Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project SITAGUNJ IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Government of Nepal Ministry of Irrigation Department of Irrigation Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project

SITAGUNJ SECONDARY CANAL

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN For ESSENTIAL STRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT WORKS Of SITAGUNJ IRRIGATION SYSTEM

To be implemented under

Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project (IWRMP)

January, 2012

Table of Contents

Page No. 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 SEMP (Social & Environmental Management Plan) 1 1.2 Objective of SEMP 1 1.3 Project Background 1 1.4 Present Status 3 1.5 Command Area/ Household/Beneficiaries 14 1.6 Accessibility 16 1.7 Proposed ESI and Improvement Activities 17 2 METHODOLOGY 2.1 Background information Review 18 2.2 Field Visit 18 2.3 Meeting 18 2.4 Focus Group Discussion 18 2.5 Social Mapping 19 2.6 Time line Analysis 19 2.7 Debriefing/Wrap-up meeting 19 3 IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 3.1 Steel Gate Repair and maintenance 20 3.2 Reshaping of canal 20 3.3 Erosion of farmland 20 3.4 Seepage and damaged of canal section. 21 3.5 Health, Sanitation and Safety. 21 3.6 Gender Issues. 22 3.7 Social Issues of Dalits. 22 3.8 Social Issues of Indigenous People 23 4 RAP, IPDP and GAP 26 5 MITIGATION COST ASSESSMENT 27 6 MONITORING MECHANISM 28

Page No. LIST OF TABLES Table - 1 : Details of Section of S9. 4 Table- 2 : Canal Networks of the System. 5 Table - 3 : Details of Sub-Secondary & Tertiary Canal. 6 Table- 4 :List of Structures in Sub-Secondary Canal under S9 Secondary Canal. 8 Table- 5 : List of Structures in Tertiary Canal under S9 Secondary Canal. 8 Table – 6 : Distribution of Population by VDC. 15 Table – 7 : Distribution of Population by Ethnic Group. 16 Table – 8 : Social Environmental Management Plan. 23 LIST OF FIGURES Figure -1: Canal Network Diagram of Sitagunj Secondary Canal. 3 Figure – 2 : Organization Chart of WUA. 10 ANNEXES Annex No. 1 - Nepal Map & Location Plan. Annex No. 2 – Eastern Regional Map Annex No. 3 - District Map Annex No. 4 – SMIP General Layout Map. Annex No. 5 – Layout Map of Sitagunj Secondary Canal. Annex No. 6 – Attendance of Mass Meeting. Annex No. 7 – Attendance of Focus Group Discussion & debriefing meeting with farmers. Annex No. 8 – Social Map sketched by Farmers and refined by SEMP team. Annex No. 9 – Photos.

INTRODUCTION

1.1 SEMP

A Social and Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) identifies and assesses the social and environmental impacts resulting from the proposed development activities and prepares a management plan with mitigation measures including the cost of mitigation, monitoring, auditing and capacity building. A SEMP must be prepared for each sub-project to be financed by the World bank as per Bank's safeguard policies, even if no EIA/IEE is required (as per the Environmental Protection Rules 1997, 1999 of (GON), and it should be site specific.

1.2 Objective of SEMP

The objective of the SEMP is not only to mitigate the adverse (or negative) social and environmental impacts but at the same time enhance the positive impacts. It should contain a detailed description of the potential social and environmental impacts (both during construction and operation & maintenance), mitigation measures and mechanisms for both implementation and monitoring for each sub-project activity including the responsible agency. The SEMP should be properly and adequately integrated in the overall planning, designing, budgeting and implementing of a sub-project. In fact, the SEMP will be an integral part of the sub-project plan (SPP).

1.3 Project Background

Sunsari Morang Irrigation Scheme (SMIS) is one of the candidate schemes selected for management transfer under Integrated Water Resources Management Project (IWRMP). Three secondary canals, namely, Sitaganj, Ramaganj and Biratnagar Secondary canals were selected for the purpose. Out of these three Sitaganj secondary canal was taken up as a pilot area for management transfer within SMIS (Figure 1). The initial processing started in Sitaganj. Sitagunj Irrigation System (SIS) is one of the developed sub-system under Sunsari Morang Irrigation Project (SMIP) having a command area of 7985ha and lies in the eastern Terai (plain) of Nepal, between the latitudes of 260 25' 00'' to 260 38' 45'' degree North and

longitude of 870 10' 00'' to 870 13' 15'' degree East. Elevation of the command area varies from 60 m to 75 m above mean sea level (amsl). The command area of the system is surrounded by Bihar State of India in the South, Tengra Khola (Ramgunj Secondary Canal, S10) in the east, Budhi (Garaun) Khola & Vishrampur Minor in the west and Chatara Main Canal (CMC) in the north. There are all weather roads to reach the system from district head quarter Inaruwa and SMIP head office, Biratnagar. The command area has a natural slope from north to south with a general gradient of 1:700.The system comprises of intake, Secondary Canal (S9), 10 Sub-secondary canals and 4 direct tertiary canals. In addition the system has 36 tertiary canals including 4 direct tertiary from S9 and 273 watercourses. The total length of Sitagunj Secondary Canal (S9) is 14.34 km. The design discharge of the Sitagunj Secondary Canal is 5.6 cumecs. Nearby 1 km length of the canal is lined and rest is unlined. The lined canal is mainly situated at the downstream of the bridges, Drops and culverts. The existing condition of the canal is good and working with around 60% efficiency. The overall condition of structures within the Irrigation System is satisfactory and minor problem is seen in 20% of the structures. Previously Bridge cum Aqueduct situated at ch. 9+301 of S9 at Thalaha Khola has been washed out. Where new contract has been awarded for the re-construction of the Single lane road bridge cum aqueduct and the construction of such is ongoing at the present time.

The total length of all the sub-secondary canals excluding 4 numbers of direct tertiary canals is 26.03 km and their lengths vary from 0.328 km (S9-T3) to 7.579 km (SS9I). The discharge carrying capacity of the canals varies from 0.085 cum (S9-T3) to 1.649 cum (SS9I). In some places canals are damaged due to spill of water from canals; cutting of the banks by farmes for irrigation; animal grazing on the banks; flood in the river / kholsi running parallel to the canals. No major damage has been seen in the structures. A total length of the tertiary canals and water courses are 82.8 km and 318.31 km respectively. The major defect has been observed in 10 % of structures of the tertiary canals whereas this value for watercourses is 25% likewise, minor defect in 40% of the structures of the tertiary canals and 50% of the structures of the watercourses. Most of the water regulating gates are working properly.

