IEE Report of Super Chepe

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION (IEE) Of Super Chepe Khola Hydropower (9.05 MW)

Submitted To: Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Singhdurbar, Kathmandu

Super Chepe KholaSubmitted Hydropower Through: (9.05 MW) DepartmentGORKHA of DISTRICT,Electricity NEPAL Development Sano Gaucharan , Kathmandu Submitted To Ministry of Energy (MoEWRI) Singhdurbar,Submitted Kathmandu By: Ridge Line Energy Pvt. Ltd. Lalitpur-13, Lalitpur Phone: +977 9851198801, 01-5520465

Through Department of Electricity Development (DoED) Anamnagar,Prepared Kathmandu By: Green Decisions Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Panipokhari-3, Kathmandu Nepal Phone: +977 9856067328, 9861291836

September , 2019 IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Executive Summary in Nepali != k[i7e"dL k|:tfljt ;'k/ r]k] hnljB't cfof]hgfsf] k|:tfjs l/h nfOg OghL{ k|fOe]6 lnld6]8 /x]sf] 5 . g]kfn ;/sf/ phf{ dGqfno, ljB't ljsf; ljefun] (=)% d]ufjf6 Ifdtfsf] ;'k/ r]k] hnljB't cfof]hgf ;DefJotf tyf jftfj/0fLo cWoog ug{sf nflu la=;+= @)&$–)@–@@ df l/h nfOg OghL{ k|f=ln= nfO{ ;j]{If0f cg'dltkq k|bfg u/]sf] lyof] . ;f]xL cg'?k jftfj/0f ;+/If0f P]g @)%# tyf lgodfjnL @)%$ -;+;f]wg ;lxt_ sf] cwLgdf /xL of] k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f k|ltj]bg tof/ ul/Psf] 5 . pQm k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f cWoogsf] nflu sfo{;"rL, ldlt @)&$÷!@÷!$ df phf{ dGqfnoaf6 :jLs[t ul/Psf] xf] . :jLs[t sfo{;"rLsf] cfwf/df of] k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f k|ltj]bg tof/ ul/Psf] xf] / :jLs[t sfo{;"rL o; k|ltj]bgsf] cg';"rLdf ;dfj]; ul/Psf] 5 . o; k|ltj]bgn] ljB't k|zf/0f nfOg afx]s hnlJfB"Tf cfof]hgfsf cGo ;+/rgfx?sf] lgdf{0faf6 jftfj/0fsf ljleGg cjojx?df kg{;Sg] k|efj, lg/fs/0fsf pkfo nufot k|ltkmnsf ljifodf cf+sng tyf ljZn]if0f u/]sf] 5 . @= cfof]hgfsf] ljj/0f k|:tfljt cfof]hgf u08sL k|b]zsf] uf]/vf lhNnfsf] clh/sf]6 ufpFkflnsfsf j8f @ -;fljs vl/af]6 uf=lj=;=_ tyf ndh'Ë lhNnfsf] b'wkf]v/L ufpFkflnsf j8f ! -;fljs b'wkf]v/L uf=lj=;_ l;dfgf /x]sf] r]k] vf]nfdf cjl:yt 5 . kl5Nnf] :jLs[lt cg';f/ of] cfof]hgf If]q, k"jL{o b]zfGt/ *#)#&Ú%%Æ b]lv *#)#(Ú)*Æ / pQ/L cIf+fz @*)!#Ú))Æ b]lv @*)!%Ú))Æ lar km}lnPsf] 5 . k|:tfljt\ kl/of]hgfsf ;+/rgfx?df Og6]s, lyu|fpg] kf]v/L, x]8/]; kfOk, ;h{ 6\of+sL, k]g:6s, ljB'tu[x, :jLrof8{ cflb /xg]5g\ . ;fy}, of] cfof]hgfn] cfof]hgfsf] ljleGg ;+/rgfdf k'Ug nueu ^ ls=dL df]6/af6f] / dfls{rf]s, tgx'F l:yt ;j:6]zg ;Ddsf] ## s]eLsf] #) lsnf]ld6/ k|;f/0f nfOg klg lgdf{0f ug]{5 . cfof]hgfsf] ;fdfGo ljj/0f : vf]nfsf] gfd r]k] vf]nf : cfof]hgfsf] k|sf/ /g ckm l/e/ : u|f]; x]8 %%) ld= : g]6 x]8 %@&=$^$ ld : s'n Ifdtf (=)% d]=jf= : cf};t jflif{s phf{ %&=&! lu=jf=cf= : o; hnljB't cfof]hgf lgdf{0fsf nflu cfof]hgf:yndf sd{r/L cfjfz, lgdf{0f ;+/rgfx?, dd{t Joj:yf, lgdf{0f ;fdfu|L e08f/0f ug]{ 7fpF, pmhf{ Joj:yf, ;+rf/ k|0ffnL, df6f] y'kfg]{ 7fpF, hUuf k|flKt h:tf k'jf{wf/x? k'/f ug'{ cfjZos x'G5 . #= ljBdfg jftfj/0fLo cj:yf cfof]hgf If]q ;d'lb| ;txaf6 !@(& ld= -ljB'tu[x_ b]lv !*$*=$ ld -afw:yn_ sf] prfO{;Dd cjl:yt /x]sf] 5 . cfof]hgfsf] afw:yndf r]k] vf]nfsf] hnfwf/ If]q sl/a $(=@# ju{ ls=ld= 5 / of] #))) ld prfO{ ;Dd km}lnPsf] 5 . ef}uf]lns ?kdf of] dWo kxf8L If]qdf kb{5 . cfof]hgf If]qsf] ef}uf]lnstfdf le/fnf 8fF8f, ;fFu'/f pkTosfx? / cUnf kxf8x? /x]sf 5g\ . oxf ;dzLtf]i0f xfjfkfgL kfOG5 . glhs}sf hnjfo' dfkg s]Gb|df clen]v ul/Psf] tYof+s cg';f/ ;f] If]qdf jflif{s cf}zt @%)) ldlnld6/ kfgL kg]{ u/]sf] / clwstd tfkqmd @% l8=;]=;Dd k'Ug] u/]sf] 5 eg] Go'gtd tfkqmd $ l8=;]= dfkg ul/Psf] 5 . o; ef}uf]lns If]qdf pkNnf] lxdfnL If]qsf r§fgx? kfOG5 . oxfFsf] e"agf]6 gfO;, l;:6, Sjfhf{O6 / ldUdf6fO6n] ag]sf] 5 . afFw /xg] :yfgdf v;|f] cn'leon df6f] /x]sf] 5 . cfof]hgf lgdf{0f:yn glhs s'g} klg ;lqmo klx/f] b]lvPsf] jf pNn]v

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project ePsf] 5}g . r]k] vf]nfsf] hnfwf/ If]qdf s'g} klg lxdtfn g/x]sf]n] lxdtfn km'6]/ cfpg] afl9sf] vt/f /x]sf] 5}g . r]k] vf]nfsf] kfgL jiff{df l;+rfO{ afx]]s lkpg nufot cGo s'g} klg k|of]hgdf pkof]u gePsf] kfOPsf] 5 . cfof]hgfn] ;d]6]sf] If]qdf ;dzLtf]i0f rf}8fkft] h+unx? kfOG5 . cfof]]hgfn] cf]u6\g] ;Dk"0f{ If]qx?df lrnfpg]sf] afx'Notf /x]sf] 5 / cGo jg:kltdf eg] l;l/;, 9fNg], xNb', l;dn, s6';, af]6 wo/f], 6'gL, df}jf cflb kfOG5 . k|:tfljt cfof]hgf lgdf{0f ug{ hDdf ;/sf/L / lghL u/L sl/a !=# x]S6/ If]qkmn a/fa/sf] agIf]q cfjZos kg{]5 . cfof]hgf If]qdf !& k|hfltsf :tgwf/L hgfj/, #% k|hfltsf r/f / !! k|hfltsf peor/ tyf ;l/>Lk clen]v ul/Psf 5g\ . To;}u/L cfof]hgf If]qdf dfO{ vf]nfdf !% k|hfltsf df5f clen]v ul/Psf 5g\ . oL dWo] !! k|hfltsf :tgwf/L hgfj/, !) k|hfltsf r/f, ! k|hfltsf] ;l/>Lk / # k|hfltsf df5f ;+s6fkGg tyf ;+/lIft 5g\ . cfof]hgf k|efljt If]qsf] s'n hg;+Vof @)$@ k'?if / @#*) dlxnf u/L hDdf $$@@ /x]sf] 5 . cfof]hgf :yndf %# u'?Ë, !* tfdfË / $ blnt kl/jf/ k|efljt /xg] 5g\ . cfof]hgf If]qdf dlxnfsf t'ngfdf k'?if w]/} ;fIf/ b]lvG5g\ . cfof]hgf If]qdf dfWolds txsf z}lIfs ;+:yf /x]sf 5g\ . o; If]qdf :jf:Yo ;]jf k'¥ofpg ! :jf:Yo rf}sL rf}sL /x]sf] 5 . ;fdflhs hfu/0f / kfgLsf] pknAwtfn] ubf{ :jf:Yo / ;/;kmfOsf] cj:yf ;Gtf]zhgs g} b]lvG5 . oxfF ;Dk"0f{ If]qdf ljB't ;'ljwf pknAw 5 . vfgf ksfpg] OGwgsf] ?kdf eg] (( k|ltzt dflg; :yfgLo h+unaf6 NofOg] bfp/fdf lge{/ 5g\ . cfof]hgf:yndf k'Ugsf] nflu df]6/ af6f] pknAw 5}g . cfof]hgf If]qdf hLljsf]kfh{gsf] nflu ul/g] d'Vo cfly{s ultljlwsf] ?kdf s[ifL / kz'kfng /x]sf] 5 . o;sf cnfjf oxfFsf hgtf cGo cfly{s lqmofsnfkdf klg ;+nUg /x]sf 5g\ . oxfF cGg aflndf wfg, ux'F, ds}, sf]bf] cflb v]tL ul/G5 . cfof]hgf j/k/sf If]qsf d'Vo gub] afnLsf ?kdf bfn, t/sf/L tyf cld|;f] v]tL ul/G5 . h+un / r/Lr/gsf] pknAwtfsf sf/0f oxf a:t'kfng klg ul/G5 . cfof]hgf lgdf{0f ubf{ hDdf *@ 3/kl/jf/ k|ToIf k|efljt x'g]5g . logsf] @=*$% x]S6/ lghL hUuf tyf ;DkQL cfof]hgn] :yfoL tyf c:yfoL ;+/rgf lgdf{0fsf nflu clwu|x0f ug]{ 5 . k|ToIf k|efljt hgtfsf] ;fdflhs tyf cfly{s cj:yf ;du| k|efljt If]qsf] eGbf leGg 5}g . $= k|d'v jftfj/0fLo k|efj $=! ;sf/fTds k|efj o; cfof]hgfn] lgdf{0fsf qmddf !)) j6f c:yfoL /f]huf/Lsf] cj;/ ;[hgf ug]{5 h;df :yfgLonfO{ k|fyldstf lbOg] 5 . o;sf cltl/Qm, sfdbf/sf] pkl:yltn] /f;g nufotsf] cfk'lt { ;DaGwL cGo Jofkf/sf] cj;/ k|bfg ug]{5 . o; cfof]hgfn] :yfgLo:t/df k'jf{wf/ tyf ;fdflhs ;]jfsf] ljsf;df d2t k'¥ofpg] 5 h;n] :yfgLosf] hLjg:t/df ;'wf/ Nofpg] 5 . ;+rfngsf qmddf eg] o;n] sl/a @) hgfnfO{ :yfoL /f]huf/sf] cj;/ ;[hgf ug]{5 . ;a} eGbf dxTjk"0f{, o;n] k|lt jif{ %&=&! luufjf6 306f ljh'nL pTkfbg u/L b]zdf /x]sf] phf{ ;+s6 s]lx xb;Dd ;dfwfg ug{ d2t ug]{5 . ;/sf/n] /fhZj / /f]olN6sf] ?kdf cltl/Qm cfdbfgL ug]{5 h;sf] dxTjk"0f{ lx:;f k|efljt If]qsf] ljsf;df vr{ ug{ kfOg]5 . cfof]hgf k|efljt If]qdf ;~rfng ul/g] ;fIf/tf jf cf}krfl/s–cgf}krfl/s lzIff, ;Lk ljsf; / cfo–cfh{gsf tflndn] :yfgLo ;/f]sf/jfnfnfO{ yk cj;/ l;h{gf x'g]5 . $=@ gsf/fTds k|efj cGo ljsf; cfof]hgfx? h:t} o; cfof]hgfn] klg ;sf/fTds / gsf/fTds b'j}vfn] c;/ kfg]{ 5 . cfof]hgfn] ;/sf/L / lghL u/]/ hDdf $=&!@ x] hUuf :yfoL / #=@ x] c:yfoL ?kdf csf]{ e"–pkof]udf kl/0ft ug]{5 . sl/a #=^% x] If]qkmn lghL s[life'dLdf /x]sf] sl/a !),*%) 3=ld= dlnnf] df6f]sf] Iflt x'g] b]lvG5 . lgdf{0f ;DalGw ultljlw h:t} pTvgg\, 9fn s6fg, ;Dofpg] cflbn] :yfgLo e'agf]6nfO{ kl/jt{g ug]{5, 9fnnfO{ sdhf]/ agfpg], e"Ifo a9fpg] / gbLsf] kfgLdf wldnf]kgf a9fpg]5 . lgdf{0f sfo{, lgdf{0f ;fdlu|sf] 9'jfgL, pTvgg\, l8«lnª, x]le OlSjkd]G6sf] ;+rfng, qmz/ ;+rfng cflb sfo{n] jftfj/0fdf w'jf, w'nf], WjgL cfbL pT;h{g u/L jftfj/0fnfO{ k|b'lift agfpg]5 . lgdf{0fhGo / SofDksf] 3/]n' kmf]x/d}nf / 9nsf] sf/0f hn / hldg k|b'if0f x'g] ;Defjgf /xG5 . ;+rfngsf qmddf jftfj/0fsf] ef}lts cjojdf kg]{ c;/ vf]nfsf] axfj, kmf]x/d}nf / sd{rf/L cfjf;sf] 9n Joj:yfkg;Fu ;DalGwt 5g\ .

iii

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project cfof]hgfn] jftfj/0fsf] h}ljs cjojdf kfg]{ k|efjsf] ;DaGwdf jg / jg:kltdf kg]{ k|efjnfO{ dxTjk'0f{ dfGg ;lsG5 . cfof]hgf / o;sf ;xfos ;+/rgfx?sf] lgdf{0fsf] nflu s'n $=!^@ x]S6/ ;/sf/L hUuf :yfoL / c:yfoL ?kdf cfjZos kg]{] b]lvG5 . o; dWo] !=# x] If]q ;/sf/L jgn] cf]u6]sf] hUuf xf] . ljif]zu/L cfof]hgfsf] kx'Fr ;8s / hndfu{ 3gf h+undf kg]{ x'gfn] oxfF jgsf] k|d'v Iflt x'g]5 . cGo If]qdf h+unsf] vf;} Iflt x'g] b]lvGg . cfof]hgf lgdf{0f ubf{ ;/sf/L afgaf6 s'n !^ k|hfltsf #)% j6f / lghL agaf6 s'n !$ k|hfltsf $^ j6f ?vx? sf6\g' kg]{ b]lvG5 . o;sf cltl/Qm jghËnaf6 pknAw x'g] jg k}bfjf/ tyf ;]jfsf] klg Ifo x'G5 . To;}u/L cfof]hgffsf sfdbf/ / u}/sfdbf/n] ug{ ;Sg] sf7bfp/fsf] k|of]u, u}/ sfi7 jg k}bfjf/sf] k|of]u, h+unL hLjhGt'sf] rf]/L–l;sf/Ln] jgnfO{ k|ToIf k|efj kfg]{ ;Defjgf /xG5 . o;n] ubf{ :yfgLo h}ljs ljljwtf / ltgsf] jf;:yfgdf gsf/fTds k|efj kg{ ;Sb5 . lgdf{0f ultljlwaf6 pTkGg x'g] WjgL / sDkgn] / rf]/L–l;sf/Ldf sfdbf/sf] ;+nUgtfsf sf/0f jGohGt'sf] ;+Vofdf gsf/fTds c;/ kfg]{5 . jgsf] Iflos/0f / cfof]hgfsf] ;+/rgfsf] pkl:yltsf sf/0f jGohGt'sf] cfjfudgdf :yfoL ?kdf c;/ kg]{5 . lgdf{0f ultljlwn] ;[hgf ug]{ c;xh kl/l:yltsf sf/0f jGohGt'sf] cfjfudg, r/g / cGo Jojxf/df c;/ ug]{5 . gbL k|b'if0f, wf/ tyf jxfj kl/jt{gsf sf/0f df5f nufot hnLo kfl/l:yltsLo k|0ffnLdf gsf/fTds c;/ kg]{ b]lvG5 . ;fdflhs cfly{s tyf ;f+:s[lts k|efjnfO{ b[li6ut ubf{ &% kl/jf/sf] hUuf hldg :yfoL ?kdf clwu|x0f ubf{ ltgsf] ;fdflhs cfly{s cj:Yffdf kg]{ k|efj dxTjk'0f{ /x]sf] 5 . s[lifof]Uo hldgdf ljsf;sf ;+/rgf agfpbf To;df x'g] pTkfbg 36\g]5 . lgdf{0fdf sfd ug]{ sfdbf/ / cGo Joj;flos cj;/sf] vf]lhdf cfpg] le8sf sf/0f :yfgLo ;]jf;'ljwf ;DaGwL ;+w;:yf h:t} ljBfno, :jf:Yo ;+:yf, vfg]kfgL ljt/0f k|0ffnL, k|zf;lgs ;]jf, sfg"gL ;]jf, :yfgLo ahf/df cltl/Qm bjfj kg'{sf ;fy} ;du| ;/;kmfO{df k|efj kg]{5 . :yfgLo / jfx\o sfdbf/sf ljrdf åGb ;[hgf x'g ;Sb5 . sfdbf/x?sf] Joj;flos :Jff:Yo / ;'/Iff klg dxTjk"0f{ ljifo xf] . hf]lvdk"0f{ sfo{df gfjfnssf] k|of]u, n}+lus Pj+ hftLo lje]bsf] klg ;d:of x'g ;Sb5g\ . ;'k/ r]k]df ;+rfng x'g] :yfgLo ;fF:s[lts tyf k/Dk/fut s[ofsnfkx?df k|efj kg]{5 . zf/Ll/s lgs6tfsf sf/0f 3fts of}g/f]ux? km}lng] ;Defjgf klg /xG5 . ;+rfnsf qmddf lgdf{0fhGo /f]huf/Lsf] / cj;/sf] cGTosf sf/0f :yfgLo hgtfsf] cfly{s ultljlw k|efljt x'g] b]lvG5 . %= Go"gLs/0fsf pkfo %=! gsf/fTds k|efj Go"gLs/0f jftfj/0fLo tyf ;fdflhs k|efj Go"gLs/0fsf] k|lqmof cjnDag ug]{ lhDd]jf/L k|d'v ?kdf k|jw{ssf] /xG5 . jftfj/0fLo tyf ;fdflhs ;'wf/sf pkfo tyf lqmofsnfkx?sf] sfof{Gjogsf] nflu cfj:os jh]6 klg oxfF 5'6\ofOPsf] 5 . sa'lnotdf lnOPsf] hldg :jfldnfO{ k'j{jt l:yltdf kmsf{Og] 5 . s[lifof]Uo hUufsf] dlnnf] df6f] Ifo x'g glbg To;nfO{ ;+sng u/]/ ;'/lIft :yfgdf e08f/0f ul/g]5 . le/sf]] s6fO{ ubf{ To;n] yfDg ;Sg] u/L dfq ul/g]5 . 7f8f / t];f{ gfnfx?sf] lgdf{0f ul/ e"IfonfO{ sd ul/g]5 . tNnf] t6Lo If]qdf ;'/IffTds kvf{n, tyf t6aGw lgdf{0f ul/ gbLsf] :j?knfO{ ;'/Iff k|bfg ul/g]5 . gbLhGo pkhsf] pTvgg\ tyf ;+sng ubf{ gbLsf] :j?knfO{ xfgL gk'¥ofO{ ul/g]5 . w'nf] p8\g glbg k|d'v ;8sdf / sfo{:yndf kfgL 5ls{g] Joj:yf ldnfOg]5 . ;jf/L;fwgsf] lgoldt r]s hfFr u/L To;af6 x'g] k|b'if0fsf] ;DaGwdf cfjZos sbd rflng]5 . kmf]x/d}nfnfO{ To;sf] k|sf/ cg';f/ 5'6\ofO{ Pj+ l/tn] Joj:yfkg ul/g]5 . sfdbf/sf] ;+Vofsf] cfWff/df rlk{ / kfgLsf] Joj:yf ldnfOg]5 . lgdf{0fsf qmddf pTkfbg x'g] df6f]nfO{ vfN6fv'N6L k'g{sf] nflu k|of]u ul/g]5 / afFsL plrt 9Ën] Joj:yfkg ul/g]5 . c:yfoL ;+/rfgfx? cfof]hgf ;DkGg ePkl5 x6fOg]5 . ;/sf/L jg If]q / Toxfaf6 sfl6g] ?vsf] IftLk"tL{ jg tyf e"–;+/If0f k|rlnt sfg"gn] tf]s] adf]lhd ul/g] 5 . cfof]hgfn] cf]u6]sf] jg If]q a/fa/sf] hUuf lsgL ;/sf/nfO{ :jfldTj x:tfGt/0f ul/g] 5 . sf6\g'kg]{ ?vx?nfO{ lhNnf jgsf k|fljlwssf] ;+nUgtfdf cWofjlws u/L, lrGx nfufO{ cfjZos dfqfdf dfq sl6g]5 . ;/sf/L jgaf6 sfl6g] k|To]s ?vsf] abnfdf @% jf6f :yfgLo k|hfltsf lj?jfsf] jgIf]qsf] Ifltk"lt{jfkt lbOPsf] jf lhNnf jgn] tf]s]sf] :yfgdf j[Iff/f]k0f ul/g] 5 . kfsfpg] ttfpg] k|of]hgsf] nflu bfp/fsf] k|of]u sd ug{ sfdbf/sf nflu dl§t]n jf Uof;sf] Joj:yf ldnfOg]5 . sfdbf/nfO{ rf]/Llzsf/L ug{ / jg k}bfjf/x?sf] ;+sng ug{ /f]s nfufOg] 5 / o;sf] Joj:yf cfrf/ ;+lxtf dfkm{t ul/g]5 . lgdf{0f sfo{nfO{ lbgsf] ;dodf dfq l;ldt ul/g]5 . cgfjZos pHofnf] alQx? Aflng] 5}g . t]n / /;fogx? ;xL tl/sfn] pkof]u ul/g]5 . kmf]x/d}nf Joj:yfkgsf] plrt k|jGw ldnfOg]5 .

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project hUufwlg;Fusf] bf]xf]/f] ;dembf/L cg';f/ cfjZos hUuf k|flKtsf] s'/f] ldnfOg]5 . c:yfoL ;+/rgf h:t} sfdbf/sf] c:yfoL cfjf;, e08f/0f:yn cfbL sa'lnot jf ef8fdf lnOg]5 . v]taf/Ldf ePsf] jfnL gfz x'g] cj:yfdf To;sf] k|rlnt ahf/d'Nosf] cfwf/df plrt Ifltk'lt{ lbOg]5 . :yfgLo ;]jf ;'ljwfdf bjfj sd ug{ 7]s]bf/n] b}lgs pkef]Uo cfjZostf h:t} vfg] kfgL, ;+rf/, ljh'nL tyf vfgf ksfpg] OGwg, cflbsf] Joj:yf SofDkleq} ug]{ 5 . lgdf{0f ultljlwsf sf/0f s'g} ef}lts ;+/rgfdf Iflt x'g uPdf To;sf] k'glg{df{0f jf k'g:yf{kgf ul/g] 5 . k|efljt If]qsf :jf:Yo tyf lzIf0f ;+:yfsf] ;'wf/sf] nflu cfjZos ;xof]u k|bfg ul/g]5 . vfg]kfgL tyf l;+rfO{sf ;DaGwdf pknAw ljsNkx?sf] klxrfg ug]{ / ljBdfg ;|f]tx?sf] ;+/If0f ug]{ sfo{sf] nflu k|fljlws tyf cfly{s ;xof]u pknAw u/fOg]5 . sfdbf/nfO{ /S;L vfg] / h'jf v]Ng] h:tf s[ofsnfkdf ;+nUg g/xg k|]l/t ul/g]5 . :yfgLo AolQmnfO{ cfof]hgfsf] /f]huf/Ldf k|fyldstf lbOg] 5 . k]zfut :jf:Yo / ;'/Iffsf] ;/f]sf/sf nflu cfjZos tof/L ul/g] 5 . sfdbf/x?nfO{ x]Nd]6, kGhf, a'6, ;'/IffTds k]6L, r:df, df:s cflb k|bfg ul/g] 5 . lgdf{0f / e08f/0f:yndf cgflws[t k|j]z / ultljlw /f]Sg vt/fsf ;+s]tx?, 5]saf/ Pj+ kfn]sf] Joj:yf ul/g] 5 . gfjfnsnfO{ sfdbf/sf] ?kdf k|of]u ul/g]5}g . cfof]hgfn] ln+u / hftsf] cfwf/df lje]b ug]{5}g . dfgj cf];f/k;f/nfO{ glhs af6 lgu|fgL ug]{ Joj:yf ldnfOg]5 . lgdf{0f kZrft klg cfly{s s[ofsnfkdf :yfgLonfO{ ;+nUg u/fpg a}slNks lhljsf]kfh{gsf ;DaGwdf ljleGg tflndx? lbOg]5 . cfof]hgf k|efljt kl/jf/nfO{ cfof]hgfn] lng] pgLx?sf] hUuf tyf ;DklQsf] nflu ;d'lrt Ifltk'lt{ lbOg]5 . pgLx?nfO{ cfof]hgf ;DalGw /f]huf/Lsf cj;/x?df / cfof]hgfn] ;~rfng ug] ljleGg lsl;dsf tflndx?df klxnf] k|fyldstf lbOg]5 . %=@ ;sf/fTds k|efjsf] a9f]Q/L / Joj;flos ;fdflhs pQ/bfloTj lgdf{0f ;DaGwL /f]huf/L kZrft klg cfly{s s[ofsnfkdf :yfgLonfO{ ;+nUg u/fpg a}slNks lhljsf]kfh{gsf ;DaGwdf Joj;flos v]tL, kz'kng, hl8a'6L v]tL cflb ljleGg tflndx? lbOg]5 . o:tf tflnddf cfof]hgfaf6 k|ToIf k|efljt, :yfgLo ls;fg, blnt, dlxnf / k"j{sfdbf/nfO{ klxnf] k|fyldstf lbOg]5 . cfof]hgfn] 8«fOleª, KnlDaª, l;sdL{, 8sdL{, jfOl/ª, j]lN8ª, x]le lOlSjkd]G6 ;+rfng h:tf Joj;flos tflnd klg k|bfg ug]{5 . To;sf cnfjf ;fldlhs pQ/bfloTj cGtu{t cfof]hgf If]qsf] ;fd'bflos ljsf;sf] nflu cfly{s tyf k|fljlws ;xof]u ul/g]5 . o; cGtu{t vfg]kfgLsf] >f]t ;+/If0f, pknAw :jf:Yo s]Gb| tyf ljBfnosf] ;'wf/, :yfgLo ;fd'bflos ;+:yfsf] ;;lQms/0f / :yfgLo wfld{s ;f:s[lts ;+/rgfx?sf] ;+/If0f tyf ;'wf/sf] nflu cfly{s ;xof]u ul/g] 5 . oL lqmofsnfknfO{ Joj;flos ;fdflhs pQ/bfloTj cGt/ut cfj:os ah]6 5'6\ofOPsf] 5 . ^= jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkg tyf cg'udg cfof]hgfsf] c;/, l:ylt, ltgsf Go"lgs/0fsf pkfox?, cg'udgsf] tl/sf, ;do tlnsf / lhDd]jf/ lgsfo ;d]6]/ jftfj/0fLo nfeljl4 tyf Go"lgs/0f Joj:yfkg of]hgf tyf cg'udg of]hgf tof/ kf/LPsf] 5 . k|:tfljt cfof]hgfsf ef}lts, h}ljs, ;fdflhs tyf ;f+:s[lts jftfj/0f cGtu{tsf ljleGg cg'udgsf ;"rsx? klg kQf nufOPsf 5g\ . k|jw{s cfof]hgf Joj:yfkgsf] ;Dk"0f{ hLDd]jf/ ePsf]n] cfof]hgfsf] jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkg / cg'udgsf] bfloTj k|jw{ssf] g} x'G5 . cfof]hgfsf] jftfj/0fLo cg'udg nufot ;Dk'0f{ Joj:yfkg of]hgf sfof{Gjogsf] nflu g]=?= #,@!,@),&## sf] ljlgof]hg ul/Psf] 5 . pSt /sdaf6 g]=?= !,@*,($,^)* ;/sf/L ;DklQdf sfl6g] ?vsf] Ifltk"tL{ ;lxt, g]=?= !,)(,)),))) Joj;flos ;fdflhs pQ/bfloTj cGtu{t, g]=?= !$,%),))) ef}lts jftfj/0fLo k|efj Go"lgs/0fsf nflu, g]=?= *,(),))) h}ljs jftfj/0fLo k|efj Go"lgs/0fsf nflu, g]=?= @),%),))) ;fdflhs k|efj Go"lgs/0fsf nflu, g]=?= !%,@%,))) ;sf/fTds k|efj a9f]Q/Lsf nflu / g]=?= @(,!!,!@% jftfj/0fLo cg'udg of]hgf sfof{Gjogsf nflu 5'6\ofOPsf] 5 . k|:tfjsn] jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkg OsfO{ / 7]sbf/ Pj+ lgdf{0f ;DalGw sfg"gL k|fjwfgsf cltl/Qm jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkg sfo{qmddf /x]sf ;Dk"0f{ jftfj/0fLo Go"gLs/0f pkfosf] vr{ / ;/sf/L lgsfox?sf] sfg"gL e'ldsfsf] nflu cfjZos vr{ ;d]t Joxf]g]{ 5 . &= lgisif{ o;:t/sf] pkcfof]hgfsf nflu cfof]hgfaf6 x'g] gsf/fTds c;/x? guGo 5g\ . w]/}h;f] c;/x? :yfgLo :t/d} lgdf{0f r/0fdf dfq l;ldt 5g\ . cfof]hgfaf6 x'g] clwsf+z gsf/fTds c;/x?nfO{ lbOPsf Go"lgs/0fsf pkfox?af6} sd jf Ifltk"tL{ ug{ ;lsG5 / :yfgLo:t/df / lgdf{0f r/0fd} l;ldt ug{ ;lsG5 . jftfj/0fLo v

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project Joj:yfkg of]hgfsf] leq ;d]l6Psf pkfox? cjnDag ul/P kl/of]hgf If]qdf ef}lts, h}ljs, ;fdflhs tyf ;fF:s[lts jftfj/0fdf 7"nf] c;/kg]{ b]lvb}g . To;}n] cfof]hgfsf] k|s[lt, o;sf] cjl:ylt, :yfgLo hg;d'bfox?sf] cfof]of]hgf k|ltsf] ?lr tyf klxrfg ul/Psf ;Defljt gsf/fTds c;/x?nfO{ dWogh/ ub{} k|f/lDes jftfj/0fLo k/LIf0f cWoogn] lgb]{zg u/] cg'?ksf] Go"lgs/0f tyf clej[l4s/0fsf pkfox? cjnDag u/L cfof]hgf ;~rfng ug{ pko'Qm b]lvG5 .

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 Background The proponent of proposed Super Chepe Hydropower Project (SCHPP) is Ridge Line Energy Private Limited (SPCPL). Department of Electricity Development under Ministry of Energy, Government of Nepal had issued survey license to the SPCPL to conduct feasibility study and environmental study of 9.05 MW SCHPP on 2072-02-22. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has been conducted for the project based on Environment Protection Act 1997 and Environment Protection Rule 1997. In course of IEE study, the Terms of Reference (ToR) was approved by then Ministry of Energy (MoEWRI) (now Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation) on 2074/12/14. This IEE study report has been prepared based on the approved ToR document that has been attached at the annex. The present IEE study covers impacts due to construction of hydroelectric project components and mitigations measures excluding the transmission line structures. 2 Project Description The project is proposed on the Chepe River of ward no 2 of Ajirkot RM (former Ajirkot RM) and ward no 1 of Dudhpokhari Rural Municipality (Dudhpokhari VDC) of Gorkha District of Province 4 of Nepal. The project area is situated between longitude 87o56’38”E and 87o57’30”E and latitude 26o53’09”N and 26o55’41” N. The structural features of the project include diversion weir, intake, headrace sedimentation basin, tunnel and headrace pipe, adit, surge tank, penstock pipe, powerhouse and switchyard. Similarly, the project includes construction of 6 km motorable access to project components and 33 kV transmission line to Marki chowk substation in Tanahun at a distance of 30 km from the project site. General Features of the Project:

Name of River : Chepe Khola

Type of Scheme : RoR type Hydropower Project

Gross Head : 550 m

Net Rated Head : 527.464 m

Installed Capacity : 9.05 MW Average Annual Energy after : 57.71 GWh Outage

Similarly, the project will require ancillary facilities like worker camp, construction and mechanical yard, storage yard, construction power arrangement, communication arrangement, muck disposal facility, explosive bunker and acquisition of necessary land for project structural and ancillary facilities. 3 Existing Environmental Condition The elevation varies from 1297 m amsl at Powerhouse to 1848.4m amsl at the weir. The catchment of SCHPP at headwork is 49.23 sq.km. and the elevation raises up to 3000 m. The project area lies in the middle mountain physiographic zone. The project area has a rugged topography with steep hills and deep river valleys. The terrains in the project area are moderate to steeply sloping with less flat terrains. The project area experiences subtropical climate. According to the data vii

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project recorded in the nearest meteorological stations, the average annual rainfall at Chepe Khola catchment is estimated as 2500 mm, the temperature reaches as high as 250C and falls as low as 40C respectively. Geologically, the area has rocks of the Higher Himalayan Unit which includes Mainly gneiss, schist, quartzite and migmatite. The foundations of the major structures like diversion weir, intake and gravel trap in headworks were chosen to be placed over the alluvium at right bank of the river. The overall geology of the project area seems to be stable and no evidences of active landslides were observed in the area. There is no risk of GLOF and its impact on the project structures. Water from the Chepe Khola does not find any consumptive use whether for drinking and others apart from irrigation purpose. The project area is composed of sub-tropical broadleaved forest. The overall project area is dominated by Chilaune and the other associated species include Siris, Dhalne, Haldu, Simal, Bot Dhayaro, Tooni, Mauwa, Saaz etc. The project will acquire 1.3 ha of Government and Private forest. Altogether 17 mammalain species, 35 species of birds and 11 species of herpetofauna have been reported in the project area. Similarly, 15 species of fish were reported from Chepe Khola stretch within the project area. Among these 11 species of mammals, 10 birds, one reptile and 3 fish are rare and/or protected. The total population of the affected area is 4422 with 2042 male and 2380 female. There are 53 Gurung, 18 Tamang and 4 Dalit of PAF in core project area. There is 1 health post delivering health care service in the project area. The overall sanitation of the project area is satisfactory due to awareness and availability of water. Entire project area is facilitated by electrical supply. But, 99% of the households of the project area are dependent on fuel wood for cooking while these fuel woods are derived entirely from the local forest. Motorable access is not available to reach the project area. Agriculture and livestock rearing is the major economic activity for the livelihood in the project area. They are also involved in other economic activities. Rice, wheat, Chepeze, millet, etc., are the common cereal crops produced in the project area. Bean, vegetables and amriso are the major cash crops grown in project area. Livestock farming is common in the area because of the availability of forest and pastures. The project will affect 75 households directly. The project will acquire 2.845 ha of their land for sitting permanent and temporary structures. Their socio-economic status of the project affected families is similar to that of rest of the project affected area. 4 Major Environmental Impacts 4.1 Beneficial Impacts During construction phase, the project will offer temporary employment opportunities to some 200 people and priority will be given to local people. Additionally, the presence of workforce will provide subsidiary business opportunities related to provisioning and recreations to the local people. The project will support development of local infrastructures and social services facilities and their service delivery system in the project impacted area which will enhance the living standard of the local people. During operation and Maintenance, it will provide permanent employment opportunities to some 20 people. Above all, it will generate 57.71 GWh energy every year and help to address the energy crisis of the country to some extent. The government will get additional benefit from royalty and revenue. The GoN will benefit from additional income in terms of revenue and royalty which will be shared for the development of affected area. Local people will get additional opportunities from the formal and informal education, skill development and income-generating trainings to be implemented in the project area. 4.2 Adverse Impacts Like any other development projects, this project is also likely to produce both beneficial and adverse impacts on the existing natural settings and society. A total of 4.712ha of land will be viii

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project acquired permanently and 3.2 ha temporarily for the project and changed to another land use for project implementation. Some 10,850 m3 top soil from 3.65 ha of agriculture land will be lost during construction activities. The construction activities like excavation, slope cutting and grading will lead to changes in local topography, disturb the fragile slopes and make soil loose eventually causing erosion and siltation of the water body. The construction works, transportation and handling of construction material, excavation, drilling, blasting use of heavy equipment, operation of crushing and batching plant, etc., will emit significant amount of dust and emissions causing air pollution during construction phase. Solid and liquid waste generated from construction works and camping activities will degrade water quality and pollute land. The impact on physical environment during operation phase is related with the reduced flow of water, solid waste form residential camp and camp wastewater management. Regarding the impact of project on biological domain of environment, major impact is envisaged on forest and vegetation. Sitting of the project features and ancillary facilities will acquire 4.162 ha of government land permanently or temporarily. Of this, 1.3 ha is covered by government forest. Mainly, waterway alignment and internal access lies in dense forest and a major loss of forest cover will result in these areas from site clearance. Loss of forest will be insignificant at other components. Altogether, 305 trees of 16 different species will be felled from government forest and 46 trees of 14 species from private land during project construction. This will also result loss of forest goods and services. Similarly, during the construction period, worker and non- workers are likely to cut down trees for firewood and timber to build residences, stalls and shades. They may also be involved in illegal collection and selling of NTFPS. All this will have negative consequence on local biodiversity and habitat. Noise and vibration produced by project activities and hunting/poaching by project labour force may affect the population of wildlife in the area. The loss of forest due to placement of project structures and facilities will produce long term localized impact on movement of the wildlife. Construction disturbances resulting from drilling, vehicle movement and other related activities would interrupt normal movement, feeding and other activities of animals. Water pollution, reduction in current and discharge will have negative implication on fish and aquatic ecosystem. Considering the socio-economic impact, the impact on economic condition of 82 families categorized as PAFs is due to permanent acquisition of private land distributed among them is important. Putting the cultivable land into development will reduce the agricultural production. Crowding of people in the form of workforce and subsidiary business opportunity seekers will put pressure on the social service institutions particularly educational facilities, health services, water supply systems, administrative services, law and order maintaining institutions, local markets and supply institutions and above all the sanitation of the area. Conflict may arise between the local people and outsider labours during the project construction. The construction workforces will be exposed to a number of constructions related health risks and hazards. Child labour, gender and racial discrimination may occur in project area. The cultural and traditional activities in the local area will be influenced. Sexual intimacy between workers and local people may spread diseases like HIV/AIDS and STDs. Due to the decline in construction related works, the economic activities of local people will be influenced in operation phase. 5 Mitigation Measures 5.1 Mitigation of Adverse Impacts Proponent will have the prime responsibility for implementation of mitigation and enhancement method. Necessary budget has been allocated for the implementation of these measures. The leased land will be returned to the owner after proper treatment/rehabilitation. To conserve top soil, the top soil shall be collected and stored in a safe place protected from washout and fanning. Slope of the cutting areas shall be maintained at less than the angle of repose to the extent possible. Both vertical and horizontal drains will be provided to minimize the soil erosion problem. The ix

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project downstream valley walls will be protected by cut off wall, gabion wall and launching apron will be designed for minimizing the adverse impact in the river morphology. Extraction of riverbed materials will be done without affecting the existing river morphology. Water spraying will be carried out and vehicles will comply with the national emission standards and regular (monthly) check-up for maintenance. Wastes will be separated, recycled, reused or disposed as per its type. Camps will be provided with toilet and drinking water facility depending on the number of workforce. Generated spoil will be used as back fill materials as far as possible and remaining spoil will be managed properly. The temporary facilities will be dismantled after construction works are over. The forest area and trees felled will be compensated as per the prevailing law. Land equaling the area of forest to be acquired by the project will be bought and handed over to GoN. Trees that are likely to be removed shall be counted, marked and harvested with the proper forest techniques under supervision of technical staffs from the DFO. The project will plant at least 25 saplings of locally suitable species for the loss of each tree at the compensated land or site designated for plantation by DFO. Alternative fuels such as kerosene or LPG will be introduced for cooking and heating purpose to reduce use of forest resources. In order to avoid or minimize potential threat such as illegal cutting and collection of forest products, it is recommended for best utilization of the forest products extracted as a part of site clearance. The proponent will prohibit the project workers from game hunting and poaching and any kind of illegal activities through code of conduct. Construction works shall be schedule in daytime. Unnecessary lighting and bright lights will be avoided. The oil and lubricants will be handled properly creating an impervious surface. Proper solid waste management plan will be implemented. All the land to be acquired will be settled by bilateral negotiation with landowners. Area required for the other project activities such as work camp, borrow areas, spoil disposal area, and stockpile area for the construction materials, etc. will be taken on lease or rent. Standing crop will be compensated as per the local market price. The project will manage alternative tracks for the obstructed and destroyed foot trails. The contractor will manage some utilities like communication, lighting and cooking energy, drinking water supply, etc., within the camp so as to avoid the pressure on local services. Infrastructural and educational support will be provided to the schools of the project area on priority basis. Support will be provided to upgrade existing educational institutions and health service facilities. Alternative source of drinking water and irrigation will be identified and developed or existing water resources and infrastructures will be improved. Workforce will be discouraged to involve in activities like gambling and alcoholism. Local people will be given maximum priority in employment. Safety equipment such as helmets, boots, gloves, safety glasses and masks will be provided for workers those working in the construction sites. Guards, fences, barricades and informative signsposts will be installed at construction sites and storage yard to prevent unauthorized entry. Child labour will be prohibited totally. Gender and racial discrimination will not be entertained by the project. The prohibitory law against human trafficking and prostitution will be strictly enforced and local security force as well as concern community will be informed about the need of effective surveillance. Project will promote alternative livelihood activities by training on improved agriculture and other off-farm activities. The PAFs will be provided respectable compensation for the land and property they lose to the project. They will be given primary priority in project related employment opportunities and all types of training opportunities. 5.2 Enhancement of Beneficial Impacts and Corporate Social Responsibility NTFP cultivation, commercial agriculture and livestock support training and market management program will be provided by proponent after the completion of the project so that the impact of unemployment after the project construction will be minimized. The selection priority for the training program will be PAF, local farmers, dalits, women and the workforce who worked for the x

