJK-HEB Azad Jammu & Kashmir Hydro Electric Board AP Asian Plate BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand BP Bank Procedures CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CCGT Combined Cycle Gas Turbine CDM Clean Development Mechanism CFC Chlorofluorocarbon CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CMS Conservation of Migratory Species CO Carbon Monoxide CP Contracting Party dB Decibel DBE Design Basis Earthquake DHQ District Headquarter ECG Export Credits and Credit Guarantees EHS Environment, Health and Safety EIA Environmental Impact Assessment El. Elevation EMMP Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan EMP Environmental Management Plan EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPC Environmental Protection Council EPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMMP Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan EUAD Environment and Urban Affairs Division
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FCCC Framework Convention on Climate Change FGDs Focused Group Discussions GHG Green House Gas GIS Geo Information System GoP Government of Pakistan GWh Gigawatt Hour HCFC Hydro Chlorofluorocarbon HEB Hydro Electric Board HHCU Higher Himalayan Crystalline Unit HSE Health Safety Equipment/ Health, Safety and Environment ICOLD International Commission on Large Dams IEE Initial Environment Examination IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature KIC Kohistan Island Arc Km Kilometer LAA Land Acquisition Act LAC Land Acquisition Collector LARP Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan LHC Lesser Himalayan Crystalline m Meter mm Millimeter MASL Meters above sea level MBT Main Boundary Thrust MCE Maximum Credible Earthquake MCT Main Central Thrust MFT Main Frontal Thrust MKT Main Karakoram Thrust MMT Main Mantle Thrust MW Megawatt NCS National Conservation Strategy NEQS National Environmental Quality Standards
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NO Nitrogen oxide NOC No Objection Certificate NS Northern Suture O&M Operations & Maintenance OBE Operating Basis Design Earthquake OECD Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development PDO Power Development Organization PIC Prior Informed Consent PM Particulate Matter/Project Manager PPE Personal Protective Equipment SE socio-economic SH Sub-Himalayan Unit SO Sulphur oxide SRT Salt Range Thrust SSC Species Survival Commission WAPDA Water and Power Development Authority WCMC World Conservation and Monitoring Centre WWF World Wildlife Fund
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pakistan is facing severe energy shortages over the last few decades. The main reasons include inadequate capacity addition, limited exploration, ineffective exploitation of renewable potential and inefficient use of energy resources. The situation has led to a demand and supply gap resulting in load-shedding of electricity. Pakistan continues to suffer from the power crisis as nearly one-third of demand for electricity, during the last several years, could not be met due to supply constraints. On average, the supply deficit of around 5,000 MW was experienced, while it touched a peak of over 7,000 MW. The development of indigenous energy resources such as hydro and coal, and alternative renewable sources are critical for sustainable economic growth as envisioned in the Vision 2025. The share of hydro power is only 31 percent of total generation in 2014-15 as compared to nearly 70 per cent in the 1980s. The development of the hydro power projects suffered a slowdown due to political controversies about major dams despite the large potential of hydro power generation. According to estimates, Pakistan has a hydro potential of about 60,000 MWs of which only 6750 MW (11.25 per cent) has been harnessed so far. Consequently, thermal power was relied upon, as natural gas was cheaper than oil, and it was the preferred fuel for generation. However, depletion of indigenous gas has resulted in the increased usage of furnace oil and high speed diesel oil and eventually it led to affordability issues. Thus, special emphasis is now placed on developing hydro potential through various medium-sized projects. Given the opportunities it provides to the private sector to invest, a 40 MW Hydropower Project on Dowarian nullah, near Dowarian village in the Azad State of Jammu and Kashmir has been envisaged.
This study assesses the environmental and social impacts associated with the construction and operation of Dowarian Hydropower Project. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was performed in four main phases of scoping, baseline data collection, impact assessment and documentation. Scoping phase entails project data compilations, review of published literature, legislative review and identification of potential impacts. While preparing the report great emphasis is given to ensure that the EIA process and results are prepared according to the relevant guidelines set by the Turk Exim Bank as well as State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework
Any development initiative specially related to hydropower has to take into consideration the legal responsibilities of the proponent in the context of the environment and sustainable development, and the requirements of the institutions that may influence the environmental management of the proposed project. The Environmental Guidelines as published by the Turk Exim Bank are the major legal environmental guidelines for this project. Among others the Pakistan National Conservation Strategy (NCS) that was approved by the federal cabinet in March 1992 is the principal policy document on environmental issues in the country as well as in AJK (EUAD/IUCN, 1992). The core areas that are relevant in the context of the proposed project are pollution prevention and abatement, restoration of rangelands,
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increasing energy efficiency, conserving biodiversity, supporting forestry and plantations, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The Government of Pakistan promulgated “Pakistan Environmental Protection Act” in 1997. The same was initially adopted by the Government of AJK. However, this act was adapted to meet the state’s requirements and notified in 2000 as Azad Jammu and Kashmir Environmental Protection Act, 2000. Environmental Protection Agency headed by a Director General has the responsibility for establishing Biodiversity Action Plan at country level.
Under Section 11 of the year 2000 Act, a project falling under any category (qualifying IEE or EIA) requires the proponent to file IEE or EIA with the AJK-EPA. In the absence of AJK-EPA guidelines for environmental assessment, those laid down by Pak- EPA and Turk Exim Bank have been followed. The Pak-EPA has published a set of environmental guidelines for conducting environmental assessments and the environmental management of different types of development projects. Other important policy documents and legal requirements of the project are: National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS), National Resettlement Policy and Ordinance, The Land Acquisition Act, 1894, The Forest Act, 1927 and the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010, The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Regulations, 1930, The AJK Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 1975, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Ordinance, 2012, The Antiquities Act, 1975, The Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, and Rules, 1969, The Factories Act, 1934, The Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, The Explosives Act, 1884.
Owing to its magnitude the proposed project involves multiple stakeholders and institutions. Therefore, interaction with different agencies is indispensable. This engagement will ensure that the project complies with the laws and regulations controlling the environmental concerns of hydro power project construction and operation, and that all pre-construction requisites, such as permits and clearances are met. Besides providing overview of Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework, the Turk Exim Bank also adumbrates Environmental guidelines related to the Project.
Categorization of the Project
In accordance with the list of projects prescribed by the Environment Protection Agency and the Turk Exim Bank, the 40 MW Dowarian hydro power project falls in Schedule-I which needs the Initial Environmental Examination. However, keeping in view the environmental sensitivity of the project area, the project was categorized under Schedule-II for which the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared.
Project Description
The proposed Dowarian Hydropower Project is identified in the lower five (5) km stretch of Dowarian nullah, near Dowarian village, Tehsil Authmuqam, District Neelum in the Azad State of Jammu and Kashmir (Fig-3.1). Dowarian nullah is a right bank tributary of Neelum River located about 97 km NE of Muzaffarabad city.
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The project layout has been planned on the left bank of Dowarian nullah with a diversion weir, lateral intake, sandtrap, low pressure 2200 m long headrace tunnel, surge tank, penstock, surface powerhouse and tailrace discharging into the Neelum River (Fig-3.2). The access road to weir, surge tank and powerhouse sites would be constructed first.
The diversion weir is proposed 400 m upstream of Mori nullah joining Dowarian nullah from right bank and the powerhouse would be located near Dowarian village.
It has been estimated that the project will employ about 500 skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workforce for its construction and commissioning. Majority of unskilled and to some extent semi-skilled and skilled workforce will be employed from the local area. However, the contractor will engage specialized workforce including engineers, geologists and construction management staff from outside areas. The project falls in a terrain that comprises high hills with steep slopes and narrow valleys. The contractor would need to develop access roads for all the construction sites.
The section on project description provides plan of alternative and access roads. The Project will deploy various types of machineries for construction purposes. These will include bulldozers, excavators, shovels, machine for tunneling, dumpers, batching plant, tankers, trucks, etc. The project cost including contingencies and interest during construction will be approximately US$ 54.414 million. Description of the Physical Environment
Baseline data on physical environment within the area of project influence has been compiled to cover land, climate and meteorology, water (water resources, water quality, source of pollution and hydrology and air quality and noise levels. Some of these areas are directly affected while others may be influenced indirectly.
The rocks exposed in the proposed Dowarian Hydropower Project area are metamorphic in origin; mainly comprising granitic gneiss / schists. These are generally massive, sparsely jointed and moderately weathered. Foliation / lamination plane strike N 40° W / 42° SW.
No major problem is envisaged during the process of tunnel excavation. The headrace tunnel would be excavated in rocks comprising mainly of granitic gneiss / schist (metamorphic) and some granodiorites as intrusive igneous rock. The powerhouse is to be excavated in sound rock like granitic gneiss / schist. The tailrace would be in morainic material exiting outflows into the Neelum River.
The only meteorological station with long-term record of temperature is located at Muzaffarabad, at a distance of about 97 km from the project area.
The mean monthly temperature at Muzaffarabad varies from 9° C in January to 29° C in June and July, and the average yearly temperature varies from 18° C to 24° C. January is the coldest month at the project site, when the temperature drops to several degrees below zero. The highest temperatures are experienced in the month of June.
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Annual rainfall varies from a minimum of 970 mm in 2001 to a maximum of 2078 mm in 1976. The average of annual rainfall is 1534 mm over a period from 1955 to 2004. The monthly rainfall varies from 39.6 mm in November to 327.5 mm in July. From November to May, during the winter period the precipitation is mainly brought by the western disturbances. The precipitation during this part of the year is approximately 690 mm. During summer period, i.e., from June to October, the precipitation in the catchment is induced by the monsoon rainfall and averages to about 844 mm.
In general, there are no major sources of air pollution, no industries, exist in the project area except road traffic in the valleys of Neelum. The ambient particulate matter PM10 was found to be 67.14 ug/m3 at proposed power house site, 87.90 ug/m3 at proposed camp area, 75.19 ug/m3 at proposed weir site, all within the limit of 150 ug/m3.
Description of Biological Environment
The biological component of the study focused on the aquatic ecology, flora, mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. The forests of the area are characterized by the presence of subtropical broad leaved vegetation and are fundamentally Chirpine forest type. The sub-tropical forests of the area were mainly dominated by Pinus roxburghii. But present figures show that Pinus-Themeda community is becoming sparse which would eventually transform the area into a degraded scrub.
Analysis of data on residential status revealed that out of 61 bird species, 76% were year round residents, remaining were summer breeders, winter visitors and passage migrant. In term of the abundance of recorded species, the undisturbed area depicted the higher diversity of avian fauna.
Socio-Economic Environment
Neelum District is one of the ten districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Until recently it was part of Muzaffarabad District. It is bounded by the Gilgit (Northern Areas) to the North, with Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipore Districts of Indian-administered Kashmir to the South and Southeast, Muzaffarabad District to the Southwest and Mansehra District to the West.
Traditionally, the social set up of Neelum was largely based on kinship. The overall social arrangement was based around different clans (baraderi). With increasing exposure to market forces and exogenous lifestyle the pattern of interface between different communities also witnessed drastic changes. Despite modernization, people still rely on ancient social structure while social interaction and politics is largely shaped by social dynamics and power relationships. However, access of opportunities in the country and abroad enabled people to find increasing role in the society.
Impact Assessment and Mitigation
Environmental impacts have been and will continue to be assessed, eliminated or reduced throughout the lifecycle of the Project. The prediction and evaluation of impacts of the
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Project has been considered against the baseline in the EIA. The study has considered direct, indirect, permanent and temporary impacts of the project. Each of the environmental impacts are categorized into two; beneficial and adverse impacts. Wherever, the Project is likely to result in unacceptable impact on the environment, mitigation measures have been proposed.
Potential impacts that may arise from the execution of the project activities can result in soil contamination, soil erosion, water contamination, change in drainage pattern due to weir construction, water resource depletion, fugitive dust emissions, vehicular and generator exhaust emissions, damage to infrastructure due to blasting and noise nuisance due to blasting, drilling and batching plant. To minimize the impact of environment the section entitled “Impact Assessment and Mitigation” has identified potential impacts and comprehensively suggested mitigation and good practice measures, and monitoring.
The project area represents a human dominated landscape, and the vegetation has been subject to human influence over a long period of time. There are no threatened plant species found in the area. Since the majority of land cover to be impacted by the project is either cultivated land or sparsely broad-leave forested, which already has poor ground cover, impacts of the project on vegetation are anticipated to be minor.
In order to minimize social impact of the project it is suggested to appropriately follow the operational manual and collaborate effectively with local communities in every phase of the project. Operational impacts of the proposed project are associated with the movement of vehicular traffic and allied activities. These include air and noise pollution, safety hazards and other similar impacts. Potential socio-economic impacts that may arise from the execution of the project activities are, permanent acquisition of land and non-land assets for the project, disease incidences, temporary blockade of access among local community due to construction activities, disturbance of privacy and conflict between workers and the local community.
The project will provide job opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers during the construction phase. The unskill people will become skilled through working with skilled workers in operating machinery required for construction phase. The communities will have assist the first aid health care provided by the Contractor to labor during construction phase. The project will prove instrumental in injecting money into the local economy and thereby providing new opportunities and opening of awareness for new professions and services.
Analysis of Alternatives
Alternatives are essentially, different ways through which the proponent can feasibly achieve sustainable development by carrying out a different types of action, choosing design alternatives or adopting a different technology or design for the Project to create win-win scenario for all stakeholders. Alternatives and mitigation, therefore, cover a spectrum ranging from a high level to very detailed aspects of project design. This section of the report
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presents the analysis of the alternatives considered for the proposed project. The different alternatives proposed are no-project scenario, alternate methods of power generation, alternate location of the Project, design alternatives and selection of access roads and alignment.
The “No Project” option is the least desirable option for Pakistan. The country is currently going through a power crisis. Energy crisis is considered as a major development hurdle in Pakistan resulting in stunted economic growth. In years 2011-15, the power shortfall touched the figured of 6,390 MW with average shortfall of 3,886 MW. The total generation was 95,364 GWh during year 2011-12 which represent only 47% capacity utilization. “No Project” scenario would mean that the already power deficient economy would continue to suffer. Given the gravity of energy crisis and its repercussion on the economy, Pakistan cannot afford to deprive itself of a major project of cheap and affordable source of electricity.
Pakistan imports oil to meet domestic needs whilst the gas reserves of the country are rapidly depleting and hence cannot be presently considered as a reliable source of power generation. The only coal used in Pakistan is imported from Indonesia and South Africa. The Thar Coal resources are still in early stages of development. Wind power is also currently in experimental stage with a few projects under implementation. Being more expensive these cannot be considered as a replacement or full time substitute of other sources of power generation. Numerous perennial and seasonal rivers are flowing in the north-east to south- west direction in hilly areas of Pakistan. Hence, Hydel power is considered the best option for Pakistan. For a developing country like Pakistan minimum O&M cost makes the hydel power as the most viable option.
Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan
The section on Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) analyses the organizational requirements, management and monitoring plans. The EMMP is a component of the overall environmental management that is particularly important with respect to EIA report as it presents the commitments to address the various impacts identified.
Effective implementation and functioning of the ESMMP depends on adequate human and financial resources, clearly defined responsibilities for environmental and social management, appropriate training and good communication. To be effective, this ESMMP must be viewed as a tool reflecting to the contractors and sub-contractors, the overall commitment to environmental protection. This must start at the most senior levels in the organization. Contractor management must provide strong and visible leadership to promote a culture in which all employees share a commitment to environmental awareness and protection. The study provides organizational setup of proponents with commitments to be achieved.
Issues related to environment have been embedded within the role and responsibilities of client, contractor and sub-contractors. Environmental and social management plan includes
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impact reference, description of the impact, mitigation/management measure, project phase and targeted residual impact.
Monitoring of environmental components and mitigation measures during implementation and operation stages is a key component of the EMMP to safeguard the protection of environment.
Monitoring program includes regular monitoring of construction and commissioning activities for their compliance with the environmental requirements as per relevant standards, specifications and EMMP. The purpose of such monitoring is to assess the performance of the undertaken mitigation measures and to immediately formulate additional mitigation measures and/or modify the existing ones aimed at meeting the environmental compliance as appropriate during construction.
The framework environmental monitoring plan is provided in the document. Data will be documented and interpreted. Temporal and spatial trends in the data will be discerned and compliance with relevant thresholds will be evaluated. Monitoring reports will be produced to meet internal and external reporting requirements. If monitoring results indicate non- conformance with stipulated thresholds or if a significant deteriorating trend is observed, it will be recorded as a non-conformance and handled by the non-conformance and incident procedure. The tools and process of monitoring involve preliminary monitoring programmes, documentation and Record Keeping, non-conformances and incidents, formal audits and site inspections.
Cost estimates have been prepared for all the mitigation and monitoring measures proposed in the EMMP. The budget has been calculated for a duration of 12 months for pre- construction activities and 48 months of the construction phase. The costs for implementation of environmental and social mitigations during the operational phase is estimated as 12 Million rupees. The operational cost shall be calculated before the completion of construction phase through consultation with stakeholders and regulatory authorities. A total of only 50-Kanal, 08 marla land is required for the project which shall be acquired by the PDO. The number of trees to be disturbed is only 132. Again 3-housing structure and 11-shops shall be dislocated due to the project. The cost for land acquisition and resettlement related activities are tentatively estimated as 20.166 million rupees. This cost shall be calculated on actual basis after detailed and specific surveys and completion of land acquisition and resettlement plan (LARP).
Personnel, including contractors’ staff, working for or on behalf of the Project will be informed of significant environmental and social impacts and risks associated with the Project by means of awareness training. Visitors to Project sites will also receive a brief awareness training. Personnel, including contractors’ workers, will be made aware of their specific environmental and social management responsibilities. Training needs analyses will be undertaken and personnel will be given adequate training to meet these responsibilities.
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Air pollution plan aims to reduce the sources and amounts of pollutants responsible for the loss of air quality, acidification and global warming and to improve the quality of life while minimizing health risks. The Plan includes initial commitment of client to reduce dust, greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions in the context of sustainable development with economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection at the project level.
Waste management plan has been prepared to meet the EHS guideline of Turk Exim Bank, equator principles and local regulatory requirement. The Plan lays down measures to protect the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts of the generation and management of waste and by reducing the overall impacts of resource use and improving the efficiency of such use. This Plan introduces an approach that takes into account the whole life-cycle of products and processes and not only their waste phase. Waste management includes the collection, temporary storage, transportation, recovery/recycle, treatment and disposal of waste produced by activities in an effort to reduce their effects on human health and environment throughout the entire cycle of life of their products or processes.
Waste management activities include medical waste management, final destination, waste transportation, waste storage, waste segregation and collection, waste identification and classification. Everyone who produced, handles, stores, transports or disposes of waste has a duty of care to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the waste is kept in a safe and secure state, the waste does not cause pollution of the environment and the waste does not harm people. The document also provides details of muck disposal plan, traffic management plan, health and safety plan and emergency preparedness and response plan.
Stakeholder Consultations
The plan included gathering of quantitative data through household survey of the area of influence of the project and 100% survey of project-affected people and other local community to share the information about the project and record their concerns/ feedback associated with this project. The consultation was in two stages of scoping and stakeholder’s consultation. Consultative sessions discussed the topics related to land acquisition and resettlement issues, employment and livelihoods of communities, gender (women) issues, contractor’s camp and access and, of course, the environmental issues.
The section of stakeholder consultations provides details of outcomes of consultations and covers issues and concerns showed by the stakeholders regarding land acquisition and resettlement. To address the issues and concerns raised by the stakeholders, a mitigation plan has been developed and made part of the EIA. To address the issues an SIA and Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP) mitigation measures will be developed and implemented.
The stakeholders supported the Dowarian Hydro Power project provided that environmental and social issues are appropriately addressed.
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1 INTRODUCTION
Pakistan is facing severe energy shortages since last decade. The main reasons include inadequate capacity addition, limited exploration, ineffective exploitation of hydro and coal, renewable potential and inefficient use of energy resources. The situation leads to a demand supply gap resulting in load-shedding of electricity. Pakistan continues to suffer from the power crisis as nearly one-third of demand for electricity, during the last some years, could not be met due to the supply constraints. On average, the supply deficit of around 5,000 Megawatt (MW) was experienced, while it touched the peak of over 7,000 MW. The development of indigenous energy resources such as hydro and coal, and alternative and renewable sources are critical for sustainable economic growth as envisioned in the Vision 2025. The share of hydro power is 31 per cent of total generation in 2014-15 as compared to nearly 70 per cent in the 1980s. The development of the hydro power projects suffered a slowdown due to controversies about major dams despite the large potential of hydro power generation. According to estimates, Pakistan has a hydro potential of about 60,000 MWs of which only 6750 MW (11.25 per cent) has been harnessed so far. Consequently, thermal power was relied upon, as natural gas was abundant and cheaper than oil, and it was the preferred fuel for generation. However, depletion of indigenous gas has resulted in the increased usage of furnace oil and high speed diesel oil in the electricity generation, adversely affecting its affordability in due course. Thus, special emphasis is to develop hydro potential through various large and medium projects. Given the gravity of situation in energy sector and opportunities it provides for private sector to invest, a 40 MW Hydropower Project in Dowarian nullah, near Dowarian village in the Azad State of Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has been envisaged.
The proposed Dowarian Hydropower Project is a run-of-river project located on Dowarian nullah. Dowarian nullah is a right bank tributary of Neelum River, having the confluence with Neelum River upstream of Keran village, about 11 km from the Keran village and 97 km from Muzaffarabad.
The project has been identified on the lower part of Dowarian nullah. The weir site is located about 4.7 km from the Neelum River confluence and powerhouse is proposed about 260 m upstream of confluence of Dowarian nullah with Neelum River. The need for the project arises from the fast growing demand for electrical energy in Pakistan together with the increasing attraction of hydropower compared to thermal generation using fossil fuels. Optimal utilization of the country’s hydroelectric potential has also been accorded priority in the future power development strategy according to which the Power Development Organization (PDO) of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (formerly Hydro Electric Board) has identified a number of potential sites attractive for their hydropower potential. In the same vein, one particular site is located on the Dowarian nullah. The feasibility report, detailed engineering design and tender documents have already been approved by the PDO
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and now the project is at execution stage with the financial assistance of Turk Exim Bank.
The project requires Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) to fulfill the requirements of laws of government of Pakistan and AJK, and project lenders including Turk Exim Bank.
1.1 PROJECT AREA
The project area refers to the geographical area in which the activities related to the construction and operation of the project are proposed to take place and in which the environmental impacts of the activities are likely to happen. Unless otherwise specified or implied by context, the term ‘project area’ will refer to the area in the surrounding of each proposed component. The Project area is shown in Figure - 1.1.
1.2 ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) 1.2.1 Objectives of the EIA
The objective of the study is to assess the environmental and social impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Dowarian Hydropower Project.
The objectives of this EIA were to:
Assess the existing environmental conditions in the project area, including the identification of environmentally sensitive areas.
Assess the proposed activities to identify their potential impacts, evaluate the impacts, and determine their significance.
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Figure - 1.1: Project Area Location
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Propose appropriate mitigation and monitoring measures that can be incorporated into the design of the proposed activities to minimize any damaging effects or any lasting negative consequences identified by the assessment.
Assess the proposed activities and determine whether they comply with the relevant environmental regulations of the project lenders (Turk Exim Bank) in addition to the State (AJK) environmental regulatory requirements.
Prepare an EIA report for submittal to the project financer i.e. Turk Exim Bank and Azad Jammu & Kashmir Environmental Protection Agency (AJK EPA).
The study will result in the following deliverables:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report; and a
Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan (ESMMP)
1.2.2 Approach and Methodology
The EIA was performed in four main phases, which are described below.
1.2.2.1 Scoping
The key activities of this phase included:
Project Data Compilation: A generic description of the proposed activities relevant to environmental assessment was compiled with the help of the proponent.
Published Literature Review: Secondary data on weather, soil, water resources, wildlife, and vegetation were reviewed and compiled.
Legislative Review: Information on relevant international and national legislation, regulations, guidelines, and standards was reviewed and compiled.
1.2.2.2 Identification of Potential Impacts:
The information collected in the previous steps was reviewed and potential environmental issues identified.
1.2.2.3 Baseline Data Collection
No considerable amount of baseline information on the project area was available from existing literature. Therefore a detailed field visit was conducted to collect primary data on the proposed site and alternatives of the power project.