1.4 Present Status Figure -1: Canal Network Diagram of Sitagunj Secondary Canal

S9 (Sitagunj Secondary Canal) 7985 ha -Command Area 5.60 cum -Discharge 60.90 cm -Depth of Flow

SS9A-T2 L=1485m 128 ha 0+050 0.165 cum SS9C L=1520m 19.8 cm 458 ha 0+090 0.591 cum 38.0 cm SS9B L=1900m 987 ha 0+350 1.273 cum 42.4 cm

SS9D 566 ha L=1678m 3+255 0.73 cum 41.5 cm

S9-T1 S9-T2 319 ha L=4000m 4 +590 L=3326m 191 ha 0.412 cum 0.246 cum 29.5 cm 27.5 cm

SS9E 722 ha L=4900m 6+618 0.931 cum SS9F 42.0 cm L=3890m 541 ha 7+074 0.698 cum 42.0 cm

S9-T4 S9-T3 325 ha L=3350m 9 +856 L=328m 66 ha 0.419 cum 0.085 cum 36.8 cm 21.5 cm

SS9G 882 ha L=685m 11+363 1.138 cum SS9H 44.4 cm L=1620m 364 ha 12+293 0.47 cum 32.2 cm SS9J 1094 ha L=1668m 14+340 1.411 cum 47.8 cm L=7975m 3

SS9I 1278 ha 1.649 cum

The features of the canal network handed over in 1975 are as follows:

Main Canal : 53 Km Branch Canal : 17 Km Secondary Canal : 210 Km Tertiary canal : 105 Km Details of Canals

Secondary Canal (S9)

A total length of S9 is 14.34 km and it is able to carry 5.60 cumec of water. Nearly 1 km length of the canal is lined and rest is unlined. The lined canal is mainly situated at the down stream portion of the structures like drops, bridges and culverts. The existing condition of the canal is good and working with around 60% efficiency. The canal systems are defected due to landslide, damage of lining and others. A serious problem occurred at the aqueduct situated at ch. 9+301 of S9 at Thalaha Khola where new contract has been awarded for the re-construction of the bridge cum aqueduct. It is noted that minor problem is occurred in 20% of the structures. Details of Secondary Canal (S9) is given below in Table 3.1

Table - 1 : Details of Section of S9

Section Chainage Structures Rating 1 0+000 Intake 2 0+050 Head Regulator for SS-9A 4 0+050 Head Regulator for Sub-Secondary SS-9C 4 0+360 Head Regulator for Sub-Secondary SS-9B 4 0+398 Cross regulator cum Drop & Bridge 2 2 1+114 Drop cum Bridge 2 1+200 Drop Structure 4 1+720 Drop Structure 2 2+060 Hume Pipe Drainage Syphon 4 2+242 Drop cum Bridge 2 2+840 Hume Pipe Drainage Syphon 4 3+256 Head Regulator for Sub-Secondary SS-9D 2 3+285 Cross Regulator cum Bridge 2 3+346 Bridge 2 4+544 Hume Pipe Drainage Syphon 4 4+590 Head Regulator for Tertiary Canal S-9T1 4

4+590 Head Regulator for Tertiary Canal S-9T2 4 4+610 Cross Regulator 2 4+800 Pipe Inlet 1 4+800 Pipe Inlet 1 3 5+387 Bridge 2 5+898 Drop Structure 2 6+343 Bridge 2 6+608 Head Regulator for Sub-Secondary SS-9E 2 6+694 Cross regulator cum Drop & Bridge 2 4 7+066 Head Regulator for Sub-Secondary SS-9F 4 7+086 Cross Regulator 2 8+232 Bridge 2 8+531 Drop cum Bridge 2 9+301 Aqueduct cum Bridge in both side 1 9+586 Head Regulator for Tertiary Canal S-9T3 4 9+586 Head Regulator for Tertiary Canal S-9T4 4 9+906 Cross regulator cum Drop 2 5 10+856 Bridge 4 11+238 Aqueduct cum Bridge in both side 2 11+363 Head Regulator for Sub-Secondary SS-9G 4 6 12+100 Unit Outlet for Water course feeder 1 12+293 Head Regulator for Sub-Secondary SS-9H 4 12+323 Cross regulator cum Drop 2 7 12+746 Bridge 4 13+205 Bridge 4 13+717 Bridge 4 14+340 Head Regulator for Sub-Secondary SS-9I 2 14+340 Head Regulator for Sub-Secondary SS-9J 2

Table- 2 : Canal Networks of the System

Sub- Direct Tertiary Chainage in Km Length Discharge Command Section Secondary Outlet from CMC (m) (cumec) Area (ha) Off-takes Offtakes

SS9A, SS9B 1 0+000 to 0+398 SS9C 398 5.600 7921 2 0+398 to 4+610 SS9D S9-T1, S9-T2 4212 4.750 6348 3 4+610 to 6+694 SS9E 2084 4.250 5272 4 6+694 to 9+906 SS9F S9-T3, S9-T4 3212 3.250 4550 5 9+906 to 11+363 SS9G 1457 2.800 3618 6 11+363 to 12+323 SS9H 960 2.300 2736 7 12+323 to 14+340 SS9I, SS9J 2017 1.800 2372

Note:- Total command area of S9 = 7985.00 ha. Including the C.A. (64 ha.) of SS9A-T1 which is directly off-taking from CMC. Thus, remaining total C.A. of S9 from discharge point of view at Head Regulator = 7985.00 – 64.00 = 7921.00 ha.