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project project in construction phase. Vocational training such as carpentry, masonry, vehicle driving, plumbing, electrical wiring, wielding, heavy equipment training will be provided by the project. Besides, as corporate social responsibility, financial and technical support will be provided for overall community development of the project area. Under it, financial support will be provided for conservation of water sources, strengthening the existing sub-health post and schools of the project area, strengthening local CBOs and conservation of local religious structures. Budget has been allocated for each of these CSP activities. 6 Environmental Management and Monitoring Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Management Plan and monitoring plan have been prepared including issues identified, possible effects and impacts, measures for their enhancement and mitigation, monitoring methods, responsibilities and schedule. Different monitoring indicators on the physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment have also been identified. As the overall management of the project is the responsibility of the proponent, environmental management and monitoring will be the responsibility of the proponent itself. A total amount NRs 32,120,733 has been allocated as the Environmental Management Cost including environmental monitoring of the project. Among the total cost, NRs 12,894,608 has been allocated for compensatory plantation in government land, NRs 10,900,000 has been allocated as CSP cost, NRs 1,450,000 has been allocated for mitigating physical environmental impact, NRs 890,000 for biological impact mitigation, NRs 2,050,000 for social impact mitigation, NRs 1,525,000 for implementing enhancement measures and NRs 2,911,125 for implementation of environmental monitoring plan. The proponent will cover all the environment management costs in addition to the legal liabilities of the contractors and the Environment management unit. Similarly the company will cover the cost related to the legal role that the governmental will have to play. 7 Conclusion Most of the identified and perceived impacts of the project are of low significance compared to the project of this scale. With the set of mitigation measures, most of the adverse impacts can be minimized and/or compensated and limited to locality and construction period. Once the measures outlined in the IEE are implemented, there is low risk for residual impacts that may affect the physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment of the project area. Hence, it is suitable to implement the project addressing the impacts through the mitigation and enhancement measures suggested by this IEE, considering the nature of the project, its location, and people’s positive perceptions and identified environmental impacts.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Table of Contents

1 PROJECT PROPONENT AND ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING THE REPORT ...... 1 1.1 Project Proponent ...... 1 1.2 Organization responsible for preparing the IEE report ...... 1 1.3 Study Team ...... 1 1.4 Rationality for conducting IEE study...... 2 1.5 Objectives of IEE study ...... 2 1.6 Scope of IEE ...... 2 2 GENERAL INTRODUCTION OF THE PROPOSAL ...... 4 2.1 Background ...... 4 2.2 Project Location ...... 4 2.3 Project Accessibility ...... 7 2.4 Project features...... 9 2.5 General Arrangement of Project Features ...... 13 2.5.1 Key Project Activities and Schedule ...... 16 2.6 Project Requirement ...... 17 2.6.1 Land Requirement ...... 17 2.6.2 Construction Materials ...... 18 2.6.3 Camp Area ...... 18 2.6.4 Quarry ...... 19 2.6.5 Crushing, Washing and Batching Plant and Stockpiling Facilities ...... 19 2.6.6 Construction Yard, Storage Yard, Mechanical Yard and Parking Lot ...... 19 2.6.7 Muck disposal area ...... 20 2.6.8 Human resource requirement ...... 20 2.6.9 Construction Power ...... 21 3 DATA REQUIREMENT AND STUDY METHODOLOGY ...... 22 3.1 General ...... 22 3.2 Project impact area delineation ...... 22 3.3 Data Requirement ...... 23 3.4 Desk Study and Literature Review ...... 23 3.5 Field Visit ...... 24 3.5.1 Physical Environment ...... 24 3.5.2 Biological environment ...... 25 3.5.3 Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment ...... 26 3.6 Data Analysis ...... 27 3.6.1 Physical Environment ...... 27 3.6.2 Biological Environment ...... 27 3.6.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment ...... 28 3.7 Public notice and public consultation ...... 28 3.8 Impact Identification and Evaluation ...... 29 4 REVIEW OF PLANS/POLICIES, LEGISLATIONS, GUIDELINES, CONVENTIONS AND STANDARDS ...... 31 4.1 Constitution ...... 31

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IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

4.1.1 The Constitution of Nepal ...... 31 4.2 Plans and Policies ...... 31 4.2.1 Fourteenth Plan 2073/74-75/76 (FY2016/17- 2018/19) ...... 31 4.2.2 National Forest Policy 2075 ...... 31 4.2.3 Nepal Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2014-2020) ...... 31 4.2.4 Nepal Conservation Strategy, 2071 (2014) ...... 32 4.2.5 National Wetland Policy of Nepal 2069 (2013) ...... 32 4.2.6 Land Use Policy 2072 (2015) ...... 32 4.2.7 Climate Change Policy 2067 (2011)...... 32 4.2.8 Water Resources Strategy, 2059 (2002) ...... 33 4.2.9 Hydropower Development Policy 2058 (2001) ...... 33 4.2.10 Nepal Environmental Policy and Action Plan 2050 (1993) ...... 33 4.3 Acts ...... 34 4.3.1 d'n'sL b]jfgL ;+lxtf P]g @)&$ ...... 34 4.3.2 Solid Waste Management Act 2068 (2011) ...... 34 4.3.3 Local Government Operation Act 2074 ...... 34 4.3.4 Environment Protection Act 2053 (1997) ...... 34 4.3.5 Electricity Act 2049 (1992) ...... 35 4.3.6 Water Resources Act 2049 (1992) ...... 35 4.3.7 Contribution Based Social Security Act 2075 (2017), Regulation 2075 (2018) ...... 36 4.3.8 Labour Act 2074, Regulation 2075 ...... 36 4.3.9 Act to regulate and control International Trade in Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora, 2073 36 4.3.10 Soil & Watershed Conservation Act 2039 (1982) ...... 36 4.3.11 Land Acquisition Act 2034 (1977) ...... 37 4.3.12 National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029 (1973) ...... 37 4.3.13 Aquatic Animal Protection Act, 2018 (1961) (Amendment 2056) ...... 38 4.4 Rules and Regulations ...... 38 4.4.1 Solid Waste Management Rules 2070 (2013) ...... 38 4.4.2 Environment Protection Rules 2054 (1997) ...... 38 4.4.3 Forest Regulation 2051 (1995) ...... 38 4.4.4 Electricity Regulation, 2050 (1993) ...... 39 4.4.5 Water Resources Regulations 2050 (1993) ...... 39 4.5 Guidelines and Manuals ...... 39 4.5.1 Work Procedure Regarding Use of National Forest Area for Projects of National Priority, 2074 39 4.5.2 National Adaptation Program of Action, 2010 ...... 40 4.5.3 Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), a guideline to the environmental and social issues associated with new road construction and upgrading, 2007 ...... 40 4.5.4 Guidelines for Study of Hydropower Projects, 2003 ...... 41 4.5.5 Community Forest Inventory Guidelines, 2062 (2005) ...... 41 4.5.6 Hydropower Emvironmental Impact Assessment Manual 2018 ...... 41 4.5.7 Manual for preparing Environmental Management Plan (EMP), DoED/IRG/USAID, 2002 41 4.5.8 Community Forest Guidelines, 2058 (2001) ...... 41 4.5.9 Forest Products, Collection, Sale and Distribution Guidelines, 2057 (2000) ...... 41 4.5.10 EIA guidelines for Forestry Sector, 2052 (1995) ...... 42 4.5.11 EIA Guidelines for Water Resource Sector, 2050 (1994) ...... 42 4.5.12 National EIA Guideline, 2049 (1993) ...... 42 xiii

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

4.6 International Conventions ...... 42 4.6.1 Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 ...... 43 4.6.2 Convention (No. 169) Concerning Indigenous and Tribal People in Independent Countries, 1989 43 4.6.3 Ramsar Convention 1975 (Convention on wetland of international importance especially as waterfowl habitat) ...... 43 4.6.4 Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 1973...... 44 4.6.5 hUufsf] xbaGbL 5'6 lbg] ;DaGwL cfb]z, @)&$ ...... 44 4.7 Standards ...... 44 4.7.1 National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 2069 (2012) ...... 44 4.7.2 ffish Nepal Vehicle Mass Emission Standards, 2069 (2012) ...... 44 4.7.3 National Ambient Sound Quality Standard, 2069 (2012)...... 45 4.7.4 Standard on Emission of Smoke in Air by New and Existing Diesel Generator, 2069 (2012) 45 4.7.5 National Water Quality Standard, 2064 (2008) ...... 45 4.7.6 Tolerance Limits for Industrial Effluents to be discharged into Inland Surface Waters, 2003 45 5 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION ...... 46 5.1 Physical Environment ...... 46 5.1.1 Topography and Land Use ...... 46 5.1.2 Climate ...... 46 5.1.3 Chepe Khola Catchment ...... 46 5.1.4 Hydrology ...... 48 5.1.5 Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) ...... 51 5.1.6 Geology ...... 51 5.1.7 Slope Stability and Landslides ...... 55 5.1.8 Seismicity of the Project area ...... 55 5.1.9 Sedimentation ...... 56 5.1.10 Air Quality ...... 57 5.1.11 Water Quality ...... 57 5.1.12 Noise level ...... 58 5.1.13 Land Quality ...... 58 5.2 Biological Environment ...... 58 5.2.1 Forest and Vegetation ...... 58 5.2.2 Forest Management Regimes ...... 60 5.2.3 Agrobotany ...... 60 5.2.4 Ethnobotany and NTFPs ...... 60 5.2.5 Rare, Threatened and Protected Plants ...... 62 5.2.6 Wildlife ...... 62 5.2.7 Aquatic Life ...... 66 5.2.8 Rare, Endangered, Endemic and Threatened Fauna ...... 67 5.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment ...... 68 5.3.1 Demography (Population, caste, ethnicity and religion) ...... 68 District Context:...... 68 Project Area Context: ...... 69 5.3.2 Project Affected Families (PAFs) and Severely Project Affected Families (SPAFs) ...... 72 6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 75 xiv

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

6.1 Beneficial Impacts ...... 75 6.1.1 Construction Stage ...... 75 6.1.2 Operation Stage ...... 76 6.2 Adverse Impact ...... 79 6.2.1 Physical Environment ...... 79 6.2.2 Biological Environment ...... 86 6.2.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment ...... 92 6.3 Cumulative Impacts ...... 98 7 ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS ...... 99 7.1 Project Location and Alignment ...... 100 7.2 Technology, Implementation Procedure and Resource ...... 100 7.3 No Forest Option...... 100 7.4 Other Option ...... 101 8 MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ...... 102 8.1 Mitigation Measures ...... 102 8.1.1 Physical Environment ...... 102 8.1.2 Biological Environment ...... 109 8.1.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment ...... 114 8.2 Enhancement Activities ...... 119 8.2.1 Local Hiring ...... 119 8.2.2 Priority to Local Agricultural Products ...... 119 8.2.3 Awareness Training ...... 119 8.2.4 Vocational Training ...... 120 8.2.5 Training on On-Farm Activities ...... 120 8.3 Community Support Program (CSP) Activities by the Developer ...... 120 8.3.1 Education Support ...... 120 8.3.2 Health Sector Support ...... 120 8.3.3 Drinking water support ...... 120 8.3.4 Irrigation support ...... 121 8.3.5 Rural Access Support ...... 121 8.3.6 Support for conservation and construction of religious structure ...... 121 8.3.7 Conservation of Local Forest ...... 121 8.3.8 Assistance to the Local CBOs ...... 121 8.4 Stakeholders Issues ...... 121 8.5 Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Management ...... 122 8.6 Compensation, Enhancement and Mitigation Cost ...... 142 8.7 Project Environmental Management Framework and the Key Stakeholders ...... 143 8.8 Project Information Management ...... 145 8.9 Public Grievance Redress Mechanism ...... 145 8.10 Share Right to Local ...... 145 8.11 Disaster Management Plan ...... 145 9 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ...... 147 9.1 Phases and Types of Monitoring ...... 147 9.1.1 Pre-construction Phase Monitoring ...... 147 9.1.2 Construction Phase Monitoring ...... 147 9.1.3 Operation Phase Monitoring ...... 148 xv

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

9.2 Monitoring Parameters, Indicators, Schedule and Agencies to be Consulted ...... 148 9.3 Monitoring Cost ...... 157 9.4 Records, Reporting and Corrective Actions ...... 158 9.5 Particular of the Cost and Returns of the Proposal ...... 159 9.5.1 Summary of Cost ...... 159 9.5.2 Comparison of Costs ...... 159 10 CONCLUSION ...... 161 11 REFERENCES ...... 162

List of Annexes Annex 1: Project Survey License Annex 2: Tor Approval Letter and Approved ToR Annex 3: Topographic Layout of the Project Annex 5: Public Notice for IEE Annex 6: Deeds of Inquiry (Muchulkas) Annex 7: Minutes of Consultations Annex 8: Recommendation Letters Annex 9: Details of owners of land loss Annex 10: Water Quality Test Report Annex 11: Photographs

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IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project List of Tables Table 1: Study Team ...... 1 Table 2 Accessibility of project area ...... 7 Table 3: Salient features of the project ...... 9 Table 4 Estimated Land Use of the project area ...... 17 Table 5: Estimated Quantity of Construction Materials ...... 18 Table 6: Summary of Different Sources of Construction Materials ...... 19 Table 7: Estimated Spoil/Muck Generation and Cut-Fill Balance ...... 20 Table 8: Required Manpower for Construction and Operation of the Project ...... 21 Table 9: Proposed Power Arrangement for Construction ...... 21 Table 10: Project impact area ...... 22 Table 11: Water Sampling Details ...... 24 Table 12: Location of Sound Pressure Measurement ...... 25 Table 13: Fish Sampling Locations ...... 26 Table 14 Issues raised in public consultation ...... 28 Table 15: Numerical scales as proposed in the National EIA Guidelines ...... 30 Table 16: Cumulative scores of level of significance ...... 30 Table 17: Information of Precipitation Recorded in Different Stations around Project Basin ..... 46 Table 18: Comparision of Mean Monthly Flow of the Chepe Khola at HW from different methods ...... 49 Table 19: Adopted Average Mean Monthly Flows of the Chepe River at HW ...... 50 Table 20 Air Quality ...... 57 Table 21: Water Quality Test Report ...... 57 Table 22: Wild Plants and Local Use ...... 60 Table 23: Mammals recorded in and around SCHPP Site...... 63 Table 24: Birds Sighted in SCHPP Site ...... 64 Table 25: Herpeto-fauna found in the SCHPP Area ...... 66 Table 26: Fish Species in Chepe Khola Strecth in the Project Area ...... 67 Table 27: Threat Status of Wildlife ...... 67 Table 28 Population and households for project affected RM ...... 69 Table 29 Population distribution by caste for affected VDCs ...... 69 Table 30 Population by Mother Tongue ...... 69 Table 31 Population aged 5 years and above by literacy status and sex ...... 70 Table 32 Household by drinking water supply ...... 71 Table 33 Household by fuel for cooking ...... 71 Table 34: Beneficial Impact Evaluation Matrix ...... 78 Table 35: Expected Noise Emissions ...... 81 Table 36: Physical Impact Evaluation Matrix ...... 85 Table 37: Trees to be felled from Government Managed Forest along Project Components .... 86 Table 38: Trees to be felled from private forest (kharbari) ...... 86 Table 39: Biological Impact Evaluation Matrix ...... 91 Table 40: Land required by the Project ...... 92 Table 41: Loss of Production from Permanently and Temporarily Acquired Land ...... 95 Table 42: Socioeconomic and Cultural Impact Evaluation Matrix ...... 97 Table 43 Design Alternatives ...... 99 Table 44: Environmental Enhancement Management Plan ...... 123 Table 45: Environmental Mitigation Management Plan ...... 124 Table 46: Enhancement and Mitigation Cost...... 142 Table 47: Preconstruction Phase/Baseline Monitoring Plan ...... 148 Table 48: Compliance Monitoring Plan ...... 150 Table 49: Impact Monitoring Plan ...... 153 Table 50: Cost for Implementation of Environmental Monitoring Plan ...... 157 Table 51: Environmental Management Cost ...... 159 Table 52: Cost and Returns of the Proposal ...... 160

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IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

List of Figures Figure 1 Administrative map of project location ...... 6 Figure 2 Project Accessibility Map ...... 8 Figure 3 Catchment area of SCHP Intake Site ...... 47 Figure 4 Catchment area of SCHP Power house Site ...... 48 Figure 5 Monthly Hydrograph from Different Methods ...... 49 Figure 6 Adopted Average Monthly Flow of the Chepe River at HW ...... 50 Figure 7 Flow Duration Curve (CAR Method) ...... 51 Figure 8 Project Location in Geological Map of Nepal ...... 52 Figure 9 Project Area in Geological Map of Central Nepal...... 53 Figure 10 General Layout of Project Area ...... 54 Figure 11 Seismic hazard map of Nepal ...... 56 Figure 12 Location of Project area w.r.t protected areas ...... 62 Figure 13 Project Stakeholders in Environment Management ...... 144

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IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project List of Acronyms B/C Benefit/Cost CBS Central Bureau of Statistics CDO Chief District Officer CF Community Forest CFUG Community Forest User Group CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Cumsec Cubic meter per second d/s Down Stream DAO District Administration Office DCC District Coordination Committee DFO Division Forest Office Dia. Diameter DoED Department of Electricity Development DoF Department of Forest EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EL Elevation EMP Environmental Monitoring Plan EMU Environmental Management Unit EPA Environment Protection Act EPR Environment Protection Rules GoN Government of Nepal GRC Grievance Redress Committee GWh Gigawatt Hour HFL High Flood Level HH Household HW Head Works IEE Initial Environmental Examination IPP Independent Power Producer IRR Internal Rate of Return km Kilo meter kV Kilovolt kW Kilowatt kWh Kilowatt hour m Meter SCHPP Super Chepe Hydropower Project m2 Square meter mm Millimetre MoEWRI Ministry of Energy, Water Resource and Irrigation MoFE Ministry of Forest and Environment Msl Mean Sea Level MW Mega Watt

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IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project NEA Nepal Electricity Authority O & M Operation and Maintenance. PAF Project Affected Family PH Power House PMO Project Management Office RCC Reinforce Cement Concrete RM Rural Municipality RoR Run-of – river SPCPL Ridge Line Energy Pvt. Ltd. T/L Transmission Line ToR Terms of Reference u/s Upstream VDC Village Development Committee

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

1 PROJECT PROPONENT AND ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING THE REPORT

1.1 Project Proponent Ridge Line Energy Pvt. Ltd. is proponent of Super Chepe Hydropower Project (SCHPP). Proponent has identified the SCHPP and has decided to conduct a detailed feasibility study of SCHPP in Gorkha District, Gandaki State of Nepal. The survey license No. Bi.Bi.Bi 073/74 Bi. -lj=lj=lj=)&#÷&$ lj=p=;+= *#$_ U.Sa 834 for the production of 9.05 MW electricity was issued on 2074/02/22 by the Department of Electricity Development. The license will be expiring on 2076/02/21. The copy of survey license and renewal letters have been attached in Annex 1. Full Name and Address of the Proponent is: Ridge Line Energy Pvt. Ltd. Lalitpur-13, Lalitpur Phone: +977 9851198801, 01-5520465 1.2 Organization responsible for preparing the IEE report Green Decisions Consulting Pvt. Ltd.is the consultant responsible for the preparation of Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study report of SCHPP as per the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1997 and Environment Protection Rules (EPR), 1997 and approved Terms of Refernece (ToR). The consultant, henceforth, has undertaken necessary study and prepared this IEE report. Full Name and Address of the Consultant is: Green Decisions Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Maharajgunj, Kathmandu Phone: 977-9856067328, 9861291836 Email: [email protected] 1.3 Study Team The professionals involved in the study have been listed in Table 1. Support on matters related to engineering design and estimate was also taken from design engineers and in-house engineering and hydrology team of SCHPP. Table 1: Study Team

Name Designation

Dr. Bikash Adhikari Team Leader/Environmentalist

Dr. Narayan Prasad Ghimire Biologist

Dr. Chandra Kanta Gyawali Sociologist

Dr. Kumud Raj Kafle Geologist

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Anushilan Acharya Hydrologist

Bijay K.C. Environmental Engineer

1.4 Rationality for conducting IEE study According to the statutory requirement of the Government of Nepal (GoN) defined by Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1997 in Article 3, and Environment Protection Rule (EPR), 1997 with all the subsequent amendments 1999, 2007, and 2009 in its Schedule 1 under Rule 3, in Water Resource and Energy Sector (2(A)), to develop hydropower project with capacity 1 to 50 MW, it is mandatory to conduct Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and approve the report from the concerned sectoral ministry, here the Ministry of Energy. This provision encourages the proponent for its roles and responsibility to protect environment by minimizing any possible environmental adversities. Since, the project has a capacity of 9.05 MW and the project site does not lie in and around any protected area, fragile area, buffer zone, archeologically important site or sensitive areas as mentioned in Schedule 2(L) of EPR or inside forest area, therefore, an IEE is sufficient. The project will not acquire more than five hectares of forest area as mentioned in Schedule 1(A), regarding Forest Sector in the EPR, 1997 (It requires only 1.8 ha of forest). Similarly, there is no need to resettle people for constructing any of the project facilities. In case there is any change in project installed capacity and project component, then ToR validation will be carried out in coordination with MoEWRI. 1.5 Objectives of IEE study The objectives of the IEE study are to: • Collect baseline data on (a) physical, (b) biological, (c) socio- economic and cultural environment condition of the project area; • Identify beneficial and adverse impacts of the project; • Suggest mitigation measures for the adverse impact enhancement measures for beneficial impacts; • Develop environmental mitigation and monitoring plan. • Inform decision makers and interested parties about the environmental implication of the project 1.6 Scope of IEE This IEE will be valid only for hydropower generation. This IEE will address the issues due to and applicable to the proposed hydropower development project and all the ancillary facilities including a) campsites management, b) storage yard and parking area management, c) construction and operation of internal access road from the available road head, d) operation of crusher plants, batching plant, e) quarry operations and related activities and f) spoil/muck disposal process, g) opening of access road to project components and related activities among the others.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

This IEE will not cover the necessary transmission line (T/L) from the Switchyard to Kirtipur Substation Lamjung. The T/L will undergo a separate and full-fledged IEE study as per the requirement of EPR, 1997.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

2 GENERAL INTRODUCTION OF THE PROPOSAL

2.1 Background As per the NEA annual report of 2016, Nepal’s current total installed generation capacity in the Integrated National Power System is merely 1500 MW, out of which hydropower has a contribution of only 1179.395 MW. About 76% (Second National Labor Survey conducted by CBS,2009) of the total population have access to electricity. The quality of supply is relatively poor, the dry season generation capacity is inadequate, system losses are fairly high at 25% and outages are quite frequent. Realizing the need to address these issues and to develop its water resources potential, Government of Nepal has defined a Power Development Plan (short Term, Medium Term and Long Term as per Nepal Water plan 2005).

The Government of Nepal is encouraging private investment in this sector. Potential hydropower projects are generally ranked on the basis of technical, economic, social, and environmental criteria. In order to encourage geologyprivate sector investment, the Government of Nepal has formulated separate policies and legal framework in this sector which are as follows: Hydropower Development Policy, 1993. With no substantial addition to the system since the commissioning of the 144MW Kali Gandaki-A hydroelectric project in 2001, 70MW Middle Marsyangdi hydroelectric Project in 2009 and some small projects in private sector, the country is struggling to meet the 9% annual increase in electricity demand with its present generation resources.

Currently, the country is reeling under a perpetual state of load shedding which is hampering not only the daily activities of the generation people but also has serious impacts on the industrial and economic growth of the country. In order to deal with the impending crisis, Nepal immediately needs both short and long-term measures for augmenting its electricity supply system.

The proposed 9.05 MW capacity Super Chepe HP project will contribute to fulfill the energy gap to some extent and uplift the community at Chepe and adjoining areas and overall development of the country.

The IEE study of the proposed SCHPP (9.05 MW) project has been conducted based on Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1997 and Environment Protection Rule (EPR), 1997 in order to assess the environmental consequences and suggest appropriate, practical and site specific mitigation and enhancement measures. The Terms of Reference (ToR) was approved by Ministry of Energy, Water Resource and Irrigation (MoEWRI) on 2074/12/14 (Annex 2). This IEE will be valid only for hydropower generation excluding power evacuation. 2.2 Project Location The Super Chepe Hydropower Project is located at the middle reach of the Chepe Khola at the border of Ajirkot RM of Gorkha district and Dudhpokhari RM of Lamjung district, Gandaki State. Ajirkot RM (former Kharibot VDC) lies on the right bank and Dudhpokhari RM (former Dudhpokhari VDC) on the left bank. Head works and Power house lie on the ward no 1 of

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Dudhpokhari RM and ward 2 of Ajirkot RM while rest of the project components will be on right bank i.e. Ajirkot RM. As per the licence, project area covers the latitudes 28o 13’ 00” N to 28o 15’ 00” N and longitudes 84o 37’ 55” E to 84o 39’ 08” E. The proposed weir shares the boundary between Dudhpokhari RM on the left and Ajirkot RM on the right bank of Chepe Khola. Waterway that includes headrace pipe is aligned on the right bank of the Chepe Khola within the boundary of Ajirkot RM. The entire project is aligned along the right bank of the Chepe Khola within the administrative units mentioned above and so are the ancillary facilities. The backwater from the proposed weir and the tail-water are confined within the same administrative units. The location map of the project site in administrative map is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The project layout in topographic map is presented in Annex 3.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

SUPER CHEPE HYDROPOWER PROJECT GORKHA DISTRICT, GANDAKI PROVINCE, NEPAL

Figure 1 Administrative map of project location IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

2.3 Project Accessibility Access Road is considered an integral part for the development of hydropower projects. It plays a vital role not only for construction and maintenance purposes but also for the socio-economic development of the project area and strengthening of living standards of the people of the project affected area. At present, there is an existing all-weather road up to Chanaute which can be accessed via Chepetar from Prithivi Highway at Abukhaireni. The total length of existing access road is presented in the table below: Table 2 Accessibility of project area From To Distance, km Remarks Kalanki Abukhaireni 113 Prithivi Highway, All weathered Abukhaireni Chepetar Daraudi 19 Daraudi Link Road, Bridge All weathered Chepetar Daraudi Chanaute 24 Daraudi Link Road, Bridge All weathered Chanaute Jaubari Bhachchek 22 Earthen Road Or or Chanaute 16 Muchowk Bhachchek Olan 13 Earthen Road Total 191

At this level of study, it is anticipated that about 6 km of project access road has to be constructed to access intake and powerhouse area. The length of proposed access road and its length at this level of study is presented below: Access Road from Olan to Powerhouse : 2 km Access Road from Olan to Headworks : 4 km

The 4 km road stretch from Olang to Headwork will be in same alignment with headrace pipe i.e. out of 6m width 2 m is pipe alignment and 4m is access road.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Figure 2 Project Accessibility Map

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

2.4 Project features The salient features of the project are given in the Table 3. Table 3: Salient features of the project 1 Project Location

Province : Gandaki

District : Gorkha and Lamjung

Rural Municipality : Ajirkot RM (Former Kharibot VDC), Gorkha & Dudhpokhari Rural Municipality (Former Dudhpokhari VDC), Lamjung

Intake Site : Olang, Ajirkot

Powerhouse Site : Olang, Ajirkot

Geographical Co-ordinates

Latitude : 28⁰ 13’ 00” N to 28⁰ 15’ 00” N

Longitude : 83⁰ 37’ 55” E to 83⁰ 39’ 08” E

2 General

Name of River : Chepe Khola

Nearest Town : Aabukhaireni

Type of Scheme : RoR type Hydropower Project

Gross Head : 550 m

Net Rated Head : 527.464 m

Installed Capacity : 9.05 MW Average Annual Energy after : 53.71 GWh Outage 3 Project Hydrology

Catchment Area : 49.23 Km²

Mean Annual Discharge : 3.95 m³/sec

Design Discharge (at 41.4% : 2.05 m³/sec PoE) Riparian Release : 0.072 m³/sec

Design Flood Discharge (100 : 175 m³/sec Yrs)

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Average Annual : 2500mm Precipitation 4 Diversion Weir

Type of Weir : Free overflow, Concrete weir

Length of Weir : 16 m

Crest Elevation : 1850 amsl

Undersluice Opening (W X : 1.5 * 1.5 m H) Undersluice Crest Level : 1847 amsl 5 Intake Structure cum Gravel Trap Type of Intake : Orifice Side Intake

Nos. of Opening : 2

Size of Intake (W x H) : 2.0 m * 1.0 m each

Intake Sill Level : 1848.4 amsl

Length of Gravel Trap : 4.9 m

Width of Gravel Trap (Avg.) : 4.6 m

Overall depth : 3.0 m

Particle size to be trapped : 5 mm

Flushing Channel : 0.8 m * 0.8 m

6 Approach Canal

Type : Box Canal

No. of Canal : 2

Length : 3.5 m

Size (W x B) : 2.15 * 0.75 m

7 Settling Basin

Type : Conventional with intermittent flushing

Nos of bay : 2

Dimension (L x B x H) : 40.00 m * 4.00 m * 3.8 m

Inlet Transition Length : 4.2 m

Particle Size to be settled : 0.15 mm 10

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Trapping Efficiency : 83.8 %(Vetter’s)

8 Headrace Pipe

Type : Mild Steel

Internal Diameter : 1.1 m and 1 m

Length : 1690 m and 1720 m

Steel Thickness : 8mm

Nos. of Anchor Blocks : 56 nos

9 Surge Tank

Type : Surface, Concrete, with surge pipe

Height : 19.0 m

Diameter (Or size) : 5.0 m

Static Water Level : 1850 amsl

Normal Water Level : 1840.40 amsl

Up surge Level : 1853.62 amsl

Down surge Level : 1838.94 amsl

10 Steel Penstock Pipe

Type : High Strength Steel

Internal Diameter : 0.9 m

Length : 1181 m

Steel Thickness : 8 to 24 mm

Nos. of Anchor Blocks : 15

Nos. of Saddle Supports : 400

11 Powerhouse

Type : Surface

Size (L x W) : 30 m * 16 m

Height : 13.8 m

Turbine Axis Level : 1300 amsl

12 Tailrace

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Type : Concrete, Box canal

Tailrace Length : 40.0 m

Size (W x D) : 1.5 * 1.5 m

Tailrace Water Level : 1297 amsl

13 Turbine

Type : Horizontal Pelton

Number : 2

Rated Output Capacity per : 4.760 MW unit Turbine Axis Level : 1300 amsl

Net Head : 536.45 m

Discharge per Unit : 1.005 m³/sec

Efficiency : 90.00 %

14 Governor

Type : Electronic with PID flow Adjustment

Adjustment for Speed Drop : Between 0 to 5%

15 Generator

Type : Synchronous, Three phase

Rated Output Capacity per : 5.38 MVA Unit Power Factor : 0.85

Voltage : 11 kV

Frequency : 50 Hz

No of Units : 2

Excitation System : Brushless

Efficiency : 96.00 %

16 Transformer

Type : Three Phase, Oil Immersed, Outdoor

Rated Capacity : 6 MVA

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Voltage Ratio : 33/11 kV

No. of Units : 2

Vector Group : Ynd11

Efficiency : 99.0 %

17 Transmission Line

Voltage Level : 33 KV

Length : 30 km Approx.

Conductor Type : Wolf

From : Switchyard

To : Marki-Chowk Sub-station, Tanahun

18 Financial

Total Cost of the Project : Nrs. 1657 Million (With IDC)

Loan Equity Ratio : 70:30

Internal Rate of Return (IRR) : 17.28%

BC Ratio : 1.43

Return of Equity (RoE) : 25.7%

Net Present Value (NPV) : Nrs. 590,000,000

19 Construction Period : 2 years Source: Feasibility Study, 2018 2.5 General Arrangement of Project Features Weir The headwork structure comprises of a simple weir, side intake, gravel trap and bank protection work. The design discharge for power generation is 2.05 m3/s. the fixed wheel slide gate has been proposed in the side intake, whereas also the side gates have been proposed in undersluice portion. The weir is designed to pass design flood of 175 m3/s corresponding to 1 in 100 years flood safely through the weir with water level at El 1849 amsl.

Undersluice Structure A 1.5 m wide under sluice is provided on the left side adjacent to the power canal intake. The sluice opening is arranged on the main course so that the bed load is directed towards the sluice structure. The sluice opening is 1.5 m wide and 1.5 m in height. The crest level of the under sluice is fixed at EL 1847 m.

Intake Structure

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

The location of the intake will be kept immediately upstream and adjust to the under sluice to facilitate the safe withdrawal of the diversion flow. The orifice type intake has been proposed to avoid the excess into during the high flood period. The size of the intake is of 2 m width and 1 m height. The location of the intake is 28o 15’N 84 o 38’ E of El 1848.4 m.

Gravel Trap Discharge from intake will be conveyed to the gravel trap basin and the gravel trap gets caught into it. This is flushed through the flushing gates. It is provided after overflow side spillway section and to remove coarser material greater than 5 mm from the flow in the power canal. The size of the flushing channel is 0.8 x 0.8 m. out let of the gravel flushing channel is connected to the under sluice which ultimately discharge the flow to the river.

Overflow Spillway before Desanding Basin The side canal spillway has been provided to protect the excess water entry into the desander basin and headrace pipe during the rainy season. The crest level of the side channel spillway is at El 1847.50 m on the left side just about the gravel trap. The spillway spills discharge into the Chepe Khola.

Power canal from Intake to Desander The proposed head works lie in the left side of the Chepe Khola, and the height of the dam adopted is 3.0 m from the foundation level. Therefore, in order to protect the flood water entry from the bank of the stream and channel it into the weir, combination of guide wall and wing have been adopted. Besides, the bank protection work of the canal shall be provided from intake to the desander along the connecting canal.

Desander Structure Generally, desander is provided after the in vicinity of the intake structure. It is designed for 2.05 m3/s. In order to reduce the erosion of the guide van and runners of turbines by suspended sediment, a desanding basin is required to exclude harmful sediment particles entering into turbines. The dimensions of the desanding basin depend on the characteristics of the stream, the design discharge and particle size to be removed, which is typically 0.15 mm for projects on the Himalaya rivers. The desanding basin is designed to trap 95% of the 0.15 mm diameter particle entering the basin from the stream. Headrace Pipe Line Headrace pipe line is designed to carry a flow of 2.05 m3/s. The invert of the headrace pipe line inlet at El.1849 m, the length is 3410 m. It has 56 anchor blocks at bends. The headrace pipe shell thickness is 8 mm. The 3410 m long headrace pipe shall convey the water from desanding basin to surge tank. The headrace pipe alignment goes through buried and partly surface upto surge tank. Surge Tank The surge tank acts as a sort of regulating tank to cushion the impact of sudden load rejection or load acceptance. The surge tank is provided in the pressure flow conduit where water hammering is accepted because of the sudden interruption of the flow. Further it is providing to function as the balancing tank in case of sudden demand in the pressure conduit.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

The diameter of surge tank is 5 m and height is 19 m. The surface-based Surge Tank will be concrete made. Penstock Pipe The penstock pipe runs along the right side of the Olang village. It has 18 anchor blocks and total 400 saddle supports. The penstock pipe is made of High strength steel. The length of penstock pipe from surge tank to the powerhouse is 1181 m.

Powerhouse The sub-surface powerhouse is situated on the terrace field at the left bank of Chepe river at El 1297 amsl. The location is most appropriate from the point of view a power potential, possibility of access road and protection from floods flows. There is enough space for the powerhouse and outdoor switchyard. The internal size of powerhouse is 30*16 m and 13.8 m height. The powerhouse accommodates 2 units’ turbines. Generators, intake valves, control panel, battery cubicle. The roof structure is made of the steel truss and covered with corrugated galvanize iron sheets. The two outlets channel joins the main tailrace canal the powerhouse. The building is high enough to accommodate a Gantry crane which will be used to assemble or disassemble the machinery. The crane travels on overhead rails supported by RCC column and beams. Concrete is used for the powerhouse floor and high grade of reinforced concrete is used from equipment foundation, Expansion joints between the powerhouse floor and equipment mounting slab are used to reduce vibrant transmitted to the remainder of the building Generator Floor The generator flood provides an area of for electrical equipment and lay space during unit erection and maintenance. Generator excitation equipment are located at the same floor level of the generator. The unit control panels are located adjacent to the existence panel.

Service Repair Bay The service/ repair bay accommodates turbine and generator component during initial and consecutive erection of the units, and for turbines maintenance. Space has been provided for vehicular access, assembly of the draft tube liner. Turbine say ring, head cover main shaft, guide bearing, assembly, rotor and stator. This area will also serve as Jay -down are for the runner.

Control Room A control room and office facilities are provided at 1315 m. The control room contain all the necessary equipment to control the powerhouse operation and monitor the operation of the head works structures.

Tailrace The water from the powerhouse will be discharged into the Chepe khola through a concrete tailrace conduit. The length of the individual tailrace after the outlet tube is 40 m. The tailrace water level is 1294.5 amsl.

Power Evacuation

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

The power generated from the hydropower will be evacuated through 30 km long 33 kV transmission line from Switch yard of SCHPP to Marki-Chowk Sub-station in Tanahu.

2.5.1 Key Project Activities and Schedule

2.5.1.1 Pre-Construction Work This includes feasibility study, environmental study, approval procedures, necessary agreements, land acquisition/procurement and other necessary procurements, acquiring clearance from authorities, preparing land for camp facilities, etc.

2.5.1.2 Construction Work The construction work consists of civil construction including hydro-mechanical works, electromechanical works and electrical works. Civil Construction: The major civil components of the project are the headworks structures including diversion weir, undersluice, intake, approach canal, emergency spillway and settling basin; water conveyance system specifically headrace pipe; surge tank, anchor blocks and saddle supports; powerhouse, tailrace and switchyard. River diversion to facilitate construction of weir and accessories will be carried out by constructing coffer dam in two phases. The cofferdam height will be such that the dry season flood shall not overtop it. It will be trapezoidal in section made of the excavated material from diversion canal. It will comprise of clay material as centre core for control of seepage, filling with excavated material and boulder riprap at the outer sloping surface exposed to the river flow for protection against scouring. Proper compaction will be done on the embankment filling. Flood wall construction and river training works will be carried out at the upstream right bank to prevent flood effects. Bottom of the flood walls will be protected with boulder riprap. Boulder rip-rap work will also be carried out from under sluice end to the downstream. Hydro-mechanical works include installation of the headrace pipe and penstock pipe as well as embedding works such as, frames for gates, stop logs, draft tubes etc. As per the need hydro- mechanical installations will be carried out in parallel and after the construction of the civil works. Electromechanical works include installation of electromechanical equipment like turbine, generators, gates and valves.

2.5.1.3 Post Construction/Decommissioning Work The post construction work includes dismantling of temporary facilities, rehabilitation of land covered by temporary facilities, termination of land lease contract and handover of the land back as well as the operation of the project.

2.5.1.4 Schedule The project is planned for 36 months of construction from the Contract Award to Commissioning stage. A target date of early 2019 for start of the construction will only be met if the many agreements and approvals required come quickly. Detailed construction activities and schedule has been presented in tabular form in Annex 4.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

2.6 Project Requirement

2.6.1 Land Requirement Estimated total land requirement for the project is 7.912Ha of which permanent is 4.712 ha and 3.2 ha is for temporary purpose. The project requires 1.912 ha flood plain area, 3.712 ha cultivable land and 1.3 ha forest area in total. Total government land required is 4.812 ha. The nearest settlement is Olang village which lies around 2 km away from powerhouse and 4 km away from head works. Table 4 Estimated Land Use of the project area

Land type (In hectare)

Forest Cultivated Barren Other

Gvt. CF LHF Rel. Pvt. Govt . Pvt. Gvt Pvt.

P]nfgL_

- S.N. Project Components. Bari Khet Bari Khet River/Flood Plain Public Pvt Total Area ( ha.)

A. Permanent Land Requirement 1 Headworks Components 1.1 Diversion 0.25 0.25 Structure

1.2 Intake 0.012 0.012

1.3 Approach to 0.05 0.05 settling basin

Settling Basin 0.2 0.2 1.4 2 Water Conveyance

2.1 Headrace 1.3 2.35 0.45 0.5 0.02 3.32 Pipe/Surge Tank /Penstock Alignment with access road 2.2 Tailrace 0.04 0.04

3 Power House 0.25 0.25

4 Sub- 0.09 0.09 station/Switc hyard

5 Camp Site 0.5 0.5 Sub-total 1.3 1.85 0.45 0.5 0.912 4.712 B. Land Requirement for the Temporary Purpose

6 Disposal Site 0.2 0.4 0.6 7 Quarry Sites 1.0 1

8 Stockpiling 0.4 0.4 0.8 Site and Construction Yard

9 Crusher Plant 0.8 0.8

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Land type (In hectare)

Forest Cultivated Barren Other

Gvt. CF LHF Rel. Pvt. Govt . Pvt. Gvt Pvt.

P]nfgL_

- Project Components. Bari Khet Bari Khet River/Flood Plain Public Pvt Total Area ( ha.) S.N. Sub-total 0.8 0.6 0.8 1.0 3.2 A+B (Grand Total 1.3 3.65 0.45 0.5 0.6 0.8 1.912 7.912 Area) Source: Design Report, 2018

2.6.2 Construction Materials The major construction materials required for the project is presented in the Table 5: Table 5: Estimated Quantity of Construction Materials S.N Particulars Quantity Unit 1 Coarse Aggregate 15,000 m³ 2 Fine Aggregate 12,000 m³ 3 Cement 11,523 m³ 4 Fuel (Petrol, Diesel, etc) 15,000 l 5 Lubricants 1000 l 6 Geotextile 3,150 m2 7 Wire Mesh 2,800 m2 8 Structural steel 500 Ton Source: Design Report, 2018 Regarding the availability of construction materials, cement will be procured from Nepal and India; necessary vehicles and equipment will be procured from suppliers in Nepal; coarse aggregates will be produced in site from Local Riverbed materials; fine aggregate and sand will be produced from the river deposits or by crushing boulders; structural steel and reinforcement steel will be procured within Nepal or imported from India; reinforcement bars from authorized big dealer; fuels i.e. diesel, petrol and kerosene, gas from Birgunj.