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1.2.2.4 Impact Assessment
The environmental, socio-economic, and project information collected was used to assess the potential impacts of the proposed activities. The issues studied included potential project impacts on:
Land resource and geomorphology
Groundwater and surface water quality
Ambient air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and ambient noise levels
The ecology of the area, including flora and fauna especially the aquatic ecosystem
Local communities
A rapid cumulative impact assessment of multiple hydroelectric projects in the catchment of Neelum River
Wherever possible and applicable, the discussion covers the following aspects:
The present baseline conditions
The potential change in environmental parameters likely to be effected by project related activities
The identification of potential impacts
The evaluation of the likelihood and significance of potential impacts
The defining of mitigation measures to reduce impacts to as low as practicable
The prediction of any residual impacts, including all long-term and short-term, direct and indirect, and beneficial and adverse impacts
The monitoring of residual impacts.
1.2.3 Project Proponents
The name and address of the proponents are as following:
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Organization, PDO Complex, Upper Chatter, State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad.
1.2.4 Project Consultants
The Associated Consulting Engineers (ACE) Pvt Ltd Lahore, Pakistan are the lead consultants, having joint venture with the FHC Consulting Engineers, Lahore, Pakistan in association with Temelsu International, Turkey.
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1.2.5 Organization of this Report
Section 2 (Policy, legal and administrative framework) briefly discusses existing national policy and resulting legislation for sustainable development and environmental protection, and then presents the legislative requirements of Turk Exim Bank that need to be followed while conducting an EIA.
Section 3 (Project Description) describes the proposed project and its geographic, ecological, social, and temporal context; including any offsite investments that may be required (e.g. dedicated pipelines, access roads, power plants, water supply, housing, and raw material and product storage facilities). Also indicates the need for any resettlement or social development plan.
Section 4 (Description of the Environment) details the project area’s existing physical, biological, and socioeconomic condition, including geomorphology and soils, water resources, and air quality, flora and fauna, and demography.
Section 5 (Impacts Assessment and Mitigation) presents an assessment of the project’s impact and their required mitigation measures to the physical, biological, and socioeconomic environment.
Section 6 (Analyses of Alternatives) presents the project alternatives that were considered, and the reasons for their selection or rejection.
Section 7 (Environmental Management Plan) contains comprehensive prescriptions regarding environmental and social impacts and their mitigation. This also includes institutional arrangements and various monitoring, control and management plans.
Section 8 (Stakeholder Consultation) Information of consultation meetings, including consultations for obtaining the informed views of the affected people, local non-governmental organizations and regulatory agencies.
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2 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
‘Sustainable Development’ is a concept that has emerged over the past three decades to describe a new framework that aims at economic and social development, while maintaining the long-term integrity of the ecological system. The principles of sustainable development are in the process of being incorporated into national policies and legislation in Pakistan through various statutory instruments. This section describes the current legal responsibilities of the proponent in the context of the environment and sustainable development, and the requirements of the institutions that may influence the environmental management of the proposed project.
2.1 NATIONAL POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 2.1.1 Overview
The Pakistan National Conservation Strategy (NCS) that was approved by the federal cabinet in March 1992 is the principal policy document on environmental issues in the country as well as AJK (EUAD/IUCN, 1992). The NCS outlines the country’s primary approach towards encouraging sustainable development, conserving natural resources, and improving efficiency in the use and management of resources. The NCS has 68 specific programs in 14 core areas in which policy intervention is considered crucial for the preservation of Pakistan’s natural and physical environment. The core areas that are relevant in the context of the proposed project are pollution prevention and abatement, restoration of rangelands, increasing energy efficiency, conserving biodiversity, supporting forestry and plantations, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The Government of Pakistan promulgated “Pakistan Environmental Protection Act” in 1997. The same was adopted by the Government of AJK. However, this act was adapted to meet the state’s requirements and notified in 2000 as Azad Jammu and Kashmir Environmental Protection Act, 2000. This was made effective with the establishment of the Environmental Protection Council (AJK-EPC) which is the policy formulating body and Environmental Protection Agency (AJK- EPA), which is an implementing agency. Prime Minister of AJK is the Chairman and the Minister of Environment is the Vice Chairman of the AJK EPC. Environmental Protection Agency headed by a Director General has the responsibility for establishing Biodiversity Action Plan.
Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and is thereby obligated to develop a national strategy for the conservation of biodiversity. The Government of Pakistan has constituted a Biodiversity Working Group under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development to develop a Biodiversity Action Plan for the country. After an extensive consultative exercise, a draft Action Plan has been developed. The draft Plan, which has been designed to complement the NCS and the proposed provincial conservation
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strategies, identifies the causes of biodiversity loss in Pakistan and suggests a series of proposals for action to conserve biodiversity in the country.
2.1.2 The AJK, Environmental Protection Act, 2000
The AJK, Environmental Protection Act, 2000 empowers the AJK –EPA to:
Administer and implement the provisions of the Act and the rules and regulations made there-under to comply with the environmental policies approved by the Council;
Enforce the provisions of the Act through environmental protection orders and environmental tribunals headed by magistrates with wide- ranging powers, including the right to fine violators of the Act.
Prepare or revise, and establish the Environmental Quality Standards with the approval of the Council;
Develop environmental emission standards for parameters such as air, water and land.
Identify categories of projects to which the Initial Environment Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will apply.
Develop guidelines for conducting initial environmental examinations (IEE) and EIA’s and procedures for the submission, review and approval of the same.
Review IEE or EIA with the objectives that these meet the requirements of the Act.
Public participation shall be ensured during review process of IEE or EIA reports.
2.1.3 Regulations for Environmental Assessment
Under Section 11 of the 2000 Act, a project falling under any category (qualifying IEE or EIA) requires the proponent to file IEE or EIA with the AJK-EPA. Within stipulated time the agency will confirm that the document submitted is complete for the purpose of review. During this time, should the agency require the proponent to submit any additional information, it will return the IEE or EIA to the proponent for revision, clearly listing those aspects that need further discussion. Subsequently, the agency shall make every effort to complete an IEE or EIA review within four months of filing the case.
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2.1.4 Guidelines for Environmental Assessment
In the absence of AJK-EPA guidelines for environmental assessment, those laid down by Pak- EPA have been followed.
The Pak-EPA has published a set of environmental guidelines for conducting environmental assessments and the environmental management of different types of development projects. The guidelines that are relevant to the proposed project are listed below, followed by comments on their relevance to the proposed project:
A. Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Environmental Report: The guidelines on the preparation and review of environmental reports target the project proponents, and specify;
The nature of the information to be included in environmental reports
The minimum qualifications of the EIA team appointed.
The need to incorporate suitable mitigation measures at every stage of project implementation.
The need to specify monitoring procedures.
The terms of reference for the reports are to be prepared by the project proponents themselves. The report must contain baseline data on the project area, detailed assessment thereof, and mitigation measures.
B. Guidelines for Public Consultation: These guidelines deal with possible approaches to public consultation and techniques for designing an effective program of consultation that reaches out to all major stakeholders and ensures that their concerns are incorporated in any impact assessment study.
2.1.5 National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS)
The National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQs) specify the following standards:
Maximum allowable contamination of pollutants (32 parameters) in emission and liquid industrial effluents discharged to inland water.
Maximum allowable concentration of pollutant (16 parameters) in gaseous emission from sources other than vehicles.
Maximum allowable concentration of pollutants in gaseous emissions from vehicle exhaust and noise emission from vehicles.
Maximum allowable noise level from vehicles.
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Ambient noise standards
Ambient air quality standards.
These standards apply to gaseous emissions and liquid effluents discharged by batching / asphalt plants, camp sites, construction machinery, and vehicles. The standards for vehicle, noise wastewater and drinking water will apply during the construction as well as operational phase of the project.
2.1.6 National Resettlement Policy and Ordinance
At this point, the only legislation relating to land acquisition and compensation is the Land Acquisition Act (LAA) of 1894. The LAA is, however, limited to a cash compensation policy for the acquisition of land and built-up property, and damage to other assets, such as crops, trees, and infrastructure based on market prices. The LAA does not consider the rehabilitation and resettlement of disrupted populations and the restoration of their livelihoods.
Experience with large-scale infrastructure development projects implemented by institutions such as the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has demonstrated the need for a cohesive national policy for resettlement. In spite of the fact that a National Resettlement Policy and related legislation has been drafted, it has not been officially notified. In the absence of this, the safeguard policy of the World Bank as spelled out in OP/BP 4.12 will form the basis for managing the resettlement needs arising from the project.
2.1.7 The Land Acquisition Act, 1894
The law deals with the matters related with acquisition of private land and other immovable properties existing on the land required for the project. The public purpose, inter alia, includes the construction of development projects including related roads, quarry areas, colonies, etc. For that matter it may also be applicable at private level provided the public utility of the project is established. As the land is a provincial subject, the proponent has to acquire the land for the project through the provincial governments.
2.1.8 The Forest Act, 1927 and the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010
The Act, inter alia, deals with the matters related with protection and conservation of natural vegetation/habitats. In that matter it empowers the concerned agency to declare protected and reserved forest areas and maintaining these. In spite of the fact that it recognizes the right of people for access to the natural resources for their household use, it prohibits unlawful cutting of trees and other vegetation.
Therefore, for cutting trees for the construction purposes or otherwise, prior permission is required from the forest department of the concerned province.
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2.1.9 The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Regulations, 1930
The main legislation for management and protection of forest and rangeland in AJK is the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Regulation of 1930 and its later amendments of 1973, 1976, 1977 and 1980. The amendments are mostly related with penal provisions for forest offences. According to the AJK Forest Regulations, the forests are designated as ‘Demarcated” or “Un-demarcated”. The former forests, like Reserved Forests under Forest Act of 1927 that is in vogue in Pakistan, are under the control of Forest Department, while the latter are under the control of Board of Revenue through Deputy Commissioner. There are two other categories of forests in AJK denominated as “Village Forests” and “Private Forests”. The former are established under Section 14 (a) of the AJK Forest Regulations, while the latter are established under the Private Forest Rules of AJK Land Revenue Act 1955. Moreover, “Tree Plantation & Maintenance Act 1977 has been enacted to ensure planting and maintenance of at least 3 trees per acre in farmland.
Under the provision of the forest related legislations there are regulations on usufruct right of the communities or individual for using the area for grazing, acquiring wood for fuel wood or timber. However, for cutting trees for the construction of a project special permission would be needed from the Forest Department and Revenue Department/Local Administration depending upon the type of forest encountered.
2.1.10 The AJK Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 1975
In addition to empowering AJK wildlife department to establish game reserves, parks, and wildlife sanctuaries, this Act regulates the hunting and disturbance of wildlife. While reviewing the ESIA, the AJK-EPA may consult the AJK wildlife department in case the project has an impact on wildlife.
The AJK-EPA may require the proponent to coordinate with the AJK wildlife department for the implementation of the project and monitoring activities during construction and operation of the project.
2.1.11 Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Ordinance, 2012
The Chapter VI of the ordinance is on Protected Areas. Section 43 of the ordinance is covering National parks. The department of wildlife and fisheries shall be responsible to ensure the implementation of this ordinance as per rules of business. The section 43 of the ordinance of National Park States that:
1. With a view to the protection and preservation of landscape, flora, fauna, geological features of special significance and biological diversity in the
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natural state, the government may, by notification in the official Gazette, declare any area to be a National Park and may demarcate it in such a manner as may be prescribed. 2. A National Park shall be accessible to public for recreation; education and research purposes subject to such restrictions as the government may impose. 3. The provision for access roads to and construction of rest houses, hostels and other buildings in the national park along with amenities for public may be so made, as not to impair the object of the establishment of the National Park. 4. Any facility provided under Sub-Sections (2) and (3) shall be in conformity with the recommendations of the Environmental Impact Assessment or Initial Environmental Examination under AJK Environment Protection Act, 2001 and amendments made thereunder. 5. The following acts shall be prohibited in a National Park; i. Hunting, shooting, trapping, killing or capturing of any wild animal; ii. carrying of arms, pet animals, livestock, firing any gun or doing any other act which may disturb any wild animal or doing any act which interferes with the serenity and tranquility of the park and breeding places of wild animals; iii. logging, felling, tapping, burning or in any way damaging or destroying, taking, collecting or removing any plant or tree; iv. grazing of livestock; v. fishing; vi. clearing or breaking up any land for cultivation; mining or quarrying of stones for any other purpose; vii. polluting or poisoning water flowing in and through the National Park; viii. littering and dumping of waste; ix. writing, in scripting, carving, disfiguring, defacing, painting, chalking, advertising; x. use of vehicular transport except on recognized roads and routes; xi. blowing of pressure horns within one kilometer radius of the park boundary; and xii. playing music or using radios, or making noise.
6. The Department may, however for scientific purpose or betterment of the National Park or for providing incentives or concessions to the communities for participatory management, authorize doing of one or more acts mentioned
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in sub-section (5) on an explicit written request made to the Head of the Department justifying the need for such an action and certifying that it does not impair the objectives of establishment of the park, in a specified manner. 7. Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Section or abets in commission or furtherance of any such acts shall be punishable with imprisonment, which shall not be less than six months and may extend to one year, or with fine which shall not be less than rupees ten thousand and may extend to rupees thirty thousand, or with both, in addition to such compensation as the convicting court may direct to be paid, which shall not be less than the value of the damage assessed by the department. 8. In case offense is proved to be followed by award of punishment by the court, all animals, tools, implements, carriages, including mechanically propelled vehicles, pack animal, arms, ammunitions and other equipments and conveyances used in the commission or furtherance of an offence shall stand confiscated in favor of the government, in addition to the punishment awarded under this Section. 9. If a woman, is charged for any of the offense under this Ordinance, the court may, after the reasons to be recorded in writing, dispense with her physical presence before the court while permitting her to appear by an agent duly authorized in writing under the signature or thumb-impression of such accused having woman, attested by a respectable person of the area concerned.
2.1.12 The Antiquities Act, 1975
The Act deals with the matters relating to the protection, preservation and conservation of archaeological/ historical sites and monuments. It prohibits construction (or any other damaging) activity within 200 meters of such sites unless prior permission is obtained from the Federal Department of Archaeology and Museums. Invariably, for the implementation of new projects an archeological survey is required and in the light of this clearance is sought from the federal. In spite of the fact that Provincial Archaeological Departments exists, the pertinent authority for issuing clearance is the Federal Department.
2.1.13 The Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, and Rules, 1969
The Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, has been extended with effect from March 05, 1978, to the whole of Pakistan. It deals with the licensing requirement for driving; powers of licensing authority, Regional Transport Authority and those of Court vis-à-vis disqualification for license and registration requirements to control road transport; compensations for the death of or injury to a passenger of public carrier; powers of Road Transport Corporation; traffic rules, power to limit speed, weight, use of vehicles; power to erect traffic signs; specific duties of drivers in case of accident and powers of police officers to check and penalize traffic offenders.
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2.1.14 The Factories Act, 1934
The pertinent clauses of the Act are those that deal with health, safety and welfare of the workers, disposal of solid waste and effluent, and damage to private and public property. It also deals with the regulations for handling and disposing of toxic and hazardous materials. As the construction activity has also been classified as an ‘industry’, the regulations will be applicable to the Contractors.
2.1.15 The Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
The Act deals with the offences where public or private properties and human lives are affected due to intentional or accidental misconduct of an individual or a mass of people. It also addresses violation to any law of the country.
2.1.16 The Explosives Act, 1884
It provides regulations for handling, transportation and use of explosives. The contractors have to abide by the regulation during quarrying, blasting and for other purposes.
Table - 2.1: Sector-Wise Legislation
Sr. No. Sector Legislation 1 Environmental protection The Pakistan Penal Code (1860) Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (2000) 2 Land use The Land Improvement Loans Act (1883) The West Pakistan Agricultural Pests Ordinance (1959) and Rules (1960) The Regulation of Mines and Oil-Fields and Mineral Development 3 Water quality and resources The Pakistan Penal Code (1860) The Canal and Drainage Act (1873) The Factories Act (1934) Indus River Water Apportionment Accord (1991) 4 Air quality The Pakistan Penal Code (1860) The Factories Act (1934) The Motor Vehicles Ordinance (1965) and Rules (1969) 5 Noise The West Pakistan Regulation and Control of Loudspeakers and Sound Amplifiers Ordinance (1965) The Motor Vehicle Ordinance (1965) and Rules (1969)
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Sr. No. Sector Legislation NEQS, 2000 6 Toxic or hazardous The Pakistan Penal Code (1890) substance The Explosives Act (1884) The Factories Act (1934) The Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance (1971) and Rules (1973) 7 Solid wastes and effluents The Factories Act (1934) Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (2000) 8 Forest conservation The Forest Act (1927) The West Pakistan Firewood and Charcoal (Restrictions) Act (1964) The Cutting of Trees (Prohibition) Act (1975) 9 Parks and wildlife The West Pakistan Ordinance (1959) conservation protection 10 Cultural environment The Antiquities Act (1975) 11 Livestock West Pakistan Goats (Restriction) Ordinance (1959) The Grazing of Cattle in the Protected Forests (Range Lands) Rules Pakistan Animal Quarantine (Import and Export of Animals and Animal Products) Ordinance (1979/80) 12 Public health and safety The Pakistan Penal Code (1860) The Boilers Act (1923)
2.2 INTERACTION WITH OTHER AGENCIES
The proponent is responsible for ensuring that the project complies with the laws and regulations controlling the environmental concerns of proposed project construction and operation, and that all pre-construction requisites, such as permits and clearances are met. This section describes the nature of the relationship between the proponent and line departments.
2.2.1 AJK- EPA
The proponent is responsible for preparing the complete environmental documentation required by the AJK-EPA and remain committed for getting clearance from it. Moreover, it is also desirable that once clearance from AJK - EPA is obtained, the proponent should remain committed to the approved project design. No deviation is permitted in design and scope of rehabilitation during project implementation without the prior and explicit permission of the EPAs.
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2.2.2 Revenue Departments of AJK
Under the national law, matters relating to land use and ownership are provincial subjects, and for the purposes of this project, the respective Revenue Departments of AJK are empowered to carry out the acquisition of private land or built-up property for public purposes. In order to depute land acquisition collectors (LACs) and other revenue staff who will be responsible for handling matters related to acquisition of land and the disbursement of compensation, the proponent must lodge applications with the AJK government.
The proponent will provide logistical support and assist in preparing the documents necessary for notification. It will also need to liaise with the departments of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry in order to evaluate affected vegetation resources, such as trees and crops, etc., for compensation purposes. Where public buildings/infrastructure is involved, the proponent will approach the relevant departments for valuation of the affected building or infrastructure before removing the facilities.
Likewise, the proponent will liaise with other relevant departments/agencies for relocation of public facilities such as electricity and telephone poles, public water supply schemes, public buildings, etc.
2.2.3 AJK of Forestry and Wildlife Departments
The project is expected to involve clearing of vegetation and trees within the proposed project area. The project contractor will be responsible for acquiring a ‘No-Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from the respective Forest Departments and Local Administration depending upon the type of forest, viz., demarcated, un-demarcated or individual forests under threat. The application for an NOC will need to be endorsed by the proponent.
Where construction is to be carried out in close proximity of protected forests and wildlife areas, the proponent is required to coordinate with the departments to ensure that impacts on vegetation and wildlife are minimized.
2.2.4 Local Government and Municipalities
The proponent and its contractors must ensure that the project meets the criteria of the governments of AJK for the establishment of construction camps and plants, use of the water resources and the safe disposal of wastewater, and toxic materials. These matters lie in the jurisdiction of Local Governments. Therefore, the Contractor should liaise closely with the concerned body. The project Proponent will coordinate and monitor environment-related issues.
The project proponent will liaise with local government/administration and municipalities on the matters related to resettlement of squatters and removal of
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encroachments or sources of congestion. In specific cases, the project proponent will enter into agreements with the municipality, local government, or other service provider on the resettlement of displaced squatters.
2.3 APPLICABLE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS
Environmental problems which migrate beyond the jurisdiction (Trans-boundary) require power to control such issues through international co-operation by either becoming a Contracting Party (CP) i.e. ratifying treaties or as a signatory by officially signing the treaties and agreeing to carry out provisions of various treaties on environment and social safeguards. The relevant international conventions are as provided.
2.3.1 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
Pakistan ratified its accession of the Montreal Protocol along with its London Amendment on December 18, 1992 and also ratified the Copenhagen, Montreal and Beijing Amendments of 2003. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer regulates many radioactively powerful greenhouse gases for the primary purpose of lowering stratospheric chlorine and bromine concentrations. These gases include the CFCs, HCFCs, chlorocarbons, bromocarbons and halons.
2.3.2 UN (Rio) Convention on Biological Diversity
Pakistan is a signatory to this convention since June 05, 1992 and ratified the convention on July 26, 1994. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) entered into force on December 29, 1993. It has 3 main objectives: 1. the conservation of biological diversity, 2. the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity and 3. the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.
2.3.3 The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, 1971 (Ramsar Convention)
Pakistan ratified the Ramsar Convention in 1975 and there are currently 19 Ramsar sites in Pakistan, covering an area of 1,343,627 hectares (3,320,170 acres). The convention requires protection of identified wetlands of international importance as identified under Ramsar convention. The Ramsar Convention (formally, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat) is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.
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2.3.4 Conventions on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and Migratory Species
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range.
2.3.5 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Pakistan is a party to CITES, with the conventions implementation through “Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora Act (2012)”. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
2.3.6 Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto protocol was signed by Pakistan in 2005 and in February, 2006, the national CDM operational strategy was approved. The convention pertains to the United Nations framework on Climate Change. The 3rd Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) in Kyoto in December 1997 introduced the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) as a new concept for voluntary greenhouse-gas emission reduction agreements between industrialized and developing countries on the project level.
2.3.7 The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure
Pakistan signed the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure on 9 September 1999 and subsequently ratified the convention on 14 July 2005. The Rotterdam Convention (formally, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade) is a multilateral treaty to promote shared responsibilities in relation to importation of hazardous chemicals. The convention promotes open exchange of information and calls on exporters of hazardous chemicals to use proper labeling, include directions on safe handling, and inform purchasers of any known restrictions or bans. Signatory nations can decide whether to allow or ban the importation of chemicals listed in the treaty, and exporting countries are obliged make sure that producers within their jurisdiction comply.
2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES OF TURK EXIM BANK
This Environmental Guidelines have been prepared and put into force by the Export Credit Bank of Turkey (Turk Exim Bank) in parallel to the OECD “Revised Council
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Recommendation On Common Approaches On The Environment And Officially Supported Export Credits” following the consensus of OECD Working Party on Export Credits and Credit Guarantees (ECG) with the aim of promoting coherence between policies regarding the official export credit support of the Export Credit Agencies of the member countries and policies for the protection of the environment, developing common procedures related to the environmental review of new Projects and existing operations benefiting from officially supported export credits and mitigating the potential environmental impacts of these Projects.
2.4.1 Screening and Classification
Projects are classified into one of the following Categories in accordance with their potential environmental impacts.
Category A: Projects having the potential to have significant adverse environmental impacts. In this Category, Projects in sensitive sectors, which have impacts affecting an area broader than the Project sites or facilities and located in or near sensitive areas, are classified.
Category B: A project is classified as Category B if its potential environmental impacts are less adverse than those of Category A projects. Typically, these impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and mitigation measures are more readily available.
Category C: Projects likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts.
Following classification, Turk Exim bank requires the submission of the following documents in respect of the environmental assessment of the Project.
Category The Requested Environmental Impact Documents Category A - Environmental Information Form - Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report Category B - Environmental Information Form - Requesting an EIA Report is within Turk Exim Bank’s discretion. - If an EIA report is not requested, a written document issued by local environmental authority of the buyer country, stating that the project is complying with the local environmental standards of the buyer country, should be submitted. Category C - Environmental Information Form
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2.4.2 Environmental Review
After screening and classification, Turk Exim Bank indicates the parties involved in the Project about additional information required in relation to the potential environmental impacts of the Project (the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)). The information to be supplied should include:
Potential Environmental Impacts
The environmental standards and practices and processes in order to mitigate or compensate the adverse environmental impacts of the project that the parties intend to apply
The results of any consultations on the project with relevant stakeholders
2.4.3 Evaluation, Decision and Monitoring
Turk Exim Bank evaluates the existing information and decides whether to request further information. In case Turk Exim Bank decides to provide officially supported export credit for the Project, before final commitment, requests steps to be taken in order to prevent, mitigate and compensate the adverse environmental impacts of the Project.
Regarding the prevention, mitigation and compensation of the adverse environmental impacts of the Project; Turk Exim Bank.
informs the exporter/contractor about Turk Exim Bank’s requirements
informs the sponsor/borrower about Turk Exim Bank’s requirements,
requires the parties take precaution in order for the fulfillment of those requirements
arranges the commitment for the fulfillment of those requirements as a prerequisite in the loan/guarantee agreement or in the insurance policy.
2.5 CATEGORIZATION OF THE PROJECT
In accordance to the list of projects prescribed by the Environment Protection Agency and the Turk Exim Bank, the 40 MW Dowarian hydro power project falls in Schedule-I (which needs the Initial Environmental Examination), however, keeping in view the environmental sensitivity of the project area, this project categorized in Schedule-II (Category A), the list of projects for which the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report was prepared for estimation of project’s potential environmental impacts were carried out.