Sub-secondary canals

The system has altogether 14 sub secondary or equivalent canals including 4 direct tertiary canals. A total length of all the canals excluding 4 numbers of direct tertiary canals is 26.03 km and their lengths vary from 0.328 km (S9-T3) to 7.579 km (SS9I). The discharge carrying capacity of the canals varies from 0.085 cum (S9-T3) to 1.649 cum (SS9I). It was observed that the canals are damaged due to spill of water from canals; cutting of the banks; animal encroachment; flood in the river / rivulets (kholsi) running parallel to the canals. No major damage occurred in the structures except few culvert and drop structures, however, there is minor problem in the 25% of the structures.

Tertiary Canals and Watercourses under S9

The system has altogether 36 tertiary canals and 273 watercourses. A total length of the tertiary canals is 82.8 km whereas 318.31 km of watercourses. In many places the watercourses are damaged due to spill of water from canals, cutting of the banks, animal encroachment, and flood in the river / rivulets running parallel to the canals. It was observed that the major defect occurred in 10% of structures of the tertiary canals whereas this value for watercourses is around 25%. Likewise, minor defects occurred in 40% of the structures of the tertiary canals and in 60% of the structures of the watercourses. Most of the gates are properly working. Details of sub-secondary and tertiary canal are presented in the Table given below:

Table - 3 : Details of Sub-Secondary & Tertiary Canal

Off-Taking Off-take Point Capacity at Name of the Point from Length of CCA from Sub- head Rating Canal Secondary canal (m) (ha) Secondary Canal (cumecs) Canal SS9A-T1 Main Canal 0.083 50 64 2 SS9A-T2 0+050 0.165 1485 128 3 SS9C 0+050 0.525 1535 458 4 SS9C-T1 0+410 0.094 484 73 3 SS9C-T2 0+900 0.081 1178 111 3

SS9C-T3 1+535 0.218 1741 170 3 SS9C-T4 1+535 0.132 1145 104 3 SS9B 0+360 1.281 1900 987 4 SS9B-T1 0+020 0.115 580 89 3 SS9B-T2 1+126 0.312 2437 242 3 SS9B-T3 1+900 0.267 3183 207 3 SS9B-T4 1+900 0.587 5525 449 3 SS9D 3+256 0.722 1678 566 2 SS9D-T1 0+610 0.175 1143 136 3 SS9D-T2 1+678 0.263 2562 193 3 SS9D-T3 1+678 0.175 2370 153 3 S9-T1 4+590 0.417 3900 319 4 S9-T2 4+590 0.246 3326 191 4 SS9E 6+608 0.931 4900 722 2 SS9E-T2 0+800 0.196 975 152 3 SS9E-T3 2+150 0.186 1300 144 3 SS9E-T4 2+600 0.157 753 122 3 SS9E-T5 4+900 0.15 1350 116 3 SS9E-T6 4+900 0.128 422 99 3 SS9F 7+066 0.698 3890 541 4 SS9F-T1 3+890 0.196 2440 152 3 SS9F-T2 3+890 0.194 1560 150 3 S9-T3 9+586 0.085 328 66 4 S9-T4 9+586 0.419 3350 325 4 SS9G 11+363 1.138 865 882 4 SS9G-T1 0+010 0.683 7030 589 3 SS9G-T2 0+685 0.115 1610 117 3 SS9G-T3 0+685 0.195 2165 151 3 SS9H 12+293 0.47 1620 364 4 SS9H-T1 1+620 0.111 1480 86 3 SS9H-T2 1+620 0.319 4260 247 3 SS9I 14+340 1.649 7975 1278 2 SS9I-T1 4+570 0.272 2270 211 3 SS9I-T2 6+538 0.137 1050 106 3 SS9I-T3 7+975 0.43 4726 333 3 SS9I-T4 7+975 0.498 3450 386 3

SS9J 14+340 1.411 1666 1094 2 SS9J-T1 0+458 0.531 3570 412 3 SS9J-T2 1+666 0.499 4950 387 3 SS9J-T3 1+666 0.261 2900 202 3 Structures within the Canal Area

Summaries of structures of sub secondary and tertiary canals are presented in Tables Respectively are given below:

Table- 4 :List of Structures in Sub-Secondary Canal under S9 Secondary Canal

Name Cross of Proportional Unit Escape Inlet Drop Culvert Aqueduct Drainage Canal Distributor Outlet Structure Structure Structure

SS9B 4 2 1 3 1 SS9C 4 2 1 SS9D 3 2 3 SS9E 5 6 3 SS9F 2 1 4 1 8 2 SS9G 3 1 1 SS9H 2 1 4 1 SS9I 4 3 7 9 1 SS9J 3 1 3 3 Total 30 9 29 2 28 5 1 1

Table- 5 : List of Structures in Tertiary Canal under S9 Secondary Canal

Name of Canal Unit Drop Pipe Cross Aqueduct Drop Tail No. of WC Canal Length Out Struc Culvert Drainage cum Structure water branch let ture Structure Culvert courses

SS9A-T1 50 1 2 2 SS9A-T2 1485 2 1 1 2 4 SS9B-T1 580 1 1 2 1 SS9B-T2 2437 7 1 3 1 2 9 SS9B-T3 3183 4 2 3 1 1 3 4 SS9B-T4 5525 13 4 8 1 1 2 7 SS9C-T1 484 1 1 1 2 2

SS9C-T2 1178 1 1 1 1 2 SS9C-T3 1741 5 1 1 1 1 2 4 SS9C-T4 1145 2 1 1 2 3 SS9D-T1 1143 2 1 2 3 SS9D-T2 2562 5 2 2 1 1 2 4 SS9D-T3 2370 4 1 1 1 2 1 SS9E-T2 975 3 1 1 2 1 SS9E-T3 1300 2 2 1 2 3 SS9E-T4 753 2 1 2 SS9E-T5 1350 2 1 2 1 2 3 SS9E-T6 422 1 1 2 SS9F-T1 2440 3 3 1 1 2 3 SS9F-T2 1560 3 1 1 2 7 SS9G-T1 7030 18 1 7 1 1 2 10 SS9G-T2 1610 2 1 1 1 2 3 SS9G-T3 2165 3 2 3 1 2 4 SS9H-T1 1480 1 1 1 2 SS9H-T2 4260 7 3 1 1 2 8 SS9I-T1 2270 6 3 1 2 5 SS9I-T2 1050 2 3 1 2 3 SS9I-T3 4726 9 3 6 6 1 2 5 SS9I-T4 3450 9 2 7 3 1 1 2 12 SS9J-T1 3570 12 1 3 1 2 11 SS9J-T2 4950 11 7 1 1 2 5 SS9J-T3 2900 3 2 4 1 2 3 S9-T1 3900 10 1 8 1 2 5 S9-T2 3326 5 2 1 2 4 S9-T3 328 1 1 1 2 S9-T4 3350 9 5 4 1 2 6 Total 83021 171 38 84 10 7 4 36 73 145 Details of Water Course Unit outlet from Tertiary Canal 171 No. of water courses 73 Unit outlet from Sub-Secondary 28 Canal Total Nos. of water courses = 272