2.6.3 Camp Area Two campsites have been provisioned for housing engineers, contractors and labours. Camp A has been proposed right beside the headworks area on public land on flood plain on the right bank of the Chepe Khola. Camp B has been proposed near on private barren land (former agricultural land) on the left bank (following downstream) of the Chepe Khola. Both campsites are located in Ward 2 of Ajirkot RM (Please refer Annex 3). Each camp facility will have site offices of client and contractor as well as their residence and labour camps. The engineers’ camp and the site office of the client will be built as permanent facilities to be used for the operation period as well; while the contractors’ office and labour camps will be temporary structures built of prefabricated materials which will be dismantled and removed once the construction works are complete and the land area will be rehabilitated before returning to the respective land owner. Water supply to the camp will be managed by the project from the local springs without disturbing the water requirement of the local people. Spring sources are 18

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project available throughout the project alignment in the project area and settlements are rare on the lower valley wall. Additionally, sufficient number of toilets with septic tank and soak pit will be arranged in the camp area.

2.6.4 Quarry For construction of the project, the coarse aggregate will be transported either from the Chepe Khola or crushing the boulders at project site. Sand is mostly used in concrete and rubble masonry works. Fine sand will be produced by processing the riverbed deposit available in the Chepe Khola within the project area. Quarry activities will be conducted in collaboration with RMs. Two major potential sites were investigated along with other probable sites for sourcing construction materials. The old fluvial deposit of Chepe Khola upstream of powerhouse would be major site for coarse aggregate and as well as for significant volume of sand. Similarly, recent fluvial deposit downstream to powerhouse area (downstream of Chepe confluence) is another suitable site for the aggregates both coarse and fines. Here, the deposit consists more than 25% sand. The tentative volume could be exploited from the mentioned deposits and other sources (excavated materials) are tabulated in the table below (Table 6). Most of the deposits consist of about 60 – 70% coarse aggregate (gravels to boulders) and about 20 – 30% fines (silt to sand). Table 6: Summary of Different Sources of Construction Materials S. Locations Descriptions Estimated N. Quantity (m3) AxH 1 Upstream of powerhouse Alluvial terrace deposit consists 7395*1.5=11092 bank of Chepe Khola of boulder, gravel in the matrix (22.220743 N, 84.634559 E) of silty sand. 2 Downstream of powerhouse Old and recent alluvial terrace 6154*1.5=9231 of Chepe Khola deposit consists of boulder, (28.216092 N, 84.637643 E) gravel in the matrix of silty sand. Source: Design Report, 2018

2.6.5 Crushing, Washing and Batching Plant and Stockpiling Facilities The project will temporarily install a Crushing, Washing and Batching plant near the headworks on the right bank of the Chepe Khola slightly upstream of the bridge on Chepe Khola along the Gorkha-Soyang Road in ward 2 of Ajirkot RM. The site is located on 0.4 ha of public barren land. The crushing plant will have the capacity of 25 MT/hr. The same area for crushing and batching will be used for stockpiling of raw and processed materials. Processed raw material will also be stocked near the major construction yard. The quarry will be distributed along the access road to major project components.

2.6.6 Construction Yard, Storage Yard, Mechanical Yard and Parking Lot Construction yard, storage yard, mechanical yard and parking are temporary ancillary facilities and are also proposed at two locations (near headworks and powerhouse area) amid the other facilities. The right bank of the Chepe Khola near the headworks and powerhouse are spacious enough to accommodate these facilities.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

2.6.7 Muck disposal area According to the estimate derived from the design report, 118,320.42 m3 of muck/spoil is expected to be generated from excavation of project structures like headrace pipe and surge tank, roadway alignment, foundation for anchor blocks and support, headworks structures and levelling of the surface for sitting the project alignment as well as the ancillary facilities. Among the total muck/spoil, 20,966.96 m3 will be used as backfill material, 16,200.96 m3 will be used as construction materials and some 10,850.00 m3 is surface (top) soil which will be stored safely for reinstatement of the agricultural and productive land. As such, the remaining 118,320.42 m3 of spoil needs to be disposed safely. It will be judicially managed at proper locations. The location of these muck disposal site is shown in topographic layout attached as Annex 3. The total area required for disposal of surplus volume of muck has been estimated at 0.8 ha. All these locations are located on the right bank of the Chepe Khola in Ward No 2 of Ajirkot RM.

Table 7: Estimated Spoil/Muck Generation and Cut-Fill Balance Cutting (m3) S Soil Filling Structure N (Common Hard (m3) and Boulder Rock Mixed) 1 Head Works Diversion Weir, Undersluice and Intake 457.5 305 76.25 Gravel Trap and Spill way 560 140 210 Desander and Spillway 7536 1884 2826 Approach Canal 148 37 55.5 2 Pipe Alignment 124,989.13 3 Tail Race 984 246 4 Powerhouse 4620 1980 5 Total 139,294.63 2,366 5,393.75 6 Total Cut Quantity (m3) 141,660.63 7 Bulk Factor (10%) 14166.06 Total Spoil with Bulk Volume to be 8 155,826.69 Dumped (m3) 9 Total Fill Quantity (m3) 5,393.75 Estimated Top Soil Volume (m3) 10,850.0 Construction Material (10%) 16200.00 Net Disposable Spoil (m3) 118,320.42 Source: Design Report, 2018

2.6.8 Human resource requirement A reasonable estimate based projects of similar nature and size, the human resource requirement under skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled categories during the proposed project implementation is expected to be about 100 per day during peak construction period (please refer Table 8). 20

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Local people will be given employment opportunity on the basis of their skills and qualifications. Priority shall be given to the members of project affected families and locals while recruiting the work forces. Table 8: Required Manpower for Construction and Operation of the Project S.N. Manpower Construction Operation 1 Skilled 20 4 2 Semi-skilled 30 6 3 Unskilled 50 10 4 Total 100 20 2.6.9 Construction Power The project area is facilitated by electricity supply from NEA 11 kV distribution system. The construction power required will be 900 KW at peak load. Necessary arrangement will be done to bring power at project site. According to the design report, a 6.6 kV transmission line will be provisioned to supply the necessary construction power. The number and capacity of transformer to be arranged to feed the power for construction works are presented in the Table 9. For power backup, 150 kW diesel generators will be managed at different work fronts of the project. Table 9: Proposed Power Arrangement for Construction Power Arrangement Location Description Number Unit Headworks Site 250 kVA transformer 2 No Powerhouse Site 250 kVA transformer 2 No Camps (Employers and Contractors) at Headworks 150 kVA transformer 1 No Camps at PH Site 150 kVA transformer 1 No Source: Design Report, 2018

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

3 DATA REQUIREMENT AND STUDY METHODOLOGY

3.1 General This IEE has been prepared in accordance with all the legal requirements of GoN, following all the procedures and conditions put forth by EPA 1997 and EPR 1997 and conditions listed in -lj=lj=lj=)&#÷&$ lj=p=;+= *#$_ license no. Bi.Bi.Bi 073/74 Bi. U.Sa 834 issued by MoEWRI according to the ToR approved by the respectable ministry on 2074-12-14. In addition, the IEE has been prepared based on desk and field studies, consultation with local area people and officials of local level governments (District Coordination Committee, Rural Municipalities and Wards). 3.2 Project impact area delineation For the purpose of the IEE study, Ajirkot RM and Dudhpokhari RM along which the project is aligned have been included in the project area/study area or the zone of influence (ZoI). ZoI has been further categorized into Direct Impact Area (DIA) and Indirect Impact Area (IIA). DIA has included the areas where the construction activities of the project are taking place and the project facilities are seated and hence high level of impacts is anticipated. As a general practice, the ward within which the project features are located has been considered within the DIA. In this area, environmental components are directly affected by the project activities. The geographical boundary of Ajirkot RM and Dudhpokhari RM except the wards included in the DIA has been considered for IIA and has been taken into account for the socio-economic information including impacts/issues assessment for the study purpose. In this area, environmental components are not directly affected by the construction activities. The areas within DIA and IIA have been categorized in the Table 10. Table 10: Project impact area Project Component Direct Impact Area/Core Indirect Impact Area Project Area Headworks (Weir, Gravel Ward 2 of Ajirkot RM and Remaining wards of Ajirkot Trap, Desander and Inlet Ward 1 of Dudhpokhari RM and Dudhpokhari Rural Portal) Rural Municipality Municipality Water Way, Headrace Pipe Ward 2 of Ajirkot RM, as Remaining wards of Ajirkot Alignment (dewatered immediate dewatered area. RM and Dudhpokhari Rural stretch) Municipality Surge Tank Area and Ward 2 of Ajirkot RM Remaining wards of Ajirkot Penstock Alignment RM (dewatered stretch) Powerhouse, Switchyard and Ward 2 of Ajirkot RM and 1 Remaining wards of Ajirkot Tailrace of Dudhpokhari RM and Dudhpokhari RM Access Road Ward 2 of Ajirkot RM Remaining wards of Ajirkot RM Worker Camp and Ward 2 of Ajirkot RM Remaining wards of Ajirkot Construction Yard at HW RM Worker Camp and Ward 2 of Ajirkot RM Remaining wards of Ajirkot Construction Yard at PH RM

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

3.3 Data Requirement The study required physical environmental data on topography, slope variation, geomorphology and land use, geology (rock types, geological structures, attitudes, stability condition, etc.), drainage and hydrology (flow data), sedimentation pattern, climate (temperature and precipitation), landslide condition (existing and likely), surface water quality parameter, air quality and noise level. Biological environmental data required for the study included forest type and vegetation composition in the specific project components, number of trees, wood volume and biomass of the trees to be felled, wildlife species in the project area (including mammals, birds, herpeto- fauna), threatened and protected flora and fauna, NTFPs, plant having medicinal, agro-forestry, and ethno-botanical values, information on wildlife habitat (site description, type by feature, use, condition and importance in terms of species), forest management practices, fish composition and their habitat. Data required on socio-economic and cultural environment included project area’s population, ethnicity, literacy, religion, health and sanitation, occupational status, income and expenditure, economic activities, cropping pattern, historical, archaeological and religions sites, religious and cultural practices, land ownership pattern, etc. Other information included infrastructure and support service facilities of the project area, existing or planned water use infrastructures like irrigation facilities, micro-hydros, water mill, water supply system and dependent families, other ongoing and planned development activities etc. Similarly, information on people losing their land, house/shed, properties, access to assets and means of livelihoods considered as Project Affected Families (PAFs) and their details were also required for the study. 3.4 Desk Study and Literature Review Available useful literatures, data, information with the line agencies at the local, district and central level and relevant to the information requirement of the study were collected and reviewed. The major sources of information reviewed are: • Design Report of Super Chepe Hydropower Project to extract information about the project design and activities, geology (rock type and slope stability), hydrology (flow data), sedimentation pattern, volume and type of spoil, climate (temperature and precipitation). • Topographical map of 1:25,000 scale to collect information about land use and other features along the project alignment • Geological map of the project area published by DMG to understand the underlying geology of the project area • Publication of District Forest Office of Gorkha for general forest type and vegetation of the project area • District Profile of Gorkha District published by District Development Committee (DDC) for overall information of project district and project area especially on socio-economic and cultural domain of environment • Municipality Profile of Ajirkot RM published by Ajirkot RM for overall information of the project area especially on socio-economic and cultural domain of environment

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

• National Population and Housing Census, 2011 published by Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) to collect information about demographic indicators of the project area • Prevalent policies and legislations The literatures and sources of information reviewed during the study have been listed in the reference section of this report. 3.5 Field Visit A multi-disciplinary IEE team comprising of environmentalist, biologist, sociologist and geologist visited the project site in the month of June and July of 2018 to collect baseline information of the area, identify the likely impacts of the proposed project during construction and operation phase and inform stakeholders regarding the project. During the visit, the team visited the project site proposed for structures and facilities as well as the settlements of the affected rural municipality and carried out thorough field investigation through survey, inspection, observation and measurement to collect baseline information on physical, biological and socio-economic and cultural environments and identify possible issues and impacts on these three environmental domains. Participatory approach was adopted with maximum involvement of different stakeholder of the project at the local and district levels to generate relevant information for the IEE.

3.5.1 Physical Environment Most of the information on the physical environment was obtained from desk study (the design report of SCHPP, topographical maps and geological maps as mentioned in the preceding section). The existing information was updated and verified through walkthrough survey and field observation in the project area. Important topographic and geomorphic features were mapped and located in the topographic map during the field survey for the key project facility sites.

3.5.1.1 Water Quality For site specific information on water quality, two samples of water were collected from the Chepe Khola in clean bottles and brought to Kathmandu for analysis in the laboratory. The result has been presented in Section 5.1.11 and the test report presented in Annex 10. Table 11: Water Sampling Details Sample Date Location Coordinates No W1 2018-06-27 PH site d/s Chepe Khola Bridge 28.217014ᴼ N 84.636644ᴼ E W2 2018-06-28 HW site u/s Chepe (tentatively 50 m u/s of 28.255393ᴼ N weir site of Super Chepe HPP) 84.648109ᴼ E

3.5.1.2 Sound Pressure Level Noise level was monitored in the field at two locations with a portable Sound Level Meter. The result has been presented in the Section 5.1.12.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Table 12: Location of Sound Pressure Measurement Date Time Location Coordinates 2018-06-27 09:45- HW site on the Chepe Khola Bridge 28.217014ᴼ N 10:45 84.636644ᴼ E 2018-06-28 09:30- PH location 28.255393ᴼ N 10:30 84.648109ᴼ E

3.5.1.3 Geology Geological investigations were conducted during the field investigation to verify the data obtained from literature review for the key project sites. Information on soil, erosion, and land stability were obtained by direct field observations and mapping. The soil types, features of erosion, and areas of land instability were mapped in the field.

3.5.2 Biological environment

3.5.2.1 Forest Type and Vegetation Walkthrough survey was conducted at each project site to make general observation of the forest and vegetation type in different project components. A general inventory of forests and vegetation was carried out by purposive random sampling at and around specific project component in the project area during pre-monsoon season. Size and method of sample plot complied with the standard recommended by the Community Forest Inventory Guideline (GoN/MoFSC/DOF, 2061 BS). Tree species were categorized based on their diameter at breast height (dbh) as mature trees (>30 cm), poles (10-30 cm), sapling (4-10 cm) and seedling (0-4 cm). Sample plots of 400 sqm (20 m x 20 m) were used for the enumeration of tree species, sub-plots of 100 sqm (10 m x 10 m) for poles, sub-plot of 25 sqm (5 m x 5 m) for saplings and shrub species and sub-plot of 1 sqm (1 m x 1 m) for the enumeration of seedlings and herb species. Plant specimens were identified in the field with the help of standard reference (Polunin and Stainton 1984, Stainton 1972). All the shrub species above 100 cm height and tree species with DBH smaller than 10 cm and height above 100 cm were considered in shrub/sapling stratum. Tree species with height smaller than 100 cm and shrub species with height smaller than 100 cm and herbs species were taken into account in herb/seedling stratum (Rijal 1994). An attempt was made to enumerate the trees to be felled for different project structures by total count method.

3.5.2.2 Wildlife Three major taxa were considered during collection of information regarding existing wildlife diversity namely: mammals, birds and herpeto-fauna. • Few mammals (primates and rodents) were directly sighted during the field survey. Information on other mammalian species and their movement was obtained from discussions with the Farmers, Herders, Rangers, Security personnel, FUGs etc. Indirect evidences like scats/droppings, calls, pug and scratch marks, bones and hides, etc. were also considered for recording mammalian diversity. Identification of mammalian species followed Baral et.al. (2008) and Shrestha T.K. (1997). 25

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

• An inventory of avifauna and herpeto-fauna was performed by direct observation method using standard checklists and keys. Birds were observed with the help of binocular and identified using standard key developed by Fleming (1976) and Inskipp (1985). Identification of herpeto-fauna followed Shah (1997).

3.5.2.3 Ethno-biology Ethno-biological survey comprised collection of representative species during vegetation survey with analysis and recording of local information on their utilities by administering interview/discussion session with relevant local informants, thereby showing them the species in question and illustrated manuals (Martin, 1995; Shrestha, 1985).

3.5.2.4 Aquatic Habitat and Fauna Information about aquatic fauna and their habitat was collected through direct sampling (casting nets) and interview with local fishermen (Shrestha, 1995). Hand cast net made of nylon thread with mesh size of 1.5cm X 1.5cm was used for the sampling of fish. Twenty-two (22) hours were spent at each sampling sites. Based on the river morphology, two stations were selected on the Chepe Khola for fish sampling. The fish sampled have been presented in Section 5.7. Table 13: Fish Sampling Locations Stations Site Description No. of efforts Coordinates StationI. A PH site d/s Chepe Khola Bridge II. 100 times 28.217014ᴼ N 84.636644ᴼ E StationIII. B HW site u/s Chepe (tentatively 50 m u/sIV. of 100 times 28.255393ᴼ N weir site of Super Chepe HPP) 84.648109ᴼ E

3.5.3 Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment Socio-economic study was based on primary information collected from the field through methods like focus group discussion (FGD), key informant interview (KII), observation and household survey using socio-economic survey tools like checklists and questionnaire. The study also used information available in the general documents on district and municipalities and National Population Census, 2011 to compare with the primary findings. FGD: Altogether four (4) FDGs were conducted in the two former administrative units (former Kharibot and Dudhpokhari VDCs). Altogether 28 individuals participated in the discussions. Information on socio-economic condition of the area and availability of resources and service facilities were collected through these discussions. KII: KIIs were conducted with the ward secretaries, intellectuals, local leaders, teachers and farmers. The interviews were focused on availability of natural resources and public service facilities. Household Survey: Household survey was carried out in the study area to assess the socio- economic condition and loss to be incurred by the project affected families as well as to gather general socio-economic and cultural condition of the study area. The survey covered 75 affected households of ward 2 of Ajirkot RM.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

3.5.3.1 Identification of the Project Affected Families (PAF) Families residing in the core project area or surrounding area whose land, house/shed, property, access to assets and income sources or means of livelihood may be affected due to project construction or operation are considered as Project Affected Families and the members of these families are referred to as Project Affected Person. These are further categorized as: Marginally Project Affected Families (MPAF): In accordance with the current practices and guidelines, families losing up to 10% of their total land are cagegorized under this category. Severely Project Affected Families (SPAF): According to the prevailing practices, families who are physically displaced from their residences or commercial establishments and those who are severely affected through loss of agricultural land (more than 10% of the total holding) are classified as SPAF. The households losing residential structures are also included in this category. Project affected families were identified through cadastral survey of project alignment and support facility locations. Cadastral maps were obtained from the District Land Revenue Office and the ownership details of the land to be acquired from the official records. 3.6 Data Analysis

3.6.1 Physical Environment The collected data was analysed and presented in the prescribed format as per the requirement of the study. The physiochemical and biological parameters of the water sample collected were analysed in the Astha Lab Pvt. Ltd. The water samples were analysed in terms of key pollution indicators based on National Drinking Water Quality Standards. Sound level data obtained in the field was put under statistical analysis with appropriate formula. The geological and topographical information were analysed in conjunction with climate and hydrological information to work out erosion and land stability features.

3.6.2 Biological Environment Specimens of unidentified plant species were collected for identification. Most of the plant specimens were identified in the field with the help of standard reference (Polunin and Stainton 1984, Stainton 1972). Botanical nomenclature followed Press et al. (2000). Standing volume (V) of the trees (dry forest stand) to be felled down was calculated by qurter girth formula and the above ground biomass (AGB) of trees to be felled was calculated by the equation developed by Chave (2005). V ==1/2(girth)*H=(ℼD2/8)*H AGB= ρV Where, V= Standing Volume (m3), D=diameter at breast height (DBH in m) and H=Height of tree (m), AGB=above ground biomass (kg) and ρ=wood specific density (kg/m3) The below ground biomass (BGB) of tree can be obtained as 20% of above ground tree mass. Thus, Total biomass is calculated by the sum of AGB and BGB. These quantitative field data obtained on the sampling plots were used for the estimation of the loss of trees and vegetation and loss of vegetation diversity including the loss of rare and

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project endangered species by the project implementation. Similarly, the data on wildlife, birds and aquatic life were used for the determination of importance or potential of the project location in term of wildlife habitat. Documented plants and animals were tallied with relevant references (IUCN Red Data Book, CITES Appendices, Government of Nepal’s list of protected plant and animal) and assigned respective threat and protection statuses.

3.6.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment Regarding the analysis technique, Mainly, descriptive analysis technique was used. Nonetheless, simple quantitative analysis techniques (e.g. percentage and average) were used for some parameters. 3.7 Public notice and public consultation The local people and stakeholders were involved in the study process through various activities like public consultation, meetings, interactions and discussions. These activities were employed to collect relevant information on various environmental domains and peoples’ issues and concerns on the project. Public participation is essential to ensure the quality, comprehensiveness, effectiveness of IEE as well as to ensure that the public views are adequately taken into consideration in the decision-making process. A fifteen (15) days public notice was initially published on 2018-05-17 A.D. (2075-02-03 B.S.) in the “Prabhav” national daily newspaper and republished on 2076/01/31 in "Arthik Abhiyan" to inform the stakeholders about the project activities and seeking written opinion from the Rural Municipality, Wards, DFO, District Coordination Committee, schools, health posts and related local organizations immediately after approval of ToR as per EPA 1997 and EPR 1997 (Annex 5). Copies of the notice were affixed in the concerned Rural Municipality offices, Ward offices, office of District Coordination Committee (DCC), schools, hospitals and health posts requesting the concerned individuals and institutions to offer their written opinions, suggestions and comments about the project. Deeds of enquiry (Muchulka) were drawn to confirm the affixation of the notice in those locations and documented in this IEE report (Annex 6). Recommendation letter from concerned Rural Municipality were obtained as per Rule 10 of the EPR, 1997 and attached in this IEE report (Annex 8). The issues raised during public consultation are presented below along with their mitigation: Table 14 Issues raised in public consultation S.N. Issue Mitigation

1. The project should be responsible for any Provision of Insurance is accidents/hazards caused during construction and made for the damage operation of the project.

2 The access road should be common for all the The project with the Ajirkot ongoing hydropower projects in the area. RM ward 2 office and other hydropower projects

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

3 Proper compensation should be provided to the The compensation will be provate and public land required by the project. made as per the government rules

4 Public of Olang should be in 1st priority and affected The issue has been addressed wards in 2nd priority for employment opportunities in the mitigation measures in during construction and operation of the project this report

5 The project should affect the Bhatte khola drinking Nrs 15,00,000 has been water project allocated under CSP for Water Source Protection and Drinking Water Support

6 The project should support the school of Ajirkot-2. Nrs 15,00,000 has been allocated under CSP for Education and school support

7 The project should coordinate with other ongoing The project will support the hydropower projects to put a substation in Olang decision made from joint meeting of local representatives and hydropower projects

8 Make Olang and Ward 2 of Ajirkot RM Nrs. 20,00,000 has been Loadshedding-Free allocated under CSP for infrastructure building

9 The project should provide scholarship to financially Nrs 15,00,000 has been weak students allocated under CSP for Education and school support

10 Project should assist to stop the active landslide Nrs 22,00,000 has been downstream of powerhouse allocated under CSP for Rural access support.

11 Project should not affect Lile Khola micro- Nrs 15,00,000 has been hydropower and also assist to conserve it. allocated under CSP for Water Source Protection and Drinking Water Support

3.8 Impact Identification and Evaluation The environmental impacts of the project were identified by overlapping the project baseline with the project layout and the project activities. The expert judgment and the lessons learned from the past projects of similar nature were the key while identifying the project impacts.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

The Environmental impacts were further evaluated on the basis of guidelines given in the National EIA guidelines 1993, based on the Magnitude, Extent & Duration of the impact and the respective numerical ranking. The criteria for the rating of the impacts in terms of their magnitude, extent, and duration are elaborated below: Magnitude: This can be low-Lo (minor), medium-M (moderate), and high-H (major), depending on the scale or severity and reversibility of change. If the impacts are reversible, it indicates the potential rate of recovery. The magnitude of impact is considered to be serious if a major adverse impact cannot be mitigated. A major adverse impact would affect the potential subsistence, recreational and commercial use of biophysical resources, with the result that the value of resources would be reduced by far below publicly acceptable level. Moderate to minor unmitigated impacts of a similar nature would make the resource still usable but at some inconvenience to the public. Geographical extent: If the action is confined to the area with project sitting, it is referred as site-specific (Ss), if it occurs outside area but close to project area (extending to the adjoining Rural Municipality), the extent of impact is local (L), if it occurs far away from the project (entire district or further), it is referred as regional I. Duration: It can be short term (ST – i.e. less than 3 years), medium term (MT – i.e. 3-20 years), and long term (LT – i.e. more than 20 years). Table 15: Numerical scales as proposed in the National EIA Guidelines Magnitude Score Extent Score Duration Score High/Major 60 Regional 60 Long Term 20 Moderate/Medium 20 Local 20 Medium Term 10 Minor/Low 10 Site-specific 10 Short-Term 05 (Source: National EIA Guidelines, 1993) Significance: The impact is significant if it is considerable and changes the baseline condition and insignificant if the change is so minor that the baseline condition is not affected considerably. The cumulative scores based on evaluation as mentioned above have been used to decide the significance of the impacts. Following table depicts the cumulative score for determining the level of significance of an impact: Table 16: Cumulative scores of level of significance Total scores Significance of Impacts Up to 44 Insignificant 45-74 Significant Beyond 74 Very significant (Source: National EIA Guidelines, 1993)

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

4 REVIEW OF PLANS/POLICIES, LEGISLATIONS, GUIDELINES, CONVENTIONS AND STANDARDS

This chapter highlights the appropriate aspects of the policies, laws and provisions that are relevant and mandatory to the study process and that are relevant and mandatory to the proposal in the context of proposal implementation and mitigation measures planning. The proponent will abide by any other laws besides those already mentioned in this document that are attracted due to various activities that will be undertaken during project implementation. 4.1 Constitution

4.1.1 The Constitution of Nepal It has guaranteed every person the right to live in a clean environment as a fundamental right (Article 30(1)). As per the Article 51 (G) of constitution, it is also a matter of State policy to adopt appropriate measures to abolish or mitigate existing or possible adverse environmental impacts on the nature, environment or biological diversity. 4.2 Plans and Policies

4.2.1 Fourteenth Plan 2073/74-75/76 (FY2016/17- 2018/19) The 14th plan aims to achieve sustainable, broad-based, inclusive economic growth. It has identified development of energy infrastructures as one of the priority areas. The plan aims to achieve energy security and self-dependence on electricity through hydroelectricity development. The plan calls to increase private sector investment in both energy generation and transmission sector. The plan also emphasizes on considering impact of climate change during hydroelectricity development.

4.2.2 National Forest Policy 2075 The National Forest Policy, 2015 aims to manage forest resource sustainably and increase productivity of the forest. The policy also emphasizes on conservation of soil and water on basin level studying and planning based on catchment level. To enhance the conservation, the policy seeks to encourage forest conservation groups to manage forest in scientific way to strengthen ecosystem and other environmental services. The forest policy does not specifically mention environmental policy strategies with regard to hydropower development projects which might intervene the forested areas, however, in other policy strategies related to forest management and forestry program implementation emphasizes on the need of land use planning, prioritization for the conservation of biodiversity, ecosystem and genetic resources, effective production and utilization of forest resources and blending forestry management, biodiversity conservation and community development activities in holistic sense. Hydropower project on basin shall work in close coordination with MoFE for sustainable utilization of resources, promoting biodiversity, conserving water resources and soil in the project area.

4.2.3 Nepal Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2014-2020) The NBSAP provides a guiding framework for the management of Nepal’s biodiversity. It has been prepared to meet the national needs for managing biodiversity on a sustainable basis for 31

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project the benefit of present and future generations, and also to 32ryden the country’s international obligations. It has a long-term (i.e. 35 years) vision, and includes specific short-term (up to 2020) strategies and priorities for action. The specific strategies and associated actions are grouped into six biodiversity themes and 15 cross-cutting subjects. The strategies for managing protected area and forest biodiversity aims at reducing or managing human pressure on natural resources, reducing human-wildlife conflict, controlling invasive alien species, mitigating climate threats to ecosystems, species and their habitats, and addressing economic and social concerns of local and indigenous communities through targeted programmes, enabling policy and legislative environment. Reducing rate of loss and degradation of forest habitats, improving biological connectivity, enhancing knowledge and understanding about forests, promoting conservation of species and genetic diversities, enhancement of forest-based livelihoods are some of its focused areas.

4.2.4 Nepal Conservation Strategy, 2071 (2014) The strategy was endorsed by GoN in 2014 and contains various policies of international and national concern. It places the prime responsibility of conservation or wise use of natural resources upon individual nations. It has made various provisions for resource conservation and utilization in tune with environment friendly manner. It has provision of dealing with biological diversity and soil conservation, watershed management, national park, protected areas and wildlife conservation as well as other natural heritages.

4.2.5 National Wetland Policy of Nepal 2069 (2013) The overall goal of the National Wetland Policy of Nepal 2013 is to rehabilitate, conserve and manage wetland resources with local community participation in a judicious and sustainable manner. Placing wetland conservation and management within the broader framework of environmental management, it has attempted to respond to various aspects of wetlands, including identification and classification of wetlands; prevention and control of invasive plant species; identification and promotion of local indigenous knowledge; and mobilization of local communities including women.

4.2.6 Land Use Policy 2072 (2015) Land use Policy (LUP) is a policy document relating to limits and protection of Land and Land Resources (LLRs), optimum use and effective management thereto. Legal and institutional management for Lands and Land Resources (LLRs), and protection, use and management thereon are done under this Policy. This policy ascertains the environment-friendly construction-works by making optimum use of Lands and Land Resources (LLRs) in keeping with a balance between the environment and development. 4.2.7 Climate Change Policy 2067 (2011) This policy envisions a country spared from the adverse impacts of climate change, by considering climate justice, through the pursuit of environmental conservation, human development and sustainable development – all contributing towards a prosperous society. This policy aims to address the adverse impacts of climate change and utilizes the opportunities created from it to improve livelihoods and achieve climate-friendly physical, social and economic development. The Main goal of this policy is to improve livelihoods by mitigating and adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change, adopting a low-carbon emission socio- 32

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project economic development path and supporting and collaborating in the spirits of country’s commitments to national and international agreements related to climate change. It provides multiple avenues for addressing the adverse impacts of a changing climate which include the following: • Climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction • Low carbon development and climate resilience • Access to financial resources and utilization • Study and research related to climate change • Technology development, transfer and utilization • Climate friendly natural resource management.

4.2.8 Water Resources Strategy, 2059 (2002) The Water Resources Strategy 2002 underscores the interdependency between water resources development and environmental conservation, and has adopted environmental principles related, inter alia, to the integration of ecological aspects at every level of hydropower development process, conserve biodiversity, watersheds, and adopt ecosystem approach. The activities are also related to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, promote community participation for the sustainable management of watersheds and aquatic ecosystems (WECS, 2002).

4.2.9 Hydropower Development Policy 2058 (2001) The Main objective of the policy includes producing clean energy through the development of hydropower projects and to help conserve the environment. One of the policy objectives stipulates to extend the use of electricity for the utility minimization of fuel wood and to render necessary assistance in the conservation of forest and environment. Overall policy goal is to develop environment friendly hydropower to meet the country energy needs and to encourage private sector to invest in hydropower. The policy has a provision to make public the programs and measures identified by the environmental assessment study for implementation to the local area people. The policy further states all developers to release at least 10% of minimum monthly average discharges below the water diversion structure of all types of water resource projects. The private parties developing hydropower projects are encouraged to acquire the private land and property required for the project on their own costs. If the lands and houses are not available, the government ensures to acquire such property to the private developers according to the prevailing laws. However, private developers will have to borne all expenditures for such acquisition and resettlement and rehabilitation of affected people. The government land shall be made available to the private developers on lease basis or according to the prevailing laws. For the development of the directly affected RMs, the policy has made a provision to allocate one percentage of the royalty obtained from the hydropower projects.

4.2.10 Nepal Environmental Policy and Action Plan 2050 (1993) Nepal Environmental Policy and Action Plan were indorsed in 1993 to institutionalize environment protection in development projects. Its aims were: • To manage natural and physical resources efficiently and sustainably 33

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

• To balance the development efforts and environmental conservation for sustainable fulfillment of basic needs • To safeguard national heritage • To mitigate adverse environmental impacts of development projects and human actions • To integrate environment and development through appropriate institutions, adequate legislation and economic incentives, and sufficient public resources Policies, actions, responsible organization and time-frame proposed in NEPAP are in following areas: Sustainable Management of Natural Resources: land management, soil fertility management, agricultural research and extension, status and management of forest and rangeland, forestry research and extension, water resource management, watershed protection, and management of key watersheds Population, Health and Poverty: population growth and pressure on available resources, population policies and programs, health and sanitation, drinking water supply, poverty alleviation, environment and population, off-farm employment Safeguarding Natural Heritage: biodiversity conservation and its status, protected area management, cultural heritage and its status, preserving cultural heritage, tourism and environmental problems 4.3 Acts d'n'sL b]jfgL ;+lxtf P]g @)&$ 4.3.1 The act has focused on the restoration of rule of law, code of conduct and ethics among the citizens of Nepal. This project activities will be subject to the Muluki Ain. 4.3.2 Solid Waste Management Act 2068 (2011) The solid waste management act 2068 vests the responsibility to make arrangement and management of Solid Waste on the Local Body (section 3 and 4). However, as per subsection 2 of section 4, the responsibility for processing and management of hazardous waste, medical waste, chemical waste or industrial waste under the prescribed standards shall rest with the person or institution that has generated the solid waste.

4.3.3 Local Government Operation Act 2074 The Local Government Operation Act, 2074 provides autonomy to (Rural) Municipalities. The Act empowers RMs and Municipalities to conserve manage and use their natural resources and collect tax, revenue from the sale and use of such resources and use it for local development. Section 11 of the Act provides the functions, rights and duties of the Ward Committees. Section 25 J of the Act requires the RM to help for protection of environment through plantation over the bare land, cliff and mountains. Section 55 empowers local bodies to levy taxes on utilization of natural resources within their territory. Section 68 lists the property of the RM, which includes natural resources. The special feature under this Act is that VDCs and Municipalities are authorized to generate and distribute electricity. 4.3.4 Environment Protection Act 2053 (1997) Environment Protection Act 2053 (1997) has been enacted as a comprehensive and umbrella type environmental act; it recognizes the interdependence between development activities and

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project the environment for Maintaining clean and healthy environment by minimizing, as far as possible, the impacts of environmental degradation on people, animal and plant species and physical surroundings. It identifies environmental assessment (IEE/EIA) report as mandatory requirement for prescribed developmental activities (Section 3). Section 4 of the Act prohibits implementation of development proposals without prior approval of the relevant agencies.

4.3.5 Electricity Act 2049 (1992) The Electricity Act, 1992 has been enacted to manage the survey, generation, transmission and distribution of electricity and to standardize and safeguard electricity services. Under Section 3 of the act, survey, generation, transmission or distribution of electricity without obtaining license is prohibited. However, no license is required for project having installed capacity of 100KW to 1000KW but shall have to give information to Department of Electricity development as prescribed. According to Section 4, sub-section (1) of the Act, “Any person or corporate body who wishes to conduct survey, generation, transmission or distribution of electricity over 1MW, shall be required to submit an application to the prescribed officer along with economic, technical and environmental study report”. The Act also forbids negative impacts on environment, such as soil erosion, floods, landslides and air pollution while producing, transmitting, and distributing electricity (Section 24). Section 33 deals with the utilization and acquisition of land and houses. This section allows the license to be submitted with an application to GoN where other’s lands or houses need to be acquired. Section further states that GoN may make available land and houses in the same manner as it makes available to any corporate body under the prevailing laws.

4.3.6 Water Resources Act 2049 (1992) The Water Resources Act, 1992 has been enacted to arrange for the rational utilization, conservation, management and development of water resources in Nepal. The Act appears to embody a public trust doctrine vesting ownership rights and jurisdiction over water bodies to the GoN (Section 3). The Act provides for a committee as prescribed for the settlement of disputes regarding the beneficial use of water resources (Section 7). The Act strives to minimize environmental damage while developing water resource projects through the application of environmental impact assessment studies. It makes the environmental study a mandatory prerequisite for water resources and electricity projects. Section 8 (1) of the Act requires any person or corporate body willing to carry out survey for specific water resources has to apply to the prescribed authority and submit a detailed economical, technical and environmental report. The Act contains provision for land and property acquisition or use, if necessary, for the construction of a water resource project with appropriate compensation for any loss of property or land (Section 16). It provides a provision for making necessary arrangements by the government to protect the infrastructures related to the utilization of water resources at license expenses (Section 17). Under Section 18, GoN may fix and Maintain quality standards for water resources. Section 19 (1) empowers GoN to prescribe a pollution tolerance limit. Section 19 (2) prohibits the proponent to initiate activities that creates pollution exceeding the standard set for pollution tolerance limit. Pursuant to sub-section (1), it is prohibited for discharge of waste including, among other things, industrial effluents, poisons, chemicals or toxic materials. 35

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Section 20 emphasizes the need for avoiding or minimizing the impacts of soil erosion, landslide, flood or other significant adverse environmental impacts during the utilization of water resources. The Act has empowered the prescribed officer to order the license to make necessary reforms. If the license fails to comply with the orders of the prescribed officer, the Act has empowered him to quash the license. Under Section 22, penalties may be imposed for a breach of the Act or rules made under it. Finally, the Act has conferred GoN the right to frame rules related to inter alia, environment protection and pollution control of water resources.

4.3.7 Contribution Based Social Security Act 2075 (2017), Regulation 2075 (2018) Article 3 of the act prevents anyone who has not contributed in Social Security Programs from getting benefit. The project will follow the act while providing employment opportunity and the programs from the CSP. 4.3.8 Labour Act 2074, Regulation 2075 The act mandates the employer to give priority to the Nepalese citizen while employing the company personnel and workers. After a year of service, the company or employer has to employ the workers permanently with broadly defined position, roles and responsibilities and the pay scale. But those employed under contract for short duration of time will not entitled for permanent employment. The employer could terminate the employee with prior approval of the Department of Labour and prior notice to the employee as defined by the law. The labour act prohibits the employment of the child or under-aged person. The employer could not force the workers to work for long hours other than defined by the law. The employer has the responsibility to ensure the health environmental conditions of the workplace as defined by the law. The contract documents for the provision and management of work camps and working sites should be revised in light of the provisions made by the act. Safety gears will be provided to the workers.

4.3.9 Act to regulate and control International Trade in Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora, 2073 It is expedient to make necessary legal provisions for conservation of various species of the endangered fauna and flora in order to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 1973 to which Nepal is a party and for regulation and control of international trade thereof; it enacted by the Legislature-Parliament referred to in clause (1) of Article 296 of the Constitution of Nepal.

4.3.10 Soil & Watershed Conservation Act 2039 (1982) The mismanagement of watersheds leads to the degradation of valuable land by flooding, water logging and accelerated silt in storage reservoirs. In order to properly manage the watersheds of Nepal, the Soil and Watershed Conservation Act, 1982 (SWCA) was enacted. Section 3 empowers GoN to declare any area a protected watershed area. Section 4 provides that a watershed conservation officer has the authority to implement the following works in protected watershed areas: • Construct and Maintain dams, embankment, terrace improvements, diversion channels and retaining walls

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

• Protect vegetation in landslide-prone areas and undertake afforestation programs and • Regulate agricultural practices pertinent to soil and watershed conservation Under Section 10 of SWCA, power is extended to the watershed conservation officer to grant permission to construct dams, drainage ditches and canals, cut privately owned trees, excavate sand, boulders and soil, discharge solid waste and establish industry or residential areas within any protected watershed. SWCA outlines the essential parameters necessary for proper watershed management (including both rivers and lakes). The Act is applicable only to protected watersheds.

4.3.11 Land Acquisition Act 2034 (1977) The Land Acquisition Act, 1977 Amendment, 1993 is the Main legislation to guide the involuntary acquisition of land in the country. Government can acquire land at any place in any quantity by giving the compensation pursuant to the Act for the land required for any public purpose or for the operation of any development project initiated by government or government authorized institution (sections 3 and 4). The Government shall provide compensation to the concerned person and organization as decided by the Compensation Fixation Committee. The committee consists of Chief District Officer, Chief District Land Administration and Revenue Officer, Project Chief and the Representative of the DDC. The compensation paid under this Act will be in cash. However, under the Section 14 of the Act, it is stated that, the Government may allot land to those people whose land has been acquired, from the land it possess such as Ailani, or Government-owned any other land, and if they prefer land for land. The government has not taken the provision of land for land seriously. The legislation is seriously limited in several ways. Firstly, there is no requirement that compensation be paid at their fair market value or any stipulation that compensation be disbursed within a specific time. Secondly, there is no obligation that the land acquired be in conformity with a clear site development plan. The act does not recognize other mode of compensation than cash compensation. And lastly the act remains silent on the land to be acquired by privately funded projects. The requirement of land for the project is very low and there is no family to be resettled. Thus, cash compensation at market rates will be suitable for the project.

4.3.12 National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029 (1973) The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 is the key legal instrument in protecting biodiversity within the protected areas. Section 5 of the Act prohibits, inter alia, hunting of animals or bird, building any house, hut or other structure, clearing or cultivating any part of the land, harvesting, and cutting, burning or damaging any tree, bush or other forest products, mining within National Parks and or Wildlife Reserves. Section 5(j) of the act prohibits blocking, diverting any river or stream flowing through National Park or Reserve, or any other source of water, or using any harmful materials therein. Section 10 of the act provides protection status to 27 species of mammals, 9 species of birds and 3 species of reptiles. The Act recognizes six categories of protected areas, namely National Park, Conservation Area, Wildlife Reserve, Hunting Reserve, Strict Nature Reserve and Buffer Zones.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

4.3.13 Aquatic Animal Protection Act, 2018 (1961) (Amendment 2056) The Aquatic Animals Protection Act 1961 (AAPA) and amendment indicates an early recognition of the value of wetlands and aquatic animals. Section 3 renders punishable to any party introducing poisonous, noxious and explosive materials into a water resource, or destroying any dam, bridge and water system with the intent of catching or killing aquatic life. Under section 4, the government is empowered to prohibit catching, killing and harming of certain kinds of aquatic animals by notification in the Nepal Gazette. The act has been amended to include the provision that obliges the proponent to construct fish ladder at the dam site to ensure the movement of aquatic animal. If it is not possible, the proponent should establish fish hatchery or a nursery, close to the dam site of the water resource projects, for artificial reproduction and conservation (Section 5b). 4.4 Rules and Regulations

4.4.1 Solid Waste Management Rules 2070 (2013) According to this rule the concerned generator is responsible for managing the chemical or harmful solid waste. It provides the individual, organization or agency generating solid waste to make segregation of the wastes as prescribed. As such, SCHPP is responsible for managing the waste generated by its activities. However, this rule is silent about specific solid waste management procedure to be adopted for different types of wastes.