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3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1 GENERAL
This section describes the geographic, social, ecological and temporal context as well as some technical components of the proposed project. The project layout has been planned on the left bank of Dowarian nullah with diversion weir, lateral intake, sandtrap, low pressure headrace tunnel, surge tank, penstock, surface powerhouse and tailrace discharging into Neelum River. The access road to weir is currently under construction which leads to a tourist point Ratti Gali Lake located about 18 km from the site. The diversion weir is proposed 400 m upstream of Mori nullah joining Dowarian nullah from right bank and the powerhouse would be located near Dowarian village.
3.2 LOCATION
The coordinates and elevations of weir and powerhouse are listed below:
Surface Latitude Longitude Site Elevation (deg min sec) (deg min sec) (m asl) Weir 34°-45’-02” 74°-00’-28” 2116 Powerhouse 34°-43’-18” 74°-01’-03” 1613
3.2.1 Site Accessibility
The project area is accessible from Muzaffarabad via main Neelum road up to Dowarian village. The weir site is accessible by an under construction road. A concrete bridge over Dowarian nullah is also in process of construction by road department which will provide an access to the weir area. Dowarian valley becomes inaccessible during winter months due to snowfall. The location maps and general layout of the Dowarian HPP is shown in the Figure - 3.1 and 3.2 respectively.
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Figure - 3.1: Project Location
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Figure - 3.2: Project Layout Plan
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3.2.2 Route Distance
Karachi Docks to Rawalpindi The distance from Karachi to Lahore to Rawalpindi via National Highway is 1520 km.
Karachi to Islamabad (Motorway Entrance) The distance from Karachi to Lahore to Islamabad via Motorway up to Junction of GT road and Islamabad road is 1625 km The transportation via Motorway, although 105 km longer, is recommended due to better road conditions as compared to route by National Highway.
Rawalpindi / Islamabad to Muzaffarabad Road There are many sharp turns on this route in mountainous area of Murree and Kohala The distance via this route is from Islamabad National Highway road crossing to Muzaffarabad is 154 km.
Islamabad to Muzaffarabad via – Abbotabad & Mansehra The distance from Islamabad road to Muzaffarabad is 182 km. The condition of the road from Garhi Habibullah crossing with Mansehra Balakot road is not good. There are many sharp turns at entry to Muzaffarabad, and in Muzaffarabad the road passes through busy trade centres. These obstacles may be faced by the loaded ten wheelers on way to Muzaffarabad.
Muzaffarabad to Dowarian Village in Neelum Valley The distance from Muzaffarabad to Dowarian village is 97 km. The road condition from Muzaffarabad to Nausehri is generally fair. The road from Muzaffarabad to Authmuqam is in relatively good condition. From Tithwal to Keran, the road condition is better than the downstream sections but it also requires improvement for transportation of heavy equipment.
3.3 MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT
The project layout of Dowarian Hydropower Project has been designed to utilize the optimum potential for generation of electric power. The mean annual flow of Dowarian nullah has been estimated as 5.97 m3/s and the bed gradient in 5.0 km stretch of Dowarian nullah is about 10.8%.
The design discharge has been optimised as 9.60 m3/s to produce power generation of 40 MW by using a gross head of 510 m. The project would be
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operated as run-of-river and all structures have been designed at the optimum discharge.
The main project components are:
Diversion weir with sediments sluice
Power Intake with connecting channel
Surface desander with two (2) chambers
Low pressure headrace tunnel of 2,200 m length
Surge tank
Embedded penstock of 1,180 m
Surface powerhouse with 4 Pelton turbines of 10 MW each
Tailrace channel of 50 m length
3.3.1 The Weir
The weir is located about 400 m upstream of the confluence of Mori nullah and Dowarian nullah. To divert the design discharge of 9.60 m3/s into the low pressure tunnel, a concrete weir of 8 m height above the nullah bed has been proposed. The intake structure has been designed to take the design discharge and excessive flow is spilled over the weir down to nullah. For the proposed weir axis of the nullah, the slopes on the left bank are morainic material and on the right bank, sound rock phyllite is available. The nullah width is about 20 m and the slopes on right and left banks are 45º and 30º respectively. To accommodate a design flood of 234 m3/s, the length of weir including the sluicing portion is 29 m.
Figure - 3.3: Weir Site
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During summer months from May to August, the water will flow over 24 m length of the weir. On the left side of the weir, a flushing section is provided to keep the intake free of sediment.
According to geological investigation of weir site, the structure will be founded on alluvial strata. This material has high leakage / seepage rate. To reduce the leakage / seepage to desired level and also to prevent piping failure, a cut - off wall up to 5 – 8 m depth along the weir axis has been foreseen.
The weir layout is shown in Figure - 3.4.
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Figure - 3.4: Weir Layout
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3.3.2 Power intake
The intake has been designed keeping in view to minimize the head losses at entrance and to avoid entering bed load and other floating debris in the intake. The gross area of intake is 12.0 m2. The lower sill level of intake is 4.0 m above the flushing bed to reduce bed load entry into the power channel.
The other components of the structure include a trashrack and a stop log gate. The maximum velocity at the entrance of intake is 0.80 m/s at the design discharge of 9.60 m3/s. The structure has been designed to divert design discharge towards the connecting channel. The direction of the flow has been set at an angle to the nullah flow to minimize the inflow of sediments. The width of stop log is 3.0 m and height is 2.0 m.
3.3.3 Connecting Channel
Power channel is a rectangular RCC structure that off - takes from weir and flows at a slope of 1 in 500 along the left side of the nullah. It has been designed as open channel. The channel has a maximum capacity of 11.60 m3/s with 2.8 m width and 1.8 m water depth.
The connecting channel has a length of 158 m up to the desander / sandtrap. The connecting channel would take 20% additional discharge required for flushing of desanders.
The walls are vertical having internal height of 2.3 m and wall thickness is 0.5 m from top to bottom. The thickness of base is 0.5 m. The bed slope of power channel is 1:500 maintained over entire 158 m length of the tunnel.
The salient features of the channel are as hereunder:
Discharge 11.60 m3/s Slope 1:500 Length 158 m Bed Width 2.8 m Depth of Water 1.8 m Velocity 2.3 m/s Free Board 0.5 m
3.3.4 Sandtrap
Desander is provided to remove the suspended particles with the diameter above 0.22 mm. For a design discharge of 9.60 m3/s, two chambers have been provided. Each chamber has a length of 52 m and width of 4.5 m.
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The total length is divided into the following reaches:
Upstream Transition starting from Inlet Gate : 10 m Chamber Length : 52 m No. of Chambers : 2 Maximum Water Depth : 5.33 to 6.89 m
3.3.5 Power Tunnel
At the downstream of sandtrap, there is trapezoidal shape tank in which water will be dropped before it enters into the low pressure tunnel. The excessive flows would be spilled over through ungated section into Dowarian nullah. The stop log is placed at intake portal of tunnel.
Tunnel has horseshoe shape having 2.80 m width and 3.10 m height with approximate length of 2200 m from inlet to surge tank. It has design capacity of 9.6 m3/s and act as low pressure tunnel.
The tunnel would be unlined with a slope 1:250. The cross sectional area of headrace tunnel will be 7.84 m2 and velocity for the design discharge would be about 1.22 m/s. Although the tunnel diameter is not optimised, but it is considered to be the minimum dimension for such a length of tunnel.
Headrace tunnels have been designed keeping in view the length of tunnel, excavated diameter of tunnel, velocity and head losses in the tunnel. The geological rock formations have been studied.
The salient features of the headrace tunnel are as under:
Discharge 9.60 m3/s Slope 1:250 Length 2200 m Area 7.84 m2 Velocity 1.22 m/s
The longitudinal profile of the low pressure headrace tunnel is presented in Figure - 3.5(a) and 3.5(b).
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Figure - 3.5 (a): Headrace Tunnel Longitudinal Profile
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Figure - 3.5 (b): Headrace Tunnel Longitudinal Profile
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3.3.6 Surge Tank
Surge tank has been proposed to accommodate surges and will facilitate to maintain water level in headrace tunnel. The surge structure has been designed in connection with the hydraulic analysis as follows:
The surge structure branches at an elevation of 2106.0 m asl from the headrace tunnel, which is accessed with 76 m long connection tunnel into the vertical surge shaft.
The surge shaft is of an internal diameter of 6.0 m and is 22 m high.
Ventilation of the surge tank is proposed by an opening at the portal at top.
The proposed layout of the surge tank regarding the necessary surge volume, the highest and lowest surge levels are based on the most unfavourable conditions.
The design discharge is 9.6 m3/s, when all four units are operating. A sudden shut down of all the turbines will be generally done by dissipating the jets with the deflectors, which does not influence the continuous flow through the pressure tunnel. The time needed for the subsequent closing of the turbine nozzles should be defined under the assumption, that the pressure rise in the pressure shaft should never exceed 10 % of the gross head.
The oscillation in the surge tank has to be considered when the time - stroke characteristic of the nozzles will be established. The final dimensioning of the surge tank structures has to be optimised in detail at a later stage in cooperation between civil engineer and the turbine / governor manufacturer.
The preliminary data are:
Closing time of the Nozzles: Tclno = 21 second
Closing time of the Deflector: Tclde = 2 second
Opening time of the Nozzles: Topno = 19 second
However, to be on the safe side, a closing time of 13 second and an opening time of 12 second were used for the surge tank calculation at the present stage.
3.3.7 Penstock
From surge tank to inlet to the turbine, penstock pipe would be laid over terraces of Dowarian village. The penstock diameter is 1.70 m and it would be placed as embedded pipe by excavating the terraces/rock. First there would be 95 m horizontal pipe and then the pipe would be laid over slopes with varying angle 20 to
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45°. Anchor blocks would be provided at each turning angle. From Surge tank to powerhouse, there would be eight (08) anchor blocks to withstand the forces.
The steel thickness would vary as per increase in the pressure. The estimated thickness of steel at top is 10 mm and it would increase to 25 mm at the bottom. The thickness of the pipe has been calculated after considering the water pressure over and above the gross head. A 15% pressure rise has been taken in the design calculations.
From surge tank to powerhouse, the total length of penstock would be 1180 m. The diameter would be 1.7 m for the designed discharge of 9.60 m3/s. The velocity in pressure pipe will be 4.26 m/s and head loss from surge chamber to powerhouse will be 8.26 m for the design discharge of 9.60 m3/s.
3.3.8 Powerhouse
The powerhouse is placed as a surface structure on the lower terraces of Dowarian village, on the bank of Neelum River about 260 m upstream of confluence of Dowarian nullah with Neelum River. The powerhouse can be accessed through a truckable road from main Neelum valley road.
The access road has to be built from a bridge on Dowarian nullah to the powerhouse at machine elevation. The building would of RCC frame structures of size 52.6 m length and 22.3 m wide. The service bay would be 9.0 m long and 14.1 m wide.
The powerhouse building would be 4.5 m deep and 16.0 m high. The building would house four horizontal axis Pelton units, each of 10 MW.
Turbine level at 1614.0 m asl and tail water will in the channel at powerhouse is 1611.5 m asl, which is higher than the flood level in Neelum River. The main hall would accommodate 4 Pelton units, along with generators, fly wheel, switch cabinets, bifurcation of penstock pipe and erection bay. Transformer will be placed outside powerhouse adjacent to the entrance gate.
Place required for generator panel, auxiliaries etc. have also been considered. Control room relay protection, office, batter room, store and telecommunication will be accommodated in powerhouse building. An over-head gantry crane of capacity 30 tons has been provided for placing / replacing the heavy parts of machines.
The other important features of powerhouse are as under:
Length 52.6 m
Width 22.3 m
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Height above NSL 16.0 m
Foundation Level 1608.5 m asl
Turbine Axis Level 1614.0 m asl
Power House Plan is shown in Figure - 3.7.
3.3.9 Transmission Line 3.3.9.1 Dispersal of Power
Dispersal of power from proposed Dowarian power plant is recommended through 132 kV overhead Transmission Line (T/L) up to Muzaffarabad via Luat, Nagdar and proposed Authmuqam substations.
In view of 40 MW output of the proposed Dowarian power plant as well as other planned hydroelectric stations around the area, it has already been suggested in project feasibility to use the double circuit 132 kV towers with only one 132 kV circuit strung. In order to disperse power from other power plants, second 132 kV circuit could be strung when such requirement arises.
3.3.9.2 Transmission Line Route
A tentative transmission line route has been proposed for the interconnection of the Dowarian power plant with Muzaffarabad grid station via Luat and Nagdar grid stations, as illustrated in the figure 3.8.
The main criterion for route selection is that the line traverses as close to the existing access road as possible. It will help the transportation of material, line construction and its maintenance during operation.
3.3.9.3 Construction & Related Impacts of Transmission
The construction of transmission line will be in accordance with the standard WAPDA specifications for construction of transmission lines for which an independent environmental assessment study shall be carried out to minimize the potential impacts of the transmission lines.
3.4 PROJECT LIFE
As per the project feasibility the life of the project is estimated as 50 years.
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Figure - 3.6: Penstock Longitudinal Profile
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Figure - 3.7: Powerhouse Plan
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Figure - 3.8: Transmission Line Rout Proposed for the Project
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Figure - 3.9: Contouring Map .
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3.5 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
It is anticipated that the Project would take about 12 months for preliminary works and 48 months for its completion and commissioning. The construction period for each project component has been presented in Table - 3.1.
Table - 3.1: Summary of Construction Schedule (Tentative)
Feature Time (Months) Preliminary Works 12 Weir 4 Intake 1 Sandtrap 1 Low Pressure Headrace Tunnel 36 Surge Tank 3 Penstock Liners 12 Powerhouse Construction and Installation 30 Switchyard Installation 3 Control Gates 3 Commissioning (Dry & Wet) 4
3.6 CONSTRUCTION CAMP AND WORKFORCE
A large workforce, together with supervisory and support staff, will be required for the Project. It has been estimated that the Project will employ about 500 skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workforce for its construction. Majority of unskilled and to some extent semi-skilled and skilled workforce will be employed from the local area. However, the contractor will engage specialized workforce including engineers, geologists and construction management staff from the outside area. While most of the local workforce will go back to their dwellings on daily basis, the remaining will be accommodated in camps located near construction sites at Weir and Power House.
Adequate temporary camps, offices and ancillary facilities at convenient locations near the site will be required. Owing to the hilly terrains, there is a limitation in the availability of ample areas at the sites near the Weir and Power House for establishing residences, workshops, batching plants and material storage areas separately. However, a sizeable nearly leveled terrace is available across the Neelum River where the contractor can establish residential colony as well as other facilities.
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Another suitable location for site camp may be at powerhouse area near Dowarian village. This camp should fulfill the requirements for construction of penstock, surge tank, powerhouse excavation and building. The camps have to be equipped and furnished with all necessary facilities such as workshops, stores, offices, mosque, accommodations for contractor's and consultant's personnel, hospital, recreation facilities etc.
Figure - 3.10: Location of Camp Site
3.7 SITE INSTALLATION AND MOBILIZATION
The first important stage in the construction planning is the site installation. It mainly deals with the mobilization of all plant and equipment, required for the various construction items, electric and water supplies to offices and equipment, erection of repair and maintenance workshops, stores for spare parts and materials, administration / planning office, concrete mixing and aggregate processing plants, steel yard, fuel storage stores etc. The area for these items should be as close as possible to the construction sites and organised in such a way that no disturbance to the construction activities occurs.
3.8 CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY
The Project will deploy various types of machineries for construction purposes. These will include bulldozers, excavators, shovels, tunneling machine, dumpers, batching plant, tankers, trucks, etc.
3.9 DELINEATION OF THE STUDY AREA
From environmental view the study area is defined as the areas of project influence. Some of these areas are directly affected while others may be influenced indirectly. For this Project the areas of most concerns are as follows:
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Areas falling in the vicinity of the structures, viz., Weir, Power House, and upstream and downstream portals of the Power Tunnel,
Areas to be used for establishing construction camps and colony,
Areas likely to be submerged by water impoundment,
Areas likely to be used for dumping of spoil material from excavation of tunnel, weir and power house,
Areas to be used for developing haul tracks,
Quarry areas,
Areas located on high-benches through which the Power Tunnel is going to be excavated. These areas are not going to be directly affected, but it is likely that the settlements on these benches may be disrupted due to vibrations from blasting and drilling at the Power Tunnel.
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Figure - 3.11: Project Influence Area
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3.10 LAND ACQUISITION PROCESS
PDO shall be responsible for the proper implementation of the land acquisition process, according (i) to the national and local legal requirements and (ii) to the “Performance Standard” #5 of the IFC. It is strongly recommended that PDO establish a committee for resettlement / compensation of project affected person.
The following principle shall be applied by PDO
Resettlement and land acquisition will be minimized as much as possible. Where land acquisition is unavoidable, the project is designed to minimize adverse impacts on the local population.
In line with the national and local regulations, a “cut-off date” will be established as soon as the census of the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) is finished.
PAPs should be compensated or at least restored to pre-project levels. All the PAPs residing in, or cultivating land, or having rights over resources within the project area as of the data of the census survey should be entitled to compensation. All precious claims and unresolved issues related to compensation or resettlement in the area of each contract package, including outstanding claims arising, should be resolved in accordance with application State Laws and regulation, prior to initiating any new land acquisition measures on the respective contract package.
Lack of formal legal land title is not a bar to compensation or rehabilitating assistance under the projects.
Land for land is an option for compensation in the case of loss of land. In the absence of replacement land, cash compensation for the property acquired will be paid at its replacement value in addition to any transaction costs.
Each PAP is entitled to receive assistance to restore income and livelihood to a pre- project standard, and all vulnerable affected persons are entitled to assistance to improve their income and livelihood.
All PAPs should be informed and consulted on the compensation and other entitlement, relocation programme and income restoration assistance.
Compensation and income restoration programme should be carried out with equal consideration for men and women. Particular attention should be paid to the rights of women, widows, orphans, the elderly, other vulnerable people and group such as indigenous people and religious and cultural minorities. Appropriate and sufficient assistance should be provided to help them improve their socio-economic status.
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PAPs social and cultural institution should be protected along with common property and cultural resources. Community and public services should be provided to relocated communities.
The resettlement transition period should be minimized and cash compensation should be provided to the PAPs prior to the expected start date of works in the relevant contract package.
3.11 PROJECT COST
The project cost including contingencies and interest will be approximately US$ 54.414 million.
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4 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
4.1 GENERAL
This section summarizes the available baseline data on physical environment within the principal area of interest. Reconnaissance visits and physical field surveys were carried out. Validation of this information was done through the data from secondary sources, satellite imagery study and published literature. The identification of physical characteristics of the region and assessing their existing conditions is imperative to predict the possible environmental impacts of the proposed hydropower project.
The baseline environmental data has been compiled to cover the following areas
Physical Environment,
Biological Environment,
Socio-economic conditions.
4.2 AREA OF STUDY
The proposed project site is situated on the Dowarian nullah, a right bank tributary of Neelum River having the confluence with the Neelum River at Dowarian village about 11 km from the Keran village. Various housing units are present in the vicinity of the power house site on right bank of Neelum River upstream of the confluence of Dowarian nullah with Neelum River. The weir site is proposed on Dowarian nullah about 4.7 km from its confluence with Neelum River. Agriculture on small pieces of land in the form of terraces is quite common. The project area over long stretches has no industry.
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Figure - 4.1: Project Right of Way
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4.3 LAND ENVIRONMENT
The different geological and physiographic features of the project area were analyzed using GIS tools and interpretation of the spatial databases were completed through secondary data like Survey of Pakistan topo sheets, satellite imagery and other available data sources.
4.3.1 Geological Setting
The major Himalayan tectonic units are well exposed along the relatively accessible Neelum valley. These are the result of collision between the Eurasian (N) and Indian (S) plates.
In the Northern Pakistan five principal fault zones have been recognized; the Northern Suture (NS) or Main Karakoram Thrust (MKT), the Main Mantle Thrust (MMT) or Indus Suture (IS), the Main Central Thrust (MCT), the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and the Main Frontal Thrust (MFT) or Salt Range Thrust (SRT). These fault zones generally trend E-W, dividing the Himalayan orogenic belt in the five main tectonic zones. The Asian Plate (AP), the Kohistan Island Arc (KIA), the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Unit (HHC), the Lesser Himalayan Crystalline Unit (LHC) and the Sub-Himalayan Unit (SH).
The E-W trend of the fault zones is disturbed locally by two tectonic semi-windows, the Nanga Parbat Syntaxis (NPS) and the Hazara – Kashmir Syntaxis (HKS). The area connecting these two syntaxes including Dowarian Hydropower project area is being affected by an exceptional rate of uplift; presently, reaching 7 mm/year. Many of these tectonic units are encountered in a SW - NE traverse along the Neelum valley. The MBT which separates the SH from the LHC lies near the bridge of Nausehri, about 40 km NE of Muzaffarabad.
Near the village of Dowarian, approximately 100 km from Muzaffarabad on Neelum valley road, the MCT separates the LHC to the south from the HHC, which extends north and east to the village of Kel. These tectonic units share the same stratigraphic features, but differ in their tectono-metamorphic evolution.
Metamorphic grade and ductile deformation increase from the youngest and lower most unit, i.e., Sub-Himalayas; to the oldest and upper most unit, i.e., Higher Himalayas.
The Crystalline rocks outcropping in the Neelum valley are mainly of Salkhala Formation of Pre-Cambrian age which is subdivided into three main lithostratigraphic units, the Precambrian Naril Group, the Precambrian Kundal Shahi Group and the Upper Paleozoic to Mesozoic Surgun Group.
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The details are given below:
Naril Group : Pre-Himalayan Basement
Kundal Shahi Group : Pre- Himalayan Cover
Surgun Group : Himalayan Cover
All the above mentioned groups are intruded by meta-dolerites and amphibolites, collectively called metabasites. All the lithostratigraphic units occur both in the LHC and HHC and have undergone variable grade of metamorphism.
4.3.2 Seismicity
The Northern Areas of Pakistan including the Azad State of Jammu & Kashmir are extensive zones of high seismicity and contain several seismo-tectonic features generated by an integrated network of active faults.
The documented record of seismicity consists of mainly earthquake epicenters located on the basis of modern instrumental recordings. This seismic activity is the result of movement along various active faults in the region. Thus, it may be seen that the collision mountain ranges, where the active faults are common, are endowed with high seismicity whereas the more stable Indus platform zone is characterized by relatively low seismicity.
In Northern Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K), including the proposed project area of Dowarian hydropower in the Neelum valley, a telemeter seismic network which operated from 1973 to 1977 has recorded data from approximately 10,000 earthquakes covering the area between longitudes 69º and 75º and latitudes 30º 30’ and 35º - 30’. This study shows that the northwestern margin of the Indian Plate north of the MBT comprises a zone of high seismicity; whereas, the salt range and the Trans-Indus Range reflect moderate seismicity. In the project area region two main zones of high seismicity have been identified.
the Indus – Kohistan Seismic zone (ISKZ)
the Hazara Lower Seismic zone (HLSZ)
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Figure - 4.2: Geological Map of NE PAK and AJK
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Project Site
Figure - 4.3: Geological Map of Neelum Valley, AJK
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4.3.2.1 Results of Seismic Hazard Assessment
This seismic hazard assessment proposes parameters for the Maximum Credible Earthquake (MCE) as safety level, Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) and the Operating Basis Design Earthquake (OBE) as serviceability level for Dowarian Hydropower Project in AJ&K. All earthquakes have been selected according to established international standards, described in the ICOLD Bulletin 72 "Selecting Seismic Parameters for Large Dams" (ICOLD 1989). The analyses were performed with the computer programme EZ - FRISK version 7.36 from Risk Engineering (EZ - FRISK 2009).
The recommended annual probability of exceedance for MCE is 1 /10,000. This value is compatible with the recommendations of lCOLD and is commonly used in dam engineering practice.
For the OBE, considerably lower values for the annual probability of exceedance are recommended in the ICOLD Bulletin 72 (ICOLD 1989), at least 1 / 145 years.
The selection of an annual probability of exceedance for the OBE level depends on the residual risk for damage and business interruption that the client is willing to take. The OBE level is not safety-related as it is in the MCE case, but determines the functionality of the structure after an earthquake event. So the selection of the OBE level is a management decision, which can be taken by the utility. In this report, two possibilities are shown:
DBE level corresponding to an annual probability of exceedance of 1 /475 is thus corresponding to the earthquake action on structures in modern seismic building codes such as Euro-code 8.
OBE level corresponding to an annual probability of exceedance of 1/145, thus accepting a higher residual risk compared to the DBE level.