Net no. of watercourses under S9 273 (Including 1no. of wc from CMC)

WUA Organization

Water Users Association (WUA) of Sitagunj Irrigation system is comprised of 4–Tiers of Organization that includes Water User Coordination Committee (WUCC), Water User Committee (WUC) for sub- secondary canal Water User Sub-committee (WUSC) for Tertiary canal and Water User Group (WUG) for watercourses. However WUSC is not active at present because of the provisions in the constitution of WUA. The farmers who have land in the command area and who have taken land on lease or contract are eligible to take the membership of the WUA. The membership fee is Rs 10/member. Organization chart is given below in fig. below.

Figure – 2 : Organization Chart of WUA

Water User Coordination Committee WUCC comprises of 13 members that elected from chairman of the entire WUCs (WUCC): Main Committee of S9 & WUGs under S9

Water User Committee WUC comprises of 7 members that elected WUC from the chairman of the entire WUGs under the sub secondary canal

Water User Committee WUSC

Water User Committee WUG comprises of 7 members that elected from the representatives (one WUG representative from each outlet) of the outlets under the watercourses.

Water User's Committee (WUC)

The WUCC is formed at Sitagunj Secondary Canal level off taking from Chatara Main Canal (CMC) and consists of 15 members. Out of fifteen thirteen are elected. These thirteen elected members elect Chairman, Vice-chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of WUCC from among themselves. All the members would be the Chairperson of their respective Water Users Committee (WUCS) formed at sub-secondary level. Also the chairpersons of the tertiary off-taking directly from Secondary Canal will be the member of the WUCC. Two women members are nominated by the committee.

The tenure of WUCC shall be of four years.

General Assembly (GA)

Regular monthly meeting is to be conducted in all the tiers of WUA. General practice was to call meeting as and when necessary by the concerned secretaries who used to keep minute of the meeting. There is provision of general assembly meeting once a year in all the tier of WUA. But they have also provision to call general assembly meeting during emergency period. There are 273 general assembly members at WUCC of SIS. These members represent all the sub-secondaries, tertiary and water courses.

Water Users coordination Committee (WUCC)

The WUCC is formed at Sitagunj Secondary Canal level off taking from Chatra Main Canal (CMC) and consists of 15 members. Out of fifteen thirteen are elected. These thirteen elected members elect Chairman, Vice-chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of WUCC from among themselves. All the members would be the Chairperson of their respective Water Users Committee (WUCS) formed at sub-secondary level. Also the chairpersons of the tertiary off- taking directly from Secondary Canal will be the member of the WUCC. Two women members are nominated by the committee.

The tenure of WUCC shall be of four years.

WUSC

The WUSC could be formed if felt necessary by WUC. It is noted that presently WUSC is not active under the Sitagunj Secondary Canal.

Water Users Group (WUG): 11

The WUG shall be of minimum of 5 members and maximum of 9 members including Chairperson -1, Secretary-1. All the members shall be elected from the representatives (one representative from each outlet) of the outlets under the watercourses. The tenure of WUG shall be of four years.

Water Users Committee (WUC)

The WUC will be formed at sub-secondary/Tertiary level off taking directly from Secondary Canal (S9) and chairperson of all the Water Users Group within the area will be the member of WUC. From among them Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, Secretary and treasurer will be elected. The tenure of WUC shall be of four years.

Development of WUA organization

WUA Sitagunj Branch Canal was registered in District Administration Office, Sunsari in B.S. 2050 (1993 A.D.) and is now being renewed every year at Sunsari-Morang Irrigation Project. There are four tiers of organization in Sitagunj Irrigation System. One Water Users Coordination Committee (WUCC) at Secondary level, thirteen Water Users Committee (WUC) in Sub-secondary and direct tertiary level, Thirty two Water Users Sub committee (WUSC) at tertiary level, and two hundred and seventy-three Water Users Groups (WUG) at water course level. In B.S 2067 (2010A.D.) WUCC has amended their constitution according to the need of the system, requirement of IWRMP project and as per the provision of irrigation policy of Government of Nepal. WUCC has also prepared by laws (Niyamabali) of their organization recently. Both amended constitution and by laws have been approved by the general assembly meeting conducted on Bhadra 17, 2067. Now the committee is active and motivated towards IWRMP programme.

Summer paddy is planted in major part of land (about 90% land of the command area) followed by spring paddy in 50% land, wheat in 25% land, sugarcane, jute, pulses, oilseeds & others in 25% land. Paddy and wheat are the main crops. An average yield of the summer paddy and spring paddy are 4.1 and 4.5 ton per ha respectively whereas this value for wheat is 1.6 ton per ha and maize 4 ton per ha. The traditional labor intensive agricultural system is gradually changing into mechanized system. The total production of the command area varies from 39,000 to 44,000 ton per year. The traditional method for land preparation is practiced by 80% farmers whereas modern method by 20%. Use of both fertilizer and manure are

practiced. In an average cropping intensity of the system is found more than 200%. In addition, seasonal vegetables are practiced in each season for their own use and selling purpose to some extent. Local seeds of all crops and vegetables are used, but some of the hybrid seeds of paddy and vegetable are also being used. It was reported that some of the crops (Kurthi, Bhadia Paddy, Maruwa & Rahar) were planted in past, but presently these crops are not planted. It is noted that spring crop (Spring Paddy) is introduced as a new crop in the command area.

Farm income constituted agricultural income derived from sales of surplus cereals, cash crops, horticulture crops, fish farming, livestock heads and livestock product. Wages, salaries and pension constituted major sources of off-farm income of the farmers. The yearly major expenditure of the household is on food, cloth, socio-cultural events, education and health treatment etc.