4.4.2 Environment Protection Rules 2054 (1997) It contains elaborate provisions for the process to be followed during the preparation and approval of the projects requiring EIA or IEE, including scoping documents, terms of reference, public consultations and hearings, and environmental monitoring and auditing. The environmental legislation empowers the concerned Ministry to monitor the environmental activities including mitigation measures. It also lists the types of development activities requiring the level of environmental assessment (IEE or EIA) study (Schedule 1 and 2). Rule 7 of EPR provides that the IEE proposal proponents to publish 15 days public notice in the national daily and present the notification to the public institutions of the affected area for comments and suggestions on IEE proposals during the study phase. Rule 10 of EPR stipulates that all the proposals submitted for approval will have to take letter of recommendations from the concerned affected VDCs and municipalities on the proposals. However, the rule is silent on the status of the IEE/EIA if it is approved contrary to public and the affected VDCs and municipality opinion. However, the Ministry can only grant its approval to implement the proposal if it does not cause significant adverse effects on the environment under rule 11. Rule 12 of EPR stipulates that the proponent is obliged to follow the terms of conditions set by concerned agencies in the approval letter during project implementation and operation. Rule 13 provides that the concerned agency to be responsible for the project monitoring.

4.4.3 Forest Regulation 2051 (1995) The Forest Rules, 1995 call for the preparation and implementation of government managed forests, including programs related to soil conservation, and protection of the environment (Rule 3). Rule 65 of the Forest Regulation stipulates that in case the execution of any project having 38

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project national priority in any forest area causes any loss or harm to any local individual or community the proponents of the project itself shall bear the amount of compensation to be paid. Similarly, the entire expenses required for the cutting and transporting the forest products in a forest area to be used by the approved project shall be borne by the proponents of the project. According to the Rules, thirteen plant species are included in the protection list and GoN has banned the inter alia collection, felling, transportation and export of these species and/or their parts.

4.4.4 Electricity Regulation, 2050 (1993) The Electricity Regulation, 1993 state that the proponent willing to produce and transmit electricity should 39ryden39 environmental impacts of the proposed projects and include impact mitigation measures and environment protection measures including arrangements for the settlement of the displaced people (Rules 12 and 13). According to Rule 66, any person or corporate body desiring to produce or transmit electricity shall submit an application requesting, for the use of such land. However, such land if regulated should be compensated (Rule 87), as determined by the Compensation Fixation Committee (Rule 88).

4.4.5 Water Resources Regulations 2050 (1993) The Water Resources Rules, 2049 obliges the proponents to, inter alia, 39ryden39 environmental impacts of the proposed action and include impact mitigation measures and environment protection measures including arrangements for the settlement of displaced people (Rules 17). The report should be a part of the application for the water resources utilization permit. In a process for resolving any conflict, the Water Resources Utilization Investigation Committee should consider environmental impacts likely to occur from a proposal (Rule 28). It should also collect site-specific information on likely environmental impacts of the concerned project (Rules 28). 4.5 Guidelines and Manuals

4.5.1 Work Procedure Regarding Use of National Forest Area for Projects of National Priority, 2074 This work procedure has been formulated and brought into effect in order to provide necessary guidance and regulate the matters related to giving assent for the use of national forest to the projects having national priority as provided by Section 68 of the Forest Act, 2049. In case there is no alternative except to use the Forest Area for the implementation of the projects having national priority, the Government of Nepal may give assent to use any part of the National Forest (including Government Managed Forest, Community Forest, Lease hold Forest or Religious Forest) for the implementation of projects and remove the trees thereof. This work procedure presents the procedural guidelines and list of documental evidences to be presented by the concerned ministry for receiving the assent for using national forest land. This work procedure requires such projects to prepare EIA or IEE report as per the prevailing act and rules prior implementation and the concerned ministry should receive consent from the Ministry of Forest before approving the report. The projects implemented with a motive to make profit should handover land equal in area of land used by its structural components as compensation. Projects that are to be handed over to

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project the GoN after a period, if unable to provide such land can compensate in terms of money the land determined based on the standard devised by the Ministry of Forest. The proponent should plant 25 saplings for each tree felled in the land provided in compensation to the national forest land used by the project or land identified by the District Forest Office if such lands are not provided and manage and conserve the plantation for at least 5 years at its own cost and hand over to the District Forest Office. In case the project is unable to do the compensatory plantation on self, it should provide the cost necessary to do the plantation and management and trending for five years to the respective District Forest Office which will do the necessary plantation and trending works. Projects that use national forest area temporarily should annually deposit money equivalent to the cost allocated for leasehold forest in Schedule 20 of Forest Regulation 2051 in the Federal Reserve Fund for the national forest land used temporarily. The projects implemented on states’ sources and non-profit ventures are exempt of such costs. Besides, the proponent should duly implement the mitigation measures identified in the approved EIA or IEE report at its own cost. After the GoN gives assent to the project for the use of national forest area, the respective department (Department of Forest) should make an agreement with the proponent with conditions to be followed by the project while using national forest area. The ministry of forest on self or through its subordinate agencies will monitor the compliance of the conditions of agreement and take necessary action in case of non-compliance. This procedure shall be followed while proposing mitigation measures regarding impacts on forest and vegetation.

4.5.2 National Adaptation Program of Action, 2010 The National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) has been instrumental in Mainstreaming climate change in development planning. Nepal has prepared the National Adaptation Program of Action which was endorsed by the government in September 2010. The NAPA has developed a framework for adaptation program and has identified key adaptation needs, existing adaptation practices and options for developed projects. Among the nine priorities, the following can be of relevance to the project in concern: • monitoring of Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and disaster risk reduction • forest and ecosystem management for supporting climate led adaptation innovations • adapting to climate change in public health • ecosystem management for climate adaptation • empowering vulnerable communities through sustainable management of water resources and clean energy supply

4.5.3 Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), a guideline to the environmental and social issues associated with new road construction and upgrading, 2007 The Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF) intends to provide technical and managerial inputs and guidance into the design of the strategic roads (both designated for rehabilitation and, to lesser extent, to new construction, in the Western Districts of Nepal), through identification of key environmental and social issues related to the foreseen projects, mitigate potential impacts and concerns and, devise opportunities to enhance the benefits. The 40

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project framework integrates in a step-wise approach the most important environmental and social considerations into all stages of project preparation, implementation, monitoring and operation. This framework will be the guiding document for integration of environmental and social aspects in internal project access design and construction.

4.5.4 Guidelines for Study of Hydropower Projects, 2003 These guidelines have been prepared by the Department of Electricity Development (DoED) to establish and Maintain a criterion for different phases of study of hydropower projects based on different capacity and scheme of hydropower projects. These guidelines in general cover the scope of works in defined formats of different studies and specific details for each of those studies including environmental study. It requires the environmental study of the projects to be carried out in format prescribed by the Environment Protection Act, 1997 and Environment Protection Rules, 1997.

4.5.5 Community Forest Inventory Guidelines, 2062 (2005) Community Forest Inventory Guidelines 2062 is issued by Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation for creating proper inventory of forest products such as underutilization of forest products, development of product utilization plan, non-timber forest management and creating more equitable rules regarding forest product sharing. This guideline will be followed for stand size classification and stock calculation in the IEE Study.

4.5.6 Hydropower Emvironmental Impact Assessment Manual 2018 The manual offers the procedures and effectives techniques to conduct the environmental asessment of hydroelectric projects. In this IEE process, the techniques and methodologies stated in manual has been followed. 4.5.7 Manual for preparing Environmental Management Plan (EMP), DoED/IRG/USAID, 2002 The EPR 2054 has a provision for the formulation and implementation of an EMP for the proposed project. A broad framework of monitoring and mitigation plans to be employed is necessary in order to achieve the effective implementation of an EMP in the process of project construction. Manual for preparing Environmental Management Plan (EMP), prepared by DoED/IRG/USAID, was followed during the preparation of Environmental Management Plan.

4.5.8 Community Forest Guidelines, 2058 (2001) Realizing the contribution by the Forest User’s Group in management, preserving and Development of forest in the country and for the proper management and development of the community forest in the country, the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation issued Community Forest Guidelines 2058. This has further strengthened the management capability of the Community Forest User’s Group.

4.5.9 Forest Products, Collection, Sale and Distribution Guidelines, 2057 (2000) The clauses 3 to 10 of the guideline have specified various procedures and formats for getting approval for vegetation clearance, delineation of lands for vegetation clearance, evaluation of wood volume, etc. and government offices and officials responsible for the approval,

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project delineation and evaluation. These provisions have a direct relevance to the development of the project and need compliance to these provisions.

4.5.10 EIA guidelines for Forestry Sector, 2052 (1995) The forestry sector EIA guidelines aim to facilitate the sustainable use of forest resources for the socio-economic development and to meet the basic needs of the communities for forest products. The positive and negative impacts of any development project in the forest area are to be identified and plans must be developed to minimize environmental damage, conserving genetic resources and bio-diversity.

4.5.11 EIA Guidelines for Water Resource Sector, 2050 (1994) EIA guidelines for water resource sector are the sectoral guidelines drafted by the Government of Nepal as a part of the NCS implementation program for facilitating the environmental consideration in development projects. As the government has not yet approved these guidelines, they do not have any statutory authority or legal base. However, the salient features are: • Identification of positive and negative impacts of water resource projects over both short- term and long-term period on natural and human environments • Development of mitigation management and monitoring plan • Public hearing and interaction with affected group, NGOs, donors and the relevant government agencies According to the guidelines, all hydropower projects generating more than 75km length of 66KV transmission line would require EIA.

4.5.12 National EIA Guideline, 2049 (1993) As recommended by National Conservation Strategy and Nepal’s Seventh Five Year Plan, National Planning Commission (NPC) with assistance from IUCN prepared the National EIA Guidelines, which provides the procedural guideline for integrating environmental aspects in development projects. The guidelines were endorsed by the Nepal Government on 27 September 1992 and gazette on 19 July 1993 in volume 45, number 5. The guidelines contain objective criteria for project screening, IEE, scoping, preparation of TOR, format for EIA report, impact identification and prediction, mitigation measures, report review, monitoring, evaluation and auditing, community participation, schedules and annexes to IEE and EIA. Many of the guideline provisions are now included in the Environment Protection Act 1997 and Environment Protection Regulation 1997. IEE/EIA in Nepal has now become legally mandatory. However, as the National Environmental Guidelines, 1993 have not been issued under the Environment Protection Act (1997), they do not have any legal force. It is a policy guideline issued by the Government that is still followed in the matters which are not covered by the Environment Protection Act (1997) and Environment Protection Regulations (1997). 4.6 International Conventions Nepal has international obligations for natural resource management being a party to some of the environment related conventions. So far, Nepal is a party of about 20 environment related conventions. Once a country becomes party to a treaty, it has a moral obligation to incorporate and internalize the treaty obligations into the domestic law. Formal implementation of treaty 42

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project obligations may be in the form of legislation and policy measures. Section 9 (1) of the Nepal Treaty Act, 2048 concerns all matters in a treaty to which Nepal is a party by having ratified, acceded approved or accepted the treaty by the parliament. Section 9 (91) of the Act specifies that when a matter in a treaty is inconsistent with the existing domestic laws, these laws shall be void to the extent of inconsistency, and the provisions of the treaty shall prevail as the law of Nepal. Thus, this Act explicitly provides for the privacy of international treaties over national law, when a treaty is signed, but is ratified, acceded, approved or accepted by the Parliament. Section 9 (2) of the Act creates an additional obligation on the government to enact appropriate and adequate laws for implementation of the provision of such a treaty. Internalization of International treaty norms into domestic legislation is done in various ways, such as full or partial incorporation of the text of the treaty with or without reference to the treaty. In connection with this Project, some of the Conventions to which Nepal is a party may be attracted. These legally binding international instruments are reviewed below:

4.6.1 Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 The Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 was opened for signature during the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Nepal signed this convention during the Rio Summit. The convention was ratified by the Parliament in 1993 to become its party. The convention has entered into force in Nepal on 21 February 1994. Article 14 of the Convention urges parties to introduce appropriate procedures requiring environmental assessment of the proposed project that are likely to have significant adverse effects on biological diversity with a view to avoiding or minimizing such effects and, where appropriate, allow for public participation in such procedures. The convention also focuses on reducing trans-boundary impacts on biodiversity. There are other both non-legally binding and legally binding international instruments that focus on conservation and protection of the environment and natural resources. The environmental assessment could contribute to address the convention matters and comply with the international obligations while meeting its national development needs.

4.6.2 Convention (No. 169) Concerning Indigenous and Tribal People in Independent Countries, 1989 The Article 7 of the convention provides right o the indigenous and tribal people to decide their own priorities for the process of development. However, for the national development plans and programs it mandates consultation with them in the formulations of the plan and programs. Articles 12, 13, 14 and 15 safeguards rights of the indigenous people in the land and natural resources in territories traditionally occupied by them. In the event that the state retains the right of the natural resources in their territories, it mandates formulation of special provisions under the state legislation for participation in the decision making process and resettlement process with full compensation of the resulting loss or injury (Article 16).

4.6.3 Ramsar Convention 1975 (Convention on wetland of international importance especially as waterfowl habitat) The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl habitat, known as the Ramsar Convention, has entered into force in 1975. It aims to protect the wetland ecosystems from further destruction. It urges the parties to conserve wetlands, promote their 43

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project sustainable utilization, and set aside special areas as wildlife reserve. Every country is required to designate at least one wetland for inclusion on the list of wetlands. Nepal is an international flyway for migrating waterfowl in South Asia. This agreement may have a bearing on the development potential of wetland area at hydropower project sites. The Strategic Plan of the Ramsar Convention has emphasized on the conservation of the wetlands and urges parties to conduct environmental assessment of the development proposals that are likely to have significant impacts on wetlands.

4.6.4 Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 1973 Nepal became party to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1975. CITES has facilitated international co-operation to regulate international trade in endangered wild flora and fauna with the aim of reducing or eliminating trade in species whose numbers or conditions suggest that further removal from their natural habitat would lead to their extinction. The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (NPWC) Act, 1973 regulates the trade of species listed in CITES appendices. The government has designated the Natural History Museum (Tribhuwan University) and the Department of Plant Resources as the scientific authorities for wild fauna and flora respectively. Similarly, the government has designated the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest as the management authorities for wild fauna and flora respectively. The Convention urges parties not to allow trade in specimen of species included in the CITES Appendices I, II and III except in accordance with the provisions of the convention. The project area is found to host different wild animals listed in under different appendices. The project will have to minimize impacts to the CITIES species as far as possible and discourage its workers from involving in illegal trade of these species. hUufsf] xbaGbL 5'6 lbg] ;DaGwL cfb]z, @)&$ 4.6.5 Section 6, sub-section 1 of this order has special provision of providing the land to the industry or academy to use for certain period of time to fulfill their objective. This project will follow the requirements to apply for additional land use according to the provisions stated in section 3. 4.7 Standards

4.7.1 National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 2069 (2012) The National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 2012 enforced by GoN has set quality standards for nine parameters: total suspended particles (TSP), particulate matter (PM10), sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon mono-oxide, lead, benzene, PM2.5 and Ozone for the Maintenance of the ambient air quality. The project during its construction and operation will have to comply with the set standards for the ambient air quality.

4.7.2 ffish Nepal Vehicle Mass Emission Standards, 2069 (2012) GoN has released the Nepal Vehicle Mass Emission Standard, 2069, popularly known as EURO III standard to regulate vehicular emission. This standard is primarily based on vehicles fuelled with gasoline and diesel and parameters such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, oxides of nitrogen and particulate matters have been considered. Furthermore, these standards are based on type approval and conformity of production of the vehicles. 44

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

4.7.3 National Ambient Sound Quality Standard, 2069 (2012) It has set the limit of allowable noise in different areas like industrial area, commercial area, settlement areas in rural and urban settings, etc. The equipment used during may emit noise beyond the limits. However, they will be instantaneous and the government standard will be complied will as far as practicable for the work situation.

4.7.4 Standard on Emission of Smoke in Air by New and Existing Diesel Generator, 2069 (2012) These standards prescribed for diesel fuelled vehicles primarily based on parameters such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, oxides of nitrogen and particulate matters. It adopts EURO III Standard to be followed for New Diesels Generator and Euro II for Existing Generator. The generators used during project construction will follow these standards.

4.7.5 National Water Quality Standard, 2064 (2008) It has set the limit for different physiochemical parameters as well as micro-organisms for drinking water.

4.7.6 Tolerance Limits for Industrial Effluents to be discharged into Inland Surface Waters, 2003 It has set tolerance limits for the industrial effluents to be discharged into the inland surface water. Since the project is considered as an industry, it will have to comply with the tolerance limits set in the standard prior to the discharge of the effluents into the inland surface water during the construction and operation period.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

5 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION

In a preliminary study, following information on existing physical, biological and socio- economic environment have been collected. The information will be updated as per the data requirement explained in preceding chapter to establish the necessary environmental baseline for the project. The IEE will consider recent restructuring of the local bodies while presenting the baseline information and assigning responsibilities related to monitoring and others. 5.1 Physical Environment

5.1.1 Topography and Land Use The topography of the project area is characterized by moderate and steep slope. The moderately sloping terrains are used for cultivation and settlement. Flat lands available are the fluvial terraces along the bank of the Chepe Khola. The powerhouse site is located on flood plain on the right bank of Chepe Khola near Olang. The land uses of the core project area include agricultural land, forest, barren land/grassland, river and flood plain.

5.1.2 Climate The Project area lies in the middle mountain region of Nepal. Like other parts of Nepal, the region is influenced by monsoon climate. Monthly precipitation recorded at different stations established by Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) are pertinent for the project under study. Information of the pertinent precipitation stations are given in Table 17. Table 17: Information of Precipitation Recorded in Different Stations around Project Basin Station River (Location) Lat. Long. Elevation Area Records No. (m) (km2) (from - to)

Intake SCHPP 28.248297 84.646318 1820 46

440 Chepe (GaramBesi) 28.063456 84.496652 442 308 1964-2006

439.3 Khudi (KhudiBazzar) 28.293453 84.364562 990 151 1983-1995

415.1 Aandhi (Borlangpul) 27.987452 83.583413 749 195 2000-2006

428 Mardi (Lahachowk) 28.374254 83.924366 915 160 1974-1995

446.8 Phalankhu (Betrawati) 27.984657 85.193457 630 162 1971-1995 Source: Feasibility Study, 2018 The climate in the project area is hot and humid during the months of June to September and cold during the months of November to January. The relative humidity ranges from 70 to 75% over the year. The temperature reaches as high as 25 oC in the summer (May) and falls as low as 4 oC in the winter (January).

5.1.3 Chepe Khola Catchment The Chepe Khola is a tributary of the Marsyangdi River, which is a major tributary of the Narayani River Basin. The basin has high hill/mountainous catchments. The total catchment 46

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project area at the intake site is 49.23 km2, whereas area below 3000 amsl 15.68 km2; the average elevation of basin is 2800 amsl. The basin has average MWI is 1500. Chepe Khola starts from the lesser Himalayas range of Himchuli. The headworks of the project lies on the left bank of the Chepe Khola just below the confluence of Chepe with Jumlyaha Khola at Sapru at an Elevation of about 1850 amsl.

The catchment area of proposed intake site by GIS application is shown in below Figure 4.

Total Area Up to Headwork: 49.23 Sq.km

Figure 3 Catchment area of SCHP Intake Site

The proposed powerhouse site of Super Chepe Hydropower Project lies at about elevation 1300 amsl and located at about 4 Km downstream of the proposed intake; about 40 m upstream of Thado Khola and Chepe Khola at Olan. The total catchment area at proposed powerhouse site is 91.61 Km2. The catchment area of proposed intake site by GIS application is shown in below Figure 3-2.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Figure 4 Catchment area of SCHP Power house Site

5.1.4 Hydrology The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology installed gauging station on the Chepe Khola at Garambesi, Lamjung; which lies downstream below and has the similar catchment characteristics with this project basin. The station no is 440 and gauge reading has been done since 1964. The recorded data of that station are fair with 43 (1964 – 2006) years period, the catchment area of at Garambesi is about 308 Km2. The the long term hydrology for the project had been analyzed by four menthods: a) Catchment Area Correlation (CAR), b) Medium Irigation Project (MIP), c) Regional Hydrology (MHSP) and d) Hydest Methods. The results from these different methods have been compared in Table 18 and Figure 6. The results derived from MHSP, Hydest and MIP are more or less similar but aren’t comparable to direct flow measurement at intake. Hence it is unreliable to predict long term average flow of Chepe Khola by these methods. The discharge derived by correlating with catchment represents more accurate and reliable result as it considers basin characteristics and precipitation ratio. For this reason, the monthly discharge generated from CAR method was considered to be the most reliable and adopted for the design of the project.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Table 18: Comparision of Mean Monthly Flow of the Chepe Khola at HW from different methods

CAR Method MIP Method MHSP Method WECS/DHM Month (m3/sec) (m3/sec) (m3/sec) Method (m3/sec)

Janauary 0.940 1.314 0.900 1.040 February 0.780 0.912 0.730 0.933 March 0.710 0.669 0.660 1.045 April 0.750 0.485 0.740 0.830 May 1.080 0.912 0.830 0.910 June 3.400 1.518 2.670 3.240 July 10.870 6.567 8.070 6.970 August 12.080 12.125 9.810 10.320 September 9.200 10.103 7.780 6.780 October 4.170 5.054 3.750 3.520 November 2.000 2.425 1.800 1.820 December 1.230 1.819 1.150 1.270 Average 3.934 3.659 3.241 3.223 (Source: Feasibility Report, 2018)

Figure 5 Monthly Hydrograph from Different Methods The adopted average monthly flow for power calculation is shown in the Table 19 and the Figure 7. 49

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Table 19: Adopted Average Mean Monthly Flows of the Chepe River at HW

Month

January February March PRIL May June July August Septemb October November December Average

Mean Dischar 0.95 0.78 0.72 0.75 1.08 3.41 10.91 12.13 9.24 4.19 2.01 1.24 3.95 ge (m3/s) (Source: Feasibility Report, 2018)

Figure 6 Adopted Average Monthly Flow of the Chepe River at HW

The adopted flow from correlation with Rajduwali Station had been put under further analysis to calculate the design discharge. The Flow Duration Curve thus generated is presented in the Figure 6. Based on the flow duration curve, design discharge (41.4 percentile) at the proposed intake is 2.05 m3/s (Figure 5.3).

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Figure 7 Flow Duration Curve (CAR Method)

Flood Analysis: Prior to initiating the flood frequency analysis, the maximum instantaneous discharges were extracted from the observed historical flood data between 1964 and 2006 at Rajduwali gauging station using CAR method. Garambesi gauging station drains an area of 308 km2. The 100 year design flood at intake site is 175.55 m3/s and at powerhouse site is 333.88 m3/s. The 20 year diversion flood at intake site has been adopted as 3.5 m3/s. Riparian Release: According to Hydropower Development Policy 2001, the compensation release should not be less than 10% of the driest month’s monthly average discharge. The long term mean monthly flow for the driest month, Falgun, at the intake site is 0.72 m3/sec. To comply with the policy, a flow equivalent to at least 10% of this month, i.e. 0.072 m3/sec will be released downstream as the riparian release for downstream riverine habitat. Water from Chepe Khola is not used for irrigation. For conservation purpose, it is assumed that the downstream released flow will be sufficient to protect the aquatic habitat and environment throughout the year. Hence, a minimum flow of 0.072 m3/s as downstream riparian release is reduced from the available river flow to obtain flow for power generation.

5.1.5 Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) There are no glacial lakes in the catchment of the Chepe River; hence there is no risk of GLOF and its impact on the project structures. This is also confirmed by accessing the mountain geoportal managed by the ICIMOD (http://geoportal.icimod.org/storymaps/nepalglakes/) and other literatures published in this regard.

5.1.6 Geology The project area lies in Lesser Himalayan Zone of Central Nepal (Figure 9). The project area is located in the Ulleri Formation (Figure 10). In the project area, the formation is comprised of rocks such as gneiss and schist with quartzite. In general, the rocks are thin to medium bedded and locally fractured, weak to medium strong and moderately to slightly weathered in nature.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

The project area consists of interbedding sequence of foliated gneiss, schist and quartzite In most of the areas, schists are undulated, thin to medium bedded, wavy continuous, fractured and jointed, slightly to moderately weathered grey, light grey to greenish grey in colour. Quartz veins are present in most of the exposure which are randomly folded and discontinuous. The rocks are dipping, in general, with dip angles varying from 20o to 40o towards NW The general trend of the rock varies from WSW-ENE to WNW-ESE with gentle dip angle varying from 200 to 400 towards NE to NW. The overburden deposits in the project area are Mainly alluvium and colluvium. The alluvial deposits are Mainly found at the riverbed level and in the alluvial terraces located on the river banks. The alluvium consists of accumulation of boulders; cobbles and gravel in a sandy matrix.

Project Area

Figure 8 Project Location in Geological Map of Nepal (Source: Upreti and LeFort, 1999)

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Project area

Figure 9 Project Area in Geological Map of Central Nepal. (Source: DMG, 2011)

5.1.6.1 Engineering Geology of the Project Area The engineering geological study was carried out at the proposed headworks, powerhouse sites as well as along the proposed pipe alignment. The engineering geological investigation included the study of rock mass, discontinuity, and engineering geological mapping of project area.

Headworks Area

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

A diversion will be constructed across the Chepe Khola on the straight portion to divert the water towards left bank. Width of river bed at proposed headworks site is about 20 m. On both bank, bedrock is exposed which is slightly to moderately weathered, thin-medium foliated, medium strong. Uphill side at both banks is moderate slope. Settling basin are lies on the recent cover of alluvial and colluvial deposit. The alluvio-colluvial sediment is light-yellow, medium dense, silty gravel. The thickness of this deposit is more than 5m. The riverbed at the headworks area consists of sub-angular to well-rounded pebbles, cobbles. The river banks near the base as well as on the slopes also shows the similar aggregate. Some bank protection works might be required.

Pipe Alignment

The entire alignment passes through the colluvial and some nominal portion crosses through the bed rocks. However, limited rock outcrops are observed along the alignment. The expected thickness of colluvial deposit is more than 3m in general. Land use of this alignment is forest, cultivable land and barren land. Slope of the alignment is moderate to steep, No major instability was observed along the alignment.

Figure 10 General Layout of Project Area

Powerhouse and Tailrace

The powerhouse site of the project is proposed on the left bank of the Chepe Khola. The powerhouse site is located on the alluvial deposit. The deposit consists of pebble bearing light

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project grey sandy soil followed by very thick sequence of well rounded, loose to semi consolidated sand and boulder bearing gravels.

5.1.7 Slope Stability and Landslides During the preliminary field visit, no major landslides and slope failures were reported along the project alignment. Weir axis and intake area are composed of colluviums on the left bank and moderately dipping bedrock on the right. Desanding basin is located in stable flat area with alluvial deposit of Chepe Khola. Headrace pipe passes through colluvium overlying bedrock with varying stability condition which has the risk of soil erosion. No instability was observed both uphill and downhill slope of the surge tank area. While laying the penstock pipe in steep slope, there is risk of soil erosion. As the powerhouse is proposed on alluvial plain, bank protection measures will be necessary due to the high risk of soil erosion.

5.1.8 Seismicity of the Project area The project specific seismic studies have not been carried out for this project. The records ofseismic activities are limited in Nepal Himalayas and hence correlation of seismic events with adjacent Himalayan Region would be useful source of information for designing hydraulic structures. The Department of Mines and Geology has produced a very useful map "Seismicity map of Nepal" showing level of seismicity contours within the country. The contour runs almost parallel to the Himalaya. Study of this map reveals that the project area is located at contour with horizontal seismicity coefficient of 250 gal which is equivalent to 0.26g. Considering the ratio of horizontal to vertical seismic coefficient to be 1.5, the vertical seismic coefficient will be 0.17. Since an earthquake can oscillate in any direction, the worst-case scenario should be considered. Hence, the recommended seismic coefficient for this project is 0.25.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Project Area

Source: National Seismological Center Figure 11 Seismic hazard map of Nepal

5.1.9 Sedimentation Chepe Khola lies on both high and middle mountain range and susceptible to the sediment load during the monsoon season. The steep river brings lots of sediment including boulders at the flood period. The climatic and physical condition in the mountains being highly favorable for erosion and sedimentation in Himalayan Rivers because of natural as well as human activities and due to presence of weak rocks, extremely high relief. Steep topography, fragile geology and intense rainfall have led to large flow volume and exceedingly high sediment transport in the rivers during rainy seasons. The yield from High Himalaya above Elevation 5000m, high mountain between Elevation 3000m to 5000m, and middle mountain below elevation 3000m is considered as 500ton/km2, 2500ton/km2 and 5000ton/km2 respectively. The catchment area of Chepe Khola basin at the proposed intake site is 33.55 km2 in high mountains and 15.68 Km2 in Middle Mountain. Hence, from the above technique, the total annual suspended sediment yield is about 162275 tons per year which is equivalent to a mean annual daily concentration of about 1569.27 parts per million by weight (ppm) at the intake site using the mean monsoon discharge of 7.98 m3/s.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

The Main source of fine sediment is from the process of sheet and reel erosion. In the project area, the river bed material consists of cobbles and boulders, embedded in finer material like gravel, sand, and silt.

5.1.10 Air Quality The project has been proposed in remote location far from the highway, industries and major settlements. The existing air quality of the project area is considered to be free from anthropogenic pollution of any type. The Total Suspended Particle (TSP) was measured in the proposed headworks, powerhouse and access road by gravitational dust sampling using the petri dish method. The values are shown below; Table 20 Air Quality Location 24 hrs (μg/m3) TSP Headwork 48 Powerhouse 52 Access Road 86

Particulate matters are found to be under the Nepal Air Quality Standard. The access road has slightly higher value than headwork and powerhouse area due to its earthern condition. 5.1.11 Water Quality Laboratory analysis report of the water sample test is given in Table 21 (Please refer Annex 10 for test report). Parameters like Turbidity, Iron, Total Coliform and E. coli were found to be out of limit prescribed by NDWQS. So the water of the Chepe Khola is unfit for drinking. Point sources of water pollution were not visible along the river stretch within the project area, but the catchment of the Chepe Khola has dense human settlement with a lot of human and livestock activities. The field study and sample collection was performed during the monsoon season. Hence the flow was high and the water was turbid due to high suspended load. The construction activities may further change the quality of water for the duration of construction. Table 21: Water Quality Test Report Sample and Parameters Unit Value NDWQS Method W1 W2 PHYSICAL Lab temperature ᴼ C 25.8 25.8 Thermometer pH - 7.0 7.0 6.5-8.5 ISO 10523:1994 I 5 (10) Turbidity NTU 7 7 2130 B, APHA, 17th Ed. (Max) Conductivity μS/cm 65 65 1500 (Max) ISO 7888:1985 Total dissolved mg/L 39 39 1000 (Max) 2540 D, APHA 17th Ed. solids Total suspended mg/L 29.8 29.0 2540 D, APHA 17th Ed. solids CHEMICAL

Total alkalinity mg/L as CaCO3 42 42 ISO 9963-1:1994 Chloride mg/L as Cl <1 <1 250 (Max) ISO 9297:1989 Total phosphorous mg/L as P <0.1 <0.1 ISO 6878:1998 I

Nitrate mg/L as NO3 0.7 0.7 50 (Max) ISO 7890-3 57

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

4500-NH3C, APHA Ammonia mg/L as NH <0.1 <0.1 1.5 (Max) 3 17th Ed. th Total Hardness mg/L as CaCO3 20 20 500 (Max) 2340 C APHA 17 Ed. 0.3 (3) Iron mg/L as Fe 0.6 0.6 ISO 8288:1998 (Max) BACTERIOLOGICAL MPN index/ Total Coliform 23 23 Nil 9221 B, APHA 17th Ed. 100 ml MPN index/ E. coli 9 9 Nil 9221 B, APHA 17th Ed. 100 ml Source: Water Sample Test Report, Astha Lab, 2018

5.1.12 Noise level The equivalent sound level measured by the sound level meter in the headworks and powerhouse sites were 50 dBA and 48 dBA respectively. The higher value in the headworks site could be due to churning of the river during the time of measurement and proximity of the major source of sound. The flow was comparative gentle at the powerhouse area. The proposed project areas lie in a rural setting, where the principal sources of noise are from the animals, wind movement and flowing river and streams. The Chepe Khola was itself the major source of noise in the area.

5.1.13 Land Quality Top soil in the project area is coarse textured humus mixed loamy soil. The characteristic of soil profile soil varies with the terrain. The depth of the soil varies from less than 10 cm to more than 50 cm based on the terrain. The soil is productive to vegetation. Moderate terrains have been used for agriculture and other areas are covered by forest. Regarding the quality of soil, for the remoteness of the project area, the soil is free from pollution of urban origin (like garbage, sewage and industrial discharge). As known from the discussion with the local farmers, people use chemical fertilizers (especially urea) and pesticides on the crops along with animal manure meant to increase the productivity. 5.2 Biological Environment The project area does not lie within the boundary of any category of protected area. The landuse in the project consists of agricultural land, settlement, forest, grassland/barren land and river.

5.2.1 Forest and Vegetation The project area lies in sub-tropical bioclimatic zone. Hence, the vegetation found in this area is characteristic of the sub-tropical broadleaved forest to lower temperate Alnus forest. The trees recorded along the overall project alignment are Uttis (Alnus nepalensis), Chilaune (Schima wallichii), Katus (Castanopsis indica), Mauwa (Engelhardtia spicata), Simal (Bombax ceiba), etc. Shrub species include Dhayaro (Woodfordia fruticosa), Bilaune (Maesa chisia), Jhadi banmara (Lantana camara), Bansuli (Dichroa febrifuga), Aiselu (Rubus ellipticus, Rubus paniculatus), Chutro (Berberis aristata), Indigofera pulchella, Colquhounia coccinea, Clematis sps, etc. Ground vegetations include Dhursul (Colebrookia oppositifolia), Rudhilo (Pogostemon benghalensis), Banmara (Eupatoreum adenophorum, Chromolena odorata), Tapre (Cassia 58

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project tora), Biskapre (Sida cordata), Areli (Hypericum cordifolium), Ferns (Dryopteris sps), Plantago major, Blumea sps, Bukiphool (Osbeckia sps.), Impatiens sps, Datiwan (Achyranthus sikkimensis), Piri jhar (Persicaria barbata, P. capitata) Gandhe (Ageratum conizoides), Kuro (Bidens pilosa), Titepati (Artemisia sps.), Elephantopus scaber, Kuro (Xanthium strumarium), Sisno (Utricia diocia), Amriso (Thysanolena maxima), Urena lobata, Eubhorbia sps and various other grasses like Imperata cylindrica, Brachiaria sps, Echinochloa sps, Pennisetum sps, Cynodon dactylon, Pogostmon bengalensis, Viviteria lawsonii, Heteropogon contortus, Paspalum sps etc. Headworks: Headworks area including weir, inundation area, gravel trap and desander have been proposed in flood plain area with only herbaceous vegetation. Part of approach pipe alignment pass through government forest with dominant Alnus nepalesis. Headrace alignment: The entire alignment has mixed broadleaved forest with dominancy of Schima wallichii. It is associated with species like Katus (Castanopsis indica), Mauwa (Engelhardtia spicata), Simal (Bombax ceiba), Bajhi (Lagerstroemia praviflora), Bhalayo (Rhus parviflora), Sindure (Mallotus philippensis), etc. The headrace alignment passes through government forest and private land. The forest is relatively denser in the Government Land and very sparse in the private land. In private land, fodder species like Kutmero (Litsea monopetala), Bhimal (Grewia optiva) and Dudhilo (Garuga pinnata) are found. Surge tank: Surge tank is proposed on private barren land with no trees. Only grass species like Amriso (Thysanolena maxima), Imperata cylindrica, Brachiaria sps, Echinochloa sps, Pennisetum sps, Cynodon dactylon, Pogostmon bengalensis, Viviteria lawsonii, Heteropogon contortus, Paspalum sps etc., have been reported in the surge tank area. Surrounding area has trees like Litsea monopetala, Grewia optiva, Ficus semicordata, Ficus lacor, Guruga pinnata, etc. Penstock Alignment: The penstock alignment as it begins from the surge tank pass through stands of Adina cordifolia and Bombax ceiba. Trees are sparse along the way. Powerhouse and Tailrace: Powerhouse and Tailrace are located on barren land with no trees. The area is filled with Amriso (Thysanolena maxima). Switchyard: Switchyard is also located in barren land with no trees. Access Road: Earthen roads are available within the project area. The required road alignments pass along the headrace alignment and penstock alignment to access the surge tank area. The road passes through government land (forest) with composition almost similar with that of the headrace alignment. The trees encountered along the road alignment are Chilaune (Schima wallichii), Katus (Castanopsis indica), Mauwa (Engelhardtia spicata), Simal (Bombax ceiba), Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Bhalayo (Rhus parviflora), etc. Construction Yard: There are two construction yards (including crushing and batching area, storage area, and mechanical yards one in each powerhouse and headworks area). These are proposed in flood plain area and barren land without any trees. Spoil disposal area: All the four proposed disposal area are located on barren land without any trees.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

5.2.2 Forest Management Regimes The forest occupied by the project includes government managed forest and private forest (kharbari). There are no other categories forests like community managed, protected, leasehold or religious forest in the core project area. Local people have planted trees in some patches of their private land or at the edge of the terrace of their agricultural land. They generally plant fruit and fodder trees in their private land. These are not registered as private forest in Division Forest Office (DFO). Additionally, people also own forest land as Kharbari which supply them with fodder and fuelwood. This report has referred Kharbari as private forest.

5.2.3 Agrobotany Local people have planted other fruit trees like Suntala (Citrus reticulata), Nibuwa (Citrus limonum), Aaru (Prunus persica), Kagati (Citrus aurantifolia), Aamp (Magnifera indica), Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris), Banana (Musa paradisia) and Gauva (Psidium guajava), etc and fodder trees like Paiyu (Prunus cerasoides), Nemaro (Ficus auriculata), Bhimal (Grewia optiva), Kimu (Morus alba), Kutmero (Litsea monopetala), Khanyu (Ficus semicordata), Pakhuri (Ficus glaberrima), Dumri (Ficus racemosa), Dudhilo (Ficus nemoralis, F. nerifolia), Babul (Acacia nilotica),etc. Besides, people grow numerous ceral crops, vegetables, pulses, fruits and cash crops for household utilization or selling in the market. The cereal crops include paddy, Maize, wheat and millet. Vegetables include cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, radish, onion, garlic, tomato, pea, beans, gourds, etc., which are grown seasonally or off-season with special arrangments. The cash crops include zinger and broom grass (amriso).

5.2.4 Ethnobotany and NTFPs The biological resources play influential role in the socio-economic condition and life style of local people. Diverse ethnic groups inhabit the project area. They use different biological resources in various ways, like food, medicine and others. People around the project location reported different utilities of the plant resources found in the area, though currently, there is no record of commercial utilization of such resources in the project area except for the established cash crops (broom grass and zinger). A list of wild species of plants used in the project area is presented in the Table 22. Table 22: Wild Plants and Local Use SN Scientific Name Common Nepali Part Used Purpose Name 1 Achyranthes Datiwan Stem/Root Medicine aspera 2 Acorus calamus Bojho Rhizome Medicine 3 Artemesia dubia Titepati Leaf Medicine 4 Centella asiatica Ghodtapre Leaf Medicine 5 Cinnamomum Tejpat/Dalchini Leaf/Bark Spice tamala 6 Cuscuta reflexa Akas Beli Shoot Medicine 60

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7 Asparagus Kurilo Shoot Medicine recemosus 8 Jatropha curcas Sajiwan Stem Medicine 9 Myrica esculenta Kafal Bark Medicine 10 Ocimum sanctum Tulsi Leaves Medicine 11 Bauhinia variegata Koiralo Flower Vegetable 12 Schima wallichii Chaliune Bark Juice Medicine 13 Smilax ovalifolia Kukur Daino Shoot Medicine 14 Syzygium cumini Jamun Fruit Medicine 15 Utricia diocia Sisno Leaf Vegetable 16 Zanthoxylum Timur Fruit Medicine armatum 17 Cissampelos sps. Gurjo Root/Stem Medicine 18 Dryopteris Niuro Shoot Vegetable cochleata 19 Rubus ellipticus Aiselu Fruit Fruit 20 Canabis sativa Bhang Fruit Medicine and Spice 21 Nephrolepis Paniamala Fruit Wild Fruit cordifolia 22 Curcuma Ban haledo Underground stem Medicine angustifolia 23 Girardinia Allo Stem Fiber diversifolia 24 Sapindus Rittha Fruit Detergent mukorossi Source: Field Survey, 2018

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Project Area

Figure 12 Location of Project area w.r.t protected areas 5.2.5 Rare, Threatened and Protected Plants Among the plant species recorded in the core project area and vicinity, Bombax ceiba has been considered as the species of conservation significance. The ban put on commercial felling of this species by the Forest Act, 1993 has been recently raised.