The resulting value for the horizontal peak ground acceleration at Dowarian Hydropower Project site is 0.63 g for MCE. For DBE and OBE, values of 0.32 g and 0.23 g for annual probabilities of exceedance of 1 /475 and 1/145 are recommended. The vertical components are taken as 2/3 of the corresponding horizontal components.
4.3.3 Lithological Units 4.3.3.1 Soil Units
The recent deposits are the most widespread soil units in the project area, covering the bedrock, slopes with variable thicknesses 5 to 30 m. Terrace deposits include mixtures of clay, silt, sand with gravel and boulders in various proportions.
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4.3.3.2 ABGM
Most of the slopes are covered by material comprising of angular boulders, gravel with sand and appreciable amount of fines. These materials are mostly of glacial origin brought about by avalanches.
4.3.3.3 RBGM
It consists of the alluvial material having rounded to sub-rounded, loose to semi consolidated boulders and gravel with sand and appreciable amount of fines. These are found upstream of the proposed weir site in the form of terraces as well as in the proposed tailrace area.
4.3.3.4 ABG
Overburden material comprising mainly of large sized boulders and gravel with minor amount of fines. These are found at the base of slopes.
4.3.3.5 RBG
Alluvial material deposited by streams is comprised of rounded to sub-rounded boulders and gravel with little amount of sand. These are loose and highly permeable.
4.3.4 Rock Units
The rocks exposed in the project area are mainly metamorphic in origin, comprising of granitic gneiss / schist. Igneous intrusions of granites and granodiorites are quite common. The detail of each rock unit exposed in the area of Dowarian Hydropower Project is given in the following paragraphs.
4.3.4.1 Schists
These are light grey in colour, fine to medium grained, hard, moderately to highly weathered and moderately to closely jointed. The mineral assemblage includes biotite, white mica, quartz, garnet, chlorite and epidote.
4.3.4.2 Gneiss
It is dirty white to whitish grey on weathered surface. Light colored bands alternate with dark bands exists on fresh surface. The flaky minerals represent preferred orientation. The rock is medium to coarse grained, hard and sparsely jointed. Numerous granitic veins can be seen intruding the adjacent schistosed rocks. Small pegmatitic dykes are found within the gneissosed granite. Its mineralogical formation consists of the granular aggregate quartz, feldspar, muscovite, biotite, and also accessory tourmaline, garnet, magnetite and apatite. Gneiss has less mica, more quartz and high strength.
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4.3.4.3 Granite
It is light grey to brownish. The fresh exposures of the rock show whitish grey colour. However, close examination shows brownish black biotite specks in whitish grey background. At some places black tourmaline is also found in the granite.
4.3.5 Climate
The climate of the catchment is characterized by very cold snowy winter and relatively pleasant summer. The high areas of the catchment are permanently clad with snow and glaciers.
The climate data in Neelum valley is very scarce. One station in Neelum valley with limited climate record is at Dudhnial. The nearest station to project area with long term climatic data record is located at Muzaffarabad.
The list of Climatological stations in the region is presented in Table - 4.1.
Table - 4.1: Long Term Climatic Stations
Station Mean Annual Rainfall (mm) Palak 1768 Balakot 1718 Garhi Duppata 1602 Dudhnial 1541 Muzaffarabad 1534 Bagh 1415 Sehr Kakota 1386 Rawalakot 1375 Kotli 1255 Palandri 1230 Mangla Dam 1221 Rehman Bridge 1132 Naran 1118 Kallar 945 Jhangi 921 Source : SWHP, WAPDA
The above table provides the mean annual rainfall data at various stations in Jhelum River catchment. Dudhnial and Muzaffarabad are two stations which
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represent the rainfall pattern in lower part of Neelum valley. The snowfall at higher elevation is not included in the rainfall data
4.3.5.1 Temperature
The one meteorological station with long record of temperature is located at Muzaffarabad, at a distance of about 97 km from the project area.
The mean monthly temperature at Muzaffarabad varies from 9° C in January to 29° C in June and July, and the average yearly temperature varies from 18° C to 24° C. Mean monthly temperature is graphically indicated in Figure - 4.4; whereas, the mean annual temperatures are shown in Figure - 4.5.
Figure - 4.4: Mean Monthly Temperature at Muzaffarabad
25
20 C) o
15
10
5
0 Mean Annual ( Temperature 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 Year Figure - 4.5: Mean Annual Temperature at Muzaffarabad
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January is the coldest month at the project site, when the temperature drops to several degrees below zero. The highest temperatures are experienced in the month of June.
4.3.5.2 Precipitation
Precipitation data of Muzaffarabad station was collected from Pakistan Meteorological Department in order to get maximum, minimum and average rainfall on monthly and yearly basis. Annual rainfall at Muzaffarabad (1955-2004) is shown in Figure - 4.6.
Figure - 4.6: Annual Rainfall at Muzaffarabad
Annual rainfall varies from 970 mm in 2001 to 2078 mm in 1976. The average of annual rainfall is 1534 mm over a period from 1955 to 2004. The monthly rainfall varies from 39.6 mm in November to 327.5 mm in July and is presented in the Figure - 4.7.
From November to May, during the winter period the precipitation is mainly brought by the western disturbances. The precipitation during this part of the year is approximately 690 mm. During summer period, i.e., from June to October, the precipitation in the catchment is induced by the monsoon rainfall and averages to about 844 mm.
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Figure - 4.7: Monthly Rainfall at Muzaffarabad
4.3.6 Catchment Area
The nullah descends from the mountains peak at El. 4666 m asl and 4590.60 m asl to 1602 m asl at its confluence with Neelum River. The average gradient of Dowarian nullah in the project area is about 10%. Along the nullah, the valley supports clustered and scattered population centers on both the banks.
The nullah is joined by a few tributaries from either bank and it has significant perennial flow. The catchment area of the nullah at its confluence with Neelum River is about 102 km2 and up to weir site is 90 km2. The catchment area of Dowarian nullah is presented in Figure - 4.8.
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Figure - 4.8: Catchment Area of Dowarian Nullah
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4.3.7 Flows at Dowarian
For transposition of flows from Naran to proposed Dowarian weir site, the relationship of Naran and Kundal Shahi has been used. The specific flows at Naran have been used for estimating specific flows at Dowarian. The two relationships developed for summer and winter have been applied to Naran flow data to estimate the flows in Dowarian nullah.
4.3.7.1 Measured Flows at Dowarian Nullah
On Dowarian nullah, the low flow measurements have been made for a very short period. Based on measured flows, gauge heights, survey of gauging cross section and longitudinal profile, a rating curve has been developed which is presented in the Figure - 4.9.
Figure - 4.9: Rating Curve - Dowarian Nullah at Gauge Site
The flows at proposed weir site on Dowarian nullah in the observed months vary from 1.51 m3/s to 17.97 m3/s. The maximum flows have been observed in the month of June and July, and start decreasing in August. The flows in summer months are strongly affected by rainfall.
The monthly flows at Dowarian nullah are estimated from an extended series of flows established at Kundal Shahi. The mean monthly flows in Dowarian nullah at proposed weir site are presented in Figure - 4.10.
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The annual flow series at Dowarian is graphically presented in Figure – 4.11. The annual flows at Dowarian weir site vary from 4.3 to 7.3 m3/s. These flows are based on Feasibility Study Report.
Figure - 4.10: Mean Monthly Flows – Dowarian Nullah
Figure - 4.11: Mean Annual Flows at Proposed Weir Site – Dowarian Nullah
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4.4 COMPENSATION WATER
According to site survey and interviews with the local people it was revealed that downstream section of the nullah, below the weir, there is very little human and aquatic life requiring water for its survival. Therefore, under these circumstances there is small compulsion to discharge a definite quantity of compensation water which should be sufficient to sustain any activity and ensure survival of any aquatic life in the section of the Dowarian nullah under discussion. On the other hand, there is no hard and fast rule to be followed for the quantity of compensation water to be released through the section of the Dowarian nullah except to assess the requirement of water in the section of the nullah.
Compensation flow has been estimated based on the average monthly flows to maintain the ecology of Dowarian nullah. The weir site has flow values which are about 90% of flows in Dowarian nullah at its confluence with Neelum River. As the downstream small streams / tributaries joining Dowarian nullah would provide about 10% of the flows at the Dowarian nullah confluence with Neelum River, therefore, the residual flows are released downstream of the weir which are essentially required. In winter months, i.e., from October to March, the compensation flows of 0.20 m3/sec and during summer months, i.e., from April to September, it would be increased to 0.5 m3/s on an average. These flows are in addition to the flows of streams / tributaries joining Dowarian nullah downstream of the proposed weir. These flows are considered to be sufficient to support the downstream water usage.
4.5 AIR, NOISE AND WATER
No air quality monitoring data is available for the project area. In general there are no major sources of air pollution, viz., industries, exist in the project area except road traffic in the valley of Dowarian other streams in Neelum Valley. The ambient air quality monitoring within the project area was carried out through monitoring equipment. Representative samples of the ambient air quality in the project area were analyzed, which would also help in assessing the conformity to standards of the ambient air quality during the construction and operation of the project. The existing ambient air quality of the study area serves as an index for assessing the pollution load and the assimilative capacity of any region and forms an important tool for planning further development in the area.
4.5.1 Air Quality
Air quality monitoring was carried out in July 2016 for the following four parameters:
· Carbon Monoxide (CO),
· Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2),
· Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and
· Particulate Matter (PM10)
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4.5.2 Methodology of Environmental Monitoring
Casella, Serial # 1310, Gravimetric Dust Sampler Type 113 A, BS 1259-1958 used for the monitoring of ambient particulate matter monitoring. Special filter media,
having mesh size <10 µ was used as the surface on which PM10 was retained quantitatively during a definite interval of time. The filter media was placed in the special port with leak proof assembly. This prevented escaping of fugitive particulate matter being monitored.
Mid-get impingers/absorption columns assembly was used for the monitoring of
NOx and SO2 in the ambient air. The air was drawn through pump into the glass impingers and absorbed in the solution contained inside the absorption towers. The instrument sucked ambient air at rate monitored by a calibrated volume measuring standard gauge. The volume of air drawn was indicated on the scale calibrated in liters and fractions thereof. One hundred milliliters of absorbents were poured in each of the impingers. The fourth impinger was filled with two hundred grams silica.
Standard procedures were used separately for the sampling of both NOx and SO2. Sample solutions were preserved and then transferred to the Laboratory for analysis.
The Gries-Saltmann Reaction was carried for the analysis of NO2 and
Pararosaniline method was used for SO2 testing. Monitoring results were presented after data generation in micro gram per cubic meter (µg/m3).
Drager Miniwarn, the monitoring equipment, was used for CO measurements.
Digital Sound level meter with the standards specifications; HME® 9011 Sound Levels Meter IEC651 Type 2 & ANISI.4TYPE2; was employed during the noise levels measurements.
The average concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) for 08 hrs according to the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for Ambient Air should not exceed from 5.0 mg/m3.
The values obtained are in compliance with National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS).
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Table - 4.2: Average Obtained Concentrations of Priority Air Pollutants
Carbon Nitrogen Sulfur Particulate Parameter Monoxide Dioxide Dioxide Matter
(CO) (NO2) (SO2) (PM10) Unit mg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 Duration 08 Hours 24 Hours 24 Hours 24 Hours Lowest Detection Limit 0.01 5 5 2
National Environmental 5 80 120 150 Quality Standards Proposed Power 0.85 <6.0 <7.0 67.14 Average House Site Obtained Proposed Camp 0.82 <5.0 <5.0 87.9 Conc. Area Proposed Weir Site 0.72 <5.0 <5.0 75.19
Average 24 hrs concentrations in Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for 3 Ambient Air for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is 80 µg/m and average concentrations of
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) measured during monitoring were found in compliance with National Environmental Quality Standards. According to standard the 24 hrs
concentration of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) in ambient air should not exceed from 120 µg/m3, while concentration obtained was found within limit of National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS).
3 The ambient particulate matter PM10 was found 67.14 µg/m at proposed power house site, 87.90 µg/m3 at proposed camp area, 75.19 µg/m3 at proposed weir site and 66.77 µg/m3 at proposed batching plant are within standard value of 150 µg/m3.
4.5.3 Noise
Noise level monitoring was conducted at the same location where the ambient air quality was monitored. The noise level was found in range of 59.7 to 68.1 (dBA) at proposed power house site, 37.0 to 57.0 (dBA) at proposed camp site, 37.3 to 54.8 (dBA) at proposed weir site and 35.9 to 48.9 (dBA) at proposed batching plant. Figure - 4.12 to Figure - 4.15 shows the values obtained during noise level monitoring at project sites respectively. These values are compared with the National noise standards i.e. 55 for day time and 45 for night times.
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Figure - 4.12: Noise Level at Proposed Powerhouse Site
Figure - 4.13: Noise Level at Proposed Camp Area
Figure - 4.14: Noise Level at Proposed Weir Site
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Figure - 4.15: Noise Level at Proposed Batching Plant
4.5.4 Water Quality
Water monitoring was also monitored at a location near the community area. The monitoring results are provided in the Table - 4.3. Figure - 4.16 (a) & (b) show environmental monitoring at site.
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Figure - 4.16 (a): Environmental Monitoring (Ambient Noise) at Site
Figure - 4.16 (b): Environmental Monitoring (Air) at Site
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Table - 4.3: Water Analysis Results
Sr. Results Parameters Units NDWQS No. Sample-1 Sample-2 Sample-3 Sample-4 Sample-5 1 pH -- 6.5-8.5 7.1 7.0 7.2 7.1 7.2 -- Non Non 2 Taste & Odor Non Objectionable Non Objectionable Non Objectionable Non Objectionable Objectionable Objectionable 3 Color TCU <15 3 3.1 3 3 3 4 Turbidity NTU <5 2 1.7 1.8 1.9 2 5 Total Coliform Number/100 mL 0 Number/100 mL 0 10 30 10 0 6 E-Coli Number/100 mL 0 Number/100 mL 0 0 0 0 0 7 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) mg/L <1000 105 107 101 105 104 8 Total Hardness mg/L <500 13 11 10 11 10 9 Nitrate mg/L ≤50 1.0 1.1 1.01 1.1 1.1 10 Nitrite mg/L ≤3 0.003 0.003 0.004 0.001 0.002 11 Ammonia mg/L --- 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 12 Arsenic mg/L <0.05 N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. 13 Antimony mg/L <0.005 N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. 14 Barium mg/L 0.7 N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. 15 Chloride mg/L 250 10 11 09 10 11 16 Fluoride mg/L <1.5 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 17 Aluminum mg/L ≤0.2 N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. 18 Manganese mg/L ≤0.5 N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. 19 Mercury mg/L 0.001 N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. 20 Iodine mg/L --- 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.03 21 Zinc mg/L 5 0.1 0.2 0.10 0.11 0.10 22 Boron mg/L 0.7 N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. 23 Chromium mg/L ≤0.05 N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. Sample # 1 = Surface water near Weir Site; Sample # 2 = Surface water near Village Dowarian Bala; Sample # 3 = Drinking water in Bandian Dhok; Sample # 4 = Surface water near Power House Site Sample # 5 = Drinking Water near power house Site
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Figure - 4.17: Map Showing the Environmental Monitoring Points
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4.6 FLORAL DIVERSITY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
The Leguminosae and Asteraceae were the largest families of dicotyledons, whereas, Poaceae was largest of the monocotyledons. Biogeographically the area of the Project falls into Irano-Turanian region Floristic region. It was found that the majority of the species were of the tropical origin or introduced/cultivated category. This signifies that the flora of the area is much disturbed.
Figure - 4.18: A Summary of Plants Identified
4.6.1 Rare Species
Fraxinus raiboearpa was the plant that is confined to few localities in north Pakistan.
4.6.2 Threatened Species
World Conservation and Monitoring Centre (WCMC) and Species Survival Commission (SSC) of IUCN has prepared a list of species with different categories of threats in their wild habitats. None of the species found in study area is listed in the WCMC list in endangered categories.
4.6.3 Vegetation Types
The project area lies in the humid subtropical zone influenced by monsoon Mediterranean disturbances as well. The forests can be grouped into and Subtropical Broadleaved Forest, and Subtropical Pine Forests.
4.7 FISH DIVERSITY OF THE PROJECT AREA
River Neelum is generally rich in fish diversity and even 21 fish species have been recorded from a stretch of about 10 km. The reason is generally prevailing
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topography and water temperature of the river Neelum. The Neelum flows gently in a vast and flat valley which provides numerous breeding grounds for the reproduction of fish. High temperature and gravely, rocky and the sandy riverbed of the river Neelum not only helps for high river productivity but also enhance the breeding capacity of aquatic organisms and their subsequent survival. In particular the Dowarian nullah study area has no breeding site of the fish.
4.8 LARGE MAMMALS
Large mammals, especially carnivores, are hard to grasp directly in the field. Therefore it is challenging to study these animals particularly when their numbers are too small and populations are scattered. So, the best way is to go with some indirect approaches like sign surveys are interviews from local people to get maximum information about these species. A number of mammalian species including common leopard, black bear, barking deer, jackal, fox and rhesus monkey were reported from the study district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in past. Status of most of these species is still unknown in the area due to lack of scientific studies in the area.
Table - 4.4: Annual Sighting Rate of Different Mammalian Species
Species Annual Sighting Rate Black bear 0.0 Common leopard 0.1 Leopard cat 0.0 Otter 0.2 Jackal 25.0 Fox 4.7 Rhesus monkey 2.8 Wild boar 0.0
4.9 HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT
Only 12 cases of predation on livestock and poultry were recorded. Jackal was the main predator responsible for almost 92% predations majority; 93%, of which was poultry while remaining were goats. Goats were killed while grazing and poultry was captured from cage most of the time. Only one case of common leopard depredation was reported in which predator attacked on a coral and killed 30 goats at a time.
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4.10 AVIFAUNA
Birds are considered as important health indicators of the ecological conditions and productivity of an ecosystem. While addressing the environmental problems of an area, birds can be used as very appropriate bio-indicators suggesting the status of biodiversity in general.
Of the total Pakistan’s bird species, 30% visit the country for a significant period of the year as long distance migrants, 43% are either Palearctic species visiting Pakistan only for breeding and 28% are regular winter visitors, which breed mainly in trans-Himalayan northern regions. The information about avian distribution across different habitats and Himalayan elevation zones across the region is scarce, fragmented and preliminary. The study area is unexplored in terms of avifauna and old documentation of the bird diversity specific to the study area exist.
4.11 Socio- Economic Conditions 4.11.1 Demography
Neelum District is one of the ten districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Until recently it was part of Muzaffarabad District. It is bound by the Gilgit (Northern Areas) to the North, with Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipore Districts of Indian- administered Kashmir in India to the South and Southeast, Muzaffarabad District to the Southwest and Mansehra District to the West.
Table - 4.5: Demography of AJK
Population (Millions) Density In Area (2006) Growth House- District (km2) 1998 2006 (Persons/ km2) Rate Hold Size Muzaffarabad 2496 0.62 0.77 307 2.80% 7.1 Neelum 3621 0.126 0.159 42 2.80% 7.1 Mirpur 1010 0.334 0.395 391 2.09% 6.8 Bhimber 1516 0.302 0.37 244 2.60% 6.7 Kotli 1862 0.563 0.69 370 2.59% 7.3 Poonch 855 0.411 0.49 573 2.24% 7.6 Bagh 1368 0.393 0.46 336 2.00% 7.4 Sudhnuti 569 0.224 0.262 460 1.99% 7.3 Total 13297 2.973 3.596* 270 2.41% 7.2
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Table - 4.6: Socio -economic Profile of Surrounding Villages
Villages School Masjid Dispensary Population Electricity Graveyard Industry Lower PS 1 N/A 1000 25 KV 1 N/A Saree Pai Bala PS 2 N/A 600 7 KV 1 N/A Saree Barian N/A 2 N/A 400 7 KV 1 N/A Dowarian PS 4 1 2700 25 KV 1 N/A Bandia PS 1 N/A 900 7 KV N/A N/A Jaba N/A 1 N/A 700 7 KV 1 N/A PS = Primary School; N/A = Facility Not Available. Source: Data Collected During site visit
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Table - 4.7: Village Profile of the Area
Villages School Masjid Dispensary Population Gender Ratio Electricity Graveyard Industry
% Male % Female Population Population Lower Saree PS 1 N/A 1000 51.07 48.93 25 KV 1 N/A Pai Bala Saree PS 2 N/A 600 50.72 49.28 7 KV 1 N/A Barian N/A 2 N/A 400 50.69 49.31 7 KV 1 N/A Dowarian PS 4 1 2700 50.26 49.74 25 KV 1 N/A Bandia PS 1 N/A 900 51.03 48.97 7 Kv N/A N/A Jaba N/A 1 N/A 700 50.84 49.16 7 Kv 1 N/A
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4.11.2 Social Composition
Despite rapid modernization and urbanization in AJK including district Neelum the kinship system has remained intact and exert great influence over the economy, politics and cultural ethos. The major tribes residing in the district are Syed, Gujar, Jat, Rajput, Awan and Sudhan. Hindko, Gojri and Pahari are the indigenous languages of the district. Other than vernacular languages, Urdu and Punjabi are also spoken. The majority of population of the district is Muslim, constituting 99.24 percent of the total population. Christians, Hindus, Qadiani/Ahmedi and Scheduled Castes form minority.
4.11.3 Political and Administrative Set-Up
The state of AJK is constituted of an area of 3,297sq.km and is administratively divided into two divisions, seven districts, and nineteen sub-divisions. The area falls under the jurisdiction of State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The State of AJK is administratively controlled by Government of Pakistan under United Nation’s Commission on India and Pakistan 1948. The laws government of Pakistan extend to the entire state with the approval of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (AJKLA).
4.11.4 Conflict and Social Tension
Generally the area is peaceful as there are no chronic social and communal conflicts among the communities living in the project area. Owing to social diversity and culture of tolerance in the society, people hailing from different denominations and clans lives in harmony. The state laws are fully enforced in the project area. If a conflict arises within the community, the elders resolve the issues amicably or settled through courts of law. Though the role of clerics (ulema) was traditionally limited to marriage, burial and religious guidance, they are increasingly play their role in resolution of conflict among community members.
Politically, the state of AJK is governed by Parliamentary form of Government. The president is the head of the state and the elected Prime Minister along with his cabinet of ministers is the head of the government. The State of AJK has its elected President, Prime Minster with Cabinet and AJK Legislative Assembly along with AJK Council represented by elected members from AJK Legislative Assembly and nominated members from Pakistan. Currently, the AJK government does not have local bodies system which is expected to be in place after the ruling of Supreme Court of Pakistan
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5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION
This section discusses in detail any of the potential environmental and social impacts that may be resultant of the project activities in the surrounding environment of the project area.
An overview of the general approach for the impact assessment is discussed below so that it is not repeated in each environmental component. In case, where specific mitigation measures have been provided for an environmental component these are presented in the relevant section with supplementary information.
5.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 5.1.1 Project Area
The project area is the site of the proposed project and the area of probable impact as the extent of the area outside the project area that is likely to be directly or indirectly impacted by the proposed project is been considered.
5.1.2 Establishment of the Existing Environment
The baseline condition is the environmental conditions that would lie in the absence of the construction and operation of the Project, and against which the potential environmental impacts of the Project would be assessed. For the majority of the technical studies the baseline is the conditions at the present time. Baseline information for the EIA has been collected from published literatures, desk studies, consultations with relevant stakeholders and data collected for this study during field surveys.
5.1.3 Prediction / Evaluation of Impacts
The prediction and evaluation of impacts of the Project has been considered against the baseline in the EIA. The following impacts have been considered:
Direct impacts – a primary impact of the Project.
Indirect impacts – impacts that arise from activities not explicitly forming part of the Project.
Permanent impacts – impacts that arise from an irreversible change to the baseline environment or which persist for the foreseeable future.
Temporary impacts – impacts that persist for a limited period only or can be reversible.
Where possible these will be classified as temporary, short-term, medium-term or long term.
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Each of the environmental impact will be categorized in to the:
Beneficial impacts – impacts that have a beneficial influence on environmental receptors and resources.
Adverse impacts – impacts that have an adverse influence on environmental receptors and resources.
5.1.4 Potential Impact Sources
Environment and social impacts attributable to the project can broadly be classified into those taking place during construction and those occurring during operational phase. Some of these impacts can be anticipated and avoided through appropriate adjustments / provisions in the project design. Some can be mitigated by careful implementation of the Project while some other can be adjusted with by appropriately following the operational manual and an effective collaboration with communities.