Based on the interview with the WUA members, the total production of the command area varies from 39,000 to 44,000 ton per year and the existing local market rates of the crops are as follows:

Paddy @ of NRs. 8,000 – 10,000/ t; Wheat @ of NRs. 10,000 - 11,000/t Maize @ of NRs. 5,000 - 7,000 /t Sugarcane @ of NRs. 1,500 - 1,600 /t and Jute @ of NRs. 18,000 - 20,000 /t.

Agriculture is the main occupation of 85% of the economically active population in the area. 5% of the local population is reported to have other professions. Few women were found active in social activities. However, the society is male dominant as most parts of the country. Agricultural practices are to some extent tending towards farm mechanization through the use of tractors and attachments, threshing machines etc. The predominant crops are paddy rice, wheat, maize, jute, sugarcane and vegetables.

The traditional method for land preparation is practiced by 80% farmers whereas modern method by 20%. Use of both fertilizer and manure are practiced. In an average cropping intensity of the system is found more than 200%. Cropping pattern in the command area is as follows:

Ashar to Mansir - Summer paddy, Sugarcane, Jute and Others Kartik to Chaitra - Wheat, Pulses, Oilseeds, Maize and Others Chaitra to Ashar - Spring paddy, Pulses and Others In addition, seasonal vegetables are practiced in each season for their own use and selling purpose to some extent. Local seeds of all crops and vegetables are used, but some of the hybrid seeds of paddy and vegetable are also being used. It was reported that some of the crops (Kurthi, Bhadia Paddy, Maruwa & Rahar) were grown in the past, but presently these crops are not grown. It is learnt that spring paddy is slowly getting space as a new crop in the command area

1.5 Command Area/ Household/Beneficiaries

Sitagunj Branch Canal offtakes at 25km of CMC. It is also named as S9 system. The total command area under this S9 system is around 7,985ha. The S9 comprises of intake, secondary canal itself, ten numbers of sub-secondary canals and four direct tertiary canals. In addition the system has 32 other tertiary canals off-taken from the sub-secondary canal and a total of 273 watercourses generally off taking from tertiary. The system is fed by Chatra Main Canal (CMC) and the source of the CMC is the Koshi River which is of perennial type. The canal network diagram describes about the number of sub secondary canals and direct tertiary canals with their respective lengths, discharges, command areas, and flow depths. The System comprises a main canal of length 36 km, 22 branch canals of total length 74 km, 199 tertiary canals. There are 54 direct offtakes from the main canal. The system has a total of 1408 structures including the headworks. There are 58 km of service road of which the trunk road is about 25 km.

The source river Koshi originates from the Mahabharat range. The catchment area of Koshi river at the CMC intake is about 57,000 km 2. There is wide seasonal variation in the flow of the river as well as in the sediment concentration that it conveys. Generally the flow varies from an occasional peak of 10,000 cumec during monsoons to a mean monthly value of 400 cumec for March. For the sediment load, the variation is from a mean monthly value of 90 ppm for January to a mean monthly value of 2680 ppm for June. Water availability is therefore not a problem for CMC, except that in some dry seasons, for the main course of the river migrates westwards away from the intake. Ground water levels in the project area vary with location and the season but are generally in the range of 3m to 10m below ground level.

The catchments condition of the river appears to be in vulnerable condition due to deforestation and loss of vegetative cover. Due to this reason, during rainy season the river water is loaded with high quantity of silt.

The Sitagunj Irrigation System (SIS) site can be characterized by the clustered and old settlements where local and squatter people have tolerantly been settled down for centuries. The command area of Sitagunj Irrigation System (SIS) covers 10 VDCs of Sunsari district. These VDCs are Simariya, Satterjhora, Madheli, Chhitaha, Chandbela, Aurabani, Amahibelaha, Chimadi, Ekamba and Amaduwa. Distributions of the settlement by VDCs are given in the table 1.1 below.

From the family structure viewpoint, in all the household under the command area joint and nuclear family are found. The male population is more than the female population in the surrounding area. There are 30 primaries, 35 pre-secondary and 17 secondary school run by the GoN in the surrounding area. There are also some boarding schools run by the private sector. Distribution of population by VDC is presented in the table 1.2 below.

After construction of Sitagunj Irrigation System, the agriculture production has been increased by double in the command area. Cropping pattern has changed after introduction of irrigation in the system and since then the cropping intensity has increased significantly and is more than200% at present. New varieties of seeds and required amount of fertilizers are also available near by the market of the command area.

Table – 6 : Distribution of Population by VDC

SN Name of VDC Total Male Female Households Average Population Population Population No. Population 1 Simariya 4540 2312 2228 933 4.9 2 Satterjhora 8829 4339 4490 1699 5.2 3 Madheli 7180 3614 3566 1433 5.0 4 Chhitaha 8825 4400 4425 1637 5.4 5 Chandbela 6489 3247 3242 1241 5.2 6 Aurabani 7304 3739 3565 1458 5.0 7 Amahibelaha 6594 3378 3216 1256 5.3 8 Chimadi 6074 3100 2974 1197 5.1 9 Ekamba 7718 3813 3905 1616 4.8

10 Amaduwa 8667 4510 4157 1670 5.2 Total 72220 36452 35768 14140 5.15 Source: District Profile, DDC Sunsari, B.S. 2065

The major ethnic groups in the surrounding area are Tharu, Brahmin, Muslim, Yadav, Chhetri, Dusad/Paswan/Pasi, Musahar and others. Tharu is the dominant population in the area. The average population in the surrounding area is 5.15 per household. Out of total population 66909, there are 33771 male and 33138 female. The male population is 50.47% and female population is 49.53%.The male population is more than the female population. Out of the total population in the command area about 90% are Hindus and 5% Muslims.