5.2.6 Wildlife The different ecosystem types including forests, scrubland, grassland, rocky areas including cliffs and streams and the transition between them present the diverse habitats for a wide range of fauna. However, these habitats have been abruptly interrupted by human settlements, agricultural field and other activities. Based on direct encounters with the animal and their indicator and information given by the local people, the common birds, mammals, herpeto- fauna and fish found in the zone of impact of the project site is briefly summarized below:

5.2.6.1 Mammals Altogether seventeen (17) mammals were identified in the project site and adjoining area. Common prey species found the project area are Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) and Large Hare (Lepus nigricollis). Common carnivores of the project area are Golden Jackal (Canis aureus), Brown Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula), Wild Cat (Felis chaus) and Common Leopard (Panthera pardus). Other mammals found in the area include primates like Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mullata), Assamese Macaque (Macaca assamensis) and Langur (Semnopithecus schistaceus) and rodents like Orange-bellied Himalayan Squirrel (Dremomys lokriah), Porcupine (Hystrix indica) and Grey

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi). The list of the mammalian species is presented in the Table 23. Primates abound throughout the region. Common leopard is occasional visitor. Yellow-throated Marten, Golden Jackal, Wild Cat are the regular visitor of the project area and regularly depredate livestock and poultry as complained by the local people. Porcupines are the regular crop raiders. The presence of Porcupine was confirmed by the quills dropped in the agricultural land. As already stated, the project site is highly disturbed by the human activities and does not provide permanent breeding habitat for large mammals. Carnivores visit the area because they find easy prey in the human settlements, and primates and rodents find their staple in the cropland. Table 23: Mammals recorded in and around SCHPP Site SN Common Scientific Habitat Local Crop/ Local Name Name Status Livestock Use Raider 1 Golden Canis Forests near Common Livestock & Meat Jackal aureus settlement Poultry 2 Orange- Dremomys Forest Rare bellied lokriah Himalayan Squirrel 3 Leopard Cat Felis Forest Rare Poultry bengalensis 4 Jungle Cat Felis Forest Rare Poultry bengalensis 5 Crested Hystrix Forest and Common Crop Meat Porcupine indica Rocky Hillside 6 Large Hare Lepus Forest and Rare Meat nigricollis Grassland 7 Assam Macaca Hill Forest Rare Crop Macaque assamensis 8 Rhesus Macaca Hill Forest Common Crop Macaque mulata 9 Yellow- Martes Forest Common Poultry throated flavigula Marten 10 Barking Muntiacus Forest Common Crop Meat Deer muntjak 11 Masked Paguma Forest Rare Pest Palm Civet larvata 12 Common Panthera Forest Rare Livestock Leopard pardus

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

13 Nepal Grey Semnopithe Forest Common Langur cus schistaceus 14 Eurasian Sus scrofa Plane Forest Occasional Crop Wild Boar 15 Spotted Petaurista Forest Rare Flying elegans Squirrel 16 Bengal Fox Vulpes Scrub and Rare Livestock bengalensis Grassland and Poultry 17 Grey Herpestes Scrub and Common Poultry Mongoose edwardsi Grassland Source: Field Survey, 2018

5.2.6.2 Avifauna Various birds harbor the entire habitat spectrum in the project area. The diverse habitat composite in the area provides variety of habitats for different species of birds. Birds especially those associated with forests and rivers prove to be good indicators of environmental change. Common Mayna (Acridotheres tristis), Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys), Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), etc., were the common bird species sighted in the settlement area. Plumbeous Water Redstart (Rhyacornis fuliginosus) and White wagtail (Motacilla alba) were common along the river stretch. Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos), Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus), Blue-throated Barbet (Megalaima asiatica), Great Barbet (Megalaima virens), Rufous Treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), Red-billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythrorhyncha), Black-hooded Oriole (Urocissa erythrorhyncha), etc., were common in the forests in the project area. Of the 38 bird species, most of them were resident and three species were migratory visiting the area especially during spring. Table 24 presents detail list of birds reported in the project area during the field visit. Table 24: Birds Sighted in SCHPP Site SN Common Name Scientific Name Type Habitat Local Status 1 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Resident Settlement Common 3 Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus Resident Forest Common flammeus 4 Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Resident Farmland Common 5 Rock Pigeon Columba livia Resident Rock crevices Common 6 Large-billed Crow Corvus Resident Forest Common macrorhynchos 7 White Wagtail Motacilla alba Migratory River Common 8 Black Drongo Dicrurus Resident Settlement area Common macrocercus

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9 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Resident Settlement Common 10 Great Tit Parus major Resident Open areas Common 11 Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus Resident Open areas on Common hill 12 Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Resident Open areas on Common hill 13 Black Bulbul Hypsipetes Resident Forest Common leucocephalus 14 Kalij Pheasant Lophura Resident Forest Common leucomelanos 15 Blue-throated Megalaima asiatica Resident Forest Common Barbet 16 Great Barbet Megalaima virens Resident Forest Common 17 Blue Whistling Myophonus Resident Forest near Common Thrush caeruleus rivers 18 Black Kite Milvus migrans Resident Settlement Common 19 House Sparrow Passer domesticus Resident Settlement Common 20 Oriental Turtle Streptopelia Resident Settlement Common Dove orientalis 21 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Resident Settlement Common 22 Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus Resident Bush near Common leucogenys settlement 23 Plumbeous Water Rhyacornis Resident Rivers Common Redstart fuliginosus 24 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus Resident Forest Common 25 Grey-hooded Seicercus Resident Forest and Common Warbler xanthoschistos bushes 26 Red-billed Blue Urocissa Resident Forest Common Magpie erythrorhyncha 27 Black-hooded Oriolus xanthorus Resident Forest Common Oriole 28 Slaty-headed Psittacula Resident Forest Common Parakeet himalayana 29 Plum-headed Psittacula Resident Forest Common Parakeet cyanocephala 30 Eurasian Eagle Bubo bubo Resident Forest and Hills Common Owl 31 Asian Barred Glaucidium Resident Forest Common Owlet cuculoides 32 Spotted Owlet Athene brama Resident Settlement Common

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

33 Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiates Resident Forest Common 34 Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Resident Forest Common 35 White-breasted Halcyon smyrnensis Migrant Riverside Common Kingfisher Source: Field Survey, 2018

5.2.6.3 Herpeto-fauna The distribution of the reptile in the project area is rather limited. The field team recorded the presence of Common Rock Lizard (Agma tuberculata), Common Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), Sikkim skink (Scincella sikkimensis), Mountain Pit Viper (Trimerserus montocola), Water Snake (Enhydris enhydris), Asian Bullfrog (Rana tigrina) and Asian Toad (Bufo melanosticus) in the project area. Asian Bullforg (Rana tigrina) and Asian Toad (Bufo melanosticus) were common in river banks, spring and mud flats and pools at different location. Vipers were reported in the forest area by the local people consulted during the field survey. Table 25: Herpeto-fauna found in the SCHPP Area S.N. Local Name Scientific Name Habitat Local Status 1 Common Rock Lizard Agma tuberculata Rocks Common 2 Asian Toad Bufo melanostictus Mud Flats Common 3 Scincella Forest floor Common Sikkim Skink sikkimensis 4 Common Garden Calotes versicolor Near Settlement Common Lizard 5 Trimeresurus Forest Common Mountain Pit Viper montocola 6 Trimeresurus Forest Common White-lipped Pit Viper albolabris 7 Rana tigrina River bank, pool, Common Asian Bullfrog ponds 8 Rana cyanophlyctis Cultivated land, River Common Skittering Frog pools 9 Water Snake Enhydris enhydris River Common 10 Hemidactylus Houses Common Common House Gecko frenatus 11 Sikkimense Mountain Japalura tricarinata Forest Common Lizard Source: Field Survey, 2018

5.2.7 Aquatic Life The Chepe Khola provides a fresh water aquatic habitat, with numerous large boulders in this watercourse providing shelter for fish and potential spawning sites. Altoghether 2 species of

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project fish were recorded in the river. The fish species reported in the Chepe Khola stretch in the project area are listed in the Table 26. Table 26: Fish Species in Chepe Khola Strecth in the Project Area SN Scientific Name Local Name Status Migratory Behavior 1 Schizothoraichthys progastus Asala Native Altitudinal Migrant 2 Schizothorax plagiostomus Asala Native Altitudinal Migrant Source: Field Survey, 2018 5.2.8 Rare, Endangered, Endemic and Threatened Fauna Different wild animals have become rare and threatened due to habitat destruction, hunting and poaching and various other causes; and protected through national and international legal instruments. Of the seventeen (17) species of mammals, eleven (11) species have been assigned various priorities in protection through inclusion in list of protetcted animals in National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act (NPWCA), 1973, IUCN Redlist or CITES Appendices. Leopard Cat and Assam Macaque are protected by NPWCA 1973. Similarly Assam Macaque and Common Leopard are listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species while reMaining species are either Least Concerned or not yet assessed for their statuses. Three species of mammals are listed in Appendix I, 2 in Appendix II and 5 in Appendix III of CITES. All the bird species recorded during the field are common. However 10 species of birds have been listed in CITES Appendix II as this species are preferred in international trade. Among them, 4 are owls, 2 parrots, 2 vultures and 2 kites. Among the herpeto-fauna, the international trade of Bengal Monitor is prohibited by listing it in CITES Appendix I. The threat status of different species of wildlife found in the project area is presented in the Table 27. Table 27: Threat Status of Wildlife SN Common Name Scientific Name Protection Status GoN IUCN CITES Mammals 1 Golden Jackal Canis aureus LC III 2 Leopard Cat Felis bengalensis NPWCA NA I 3 Jungle Cat Felis bengalensis NA II 4 Assam Macaque Macaca assamensis NPWCA NT II 5 Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulata NA II 6 Yellow-throated Martes flavigula LC III Marten 7 Masked Palm Civet Paguma larvata LC III 8 Common Leopard Panthera pardus NT I 9 Nepal Grey Langur Semnopithecus schistaceus LC I 10 Bengal Fox Vulpes bengalensis LC III 11 Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsi LC III

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Birds 1 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus LC II 2 Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus LC II 3 Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis LC II 4 Black Kite Milvus migrans LC II 5 Slaty-headed Parakeet Psittacula himalayana LC II 6 Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala LC II 7 Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo LC II 8 Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides LC II 9 Spotted Owlet Athene brama LC II 10 Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiates LC II Herpetofauna 1 Bengal Monitor Lizard Varanus bengalensis LC I Fish 1 Asala Schizothoraichthys Native LC 1 progastus 2 Asala Schizothorax plagiostomus Native LC I Source: Field Survey, 2018 Note: Protection Statuses CITIES Appendices: Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction; Appendix II: Species not yet threatened, but could become endangered if trade is not controlled; Appendix III: Species identified by any party as being subject to regulation in that country and which require international co-operation to control trade IUCN Red List: LR: Low Risk, NT: Near Threatened, LC: Least Concern, VU: Vulnerable, EN: Endangered, CR: Critically Endangered, K: Insufficiently Known, NA: Not Assessed Government of Nepal (GoN) has protected species through National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029

5.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment

5.3.1 Demography (Population, caste, ethnicity and religion)

District Context: Gorkha and Lamjung districts are both the part of Gandaki Province. Gorkha bazaar is the headquater of Gorkha district. According to the National Population Census, 2011, the total population of the Gorkha district is 2,72,169 with area is 3,610 sq.km. Lamjung district, Besisahar as its district headquarters, covers an area of 1,692 square kilometres (653 sq mi) and as of 2011 had a population of 167,724. Lamjung and Gorkha are the neighbouring districts. Lamjung lies west of Gorkha District. Lamjung is one of the districts holding highest density of Gurung ethnic population.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

The temples of great sage Gorakhnathand goddess Gorakh Kali temple is located in district, after which the district got its name. Four major rivers run within and along it - the Chepe, Daraudi, Marsyangdi, and Budhi Gandaki. As per the National Population and Housing Census of Nepal 2011, the literacy rate of Gorkha is 66.34%. The female literacy rate is 59.44% and the male literacy rate is 75.09%.

Project Area Context:

• Population and Households Even though all the project components are located in former Kharibot and Dudhpokhari VDCs, recent Ajirkot and Dudhpokhari Rural Municipality. According to the census 2011, the total population of the project area is 4422 with male 2042(46.17%) and female 2380 (53.83%). The total number of household is 1008 and the average HH size is 4.357.

Table 28 Population and households for project affected RM Average Former Population household Sex Affected RM Household VDCs size Ratio Total Male Female Ajirkot-2 Kharibot 538 2453 1141 1312 4.56 86.97 Dudhpokhari-1 Dudhpokhari 470 1969 901 1068 4.19 84.36

Total 1008 4422 2042 2380 4.375 85.665 Source: CBS, 2011

• Language and Religion Language The project area is characterized by multiethnic population. The Majority of the population is Chhetri followed by Sherpa and Tamang. The other caste/ethnic group includes Chhetree, Brahman-Hill, Gurung and Tamang as major ethnic groups. Also the dalits and other minor ethnic group reside in the project area.

Table 29 Population distribution by caste for affected VDCs

hale

hill

Sarki

Kami

Dholi

Bhujel Others

Gharti/ Gharti/

Damai/ Damai/

Gurung

Tamang

Affected Affected

All caste All

Chhetree Brahman Ajirkot-2 2453 31 584 734 149 667 109 100 12 43 24 Dhuhpokhari-1 1969 25 227 42 40 1507 18 80 25 0 5 Total 4422 56 811 776 189 2174 127 180 37 43 29 Source: CBS 2011

Nepali is the major language spoken in the project area with people also using Gurung, Tamang and Newar as Mother Tongue in significant number.

Table 30 Population by Mother Tongue Affected RM All Nepali Tamang Newar Gurung Others

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Ajirkot-2 2453 999 733 676 25 20 Dhuhpokhari-1 1969 472 0 0 1487 10 Total 4422 1471 733 676 1512 30 Source: CBS 2011

Religion The majority of the population follows the Hindu religion and the very small fraction follows the Buddhism.

• Literacy The average literacy rate (population 6 years and above) of the project area is 65.27% and the male are more literate than the women in the project area. Female literacy rate is far below than that of male.

Table 31 Population aged 5 years and above by literacy status and sex Popn Population who are aged 5 can read can't Literacy Literacy Affected RM Sex years can read and read and not stated rate and only above write write Both 2239 1618 37 582 2 72.26 Ajirkot-2 Male 1035 840 17 177 1 81.16 Female 1204 778 20 405 1 64.62 Both 1812 1056 60 694 2 58.28 Dhuhpokhari- Male 815 577 26 211 1 70.8 1 Female 997 479 34 483 1 48.04 Both 4051 2674 97 1276 4 65.27 Total Male 1850 1417 43 388 2 75.98 Female 2201 1257 54 888 2 56.33 Source: CBS, 2011

• Economy About 96.61% of the population in the project area is economically active. The percentage composition of economically active male population is higher than the female population. Majority of population are engaged in the traditional agriculture system. The commercial farming of the Cash crop like Cardamom is recently in practice in the project area.

Other than agriculture, the majority of household is dependent on the foreign employment on the Gulf countries.

Bhachchek Bazaar is the nearest market and trade center for the people of project area.

• Agriculture/Livestock Most of the households cultivate their own land act few also cultivate other peoples’ land. Monsoon rainfall is the main source of water for cultivation. Small Tributaries of Chepe Khola are the main source of water for irrigation purpose in the project. However, -water from these streams is used mainly during the monsoon season and it has no adverse impact upon the

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project project. The land transaction is not practiced in the project area. Rice, maize, millet, and wheat are the major agriculture products produced in project area.

Animal husbandry is also the major contributor to the households’ income of the project area. It is the second most productive activity after the agriculture production. The major types of livestock reared in the area are cows, buffalos, goats, hens.

• Religious/Historical Places and Festivals There are no historically and archeologically important places in and around the project area. Also there are not any cremation sites in the project area

• Trade Centre/Market Bhachchek Bazaar is the nearest trade centre for the people nearby the project area i.e. from Olan and Siran danda. The major trade center for the people in this area is Gorkha Bazaar and Abukhaireni.

• Settlement Pattern and Migration Clustered and scattered settlements are found in the project area. The main settlements of the project area are Olang and Siran Danda. Roofs of the houses are mostly made up of slates and galvanized sheets. Migration in search of job is common in the settlement of the project affected RMs. According to the locally contacted persons many male people from Janajati community are working in Indian and British Army. The tendency of temporary migration to Gorkha, Besisahar, Kathmandu and even to Arab countries and Malaysia to seek employment is quite common.

• Service Facility The service facility accessed by the household of the project area are drinking water facility, energy source, cooking fuel and others. Table 32 Household by drinking water supply

Total Uncovered Spout Affected RM Tap/piped River Others household well/kuwa water

Ajirkot-2 538 527 1 5 2 3 Dhuhpokhari- 470 432 0 33 3 2 1 Total 1008 959 1 38 5 5 Source: CBS, 2011

• Energy consumption Wood is the main source of energy especially used for cooking and heating purpose. Kerosene is used in very small percentage for cooking. Electricity facility is accessed by the households in the project affected VDCs. Few households are using solar panel for lighting purpose and charging cell phones.

Table 33 Household by fuel for cooking Affected RM Total Wood kerosene Lp gas Bio gas Not stated

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Ajirkot-2 538 534 0 1 3 Dhuhpokhari-1 470 466 0 1 2 1 Total 1008 1000 0 2 2 4 Household by source of lighting Affected RM Total Electricity Kerosene Biogas Solar Others Ajirkot-2 538 493 35 0 3 4 Dhuhpokhari-1 470 449 19 0 0 1 Total 1008 942 54 0 3 5 Source: CBS, 2011

• NGOs / Clubs Brithish Welfare, an organization of Nepalese citizen working on British Army, has been actively involved in the project site. They have established a drinking water supply, one suspension bridge and a school in the Ajirkot RM and a drinking water supply system in Dudhpokhari RM.

• Water use rights The water from Chepe Khola is not used for drinking purpose by the local people. There are no water mills and water is not being used for irrigation purpose too. However, there is a drinking water supply from Bhatte Khola and a micro-hydropower in Lile Khola operated locally. Both springs are the tributeries of Chepe Khola located at the downstream of headwork. There is no cremation site on the project site.

Proposed projects near the project area are: Upstream: Doodhpokhari Hydropower Project (8.8 MW) Downstream: Chepe Khola Small HPP (8.63 MW), Langdi Khola Small HPP (3.26 MW), Chepe Khola HPP (7 MW), Chyangdi Khola HPP (4.2 MW), Tallo Chepe Khola HPP (8.74 MW)

• Cultural environment There are no historical and archaeological sites along the project alignment. Due to the majority of Gurung community settlement, Lochar is the main festival celebrated in the project area along with other common Hindu Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Maghe Sakranti. Gurung community has a special culture of 'Rodhi', the nightly social gathering in which young boys and girls congregate to sing, dance and joke.

5.3.2 Project Affected Families (PAFs) and Severely Project Affected Families (SPAFs) The project will permanently acquire private land especially at headrace pipe alignment, surge tank, powerhouse and switchyard location. Private lands are distributed in 82 separate plots belonging to 75 individuals. Hence, 75 households have been considered among the project affected families and have been interviewed for their socio-economic status. The detail of Project Affected Families and Affected Land is given in Annex 9.

Demographic Profile: Entire land plots fall within the boundary of ward 2 of Ajirkot RM. The 75 households affected by land acquisition by the project represented 394 individuals with 177

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project male and 217 females. The average family size was 5.25. Among the families, 53 are Gurung, 18 are Tamang and 4 are Dalits. Considering the age distribution of the project affected population, 67.6% of the people belong to economically active age group (16-60 yrs); 22.9% are children below 15 yrs of age. Source of Drinking Water: All the 75 affected families used piped water for drinking purpose. None of the families depended on the Chepe Khola for drinking. Energy Source: Entire household had access to electricity. Their households have been facilitated by electricity connection through national transmission. As such, the source of lighting house is electricity. However, all the families still use wood for cooking. Occupation: Almost all of the households are involved in agriculture and livestock along with other occupation. Fors the size of the landholding and hardship related with geotopographic setting, agricultural activites are for subsitence only. To fulfill the other household needs like attire, education, health, festivals, travel and others, people have to resort to other occupations. Other occupations include livestock farming (cattle rearing and dairy sale), wage labour and small businesses. Almost entire household have more than one occupation. Livestock is the major cash-back agricultural activity of the families. People are also engaged in foreign employment with most of the youth working abroad. Land Holding: Among the affected HHs, 4 had less than 0.5 ha of land, 15 had 0.5-1 ha of land and the rest 56 had more than 1 ha of land. The total land includes khet, bari and kharbari. Food Sufficiency: Among the 75 households, 10 household could sustain the whole year from the agricultural output, majority (49) household had food sufficiency for 6-12 months and 16 could produce food that could sustain them for 6-9 months only. The food supply during the deficit period is covered through income from non-agricultural sectors which have major income share in the total family economy. Income Pattern: The household survey reveals that agriculture is for subsistence purspose only. The average household income of the families from agricultural sector is NRs 55,650 and non- agricultural sector is NRs 244,000. The non-agricultural income occupies the maximum (81.42 %) share in the family cash income which remains unaffected by the project implementation. Status of Women: In general women are mostly engaged in household chores such as cooking, washing, food processing, households Maintenance, and hygiene and sanitation activities. Women are also actively engaged in agricultural works. Normally, the girls get married at 16- 20 years of age. The average age of women at their first child delivery is 20-22 years. From the survey it was found that decisions of women were considered in most of the activities such as agriculture, childcare, health and cleanliness etc. However, the decision making process about the economic activities is mostly carried out by the males and females both. Land and property holding is dominated by the males. General Access to Service Facilities: Entire affected households use tap/piped water for drinking purpose. The water supply uses spring source located at higher elevations. The water is conveyed by pipes from the sources to the public taps through gravity flow. These taps are located in common places so that each serves a particular number of households. Every household has a toilet and the sanitation condition is satisfactory. All the households have

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project electric connection for lighting purpose. They have access to the surrounding forests as their user for fuelwood and fodder. Regarding irrigation, as stated earlier, only the low lying land are irrigated by earthen canals those derive water from local stream or spring tributaries of Chepe Khola. Water from Chepe Khla is not used for any consumptive and non-consumptive purpose including irrigation. Expectations from the Project: Since the project area has very limited employment opportunity, all the sampled household expects employment opportunity, proper compensation, employment and share right opportunity were the major concern of the local people. Expected Mode of Compensation: Entire affected households seek cash compensation for the land used by the project. The compensation of the land is expected to be a bit higher than the prevailing market rate of the land in the area; however, they are ready to bequeath the land at respectable price. They seek to start other busineeses than agriculture with the cash they receive as compensation for their land. Perception of PAFs toward the Project: During the field survey, and formal and informal interaction with PAFs, none of them were found against the project. Local people were ready to sell or lease their land to be required by the project as the land are not fetching the real cost of their labour for the remoteness and productivity. According to them, agriculture at such remote location is getting difficult day by day because of lack of human resource. They would be happier if they get job opportunity in the project. No dispute could be expected from the field visit.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

This chapter discusses environmental impacts identified during the IEE Study. The impacts are identified and predicted by giving due consideration to all the activities related to construction and operation of the proposed project and decommissioning of the support facilities as well. The environmental impacts that are not identified or anticipated at this stage, if later discovered during construction and operation phases of the project shall be duly taken care of by the proponent on its own cost. 6.1 Beneficial Impacts

6.1.1 Construction Stage I. Employment and income opportunities for local people in construction During the peak construction period, a daily average of 100 workforces including skilled, semi- skilled and unskilled will be required. This will create temporary employment opportunity for a construction period of at least 36 months and this will be open for the local people with special priority to the project affected families as per the project policy. Field discussion showed that almost 40% of the semi-skilled and entire unskilled workforces can be recruited from the project area. These employment opportunities will contribute to the economy of the local households. The magnitude of impact is considered to be medium; extent is local and the duration is short term. II. Improvement of public facilities such as road, health posts, schools, drinking water and social services The upgrading and extension of existing motorable roads developed for smooth operation of the project is envisaged to provide improved access to the outside social services to the local area people. Such improved access is beneficial for students having higher education outside the local area and for people seeking better health services in the distant townships. The project has a plan for social-environmental enhancement for the project affected area, which includes support to water supply facilities, educational institutions, health care institutions, etc. beforehand commencement of construction as some of these are necessary for its construction crew as well. These programs are envisaged to help develop local infrastructures and social services in the project impacted area helping local people to improve their quality of life. This impact will be direct, of local extent, higher magnitude and long term. III. Business opportunities for local people With the project being constructed in their background, people of various levels of affluence will be present as the construction workforce. Local people can involve in small businesses like groceries, restaurants, hotels and forms of production like handicrafts to cater the need of the workforce. Local people can also emerge as petty contractors to supply equipment and works required by the project. These will have positive impact on local and national economy. This impact will be indirect, of medium significance, local and short term in nature.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

IV. Skill enhancement of local people This project not only provides employment opportunities to the poor and unskilled but also supports in enhancement and transfer of skills and technical know-how to work in similar construction works. The employment opportunity will, on the other hand, be able to develop project type specific skill among the workers which could subsequently be used in other project. Adhering with its Community Support Program (CSP), it will also provide skill training like (plumbing, masonry works, electrical works, painting and fabrications, etc.) to meet the requirement of its construction works. These skills will encourage the locals in getting long term employment opportunities. The envisaged impact will be indirect, local, long term in nature, having medium magnitude and will be significant. V. Change in livelihood Employment opportunities to local people and establishment of different trade & business activities will increase the income level of the local people. People can utilize their earned income in different area such as educating children, starting and extending trade/business, etc. The skill trainings achieved will contribute the local people to find new ways of sustaining income other than agriculture. All these will result in encouraging change in livelihood of the people. The magnitude of impact will be direct, of medium magnitude, local extent and long term in nature. VI. Augmentation of rural economy The boost up of the local business enterprises like groceries, restaurants, hotels and forms of production like handicrafts to cater the need of the local workforce will bring together subsidiary income opportunities based on local production. All these together will augment the rural economy. This impact will be indirect, of medium magnitude, local extent and long term. VII. Local Government Revenue Opportunities The land renting, house renting, permits to aggregate and sand extraction, opening of hotels, tea stalls, restaurants, general consumer goods shops etc., expand the base of local government revenues in the local area. As per the existing legal mechanism, all the new business establishments have to be registered to the local government for the business operations.

6.1.2 Operation Stage I. Employment opportunities for local people in operation and Maintenance work During operation stage, the project will require permanent workforce for smooth operation and regular Maintenance of different hydropower components that includes weir, head regulator, and electro-mechanical equipment among the others. A total of 20 people will be required for the operation of the project. Local people can be recruited for administrative and technical works according to their qualifications and skills. These jobs will be the permanent income source for the local people. The impact is direct, local and of medium significance, and long- term. II. Business opportunities for local people With the project in their background, local people can involve in business supplying groceries and equipment needs of the project and its resident workers. Additionally, electricity supply

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project will encourage small and medium scale industries based on local resources. These will have positive impact on local and national economy. This impact will be indirect, medium significance, local and long term in nature. III. Availability of hydroelectric power in a larger way The project area already has electricity supply from national grid. So, the issue of availability of electricity for the project area as mentioned in the ToR is not relevant for this project as uninterrupted supply form the supply being provided from the available supply. Nonetheless, the operation of SCHPP will add 9.05 MWof electricity to the national supply. IV. Generation of economic activities with enhanced availability of electricity The project area already has electricity supply from national grid. So, the issue of availability of electricity for the project area and associated benefit as mentioned in the ToR is not relevant for this project. V. Enhancement of social services The increase in economic activities in the project area including cash flow, upgrading of existing road, improvement of public facilities, etc. will boost development of project area. Because of the project in the area, many activities will start either knowingly or unknowingly which in fact will enhance the development activities in the project area. The project has a plan for social-environmental enhancement for the project affected area, which includes support to water supply facilities, educational institutions, health care institutions, etc. The above programs are envisaged to help develop local infrastructures and social services in the project area helping local people to improve their quality of life. This impact will be direct, of higher significance, local and long term. VI. Revenue opportunities, royalty distribution and local development The royalty on installed capacity is NRs 100/kW for first 15 years and NRs 1000/kW for remaining period. Similarly, royalty on energy is 2% for first 15 years of operation and 10% for remaining period. In addition to this, income tax is levied for the first 10 years of operation, 10% from 11 to 15 years and 20% after 15 years of operation is considered. 50 % of the total revenue obtained from the royalty of hydropower generation will be provided to Federal Government and 25% to State Government and remaining 25% to Local Government. This source of revenue will encourage the local bodies to improve education, health, water supply, transport, markets and communication services. The magnitude, extent and duration of the potential environmental impacts have been predicted as medium, regional and long-term respectively. VII. National development Nepal is facing an acute energy crisis from recent years. We have seen hours of load shedding and closure of industries affecting production and employment. Electricity is being bought from India to fill the power deficit. The implementation of SCHPP will generate 53.038 GWh of hydroelectricity per year and feed into the national grid, which will help in reducing the current energy crisis in some extent. This hydroelectricity being a clean energy will reduce the consumption of conventional energy resulting in reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emission in addition to saving of the foreign currency to import fuels. The impact will be indirect, of high significance, national level and of long-term.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

VIII. Development of Land Units for Community, Public or Private Use (Muck disposal site) After the completion of the project construction activities, the project has a plan for the development of the muck disposal areas into a better land unit than the present. This land parcels are low lying land vulnerable to flooding. These sites are planned for rehabilitation by improving the slope grade, elevation and soil conditions suitable for use as public land for recreation, or community land for afforestation. As the project areas lack adequate land for public recreation or afforestation, the land development is a long term benefit to the local community.

Table 34: Beneficial Impact Evaluation Matrix

SN Issues Impacts Significance

Extent

Nature

Duration Magnitude

A Construction Phase 1 Employment and income Temporary placement of around D M L ST Significant opportunities for local 100 people as construction (20) (20) (5) (45) people in construction workforce 2 Improvement of Service Improvement of public service I H L LT Significant Facilities facilities such as health posts, (60) (20) (20) (45) schools, drinking water and social services 3 Business opportunities Increase in subsidiary trade and I Lo Ss ST Insignificant businesses related to construction (10) (10) (5) (25) 4 Skill enhancement Development of new trade skills I M Ss LT Significant among the local through trainings (20) (10) (20) (50) 5 Change in livelihood Livelihood improvement and I Lo Ss LT Insignificant change in lifestyle (10) (10) (20) (40) 6 Local government Increase in local government D M R MT Significant revenue opportunities tax/revenue sources (20) (60) (10) (90) B Operation Phase 1 Employment Permanent employment of local in D M L LT Significant opportunities for local in operation and maintenance works (20) (20) (20) (60) O & M works 2 Business opportunities Increase in subsidiary businesses I Lo Ss LT Insignificant related to supplies to resident (10) (10) (20) (40) workers 3 Enhancement of social Improvement of public service D H L LT Significant services facilities such as health care (60) (20) (20) (100) facilities, schools, drinking water and social services 4 Revenue opportunities Increase in local area revenue D H R LT Significant related to project operation (60) (60) (20) (140) 5 National development Partial solution of energy crisis and I H R LT Significant associated development activities (60) (60) (20) (140) 6 Land development Development of land unit for I Lo Ss LT Insignificant opportunities community use (10) (10) (20) (40)

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

6.2 Adverse Impact

6.2.1 Physical Environment

6.2.1.1 Pre-construction/Construction Stage I. Change in land use due to project components and facilities The construction of project’s structural components will permanently change 7.912ha private agricultural land, forest, barren/grassland, river and floodplain and it is unavoidable and irreversible. The permanent land use change will turn the existing land into paved, covered or inundated surface. The land utilized temporarily will be rehabilitated to previous or further developed stage after project construction. The land use change has direct implication on the productivity of the ecosystem of the area. The envisaged impact is direct, site specific, long term and of moderate significance. II. Loss of top soil due to temporary and permanent project facilities on agricultural land Construction activities above affects the top soil by compaction, pavement and mixing up of undesirable matters like oil, grease, paints, etc. This is of chief concern in case of temporarily used agricultural land especially at powerhouse site. About 3.65 hectares of cultivated land and 2.35 ha of cultivable land left barren for years will be used by the project. The top soil in the fertile land will be destroyed if not removed before construction and cannot be used for cultivation. 10,850.0 m3 topsoil of 3.65 ha of agriculture land may be lost during construction activities if appropriate step is not implemented. The magnitude of this impact is low, extent site specific and duration short termed. III. Landslide and slope-stability due to toe cutting along the headrace pipe and internal access No evidences of the debris torrent and mass landslides were observed in and around the project area except presence of small debris deposits at the confluences of local kholsis with the Chepe Khola and the overall slope condition have been considered to be fair as per the geological investigation report. However, the construction of the project structures involves excavation, slope cutting and grading which leads changes in local topography and disturb the fragile slopes. Surface excavation for road and headrace pipe alignment could induce instability and minor slides in this section. The slopes also have colluvial deposits, which have risk of failure. Nevertheless, the project area can be considered stable in terms of slopes because of stable geology and ground cover. They are pretty far to affect any settlements. IV. Impact due to quarrying (river morphology, sedimentation and bank cutting) The construction works will require construction materials such as clay, boulders, cobbles, gravels, and sand, coarse aggregate and back slope filling materials. As per the quantity estimate during the feasibility stage some 20,323 m3 of aggregates will be required for construction of project features. While coarse aggregates can be derived by crushing the muck produced from tunnel excavation, finer materials and boulders for rip rap have to be sourced from riverbed deposits. Two sites have been identified along the Chepe Khola for sourcing the riverbed deposits (Please refer Table 6). The extraction of materials from inappropriate places or in excessive amount will seriously damage the local surroundings that include bank instability and cutting of agricultural land that is more likely in the one located near the powerhouse area. Over 79

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

extraction leads to the deepening of riverbed, river course to change, river edges to fall into the river, resulting landslide and mass wasting. The impacts from quarrying and borrowing will be direct, low, site-specific and for short term till the next shower. V. Impact due to storage and stockpiling of construction material Required raw materials like aggregate, sand, cements, iron rods and other materials should be stocked and stored. Both the stockpiling areas (for HW and PH) are located on the flood plain along the right bank of the Chepe Khola amongst the crushing and batching plant and construction yard as appropriate. The rainwater or a flash flood in the Chepe Khola alike can erode and wash away the materials and mix it in the Chepe Khola. If it is not properly managed, it can block natural drainage system. The impact is direct in nature, low in magnitude, site- specific in extent and short-term in duration. VI. Impact due to muck and construction wastage The waterway consists of composite of underground and surface structures. The underground excavation is likely to generate 19,752.00 m3 of muck. Similarly, levelling ground for laying the project features like power house, diversion weir, pipes etc., will produce additional material which will require a disposal site to keep the natural environment safe. According to the preliminary estimate derived from the feasibility study, some 118,320.42 m3 of disposable material is expected to be generated above the topsoil and backfill material and prospective construction material that will be stored and used as required. The muck/spoil to be disposed calls for proper disposal or tipping sites. Haphazard disposal of these materials may result in the destruction of productive land and vegetation; increase sediment load and turbidity in the river water with an adverse impact on aquatic life, and scars in the landscape. Piling of spoil or tipping off of the spoil downhill destroys the vegetation and results landslides. Similarly, they are also prone to wind erosion causing dust in air. Four sites have been identified at four major outlets of the spoil. All the sites have been located on barren land along the right bank of the Chepe khola. All sites are public land covering 3.9 ha in total and without trees. The major impacts envisaged considering those sites are land degradation, possible washout due to rainfall and flood in the Chepe Khola, degradation of nearby farmland in the PH area and obstruction of natural drainage system. The magnitude of this impact is moderate, extent site specific and duration short termed. VII. Change in drainage networks and implications to local runoff The project construction works does not involve large scale changes in the natural drainages. The diversion of the Chepe Khola during construction at the headwork will be confined within the current river bed area, for the construction of the dam foundation and is not envisaged to bring changes in the erosion and sedimentation characteristic of the river. Minor drainage changes are envisaged to occur in the quarry sites. Temporary heaping of excavated material at these sites can block these kholsis and change the flow of these kholsis. Shifting course may lead to erosion and gully formation in flood plain. The magnitude of this impact is low, extent site specific and duration short termed. VIII. Impact on air quality due to operation and movement of vehicles and equipment

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Construction related activities like transportation and handling of construction material, excavation, drilling, use of heavy equipment, operation of crushing and batching plant, etc., are expected to generate high amount of fugitive emissions into the atmosphere to degrade the ambient air quality of the nearby areas significantly. Emission levels of pollutants like SPM, HC, SO2 and Nox may temporarily rise due to increased vehicular movement and operation of construction machineries. The movement of construction vehicles like wheel loaders, trippers, trucks and light vehicles will be high between the road head to the HW and PH sites. Similarly, there will be increased traffic movement on account of disposal of spoil or construction waste as the dumping site. Construction vehicles and machineries normally use diesel as fuel. Large quantity of dust along with smoke is likely to be emitted due to movement of trucks and other heavy vehicles. Operation of crusher is likely to generate SPM. The increase in air pollution may affect human health particularly of construction site dwellers, travellers and workers. Since, settlement is not located close to the construction sites, the magnitude of impact is considered to be moderate. Furthermore, the topographical condition of the site characterized by narrow river valley is expected to restrict the dispersion of air pollutants to a certain extent. IX. Impact of noise and vibration due to operation and movement of vehicles and equipment Tunnel drilling, blasting, vehicular movements, operation of crushing plants, operations of machinery and diesel engines are the primary sources of noise generation in the project construction sites. Noise generation will be high throughout the project alignment on account of construction activities concentrated in these areas. The expected noise level of construction equipment is presented in Table 35. Table 35: Expected Noise Emissions SN Machine Noise level dB (A) 1 Compactor 80-85 2 DG set 80-110 3 Dozer 80-85 4 Drilling Machine 120-130 5 Dump Truck 80-90 6 Face shovel 80-90 7 Granting Machine 100-120 8 Motor Scraper 85-95 9 Pumps 80-100 10 Blasting >130 Noise level above 60dB (A) can cause health hazards. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of United States have set standards for industrial and constructional noise exposures. The basic OSHA criterion level (CL) is a 90dB (A) sound exposure level for an 8 hour per day (OSHA, 1983). Noise generation is inevitable during construction activities, and the exposure will also be intermittent to cause huge impact. Since the blasting is

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project instantaneous and confined to underground structures, the impact due to increased noise level will be moderate, site specific and short term. X. Impact due to solid waste generated by construction workers Activities at the project site will Mainly produce solid wastes from two sources: construction and domestic. Construction wastes are generated due to construction activities and include synthetic materials and some forms of inorganic like metal scraps, unused concrete mixture, cement bags, damaged carboys, packaging materials, containers, rubbers (tyres and tubes), etc., that are expected to be generated in the active construction sites throughout the project alignment. These cause land pollution and visual impacts if not managed properly. Likewise, the temporary residential camps, storage yards, mechanical yards, batching plant, aggregate crushers, aggregate washing plants, wastewater treatment sites, etc. and their foundations will have to be demolished and the place rehabilitated after the construction activities are over. The wastes thus generated are called demolition wastes and also pose a serious management issue. Domestic wastes are generated in course of domestic activities and include kitchen materials (food and vegetable), grocery packaging, bottles, etc., generated from the worker camps. Improper dumping and management of these wastes can result in unpleasant odours, sight and river and land pollution that can cause health related hazards to the local inhabitants. The amount of waste generated will depend upon the number of people working in the project and, more importantly, the number of people who temporarily migrate to the project area during construction, including construction crews, members of their families, and people who supply goods and services to the workers. It is however difficult to predict the amount of additional solid waste generated by the project because of the uncertainty in the number of people who will migrate to the project site during the construction period. According to the report “State of Environment Nepal 2001, GoN”, per capita waste generation rate in Nepal is ranging from 0.25 to 0.50 Kg/day. In remote area like the powerhouse and wear site, waste from the labour camps will be much lower than the national rate and mostly it will be bio-waste. If properly managed, it will not create any environmental hazards. If we assume that one rural person generates approximately 250 grams of waste per day, and if the project will attract 200 people to the project site, then during the construction period, the project will produce approximately 50 Kg of solid waste per day as an additional waste at the project site. These wastes will be mostly organic in nature and if not managed properly will produce foul smells due to hydrogen sulphide and hydrocarbon gases. The magnitude of this impact is moderate, extent site specific and duration short termed. XI. Impact due to wastewater from the camp (kitchen waste water and sewerage) Construction camps generate high volume of wastewater containing faecal matters, detergents and cleaners and charged with high biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and ammonia concentration. Direct release of this wastewater into the receiving water bodies will increase the BOD load of the water making it unsuitable for consumption and also hazardous for aquatic life. In camps and construction sites, due to insufficiency of toilet facilities or due to behavioural nature of the workers (used to open defecation); open defecation 82

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

along the river bank may be frequent. This will not only reduce aesthetics and land quality but will also cause source of water pollution and spread of vector borne disease in the local area. The envisaged impacts of such discharge and activities though short term is of high magnitude. XII. Impact due to toxic and hazardous materials used during construction The construction machinery and vehicles use large quantities of grease and other lubricants. The feasibility report estimates some 15,000 litres fuel and 1000 of lubricants will be used during construction activities. Similarly, a number of toxic chemicals are used for enhancing the property of concrete admixtures and water proofing works. Although such materials are not disposed into water bodies, accidental entry of these materials through leakage, seepage and runoff during handling, during use, after use and storage after expiry of the usable date into the water bodies has a long lasting impact on the water quality of the receiving water bodies with implications on the aquatic life ecology on both local to regional scale. The seepage of the petroleum products from the storage yards of the construction site and the release of these products as mechanical yard wastewater into the water bodies also has the potential of water quality degradation rendering the water unsuitable for consumption and aquatic life. Envisaged impact of such contaminated water is significant. XIII. Impact on water quality due to accelerated erosion in the exposed construction surface The sediment yield of the basin is expected to be about 1.66 mil t/year where as suspended sediment concentration during rainy season will be about 3557 ppm (Design Report, 2017). The excavation of soil and rocks for the installation of project components makes soil loose which may cause erosion resulting in aggravate sediment load and turbidity. The turbidity in water will occur due to erosion of the exposed ground surface and the excavated soil as well as due to the waste from batching plant. Similarly, sedimentation will be increased during the blockage and diversion of water for weir construction. Sedimentation in the river is a major issue in Nepal, and a major factor in the selection of the hydraulic equipment such as the turbine and the Main inlet valves etc. In addition, the sediment concentration and the particle size distribution are required to design the desanding basin. Baseline information revealed that population of project-impact area did not depend on the Chepe Khola for any direct use. But this could be a concern relating to aquatic life downstream. XIV. Pressure on existing infrastructures like road, bridges and culverts Frequency of heavy vehicles laden with construction materials, construction equipment and other service vehicles will put extra pressure on the existing road infrastructures and its components. The access roads to the HW area and PH area are earthen fair-weather road. Formation of track trenches and ditches are very likely as the existing road is earthen. Vehicles could be stuck in mud. The condition of road reduces the life of the vehicles. This will also hamper the local transportation and passage.