The severity of the impact is presented on evaluation scale. The evaluation scale used for the EIA Study is given below:
Scale: Extent of Impact
▲▲▲ Permanent change (to be adopted) : irreversible
▲▲ Mitigation through contractor’s obligation or EMP implementation: reversible
▲ Avoidable through design (Avoidance) : Curable
Table - 5.1: Evaluation of Environmental Impacts
Construction Phase Impacts Assessment Aspects Impacts Assessed Slight Moderate Significant ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ Impact of wastes, construction 1.1.1 material and Land debris at Resource construction site Unstable soil or similar 1.1.2 unforeseen conditions
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Assessment Aspects Impacts Assessed Slight Moderate Significant ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ Any natural disasters such 1.1.3 as heavy rains, floods and earthquakes Soil contamination from diesel and 1.1.4 other spills from construction machinery Damage/blocka ge of irrigation channel, paths and cross drainage by 1.1.5 moving machinery and putting the construction materials. Scouring of Earthen 1.1.6 embankment or concrete work edge Release of construction water on 1.1.7 unstable slope or any public/private property. Release of construction water including 1.1.8 the sewage or debris to any water body / structure. Any discharge, spill or dumping 1.1.9 on any building or house on nullah bank
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Assessment Aspects Impacts Assessed Slight Moderate Significant ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ Impact of taking borrow martial 1.1.10 from earth borrow site. Impact on paths or road used for 1.1.11 transport of construction material. Impact of quarrying for surge tank, weir site etc on air 1.1.12 and land during obtaining the materials for construction Any blasting 1.1.13 during Construction Impact of contamination on surface water by disposal or 1.2.1 dumping of construction debris, disposal of untreated waste water Impact of chashma water 1.2.2 source damage and contamination Diesel and other fluids 1.2.3 spilling over to nullah water from machinery
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Assessment Aspects Impacts Assessed Slight Moderate Significant ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ Obstruction of flow of water in any stream or water channel 1.2.4 due to rejected material or construction material Effect on surface flow conditions in rains due to 1.2.5 Water rejected Resources material or construction material. Dust, smoke and other pollutants from construction, 1.3.1 Machinery including asphalt and concrete batching plant. Dust of other pollutants from 1.3.2 stored material and spoil keeps. Air Quality Smoke from and Noise burning of Pollution. 1.3.3 waste material or burning firewood. Noise from use 1.3.4 of old or outdate machinery. Noise due to 1.3.5 any blasting. Soil contamination due to labour 1.3.6 camps and machinery yards.
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Assessment Aspects Impacts Assessed Slight Moderate Significant ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ Damage to biological resource 1.4.1 through tree cutting at the project site Damage to Fish and other aquatic fauna (release of Biological contaminants Resources and debris can 1.4.2 potentially have moderate to significant impact on fish and other aquatic fauna). Impact on any birds nesting on 1.4.3 the tree due to the tree cutting Existing services like education, 1.5.1 health, electricity, water supply communication Impact on (adjacent) open 1.5.2 Socio– land for Economic agricultural. Cultural Impact of and damage on Archeologi 1.5.3 irrigation cal Issues. channel close to the road. Impact on local ethnicity, Tribal 1.5.4 Tensions, communal rivalries Impact on area 1.5.5 under crops
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Assessment Aspects Impacts Assessed Slight Moderate Significant ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ Land ownership 1.5.6 / Land tenure system Transportation 1.5.7 of construction material Adverse effect on cultural and archaeological 1.5.8 heritage if found during the construction Graveyards; if any; affected 1.5.9 during construction Public safety at 1.5.10 construction site. Health and safety of labour 1.5.11 and employees on construction site Resettlement of Affectee land 1.5.12 inhabitants of houses by the project. Loss of cultural ties and family lands due to 1.5.13 involuntary shifting of population. Loss of livelihood due to 1.5.14 loss of land and ancestral house/village. Loss of local technique and 1.5.15 knowledge due to shifting of population
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Assessment Aspects Impacts Assessed Slight Moderate Significant ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ HIV / AIDS and infectious diseases such as cholera and 1.5.16 Hepatitis in the labour, employees and nearby Public Women status: Exposure to 1.5.17 employment and education opportunities Hurdle in 1.5.18 cultural Reunion. Hurdle in accessing market 1.5.19 opportunities for Agricultural produce. Reduction in recreation 1.5.20 opportunities due to high traffic speed
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Operational Phase Impacts Assessment Aspects Impacts Assessed Slight Moderate Significant ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲▲▲ Damage of road 2.1.1 due to flooding Damage of weir 2.1.2 site , penstock etc Segmentation of 2.1.3 population Segmentation of 2.1.4 grazing area Social, Impact of air Biological pollution due to and increase in 2.1.5 Environmen traffic owing the tal Impacts good quality of road Impact of noise pollution due to 2.1.6 increase in traffic Increase in road accidents due to 2.1.7 increase in flow of traffic Monitoring Possibility of and less effective Evaluation monitoring and as per 2.2 evaluation as operational per operational manual and manual and monitoring monitoring plan plan
5.1.4.1 Impact Evaluation and Description
Environmental impacts have been and will continue to be considered, eliminated or reduced throughout the lifecycle of the Project. For the EIA process Impact evaluation has been carried out in compliance with the national and international legal requirements and guidelines. These documents use various types of tools in an attempt to define a comprehensive and consistent method to capture all potential impacts of a proposed Project
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A uniform system of impact description is used to enable the reviewers to understand how impacts have been interpreted. The description of each impact will have the following features.
A definition of the impact using an impact statement;
The impact statement clearly identifying the project activity or activities that causes the impact, the pathway or the environmental parameter that is changed by the activity, and the potential receptors of the impact;
Establishing the sensitivity of the receiving environment or receptors;
Based on the stakeholder consultations undertaken, outlining of the level of public concern regarding the specific impact;
Rating of the significance of the impact
Description of the mitigation and management measures and the effectiveness of proposed measures; and
Characterization of the level of uncertainty in the impact assessment.
The significance of an impact is determined based on the product of the consequence of the impact and the probability of its occurrence. The consequence of an impact, in turn, is a function primarily of three impact characteristics: magnitude; spatial scale; and duration.
Magnitude is determined from quantitative or qualitative evaluation of a number of criteria discussed further below. Where relevant, this includes comparison with standards or thresholds.
Examples of thresholds include:
legal thresholds - established by law or regulation;
functional thresholds - if exceeded, the impacts will disrupt the functioning of an ecosystem sufficiently to destroy resources important to the nation or biosphere irreversibly and/or irretrievably;
normative thresholds - established by social norms, usually at the local or regional level and often tied to social or economic concerns;
preference thresholds - preferences for individuals, groups or organizations only, as distinct from society at large; and
reputational thresholds - the level of risk a company is willing to take when approaching or exceeding the above thresholds.
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After the evaluation of the impacts resulting from project, the probability of impact occurrence is considered to further evaluate overall impact significance. The probability in this case relates to the likelihood of the impact occurring.
The resulting significance rating may be further qualified by explaining the effectiveness of proposed management measures designed to mitigate or enhance the impact, and by characterizing the level of confidence or uncertainty in the assessment.
5.1.4.2 Impact Significance Rating
The impact significance rating process serves two purposes: firstly, it helps to highlight the critical impacts requiring consideration in the approval process; secondly, it serves to show the primary impact characteristics, as defined above, used to evaluate impact significance. The impact significance rating system is presented in Table - 5.2.
Part A: Define impact consequence using the three primary impact characteristics of magnitude, spatial scale and duration;
Part B: Use the matrix to determine a rating for impact consequence based on the definitions identified in Part A; and
Part C: Use the matrix to determine the impact significance rating, which is a function of the impact consequence rating (from Part B) and the probability of occurrence.
5.1.4.3 Mitigation and Good Practice Measures
Wherever, the Project is likely to result in unacceptable impact on the environment, mitigation measures are proposed. In addition, in certain cases good practice measures are proposed.
Table - 5.2: Method for rating the Significances of Impacts
Part A: Defining Consequence in Terms of Magnitude, Duration and Spatial Scale
Impact Characteristics Definition Criteria Major Substantial deterioration or harm to receptors; receiving environment has an inherent value to stakeholders; receptors of impact are of conservation importance; or identified threshold Magnitude often exceeded Moderate Moderate/measurable deterioration or harm to receptors; receiving environment moderately sensitive; or identified threshold occasionally exceeded
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Minor Minor deterioration (nuisance or minor deterioration) or harm to receptors; change to receiving environment not measurable; or identified threshold never exceeded Minor+ Minor improvement; change not measurable; or threshold never exceeded Moderate+ Moderate improvement; within or better than the threshold; or no observed reaction Major+ Substantial improvement; within or better than the threshold; or favorable publicity Continuous Intermittent aspects aspects Short term/ Less than 4 Occurs less than once a year low frequency years Duration/ Medium More than 4 Occurs less than 10 times a year but Frequency years up to end Long term/ Beyond the life of Occurs more than 10 times a year high frequency the project (greater than 30 years) Biophysical Socio-economic Small Within 200 Within the Study Area meters (m) of the Project footprint Intermediate Within 200 10 km from the Project facilities Spatial Scale meters (m) of the Project footprint Extensive Beyond 3 km of Beyond 10 km from the Project the Project facilities footprint Part B: Determining Consequence Rating Rate Consequence Based On Definition Of Magnitude, Spatial Extent And Duration SPATIAL SCALE Small Intermediate Extensive Minor DURATION/ Long / high Medium Medium Medium FREQUENCY Medium Low Low Medium Short / low Low Low Medium Moderate DURATION/ Long / high Medium High High FREQUENCY Medium Medium Medium High Short / low Low Medium Medium Major DURATION/ Long / high High High High FREQUENCY Medium Medium Medium High Short / low Medium Medium High
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PART C: DETERMINING SIGNIFICANCE RATING Rate significance based on consequence and probability Consequence Low Medium High Probability Definite Low Medium High (Of Exposure Possible Low Medium High To Impacts) Unlikely Low Low Medium
5.2 IMPACTS ON PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL The physical environmental aspects that may be affected by the project activities are following:
Noise and dust associated with construction and operations
Use of water for Project activities
Generation of waste by the Project activities during construction and operations
Construction of an earthen dyke for flood protection and minimization of inundation area.
Following are the potential impacts that may arise from the execution of the project activities:
Impact PE1: Soil Contamination Impact PE2: Soil Erosion Impact PE3: Water Contamination Impact PE4: Change in Drainage Pattern due to Weir Construction Impact PE5: Fugitive Dust Emissions Impact PE6: Vehicular and Generator Exhaust Emissions Impact PE7: Damage to Infrastructure due to Blasting Impact PE8: Noise Nuisance due to Blasting, Drilling and Batching Plant 5.2.1 Soil Quality Improper handling of oils, lubricants and other such substances may result in spills which would lead to soil contamination. Other than this accidental releases and leakages are another grey area in this regard. Storage in areas with no lining and containing walls and low quality storage containers pose another threat of soil contamination.
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Impact PE1: Discharge related to Project construction and Operation particularly operation of generator and wastewater system can potentially result in the contamination of soil and consequent deterioration of groundwater and surface water quality. Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Long Intermediate High Possible High High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM01: The generator will be placed on impervious layer. Sufficient area around the generator will be made impervious to contain any spill during maintenance MM02: Fuel tanks will be appropriately marked by content and will be stored in dyked areas with an extra 10% of the storage capacity of the fuel tank. The area will be lined with an impervious base MM03: Grease traps will be installed on the site, wherever needed, to prevent flow of oily water. MM04: Spill control kit (shovels, plastic bags and absorbent materials) will be available near fuel and oil storage areas. MM05: Emergency plan for spill management will be prepared and inducted to the staff for any incident of spill. MM06: The bottom of any soak pit or septic tank will be at least 10 m above the groundwater table. The distance can be reduced, if based on the soil properties, it is established that the lesser distance will not result in contamination of groundwater. Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Minor Long Intermediate Medium Unlikely Low High Impact Good Practice Measures: MN01: Daily monitoring for any of the spills and leakages in the generator room and other construction area. MN02: Quarterly monitoring of level of wastewater in soak pits and septic tanks.
5.2.2 Soil Erosion
Any excavation work during the construction activities, whether permanent or temporary, would lead to loss of soil. Erosion of soil can also occur from removal of vegetation cover, runoff from unprotected excavated areas, muck disposal sites, quarry sites etc. Excavations on slopes would also decrease its stability. Given the topography of the area, unprotected excavations on sloping grounds may lead to landslide, especially during the rainy season.
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Impact PE2: Land clearing and blasting and drilling activities may loosen the top soil in the project area resulting in possible acceleration of soil erosion, especially in the wet season. Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Short Small Low Definite Low High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM1: Vegetation loss shall be minimized to the extent possible which would help soil bonding MM2: The nearby area will be sprinkled before blasting and drilling to minimize erosion MM3: Controlled blasting shall be done to minimize environmental impacts MM4: Areas such as muck disposal area, batching plant, labor camp, quarry sites, etc. after the closure shall be covered with grass and shrubs MM5: Slopes in the drilling and blasting areas should be protected against sliding MM6: All trace cutting works for road construction, adequate retaining wall or breast wall to be provided in case the geology is not self-supporting. MM7: Slope stabilization measures will be adopted such as adequate vertical and horizontal drains, drainage along road sides, cross drainage etc. Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Conf Residual Minor Short Small Low Unlikely Low High Impact Good Practice Measures: Local species for plantation shall be selected to restore the biodiversity of the area in consultation with forest department after completion of respective activities Monitoring: MN01: HSE officer visit before the above mentioned activities on regular basis
5.2.3 Water Contamination
Impact PE3: Water contamination due to releases from the construction camp, vehicles washing area and in the project phase sewage from the power plant facilities and possible oil spills/leakages Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Major Medium Extensive High Possible High High Impact
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Mitigation Measures MM1: Soak pits for kitchen waste water will be installed MM2: Septic tanks for sewage waste will be put in place with tentative capacity of 300 -500 litres MM3: Prohibit release of camp effluents to the water channels or land MM4: Lining of all effluent channels at all working areas with cement will be done to prevent seepage MM5: All the garbage shall be collected and disposed off adequately to the disposal site or to an incinerator, if feasible MM6: Leakage of oil wastes from oil storage and vehicles should be avoided in order to prevent potential contamination of streams or ground water MM7: Surface runoff from oil handling areas/devices should be treated for oil separation before being discharged into the river. Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Minor Short Small Low Possible Low High Impact Monitoring: MN01: HSE officer visit before the above mentioned activities on regular basis
5.2.4 Change in Drainage Pattern
Construction of weir and creation of storage area will change the flow regime of the existing nullah, which may pose impacts on downstream and upstream ecology. Keeping in view the sensitivity of the issue and project setting, a biodiversity assessment exercise will be carried out separately and made part of the EIA. Biodiversity study would aim at determining the ecological flow and the requirements of releases to maintain that flow after the proposed development. Further options will be assessed to incorporate positive impacts of the project in that area and specifically in the Neelum River. The creation of weir site will certainly enhance the aesthetic value of the locality and also provide opportunities for eco- tourism. Another advantage would be the increased productivity of fish harvest with the increase of water availability due to weir creation in that area.
Impact PE4: Construction of weir may alter the drainage patterns of the area Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Medium Intermediate Medium Possible Medium High Impact
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Mitigation Measures: MM1: Results of the biodiversity assessment (ecological flow) be incorporated in implementation plans. MM2: Surface runoff from oil handling areas/devices should be treated for oil separation before being discharged into the nullah / or river. MM3: The sand and gravel quarrying sites shall be selected keeping in view the impacts and magnitude of change in surface water drainage patterns. Major changes in the landscape shall be avoided. MM4: At the completion of activities the natural pattern shall be restored, to the extent possible. Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Major Medium Intermediate Extensive Possible High High Impact Monitoring: MN01: HSE officer visit before the above mentioned activities on regular basis
5.2.5 Fugitive Dust Emissions The project is spread around an area of around 5 km in a hilly terrain acts as a natural barrier to movement of heavy traffic and humans. Therefore there would be more than one camping site for the proposed project. This would require of road driving, furthermore the roads are two lane and therefore the shoulders of the road would be used and cut more often generating more dust emissions. Defensive driving and regular water sprinkling are few steps that would significantly reduce the emissions and their likely impacts.
Impact PE5: Vehicular movement and drilling will create fugitive dust emissions specially while off road driving. Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Short Intermediate Medium Definite Medium High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM1: For fugitive dust control, sprinkling of water on the project roads will be done MM2: Grading operation to be suspended when the wind speed exceeds 20 km /hr. MM3: All storage piles shall be adequately wetted or covered with plastic to ensure protection of ambient air from fugitive emission during wind storm MM4: Batching plants and associated machinery installed for project activities will be installed with suitable pollution control arrangements MM5: Speed limits and defensive driving policies will be strictly implemented MM6: Road damage caused by project activities will be promptly attended to with proper road repair and maintenance work
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Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Minor Short Small Low Unlikely Low High Impact Monitoring: MN01: Early morning and afternoon in the inspection by the site EHS officer and if required the frequency can be increased
5.2.6 Vehicular and Generator Exhaust Emissions
Emissions from the exhaust of vehicles, batching plant and generators etc. would release emissions which would certainly add to the ambient air levels of the immediate vicinity. Especially the movements of heavy machinery and vehicles of old make and poor engine condition tends to release more than new well-tuned vehicles. Use of low grade fuels and lubricants also increases the emission levels.
Impact PE6: Exhaust emissions from generators, project traffic and batching plant may deteriorate the local ambient air quality Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Short Small Low Possible Low High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM1: New and low emission equipment and vehicles shall be used MM2: Best quality fuel and lubes shall be purchased where possible lead free oil and lubes should be used MM3: Batching plant shall be set up considering the wind direction so that the nearby communities are not affected by the emissions from batching plant MM4: Batching plant should be kept as near to natural sinks to minimize emissions to ambient environment MM5: Regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment will be conducted to keep emissions in check MM6: Filters will be installed wherever available in vehicles and equipment MM7: All stacks will be at least 8ft high to safeguard the labor and passersby from the emissions Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Minor Short Small Low Unlikely Low High Impact Monitoring: MN01: Biannual monitoring of the emissions against NEQS and other applicable emission standards by third part auditors
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5.2.7 Damage to Infrastructure due to Blasting
Blasting and drilling near any civil structures like houses, road etc. especially at power house site may cause damage or destruction of the structure in the worst case or if safe distances are not maintained. Apart from that noise and vibrations produced from these activities would also create nuisance to the surrounding communities and wildlife. Therefore, special care is needed in view of these sensitivities. Special plans and safe distances need to be calculated according to the best industrial practices to avoid all such mishaps to the extent feasible.
Impact PE7: Blasting for tunneling may cause damage to nearby infrastructure Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Short Small Low Definite Low High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM1: Safe distances acceptable worldwide will be calculated and maintained MM2: Where safe distances cannot be maintained the structures will be evacuated of the occupants to avoid human loss MM3: Controlled blasting techniques will be adopted at all times MM4: Public infrastructure and cultural heritage sites if any near the blasting area will be reinforced in terms of civil works MM5: Muffled blasting techniques be adopted where required. Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Minor Long Intermediate Medium Possible Medium High Impact Monitoring: MN01: Cracks on ground surface to be monitored for the stabilization of slops and landsliding. MN02: Noise level to be monitored at receptor levels to recommend, if a muffled blast is needed. MN03: Dispersion of explosion produced debris shall be monitor to ensure personnel and public safety on regular basis. MN04: Sources of ground water, including springs and hand pumps shall be monitored for change in water availability and quality.
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5.2.8 Noise Nuisance
Impact PE8: Noise produced from blasting, drilling and batching plant may cause nuisance in the vicinity of the respective activity Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Short Small Low Definite Low High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM1: The construction equipment generating high noise must be designed to have an adequate muffler system. MM2: All stationary noise generating equipment such as air compressors and power generators should be used away from the residential area. MM3: A proper routine and preventive maintenance procedure for project vehicles and equipment should be set and followed in consultation with the respective manufacturer which would help prevent noise levels from deteriorating with use. MM4: Provision of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), i.e., ear muffs and plugs, will reduce noise impact on personnel. MM5: Movement of vehicles should be restricted to project area only. MM6: Restriction on pressure horns. MM7: The nearest community will be informed three siren in advance for the case of blasting activities MM8: Blasting will be done only in day hours MM9: unscheduled blasting will be strictly prohibited in any case Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Minor Long Intermediate Medium Possible Medium High Impact Monitoring: MN01: Regular monitoring of the noise levels in the nearest communities against the baseline noise conditions and if the threshold values are exceeded then re calculating the safe distances on the basis of monitoring report
5.3 IMPACTS ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
Environmental and social impacts attributable to the project can broadly be classified into those taking place during construction and those occurring during the operational phase. Some of these impacts can be anticipated and avoided through appropriate adjustments / provisions in the project design. Some can be mitigated by careful implementation of the project while some other can be adjusted by
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appropriately following the operational manual and an effective collaboration with communities.
Construction related impacts are heavily dependent on:
The contractor’s work practices, especially those related to storage of construction materials and cleanliness of work site;
Cooperation between local communities and local authorities and the contractor and use of public space and utilities;
Project management’s enforcement of correct construction practices and standards;
The incorporation of mitigation measures identified in the EIA into the overall work practices.
An effective collaboration with local communities in evolving a workable project implementation; and
The quality of Monitoring and Reporting of ESMP implementation
Operational impacts of the proposed project are associated with the movement of vehicular traffic on it and allied activities. These include air and noise pollution, safety hazards and other similar impacts.
Following are the potential socio-economic impacts that may arise from the execution of the project activities:
Impact SE1: The project will provide job opportunities for the local people in construction and operation phases.
Impact SE2: The local communities access to the health facilities.
Impact SE4: Loss of livelihood.
Impact SE5: Diseases incidences due to pollution and interaction with labor
Impact SE6: The blockade of access of local community due construction activities
Impact SE7: Privacy of local people to be disturbed because of contractor’s camp and construction work.
Impact SE8: Conflict between workers and local community to increase
5.3.1 Economic Opportunities
The impact of the project on the economic opportunities is positive as the area has no significant industries and other economic opportunities to be affected by the
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project operations. The project would provide job opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers during the construction phase. The job opportunities for local people can be increased through skilled development of people in operating machinery required for construction phase. Also the project will prove instrumental in injecting money into the local economy and thereby providing new opportunities and opening up avenues for new professions and services.
Impact SE1: The project will provide job opportunities for the local people in construction and operation phases. Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Long Intermediate High Possible High High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM01: The local people will be offered project related jobs on priority basis. MM02: The project will arrange skills development and training programmes to local unskilled labour in handing equipment and machinery required for the project. MM03: The project will boost local economy by injecting money and enacting instrumental role in emergence of new vocations and professions. Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Minor Short Small Low Definite Low Moderate Impact term Monitoring: MN01: Quarterly monitoring reports about number of people employed and trained.
5.3.2 Improved Healthcare
The impact of the project on existing healthcare is minimal as no health care facilities are being affected by the project operations. The communities will have access to the first aid health care provided by the Contractor to labor during construction phase.
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Impact SE2: The local communities access to the health facilities. Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Long Intermediate High Possible High High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM01: The contractor to establish health facilities in the camp during construction phase. Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Moderate Long Intermediate High Possible High High Impact Monitoring: MN01: Quarterly monitoring of facilities and level of patients visiting the facilities.
5.3.3 Loss of Livelihoods
The project has no significant direct adveres impacts on the livelihoods of the local people. The only impact on the income from on farm and off farm income from the acquired land will adequately be compensated at replacement cost. Moreover, the skilled and local people will be provided with job opportunities on priority basis in the construction and operational phases. The project will also arrange training skills development opportunities to unskilled people enable them to qualify for the skill and semi skill jobs in the project. Though, the project may cause minimal loss of agriculture land, it will also provide local people with new opportunities as reservoir will become habitat for varieties of fish that survive in the streams and Neelum river.
Impact SE3: land to be acquired for contractor’s camp and roads. Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Long Intermediate High Possible High High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM01: People losing more than 10% of their productive assets to be provided with livelihood allowances. MM02: People losing their assets to be offered project related jobs MM03: Skills development training to local people
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Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Moderate Short Intermediate Medium unlikely low High Impact Monitoring: MN01: Quarterly monitoring of number people provided with livelihood allowances, jobs and trainings.
5.3.4 Disease Incidence
The chances of disease incidences is minimal, however, the project will assure minimal incidences through isolation of contractor’s camps from local communities, regular follow ups for vaccination of workers and camp followers.
Impact SE4: Diseases incidences due to pollution and interaction with labor Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Short Intermediate High Possible High High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM01: A comprehensive Health and safety plan to be implemented MM02: Creation of grievance redressed mechanism to protect rights and livelihood of community Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Moderate Short Intermediate Medium unlikely low High Impact Monitoring: MN01: Daily monitoring of incidences through grievance redressal mechanism.