Table – 7 : Distribution of Population by Ethnic Group

S.N. Name of Tharu Brahmin Yadav Muslim Chhetri Musahar Paswan+ Others Total VDC (Pahadi) Dusad+ Pasi 1 Simariya 1529 90 - 175 176 734 34 1802 4540 2 Satterjhora 371 14 1721 566 50 922 - 5185 8829 3 Madheli 4999 21 - 1028 14 389 1 728 7180 4 Chhitaha 1807 23 296 299 77 645 12 5666 8825 5 Chandbela 3078 42 3 678 26 320 8 2334 6489 6 Aurabani 3571 67 733 303 133 920 28 1549 7304 7 Amahibelaha 1351 428 679 822 271 298 215 2530 6594 8 Chimadi 2594 16 340 241 31 186 2 2664 6074 9 Ekamba 5670 402 8 - 246 324 157 911 7718 10 Amaduwa 2585 45 210 611 241 814 21 4140 8667 Others: Bantar, Teli, Dhanuk, Gurung, Tamang, Majhi, Baniya, Kewat, Jhangad etc. Source: Village Profile, DDC Sunsari, B.S. 2065

1.6 Accessibility Sitagunj Irrigation System (SIS) is one of the developed sub-system under Sunsari Mosang Irrigation Project (SMIP) having a command area of 7985ha and lies in the eastern terai (plain) of Nepal, between the latitudes of 260 25' 00'' to 260 38' 45'' degree North and longitude of 870 10' 00'' to 870 13' 15'' degree East. Elevation of the command area varies from 60 m to 75 m above mean sea level (amsl). The command area of the system is surrounded by Bihar, India in the South, Tengra Khola (Ramgung Secondary Canal, S10) in the east, Budhi (Garaun) Khola (Vishrampur Minor) in the west and Chatara Main Canal

(CMC) in the north. There are all weather roads to reach the system from district head quarter Inaruwa and SMIP head office, Biratnagar.

1.7 Proposed ESI and Improvement Activities

The ESI works consists of improvement and new construction of several structures from SS9A to SS9J branch canal in different location of SIS. The works are mainly reshaping, PCC lining, Unit outlets, Drain inlets, Gabion works and gate repair and maintenance work. The SEMP team visited in all branch canals from SS9A to SS9J and identified the ESI whose SEMP needed to be prepared. The ESI structures who’s SEMP conducted are as follows:

1) Drain Inlet Structures Construction: The drain inlet Structure is proposed to be constructed in main canal at chainages 2+500, 4+800, 5+315, 9+930, 12+746 of Sitagunj Secondary Canal (S9) Canal. After construction of these drain Inlet structures, the water logging (Ponding) problem will be solved.

2) S9-T1 (Tertiary Canal) Protection: This is one of the ESI proposed to be constructed in S9-T1 canal at ch. 0+400 of S9-T1. The Gabion work is proposed to be constructed for protection of S9-T1 Canal at chainage 0+400, Aurabani-VDC, Chhapaki tole in S9-T1 Tertiary canal. The Gabion Work of 1.50 meter height from bed level Thalaha Khola of 120 m length across the left side of S9-T1 constructed in order to protect the erosion of river bank at right side.

3) Canal Protection: This is the major ESI proposed in S9 between chainage 0+000 to 14+340 (E.P.) for canal bank protection at downstream of all the Drop cum Cross Regulators / Canal Drop Structures. The Super Critical Flow beyond the C.R. and Drop structures damages the earthen canal banks and these damages are supposed to be controlled by the PCC Lining works.

2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Background information Review

The SEMP team performed background information reviews on the Social and Environmental Management Framework (SEMF), Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R & R) policy, Indigenous People Development Plan (IPDP), Gender Development strategy, rapid appraisal report, asset inventory report, asset management plan, consultation report and screening report. Some of the existing environmental issues are; the Thalaha River has been cutting the banks of S9-T2 at ch.0+400 of Tertiary canal. The Tengra River has been cutting the banks of SS9I-T1 at ch.0+800 of Tertiary canal. The farmland is being eroded due to the excessive drainage water at Thalaha River &. Tengra River While reviewing there are no adverse impact found on social and environmental issues due to ESI improvement works.

2.2 Field Visit

During the field visit of the SEMP team on different dates conducted a meeting and reviewed the list of proposed ESI structures. Accordingly, a plan was made for a field visit as per the field schedule and the farmers along the branch canals were informed.

2.3 Meeting

The SEMP team conducted meeting with the SIS Central Committee on 2068/09/15 at Nanda Primary school, Madheli-9, in the SS9B. During the meeting the SEMP team highlighted the requirements of the SEMP, and its objectives and importance to the members of WUA of SS9B committee. The meeting fixed the date of visits to each branch from SS9B,SS9B- T1,T2,T3 & T4 tertiary canals and the schedule information was conveyed to the branch committee members and farmers. The SEMP team, together with WUA Central Committee members, jointly visited every branch canal from SS9B,SS9B-T1,T2,T3 & T4 from 2068//10 to 2068/9/15 for screening and noticed ESI structures those SEMP needed to be carried. On every meeting more than 19 numbers of people attended the meeting which is enclosed in annex – 6.

2.4 Focus Group Discussion

On 2068/10/09 a focus group discussion was held in Aurabani Chowk with women, Indigenous people and Dalits. The discussion was facilitated by SEMP team including Engineers and Association Organizer. During the discussion they expressed the strong need for trainings related to skill development, such as; leadership development training, Improved Agriculture practices based training, skill development training etc. The women demanded skill development and income generating activities (IGA) trainings for raising their living standard. The issues expressed in the discussions were noted down by the team members. The attendance of participants is presented in annex – 7.

2.5 Social Mapping

Farmers were assisted by SEMP team including Engineers and Association Organizer (AO) to draw a social map, featuring important project components and to sensitize those in attendance to the ESI activities. The social map is presented in annex – 8.

2.6 Time line Analysis

A Time line analysis was conducted with local farmers chronicling major events which have had deep seated impacts on the project area and its people. They reported that every year, Thalaha and Tengra River have been cutting and damaging the farmland and banks of S9-T2 & SS9I-T1 Tertiary canals.

2.7 Debriefing / Wrap-up meeting

Interactive discussions between farmers, other stake holders, and team members were held to identify potential environmental and social issues. Issues as perceived and pointed out by local knowledgeable persons were discussed and noted. The suggestions, comments and solutions presented by the farmers/water users were noted down. A wrap-up meeting in 2068/10/09, WUA office at Aurabani chowk, with WUA central committee, farmers, other stake holders, and team members was held at the end of day and suggested mitigation measures were discussed and noted down.