6.2.1.2 Operation Stage I. Sedimentation and sediment flushing from sedimentation basin, and its downstream effects

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

The sediment yield of the basin is expected to be about 1.66 mil t/year whereas suspended sediment concentration during rainy season will be about 3557 ppm. This will be collected behind the weir and desander. The sediments collected in the desander and beyond the dam need to be cleared off regularly and is likely to pollute water with sediment load and turbidity when flushed out. The magnitude of impact is considered to be medium, extent is local and duration is long term. II. Change in river morphology downstream of diversion and its effects on downstream water use SCHPP will divert 8.40 m3/s from Chepe Khola for power generation. About 5.5 km river stretch will be affected due to reduced flow. As per the Hydropower Development Policy 2001, 10% of this flow or the minimum required quantum as identified in the IEE, 0.072 m3/sec will be released regularly from the weir axis to the Chepe Khola. Due to diversion of river water the discharge of river between intake to powerhouse will be changed. The change in flow during wet season is not considered significant but in dry period (7 months) the flow will be significantly reduced which causes adverse impact on river morphology. This will be a residual impact until the project will be in operation. The magnitude of impact is considered to be low, extent is site specific and for long duration. III. Change in water quality due to reduced flow in downstream There will be some change in the water quality in the months from October to June in the dewatered stretch of the river between dam and tailrace. Because of the reduction of the flow discharge and contribution of nutrients, there will be growth of blue fillamentous algae in the dewatered stretch of the river. The dissolved oxygen level will slightly drop while the water temperature will slightly increase. The magnitude of impact is considered to be local and duration is long term. However, the significance of this impact will be very low and expected to recover during every flood events. IV. Management of solid waste generated by the resident workers About 20 people will be present in the project area for regular operation and Maintenance of the project as resident workers. Domestic waste will be generated by the resident workers during operation of the project. The amount of waste generated will depend upon the number of people working in the project. These wastes will be mostly organic in nature and if not managed properly will produce foul smells due to hydrogen sulphide and hydrocarbon gases. The non-degradable wastes like plastics, clothes, glasses, etc., degrade the aesthetics of the area. The magnitude of this impact is low, extent site specific and duration long termed. V. Waste Water Management Waste water comes from cleaning of the camps and facilities during maintenance, kitchen and toilets of the site office and workers’ residences. Direct discharge of such waste water into the river may bring serious repercussions to the aquatic ecosystem and local environment. VI. Change in land use due to concrete structures. The change in existing land use is unavoidable and irreversible and this issue has already been dealt in construction phase. The project structural features and permanent camps will be existent till the project exists and this impact remains as a residual impact till then. 84

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Table 36: Physical Impact Evaluation Matrix

SN Issue Impacts Significance

Extent

Nature

Duration Magnitude

A Construction Phase 1 Change in land use Land will be transformed D Lo Ss LT Insignificant temporarily or permanently. (10) (10) (20) (40) 2 Loss of topsoil Loss of 10,850.0 m3 of topsoil from D Lo Ss ST Insignificant agricultural land (10) (10) (5) (25) 2 Slope stability and Increase in land instability, landslide D Lo Ss ST Insignificant landslide along and soil erosion (10) (10) (5) (25) headrace pipe and internal access 3 Impact of quarrying Change in river morphology D M Ss ST Insignificant (20) (10) (5) (35) 4 Impact due to storage Land degradation and change in D M Ss ST Insignificant and stockpiling aesthetics (20) (10) (5) (35) 5 Impact due to muck Water body sedimentation, land D Lo Ss ST Insignificant disposal degradation and change (10) (10) (5) (25) 6 Change in natural Gully formation and erosion D Lo Ss ST Insignificant drainage pattern (10) (10) (5) (25) 7 Air quality Increase in dust and other D M Ss ST Insignificant pollutants, air pollution and (20) (10) (5) (35) consequence on human health 8 Noise and vibration due Noise pollution and possible health D M Ss ST Insignificant to drilling and other consequences (20) (10) (5) (35) construction activities 9 Solid and Liquid Land and water pollution D M Ss ST Insignificant Waste by Construction (20) (10) (5) (35) Workers 10 Camp wastewater Water pollution due to camp D Lo Ss ST Insignificant wastewater (10) (10) (5) (25) 11 Use of Toxic and Surface and Ground water pollution D Lo Ss ST Insignificant Hazardous materials (10) (10) (5) (25) 12 Erosion from exposed Water pollution with turbidity and D Lo Ss ST Insignificant land and Water Quality sediment load and impact on (10) (10) (5) (25) aquatic ecosystem 13 Pressure on existing Damages of the infrastructures and D H Ss ST Significant infrastructures reduced utility and service (60) (10) (5) (75) B Operation Phase 1 River sedimentation Sudden increase in sediment load D M L LT Significant due to sediment and turbidity of the river and impact (20) (20) (20) (60) flushing on water quality 2 Water diversion Change in flow pattern and river I Lo Ss LT Insignificant morphology (10) (10) (20) (40) 3 Change in water quality Change in Water quality (possibility I Lo Lo LT Significant due to reduced flow of growth of blue fGorkhaentous (10) (20) (20) (50) algae) 4 Solid waste generated Degradation of land and D Lo Ss LT Significant by operation workers surrounding aesthetics (10) (10) (20) (60)

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

5 Waste water from Surface water pollution of Chepe D Lo L LT Significant permanent camp khola (10) (20) (20) (50) 6 Change in land use due Conversion of existing landuse to D Lo Ss LT Insignificant to concrete structures different form (10) (10) (20) (40)

6.2.2 Biological Environment

6.2.2.1 Preconstruction/Construction Stage I. Loss of forest and vegetation due to clearing of the site for construction Sitting of the project components like its headworks, parts of headrace pipe and internal access road and penstock alignment pass through government managed forest accounting for 1.3 ha of total land. A total of 305 trees with dbh>10 cm of different species are to be felled from government forest in total. Similarly 46 stands of trees of different species are to be felled from private forest (kharbari). The detail of the trees to be felled is given in the Table 37 and 38. No trees have to be felled from other components and facilities not listed in the tables. Table 37: Trees to be felled from Government Managed Forest along Project Components

Project Component

Common Scientific Name

Name

Total

Pipe Pipe Pipe

Penstock Penstock

Headrace Headrace

Approach Approach

Headwork

Powerhouse Access Road Access

Schima wallichii Chilaune 2 9 34 1 11 5 62 Albizia spp Siris 3 3 4 10 Lagerstroemia Bot Dhayaro 2 2 4 parviflora Wedlandia exserta Kaiyo 1 3 4 Rhus parviflora Bhalayo 2 3 5 Alnus nepalensis Uttis 9 31 73 2 11 12 138 Terminalia alata Saz 2 3 1 6 Mallotus philippensis Sindure 1 1 2 Callicarpa arborea Ghuyelo 1 1 1 3 Bombax ceiba Simal 2 3 1 6 Fraxinus floribunda Lakuri 18 39 1 58 Trichilia connaroides Aankha Taruwa 3 4 7 Total 14 75 169 7 23 17 305 Source: Field Survey, 2018 Table 38: Trees to be felled from private forest (kharbari) Project Components Common Scientific Name Surge Total Name Headrace Penstock Tank Schima wallichii Chilaune 1 2 11 14 Albizia spp Siris 1 1

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Castanopsis indica Dhalne 2 3 5 Engelhardtia spicata Mauwa 1 1 Rhus parviflora Bhalayo 1 1 Alnus nepalensis Uttis 1 1 Callicarpa arborea Ghuyelo 1 2 3 Bombax ceiba Simal 3 2 5 Litsea monopetala Kutmero 1 4 5 Adina cordifolia Haldu 2 2 Fraxinus floribunda Lakuri 1 1 Garuga pinnata Dabdabe 1 1 2 4 Grewia optiva Bhimal 3 3 Total 9 5 32 46

II. Increased pressure on the surrounding forest for its products like firewood, timber and non-timber forest products The project development site at headworks and powerhouse will have the presence of a relatively large construction workforce both local as well as outsiders. On an average 350 people will be in the project site every day during the peak construction period. If no other alternatives are offered, the construction workers will also use the firewood for cooking. The obvious sources of the firewood are the local forests. The construction work force family or the local merchants/villagers are likely to cut the trees from the local forest to supplement the firewood requirement of the construction workforce. Likewise, the non-workers gathered for economic opportunities will cut down trees to build residences, stalls and shades. This will put additional pressure on local forest. Along with the direct impacts on the NTFPs due to sitting of the project facilities, possibility of increased demand or induced impact on the NTFP due to increased number of people during construction is also of chief concern during project construction and afterwards. These might have a long- term impact on the ecological goods and services provided by the forest if not mitigated properly. III. Disturbance to wildlife habitat and movement due to construction related activities Construction disturbances resulting from blasting, drilling, vehicle movement and other related activities would interrupt normal movement, feeding and other activities of mammals. The electric light in and around the works site and presence of human will affect wild animals grazing around the forested area of surge tank, headrace pipe and penstock pipe alignment. The clearing excavation, grading and filling activities will kill less mobile, frequently smaller species such as frogs, lizards and small mammals (rodents). The water pollution from project activities (muck disposal, washing of concrete batching plant, solid waste, spill of oil, lubricants and chemicals) may also affect local wild fauna and aquatic birds most susceptible to water pollution. The magnitude of impact is considered to be low, extent is site specific and duration is short term. IV. Loss of wildlife habitat

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Sitting of project features specially headwork, headrace pipe and access road will follow forest clearance. The engineering estimate reveals that around almost 5.212 ha of government land including 1.3 ha covered by forest will be permanently used by the project for project structural as well as ancillary facilities. The forest and open unoccupied land being enjoyed as composite habitat by the free ranching wildlife will be lost resulting significant impact on migratory and feeding ground of wildlife. This eventually will affect the distribution of wildlife. V. Impact on rare, endangered, protected and threatened species of flora and fauna and their habitat Among the trees to be felled along the headrace pipe, Simal (Bombax ceiba) is of conservation significance. But the ban put on felling it by prevailing Forest Act this has been raised recently. Similarly, the wild animals inhabiting the area are rare and threatened. Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) and Assamese Macaque (Macaca assamensis) are protected by national law. Similarly Assamese Macaque (Macaca assamensis) and Common Leopard (Panthera pardus) are listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Three species of mammals are listed in Appendix I, 2 in Appendix II and 5 in Appendix III of CITES. Similarly, 11 birds have been protected by CITES (please refer Section 5.2.8). These animals are likely to avoid the area for the construction disturbance and their distribution is likely to be affected. Some of these are likely to fall prey to hunters among the workers. VI. Increased pressure on wildlife due to hunting and poaching Possible hunting and poaching by labour force may be considered a short-term localized impact. The local hunters or hunters/poachers among the workforce might be attracted to hunt birds and other wild animals. The possibilities of hunting and trapping by workers during construction period will have some adverse impact on local wild fauna. However, such pressure on wildlife will be site specific and persist till the presence of the workforce in the core project area. VII. Forest fire induced deliberately or accidentally In and around the construction area, there are many types of fuel that create fire hazards, such as slash accumulation of timber cutting, dryden grass and debris accumulation, large accumulation of flammable leaves, dead trees, dry bushes etc., as well as gasoline for vehicles and machinery. Fire might be set accidentally due to inadvertently thrown cigarette stub and left campfire or deliberately by some ruffian. Small fire can turn huge forest fire. Improper garbage disposal and improper storage of inflammable gases and liquids at the construction site can aggravate the situation. The envisaged impact will be indirect, site specific to regional, short term and of high magnitude, hence will be very significant. VIII. Possible human wildlife encounter The project alignment passes through forest patches and edges often visited by wildlife. During construction, construction workforce will be present in the project area day and night. This increases the possibility of human wildlife encounter that may lead to attacking one another hurting and even killing wildlife or human as well. The envisaged impact will be indirect in nature, local in extent; short term in duration, of moderate to high magnitude. IX. Construction disturbance on fish and aquatic life

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Removal of boulder, temporary diversion of the river for the construction of the weir, water pollution and possible increase in fishing activities are considered potential adverse impacts of the project. The Chepe Khola contains huge quantity of boulders, gravel and pebbles which act as shelter and spawning areas for fish. Quarrying, resulting in the excess removal of boulders, gravel and pebbles from a particular place may affect fish habitat and may facilitate the over- exploitation of fish. The magnitude of impact is low, extent is local and duration is short term. X. Impact on Fish and Fishing activities due to change in hydrology and sedimentation pattern Fish and aquatic life may be affected by change in the sediment deposition pattern and/or increase in water pollution. Excavation of weir foundation and diversion works may increase sediment during the dry period, which in turn may increase water turbidity and affect survival of juvenile fish. Overall, the magnitude of this impact is expected to be moderate because most of the fish in the area will probably move downstream to avoid the impacts of construction activities, and the removal of boulders from the Chepe Khola is not expected to be considerable. XI. Impact of spoil/muck disposal on aquatic ecosystem The wash out of spoil/muck due to rainwater and flash flood and consequent mixing in the river may affect the aquatic ecosystem including disturbance to spawning ground of fishes. The magnitude of impact is low, extent is local and duration is short term.

6.2.2.2 Operation Stage I. Issues related with reduced forest area and wildlife habitat shrinkage Erection of some of the permanent project facilities and permanent accessorial features like access road will be done at the expense of the existing forest. The engineering estimate reveals that around 1.3 ha of forest (government managed forest) will be used by the project for such facilities. Although a part of it will be retained in natural state as the right of way and some under temporary usage during construction will be rehabilitated, a significant parcel of forest will have to be converted to concrete structure resulting in net reduction of forest area locally as well as nationally. As the forest host important habitat of wildlife, this leads to wildlife habitat shrinkage, eventually affecting the distribution of wildlife. II. Disturbance to wildlife due to new resident workforce in their immediate neighbourhood Resident workers will be deputed mainly at the headworks site and powerhouse sites. These sites are located in isolated open land amongst the forest by the side of the river and are often visited by the wildlife. Presence of alien creatures, the humans with the noisy ambience created by them in their backward is likely to affect the vigilance, migratory, feeding and other behaviour of the terrestrial wildlife. This will impact on the distribution of the wildlife. III. Fragmentation of wildlife habitat and disturbance to wildlife movement due to permanent project structures and facilities The permanent structural components of SCHPP will not impart significant impact on the movement of wildlife. At the headworks site, the construction of “run-of river” type of diversion weir will create limited upstream inundation with a little rise in water level up to 3.5 m from the bed level (riverbed) creating a pool of water of 80 to 100 m length along the river which 89

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project may create limited problem for small size animal. In the downstream along headrace pipe will have diameter of 1.1 m and the penstock pipe is of smaller size with maximum diameter of 0.9 m only. These water ways will be subsurface at places and anchored at a height at places creating passage underneath. Hence the waterway will have limited impact on movement of wild animals. The powerhouse being located in the agricultural land will have low impact on wildlife migration. IV. Barrier effect on fish movement due to diversion weir The presence of weir will limit access of migration of fish species to some upstream spawning areas. The diversion of the water creates the barrier for the upstream and downstream migration of seasonal movement of fish species. However, there are several arrangements in the project and natural setting which is expected to reduce the impact to an acceptable level. Several spawning sites are available downstream of the intake site. The project is RoR type and the height of weir is kept low for diversion of design discharge (3.5 m above bed level) with the provision of undersluice arranged to allow at least 10% of the lowest mean monthly flow. The impact is direct, low significance, local in extent and long-term in duration. V. Impact on fish and aquatic life due to reduced flow Water diversion for power production will reduce the flow in the Chepe Khola particularly in the section between the intake and powerhouse site. Flow reduction will affect spawning and breeding of snow trout, particularly during the dry season (i.e. March and April). Reduced flow will also increase the water temperature and reduce food availability, thus causing an overall decline in fish productivity in terms of number and size. In the long run, fish could be wiped out from the stretch. The impact is direct, moderately significant, local in extent and long-term in duration. VI. Impact on rare, endangered, protected and threatened species of flora and fauna and their habitat and their dispersal The protected and threatened species found in the area like Leopard Cat, Assam Macaque, Common Leopard are shy and are likely to avoid the places with human interference. They will move to safer place elsewhere. The project alignment is also likely to interfere in their migratory passage, consequently confining the wildlife habitat and limiting their dispersal. Likewise, resident workers and visitors, because of improved access may be involved in collection of rare plants and game hunting. The resident workers may be involved in collection of rare and ornamental plants and game hunting. This will have deleterious impact on both floral and faunal diversity. VII. Forest fire As stated earlier, accidental fire might occur due to carelessness in workers’ regular activities such as smoking, handling inflammable liquids, cooking, camp fire activities, etc., that may go uncontrolled and set the forest ablaze. Short circuits and sparks in the facilities may also light the forest. These can affect the forest, the wildlife habitat and even the settlement nearby. This impact is considered low, extent is local and duration is long term. VIII. Wildlife casualties due to electrocution

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

The electricity generated during the project operation will be transmitted through naked wires. Some arboreal animals like Macaques, Langoor and Squirrels are likely to climb the electricity poles and stay cables reaching up to electricity cables which will be fatal to such animals. Accidental felling of the poles and breakage of the cables due to natural causes like wind and landslides can affect the animals on ground as well. Moreover, with the availability of electricity, people could resort to wildlife hunting by electrocution also. The envisaged impact will be indirect in nature, local in extent; long term in duration, of moderate to high magnitude.

Table 39: Biological Impact Evaluation Matrix

SN Issue Impacts Significance

Extent

Nature

Duration Magnitude

A Construction Phase 1 Site clearance and loss Loss of forest area and trees D H Ss LT Significant of forest and vegetation (60) (10) (20) (90) 2 Dependence of Pressure on and depletion of local I M L ST Significant workforce on forest forest resources (20) (20) (5) (45) 3 Construction Disturbance to wildlife due to D M Ss ST Insignificant disturbance to wildlife construction related activities (20) (10) (5) (35) 4 Site clearance and loss Wildlife habitat loss or shrinkage D Lo Ss LT Insignificant of forest (10) (10) (20) (40) 5 Impact on rare, Loss of rare, endangered, protected D Lo Ss LT Insignificant threatened and and threatened species of flora and (10) (10) (20) (40) protected flora and fauna fauna 6 Hunting and poaching Loss of wildlife I M L ST Significant of wildlife (20) (20) (5) (45) 7 Deliberate and Loss of forest, flora and fauna and I Lo L ST Insignificant accidental forest fire other properties (10) (20) (5) (35) 8 Human wildlife Loss of wildlife due to attack on I Lo Ss ST Insignificant encounter wild animals (10) (10) (5) (25) 9 Construction Disturbance on fish migration D Lo Ss ST Insignificant disturbance on fish and (10) (10) (5) (25) aquatic life 10 Impact of change in Loss of aquatic habitat and impact D M L ST Significant hydrology and on fish (20) (20) (5) (45) sedimentation pattern in fish 11 Impact of muck on Loss of aquatic habitat I M Ss ST Insignificant aquatic ecosystem (20) (10) (5) (35) B Operation Phase 1 Reduction of forest Diminished forest area at local and D Lo Ss LT Insignificant area national level and wildlife habitat (10) (10) (20) (40) shrinkage 2 Disturbance to wildlife Impact on wildlife behavior and loss I Lo Ss LT Insignificant by resident worker of wildlife at local level (10) (10) (20) (40) 3 Fragmentation of Restriction on wildlife movement D Lo Ss LT Insignificant wildlife habitat due to and its impact on distribution and (10) (10) (20) (40) permanent features dispersal of wildlife

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

4 Barrier impact on fish Impact on fish movement and D Lo L LT Significant dispersal (10) (20) (20) (50) 5 Impact on fish and Loss of fish productivity in terms of D Lo L LT Significant aquatic life due to number and size (10) (20) (20) (50) reduced flow 6 Deliberate and Loss of forest, flora and fauna I Lo L LT Significant accidental forest fire (10) (20) (20) (50) 7 Electrocution of wild Casualties of arboreal wild animals; I Lo Ss LT Insignificant animal loss of wildlife (10) (10) (20) (40)

6.2.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment

6.2.3.1 Preconstruction/Construction Stage I. Permanent and temporary land acquisition and related compensation issues The project will acquire some 5.05 ha of private land belonging to 20 families for its different permanent and temporary structures. Of those 2.85 ha of land will be acquired permanently and 2.2 ha will be acquired for 3 years of construction period (Refer Table 40). The acquisition of these lands will bring forth the compensation issues. Most of these lands are mostly left barren, it will have no impact on local livelihood and no physical displacement of owner and resettlement is necessary. However, as they are private properties, they should be provided right compensation. The values of lands are variable based on their relative location and productivity. Provided that such project being proposed in their land, they could demand exorbitant price for the land. Table 40: Land required by the Project Land Area Coordinates SN Component Land Use Type Remarks (ha) 28.248297 N 1 Intake 0.01 Government Forest Permanent 84.646318 E 28.249750 N 2 Settling Basin 0.2 Government Forest Permanent 84.646556 E Private Forest and 28.249750 N 3 Headrace Pipe 0.7 Permanent Cultivable Land 84.646556 E Private cultivable 28.221757 N 4 Surge Tank 0.08 land and barren 84.645727 E Permanent land Private barren land 28.221757 N 5 Penstock Pipe 0.30 Permanent (kharbari) 84.645727 E Private cultivable 28.217547 N 6 Power House 0.25 land and barren 84.636874 E Permanent land Sub- 28.217547 N 7 0.09 Barren flood land Permanent station/Switchyard 84.636874 E 28.217547 N 8 Tailrace 0.04 Barren flood land Permanent 84.636874 E 28.230260N 9 Camp Sites 0.50 Barren land 84.643387 E, Temporary 28.217215 N

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

84.637484E 28.220743 N 84.634559 E, 10 Quarry Sites 0.40 Barren flood land Temporary 28.216092 N 84.637643 E Forest, Cultivable 11 Access Road 2.4 Permanent and Barren Lan II. Changes in social structure, cultural, and traditional practices of the rural people due to exposition to the outside work force As mentioned elsewhere, a large number of people will be required for the construction related jobs of the project. Workforce from different places other than the local area obviously has a different cultural and traditional value different from those of the local area. Project area dominated by people of dominantly Tamang and Rai ethnicity will be crowded by workforce of different ethnicity and traditions. Their cultural and traditional activities in the local area, certainly will influence, the local culture and tradition in a variety of ways. The influence has positive as well as negative implications. Positive implication is that the local people are exposed to new culture and tradition and get an opportunity to understand other’s cultural and traditional values. The negative implication could be a conflict between the local and outsiders on certain cultural /traditional issues which are rooted deep into the social structures and generate feeling of offense to each other. Similarly, adoption of align culture may result in cultural erosion of the area. The envisaged impact will be direct, local, of long term and low magnitude. III. Pressures on existing infrastructure facilities such as health and safety, education, communication, water supply, etc. due to the large numbers of outside work force Increased number of people will increase pressure on the social service institutions particularly educational facilities, health services, water supply systems, administrative services, security institutions, local markets and supply institutions and above all the sanitation management of the area. The implications are shortages of rooms, benches, teachers in the nearby schools; shortages of medicine, and medical personnel in nearby health posts; shortages in water supply; increase in thefts, quarrels over resources with a burden to local administration and security institutions; price inflation of local as well outside market commodities; and above all increase in solid waste, human waste and degradation of the overall sanitation status of the area. The local communities suffer the most because of such implications. They will feel they are suffering from all kinds of service deficiencies because of the project. These envisaged impacts of the project will be indirect, site specific, short term and of high magnitude. IV. Conflict between Local and Outside Workers and erosion of law and order situation of the project area Conflict may arise between the local people and outsider labours during the project construction regarding recruitment and procurement for work. Presence of non-native people may not be welcomed by the local residents. Additionally, the construction workers may involve in gambling, alcoholism etc., and eventually may get into conflict among themselves or with the surrounding people. Similarly, workforce from outside may not be familiar with the local culture of the project area and the disagreement may take the form of argument ultimately

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project creating conflict with local people. This creates erosion of relationship between the locals and outsiders which ultimately lead to obstruction to the construction works in various pretexts with a direct implication in the local law and order situation. Experience in the development projects in Nepal, has shown such incidents of social tension even involving construction work stoppages. These envisaged impacts of the project will be direct, local, of short term and high magnitude. V. Occupational health and safety hazards related issues During the construction phase, the construction workforces will be exposed to a number of constructions related health risks and hazards. Fugitive emissions, noise and physical injury during construction works such as underground works (tunnelling), drilling, blasting, rock cutting, slope cutting, handling of explosives and hazardous material, machinery movement, side casting, tree felling, slope stabilization, etc., may cause serious health impact. The construction activities especially plying of vehicle in the unpaved road will increase dust and gaseous emission that will affect the health of the local people and workers with respiratory and eye diseases. Unsafe drinking water, unhygienic sanitary condition (i.e. lack of the latrine and sanitary facilities) in the construction camp can increase the risk of additional and endemic diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera. The envisaged impact will be direct, local and short term having high magnitude hence will be very significant. VI. Loss of grazing and forest land squeezing the supply of forestry resources, such as fodder, fuel wood, etc. According to a tentative estimate, some 5.212 ha of government land including forest and barren/grassland will be acquired for the project temporarily and permanently for sitting its temporary and permanent facilities. Local communities are using these areas as the grazing ground for local cattle and goats and source of fodder and fuel wood. Acquisition of these lands will reduce the available resource supply in their immediate vicinity. This situation will be aggravated by the immigrants. The impact will be direct, site specific and long termed but have low magnitude because of the wider expanse of the forest, availability of the alternatives and decreasing popularity of livestock rearing practice in the community. VII. Issues on public health and sanitation of the project area Congregation of a large number of people for various economic opportunities related to the project has potential to degrade the overall sanitation status of the area, particularly in the new market centres developed locally to cater to the services of the project workers. Uncared solid waste, use of polluted water sources in such areas is of a concern to the health and safety of the local communities. Transmission of communicable disease such as STD, viral infections, malaria, from the outside workforce is of serious concern. Apart from this epidemic outbreaks of communicable and water borne diseases such as intestinal worms, diarrhoea, gastritis, jaundice, typhoid, etc., is highly potential due to pollution of the water resources which might also affect the local communities. The pollution of the air, water, noise and land has a direct inter-relationship with the community health, for the people of the project areas are not exposed to levels of pollution that is expected during the project construction period. The envisaged impact will be indirect, regional and long term having medium magnitude, hence will be very significant.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

VIII. Risk of diminished local traditional occupation and skills, such as handicraft, indigenous medical practices Local traditional occupation and skills like handicraft and indigenous medical practices are already losing popularity among the new generation for their late and low return. Only few elderly folks practice bamboo basket making, woollen cloth weaving, straw carpet making, carpentry, local healing, etc. With the advent of high and immediate paying avenue in their backyard, they are likely to give up their traditional jobs and practices. But the opportunity will last till construction phase only, after which they can continue their previous occupation. Moreover, the handicraft can find new market in their dooryard. The envisaged impact will be indirect, local and short term having low magnitude, hence will be insignificant. IX. Impact on livelihood due to acquisition of land and property, The project will acquire 2.85 ha of private land including private forest, barren land and cultivable land permanently and 2.2 ha of private barren land temporarily for a period of 3 years. Permanent acquisition of 2.85 ha of cultivable land will result in loss of production of those parcels of land. A known from the discussion with the owner of the land, two crops are planted in a row in the land: paddy (monsoon) and Maize. The productivity loss in terms of yield and monetary term is presented in the Table 41. Considering those two favoured corps (paddy and Maize) grown in the cultivated land, the annual loss in monetary value amounts to NRs. 566,903. The 2.85 ha of cultivable land will be permanently put out of production avoiding the agricultural opportunity of the landholders. Acquisition of forest and barren land will result in loss of fodder supply and grazing land affecting livestock production. The cash provided in compensation to these lands could be spent as there are cases from other projects and the owner can go to deprivation. However, as known from the field study, the landowners are well off with additional source of income. So, no impact is actually anticipated on their livelihood apart from loss of general production from the project municipality. Table 41: Loss of Production from Permanently and Temporarily Acquired Land Local Total Area Productivity Production Market Amount Crops (ha) (Mt/ha) (Mt) Value (Rs) (Rs/Mt) Permanent Loss Paddy 2.85 3.11 8.86 30000 265,905 Maize 2.85 2.47 7.04 25000 175,988 Total 15.90 441,893 Temporary Loss Paddy 0.8 3.11 2.49 30000 74,700 Maize 0.8 2.47 1.98 25000 49,500 Total 4.47 124,200 Source: Field Survey, 2018 X. Impact on price of commodities due to increase in demand Crowding of peoples, though not directly encouraged or promoted by the project, as outside construction workforce and those who come looking for various side business opportunities provided by the project personnel will increase the demand of daily essentials (goods and 95

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project services) available in the locality. Increase in demand in addition with the increased affluence of local people through direct employment in project and indirect involvement in other side businesses, is expected to increase price of the commodities. Its impact is more severe on those who cannot take part in project implementation or project induced occupations. This impact will be indirect, local, of short to medium term and of high magnitude hence will be significant. XI. Impact due to accidental and deliberate fire As stated repeatedly, accidental fire might occur due to carelessness in workers’ regular activities such as smoking, handling inflammable liquids, cooking, camp fire activities, etc., that may go uncontrolled and set the forest and houses ablaze. Short circuits and sparks in the facilities may also light the fire. These can affect the whole settlement as the houses are clumped together. This impact is considered low, extent is local and duration is short term. XII. Impact on women, children and other disadvantage groups As known from local consultation, discrepancy is already prevalent in the project area in wage distribution among male and female labour forces. It is very likely that similar treatment is continued while reimbursing the construction workforce involving the local. There are high chances, the project construction contractors, petty contractors, project employee, and workforce will discriminate them on project employment on a very low salary compared to their male counterpart. Similarly other vulnerable groups Mainly the poor Dalits who are struggling to feed their families and do not have bargaining power will be discriminated in wages and quality of behaviour. Also contractor may deploy the child labour for different construction activities because they can be hired at low cost. The envisaged impact will be direct, local, short term, of medium magnitude, hence will be significant. XIII. Issues of prostitution and STDs, HIV/AIDS As a lot of workers come to work away from home and families, they might be roaming soliciting temporary partners to fulfill their sexual desire. To meet the demand of the workers, local people might involve in prostitution, girl trafficking for sex markets. As already mentioned in the preceding heading, such activity may bring STD and HIV/AIDS risk among the workers as well as local people. Besides, as many people of the region go to India for employment, the region is already under high risk. The envisaged impact will be indirect, regional and long term having medium magnitude, hence will be very significant.

6.2.3.2 Operation Stage I. Withdrawal of construction related economic activities, employment opportunities With the completion of the construction activities, all the construction personnel and construction workforce will leave the area with only limited personnel in the permanent camps for operational activities of the project. The construction camps, labour camps and other service facilities will be demolished and cleared. The market centres developed around the camp facilities with numbers of tea stalls, hotels, restaurants, barber shops, grocery shops and consumable goods departmental stores etc., developed by locals and outsiders to take the business opportunities generated by the construction activities will find no business except to meet the local requirements only. Many of the shops will be closed down and shifted out of the project area. Such settlements will turn into ghost towns with few people only. The allied

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project construction related industry will also close because of the fewer business opportunities. This will lead to withdrawal of cash flow and its direct consequence is on the rural economy. The magnitude of impact is expected to be low, extent is site specific and duration is long term II. Impact on existing water use in the dewatered zone and downstream and conflict among the water users There are no water use infrastructures that use water from the Chepe Khola in the dewatered zone of SCHPP and the irrigation system in the project area use other streams and spring sources like Lile Khola, Bhatte Khola etc. Hence, no conflict is expected regarding the use of water from the Chepe Khola. III. Impact on gender and vulnerable groups Discrimination could occur regarding opportunities and wage distribution in operation and Maintenance works based on gender and caste. The female workers may be harassed by the male co-workers or abused by the seniors and vulnerable groups could be mistreated. Non- workers girls may also fall victim to some ill-mannered resident worker. IV. Impact on rural economy due to reduction of agriculture production The agricultural land used temporarily for temporary project features will be returned to the owner in initial condition. Production of cereals and cash crops) will be permanently lost from the agricultural land acquired for into powerhouse and headrace pipe. This will result in reduction of agricultural production and consequently impact on individuals’ as well as local economy.

Table 42: Socioeconomic and Cultural Impact Evaluation Matrix

SN Issue Impacts Significance

Extent

Nature

Duration Magnitude

A Construction Phase 1 Permanent and Loss of private land and D M Ss LT Significant temporary land compensation (20) (10) (20) (50) acquisition 2 Impact on cultural and Intermixing of practice of different I Lo L LT Significant traditional practices culture and social activities (10) (20) (20) (50) 3 Pressure on existing Impact on quality and quantity of I Lo L ST Insignificant infrastructures service delivery by these facilities; (10) (20) (5) (35) overcrowding of schools, health care institutions, shops, etc 4 Conflict between local Erosion of local law and order I Lo L ST Insignificant and outside workers situation and pressure to Maintain (10) (20) (5) (35) the law and order situation 5 Occupational health Occurrence of construction related I H Ss ST Significant and safety accidents and deterioration of (60) (10) (5) (75) workers’ health 6 Loss of forest and Loss of forest and grazing land and D Lo Ss LT Insignificant grazing land squeezing of supply of forest (10) (10) (20) (40) products

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

7 Public health and Impact on public health and I Lo L ST Insignificant sanitation sanitation due to crowding (10) (20) (5) (35) 8 Acquisition of private Loss in agricultural production and D Lo Ss LT Insignificant land and property consequence in livelihood (10) (10) (20) (40) 9 Demand and price of Impact of inflation on local I Lo L MT Insignificant commodities affordability for essential (10) (20) (10) (40) commodities 10 Impact due to Loss of human life and properties I Lo L ST Insignificant accidental and (10) (20) (5) (35) deliberate fire 11 Impact on women, Use of child labour; discrimination I Lo L ST Insignificant children and while hiring workers, compensation (10) (20) (5) (35) disadvantaged group or other project related benefits 12 Girls’ trafficking, Opening of brothel in disguise, girls’ I Lo L ST Insignificant prostitution and STDs trafficking and consequential STDs (10) (20) (5) (35) B Operation Phase 1 Withdrawal of Cessation of employment I Lo L MT Insignificant construction related opportunity and economic activities (10) (20) (10) (40) economic opportunities and impact on rural economy 2 Impact on gender and Discrimination in behavior and I Lo L LT Significant vulnerable group distribution of project related (10) (20) (20) (50) benefits 3 Reduction of Reduction in agricultural production I Lo Ss LT Insignificant agricultural activities and its consequence on rural (10) (10) (20) (40) economy

6.3 Cumulative Impacts There are 7 hydropower projects (Doodhpokhari HP 8.836 MW, Chepe Khola Small HP 8.63 MW, Langdi Khola Small HP 3.26 MW, Super Chepe HP 9.05 MW, Chepe Khola HP 7 MW, Chyadi Khola 4.2 MW and Tallo Chepe Khola HP 8.74 MW)) along the Chepe Khola stretch in operation, construction or study stage. Almost entire stretch of the Chepe Khola has been covered by hydropower projects. The combined impact of all these projects is on the discharge of the river during the dry months. The whole stretch of river except for few meters beyond the dam will be near to dry. The implication is on the aquatic ecology of the river.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

7 ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS

Alternative analysis is primarily governed by the factors like technical feasibility, economic viability and environmental acceptability. Basically, three alternatives were assessed based on technical and environmental consideration. The three alternatives have been compared as Alternative-I, Alternative-II and Alternative-III in the following table (Table 43). The project features and the impact area are confined within the same administrative division for all the three alternatives. They basically differ in waterway type, length and project cost (design alternative). Out of 3 alternatives, Alternative I is chosen for the project design. Aternative III has proposed the tunnel in the design. Since the low-grade metamorphic rock of project area doesn't support tunnel structure, alternative III is rejected. Alternative II requires more permanent land, forest area and trees to be cut down than in Alternative I. Hence Alternative I is preferred over Alternatives I and III for minimum environmental impact. Table 43 Design Alternatives Features Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III Description Basic Project Features Location Ajirkot RM, Ajirkot RM, Ajirkot RM, Dudhpokhari RM Dudhpokhari RM Dudhpokhari RM Side of the River Left bank Left bank Left bank Design Discharge 2.05 m3/sec 2.05 m3/sec 2.05 m3/sec Net Rated Head 130 m 129.6 m 134.91 m Installed Capacity 9.05 MW 9.008 MW 9.51 MW Avg. Annual 57.71 GWh 49.432 GWh 53.038 GWh Energy after outage Location of Weir 100m d/s of Jumlya- 200 m u/s of Jumlya- 100m u/s of Jumlya- Chepe Khola Chepe Khola Chepe Khola Confluence Confluence Confluence Waterway Surface structure Surface structure Composite of including headrace including headrace Headrace Pipe and pipe of length 3490 pipe of length 4190 Tunnel; Start with m. m. pipe followed by tunnel, pipe and tunnel in sequence. Pipe length=1956 m Tunnel length=2374 m Penstock length 1087 m 329 m 317 m Number of 2 2 3 production units Project Cost NRs. 1,657,000,000 NRs. 1,970,496,961 NRs. 3,166,879,103 including (IDC) Major Environmental Indicators Land Requirement 4.712ha of land 6.01 ha of land 4.28 ha of land required required permanently required permanently. permanently.

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

Forest loss 1.3 ha of 2.3 ha of 0.86 ha of Government forest Government Forest Government Forest would be needed. need to be cleared. need to be cleared. Tree Loss 305 trees to be cut 456 (gov.) + 46 (pvt) 156 (gov.) + 46 (pvt) trees to be cut. trees to be cut. Spoil Generated 118,320.42 m3 spoil 141,320.42 m3 spoil 213,521.87 m3 spoil would be generated generated which generated which require proper require proper disposal site disposal site. Geo-topographical The topography Low-grade Same as Alternative- Consideration demands drilling metamorphic rock of II rocks along some Lesser Himalayan section to make way Zone not favorable for waterway for tunnel. alignment.

7.1 Project Location and Alignment Within the survey license area, the headwork site and the powerhouse site are the ones which could maximize the available water, head and best geological conditions. 7.2 Technology, Implementation Procedure and Resource Construction methodology will be based on intensive technologies of construction equipment as well as utilization of local resources to the extent possible. This is to ensure lowest possible cost for project development and ensure quality in the works undertaken. Due priority shall be given for the recruitment of local people which will minimize the requirement of temporary camp, reduce fuel wood and timber requirement, enhance local skill and economy and develop better relationship between the project and local people. Locally available materials with small engineering structures will be used for slope stability. The estimated project construction period is about 36 months from the date of commencement of the work. The construction works are Mainly of two types – surface construction works and underground construction woks. The surface construction works is to be carried out only in dry season. All the outdoor works including excavation and embankment works continue under daily precipitation less than 5 mm and stopped under daily precipitation of more than 10 mm. So far the construction materials are concerned, the Main item viz. ‘steel' seems to be little vulnerable in terms of supply from within Nepal. Other materials like aggregates, sand, and stones are easily available in the project area. The proposed site for quarry is selected based on the availability of required quality and quantity of aggregate. Since more than one site are proposed for quarry excavation impact will be less. Muck has been considered a good source of construction aggregates. 7.3 No Forest Option While selecting the locations of project structures and facilities, no forest option was also considered, under which the project would have no impact on national forest. The availability of land was explored for the availability of the land withoutside forest area. Forest is encountered in patches along both sides of the river in the entire stretch. Hence such line project

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IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project cannot be built without cutting some trees and taking some forested land. Selecting the left bank of the forest claimed minimal forest area than the right side. Forest land to be affected by the project is 1.8 ha. Nevertheless, in order to minimize and/ or mitigate the loss of forest, workers will be managed LPG and kerosene for cooking. Equal quantity of land compensation will be provided for the forest area claimed by the project and the replacement plantation in the ratio of 1:25 will be carried out in the project area to mitigate the loss of trees due consultation with Division Forest Office. This will result in no-net-loss of the forest area to support the government policy to retain its forest cover. Similarly, riparian release and other streams joining the river d/s of headworks will be sufficient to sustain fish species. 7.4 Other Option Situation on “not implementing the project” or “no project option” was compared with “implementation of the project”. Implementation of the project come will result in a lot of beneficial impacts including employment, local development, and encouragement for other private companies to invest in hydropower. Moreover, this option will provide the state and province necessary input for national and local development in terms of clean and carbon free energy (fuel, which otherwise have to be bought from outside in the form of fossil fuel) and various revenue opportunities. Nonetheless, not implementing the SCHPP will avoid the range of associated environmental and social impacts. The main impacts that will be avoided are seasonal and daily changes to river hydrology, habitat loss, degradation/changes to aquatic ecology, land loss including forest, bushes and barren land. However, these impacts can be mitigated with the set of measures suggested in this IEE report.

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8 MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES

A wide variety of environmental and social mitigation measures (or actions) have been proposed to mitigate the possible environmental and social impacts that may result due to project implementation (construction and operation). Proponent will have the prime responsibility for implementation of mitigation and enhancement method listed below as well as for the mitigation measure to be incorporated in the design. Keeping in mind the current political and social situation, several of these require sharing of responsibilities with public authorities and local stakeholders. Adverse and beneficial impacts that are not identified or anticipated during the study stage, if later discovered during the construction and operation stages of the project, shall be duly taken care by the proponent himself in his own expenses and proponent will compensate the affected parties for losses lives or properties due to the implementation of the project as per prevailing law. 8.1 Mitigation Measures

8.1.1 Physical Environment

8.1.1.1 Pre-construction/Construction Stage I. Change in land use due to project components and facilities Change in land use due to construction of structural components of the project like headworks, tunnel portals, headrace pipe, surge shaft, penstock, internal access, powerhouse, tailrace and switchyard and residential camp for operation workers is unavoidable and irreversible, and reMains as residual impact till the project exists. Only the changes due to project ancillary/support facilities can be mitigated. The following mitigation measures will be followed to address the land use change due to project ancillary/support facilities: • Land area required for the other ancillary project features such as workers’ camp, stockpile area for the construction materials and parking facilities which are proposed on private land will be taken on lease or rent. • The leased land will be returned to the respective owner after proper treatment/rehabilitation. • Other facilities like borrow areas, spoil disposal area, crushing and batching facilities, waste dumping facilities that are proposed on government land will be rehabilitated by spreading the topsoil and re-vegetation. • The construction sites will be vegetated with local plant species and stabilized. • Rehabilitation of the land and vegetation of the disturbed land will be the part of the civil works which will be specified in the specification. II. Loss of top soil due to temporary and permanent project facilities on agricultural land The following measures will be followed to conserve top soil from degradation and loss due to project activities: • The top soil shall be collected and stored in a safe place protected from washout and fanning and will not be piled up higher than five meters.