5.3.5 Access blockade
The probability of blockade of access for the local community is high due to construction work on the weir and power houses. The contractor will assure the access by scheduling the work and alternate access in consultation with local community during construction period. Road blockade for construction may cause trouble in case of emergency. To avoid any untoward event in emergency, the contractor ought to make alternative arrangements.
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Impact SE5: The blockade of access of local community due construction activities Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Long Intermediate High Possible High High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM01: Alternate access to local communities during construction work, MM02: Scheduling for road blockade MM03: Alternate options for patients in emergencies Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Moderate Short Intermediate Medium unlikely low High Impact Monitoring: MN01: Daily monitoring of access and registration and reporting of complaints through redressal mechanism.
5.3.6 Privacy
The local communities are living in settlements mostly in family groups where the community members especially women freely move around without hesitation. The probably of disturbance in the privacy of local people near contractor’s camp is moderate due to non-local labor in camps. The local people especially the women will not feel comfortable in the presence of non-local laborers in the camp. The contractor will assure the privacy of local people by establishing camp at a reasonable distance from local settlements and by restricting the mobility of labor in the community.
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Impact SE6: Privacy of local people to be disturbed because of contractor’s camp and construction work. Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Long Intermediate High Possible High High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM01: Contractor’s camps to maintain a reasonable distance from local population MM02: Restriction on mobility of workers in local community Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Moderate Short Intermediate Medium unlikely low High Impact Monitoring: MN01: Daily monitoring for any of the incidences and complaints.
5.3.7 Conflicts with local population
The chances of conflict between labor and local community are high as the local people would not like the mobility of the labor in the community. The contractor will make sure a harmony between labor and local community through a permanent liaison with community elders and by maintaining a reasonable distance of the camp site from the local population.
Impact SE7: Conflict between workers and local community to increase Applicable Project Phase Construction Operational
Impact Rating Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Initial Moderate Long Intermediate High Possible High High Impact Mitigation Measures: MM01: Contractor’s camps to maintain a reasonable distance from local population MM02: Restriction on mobility of workers in local community MM03: Priority in jobs for the local people with expertise required by the project Magnitude duration Scale Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Residual Moderate Short Intermediate Medium unlikely low High Impact Monitoring: MN01: Daily monitoring for any of the incidences and complaints.
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6 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
Alternatives are essentially, different ways through which the proponent can feasibly achieve sustainable development by carrying out a different type of actions, choosing design alternatives or adopting a different technology or design for the Project to create win-win scenario for all stakeholders. At the more detailed level, alternatives merge into mitigating measure where specific changes are made to the project design or to methods of construction or operation to avoid, reduce or remedy environmental effects. All EIA systems also require developers to consider mitigation.
Alternatives and mitigation, therefore, cover a spectrum ranging from a high level to very detailed aspects of project design. As an example they might range from:
Different strategies e.g. to manage demand or reduce losses rather than develop a new resource;
Different sites or routes for all or part of the project;
Different technologies and raw materials e.g. construction of a thermal power plant rather than a hydro power plant;
Altered layouts or designs e.g. locating noisy activities away from sensitive receptors;
Environmental measures incorporated into the project design e.g. construction of an ecoduct to ensure safe passage of wildlife across a motorway rather than establishment of compensatory habitat.
The “No Project” scenario must also be considered as the baseline against which the environmental effects of the project should be considered. This may include changes from the present day situation as a result of other developments taking place in the vicinity and changes in environmental conditions. This section of the report presents the analysis of the alternatives considered for the proposed project.
6.1 NO PROJECT SCENARIO
The “No Project” option is least considered option for State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir especially and Pakistan in general. The country is currently going through the worse power crisis of the history. Energy crisis is considered as major development hurdle in Pakistan as well as in AJK and has resulted in formulation of the national energy policy in the recent past. The energy crisis is being given utmost priority at the government level. The acute power shortage in all over the country has resulted in massive load shedding and deteriorating the economic development and growth.
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An analysis of electricity data for year 2012-13 reveal that the minimum shortfall was 1,141 MW, while it touched the figured of 6,390 MW at one point in period under consideration. The average shortfall over the year remained 3,886 MW which is around 26% of the average demand of electricity during year.
The maximum generation during the year was 14,756 MW which is only 78% of the maximum demand of electricity. Whereas the minimum generation during the year was 7,345 MW which is 65% of the minimum demand in the same period.
The total generation was 95,364 GWh during year 2011-12, however 2,382 GWh were consumed as auxiliary load by power plants. As discussed above, this generation represents only 47% capacity utilization. The extraordinary transmission and distribution losses (around 22%) have added to catastrophe. The No Project scenario is considered or adopted it would mean that the already power deficient economy would suffer even more and at current rate if no power is added to the national grid Currently, power outages are in the range of 12-14 hours daily for the rural areas and 8-10 hours for the urban areas, while at the same time the industrial sector is also suffering huge financial losses due to the power outages. Given the gravity of energy crisis and its repercussion on the economy, Pakistan cannot afford to deprive itself of a major project of cheap source of electricity.
6.2 ALTERNATE METHODS OF POWER GENERATION 6.2.1 Electricity Generation Options
There are different options available to generate electricity which include but are not limited to production using furnace oil, natural gas, coal, solar and hydel. The root of all the devastation in power industry, other than crowning transmission and distribution losses, is the unsolicited expensive energy mix. Out of total 22,797 MW installed capacity, only 6,556 MW is Hydel power. The rest of capacity is mostly thermal projects with little contribution of 3% from nuclear production. Out of total 95,364 GWh produced during year 2011-12, only 30% has been generated by Hydel resources, 29% has been produced using natural gas while the 35% generation was dependable on expensive furnace oil. The nuclear energy contributed 5.5%, whereas a minor part of energy also came through diesel and coal.
Average cost of the energy delivered to Discos was PKR 7.11 per kilowatt hour. The average cost of delivery from furnace oil was PKR. 15.94. While the cost from coal generation came around PKR 3.18, the Hydel generation cost only PKR 0.16 per kilowatt hour (as most of the hydro plants have already paid their debts and incurring nominal O&M cost).
Pakistan imports oil from other countries to meet domestic needs whilst the gas reserves of the country are fast depleting and hence cannot be presently
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considered as reliable sources of power generation. In the last few years the cost of furnace oil has sky rocketed. The only coal used in Pakistan is imported from Indonesia and South Africa. The Thar Coal resources are still in early stages of exploration and are yet to be further evaluated for potential to generate electricity. Wind power is currently in the experimental stage and few projects are under implementation and having lower efficiency and power potential cannot be considered as a replacement or full time substitute of other sources of power generation.
6.2.2 Cost for Electricity Generation
Hydropower is the cheapest source of electricity in terms of per unit cost and maintenance of the generation system when compared with other alternatives, such as the furnace oil or gas run power plants. Hydropower requires significant initial investment compared with thermal options, however, once the debts are paid back the cost of electricity generation reduces significantly resulting in long term energy security of the country. A typical hydropower project in private sector has a levelized cost around 8-9 US cents/KWh with a generation cost of about 3 US cents/KWh after debt repayments are complete. In comparison the thermal projects (furnace oil based) currently have the levelized cost of around 16.0 US cents/KWh and keep on increasing with time.
6.2.3 Reliability of Power Generation
For assessing the reliability of power generation, the plant load factor can be used as an indicator. The load factor of an energy technology is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the net amount of electricity generated by a power plant to the net amount which it could have generated if it were operating at its net output capacity. The plant load factors for different power generation sources are presented in Table - 6.1.
Table - 6.1: Plant Load Factor
Technology Plant Load Factor Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) 70-85% Waste to Energy 60-90% Coal 65-85% Nuclear Power 65-85% Hydro 30-50% Wind Energy 25-40% Wave Power 25%
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6.2.4 Green House Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gases are one of the main causes of the rising global temperatures and climate change or climates shifts. Options are assessed all over the world for going towards technologies to reduce or eliminate the emissions of the greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The main source of power generation in Pakistan is the thermal power which is based on fuel oil and / or natural gas. These options have greenhouse gas emissions and create a significant carbon foot print on the deteriorating natural environment of the country and in the wider context of the regional environment.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world emits approximately 27 gigatonnes of CO2e from multiple sources, with electrical production emitting 10 gigatonnes, or approximately 37% of global emissions. In addition, electricity demand is expected to increase by 43% over the next 20 years.
Table - 6.2: Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Electricity Source
50th Percentile (g Technology Description CO2/kWhe) various generator types Coal 1001 without scrubbing various combined cycle Natural Gas 469 turbines without scrubbing Solar PV polycrystalline silicon 46 Geothermal hot dry rock 45 Solar Thermal parabolic trough 22
6.2.5 Rationale for Selection of Hydro Power Generation Option
As discussed in the above sections, the hydro power generation option is most feasible in Pakistan, as the country has significant potential to fulfill its energy requirements. It is the second largest source of power generation. The economics of power generation from hydro power is favorable and almost comparable to natural gas option. The hydro power generation is also one of the cleanest energy generation options and has a suitable plant load factor as well. Additionally, hydropower projects help in grid stabilization.
6.3 PROJECT LAYOUT ALTERNATIVES
With the selected lower stretch of Dowarian nullah, alternative project layouts have been proposed on the left bank of Dowarian nullah. Topographic and geological conditions on the left bank are favourable to propose layout with low pressure tunnel, penstock and surface powerhouse.
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Considering the topography and geology on the left bank, two alternative layouts have been conceived. The first option is to utilise the whole potential of Dowarian nullah with headrace tunnel and surface structures from surge to powerhouse. In the second layout option, the scheme layout has been proposed with the surface structures.
From the weir structure, after a connecting channel, desander and embedded penstock can be proposed at lower elevation and along Dowarian nullah. The powerhouse site for both alternates would remain same, i.e., near Dowarian village.
6.3.1 Alternative Project Layout - I
The weir has been proposed about 4.7 km upstream of Neelum River confluence and powerhouse would be located near Dowarian village, on the right bank of Neelum River. The project layout would comprise of 2.20 km low pressure tunnel, surge tank, 1180 m penstock and a surface powerhouse. The flows of Dowarian nullah would be diverted through a lateral intake towards the left bank layout and would be discharged into Neelum River, upstream of Dowarian nullah confluence with Neelum River.
The coordinates of weir and powerhouse sites are listed below:
Latitude Longitude Site (deg min sec) (deg min sec)
Weir 34°-45’-02” 74°-00’-28”
Powerhouse 34°-43’-18” 74°-01’-03”
The weir crest has been proposed at El. 2124 m asl and the design discharge would be dropped into Neelum River at El. 1604 m asl. The design discharge has been taken as 9.6 m3/s for estimation of power and energy.
The geological aspects and salient features of Alternative-I are presented in the following sections.
6.3.2 Geological Aspects of Alternative - I
The rocks exposed in the proposed Dowarian Hydropower Project area are metamorphic in origin; mainly comprising of granitic gneiss / schists. These are generally massive, sparsely jointed, moderately weathered. Quartz veins are quite prominent in granitic gneiss.
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6.3.2.1 Weir Site
The weir site is located at a distance of about 4.7 km from the confluence of Dowarian nullah with the Neelum River. The deposits of morainic material show the evidence of past glaciations. The morainic material deposited on the left bank of nullah at the weir site near the village of Bunti seems to be quite thick.
On the left bank, morainic material comprising of angular boulders and gravel with sand and appreciable amount of fines (ABGM) can be seen. There is overburden in the nullah bed and it is anticipated that rock would be encountered at a shallow depth. At the right abutment granitic schists are exposed. These are moderately weathered, sparsely jointed and micaceous showing rusting of iron oxide at many places.
The general trend of foliation / lamination at dam site is N 20° W, with 40° dip towards SW.
Three sets of joints measured at right bank rocks (granitic gneiss) are given below:
1) N 45° W / 52° SW
2) N 55° W / 59° SW
3) N 49° E / 55° SE
There is sufficient space available for building desander on morainic, talus and colluvial material (ABGM). The connecting channel would be constructed in morainic / talus material comprising of ABGM.
6.3.2.2 Headrace Tunnel
The option of headrace tunnel at the left bank of Dowarian nullah is probably best suited and most beneficial to this scheme. Headrace tunnel shall be excavated in strata comprising of granitic gneiss / schists of metamorphic origin. The general trend of foliation is N 48° W, with dip varying from 40° to 55° towards South West. However, moving about 1.0 km downstream from the weir site, consistent geology across the valley can be observed.
Joint Sets Measured in Field
Sets of joints as measured in the field on the opposite bank of the tunnel alignment are considered to be having the same orientation, and are given below:
Joint Set: 1.5 km downstream of Weir Site
1) EW / 55° S Major joint
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2) EW / 46° S Minor joint
3) NS / 42° E Major joint
Joint Set: Near Bridge at El. 1800 m asl
1) NS / 74° W Major joint
2) N 75° E / 52° SE Major joint
3) EW / 47° S Major joint
6.3.2.3 Surge tank
The surge tank shall be constructed in rock comprising mainly of the granitic gneiss/ schist. There is apparently a thin cover of ABGM type of material.
6.3.2.4 Penstock
The foundations for penstock pedestals shall be laid partly on rock and partly on overburden comprising mainly of angular boulders and gravel with sand and appreciable amount of fines (ABGM). This has been rechecked from satellite image studies.
6.3.2.5 Powerhouse / Tailrace
The powerhouse and tailrace for the proposed Dowarian Hydropower Project shall be founded partly on angular boulders and gravel with sand and appreciable amount of fines (ABGM), and partly on rounded boulders and gravel with sand (RBGM). The material is loose to semi-consolidated.
6.3.2.6 Salient Features of Dowarian Alternative - I
Design Discharge = 9.6 m3/s
Gross Head = 510 m
Design Capacity = 40 MW
Mean Annual Energy = 170.83 GWh
Plant Factor = 48.77%
Type of Intake = Weir with Lateral Intake
Height of Weir above NSL = 8 m
Crest Length of Weir = 24 m
Headrace Tunnel Length = 2200 m
Diameter of Tunnel = 3.1 m
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Penstock = 1180 m
Pressure Shaft Diameter = 1.70 m
Type of Powerhouse = Surface Powerhouse
Number of Units = 4, Pelton 600 rpm
Tailrace Length = 50 m
6.3.3 Alternative Project Layout - II
The weir and powerhouse sites are same as identified for Alternative-I. The project layout would comprise of 5.0 km long penstock, surface powerhouse and tailrace channel. The flows of Dowarian nullah would be diverted into pressure pipe to be laid on the left bank of nullah and it will be connected to surface powerhouse near Neelum River.
The coordinates of weir and powerhouse sites are listed below:
Latitude Longitude Site (deg min sec) (deg min sec)
Weir 34°-45’-15” 73°-54’-40” Powerhouse 34°-43’-35” 74°-00’-48”
The weir has been proposed at El. 2124 m asl and the design discharge would be dropped into Neelum River at El. 1604 m asl. The design discharge has been taken as 9.6 m3/s for estimation of power and energy.
The geological aspects and salient features of Alternative-II are presented in the following sections.
6.3.4 Geological Aspects of Alternative - II 6.3.4.1 Weir Site
Same as for Alternative-I.
6.3.4.2 Pressure Pipe
Same as Alternative-I
6.3.4.3 Powerhouse
Same as Alternative-I
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6.3.4.4 Salient Features of Dowarian Alternative - II
Design Discharge = 9.6 m3/s
Gross Head = 510 m
Design Capacity = 38.0 MW
Mean Annual Energy = 164.43 GWh
Plant Factor = 49.4 %
Type of Intake = Weir with Lateral Intake
Height of Weir = 8 m
Crest Length of Weir = 24 m
Headrace = 220 m
Penstock Length = 5000 m
Penstock Diameter = 1.7 m
Type of Powerhouse = Surface Powerhouse
Number of Units = 4, Pelton 600 rpm
Tailrace Length = 50 m
6.4 COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVE LAYOUTS 6.4.1 Gross Head and Power Potential
The gross head for both Alternates is 510 m but the net head varies due to losses in the water ways. The power potential for Alternative-I and Alternative–II has been estimated as 40 and 38 MW respectively. Alternative-I has 6.40 GWh more annual energy than that of Alternate-II.
6.4.2 Project Layout
Both Alternatives have same weir, intake, desander and powerhouse sites. Alternative-I has headrace tunnel, surge tank, penstock and surface powerhouse, whereas Alternative-II has pressure pipe and surface powerhouse.
The main task for Alternative-I is the construction of 2.2 km long headrace tunnel, while for Alternative-II, it is 5.0 km long penstock to be built and operated. The topography for pressure pipe is steep which restricts the size of structures.
Due to the steep slope and limited space for pressure pipe, the construction of Alternative-II is considered difficult as compared with Alternative-I. Alternative-I is simpler to be constructed and operated as compared to Alternative-II.
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6.4.3 Snowfall and Landslides
The snowfall and landslides would affect the stability and operation of surface structures. Alternative-II has all surface structures whereas Alternative-I has partial surface and partial underground. Considering the weather conditions in winter, Alternative-I with headrace tunnel is preferable for safe operation and maintenance of the project.
6.4.4 Project Cost
The project costs for both alternatives have been estimated. Alternative-I with headrace tunnel has a base cost of US 41.92 million whereas the base cost for Alternative-II is US$ 52.46 million. Alternative-I has about 25% less cost as compared with Alternative-II.
6.5 SELECTED LAYOUT
The base cost for the Alternate-II is about US$ 10.54 more as compared with Alternative-I. Generation cost for Alternative-I and Alternative-II have been estimated as US cent 5.40 and 6.74 respectively.
Secondly, topography and extreme weather conditions, favour Alternative-I. The project layout for Alternative-I is simpler and easy to operate as compared with Alternative-II. Due to lower generation cost, simple operation and safe structures, Alternative-I is preferred over Alternative-II.
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7 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
This section comprises the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for the EIA for this Project. It summarizes the organizational requirements, management and monitoring plans to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to avoid potentially adverse effects and maximize potential benefits of the Project as identified in preceding section of the EIA and to operate in conformance with applicable laws and regulations of AJK, as well as the environmental guidelines of the Turk Exim Bank.
The EMMP is based on the baseline conditions and the impact assessment described in previous chapters, including also the results of discussions with stakeholders. EMMP is prepared for all the identified environmental impacts during design, construction, and operation of various Project activities. The methodology followed for preparing the ESMMP consists of the following steps:
Deriving mitigation/protection measures for identified impacts using impact evaluation methodology;
Rationalize and combine series of mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures from each identified impacts and risks to prepare overall measures;
Developing a mechanism for monitoring the proposed mitigation measures;
Estimating budget requirements for implementation mitigation and monitoring measures; and
Identifying responsibilities of various agencies involved in the Project for implementation and monitoring of mitigation measures
7.1 MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
The environmental and social management plan includes the following:
Impact reference: This specifies the impact/s which according to impact assessment methodology followed for the project has potential influence either negative or positive and needs to be mitigated by the proposed management measure influences as discussed in earlier sections.
Description of the impact: This briefly describes the potential impact which may arise from the project activities and need a management measures.
Mitigation / Management measure: A description of the action, which will be clear, concise and specific enough to enable execution of the action. Where relevant, targets, indicators, trigger points and/or threshold levels will be incorporated into the
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management measure. If a set of management actions is required to meet the objective, the ESMP will be simplified by making a commitment to develop an appropriate supporting document in which the detail will be provided.
Project phase: Indicating the project phase/s when the management measure is applicable.
Institutional Responsibilities: An indication of the roles and responsibilities for the concise implementation of proposed management measures.
Targeted residual impact: An indication of how achievement of the management measure will be assessed, which will be used to develop the monitoring, inspection or audit program.
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Table - 7.1: Environmental and Social Management Plan
Impact Mitigation/ Management Institutional Targeted Residual Description Project Phase Ref Measures Responsibility Impact PE1 Discharge related to . The generator will be placed on - Construction - Constructional & There are no major Project construction impervious layer. Sufficient area - Operation Operational oil releases (more and operation can around the generator will be Contractor than 200 litres) potentially result in made impervious to contain any - Supervision during the the contamination of spill during maintenance. Consultant construction and all soil. . Fuel tanks will be appropriately - EPA the minor releases marked by content and will be (less than 5 litres) stored in weir areas with an extra are reported. 10% of the storage capacity of the fuel tank. The area will be lined with an impervious base. . Grease traps will be installed on the site, wherever needed, to prevent flow of oily water. . Spill control kit (shovels, plastic bags and absorbent materials) will be available near fuel and oil storage areas. . Emergency plan for spill management will be prepared and inducted to the staff for any incident of spill. . The bottom of any soak pit or
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Impact Mitigation/ Management Institutional Targeted Residual Description Project Phase Ref Measures Responsibility Impact septic tank will be at least 10 m above the groundwater table. The distance can be reduced, if based on the soil properties, it is established that the lesser distance will not result in contamination of groundwater. PE2 Land clearing and . Vegetation loss shall be Construction - Constructional There are no major blasting and drilling minimized to the extent possible Contractor landslides due to activities may loosen which would help soil bonding - Supervision project the top soil in the . The nearby area will be sprinkled Consultant project area before blasting and drilling to - EPA especially during the minimize erosion wet season . Controlled blasting shall be done to minimize environmental impacts Areas such as muck disposal area, batching plant, labor camp, quarry sites, etc. after the closure shall be covered with grass and shrubs. . Slopes in the drilling and blasting areas should be protected against sliding . All trace cutting works for road
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Impact Mitigation/ Management Institutional Targeted Residual Description Project Phase Ref Measures Responsibility Impact construction, adequate retaining wall or breast wall to be provided in case the geology is not self supporting. . Slope stabilization measures will be adopted such as adequate vertical and horizontal drains, drainage along road sides, cross drainage etc. PE3 Uncontrolled . Soak pits for kitchen waste water Construction - Construction and The river water wastewater releases will be installed And Operations Operation quality is not affected from the construction . Septic tanks for sewage waste contractor by the project camp, vehicles will be put in place - EPA washing area . Prohibit release of camp effluents to the water channels or land . Lining of all effluent channels at all working areas with cement will be done to prevent seepage . All the garbage shall be collected and disposed off adequately to the disposal site or to an incinerator, if feasible . Leakage of oil wastes from oil storage and vehicles should be
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Impact Mitigation/ Management Institutional Targeted Residual Description Project Phase Ref Measures Responsibility Impact avoided in order to prevent potential contamination of streams or ground water . Surface runoff from oil handling areas/devices should be treated for oil separation before being discharged into the nullah / or river. PE4 Construction of weir . Results of the biodiversity Detailed Design - Design consultant Little to no impact on may alter the assessment (ecological flow) be and and contractor the ecological drainage patterns of incorporated in implementation Construction - EPA, biodiversity the area plans. - Fisheries downstream . Surface runoff from oil handling Department areas/devices should be treated for oil separation before being discharged into the nullah / or river. . The sand and gravel quarrying sites shall be selected keeping in view the impacts and magnitude of change in surface water drainage patterns. Major changes in the landscape shall be avoided.
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Impact Mitigation/ Management Institutional Targeted Residual Description Project Phase Ref Measures Responsibility Impact . At the completion of activities the natural pattern shall be restored, to the extent possible. PE5 The water availability . Water for different construction Detailed Design - Design consultant No complaints from to the local activities will not be drained of and and contractor the locals on water communities may be the local wells or fountains Construction availability affected due to influx instead will be arranged from the of project nullah/ or river or via a water contractor from an approved source by the local authorities . Water conservation techniques will be developed and implement by the contractor . Records of water usage would be maintained . Shallow or perched aquifers shall not be tapped for any project activity . Access to community wells shall be kept clear so that the community’s ability to meet its water requirements are not compromised
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PE6 Construction . For fugitive dust control, Construction - Construction Ambient PM values activities will create sprinkling of water on the project contractor are within fugitive dust roads will be done - Supervision permissible limits emissions . Grading operation to be Consultant suspended when the wind speed - EPA exceeds 20 km/hr. . All storage piles shall be adequately wetted or covered with plastic to ensure protection of ambient air from fugitive emission during wind storm . Batching plants and associated machinery installed for project activities will be installed with suitable pollution control arrangements . Speed limits and defensive driving policies will be strictly implemented . Road damage caused by project activities will be promptly attended to with proper road repair and maintenance work
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PE7 Exhaust emissions . New and low emission Construction - Contractor, No complaints from generators, equipment and vehicles shall be - EPA received regarding project traffic and used - Supervision noise pollution batching plant may . Best quality fuel and lubes shall consultant deteriorate the local be purchased where possible ambient air quality lead free oil and lubes should be used. . Batching plant shall be set up considering the wind direction so that the nearby communities are not affected by the emissions from batching plant. . Batching plant should be kept as near to natural sinks to minimize emissions to ambient environment . Regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment will be conducted to keep emissions in check. . Filters will be installed wherever available in vehicles and equipment . All stacks will be at least 8ft high to safeguard the labor and passersby from the emissions.