3. IDENTIFICATION and ASSESSMENT of POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

The following section deals with Environmental and Social issues which were identified and observed by the team during field visit. The issues, their magnitude and mitigation measures are briefly described. A summary matrix of all these issues along with its location/chainage, mitigation measures and responsible agency is also attached to this report.

3.1 Steel Gate Repair and maintenance

The ESI works consists of repair and maintenance of 72 steel gates. During maintenance the scraps may be generated which will be safely managed. The labor should provide globes and glass while using welding machine as well as other safety equipments. The scrap generated will be collected and reuse or can sell by contractor.

3.2 Reshaping of canal

Among the ESI works one of the major works is reshaping of canal. The reshaping work in the canal has to be done from S9 ( Sitagunj Secondary canal ), SS9A to SS9J Sub-Secondary & Tertiary canals. The work consists of cutting and filling of earthwork for maintaining the designed canal & bank section. While making banks the trees and other crops existing should have to be replaced. The trees planted in the bank side have to be cut during reshaping works. As agreed with WUA, the trees will be owned to the farmers who have planted it.

3.3 Erosion of farmland

The changes in river morphology of Thalaha & Tengra River have damaged the command area and the canals of the system. The Thalaha River has been cutting the command area of several different branch canals, which are: S9-T2 of Chhapaki Tole of Aurabani VDC at ch.0+400 of S9-T2. Altogether about 500 ha are affected. The Tengra river has damaged about 126 meters along its bank of Command area at ch. 0+800. and it has also damaged the farm land of the command area. The sketch is attached along with the report.

To solve the above stated problem following mitigation measures have been agreed through discussion with WUA and concerned affected people.

 Gabion protection work,  Earthen embankment,

 Bioengineering works.

3.4 Seepage and damaged of canal section

Most of the canal sections have banks damaged by encroachment of people and animals into the canal. Beside this, rats and local reptiles have made holes and damaged the canal section. Also, farmers are diverting water to their fields by cutting and breaching the canal banks at will. The continuation of such practices will impact the sustainability of the canal system. During the walk through the WUA members proposed to construct new field outlets at various locations. Therefore, to avoid cutting and breaching of the canal banks haphazardly, the following mitigation measures have been agreed:

The WUA and farmers will regularly perform repair and maintenance of the outlets.

3.5 Health, Sanitation and Safety

The present sanitation condition of the project area is not satisfactory from the standpoint of health, sanitation and safety. For example, very few households have the toilets. In the construction period, if laborers are hired from outside, there may the problem of sanitation and waste disposal of labor camp, as well as drinking water provision for the labor camp. And consideration of the health and safety conditions of laborers involved in ESI construction activities must be considered. Unsafe working conditions should be avoided and the health of the laborers also needs to be taken into account according to internationals laws of ILO etc. And also, it seems very necessary to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS where people are seasonally migrating to seek work. Therefore, in this regards, it was discussed and agreed as follows,

 The contractor will locate the labor camp for minimum 50 number of labors with ordinary plastic shade equipped with simple bedding arrangement as verbally agreed with the WUA,

 The contractor will locate the place of disposal separately for disposable and non- disposal wastes produced from the labor camp and provide safe drinking water for labor will be as agreed with the WUA,

 The contractor will maintain acceptable standards for project regarding health and safety conditions of the laborers.

 The WUA will request the assistance of NGOs and/or Government agencies to improve the existing health and sanitation condition along with awareness programs for HIV and AIDS within the project area.

3.6 Gender Issues

Genders issues are one of the major social issues, where female are comparatively disadvantaged when considering basic needs such as education, health, nutrition. During the field visit it was observed that the majority of farmers working in the fields were women, with many husbands reportedly abroad for employment. During focus group discussions local women indicated that they are primarily interested in support for adult education and construction of latrines. And also during discussion they complained that they were not familiar with modern agriculture practices and on-farm water management. In this regard, it was agreed to provide capacity building to women members of WUA and women farmers. And also it is noticed that there is wage disparity among female and men workers in the project area.

In this regard, it was agreed that,

 Specific training on capacity development for women, on-farm water management and modern agricultural practice will be provided by SMIP & DADO.

 The WUA and water users are committed to the concept of equal wages.

 Field and exposure visits will be arranged by SMIP & DADO.

3.7 Social Issues of Dalits

The project area has very few numbers of Dalits, and these are only along S9 branch canal near ch. 9+400. During the focus group discussion they are willing to have employment opportunities and they want the project to be started soon. In this regards, it is discussed and agreed as follows:

 Dalits are provided with priorities in the construction work as per their skill and interest.

 Request to NGOs to include them with other people for income generation and skill development training 3.8 Social Issues of Indigenous People

The Indigenous people will be given priority employment opportunity at the time of construction. The specific program will be conducted for the empowerment of the Indigenous people. In this regards, it is discussed and agreed as follows:

 Indigenous people are provided with priorities in the construction work as per their skill and interest.

 Leadership training will be given to develop their capacity to bring forward their interests during decision making related to project activities.

 Request to NGOs to include them with other people for income generation and skill development training.

Table – 8 : SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

S. Activity/Issue Location Mitigation Measures Responsible Mitigation No. (Chainage) Agency Cost 1 Steel Gate Project Area  Scrap produced will  SMIP  Included in Repair and be managed. SEMP cost. maintenance  Safety measures  Contractor should be adopted. 2 Reshaping of Project Area  Trees will belong to  SMIP, WUA  Included in canal respective farmers. SEMP cost.