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• When it is to be stored for more than three weeks it will be seeded to provide a grass cover. • After the project completion, the top soil collected from temporarily acquired land will be restored and the remaining soil from permanent land will be placed on other land upon the request of the local people/community. • A land with area of (20m x 30m) in the construction yard at both HW and PH area will be separated for safe storage of 10,850 m3 of top soil. • Heavy equipment will not be allowed to run over any agriculture land to avoid soil compression. • Where temporary accesses have to go through agricultural land, adequate compensation shall be made as a rehabilitation of the soil for agriculture purpose is not possible. III. Landslide and slope-stability due to toe cutting along the headrace pipe and internal access Slope cutting will be required along the roadway access and headrace pipe alignment. Although there are no permanent landslides along the alignment, some area needs slope protection structures. • Surface excavation works in headrace pipe alignment, penstock alignment and internal access will be carried out considering the geotechnical requirements of land stability & erosion. • Slope of the cutting areas shall be maintained at less than the angle of repose to the extent possible, mostly 45%. • The cut slope and excavated areas will be stabilized by applying proper bioengineering measures including toe wall, gabion, shotcrete, small civil engineering structures and vegetation. Plastic sheets will be used to the extent possible to cover the vulnerable area. • Turfing will be done on milder slopes <30° and concreting will be done on steeper slopes and annual monitoring of slope stability will be done to assess possible slope failure and damage to the project structure(s). • Both vertical and horizontal drains will be provided to minimize the soil erosion problem. • Slope protection structures such as revetment walls, benches or terraces riprap and spurs shall be built at appropriate location in order to retain unstable soil masses. • As the costs for these measures have been included in the Civil BoQ, no extra cost is envisaged for this purpose. IV. Impact due to quarrying (river morphology, sedimentation and bank cutting) As sufficient quantity of stone and aggregates can be derived from the excavation works for major project structures like Headworks, Headrace Pipe and Surge Tank, only some boulders for rip rap and fine sand has to be sourced from the riverbed material extraction. River-based aggregates will be taken from river deposits along the Chepe Khola, particularly from the area specified in the preceding chapter. The quarry sites along the water way will be managed as follows:

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IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project

• The flow channel will be avoided during riverbed material extraction and it will be carried out from bank deposit only. • Quarry operations will be made through stripping rather than forming a single deep burrow hole at the deposit. • The intake of temporary irrigation canal will be avoided while performing quarry operation. V. Impact due to storage and stockpiling of construction material Stockpiling of the construction materials will be carried out with the consent from the land owner. The economic loss and the physical inconvenience will be negotiated and compensated in the form of lease or rent. Barren land will be preferred for storage and stockpiling. This provision will be made in the contract agreement. The required land for the stockpiling of construction materials will be taken on lease and following measures will be adopted to avoid possible impacts: • Construction of drainage ditch will be carried out up to the permanent water bodies. To safely discharge the high intensity rainfall, the size of the ditch will not be less than 2ft. wide and 1.5 ft. deep all around the area; • The leased area will be properly levelled and reclaimed for reuse and restored to original shape as far as possible by tilling and spreading the topsoil stored as mentioned above. • Godown and shades will be built for construction materials like cement, fuel and lubricant. • Storage area of petrochemical will have concrete floor provided with brims to avoid the impact of overflow and spillage. Precaution and warning signs and fire fighting equipment will be placed at such storage areas. • The stockpiles will be covered by plastic sheet or regularly sprinkled with water. VI. Muck/spoil handling and disposal The volume of the muck/spoil to be disposed will be reduced by making maximum reuse of the spoil generated. The following utilities of the spoil will be duly considered: • Suitable rocks from the excavations will be used as stones and aggregate by breaking and crushing. • Some amount of spoil materials will be used in backfilling and access track construction. • Spoil may also be used for backfilling of burrow pits and for land reclamation. The following arrangements have been made to deal with the issue related with muck/spoil handling and disposal: • Total land area of 0.5 ha has been identified on public barren land for spoil disposal. To minimize the impact of overburden in one single place, four sites have been identified along the project alignment for muck/spoil disposal all of them on barren land on the right bank of the Chepe Khola one at each source of the muck. • Protection structures like concrete and gabion walls will be erected on the riverward face of each of these disposal areas. The muck/spoil will be dumped behind the wall by spreading and compacting.

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• The dumping sites will be restored by spreading topsoil and maintaining fertility after the completion of the project so that it can be utilized for farming or forestation. • Proper drainage channels as well as some protection structures (eg: toe wall) will be constructed at the upstream and at the proposed spoil dump area to prevent the deposits from being washed away by the monsoon waters. • The reusable part of the muck/spoil will be stored safely in the stockpiling area. • Water will be sprinkled as per need on the dumped and stockpiled spoil. VII. Change in drainage networks and implications to local runoff • Natural drainage will be maintained as far as possible. Any alteration in the existing natural drainage required by the project will be diverted to adjoining drainage by adequate man-made drainage arrangements considering the maximum volume of flow. • These kholsis will be channelized by construction of engineering structures. • Other minor kholsis will also be taken care of through similar arrangement as per requirement. VIII. Air pollution and impact on human health • Water will be sprinkled in all the gravel and earthen road sections passing through settlements at least two times a day; • Construction materials like cement, stone, sand and other dusty materials will be covered by tarpaulin during overall conveyance; • All vehicles belonging to the project i.e. consultants, owner, contractors, vendors will comply with the national emission standards and regular (monthly) check-up for maintenance of all vehicles will be carried out every 3000 km; • Use of breathing mask by the construction workers in the dust-prone areas such as crushing plant, batching plant, rock drilling areas etc., will be made compulsory; • Open burning of garbage will be strictly prohibited by issuance of notice and awareness. IX. Noise Level Management • Noise generating construction activities like rock drilling and vehicular movement will be limited to day time (preferably between 9h to 18h). Drilling operations will be confined during the day time only • Vehicles will be regularly maintained through conditioning and servicing and applying grease, oil and lubricants and changing spare parts to reduce the mechanical and body noise while plying. • Crushing and batching installations will be placed 60 m away from the workers camp and active work area. • Blowing horns will be prohibited in critical stretches close to villages and near the school area along the road by installing sings. • Equipment operating with noise will be fitted with noise mufflers and licensed and approved in accordance with National Ambient Sound Quality Standard, 2012. Silent generator will be arranged as backup power supply source. • While excavating the surface or underground area controlled blasting will be practiced to have a minimum noise vibration impact.

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• Earthmoving/heavy equipment will be located as far away as possible from vibration- sensitive receptors. • Use of pressure horns will be prohibited in the project area. • Ear mufflers will be provided to workers operating with high dB construction equipment. X. Impact due to solid waste generated by construction workers Different arrangements will be made for domestic, construction and demolition waste generated from the project area. Construction Waste: • These materials will be segregated as per types and stored in waste collection facilities. • Among the waste types, reusable/recyclable materials will be provided to scrap vendor. Other will be buried in a proper location identified and approved by local community. • Unused cement slurry will be disposed with the spoil in the spoil disposal area. Demolition Waste: • The building materials and plants resulting from decommissioning will be taken back to the source (Supplier/Manufacturer/Contractor). • Metals bars and frames as well as fence nets will also be taken back. • Concrete fragments will be disposed in the spoil disposal area. • Other unusable materials will be dumped in the dumping area as mentioned above. • The land occupied by these temporary facilities will be cleaned, tilled, covered with stored topsoil and returned to the respective owner. Camp/Domestic Waste: • Segregation of wastes as degradable and non-degradable will take place at source. Separate garbage containers meant for degradable and non-degradable wastes and labeled accordingly will be placed inside camps, camp premises as well as various locations in construction sites. • Workers will be informed and sensitized about the importance of proper waste management during regular training sessions and other methods of information dissemination. • A larger solid waste collection and storage facility for various types of wastes will be established, each at HW and PW area. The garbage will be collected daily for segregation and storage as outlined above. • The collected wastes will be segregated depending upon the property of the waste such as degradable, glass, metals, plastic, cloths, leather, etc. and stored accordingly through a labour force. • Among the waste types, reusable/recyclable materials will be provided to scrap vendor. Other will be buried and disposed in a dumping area as mentioned above. XI. Camp wastewater management (kitchen and sanitary waste) The camp sewerage is oxygen demanding waste and cannot be discharged indiscriminately into the river. Special arrangement will be made to dispose the camp wastewater properly.

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• Provision of toilets and septic tanks shall be made in all camps. Toilets shall be made at the rate of one toilet for 10 workers in temporary camps and one toilet for 50 workers at the work site. • Separate arrangement will be made for collection of toilet and sanitary wastes. The later consists Mainly of water from bathing and washing and contains detergents. • Septic tanks of sufficient capacity will be provided in each camp to collect toilet waste. • The septic tanks will be emptied and the contents buried in a suitable location within the project area. • Sanitary waste will be drained to a single treatment facility (possibly a reed bed/constructed wetland) before discharging into the river. • Open defecation will be prohibited and workers will be informed about the harms of open defecation. • Awareness programs will be implemented for the project workers to prevent the water pollution from project related activities. • The septic tanks will be demolished and buried with soil after completion of construction.

XII. Impact due to toxic and hazardous materials used during construction • The petroleum bunkers will be placed in a separate concrete bounded area with a facility of oil and grease separator. • All spent grease, lubricants and unused or date expired toxic chemicals will be collected, labelled separately in plastic drums and stored in a safe place under the shade. • All empty containers of grease and toxic chemicals will be punctured and stored in a safe place under the shade. • The manufacturers of these materials/chemicals will be made liable to take away spent, unused and expired materials/chemicals through contractual agreement as part of their extended responsibility for their products. The manufacturer is supposed to be equipped with treatment or disposal facility for such spent and expired materials/chemicals. • Wastewater form aggregate washing plant and batching plant will be collected in a settling pond meant before discharging into the river. The wastewater from the mechanical yards will be collected in separate collection ponds. The water will be treated for the oil and grease and then released into the water bodies. XIII. Impact on water quality due to accelerated erosion in the exposed construction surface • No cuts and fills with erodible soil will be left bare. • All such areas and soil dump areas will be re-vegetated or levelled as the case may be. XIV. Reduced utility and service of existing infrastructures • The proponent will be responsible for regular maintenance of these facilities as well as reconstruction and rehabilitation of damages to these infrastructures due to construction related activities. • Any damage to the existing road like formation of ditches will be controlled and rehabilitated as soon as possible. 107

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• Vulnerable sections of road along the project access will be rehabilitated by spreading or paving with suitable materials. • The proponent will look after offside gulley formation and landslide along the project access and vicinity

8.1.1.2 Operation Stage I. Sedimentation and sediment flushing from sedimentation basin, and its downstream effects This reMains as the residual impact till the project exists. However, infrequent flushing is not supposed to create huge impact and the annual flood events will help overcome this downstream impact naturally. A possible solution could be hauling the sediments to another location, but it raises the question about the safe place for its disposal. II. Change in river morphology downstream of diversion and its effects on downstream water use Diversion of water from the river will create about 4 km of reduced water zone. In between the alignment there are many small streams and springs that add considerable amount of discharge to the Chepe Khola that will maintain the ecological flow. To mitigate the deterioration of water quality due to reduced flow, the following additional arrangements have been made: • Adhering with the Hydropower Development Policy 2001, minimum 0.072 m³/sec riparian release is proposed to minimize the likely impact on aquatic life. For this, headwork has been so designed to allow necessary discharge downstream. Undersluice and gated intake has been proposed to allow prescribed quantity of water diversion. III. Change in water quality due to reduced flow in downstream Diversion of water from the river will create about 4 km of reduced water zone. In between the alignment there are many small streams and springs that add considerable amount of discharge to the Chepe Khola that will maintain the ecological flow. To supplement the discharge and minimize the deterioration of water quality due to reduced flow, the following arrangements have been made: • Adhering with the Hydropower Development Policy 2001, minimum 0.072 m3/s riparian release is proposed to minimize the likely impact on aquatic life. For this, headwork has been so designed to allow necessary discharge downstream. Undersluice and gated intake has been proposed to allow prescribed quantity of water diversion. IV. Management of solid waste generated by the resident workers • Solid wastes will be sorted at the source by provisioning of separate collection bin in the permanent camps. • Degradable kitchen wastes will be composted within the camp premises. • Bottles, plastics and metals will be stored and sold to vendors. • Non-degradable and non-recyclable wastes will be buried in a suitable location. • Open burning of solid waste will be strictly prohibited. V. Waste Water Management

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• Provisioning of adequate toilet facilities with septic tanks will be made in the camps sites. • Separate drainage arrangement will be made for sanitary wastewater. • The wastewater of the camps will be drained to a treatment facility before draining into the river. Considering the nature and volume of the wastewater and the location, reed- bed treatment facility will be feasible at the location. VI. Change in land use due to concrete structures. The project structural features and permanent camps will be existent till the project exists and this impact remains as unavoidable, irreversible and residual impact till then. To keep the change at the lowest possible level, the following measures will be carried out: • All the unnecessary structures like temporary residential camps, storage yards, mechanical yards, batching plant, aggregate crushers, aggregate washing plants, etc. and their foundations will be dismantled, cleaned up and reclaimed to pre-construction condition. • It includes relaying of top soil on agricultural land and planting saplings on the public barren and forest land. • No cuts and fills with erodible soil shall be left bare. • All soil dump areas shall be re-vegetated or levelled as the case may be. • All latrine pits, sump, settlement tanks and trenches, when no longer in use, shall be thoroughly disinfected and covered with soil. • The excavated slopes of the construction areas will be rehabilitated using appropriate bioengineering technique including plantation/vegetation. • Spoil disposal site will be rehabilitated with proper drainage facility. Saved top soil will be spread on the top of the spoil sites to develop the land to a usable land for afforestation or other purpose.

8.1.2 Biological Environment

8.1.2.1 Preconstruction/Construction Stage I. Loss of forest and vegetation due to clearing of the site for construction /fli6«o k|fyldstf k|fKt of]hgfsf] nflu /fli6«o jg If]q k|of]u ug]{ ;DaGwL sfo{ljlw, @)&$ will be duly followed to compensate for the forest land to be acquired for the project and the trees felled.

• Adhering with the work procedure, the project will attempt at its best to handover equal quantity of land (3.432 ha including 1.3 ha covered by forest; considering all the non- private land as forest land) to the GoN. Alternatively, it will bear the cost for the land determined as per the standard issued by the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation. • Arrangement will be made to plant and conserve 7625 saplings against 305 tree felled for the project as the rate of 1:25. The plantation will be carried out by the project itself in the land compensated for the forest land taken and additional land required for plantation as per the forest norms or it will pay the sum required to plant and manage those plants for five years to the DFO Gorkha which will carry out the necessary plantation and conservation.

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• Locally suitable species like Chilaune, Siris, Asna, Dhalne, Simal etc alongwith fruit and fodder species like Kabro, Khanyu, Aamp, Amba, Bhimal, Dudhilo, etc. will be planted for compensatory plantation. The plantation sites will be identified and finalized in coordination with local forest authority and local community. • For the forest land acquired for temporarily, lease compensation, as per the Schedule 20 of Forest Regulation 2051, is ensured by the proponent for the project period of 3 years to comply with the provisions of this work procedure. • The project will clear the forest and stockpile the materials as per the guideline of Forest Produces Collection, Sale and Distribution Guidelines, (1998) and will be handed over to the respective owners. • The forest vegetation will be cleared as per the requirement of project structures and facilities only following marking and documentation of the trees to be felled through joint inspection including the forest authority. The renumeration of the government and community authority during the inspection including the cost for felling the trees and managing the stockpile will be borne by the proponent. • An estimated cost of NRs 3,910,350 has been allocated for compensation of government land (considering all non-private land as forest land), NRs 134,646 for removal of standing trees and NRs 2,263,800 has been allocated for compensatory plantation for trees felled from government forest. Similarly, NRs 13,955 has been allocated for leasing temporarily used government land. II. Increased pressure on the surrounding forest for its products like firewood, timber and non-timber forest products The project will make effective arrangements to minimize the pressure on the surrounding forests to meet their demand for forest products and this will be strictly monitored to avoid and/or minimize the tendency of collecting firewood from the local forest. The following provisions will be made to avoid this impact: • Camp lodging and central dining/refreshing facility through independent service provider will be managed for the workers, particularly for the non-resident workers, by using kerosene or LPG to meet the fuel requirements. To offset the impact of outside opportunity seekers on forest, the local interested business people will be given opportunity for the opening of canteen within the camp and construction area to meet the construction force requirement. • To minimize the use of the local firewood even by the outside economic opportunity seekers in the hotel and tea stall business, the contractor will provision a LPG depot at the project site to ensure the availability of the LPG at the local area on actual cost basis. • Metal frames and prefabricated materials will be used for construction of temporary site offices and camps. • The project management and contractor will impose complete prohibition on the purchase, sale and storage of the local high value NTFP and fishes within the camps. Anyone found with local high value NTFP in the camps should be penalized. This is a management task and no extra cost is envisaged. • Project management and contractor management will devise code of conduct for workers and inform the outside workforce about the prohibition of roaming in the local

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forest areas without the permission of the management at the time of their appointment. Notice on this regard will be posted in the camp notice boards on permanent basis. III. Disturbance to wildlife habitat and movement due to construction related activities • Construction work will be scheduled at daytime. Restriction will be put on the noisy construction activities like drilling, operation of vehicles and equipment, etc., during night time to allow wild animals to use the forested areas. • Speed limit will be enforced and blowing horns will be prohibited in project access passing through forest area. • Unnecessary lighting and bright lights will be avoided. Use of loud speakers will be banned in the workers’ camp. IV. Loss of wildlife habitat • The plantation of 7625 saplings during pre-monsoon and other bioengineering practice in the project area will minimize the impact on habitat loss. • Saplings will be planted in the project component vicinity and to make wildlife corridors along the Chepe Khola for easy movement of the wildlife near the project area after the construction period of the project. V. Impact on rare, endangered, protected and threatened species of flora and fauna and their habitat • Compensatory forestation program will emphasize on the plantation of floral species of conservation significance like Simal along with other locally available species. Before felling, each tree and pole size vegetation that needs to be cleared, will be marked and documented through joint inspection conducted by the forest authority and project environmental officer. • Restriction will be put on the noisy construction activities during night time to allow wild animals to use the forested areas. • Construction workers will be restricted from wandering in the local and surrounding forest. • Prohibition will be imposed on the trade of wild animals’ meat and other products in the construction camps and by the construction workforce. • Workforce will be discouraged to involve in game hunting and collection of rare flora and fauna by exhibits like hoarding boards. VI. Increased pressure on wildlife due to hunting and poaching The measures suggested in the preceding section are applicable for this issue as well.

• The proponent will discourage the project workers from involving in hunting and poaching and any kind of illegal activities through code of conduct. • Conservation awareness programs will be conducted in regular basis for the workers and local community for conservation of local forest and wildlife. The program will be implanted in close co-ordination with local NGOs, CBOs and district forest. The local range post will be coordinated for such program and to control the hunting and poaching activities by the workforce.

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VII. Forest fire induced deliberately or accidentally • Inflammable material used in construction will be stored properly in a proper storage facility equipped with fire extinguishing equipment. This area will be declared “no smoking zone”. • Hoarding boards will be placed at critical location of the access road on the preventive actions to control the forest fire. • Public awareness programs with limited firefighting training will be launched to prevent the forest fires in the local area. • Project workers will be regularly informed not to throw lighted cigarette tips in the forest areas and not to use forest area as picnic spots. Besides, firefighting training will be provided to the construction workforce. VIII. Possible human wildlife encounter The possibility remains as residual impact throughout construction of the project. However, the following measures will be adopted to minimize the possible harm on or from wild animal. • Workforce will be made aware about handling emergency situation. They will be informed not to be aggressive towards wild animal. • Restriction will be put on construction workers from wandering in the forested areas. • The workers’ camps will be fenced to ward off possible entry of strayed animals. . IX. Disturbance on fish and aquatic life due to construction and change in hydrology Some disturbance is expected during the construction of temporary diversion structure/coffer dam, but this will be limited to a small stretch of river. The indirect implications of construction related activities on the fish and aquatic life will be minimized by following measures: • The impact on aquatic life due to water pollution will be addressed by the measures to prevent water pollution and river sedimentation as stated in preceding sections. • Washout of muck/spoil will be prevented by protection structures, drainage management and compaction. • The flow channel will be avoided during riverbed material extraction and it will be carried out from bank deposit only. X. Impact of spoil/muck disposal on aquatic ecosystem • Washout of muck/spoil will be prevented by protection structures, drainage management and compaction.

8.1.2.2 Operation Stage I. Reduced forest area and wildlife habitat shrinkage Loss of forest land is permanent albeit of low magnitude. Compensatory measures will be adopted to maintain the loss and hence there will be no net loss of forest area though it takes some time to grow. II. Disturbance to wildlife due to new resident workforce in their immediate neighbourhood

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• Use of loud speakers and other noisy activities will be banned in the resident workers’ camp. • Unnecessary lighting and bright lights will be avoided. • Restriction will be put on resident workers from wandering in the forested areas. III. Fragmentation of wildlife habitat and impact on wildlife movement due to permanent project structures and facilities The only barrier created on wildlife movement is due to water impoundment beyond the dam. But the headworks area is least preferred by wildlife as migration corridor. The headworks area will be fenced to protect the animals from drowning in the pond and desanding basin.

IV. Barrier effect on fish movement due to diversion weir Since there is no record of migratory fish species on the project area the significance of this issue is low. The following arrangements have been made in the project design to reduce the impact to an acceptable level: • The project is RoR type and the height of weir is kept low for diversion of design discharge (3.5 m above bed level) with the provision of undersluice arranged to allow at least 10% of the lowest mean monthly flow. • The environmental flow will be released continuously to maintain the flow in the river. • Fish passage will be constructed for migratory fishes in the headwork area. V. Impact on fish and aquatic life due to reduced flow In between the alignment there are many small streams and springs that add considerable amount of discharge to the Chepe Khola that will maintain the ecological flow. To mitigate the deterioration of water quality due to reduced flow, the following additional arrangements have been made: • Adhering with the Hydropower Development Policy 2001, minimum 0.072 m3/s riparian release is proposed to minimize the likely impact on aquatic life. For this, headwork has been so designed to allow necessary discharge downstream. Undersluice and gated intake has been proposed to allow prescribed quantity of water diversion. VI. Impact on rare, endangered, protected and threatened species of flora and fauna and their habitat and their dispersal • Use of loud speakers and other noisy activities will be banned in the resident workers’ camp. • Unnecessary lighting and bright lights will be avoided. • Restriction will be put on resident workers from wandering in the forested areas. • Prohibition will be imposed on the consumption and trade of wild animals’ meat and other products in the resident workers’ camps. • Resident workforce will be discouraged to involve in game hunting and collection of rare flora and fauna by exhibits like hoarding boards. VII. Forest fire

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• Inflammable material like oil and lubricants used or used up during project operation will be stored properly in a proper storage facility equipped with fire extinguishing equipment. This area will be declared “no smoking zone”. • Fire line will be drawn around the camp and storage facilities to prevent the possible spread of fire to the nearby forest and village. • Hoarding boards will be placed at critical location of the access road on the preventive actions to control the forest fire. • Public awareness programs with limited firefighting training will be launched to prevent the forest fires in the local area. • Resident workers will be regularly informed not to throw lighted cigarette tips in the forest areas and not to use forest area as picnic spots. VIII. Wildlife casualties due to electrocution Substation will be properly fenced to ward off wild animals and electric poles passing through forest area will be laminated with barbs to prevent animal climbing.

8.1.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment

8.1.3.1 Preconstruction/Construction Stage I. Permanent and temporary land acquisition and related compensation issues The prevailing Land Acquisition Act, 1977 and other concerned legislative systems on land acquisition issue will be followed. • Private land required for sitting permanent project features will be purchased from the respective owner during preconstruction phase at existing market price. The price will be settled by bilateral negotiation with landowners. • Private land to be acquired temporarily for sitting temporary project features will be taken on leasehold/rental basis. The construction contractor will give all rent of the temporary acquired land. The rental will be based on the land productivity and shall not be less than the total annual land productivity. The rental will be paid every six months. • The contractor will rehabilitate the land occupied to “as is condition” prior to occupation after the end of the construction period before handing over the land to the owner. The key parameters for the rehabilitation unless specified in the agreement will be i) top soil maintenance, ii) demolition of all structures, fences and drainages, iii) establishment of land boundaries pre-project conditions, iv) area should be free from construction or camp solid wastes. The contractor should submit the handover of the land signed by the affected party to the Project Management. • Retention of the original condition will be done using plastic sheets (tarpaulin) for stockpiling of construction materials, spoil disposal. In case of chemical storage, impervious layer of plastic will be used. • Land acquisition and lease will be done after harvesting of crops. If the proponent acquires the land before the harvesting of crops, crops will be compensated as per the production potential at market price.

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• Based on a field discussion, NRs 5,649,425 has been allocated for buying 2 ha of land required for permanent structures and NRs 542,340 has been allocated for leasing 1.8 ha of private land. II. Changes in social structure, cultural, and traditional practices of the rural people due to exposition to the outside work force • Workforce will be informed about the culture and living style of the project area. They will be instructed to respect the locally accepted culture and living style. • Special instruction will be given to all workers to act in responsible manner during and after the working hours, respecting the rights, properties and practices of local people. • The use of local workers will be maximized in order to mitigate this impact. The use of locals will not only help in minimizing the adverse impact associated with the change in lifestyle but also a milestone to enhance the local economy through employment and cash flow. III. Pressures on existing infrastructure facilities such as health and safety, education, communication, water supply, etc. due to the large numbers of outside work force • Camp facilities will be arranged for housing the workers who are not able to return home after every day work. • The contractor will manage some utilities like communication, lighting and cooking energy, drinking water supply, etc., within the camp so as to avoid the pressure on local services. Local people will be consulted to build consensus on sharing the community infrastructures such that it will not significantly affect the local people. • The contractor will be made responsible for reconstruction and rehabilitation of damages due to their activities. • As will be discussed in detail under succeeding sections, infrastructural and educational support will be provided to the schools of the project wards on priority basis. Support will be provided to upgrade existing health service facilities. Alternative source of drinking water will be identified and developed or existing water resources and infrastructures will be improved. To avoid the pressure on security agencies, workers will be made aware and discouraged to involve in alcoholism and gambling. Similarly, additional support for establishing temporary police post (if required) will be maintained through coordination with district administration office. IV. Conflict between Local and Outside Workers and erosion of law and order situation of the project area • Preference will be given to the local people in project related jobs and subsidiary opportunities. • Construction workers from outside the project area will be well-informed about the general norms and values of society before deployment. The construction workforce will be instructed to respect local people, especially the female members and the local culture and tradition. • A code of conduct will be prepared for the construction workforce and the project staff on how to behave with the local people of the project area, which besides others will include a) Respect to the local people their culture, traditions and women; b) Not indulge 115

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in any conflict with the local people c) Not to gamble with the local community people; d) Not to drink alcohol outside the construction camps and roam local markets after consuming alcohol. • Local people will be informed about project activities, requirements and time schedules. • The law and order situation will be maintained creating additional temporary police post in the project site. District Police Office will be requested to establish a temporary Unit Police Post in project area. A strict code of conduct for the workforce will be formulated and enforced. In case any worker is found soliciting prostitution and gambling etc. will be penalized and terminated too. V. Occupational health and safety hazards related issues • The contractor will be informed to adopt safe construction practices to minimize construction related accidents and possible health consequences. • Construction workers will be trained in job hazards, emergency procedures and in any other relevant safety measures. • The occupational workers engineers and supervisors working at the active construction sites will be provided with air masks, helmets, safety goggles, ear plugs, gloves and boots. The contractors will be made responsible to provide the above mentioned PPE contractually. Further, it will be mandated that all the workers and engineers will have to wear these gears inside the construction sites to minimize the health impacts of the fugitive dusts and head safety. • Information will be given to the local residents about potentially dangerous area and objects and high voltage lines by installing warning signposts. Barriers and guards will be installed to restrict access of unauthorized persons to active construction sites. • Only authorized person will be allowed to operate heavy machinery and equipment and drilling and blasting operations. • Lighting and ventilation systems will be installed at all construction sites. • Contractor will arrange the First Aid Kit Box and standby medicine for workforce during working period and emergency situations. Adequate and easily accessible first- aid outfit should be available on the site. Some of the work force should be trained to use the outfit. • An arrangement has to be made with the local sub health-posts to treat the workforce in case of accidents. As the existing sub-health post is pretty far from the project site, a health center will be established in the camp or near the project area. The health care center will be attended by a regular Health Assistant and periodically visited by a Medical Doctor as arranged by the SCHPP. • Dust control will be done by spraying water twice a day in access road and crushing plants. • Workforce will be trained on techniques to save themselves from wild animal attack. • The PPE is expected to cost NRs 750,000 and arrangement of health care facility within the camp is expected to cost NRs 700,000 for construction period. VI. Loss of grazing and forest land squeezing the supply of forestry resources, such as fodder, fuel wood, etc.

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The loss of grazing ground and forest resource supply due to acquisition for project structures will be temporary and last till the construction period. The outside workers will be prohibited from using the forest resources to keep the pressure on available resource low. VII. Issues on public health and sanitation of the project area • Drinking water will be disinfected by filtration and chlorination. Water supplies to work camps for human use will meet NDWQS guidelines. • Sanitary condition will be Maintained in the construction camp by arranging toilets and water supply. • Workers will be encouraged to keep their camps clean and tidy. • Workers will be informed about STDs and the preventive measures. • Workers will undergo regular health check-ups in the construction camp and the arrangement will be made by the contractor. • Existing health service facilities will be upgraded and a new established near the project area. The new health care center will be attended by a regular Health Assistant and periodically visited by a Medical Doctor as arranged by the SCHPP. VIII. Impact on livelihood due to acquisition of land and property, • Land acquisition will be done after harvesting the crops. If the proponent requires the land before the harvesting of crops, crops will be compensated as per the production potential at market price. • Lease/rent will be provided for the agricultural land acquired temporarily, and the amount provided will not be less than the total annual land productivity. This amount will provide the basis of alternative livelihood to the owner. • The leased/rented land will be returned to the owner in its previous productive condition. IX. Impact on price of commodities due to increase in demand Price of the commodities is market driven. So, this will reMain as residual impact till the presence of additional population. Yet, control authorities will be informed about the absurd price tagging. X. Impact due to accidental and deliberate fire The measures outlined to reduce the impact of fire hazard in biological impacts mitigation measures are expected to work on this issue as well. XI. Impact on women, children and other disadvantage groups • Child labour will be prohibited totally. Project will establish agreement with contractors to prohibit child labour and the program will monitor the compliance regularly. Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2056 & Labour Act will be strictly followed. Local stakeholders and users’ groups will be consulted before hiring the workforce. • Project will establish agreement with contractors to consider male and female as well as the voiceless underprivileged people equally for wage distribution for works of similar nature. Male workers will be instructed to respect their female counterparts. • PAFs, vulnerable groups will be given priority in work and due care will be taken that they are not discriminated or mistreated by the contractor or fellow workers.

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• Awareness program including lectures and flyer distribution will be conducted in this regard. NRs. 300,000 is allocated for awareness program on Gender, Children and Vulnerable groups’ issues. XII. Issues of prostitution and STDs, HIV/AIDS • The prohibitory law against human trafficking and prostitution will be strictly enforced and local security force as well as concern community will be informed about the need of effective surveillance. • The deprived and vulnerable people will be given priority in employment in the project. • Similarly, workers as well as the local people will be made aware about STDs and the protective measures as well as the prohibitory law and the provision of punishment in case of law breaching. • Awareness program including lectures and flyer distribution will be conducted in this regard. NRs. 300,000 is allocated for awareness program on Human trafficking, prostitution and STDs.

8.1.3.2 Operation Stage I. Withdrawal of construction related economic activities, employment opportunities • Project will promote alternative livelihood activities by training on improved agriculture and other off-farm activities. Training programs will be organized particularly targeting the local people willing to establish their own entrepreneurship, where they can utilize their skills and earn some money. The training sessions will be conducted at least 3 months prior to the project completion; so that the trained labour force will be able to start their business immediately upon the termination of their jobs. • Possible effort will be made by the project for helping the trained and interested local manpower for their employment in new hydroelectric projects.

II. Impact on existing water use in the dewatered zone and downstream and conflict among the water users A meeting has been conducted with the local people regarding use of water from Chepe Khola (please refer minute attached as ANNEX 7). The water for irrigation has been derived from other sources than Chepe Khola. Local people approved this fact during the meeting. Moreover, the water from these sources is withdrawn only during the monsoon for paddy plantation. These lands are not used for winter corps. Hence there is no chance of conflict regarding water use for irrigation purpose. III. Impact on gender and vulnerable groups • The project will offer equal opportunity to local women and vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in operation and Maintenance works and adopt non- discriminatory policy in wage distribution regardless of gender and caste. • Male workers will be instructed to respect their female counterparts. IV. Impact on religious, cultural, and historical sites

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• Adhereing with the decision made during the meeting with the local people (please refer minute attached as ANNEX 7), the project will provide financial support under community support program (CSP). V. Impact on rural economy due to reduction of agriculture production The agricultural land used temporarily for temporary project features will be returned to the owner in initial condition. Permanent loss of production of cereals and cash crops from permanently acquired land will remain as a residual impact. Although, a large tract of land is found kept barren and there are ample opportunities for the farmers to shift their farming practice to fallow land, the people losing their means of livelihood due to permanent acquisition of land will be given preference in operation and maintenance stage employment opportunities. 8.2 Enhancement Activities

8.2.1 Local Hiring Local people will be given higher preference on construction related employment opportunities based on their qualification and skill. Priority will be given to project affected families, disadvantaged people and women.

8.2.2 Priority to Local Agricultural Products Local agricultural products will be given due priority to meet the daily need of construction and operation camps. The cereals, vegetables, fruit, meat and dairy to meet the requirement of the project worker will be procured at local level from local farmers at local market rate. This is believed to promote local agricultural and livestock production in the project area.

8.2.3 Awareness Training Various types of trainings will be provided to the workers (local as well as outsiders) as well as non-workers for the benefit of the project and workers as well as for the non-workers and local environment of the project area. The trainings will be on the following subjects/themes and the audiences will be the worker or non-worker local people as the case may be: Site Induction: This include training to the employees, sub-contractors and direct hire labours on job related hazards, health and safety regulations, emergency and rescue procedure. Environmental and Social Awareness: Formal and brief training will be provided to project workers and non-workers alike on the importance of conservation of the overall environment of the project area. The program includes awareness training through lectures on forest and wildlife conservation, waste management in and around the project area, local social, cultural and religious norms, values and practices, respect to genders and vulnerable groups and others as felt necessary during the construction and operation. Visitors and Public Safety: All visitors will undergo a visitor’s induction to include awareness about environmental, social, health and safety risks and management measures relevant to the project area to be visited. Similarly, the local people will be made aware about the safety sirens installed to inform about blasting operation and other emergency conditions.

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8.2.4 Vocational Training The project will provide training on vocational skills such as carpentry, masonry, vehicle driving, plumbing, electrical wiring, metal works and heavy equipment operation to the local interested people. The training will be provided to 21 persons, 3 persons in each skill. The project will manage this program in Gorkha. It will be 15 days intensive training. A cost of 100,000 has been allocated for training on each of the seven skills. The amount will be spent on equipment, logistic of the trainers and trainees and trainers’ cost. The training opportunities will be provided prior actual construction of the project so that the trainees can be utilized in the project construction works.

8.2.5 Training on On-Farm Activities NTFP cultivation, commercial agriculture and livestock rearing training and market management program will be provided by proponent after the completion of the project so that the impact of unemployment after the project construction will be minimized. The selection priority for the training program will be PAF, local farmers in the nearest vicinity of projects, Dalits, women and the workforce who worked for the project in construction phase. Total number 30 person will be enrolled for the training based on their interest. The project will hire NTFP expert, Agriculture expert and Livestock expert to provide training in the project office. These programmes will be launched in coordination with affected municipalities and rural municipalities, DCC, Local clubs, and NGOs working within the district. Ten days training will be provided. The estimated budget for the program is Rs 750,000. 8.3 Community Support Program (CSP) Activities by the Developer The proponent has social responsibilities towards the overall development of the project area i.e. Ajirkot-2, Gorkha and Dudhpokhari-1, Lamjung. Adhering with community support program, financial and technical support will be provided for overall community development of the project area. Financial and technical supports will be provided on the following sectors:

8.3.1 Education Support The project has wiliness to provide financial support to local education sector. Support will be provided to those schools which are located near to the project construction sites. Altogether, 4 schools, one of each affected ward will be benefitted by this scheme. Support will be provided for the establishment of library, widening of playground, educational materials including sports, and other physical facilities. Sum of Rs 1,500,000 has been allotted for support in education sector.

8.3.2 Health Sector Support Physical facility of existing health posts located in the project affected wards are poor in terms of infrastructure and service delivery. There is a need of strengthening existing physical facilities. Hence, as per local suggestions, the proponent has willingness to provide financial support for strengthening the existing health posts of the project affected wards. Sum of Rs 1,500,000 has been allotted for infrastructural and medicinal support of the health posts.

8.3.3 Drinking water support There is no impact on existing water sources due to the project implement. However, financial support will be provided to the local water users’ groups of the project affected wards 120

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(especially ward 2 of Ajirkot RM where all the project structural features are located) for conservation of existing water sources, identification and development of newer sources of drinking water. Sum of Rs 1,500,000 has been allotted support in drinking water sector.

8.3.4 Irrigation support As mentioned earlier, water is diverted from the Chepe Khola only during monsoon season for paddy plantation. Support will be provided to the people practicing agriculture in the high lying terrace along both sides of the Chepe Khola to improve their irrigation facilities utilizing water from local springs. A sum of Rs 1,200,000 has been allotted for this purpose.

8.3.5 Rural Access Support The project will provide financial support to improve the access by upgrading the track connecting Bhachchek and Olang, the nearest settlements on the right side of the river in the dewatered zone. A sum of Rs 1,000,000 has been allocated for this purpose. The support will be provided to local road user group. Local road users will spend the sum as per requirement for necessary upgrading works.

8.3.6 Support for conservation and construction of religious structure Project will support local people for the conservation of religious and cultural value of Super Chepe. During public meeting, local people have requested the project authority to support for the protection of religious sites and its value of this place. The project is positive in this regard and will provide budgetary support for protection and infrastructural strengthening of this place. Sum of Rs 2,000,000 has been allotted for this purpose. This initiative was agreed upon by the local people during the meeting (please refer Annex 7).

8.3.7 Conservation of Local Forest A significant share of area occupied by the project is forest land that is already in a degraded state. The project will provide financial assistance to local CBOs through DFO to pursue afforestation in degraded land in the project area. A sum of Rs 500,000 has been allotted for this purpose.

8.3.8 Assistance to the Local CBOs Ama Samuha and Youth clubs are major community base organizations in the project area. These CBOs have been involving in infrastructure developments (road construction, school Maintenance) and awareness program (health sector, gender). Project will provide some financial support to these organizations for smooth implementation of their programs. A sum of Rs 500,000 has been allocated for this purpose. 8.4 Stakeholders Issues During consultation with local people following issues were raised by different local level stakeholers. Institutional Issues • Consideration of propable landslides and bank protection • Priority to local people in employment opportunities related to construction and operation of project with due consideration to Dalatis, Janajati, Women, Disabled and other marginalized groups. 121

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• Respectable compensation should be provided to those whose land will be acquired by the project. • Adoption of proper mitigation/compensation measures for forest cleared and land acquired. • Proper care of local environment during construction works and adoption of suitable mitigation measures • Alternatives of forest land to be assessed. • No harm should be done to forest, wildlife and biodiversity during implementation of the project. • The cost of felling trees to be felled by the project and the monitoring government employee should be borne by the project itself Community Issues • Special attention for protection of the religious site at Super Chepe • Priroity to local people in project related employments based on their skills. • Priority should be given to use local agricultural products • Support to upgrading local acces routes (Bahchchek-Olang road) • Conservation of local environment should be given priority. • Due care should be given to protection local forest and wildlife habitats. • Adoption of mitigation measures to address the impact on people living near the river and their dependence on river. Most of the issues and concerns raised by the local stakeholders during the public consultation event were in the form of demand related with local development. The issues pertinent with this study have been studied in detail in this report (Chapter 6). The demands put forth by the local people in interest of local development have been addressed mostly under Corporate Social Responsibility (Chapter 8). Moreover, issues raised by stakeholders will be addressed forming a committee with members from affected municipality, proponent, contractor (as applicable) and other stakeholers as relevant (refer Section 8.9). 8.5 Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Management As per the EPR 1997, environmental management of the project is the responsibility of the proponent. Hence, the enhancement and mitigation measures proposed in the preceding sections will be implemented by the proponent/SCHPP. Since the project will be implemented through contractor, the contractor will be made responsible for implementing the measures suggested to address the impacts due to its activities through contract clause in the contract document. Nonetheless, the proponent will closely oversee the implementation of mitigation measures identified as the responsibilities of the contractor. The proponent will implement the mitigation and enhancement measure during construction, operation and Maintenance phase. The detail action plan for activities to be carried out to augment beneficial impacts and reduce/mitigate adverse impact produced from the implementation of the proposal, and the responsible implementing and supporting agencies are provided in environmental management plan is presented in Table 44 and Table 45.

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Table 44: Environmental Enhancement Management Plan SN Impact Enhancement Action Individual Timing of Competent Mitigation Responsible Action Authority Cost (NRs) A Construction Phase 1 Employment and income Priority will be given to project affected families, Contractor During Proponent No cost opportunities for local people disadvantaged people and women form local construction in construction community. 2 Improvement of Service Under CSP, support will be provided to improve Proponent Both Proponent Facilities existing infrastructures construction • Drinking water supply and operation • 1,500,000 • Education infrastructures • 1,500,000 • Health institution • 1,500,000 • Rural access (road improvement) • 2,200,000 • Religious/cultural sites at Maibeni • 2,000,000 • Small scale irrigation • 1,200,000 3 Business opportunities Local products will be given due priority Proponent/ Construction No cost Contractor 4 Skill enhancement Vocational training on project related skills will be Proponent Prior Proponent 500,000 provided to local individuals. construction 5 Change in livelihood Additional training will be provided to workers and Proponent Post- Proponent 750,000 PAF on on-farm and off-farm income generating construction skills. 6 Local government revenue No measures suggested. opportunities B Operation Phase 1 Employment opportunities Priority will be given to project affected families, Proponent During MoEWRI No cost for local in O & M works disadvantaged people and women form local Operation community. 2 Business opportunities Local products will be given due priority Proponent During MoEWRI No cost Operation 3 Enhancement of social This has been addressed under A2 in this table. Proponent During MoEWRI Addressed in services Operation A2. 4 Revenue opportunities No measures suggested 5 National development No measures suggested

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6 Land development It will be ensured that the contractor rehabilitate the Proponent/ During No cost opportunities muck disposal site into well-developed lands for Contractor Operation community use

Table 45: Environmental Mitigation Management Plan SN Impacts Mitigation Actions Individual Timing of Competent Mitigation Cost Responsible Action Authority A Physical Environment A1 Construction Phase 1 Change in land use • Land area required for temporary facilities will be Contactor During Proponent/ No cost taken on lease or rent; and it will be returned to the construction MoEWRI respective owner after proper treatment/rehabilitation. and Post- • The construction sites will be covered by stored topsoil construction and vegetated with local plant species and stabilized. 2 Loss of topsoil • Topsoil will be collected and stored in a safe place Contractor During Proponent/ No cost protected from washout and fanning and will not be construction MoEWRI piled up higher than five meters. and Post- • When it is to be stored for more than three weeks it will construction be seeded to provide a grass cover. • After the project completion, the top soil collected from temporarily acquired land will be restored and the reMaining soil from permanent land will be placed on other land upon the request of the local people/community. • Heavy equipment will not be allowed to run over any agriculture land to avoid soil compression. 2 Slope stability and • Excavated surface along headrace pipe alignment, Contractor Construction Proponent/ Cost included in Civil Cost landslide along penstock alignment and internal access will stabilized MoEWRI headrace pipe and applying proper bioengineering measures including toe internal access wall, gabion, shotcrete, small civil engineering structures and vegetation. • Plastic sheets will be used to the extent possible to cover the vulnerable area.