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PE8 Blasting for tunneling . Safe distances acceptable Construction - Contractor No complaints may cause damage worldwide will be calculated and - EPA received regarding to nearby maintained - Supervision noise pollution infrastructure . Where safe distances cannot be consultant maintained the structures will be evacuated of the occupants to avoid human loss . Controlled blasting techniques will be adopted at all times . Public infrastructure and cultural heritage sites if any near the blasting area will be reinforced in terms of civil works . Muffled blasting techniques be adopted where required. PE9 Constructional may . The construction equipment Constructional - Contractor No complaints cause nuisance in generating high noise must be - EPA received regarding the vicinity designed to have an adequate - Supervision noise pollution muffler system. consultant . All stationary noise generating equipments such as air compressors and power generators should be used away from the residential area. . A proper routine and preventive maintenance procedure for project vehicles and equipment
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should be set and followed in consultation with the respective manufacturer which would help prevent noise levels from deteriorating with use. . Provision of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), i.e., ear muffs and plugs, will reduce noise impact on personnel. . Movement of vehicles should be restricted to project area only. . Restriction on pressure horns. . The nearest community will be informed three siren in advance for the case of blasting activities . Blasting will be done only in day hours . unscheduled blasting will be strictly prohibited in any case. EC1 Land disturbance due . Cutting of trees if any will be Construction - Construction The trees are to construction and minimized and damage will be - Contractor replanted in case of operation of project compensated by re-plantation. - EPA cutting. facilities resulting in Off-road driving will be prohibited - Supervision disturbance, . Discharging firearms will be consultant fragmentation, explicitly prohibited displacement and . The project staff will be educated
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direct loss of animal, and instructed to avoid killing or plants, reptiles, chasing wildlife. amphibians and . The staff will be educated and birds. monitored to ensure that they do not get engage in animal related trade . Periodic trainings of the project staff will be conducted on biodiversity conservation issues to sensitize them about the biodiversity and protected area . All restrictions imposed under wildlife legislation of AJK, particularly relevant to national park, will be strictly observed. EC2 Deterioration of . No waste will be discharged in Construction - Construction Waste management area’s water open areas. contractor is implemented resources nullah /or . No contaminated effluents will be - EPA river if pollutants released to the River - Supervision such as domestic . Water from washing areas and consultant waste (sanitary and kitchen will be released in sumps kitchen discharge) or . Sumps will remain covered all oil and grease, and the time and measures will be fuel from project taken to prevent entry of related machinery or rainwater into them and at safe equipment are mixed distance from runoff with surface runoff . Fuels and lubricants will be
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during rain, or if stored in areas with impervious pollutants leach into floors that can contain spills, and the ground or are at safe distance from water carried to river resources . Fuels and lubricants will be handled in areas with impervious floors. . The produced water will be discharged into the waste pit. . Entry of runoff from surrounding areas to the land farming site will be restricted by the construction of bunds or diversion of runoff . All septic tanks will be lined with concrete and at safe distance from runoff . Waste mud and cuttings will be released into the imperviously lined waste pit . Septic tanks and wastewater pits will be designed so that runoff does not flow into them or at and at safe distance from runoff. . Maximum spill tray will be provided to all project vehicles to control fuel or oil leakage
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EC3 Deterioration of . A management plan will be Operation - Contractor Implementation of area’s water developed for ensuring long-term - EPA BAP resources river if survival of the species. - Supervision pollutants such as . Determination of ecological flows consultant domestic waste to be undertaken for maintaining (sanitary and kitchen healthy population of the fauna discharge) or oil and and flora of the nullah / or river in grease, and fuel from the downstream area of the Weir. project related . A fleet of active guards need to be appointed by the government machinery or to intensively watch and ward of equipment are mixed the fisheries resources of the nullah/ river. The guards need to be provided with the motorcycles, petrol, uniforms and torches for an effective patrolling of the area to check any illegal fishing. These guards may be given special training for performing their duties in a befitting manner. . Declaration of Weir to Power House Area as closed area for fishing. . Communities living along the project area may be involved in various eco-tourism activities for conservation of fisheries resources of the area.
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SE1 Potential for local . The local people be offered Construction - Constructional unskilled jobs are opportunities project related jobs on priority and Operation contractor and provided to the basis operational locals . The project will arrange skills contractor development and training program to local people in handing equipment and machinery required for the project . The project to boost local economy by injecting money and enacting instrumental role in emergence of new vocations and professions SE2 Local communities . The contractor to establish health Operation - Operational Health facilities access to the health facilities in the camp during contractor developed in area facilities construction phase. SE3 Permanent . Land and non-land assets to be Detailed - Resettlement RAP is developed acquisition of land acquired at replacement Designed specialist and implemented. and non-land assets value/market value following the No local for the project Land Acquisition and Communities Resettlement Framework. complaints . Clear delineation and regarding the dissemination of laws both compensation and customary and positive laws its mechanism related to land issues.
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SE4 People lose their . People losing their assets to be Detailed Design - Resettlement No local productive assets to offered project related jobs and specialist Communities the project . Skills development training to Construction - Construction complaints local people contractor regarding the compensation and its mechanism SE5 Diseases incidences . A comprehensive Health and Construction Construction No local due to pollution and safety plan to be implemented contractor Communities interaction with labor . Creation of grievance redressed complaints mechanism to protect rights and regarding the livelihood of community compensation and its mechanism SE6 Blockage of roads . Alternate access to local Construction Construction No local during the communities during construction contractor Communities construction work, complaints . Scheduling for road blockade regarding the . Alternate options for patients in compensation and emergencies its mechanism SE7 Privacy of local . Contractor’s camps to maintain a Construction Construction No local people to be reasonable distance from local contractor Communities disturbed because of population. complaints Diversion contractor’s camp . Restriction on mobility of workers plan Implemented and construction in local community Drivers trained on work. the traffic issues
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SE8 Conflict between . Contractor’s camps to maintain a Construction Construction No local workers and local reasonable distance from local contractor Communities community to population complaints Diversion increase . Restriction on mobility of workers plan Implemented in local community Drivers trained on . Priority in jobs for the local the traffic issues people with expertise required by the project
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7.2 MONITORING PLAN
Monitoring of environmental components and mitigation measures during implementation and operation stages is a key component of the EMMP to safeguard the protection of environment. The objectives of the monitoring are to:
i. manage environmental issues arising from construction works through closely monitoring the environmental compliances ii. monitor changes in the environment during various stages of the project life cycle with respect to baseline conditions;
Monitoring program will includes regular monitoring of construction and commissioning activities for their compliance with the environmental requirements as per relevant standards, specifications and EMMP. The purpose of such monitoring is to assess the performance of the undertaken mitigation measures and to immediately formulate additional mitigation measures and/or modify the existing ones aimed at meeting the environmental compliance as appropriate during construction.
Monitoring Agency Project Director (EPA)
Resident Engineer (RE)
Contractor Environmental Supervision Consultant (ESC) Project Proponent Contractor’s (PDO) Environmentalist
Independent Environment Monitor (IEM)
Figure - 7.1: Showing the Hierarchy for Implementing the EMP
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Table - 7.2: Environmental Monitoring Plan
Impact Aspect Type of Monitoring Units Frequency Reporting Reference PE1, Footprint area disturbed and/or m2 Monthly during Monthly report PE2, rehabilitated construction and During PE3, EC1 then as needed construction when land Annual report disturbed or during rehabilitated operation PE1, Soil quality for at least the following ug/L, mg/L or Annually Annual report PE2, parameters: Al, Sb, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Bo, other units as on results and PE3, EC1 Cd, Ca, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Li, Mg, Hg, appropriate long term Mo, Ni, P, K, Se, Si, Ag, Sr, S, Tl, Sn, trends Land Zn, NH-3, Cl, EC, F, nitrate, nitrite, pH, disturbance phosphate, sulphate, TOC PE1, EC1 Visual inspections for signs of erosion None Quarterly or on Annual report or wind deposition receipt of with grievance Non- conformances handled PE2, SE7 Visual inspection of road condition None Quarterly or on Annual report receipt of with grievance Non- conformances handled
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Impact Aspect Type of Monitoring Units Frequency Reporting Reference PE1, PE3, PE4, Measure of the flow m3 Weekly Monthly PE5, EC2, EC3, Reports SE3, SE4, PE1, Quality of water supply in accordance mg/l or Other Quarterly Quarterly Water PE3, PE4, EC2, with the WHO and National regulation units as report EC3 appropriate PE1 Volume of water used for dust control m3/d When water Monthly report trucks filled of volume PE1, EC1, SE7 Dust deposition and horizontal dust flux mg/d/m2 Quarterly Quarterly report PE6 Ambient air concentrations μg/m3 Quarterly Quarterly report of results and long term Air trends PE6 Stack testing of generators and other μg/m3 Quarterly Quarterly equipment report of results and long term trends PE1, EC1, PE6, Random speed checks km/hr. Once a week Monthly report Vehicle and PE9, SE7, SE8 and different Equipment location and different time
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Impact Aspect Type of Monitoring Units Frequency Reporting Reference PE1, EC1, PE6, Records of vehicle and equipment None As per Annual report PE9, SE7, SE8 maintenance manufacturers instructions PE9, SE2 Noise emissions of new equipment dB On None Commissioning of new equipment EC1 Visual inspections by ecologist to None As per BAP Monthly report verify presence or absence of species of conservation importance EC1, EC2 Visual inspections of presence of None As per BAP Annual report weeds or invasive species on findings and remedial measures Ecological EC2, EC3 Records of animal kills None On occurrence Annual report on findings and remedial measures EC2 Records of major wildlife sightings None On occurrence Annual report on findings and remedial measures
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7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING
Personnel, including contractor’s personnel, working for or on behalf of the Project will be informed of potential significant environmental and social impacts and risks associated with the Project by means of awareness training. Visitors to Project sites will also receive awareness training as part of site induction training.
Personnel, including contractors’ personnel, will be made aware of their specific environmental and social management responsibilities. Training needs analyses will be undertaken and personnel will be given adequate training to meet these responsibilities.
The training programme comprises the following elements:
identification of training needs for all employees specific to their varying responsibilities;
development of a training plan and schedule to address defined needs;
verification of training programmes to confirm consistency with organizational requirements;
training of employees and documentation of training received;
evaluation of training effectiveness; and
Review and modification of training programmes, as required.
Personnel with direct responsibility for implementation of the ESMMP and functioning of the will have additional training to:
provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their work;
maintain their knowledge of relevant environmental and social obligations; and
enable them to implement specific measures required under the ESMP in a competent and efficient manner.
7.4 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT COST
The total cost for the environmental management is estimated as 4, 455,000.00 Pak Rupees. The estimations are as followings;
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Table - 7.3: Environmental Management Cost
Total Amount Environmental Component Quantity Rates PKR (i) Tree Plantation (local species) 750 3,500.0 2,625, 000.0 (ii) Health and Safety Measures and L.S. 1,000,000.0 1,000,000.0 Provision of PPEs (iii) Air and Water Quality & Noise Water = 20 1,230,000 1,230,000 Monitoring Air = 24 Noise = 4 (iv) Environmental Trainings L.S 500,000.0 500,000.0 Total Environmental Management and Monitoring 4, 455,000.00 Cost
7.5 Institutional Arrangements
A project management unit shall be established in the PDO, which with the association with consultants take care the implementation of EMP. The contractor shall have a full time environmentalist with reasonable qualification to report regularly to consultants. The consultants shall furnish the monthly report to the PDO which will submit the same to EPA.
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8 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS
8.1 GENERAL
This section describes the outcomes of the stakeholder consultation process as part of the EIA. This ensures that feedback from communities and other stakeholders directly or indirectly affected by the project is collected so that it may be used to adjust and improve the project’s design, planning, implementation and help the implementation structure ensuring that the project is both environmentally and socially sound. The consultation process was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Turk Exim Bank and Government of AJK on public consultation.
The objectives of this process were
To disseminate information on the project and its expected impact, long-term as well as short-term, among primary and secondary stakeholders,
To gather information on relevant issues so that the feedback received could be used to address these issues at an early stage,
To determine the extent of the negative impacts of different project activities and suggest appropriate mitigation measures.
8.2 IDENTIFICATION OF STAKEHOLDERS
There are two types of stakeholders, i.e.
8.2.1 Primary stakeholders
The primary stakeholders are the initial stakeholders, such as affected persons, general public and women residing in the project area. Accordingly, the consultations/ focus group discussions were made with all primary stakeholders for sharing of information about the proposed project and expected impacts and understanding about the concerns by category of stakeholders.
8.2.2 Secondary stakeholders
The secondary stakeholders are the representatives of Government Departments/Agencies involved in the planning, design, implementation and operation of the project, including various government departments such as District Administration, PDO, WAPDA, Agriculture including the Horticulture wing, Irrigation, Forest, PWD and other relevant departments.
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8.3 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION PROCESS
The overall strategy for stakeholder’s consultation is as follows:
Table - 8.1: Process of Stakeholder Consultation
Stakeholders Purpose of consultations Methodology Stage Primary Information gathering Focus Group Base line Stakeholder and data collection. Discussions Study Information sharing Household surveys Impact about the project Formal and Assessment (disclosure) informal Inventory of Opinion seeking Community Losses (concerns and meetings Price fixation expectations) Discloser Grievance redress Involvement of PAPs Secondary Participation in the One on one meetings On need basis Stakeholder process In-depth interviews Information gathering Group meetings Authentication and validation of the processes verification of the record
Stakeholder consultation for this project was planned in two stages. The first stage was scoping, which has already taken place, consisted of meetings with individuals, groups, relevant organizations and government departments, which are in some way linked to the project and therefore considered stakeholders. The meetings were conducted to inform stakeholders about the project and how it may affect their lives/activities, and to record their concerns, whether real or perceived. Through the use of various tools the study team tried to involve the stakeholders in active decision-making. The results of this exercise are described below, where mitigation measures have been developed addressing the pertinent stakeholder concerns.
The second stage of the stakeholders’ consultation was part of the separate study conducted for the preparation land acquisition and resettlement framework of the project. The results of this study and the proposed mitigation measures for potential social impacts will be documented separately and will be included in the overall framework of the proposed project.
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8.4 PRIMARY STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION
Apart from gathering of quantitative data through household survey of the area of influence of the project and survey of project affected people and other local community to share the information about the project and record their concerns/ feedback associated with this project. In this context, APs shared their view point regarding the assessment especially price assessment, method of payment of compensation and procedure for entering their concerns/ grievances. A list of public consultations is presented in the below Table - 8.2.
8.4.1 Topics for Discussion
The topics discussed in the consultations were
Land acquisition and resettlement issues.
Employment and livelihoods of communities.
Gender and women issues
Contractor’s camp and access
Environmental issues
Table - 8.2: List of Primary Stakeholder’s Consultations in the Project Area
Date Location Number of Feedback Recommendation in Participants EIA
29.07.2016 Dowarian 39 People were in It is recommended favor of the to decide the cut of project. People the date before the demanded the start of the project proper compensation of the lands before commencement of the project
29.07.2016 Bala & 31 People were in It is recommended Saree favor of the to provide the project. People maximum demanded the employment to the
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proper project area people. compensation of the crops and employment.
29.07.2016 Barian & 34 Most of the Proper coordination Bandia people were with the local people interested in will make the project project and socially acceptable. their concern were very much positive about project.
30.07.2016 Jaba 12 People It is recommended demanded the to decide the cut off proper date before the start compensation of the project of the lands before commencement of the project
Individual Comments by the Local People
Occupations of Names of Date Location the Feedback/ Concerns Participants Participants
30-7-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Farmer It is a good project Village Ayob S/o that will create the job Rusell Jo and business opportunities.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Wahab Ghulam Farmer He appreciated the Village Ahmad S/o project and demanded Muhammad Jo Relocation
or Compensation should be as per the
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requirements of the affectees.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Shah ghulam Farmer He demanded from Village Qadr the project proponents to do the proper plantation.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Saleem Ahmad Farmer He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
30-7-2016 Dowarian Tusef Bilal Farmer He welcomed the Village project.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Zulqurnain Shopkeeper It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Mujeeb ur Farmer It is a good project Village rehman that will improve the infrastructure of the area.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Khawaja abdul Driver It is a good project Village aziz that will create the job and business opportunities.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Khawaja Driver He demanded from Village Muhammad the project proponents Aslam to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Khawaja Driver He welcomed the Village Muhammad project. Iqbal
30-7-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Jo Farmer He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands 30-7-2016 Dowarian Khawaja Abdul Farmer He welcomed the Village Latif project.
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30-7-2016 Dowarian Abdul Aziz Farmer It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Khawaja Farmer It is a good project Village Muhammad that will create the job Nadeem and business opportunities.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Wahib Ghulam Driver He welcomed the Village Muhammd project.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Khanum Dedi Household He welcomed the Village project.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Abdul Latif Farmer He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
30-7-2016 Dowarian Khawaja Abdul Farmer It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Khawaha Driver He welcomed the Village Muhammad project. Nadem
30-7-2016 Dowarian Azra Augni Household He demanded from Village the project proponents to do the proper plantation.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Aliya Bibi Household He demanded from Village the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Hadiya Bibi Household He appreciated the Village project and demanded Relocation or Compensation should be as per the
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requirements of the affectees.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Rashid jo Farmer He welcomed the Village project.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Akhbar Jo Farmer He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
30-7-2016 Dowarian Zoni Farmer He welcomed the Village project.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Abdul Hameed Farmer He demanded from Village the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Abdul Ghafar Farmer It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Hoor dedi Household He appreciated the Village project and demanded Relocation or Compensation should be as per the requirements of the affectees.
30-7-2016 Dowarian Ghulam Driver He welcomed the Village Muhammd project.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Abdul rehman Driver He welcomed the Village project.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Khoonmi Household He demanded from Village the project proponents to do the proper plantation.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Jani Bibi Household He welcomed the Village project.
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31-7-2016 Dowarian Rahat dedi Driver It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Asm Dedi Shopkeeper He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
31-7-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Shopkeeper He appreciated the Village Rafiq project and demanded Relocation or Compensation should be as per the requirements of the affectees.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Zarena Bibi Household He welcomed the Village project.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Perveen Bibi Household He welcomed the Village project.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Shameem Farmer He demanded from Village Akhtar the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Zahida salam Household He welcomed the Village project.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Rahat dedi Farmer It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Farmer He appreciated the Village Yaqoob project and demanded Relocation or Compensation should be as per the requirements of the affectees.
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31-7-2016 Dowarian Bukht Noor Household It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Zubada Household He welcomed the Village project.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Azra Household He welcomed the Village project.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Maryum Ahmad Household He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
31-7-2016 Dowarian Ghulam Driver He welcomed the Village Muhammd project.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Farmer He appreciated the Village Jamal project and demanded Relocation
or Compensation should be as per the requirements of the affectees.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Naseer Shopkeeper He demanded from Village the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Bukht dedi Household He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
31-7-2016 Dowarian Mehat Dedi Household He welcomed the Village project.
31-7-2016 Dowarian Laal Jo Farmer He demanded from Village the project proponents to do the proper plantation. 31-7-2016 Dowarian Khatoon dedi Household He welcomed the Village project.
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31-7-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Driver He argued about the Village Ishaq project as good for local area.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Habib ur Driver He demanded from Village rehman the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Ghulam Nabi Driver He appreciated the Village project and demanded Relocation
or Compensation should be as per the requirements of the affectees.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Abdul Hammed Farmer He welcomed the Village project.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Maqbool Jo Farmer He argued about the Village project as good for local area.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Jamal Jo Farmer He welcomed the Village project.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Mehtab Dedi Household He appreciated the Village project and demanded Relocation or Compensation should be as per the requirements of the affectees.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Feroz din Shopkeeper It is a good project Village that will create the
job opportunities
01-8-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Driver He welcomed the Village Ashraf project.
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01-8-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Farmer He demanded from Village Irfan the project proponents to do the proper plantation.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Teacher He argued about the Village Riyaz project as good for local area.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Fuzli Household He demanded from Village the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Driver He welcomed the Village Yousaf project.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Mehta Household He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
01-8-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Farmer He appreciated the Village Yousaf project and demanded Relocation
or Compensation should be as per the requirements of the affectees.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Majeed Jo Shopkeeper It is a good project Village that will create the
job opportunities
01-8-2016 Dowarian Bukhta Household He welcomed the Village project.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Jannat Noor Household It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Jabbar Driver It is a good project Village that will create the job
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and business opportunities.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Habib ur Driver He argued about the Village rehman project as good for local area.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Abdul Hameed Shopkeeper He welcomed the Village project.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Zariya Household He demanded from Village the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Saleem Ahmad Farmer He welcomed the Village project.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Touseef Bilal Teacher It is a good project Village that will create the job opportunities 01-8-2016 Dowarian Zulqurnain Farmer He demanded from Village the project proponents to do the proper plantation.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Saba Household He welcomed the Village project.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Misbah Household He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
01-8-2016 Dowarian Sana Household It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
01-8-2016 Dowarian Saeed Farmer He demanded from Village the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
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01-8-2016 Dowarian Tahir Farmer It is a good project Village that will create the
job opportunities
02-8-2016 Dowarian Adeel Farmer He demanded from Village the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Humaida Household He welcomed the Village project.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Faisa Household He welcomed the Village project.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Abdulah Driver He appreciated the Village Hawand project and demanded Relocation
or Compensation should be as per the requirements of the affectees.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Yousaf Hawand Driver He welcomed the Village project.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Khaliq jo Driver He welcomed the Village project.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Mehda Jo Household It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Maal dedi Farmer He demanded from Village the project proponents to do the proper plantation.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Ibrahim Farmer It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
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02-8-2016 Dowarian Mehnat dedi Household He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
02-8-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Shopkeeper It is a good project Village Akhtar that will create the job and business opportunities.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Abdul Rashed Driver It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Farmer He demanded from Village Shafe the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Abdul GHani Farmer He welcomed the Village project perceiving the development of the project area
02-8-2016 Dowarian Khaliq Jo Driver He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
02-8-2016 Dowarian Jawaid Farmer He appreciated the Village MAqbool project and demanded Relocation
or Compensation should be as per the requirements of the affectees.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Altaf Maqbool Driver It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Tariq Maqbool Driver He welcomed the Village project.
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02-8-2016 Dowarian Asif Maqbool Shopkeeper He demanded from Village the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Farmer He demanded from Village Ishaq the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Khawaja Farmer It is a good project Village Muhammad that will create the job Shafeeq and business opportunities.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Khawaja Farmer He welcomed the Village Shoeeb Ahmad project.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Ahmad Jo Farmer It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Khawaja Farmer He welcomed the Village Muhammad project perceiving the Umeen development of the project area
02-8-2016 Dowarian Ghulam Farmer It is a good project Village Mustafa that will create the job and business opportunities.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Iqbal Bheghum Driver He welcomed the Village project.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Abdul Hameed Household It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
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02-8-2016 Dowarian Zonat Dedi Household He demanded from Village the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
02-8-2016 Dowarian Mehtab Dedi Household He welcomed the Village project.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Bukht Dedi Household He welcomed the Village project.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Bukht Noor Household He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
03-8-2016 Dowarian Shahid Hussain Driver He welcomed the Village project.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Zahid Hussain Shopkeeper He welcomed the Village project perceiving the development of the project area
03-8-2016 Dowarian Mehnat Dedi Household He appreciated the Village project and demanded Relocation
or Compensation should be as per the requirements of the affectees.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Karim Jo Farmer It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Abdul Aziz Farmer It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Rehman S/o Farmer He welcomed the Village Muhammad Jo project.
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03-8-2016 Dowarian Ali Jo Driver He welcomed the Village project.
03-8-2016 Dowarian MEhda Jo Farmer He welcomed the Village project.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Abdul Wahid Farmer He demanded from Village the project proponents to do the proper plantation.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Muhammad Shopkeeper He demanded from Village Jamal the project proponents to conduct their project activities in environment friendly manners.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Wali Ahmad Driver He demanded the Village proper compensation of the lands
03-8-2016 Dowarian Nadeem Husain Driver It is a good project Village that will create the job and business opportunities.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Arshad Samad Driver He welcomed the Village project.
03-8-2016 Dowarian Mujeeb ur Farmer He welcomed the Village rehman project perceiving the development of the project area
8.4.2 Outcomes of Consultations
All actions associated with the project should be taken through proper consultations
There should be a continuous community consultation program throughout the project implementation period.
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There should be employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled local people, preference should be given to the project affected persons.