3 Erosion of Ch. 0+400 (S9-T2),  Gabion revetment  SMIP  Included in farmland Ch. 0+800 (SS9I-T1) work. SEMP cost.

4 Seepage and Project Area  WUA will maintain  WUA  WUA will damaged canal canal properly and maintain sections will adopt regulated rotational distribution of irrigation.  Lining on weak and  SMIP  Included in porous zone will be ESI Cost included by SMIP. Estimate 5 Health, Project Area  The contractor will  WUA,  No Sanitation and locate the labor Contractor additional Safety camp as agreed cost with WUA  The contractor will  WUA,  No locate the place of Contractor additional disposal of wastes cost from the labor camp

and place or source of drinking water for labor as agreed with WUA

 The contractor will  WUA,  No maintain the Contractor additional international law cost regarding health and safety of the labor  WUA will request  WUA, NGO  No the concerns NGOs additional and or Government cost agencies to improve the existing health and sanitation condition along with awareness programs for HIV and AIDS of the project area 6 Gender issues Project Area  Training on  SMIP,  NRs. preparation of DADO 5,00,000 organic manure, on- farm water management and modern agricultural practice will be provided by SMIP & DADO.  WUA and users are  WUA,  No committed to make Contractor Additional equal wages, Cost contractor will provide equal wage for equal work.  NRs.  Field and exposure  SMIP, 5,00,000 visits will be DADO arranged by SMIP & DADO.  NGO will support  NGO  No them to gain access Additional to the development Cost programs of the concerned line agencies and other organization. 7 Social issues of Project Area  Dalits will be  WUA,  No dalits provided with Contractor additional priority cost opportunities as labor in the construction work as per their skill and interest  Income generating  NGO  NRs activities (IGA) 500,000 type training will be provided. 24

8 Social Issues of Project Area  Indigenous people  WUA,  No Indegeneous will be provided Contractor additional People with priority cost opportunities as labor in the construction work as per their skill and interest  Leadership and  SMIP &  NRs Women WUA 5,00,000 development training will be provided. 9 Social and Project Area  Perform S and E  SMIP, RID,  NRs environmental monitoring OPD 2,50,000 monitoring IWRMP, DOI

4. RAP, IPDP and GAP

Since SIS is an existing irrigation system there are no major issues of land acquisition because land was already acquired by the government long ago at the time of original construction. While constructing proposed new outlets under ESI works only a very minor amount of land is required for field channels. As a result of acquisition of these small areas of land, no people will need to be relocated, and there is no significant impact on their livelihood because of this acquisition. During the field visit, discussions the affected people indicated that they are readily willing to donate their land voluntarily. So preparation of a resettlement action plan (RAP) is not needed.

The Essential Structure Improvement (ESI) works of the project do not have adverse impacts to the Indigenous people and their livelihood. To the contrary, the ESI works will have a positive impact on the Indigenous people of the command area and promote improvements in their livelihood with increased production. Therefore, an IPDP is not required.

The ESI improvement works are not gender biased. There is no adverse impact to gender and women’s issues by the implementation of these improvement activities. The project benefits will be shared equitably by both genders. So a Gender Action Plan (GAP) is not required.

The ESI improvement activities do not use toxic chemicals or dangerous construction technologies. All the construction materials, methods and technologies are of general use. The occupational health and safety measures have been addressed adequately by the proposed mitigation measures. So, there is no need to prepare any additional plan for health and safety issues.

Whether sub-project activities involve Yes/ No If Yes, prepare Acquisition/ appropriation of land and other properties No RAP Janjatis/ dalits/ other vulnerable groups No IPDP Any differential impact on women No GAP Any health hazards No Plan to address safety measures

5. MITIGATION COST ASSESSMENT

The mitigation measures recommended in this SEMP are common protective and preventive works, along with social awareness training. The costs for the construction works are included in the detailed project estimate. To mitigate the minor social and environmental impacts of the IWRMP the approximate cost based on the SEMP team field visit and needs assessment is tabulated below:

ESMP Location Mitigation Measures Mitigation Remarks Components (chainage) Cost NRS. RAP IPDP GAP Safety measures EMP Training work Project  The WUA members will NRs 500,000 Area be trained on aspects relating to on-farm water management, crop diversification, agriculture management, use of inputs etc by DADO.  Exposure visits will also NRs 500,000 be organized to enhance WUA capacity.  Training will be arranged on the NRs 500,000 preparation & use of organic manure as well as controlled use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides by DADO. NRs 100,000  Training will be arranged for leadership development of IP and women  IGA training for Women NRs 500,000 and Dalits

Command Area Project Gabion protection, earth Included in and Canal Area embankment and ESI Cost Protection work bioengineering work will be done in the affected areas. S and E Project SMIP, RID, PDO IWRMP, NRs 250,000 Monitoring Area DOI will perform S and E monitoring Total NRs 23,50,000

6. MONITORING MECHANISM

The mitigation measures proposed in Chapters 3 and 4 need to be thoroughly monitored. The measures which need to be incorporated in the contract document and bill of quantities must be monitored by the RID and PDO of the IWRMP. The requirements that the contractor must follow need to be incorporated in the contract document as general/specific condition of contract and/or in the general/specific specifications. Hence these requirements are to be monitored by RID and/or by the IWRMP PDO and/or by DOI. These requirements must be clear to all parties at the time of project approval, approval of the detailed estimate, and approval of the contract document, and at the time of contract award.

The execution of civil or construction works such as the construction of intake structures, covered canal and pipe crossings, etc., is monitored by trimester progress report. Monitoring can be enhanced by field verification by RID, OPD IWRMP and or DOI.

Monitoring of proposed trainings is to be done by the RID, IWRMP OPD and/or DOI, beginning immediately after the award of the contract. Monitoring should be at least on the trimester basis.

Progress of institutional development, legalization of WUAs, etc., and enforcement, understanding, and management that are the responsibility of the WUA are must be closely monitored by the SMIP and RID.

Requests made by the WUA and/or SMIP to other organizations and NGOs (for outsourced trainings like skill development and awareness) must be monitored by the SMIP and RID at least on a trimester basis

Therefore the assessed mitigation measures should be monitored jointly by DOI, RID, SMIP, as well as by WUA and farmers from time to time for timely application of the measures. Monitoring of ESI construction activities, such as intake and other structures, and monitoring of various training activities is the responsibility of DOI, RID and SMIP. Monitor of canal alignment (canal banks, trees in canal, damage to canal banks, etc.) is the responsibility of the WUA, which must maintain the canal banks and cross sections for equitable water distribution.

ANNEX-1 Nepal Map & Location Map

Sunsari Morang Irrigation System

ANNEX-2 Eastern Regional Map

ANNEX-3 District Map