To include local people wherever possible in jobs during the construction of project. Thus, income generating activity of the area will be enhanced.
Reduce the chances of environmental effects like noise/ vibration and dust emissions caused to the nearby community.
A large number of women are involved in working in agriculture fields, so that their routine activities should not be disturbed.
No major effect on land or crop will occur if the project is implemented after crop harvest.
Overall the project is good for the villagers and the country.
No serious concerns with the project because this project will increase the employment and will reduce load shedding in the country.
8.4.3 Consultation Teams
An Environmental Specialist conducted the Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) with stakeholders, whereas an EIA specialist supported by a field assistant conducted interviews and meetings with government functionaries.
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Figure - 8.1: Public Consultation in Process
8.5 STRUCTURES/LAND & TREES TO BE AFFECTED
The total land to be acquired for the proposed project is about 50 Kanals and 08 marlas, while 132 trees (97 tree are fruiting while 35 are non-fruiting). Among this land 3-housing structure and 11-shops shall be completely dislocate due to the project.
The details of all land and about type of the trees have been given in table 8.13.
Table - 8.3: Affected Trees Data by Dowarian Hydro Power Project
TREES REMOVAL DATA Serial No. Type of Trees Number 1 Fruiting Trees Walnut 39 Mulberry 13 Anjeer 8 Apple 16 Apricot 05 Cherry 16 Total number of Fruiting Trees 97
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2 Non Fruiting Trees Deodar 14 Plum 3 Eucalyptus 18 Total number of non-Fruiting 35 Trees Land To Be Acquired For the Project 3 Land with crops 18 Kanal, 07 Marlas Non – cultiveable land 23 kanals .01marlas
8.6 LAND ACQUISITION AND RESETTLEMENT–RELATED CONCERNS The following issues and concerns were showed by the stakeholders regarding land acquisition and resettlement.
Compensation for loss due to the project should be provided based on market rates.
Crops compensation should also be given in addition to land compensation
Compensation of trees should also be given.
There should be transparent and fair compensation methods/ procedures, so that the entitled person could receive his payment.
The most affected people demanded that compensation of their land/houses be provided on good market price and as the construction material transportation cost for these villages is too high.
Moreover, the people in these areas are demanding that they must be provided same basic facilities on alternative site where they may be shifted or settled.
8.7 MEETINGS WITH SECONDARY STAKEHOLDERS The following stakeholders were consulted on different occasions to seek their inputs, feedback and opinion on the design and scope of the project. The offices and Individuals who were consulted are as follows:
Environment Protection Agency, AJK Chief Conservator Forests AJK Deputy Director Wildlife Department, AJK Fisheries Department, AJK World Wildlife Fund Pakistan (WWF-P)
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The stakeholders supported the Dowarian Hydro Power project provided that environmental and other issues are addressed through mitigation measures. To address the issues, an ESIA and Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP) were developed and shared with stakeholders for their feedback and suggestions.
Figure - 8.2: Officials and Offices of Secondary Stakeholders Visited
8.8 RESETTLEMENT ACTION PLAN (RAP)/COMPENSATION PLAN
This Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) has been prepared and incorporated in the EIA report for providing a framework for addressing the resettlement issues, if resettlement is unavoidable.
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The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the proposed power project provides a framework for addressing and reviewing compliance with the agreed roles, responsibilities and activities related to resettlement.
This RAP applies the draft Pakistan National Resettlement Policy’s definition of resettlement whereby the term refers to all measures taken to mitigate any and all adverse impacts resulting from the execution of the power project construction and rehabilitation on the livelihood of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and their property, including compensation, relocation and rehabilitation as the case may be.
Rehabilitation refers to restoration of income, living standards and quality of life. This resettlement definition reflects and covers all direct economic and social losses resulting from land taking and restriction of access by the project. The underlying assumption for the RAP is that efforts will be made to improve the livelihoods and standards of living for all projects affected persons or at least to restore them to pre– project levels.
8.9 RESETTLEMENT PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
The main involuntary resettlement principles and procedures that are applicable to the Project are the following:
Resettlement and land acquisition will be minimized as much as possible. Where land acquisition is unavoidable, the project should be designed to minimize adverse impacts on the poorest.
Project Affected Persons (PAPs) should be compensated or at least restored to pre–project levels. All the PAPs residing in, or cultivating land, or having rights over resources within the project area as of the data of the census survey should be entitled to compensation. All previous claims and unresolved issues related to resettlement or compensation in the project including outstanding claims arising, should be resolved in accordance with applicable Pakistan Laws and regulation, prior to initiating any new land acquisition measures.
Lack of formal legal land title is not a bar to compensation or rehabilitation assistance under the Project.
Land for Land is an option for compensation in the case of loss of land. In the absence of replacement land, cash compensation for the property acquired will be paid at its replacement value in addition to any transaction costs.
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Each PAP is entitled to receive assistance to restore income and livelihood to a pre–project standard, and all vulnerable affected persons are entitled to assistance to improve their income and livelihood.
All PAPs should be informed and consulted on the compensation and other entitlements, relocation program and the income restoration assistance.
Compensation and income restoration programs should be carried out with equal consideration for women and men. Particular attention should be paid to the rights of women, widows, orphans, the elderly, other vulnerable people and group such as indigenous people and religious and cultural minorities. Appropriate and sufficient assistance should be provided to help them improve their socioeconomic status.
PAP’s social and cultural institution should be protected along with common property resources. Community and public services should be provided to relocated communities.
The resettlement transition period should be minimized and case compensation should be provided to the PAPs prior to the expected start data of works in the relevant contract package/s.
It is recommended that project proponent should establish a committee for the Resettlement / Compensation of project affected persons. The Rehabilitation / Resettlement / Compensation Committee should comprise of the following:
Member of PDO
Concerned Revenue Officer of the District
Qanoongo / Patwari of the area concerned
Village Headman (Numberdar)
Representative of the Affected Persons.
Councilor / Nazim of the area. The committee will recommend all entitlements (in totality) to be made to the project affected persons (PAPs) in connection with resettlement / compensation before the cut–off date.
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8.10 GRIEVANCE REDRESSING MECHANISM-FORMAL AND INFORMAL CHANNELS AND RESETTMENT ACTION PLAN 8.10.1 Formal Channel 8.10.1.1 Environmental Legislation
The State Environmental Act, after amendment by the Provincial Assembly of the AJK, provides a complete code of conduct for addressing grievances stemming from damages to any sector of the environment from the project activities. The project is required to operate at least 95 % of its operational period in strict compliance with the required emission standards of State of AJK as provided in the Environmental Protection Act and the National Environmental Quality Standards. This ensures that the project proponent is legally bound to observe all legal requirements to avoid damaging the environment around the project.
8.10.1.2 STATE Environmental Protection Act and Environmental Management
The Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2000 covers aspects related to the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment and the prevention, control of pollution and promotion of sustainable development. The Act establishes complete regulatory and monitoring bodies, policies, rules, regulations and national environmental quality standards. To ensure enforcement, the act establishes regulating bodies i.e. State Environmental Protection Council and responsible bodies i.e. Azad Jammu and Kashmir Environmental Protection Department (AJK EPA) at State level. The act extends to the whole of AJK.
AJK -EPA has the power to arrest without warrant any person against whom reasonable suspicion exists of his having been involved in an offence under the act 2000, and enter, inspect and search without warrant any premises, vehicle or vessel. It also provides for seizing any plant, machinery, equipment, vehicle or substance, record or document. The act also provides the power to summon and enforce the attendance of any person and issuance of Environmental Protection Order, an Environmental Protection Order (EPO), in relation to a person who is contravening a provision of the act.
8.10.1.3 Enforcement of State Environmental Protection Act 2000 and Liability
The Government of Pakistan is bound to protect the environment in accordance with its international commitments under various conventions and treaties it has signed or ratified. The State Environmental Protection Act translates these commitments into a compliance programme for the industrial establishments. Non- compliance to these commitments may results in loss of credibility, popularity and even financial aid from the international forums.
Environmental Protection Agency shall exist at the state requires:
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That no person (including companies) under its purview will discharge or emit any effluent or noise in contravention of the National Environmental Quality Standards.
That no proponent of a project shall commence construction or operation unless he has filed with the EPA, an Environmental Assessment Report according to the sensitivity of the project or where the project is likely to cause an adverse environmental impact.
That no person may dispose of waste on public land or on highway on or a land owned or administrated by a local council, unless done in accordance with the provisions of The AJK Environmental Protection Act.
The following section of the Act further clarifies the mechanism of Environmental Management and Grievance Redress Mechanism.
Section 10: “Prohibition of certain discharges or emissions.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules and regulations no person shall discharge or emit or allow the discharge or emission of any effluent or waste or air pollutant or noise in an amount, concentration or level which is in excess of the National Environmental Quality Standards or, where applicable, the standards established under sub-clause (I) of clause (g) of sub-section (1) of section 6.”
“(2) The Provincial Government may levy a pollution charge on any person who contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of sub-section (1), to be calculated at such rate, and collected in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed.”
Section 11: “Initial environmental examination and environmental impact assessment.
(1) No proponent of a project shall commence construction or operation unless he has filed with the EPA an environmental impact assessment, and has obtained from this Government Agency approval in respect thereof”.
Section 15: Environmental Protection Order “(1) Where the EPA is satisfied that the discharge or emission of any effluent, waste, air pollutant or noise, or the disposal of waste, or the handling of hazardous substances, or any other act or omission is likely to occur, or is occurring, or has occurred, in violation of the provisions of this Act, rules or regulations or of the
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conditions of a license, and is likely to cause, or is causing or has caused an adverse environmental effect, the EPA may, after giving the person responsible for such discharge, emission, disposal, handling, act or omission an opportunity of being heard, by order direct such person to take such measures that the Agency may consider necessary within such period as may be specified in the order.”
“(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such measures may include;
(a) immediate stoppage, preventing, lessening or controlling the discharge, emission, disposal, handling, act or omission, or to minimize or remedy the adverse environmental effect; (b) installation, replacement or alteration of any equipment or thing to eliminate, control or abate on a permanent or temporary basis, such discharge, emission, disposal, handling, act or omission; (c) action to remove or otherwise dispose of the effluent, waste, air pollutant, noise, or hazardous substances; and (d) action to restore the environment to the condition existing prior to such discharge, disposal, handling, act or omission, or as close to such condition as may be reasonable in the circumstances, to the satisfaction of the Agency.”
Section 16: Penalties: “(1) Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of Sections 10, 11, 12 or Section 15 or any order issued there under shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five million rupees, and in the case of a continuing contravention or failure, with an additional fine which may extend to five hundred thousand rupees for every day during which such contravention or failure continues:
Provided that if contravention of the provisions of section 10 also constitutes contravention of the provisions of section 14, such contravention shall be punishable under sub-section (2) only.”
“(2) Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of section 13 or 14 or any rule or regulation or conditions of any license, any order or direction, issued by the AJK Environmental Protection Council, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred thousand rupees, and in case of continuing contravention or failure with an additional fine which extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which such contravention or failure continues.
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Contraventions of the provisions of The AJK Environmental Protection is punishable with imprisonment extending up to five years, or with fine extending up to one million or with both. Where an offence is committed by a company every Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the company shall be deem guilty of the offence. Action can even be taken against Government Agencies and Local Authorities.”
Government may also constitute an Environmental Tribunal to hear cases relating to the EPA-. The tribunal may only hear cases when the complaint is made in writing by Pak-EPA, or Local Council or any aggrieved person who has given at least thirty days notice to PEPA of the offence and of his intension to make a complaint to the Tribunal. The Tribunal may also hear appeals from the Agency and appeals from the tribunal shall go to the High Court.
In order to resolve the disputes relating to the environment issues, Environmental Tribunal Rules 1999 have been promulgated. In trying the offences, the tribunal has to follow the Code of Criminal Procedures 1898. The tribunal shall send the copies of his orders to the parties concerned and the Director General of the PEPA. The Tribunal shall dispose of its proceedings within 60 days. An appeal to the Tribunal, accompanying a copy of the impugned order, copies of the documents relied and prescribed fees, shall be sent to the Registrar by the appellant. Generally the proceedings of the Tribunal shall be open. “
8.10.2 Grievance Redress Mechanism- Informal 8.10.2.1 Procedure for Redress of Grievances Suggested procedures to be adopted for the redress of the grievances are given below:
Project affectee will submit his/her application to the Field Implementation Unit for consideration. Within 15 days of the receipt of the complaint, action will be taken up for redressal of the grievance. Wherever policy matters are involved, the case will be referred to the appropriate authority or committee appointed by the Project, to decide the matter. In case some response on the complaint is not received within 15 days of the receipt of the complaint, the complainant may also send a reminder with 15 days notice to take legal remedial measures. In case the matter has been decided but the complainant is not satisfied, he/she may go to the court of law. In case of such eventualities, all affected persons should be exempted from legal and administrative fees made/paid/incurred pursuant to the grievance redressal procedures. All complaints received in writing or written when received verbally will be properly recorded and documented.
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8.10.2.2 Proposed Mechanism for Grievance Redress
Under the Project the following will be established or appointed to ensure timely and effective handling of grievances:
A Public Complaints Unit (PCU), which will be responsible to receive, log, and resolve complaints; and, A Grievance Redress Committee (GRC), responsible to oversee the functioning of the PCU as well as the final non-judicial authority on resolving grievances that cannot be resolved by PCU; Grievance Focal Points (GFPs) having educated people from each community that can be approached by the community members for their grievances against the Project. The GFPs will be provided training by the Project in facilitating grievance redress.
Details of the proposed mechanism are given below.
PCU – Function and Structure PCU will be set up as part of the Risk Management Department of the Project. A senior official with experience in community and public liaison will lead the unit. Two assistants, one male and one female will be responsible for coordinating correspondence and preparing documentation work and will assist the senior official. The senior official will be responsible to review all documentation. The PCU will be responsible to receive, log, and resolve grievances. Given that the female community members have restricted mobility outside of their homes, the female PCU staff will be required to undertake visits to the local communities. The frequency of visits will depend on the nature and magnitude of activity in an area and the frequency of grievances.
GRC – Function and Structure The GRC will function as an independent body that will regulate PCU and the grievance redress process. It will comprise of:
Works Manager of the Project. Senior Engineer that is responsible to oversee the contractors. Two literate representatives from the communities residing near the project site; A representative of the local government. Senior member from the local civil society with experience in community relations. A female member from the local civil society.
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The GRC will meet once every three months to review the performance of the PCU; the frequency can be changed depending on the nature and frequency of grievances received. The performance will be gauged in terms of the effectiveness and the timeliness with which grievances were managed. In case there are any unresolved or pending issues, the GRC will deliberate on mechanisms to resolve those and come up with solutions acceptable to all concerned.
Grievance Focal Points The GFPs will be literate people from each community that will facilitate their community members in reporting grievances from the Project. The GFPs will be provided training by the Project in facilitating grievance redress. Each community will have a male and female GFP appointed for this purpose.
Procedure of Filing and Resolving Grievances Grievances will be logged and resolved in the following steps:
Step 1: Receive and Acknowledge Complaint Once the PCU receives a complaint, which could be the complainant giving it in person, via letter or email, through phone call, or through a GFP, an acknowledgement of receipt of the complaint has to be sent within two working days to the complainant. The complainant will be issued a unique complaint tracking number for their and PCU’s record.
Step 2: Investigation PCU will work to understand the cause of the grievance for which the PCU may need to contact the complainant again and obtain details. The PCU will be required to complete preliminary investigations within five working days of receiving the complaint and send a response to the complainant documenting the results of their investigations and what the PCU plans to do ahead.
Step 3: Resolution through PCU Once the PCU have investigated a grievance, it will share with the complainant the proposed course of action to resolve the complaint, should PCU believe any to be necessary. If the complainant considers the grievance to be satisfactorily resolved, the PCU will log the complaint as resolved in their records. In case the grievance remains unresolved it will be reassessed and GRC will have further dialogue with the complainant to discuss if there are any further steps, which may be taken to reach a mutually agreed resolution to the problem.
For minor grievances, Steps 1, 2 and 3 or Steps 2 and 3 can be merged.
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Step 4: Resolution through GRC In case the PCU is unable to resolve the issue, the matter will be referred to GRC. All complaints that could not be resolved within four weeks will by default be referred to GRC. However, the complainant or the PCU can convene the GRC at any point in time, depending on the nature and urgency of the issue.
8.10.2.3 Operating Principles for PCU
The PCU will operate on the principles of transparency, approachability and accountability. To achieve these, the PCU will be required to:
Be equipped to handle grievances in the local languages. Be equipped to work through all possible modes of communication, such as, emails, surface mail and face-to-face meetings at project site or requiring visits. Employ female staff, preferably from the nearby communities, to oversee complaints and issues of the female community members. Maintain a log of all grievances, with record of the date and time of the complaint logged and stakeholder information, such as, name, designation and contact details; Provide opportunity to the stakeholder to revert with their comments on the proposed plan of action. Keep the stakeholder informed of the progress in grievance resolution. Obtain stakeholder consent on the mechanism proposed to redress the grievance and document consent, and, Maintain confidentiality of the stakeholder, if requested so.
Stages of Grievances Once a grievance is logged with the PCU, it could acquire the following stages:
Stage 1: it is resolved by the PCU or if not PCU, by the GRC;
Stage 2: If the stakeholders are still not satisfied, they can proceed through local judicial proceedings.
Awareness The stakeholders will be informed of the establishment of the PCU, GRC and GFPs through a short and intensive awareness campaign. Under the awareness campaign, the proponent will share:
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Objective, function and the responsibilities of the PCU, GRC and GFPs; Means of accessing the PCU and the mechanics of registering a grievance at the PCU, GRC and GFPs; Operating principles of the PCU, GRC and GFPs; and, Contact details. Additional awareness campaigns may be organized, if necessary
8.10.3 Compensation for Environmental Damages
First, according to The AJK Environmental Protection Act, the likely damages to be caused to any sector of the environment or property or else will be paid to the affected parties.
Second, under The AJK Environmental Protection Act, the EPA and the Environment Tribunal can legally prosecute the project proponent for the damages to occur from the pollution generation from the project.
There is complete legal cover to address issues related to compensation for any environmental damage arising out of project activity. However, to address any such issues more expeditiously, the project administration will have a local committee as an Informal Mechanism.
This informal mechanism will provide convenient, quick and cost effective decisions for compensation against any environmental damages that occur from the project activity. This informal mechanism will also build confidence between the project administration and public and safeguard the interests of both the project and the public at large.
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9 CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of this EIA Report it is concluded that:
1- There are no sensitive elements / segments of environment around the project site which shall be disturbed.
2- This project will supplement the increasing demand of electricity
3- EMP and EMTP as recommended in this EIA Report are to be put in place during the entire construction and operation of the project.
4- Quarterly monitoring of all out environmental pollution sources by a third party would be required who will also certify that the project is runnnig in accordance with legal requirements.
8- All of the international and national commitments of the project show its commitment towards environment.
Under the light of detailed discussions in EIA Study about the proposed project intervention, it can be safely concluded that the proposed Project would not cause any significant adverse impacts.
All the potential impacts have been duly identified and it has been shown that while some of them can be avoided, in other cases appropriate mitigation measures have been proposed. When implemented judiciously under the recommended institutional arrangements, the measures would lead to proper conservation of both physical as well as social environment.
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REFERENCES
Listed below are some of the documents, reports and other references consulted during the preparation of this report:
a. Information and data provided by project proponents; b. Project Feasibility Study Report; c. Technical Design Data related to the project. d. Environmental Guidelines for Turk Exim bank e. Information gathered through discussions with the project related persons of the project proponent; f. Discussion with concerned government officials; g. Information collected from the Technical documents of various suppliers of machinery/equipment. h. Guidelines for Self- Monitoring and Reporting by the Industry (SMART),” Final Report, March 1998, approved by Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC), August 1999; i. National Environment Quality Standards for Municipal and Liquid Industrial Effluents, Statutory Notification (S.R.O.), Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development, S.R.O.549 (1)/2000, Islamabad, the 8th August 2000; j. National Environment Quality Standards for Ambient Air November 2010; k. National Environment Quality Standards Noise Levels November 2010; l. National Environment Quality Standards for Drinking Water November 2010:; m. Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997; n. The State Environmental Protection Act 2000 covers aspects related to:
the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment and the prevention, control of pollution and promotion of sustainable development;
establishing complete regulatory and monitoring bodies, policies, rules, regulations and national environmental quality standards; and
to ensure enforcement, the act establishes regulating bodies i.e. Environmental Protection Council (EPC) and responsible bodies i.e. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at Provincial level.
a. Land Use Policies and Environmental Legal Framework including;
Associated Consulting Engineers 166 Temelsu International FHC Consulting Engineers Engineering Services Inc. Environmental Impact Assessment Report Dowarian Hydropower Project AJ&K
b. Environment related Laws in Pakistan and the State of Azad Jammu & Kashmir; c. The Pakistan National Conservation Strategy, Environment and Urban Affairs’ Division (presently- Ministry of Environment, Urban Affairs and Wild Life), Government of Pakistan, Islamabad; d. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 19th Edition, 1995, Prepared and published jointly by: American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation; Publication office: American Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 2005; e. International Finance Commission (IFC) Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines, Environmental and Social Guidelines for Occupational Health & Safety (December 2012); f. Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval of Environmental Assessment, 2000; g. The Canal and Drainage Act, 1873; h. Environmental Assessment Requirements and Environmental Review Procedures of the Asian Development Bank, 1993; i. GOOGLE EARTH, maps. j. Guidelines for Public Consultations - These guidelines cover:
Consultation, involvement and participation of Stakeholders
Techniques for public consultation (principles, levels of involvements, tools, building trust)
Effective public consultation (planning, stages of EIA where consultation is appropriate)
Consensus building and dispute resolution.
k. Applicable International Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Laws and Regulations; l. Applicable International Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Laws and Regulations; m. Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook, The World Bank, 1998; n. International Finance Corporation’s Policy on Energy and Social Sustainability, January 1, 2012; o. National Resettlement Policy (Draft), Government of Pakistan, March 2002.
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GLOSSARY
Air Quality Measurement of the pollutants in the air; a description of healthiness and safety of the atmosphere. Archaeological The scientific study of material remains (as fossil relics, artifacts, and monuments) of past human life and activities. Compensation Includes cash payment, deferred payment, a bond, an insurance policy, stipend, payment in kind, rendition of services, grant of privileges and disturbance money, entitlement to special treatment by government and semi government entities, grant of alternative land, grant of import licenses and business, trade and commercial facilities in addition to the rehabilitation and resettlement of an affected person. Consultation Consultation refers to two-way transfer of information or joint discussion between project staff and the affected population. Systematic consultation implies a sustained and rigorous sharing of ideas. Bank experience shows that consultation often yields the best resettlement alternatives, fruitful procedures for continued participation, and independent information on actual conditions for implementation. Coordinates Each of a group of numbers used to indicate the position of a point, Contaminate line, or plane to make impure, pollute Disclosure The action of making new or secret information known Disruption Disturbance or problems which interrupt an event, activity, or process. Environmental Attempt to control human impact on and interaction with the environment in order to preserve natural resources Management Evaluation The making of a judgment about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment. Geology A science that studies rocks, layers of soil, etc., in order to learn about the history of the Earth and its life Ground Water Aquifers currently being used as a source of drinking water or those capable of supplying a public water system. They have a total dissolved solid content of 10,000 milligrams per liter or less, and are not "exempted aquifers." Hazardous Substance or material, which could adversely affect the safety of the public, handlers or carriers during transportation
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Household People residing under one roof, using the same hearth and operating as a single economic unit. Impact Effect on someone or something Land Acquisition The process whereby a person is compelled by a public agency to cede all or part of the land a person owns or possesses, to the ownership and possession of that agency, for public purpose in return for compensation. Mitigation The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something Occupational Maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social Health well-being of workers in all occupations by preventing departures from health, controlling risks and the adaptation of work to people, and people to their jobs Project Area The area specified by the funding and/or implementing agency according to the Official Gazette Notification and includes the areas within the administrative limits of the Federal or a Provincial Government. Proponent A person who advocates a theory, proposal, or course of action. Rehabilitation Include all compensatory measures to re-establish; at least lost incomes, livelihoods, living and social systems. It does not include the payment of compensation for required assets. Resettlement Means all measures taken to mitigate any and all adverse impacts, resulting due to execution of a project on the livelihood of the project affected persons, their property, and includes compensation, relocation and rehabilitation. Social It includes the culture that the individual was educated or lives in, and the people and institutions with whom they interact. Environment Scope The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant Stakeholders Include affected persons and communities, proponents, private and public businesses, NGOs, host communities and EPA. Topography Details of the surface features of land. It includes the mountains, hills, creeks, and other bumps and lumps on a particular hunk of earth.
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