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• Slope of the cutting areas shall be Maintained at less than the angle of repose to the extent possible, mostly 45%. • Turfing will be done on milder slopes <30° and concreting will be done on steeper slopes. • Both vertical and horizontal drains will be provided to minimize the soil erosion problem. 3 Impact of • The flow channel will be avoided during riverbed Contractor Construction Proponent/ No cost quarrying material extraction and it will be carried out from bank Municipality/ deposit only. DCC/ • Quarry operations will be made through stripping MoEWRI rather than forming a single deep burrow hole at the deposit. • The intake of temporary irrigation canal will be avoided while performing quarry operation. 4 Impact due to • Construction of drainage ditch 2ft. wide and 1.5 ft. will Contractor Construction Proponent/ Cost included in Civil Cost storage and be carried out up to safely discharge the high intensity MoEWRI stockpiling rainfall into the permanent water bodies. • The leased area will be properly leveled and reclaimed for reuse and restored to original shape as far as possible by tilling and spreading the topsoil after construction is over. • Godown and shades will be built for construction materials like cement, fuel and lubricant. • Storage area of petrochemical will have concrete floor provided with brims. • Precaution and warning signs and firefighting equipment will be placed at such storage areas. • The stockpiles will be covered by plastic sheet or regularly sprinkled with water. 5 Impact due to • The reusable part of the muck/spoil will be stored Contractor Construction Proponent/ Most of the measures are muck disposal safely in the stockpiling area. MoEWRI related with management • Suitable rocks from the excavations will be used as and other included in Civil stones and aggregate by breaking and crushing. Cost.

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• Spoil will be used for backfilling and land reclamation. • To minimize the impact of overburden in one single place, muck will be disposed on four different sites on barren land along the right bank of the Chepe Khola. • Protection structures like concrete and gabion walls will be erected on the riverward face of each of these disposal areas. The muck/spoil will be dumped behind the wall by spreading and compacting. • The dumping sites will be restored by spreading topsoil and Maintaining fertility after the completion of the project so that it can be utilized for farming or forestation. • Proper drainage channels as well as some protection structures (eg: toe wall) will be constructed at the upstream and at the proposed spoil dump area to prevent the deposits from being washed away by the monsoon waters. • Water will be sprinkled as per need on the dumped and stockpiled spoil. 6 Change in natural • Any alteration in the existing natural drainage required Contractor Construction Proponent/ Cost included in Civil Cost drainage pattern by the project will be diverted to adjoining drainage by MoEWRI adequate man-made drainage arrangements considering the maximum volume of flow. These kholsis will be channelized by construction of engineering structures. • Other minor kholsis will also be taken care of through similar arrangement as per requirement. 7 Air pollution • Water will be sprinkled in all the gravel and earthen Contractor Construction Proponent/ Cost included in Civil Cost road sections passing through settlements at least two MoEWRI times a day; • Construction materials like cement, stone, sand and other dusty materials will be covered by tarpaulin during overall conveyance; • All vehicles belonging to the project i.e. consultants, owner, contractors, vendors will comply with the 126

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national emission standards and regular (monthly) check-up for maintenance of all vehicles will be carried out every 3000 km; • Use of breathing mask by the construction workers in the dust-prone areas such as crushing plant, batching plant, rock drilling and blasting areas etc., will be made compulsory; • Open burning of garbage will be strictly prohibited by issuance of notice and awareness. • Tunnel/Underground Air Quality Management • Dust suppression techniques like sprinkling will be carried out. • Conveyance of dusty materials will be covered. • Conditions for emission standards for vehicles as stated above will be followed. 8 Noise and • Noise generating construction activities like blasting Contractor Construction Proponent/ Cost included in Civil Cost vibration due to and vehicular movement will be limited to day time MoEWRI drilling, and other (preferably between 9h to 18h). construction • Vehicles will be regularly maintained through activities conditioning and servicing and applying grease, oil and lubricants and changing spare parts to reduce the mechanical and body noise while plying. • Crushing and batching installations will be placed 60 m away from the workers camp and active work area. • Blowing horns will be prohibited in critical stretches close to villages and near the school area along the road by installing sings. • Equipment operating with noise will be fitted with noise mufflers and licensed and approved in accordance with National Ambient Sound Quality Standard, 2012. • Earthmoving/heavy equipment will be located as far away as possible from vibration-sensitive receptors.

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• Use of pressure horns will be prohibited in the project area. • Ear mufflers will be provided to workers operating with high dB construction equipment. 9 Impact due to solid • Construction Waste: Contractor Construction Proponent/ No cost (construction, • These materials will be segregated as per types and and Post- MoEWRI demolition and stored in waste collection facilities. construction camp) waste • Among the waste types, reusable/recyclable materials will be provided to scrap vendor. Other will be buried in a proper location identified and approved by local community. • Unused cement slurry will be disposed with the spoil in the spoil disposal area. • Demolition Waste: • The building materials and plants resulting from decommissioning will be taken back to the source (Supplier/Manufacturer/Contractor). • Metals bars and frames as well as fence nets will also be taken back. • Concrete fragments will be disposed in the spoil disposal area. • Other unusable materials will be dumped in the dumping area as mentioned above. • The land occupied by these temporary facilities will be cleaned, tilled, covered with stored topsoil and returned to the respective owner. • Camp/Domestic Waste: • Segregation of wastes as degradable and non- degradable will take place at source. Separate garbage containers meant for degradable and non-degradable wastes and labeled accordingly will be placed inside camps, camp premises as well as various locations in construction sites.

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• Workers will be informed and sensitized about the importance of proper waste management during regular training sessions and other methods of information dissemination. • A larger solid waste collection and storage facility for various types of wastes will be established, each at HW and PW area. • The collected wastes will be segregated depending upon the property of the waste such as degradable, glass, metals, plastic, cloths, leather, etc. and stored accordingly through a labour force. • Among the waste types, reusable/recyclable materials will be provided to scrap vendor. Other will be buried and disposed in a dumping area as mentioned above. 10 Impact due to • Provision of toilets and septic tanks shall be made in all Contractor Construction Proponent/ Cost included in Civil Cost camp wastewater camps at the rate of one toilet for 10 workers in MoEWRI temporary camps and one toilet for 50 workers at the work site. • Separate arrangement will be made for collection of toilet and sanitary wastes. • Septic tanks of sufficient capacity will be provided in each camp to collect toilet waste. The septic tanks will be emptied and the contents buried in a suitable location within the project area. • Sanitary waste will be drained to a single treatment facility (possibly a reed bed/constructed wetland) before discharging into the river. • Open defecation will be prohibited and workers will be informed about the harms of open defecation. • Awareness programs will be implemented for the project workers to prevent the water pollution from project related activities. • The septic tanks will be demolished and buried with soil after completion of construction.

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11 Impact due to toxic • The petroleum bunkers will be placed in a separate Contractor Construction Proponent/ Cost included in Civil Cost and hazardous concrete bounded area with a facility of oil and grease MoEWRI material separator. • All spent grease, lubricants and unused or date expired toxic chemicals will be collected, labeled separately in plastic drums and stored in a safe place under the shade. • All empty containers of grease and toxic chemicals will be punctured and stored in a safe place under the shade. • The manufacturers of these materials/chemicals will be made liable to take away spent, unused and expired materials/chemicals through contractual agreement as part of their extended responsibility for their products. • Wastewater form aggregate washing plant and batching plant will be collected in a settling pond meant before discharging into the river. The wastewater from the mechanical yards will be collected in separate collection ponds. The water will be treated for the oil and grease and then released into the water bodies. 12 Impact on water • No cuts and fills with erodible soil will be left bare. Contractor Construction Proponent/ Cost included in Civil Cost quality due to • All such areas and soil dump areas will be re-vegetated MoEWRI erosion from or levelled as the case may be. exposed surface 13 Pressure on • Regular maintenance of these facilities as well as Contractor Construction Proponent/ • Most of the cost included existing reconstruction and rehabilitation of damages to these Municipality/ in civil cost infrastructures infrastructures due to construction related activities MoEWRI • 1,000,000 for offsite will be carried out. gulley and landslide • Any damage to the existing road like formation of control ditches will be controlled and rehabilitated as soon as possible. • Vulnerable sections of road along the project access will be rehabilitated by spreading or paving with suitable materials. • The irrigation canal built by local people to channelize water from local springs especially at the Tunnel-1

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outlet will be conserved through use of polythene pipes and reconstructed after the construction completes. • The proponent will look after offside gulley formation and landslide along the project access and vicinity A2 Operation Phase 1 River • No measures have been suggested as this will be sedimentation due overcome naturally to sediment flushing 2 Change in river • Minimum 0.072 m3/s riparian release is proposed to Project Operation Proponent/ No cost morphology due to minimize the likely impact on aquatic life. Headwork office/ MoEWRI water diversion has been so designed to allow necessary discharge Project downstream. Undersluice and gated intake has been Proponent proposed to allow prescribed quantity of water diversion. 3 Change in water • Minimum 0.072 m3/s riparian release is proposed to Project Operation Proponent/ No cost quality due to minimize the likely impact on aquatic life. Headwork office/ MoEWRI reduced flow has been so designed to allow necessary discharge Project downstream. Undersluice and gated intake has been Proponent proposed to allow prescribed quantity of water diversion. 4 Solid waste • Solid wastes will be sorted at the source by Project Operation Proponent/ No cost generated by provisioning of separate collection bin in the office/ MoEWRI operation workers permanent camps. Project • Degradable kitchen wastes will be composted within Proponent the camp premises. • Bottles, plastics and metals will be stored and sold to vendors. • Non-degradable and non-recyclable wastes will be buried in a suitable location. • Open burning of solid waste will be strictly prohibited. 5 Waste water from • The wastewater of the camps will be drained to a Project Operation Proponent/ No cost permanent camp treatment facility before draining into the river. office/ MoEWRI Considering the nature and volume of the wastewater Project Proponent 131

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and the location, reed-bed treatment facility will be feasible at the location. 6 Change in land use • All the unnecessary structures like temporary Contractor/ Post- Proponent/ Included in Civil cost. due to concrete residential camps, storage yards, mechanical yards, Proponent construction MoEWRI structures batching plant, aggregate crushers, aggregate washing plants, etc. and their foundations will be dismantled, cleaned up and reclaimed to pre-construction condition by applying topsoil and plantation as the case may be. • All soil dump areas shall be re-vegetated or levelled as the case may be. • All latrine pits, sump, settlement tanks and trenches shall be thoroughly disinfected and covered with soil. • No cuts and fills with erodible soil shall be left bare. The excavated slopes of the construction areas will be rehabilitated using appropriate bioengineering technique including plantation/vegetation. • Spoil disposal site will be rehabilitated with proper drainage facility. • Saved top soil will be spread on the top of the spoil sites to develop the land to a usable land for afforestation or other purpose. B Biological Environment B1 Construction Phase 1 Loss of forest and /fli6«o k|fyldstf k|fKt of]hgfsf] nflu /fli6«o jg If]q k|of]u ug]{ Proponent Pre- Proponent/ ;DaGwL sfo{ljlw, @)&$ • Considering all non- vegetation will be duly followed to and construction MoFE/ DFO private land as Gov. compensate for the forest land to be acquired for the contractor and Forest, land costs= project and the trees felled. Construction 3,910,350 • Adhering with the work procedure, the project will • Lease cost of 1.4 ha attempt at its best to handover equal quantity of land government land=13,955 (2.132 ha) to the GoN. Alternatively, it will bear the • Compensation of cost for the land determined as per the standard issued standing trees=134,646 by the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation. • Compensatory plantation • Arrangement will be made to plant and conserve 7625 cost (7625 trees and saplings against 305 tree felled for the project as the rate of 1:25. The plantation will be carried out by the 132

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project itself in the land compensated for the forest maintenance for 5 land taken and additional land required for plantation years)= 2,287,500 as per the forest norms or it will pay the sum required • Total cost for to plant and manage those plants for five years to the compensation of private DFO Gorkha which will carry out the necessary trees and their production plantation and conservation. =210,784 • For the forest land acquired for temporarily, lease compensation, as per the Annex 20 of Forest Regulation 2051, is ensured by the proponent for the project period of 3 years to comply with the provisions of this work procedure. • The project will clear the forest and stockpile the materials as per the guideline of Forest Produces Collection, Sale and Distribution Guidelines, (1998) and will be handed over to the respective owners. • The forest vegetation will be cleared as per the requirement of project structures and facilities only following marking and documentation of the trees to be felled through joint inspection including the forest authority. 2 Pressure on forest • Local people will be given priority in construction jobs Contractor Construction Proponent/ Included in Civil Cost products to avoid pressure due to outside workforce. MoEWRI/ • Camp lodging and central dining/refreshing facility by DFO using kerosene or LPG to meet the fuel requirements. • Metal frames and prefabricated materials will be used for construction of temporary site offices and camps. • The project management and contractor will impose complete prohibition on the purchase, sale and storage of the local high value NTFP and fishes within the camps. • Project management and contractor management will devise code of conduct for workers and inform the outside workforce about the prohibition of roaming in the local forest areas without the permission of the management at the time of their appointment. 133

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3 Construction • Construction work will be scheduled at daytime. Contractor Construction Proponent/ No cost related disturbance • Speed limit will be enforced and blowing horns will be MoEWRI on wildlife prohibited in project access passing through forest area. • Unnecessary lighting and bright lights will be avoided. Use of loud speakers will be banned in the workers’ camp. 4 Loss of wildlife • The plantation of 3900 saplings and other Proponent/ During Proponent/ • Cost of plantation habitat bioengineering practice in the project area. Contractor construction DFO/ MoFE/ mentioned in B1-1. and Post- MoWSE • Additional 250,000 has • Saplings will be planted in the project component construction been allocated for vicinity and to make wildlife corridors along the Chepe plantation in the vicinity Khola for easy movement of the wildlife near the of project project area after the construction period of the project. 5 Impact on rare, • Compensatory forestation program will emphasize on Proponent During Proponent/ 40,000 for hoarding boards threatened and the plantation of floral species of conservation and construction DFO/ MoFE/ protected flora and significance like Simal along with other locally Contractor and Post- MoEWRI fauna available species. Before felling, each tree and pole construction size vegetation that needs to be cleared, will be marked and documented through joint inspection conducted by the forest authority and project environmental officer. • Restriction will be put on the noisy construction activities during night time to allow wild animals to use the forested areas. • Construction workers will be restricted from wandering in the local and surrounding forest. • Prohibition will be imposed on the trade of wild animals’ meat and other products in the construction camps and by the construction workforce. • Workforce will be discouraged to involve in game hunting and collection of rare flora and fauna by exhibits like hoarding boards 6 Hunting and • The proponent will discourage the project workers Proponent During Proponent/ Nrs 300,000 for poaching of from involving in hunting and poaching and any kind and construction DFO/ MoFE/ conservation awareness wildlife of illegal activities through code of conduct. Contractor and Post- MoEWRI program and 40,000 for construction hoarding boards

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• Conservation awareness programs will be conducted in regular basis for the workers and local community for conservation of local forest and wildlife. • Hoarding boars will be erected for general conservation awareness. 7 Deliberate and • Inflammable material used in construction will be Proponent During Proponent/ Nrs 100,000 for accidental forest stored properly in a proper storage facility equipped and construction DFO/ MoFE/ firefighting training and fire with fire extinguishing equipment. This area will be Contractor and Post- MoEWRI general awareness on declared “no smoking zone”. construction regular etiquette related to • Fire line will be drawn around the camp and storage fire control (through facilities to prevent the possible spread of fire to the hoarding boards). nearby forest and village. Arrangement of equipment • Hoarding boards will be placed at critical location of included in Civil Cost. the access road on the preventive actions to control the forest fire. • Firefighting training will be provided to the construction workforce. • Project workers will be regularly informed not to throw lighted cigarette tips in the forest areas and not to use forest area as picnic spots. 8 Human wildlife • Workforce will be made aware about handling Proponent During Proponent/ This subject matter will be encounter emergency situation. They will be informed not to be and construction DFO/ considered during regular aggressive towards wild animal. Contractor and Post- MoEWRI training sessions on other • Restriction will be put on construction workers from construction matters. wandering in the forested areas. • The workers’ camps will be fenced to ward off possible entry of strayed animals. 9 Construction • The impact on aquatic life due to water pollution will Contractor Construction Proponent/ No additional cost disturbance on fish be addressed by the measures to prevent water Municipality and aquatic life pollution and river sedimentation as stated in preceding sections. • Washout of muck/spoil will be prevented by protection structures, drainage management and compaction.

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• Fish passage will be constructed for migratory fishes in headwork area. 10 Impact of change • Washout of muck/spoil will be prevented by protection Contractor Construction Proponent/ No cost in hydrology and structures, drainage management and compaction. Municipality sedimentation • The flow channel will be avoided during riverbed pattern in fish material extraction and it will be carried out from bank deposit only. 11 Impact of muck on • Washout of muck/spoil will be prevented by protection Contractor Construction Proponent/ Included in civil cost aquatic ecosystem structures, drainage management and compaction. Municipality B2 Operation Phase 1 Reduction of • Compensatory plantation measures will be adopted as Proponent During DoF/ MoFE forest area and mentioned above. construction /MoEWRI habitat shrinkage and Post- construction 2 Disturbance to • Use of loud speakers and other noisy activities will be Proponent Operation DoF/ No cost wildlife due to banned in the resident workers’ camp. MoEWRI resident workers • Unnecessary lighting and bright lights will be avoided. • Restriction will be put on resident workers from wandering in the forested areas. 3 Habitat • The headworks area will be fenced to protect the Proponent Post DoF/ 200,000 fragmentation animals from drowning in the pond and desanding construction MoEWRI basin. 4 Barrier impact on • The environmental flow will be released continuously Proponent Operation MoEWRI No cost fish to maintain the flow in the river. 5 Impact on fish and • Minimum 0.072 m3/s riparian release will be Proponent Operation MoEWRI No cost aquatic life due to Maintained to supplement the flow from the tributaries. reduced flow 6 Forest fire • Measures mentioned above will be applicable for Proponent Operation MoEWRI No cost operation phase as well. 7 Wildlife casualties • Substation will be properly fenced to ward off wild Proponent Operation MoEWRI Cost included in civil cost. due to animals and electric poles passing through forest area electrocution will be laminated with barbs to prevent animal climbing. C Socioeconomic and Cultural Environment

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C1 Construction Phase 1 Permanent and • Private land required for sitting permanent project Proponent Pre- Proponent, • Cost of cultivable land= temporary land features will be purchased from the respective owner or construction Municipality, 3,389,625 acquisition during preconstruction phase at price settled by Contractor MoEWRI • Cost of forest and barren bilateral negotiation with landowners. as the case land= 2,240,100 • Private land to be acquired temporarily for sitting may by • Deed transfer fee and temporary project features will be taken on assistance= 19,700 leasehold/rental basis. The rental will not be less than • Land lease cost for 3 the total annual land productivity. The rental will be years= 542,340 paid every six months. • Compensation for • The contractor will rehabilitate the land occupied to “as standing crops= 178,308 is condition” prior to occupation after the end of the construction. • Retention of the original condition will be done using plastic sheets (tarpaulin) for stockpiling of construction materials, spoil disposal. In case of chemical storage, impervious layer of plastic will be used. • Land acquisition and lease will be done after harvesting of crops. If the proponent acquires the land before the harvesting of crops, crops will be compensated as per the production potential at market price. 2 Impact on cultural • Workforce will be informed about and instructed to Contractor Construction Proponent/ No cost and traditional respect the locally accepted culture and living style. MoEWRI practices • Special instruction will be given to all workers to act in responsible manner during and after the working hours, respecting the rights, properties and practices of local people. • Local people will be given priority in construction jobs. 3 Pressure on • Camp facility will be arranged for housing workers Contractor/ Construction Proponent/ Cost of setting camp existing who are not able to return home after every day work. Proponent MoEWRI facilities have been infrastructures • Basic utilities and supplies will be managed within the included in civil cost; camp. Infrastructure support have • Contractor will be made responsible to reconstruct and been addressed under CSP rehabilitate damage due to their activities.

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• Support will be provided for strengthening existing infrastructure like drinking water supply, road, schools and health institutions under CSP. 4 Conflict between • Preference will be given to the local people in project Contractor Construction Proponent/ No cost local and outside related jobs and subsidiary opportunities. /Proponent Local Police/ workers and • Construction workers from outside the project area will Local erosion of law and be well-informed about the general norms and values Administration order of society before deployment and instructed to respect local people, especially the female members and the local culture and tradition. • A code of conduct will be prepared for the construction workforce and the project staff on how to behave with the local people of the project area. • Local people will be informed about project activities, requirements and time schedules. • District Police Office will be requested to establish a temporary Unit Police Post in project area. 5 Occupational • Construction workers will be trained in job hazards, Contractor Construction Proponent 750,000 for PPE health and safety emergency procedures and in any other relevant safety 700,000 for managing measures through regular site induction. health care facility • The occupational workers engineers and supervisors working at the active construction sites will be provided PPE and use of these will be made compulsory. • Information will be given to the local residents about potentially dangerous area and objects and high voltage lines by installing warning signposts. Barriers and guards will be installed to restrict access of unauthorized persons to active construction sites. • Only authorized person will be allowed to operate heavy machinery and equipment, drilling and blasting operations. • Lighting and ventilation systems will be installed at all construction sites.

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• Contractor will arrange the First Aid Kit Box and standby medicine for workforce during working period and emergency situations. Adequate and easily accessible first-aid outfit will be available on the site. Some of the work force will be trained to use the outfit. • A health center will be established in the camp or near the project area. The health care center will be attended by a regular Health Assistant and periodically visited by a Medical Doctor as arranged by the SCHPP. • Dust control will be done by spraying water twice a day in access road and crushing plants. 6 Loss of forest and • The outside workers will be prohibited from using the Contractor Construction Proponent No cost. grazing land and forest resources to keep the pressure on available squeezing of resource low. supply of 7 Public health and • Drinking water will be disinfected by filtration and Contractor Construction Proponent/ • 700,000 for managing sanitation chlorination. Water supplies to work camps for human /Proponent MoEWRI/ camp health care facility use will meet NDWQS guidelines. Local Health • 300,000 for general • Sanitary condition will be Maintained in the Institution health and STD construction camp by arranging toilets and water awareness training; supply. • 1,500,000 for support to • Workers will be encouraged to keep their camps clean existing health care and tidy. facilities (CSP) • Workers will be informed about STDs and the preventive measures. • Workers will undergo regular health check-ups in the construction camp and the arrangement will be made by the contractor. • Existing health service facilities will be upgraded and a new established near the project area. 8 Impact on • Land acquisition will be done after harvesting the Contractor / During Proponent livelihood due to crops. If the proponent requires the land before the Proponent construction /Municipality land and property harvesting of crops, crops will be compensated as per and Wards acquisition the production potential at market price.

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• Lease/rent will be provided for the agricultural land acquired temporarily at cost will not be less than the total annual land productivity. This amount will provide the basis of alternative livelihood to the owner. • The leased/rented land will be returned to the owner in its previous productive condition. 9 Demand and price • Control authorities will be informed about the absurd Contractor/ Construction Proponent/ No cost of commodities price tagging. Proponent Municipality 10 Impact due to • Measures as suggested under biological impact are Contractor During Proponent accidental and applicable here as well. construction deliberate fire 11 Impact on women, • Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2056 Contractor/ During Proponent/ 300,000 has been allocated children and & Labour Act will be strictly complied with. Local Proponent Construction NGOs and for awareness training and disadvantaged stakeholders and users’ groups will be consulted before CBOs publishing pamphlets group hiring the workforce. • Project will establish agreement with contractors to consider male and female as well as the voiceless underprivileged people equally for wage distribution for works of similar nature. Male workers will be instructed to respect their female counterparts. • PAFs, vulnerable groups will be given priority in work and due care will be taken that they are not discriminated or mistreated by the contractor or fellow workers through awareness programs. 12 Issue of • The prohibitory law against human trafficking and Contractor/ During Proponent/ 300,000 has been allocated prostitution and prostitution will be strictly enforced and local security Proponent Construction NGOs and for awareness training and STDs force as well as concern community will be informed CBOs publishing pamphlets about the need of effective surveillance. • The deprived and vulnerable people will be given priority in employment in the project. • Similarly, workers as well as the local people will be made aware about STDs and the protective measures as well as the prohibitory law and the provision of punishment in case of law breaching. C2 Operation Phase 140

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1 Withdrawal of • Project will promote alternative livelihood activities by Proponent Post- Municipality 500,000 has been allocated construction training on improved agriculture and other off-farm construction and Wards and under enhancement related economic activities. Training programs will be organized NGOs measure opportunities particularly targeting the local people willing to establish their own entrepreneurship, where they can utilize their skills and earn some money. The training sessions will be conducted at least 3 months prior to the project completion; so that the trained labour force will be able to start their business immediately upon the termination of their jobs. • Possible effort will be made by the project for helping the trained and interested local manpower for their employment in new hydroelectric projects. 2 Impact on d/s • Riparian release will be Maintained regularly. Proponent During Municipality 1,200,000 has been water use and • Existing raw infrastructures will be strengthened to Operation and Wards allocated under CSP conflicts make maximum use of available resources. 3 Impact on gender • Equal opportunity will be provided to local women and Proponent During Municipality No cost and vulnerable disadvantaged communities in O & M works Operation and Wards group • Male workers will be instructed to respect their female counterparts. 4 Impact on • The project will adhere with riparian release Proponent During Municipality No cost religious and requirement to supplement the contributing discharge Operation and Wards A cost of 2,000,000 has cultural sites and of the tributaries to maintain the flow of the river for been allocated under CSP practices. basic activities • Moreover, support will be provided to improve religious infrastructure at Super Chepe 5 Impact on • Members from the family losing their means of Proponent During Municipality No cost individuals’ and livelihood due to permanent acquisition of land will be Operation and Wards local economy due given preference in operation and Maintenance stage to reduction in employment opportunities. agricultural production

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8.6 Compensation, Enhancement and Mitigation Cost A total of NRs 29,209,608 has been allocated as environmental cost under different subjects under the Environmental Management Plan. The tables with the cost itemized under different subjects are presented Table 46. As seen in the relevant tables, 12.9 million has been allocated to compensate for the land and properties acquired by the project including the compensation for the standing trees. 10.9 million has been allocated for corporate social responsibility and for supporting community development activities including infrastructure support, 5.9 million has been allocated for various mitigation activities on physical, biological and social environmental doMain. Note that, these costs do not include the mitigation actions that already fall under contractor’s liability by practice. Most of the mitigation costs for physical environmental impacts are already included in the project cost and some will come in association with contract bids. The proponent will cover all the environment management costs in addition to the legal liabilities of the contractors. Similarly, the proponent will cover the cost related to the legal role that the governmental institution will have to play. Table 46: Enhancement and Mitigation Cost SN Particulars Unit Amount (NRs) A Compensation for Land and Property 1 Private Land Compensation (with deed transfer 2 ha 5,649,425 assistance) 2 Private Land Lease 2.2 ha 542,340 3 Agricultural product loss compensation 3.4 ha 178,308 4 Private Trees (timber, fodder and fuel wood) 175,082 compensation including removal of trees 5 Government Land Compensation (including forest) 3.812 ha 3,910,350 6 Government Land Lease (3years) 1.4 ha 13,955 7 Compensation for standing trees felled from Gov. Forest 305 Nos 134,646 8 Compensatory Plantation (Gov. Forest) 3900 Nos 2,263,800 9 Compensatory Plantation (Pvt. Forest) 46 Nos 26,702 Subtotal of A 12,894,608 B Community Support Program (CSP) 1 Water Source Protection and Drinking Water Support LS 1,500,000 2 Health Care Infrastructure Support LS 1,500,000 3 Religious Site Conservation and Infrastructure Building LS 2,000,000 4 Education and School Support LS 1,500,000 5 Rural Access Support 2,200,000 6 Irrigation Support (Small irrigation infrastructure) LS 1,200,000 7 Assistance to local CBOs (Ama Samuha and Youth LS 500,000 Club) 8 Conservation Support (through DFO to local CBO) LS 500,000 Subtotal of B 10,900,000

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C Physical Impact Mitigation Most of them included in civil cost 1 Offsite gulley and landslide control LS 1,000,000 2 Sign post, Barricading/fencing LS 450,000 Subtotal of C 1,450,000 D Biological Impact Mitigation 1 Compensatory Plantation LS Refer A 2 Fencing LS 200,000 3 Conservation Awareness Programs (Workshop and LS 300,000 Pamphlets) 4 Hoarding boards on conservation at two locations LS 40,000 5 Firefighting training and awareness through hoarding LS 100,000 boards 6 Plantation at the vicinity of project features LS 250,000 Subtotal of D 890,000 E Social Impact Mitigation 1 Compensation for private properties (land, standing trees Refer A and crops) 2 Gender Empowerment LS 300,000 3 Awareness on human trafficking and STDs LS 300,000 4 PPE (OHS cost) LS 750,000 5 Health Care Facility LS 700,000 Subtotal of E 2,050,000 F Enhancement Measures 1 On-Farm Training Programs LS 700,000 2 Off-Farm Skill Enhancement Training LS 750,000 3 Miscellaneous LS 75,000 Subtotal of F 1,525,000 Grand Total 29,209,608 8.7 Project Environmental Management Framework and the Key Stakeholders Overall project environment management is the responsibility of SCHPP Project Management Office (PMO). To ensure that the mitigation actions and monitoring requirements are duly implemented and disseminated to the stakeholders for feedback and improvement, the PMO will establish a separate Environmental Management Unit (EMU) of its own. The EMU will consist of sectorial experts from all environmental doMains. The EMU will oversee/monitor the contractors’ compliance to environmental management requirement, implement and administer land and property acquisition, implement enhancement measures, implement operation phase environmental impact mitigation actions and disseminate information to the project’s stakeholders and co-ordinate with the different line agencies. It will also monitor the performance of environmental and social safeguard measures. The key stakeholders including the SCHPP, to be involved in the project management are:

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1. Ministry of Energy, Water Resource and Irrigation (MoEWRI) and Department of Electricity Development (DoED): Issue licence, give permission for project implementation, approve IEE, and review monitoring reports. 2. Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoFE), Department of Forest (DoF) and District Forest Office (DFO): Review and comment on IEE; give approval and permission for forest clearance, assists proponent in pegging, measuring and evaluation of the forest resources of the affected forest stretch, assist in identification of compensatory afforestation area, review monitoring report, advise and assist the proponent in the forestry awareness programs 3. The Proponent and its line offices (PMO and EMU): Ensure that environmental and social safeguard measures listed in the IEE measures are incorporated in the final project design; acquire necessary approval and permits; monitoring and record keeping 4. Environmental (IEE) Experts (EE): Supervision; monitoring of contractors’ activities; suggest corrective actions; prepare monitoring report. 5. Supervising Engineers (SE): Supervise construction works as per provisions of IEE 6. Construction Contractor (CC): Implement environmental safeguard measures as specified in the IEE or as instructed by Supervising engineer. 7. Affected Wards, Municipalities and District Coordination Committee (DCC): Provide recommendations to the proponent with comments and suggestions and assist proponent in the project implementation 8. Non-government Organizations, Community Based Organizations (Forest User Groups, Irrigation User Groups, Water Supply User Groups etc.): Assist in implementation of awareness programs and other mitigation measures. Environmental management framework modified for all phases of project development and implementation are depicted in Figure 11.

Ridge Line Energy MoEWRI Pvt. Ltd. SCHPP MoFE

DoED SCHPP Project Management Office DOF

DFO

Figure 13 Project Stakeholders in Environment Management

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8.8 Project Information Management Project Management Office (PMO) has the responsibility of Project’s Management. The PMO will establish a separate Environmental Management Unit (EMU) of its own. EMU shall be responsible for Maintenance of records by acquisition from the contractor and proponent, dissemination of information to the project stakeholders and co-ordinate with the different line agencies. A public information center (PIC) will be established within the project office premise to Maintain necessary records that could be of public interest. 8.9 Public Grievance Redress Mechanism The project company will establish grievance redress mechanism to allow the project affected persons and community to appeal against any disagreeable decisions, practices and activities arising from compensation for land and assets, technical and general project-related disputes. EMU will be responsible for redressing general public grievance. Grievance recording register will be established at the SCHPP site offices and all grievances, filed orally or in writing, will be registered. At local level, a Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be formed with involvement of Environment Management Officer and representatives from Concern Committee (CC), Municipality/Wards and Contractor in advance in order to address the grievances of local people. The central project level GRC will be comprised of Project Manager, Chief District Officer (CDO) and Chairman of the Concern Committee. The CDO and the Chairman of CC will be the independent members of this committee. It will look after the grievances that cannot be resolved at the site by EMU or local level GRC. Rule 45 of the EPR 1997 has given authority of grievance handling and redress to the Chief District Officer (CDO). Affected party (AP) has to mention the type of loss suffered as a result of project activities and the amount of compensation sought. The CDO will conduct an investigation into it as well as into the actual situation prevailing at the concerned place, as required, and also seek the opinion and suggestion from the concerned officer who would investigate the loss and send the report to CDO within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application. The CDO will take a decision in respect to payment of compensation within 15 days from the date of receipt of suggestion from the concerned officer. The amount of the compensation determined by the CDO under this rule should be appropriate and reasonable. Rule 46 of EPR states that the proponent shall pay the compensation amount to the concerned individual or institution within 30 days from the date of determination of the amount of compensation. 8.10 Share Right to Local Paid share righ on equity amounting 10% will be provided to local people. An initiative has been taken establish a public company. 8.11 Disaster Management Plan SuperChepe Hydropower project lies in high seismic zone and hence all the structures should strictly be earthquake resistant. The pipeline alignment of the project is laid upon the fields of inhabitants of Olang village, where the fields are located directly above the village. Hence, it should be taken care that the pipeline alignment is strong and will resist any seismic shocks so that the water will not be spilled into the village settlement. Besides this, the methods of risk transfer shall be followed by providing insurances of life and property of the inhabitants of Olang village which might get affected if there is any failure of pipeline alignment. Also, the 145

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project powerhouse of the proposed hydropower lies near a landslide prone area and the less stable site must be provided with retention walls and other methods of slope stabilization so as to not damage the powerhouse.

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9 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

Environmental monitoring is an essential aspect of environmental management. It consists of collection of data to measure environmental changes associated with construction and operation of the project. Rule 12 of the EPR 1997 obliges the proponent to comply with the matters mentioned in the IEE report and conditions prescribed by the authorities while implementing the project. Likewise, as per the Rule 13 the Ministry of Energy is the responsible for the environmental monitoring of energy sector projects. The Manual for preparing Environment Management Plan for Hydropower Projects (DoED, 2002) and the Guide to Environmental Monitoring of Hydropower Projects (MoPE, 2006) were considered during preparation of this monitoring plan. Environmental monitoring plans include the activities to be monitored (parameters and indicators) during pre-construction, construction and operation phases. The purposes of monitoring are to investigate and understand the quality of the environment prior to project and keep records of the project impact on the environmental quality during construction and operation phases of the project so as to provide reliable information and scientific basis for environmental management. Therefore, environmental monitoring is a mechanism which evaluates whether the mitigation and monitoring actions were actually carried out or not and evaluates the effectiveness of the implemented measures to curb the perceived impacts or identify unforeseen impacts for further corrective actions to avoid or minimize the impacts before it is too late. 9.1 Phases and Types of Monitoring Monitoring will be conducted in all the three phases: pre-construction, construction and operation phases of the project. Three types of monitoring: Baseline Monitoring, Impact Monitoring and Compliance Monitoring have been proposed to be considered during the project pre-construction, construction and operation phases. Details are presented below:

9.1.1 Pre-construction Phase Monitoring Baseline monitoring will be conducted during pre-construction phase to update the baseline information of the project area prior to implementation of the project. The required baseline databases of the project area environment (local and site specific) have already been gathered during this IEE process. Hence, baseline monitoring will be conducted only if the project construction is delayed for a considerable time gap. A team of environmental consultants of SCHPP will update the baseline as the internal monitoring covering key components of the environment such as slope condition, river hydrology, water and air quality, noise level, vegetation, wildlife and fish status, number of project affected families and their assets, etc. Land acquisition, compensation and rehabilitation measures will be disclosed to the people and common consensus will be made before actual construction.

9.1.2 Construction Phase Monitoring Impact and compliance monitoring will be conducted during this phase of project development. Impact monitoring will be carried out to assess the actual level of impact due to project construction. The impact monitoring includes:

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• monitoring of the impacts of the project on physical, biological and socioeconomic and cultural environment of the area; • monitoring of the accuracy of the predicted impacts; • identification of the emerging impacts due to project activities or natural process and development of remedial action; and • monitoring of the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Compliance monitoring will be conducted to monitor the compliance of the proposed mitigation measures and monitoring activities. The compliance monitoring will Mainly focus on: • inclusion of mitigation and monitoring requirements associated with the contractor in tender document and contract agreement; • compliance of the tender clause; • compliance of the mitigation measures; • allocation of adequate budget for implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring; and • overall environmental and social performance of the project. Different types of compliance forms such as daily log, advisory and non-compliance incident report will be prepared to conduct compliance monitoring. The environment management unit (EMU) formed under the direct supervisory of Project Management Office (PMO) will be responsible for overseeing the mitigation and monitoring activities.

9.1.3 Operation Phase Monitoring Both compliance and impact monitoring will be carried out during the operation and Maintenance phase as well. Compliance monitoring will focus on the compliance of the mitigation and enhancement measures and monitoring requirement devised for operation and Maintenance phase. The impacts of operation and Maintenance activities will be covered in impact monitoring. 9.2 Monitoring Parameters, Indicators, Schedule and Agencies to be Consulted The areas of monitoring include slope conditions, hydrology, water and air quality, forest status, settlement, infrastructure, implementation of the mitigation measures and compliance of the tender clause. The schedule of monitoring will be daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually depending on the parameters and type of monitoring. The detail of monitoring parameters, indicators, method of monitoring, schedule and agencies to be consulted during pre-construction, construction and post-construction phases for physical, biological and socioeconomic and cultural environment is presented in Tables 47, 48 and 49: Table 47: Preconstruction Phase/Baseline Monitoring Plan Frequency Agencies to be Parameters Indicators Method Location & Schedule consulted Physical Environment Slope and Degrees of Direct Internal Once prior landslides slope, no. of observation, access and construction landslides/ measurement headrace after rainy debris and mapping pipe season flows/gully alignment

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formation sites River Discharge of Discharge Headworks Daily DHM hydrology Chepe Khola measurement or gauging station (Rajduwali) Water Temperature, In situ and Headworks Two times; Quality pH, turbidity laboratory and During TSS, TDS, analysis Powerhouse monsoon, hardness, and dry chlorine, oil season prior and grease, construction coliform, DO, BOD, COD, chlorophyll, etc. Air Quality TSS, PM 10 High and Low Headworks Once prior volume air and construction sampler Powerhouse Noise Level Laeq (dBA) Sound Level Headworks Once prior Meter and construction Powerhouse Biological Environment Forest and Forest status Sample plot, In and Once prior DFO Vegetation in terms of identification around construction coverage and and counting project species construction site Trees to be Counting and Internal Once prior DFO felled marking the access and construction trees to be Waterway felled alignment Wildlife Wildlife Consultation Whole Once prior Status status in with locals, project construction terms of frequency of alignment species and raiding and encounter encounter Aquatic life Fish Sampling, Chepe Three composition consultation Khola times; Pre- with locals stretch with monsoon, in project monsoon area and post- monsoon prior construction Socio-cultural and Economic Environment Population Population in Discussions Project Once prior RM and Ward status nearby with local alignment construction Offices settlement people, wards, especially census PH site. 149

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Physical Information Cadastral Project Once prior District Land assets about land, survey and structure construction Revenue Office structures household and and other survey facilities assets to be sites acquired by the project Market No. of hotels, Discussion Project area Once prior RM and Ward tea stalls, with local and construction Offices groceries direct enumeration Consumer Price of local Market survey Project area Once prior price and imported and construction consumer documentation items such as cereals, milk, meat, sugar, LPG, vegetables, food, room rental, Labor cost Public Types of Discussion Project area Once prior DPHO and Health and diseases and with local and nearby construction Local Health Sanitation incidence of people and the health post Institutions disease in the health project area professionals and local at the local community health post/hospital Sanitation Number of Field survey, Project area Once prior RM and Ward HH having observation construction Offices toilets, and evidences of documentation open defecation, solid waste disposal, availability of water Law and Incidents of Discussions Project Once prior Local Order different with the local ward construction Administration types of people and the Office crime and local police community disturbances Table 48: Compliance Monitoring Plan Locatio Agencies to Issues Indicators Method Schedule n be consulted Construction Phase

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Approval letter Approval Review of Following MoFE MoFE, DoF, for use of forest letter letter submission DFO land and forest of clearance application to concerned institution Implementation Integration of Review of Following Head and DFO, NGOs, of IEE mitigation detailed completion site MoFE, recommendation measures in design, of tender office of MoEWRI s (mitigation and the detail project documents the and Local enhancement design and specification project Bodies measures and contract and tender (Municipalit monitoring documents documents y and wards) requirements) Incorporation of Inclusion of Review of During Head the each of the proposed contract office of environmental environmental work plans, negotiations the considerations considerations submitted by project from the tender from the contractor documents into tender the contractor’s documents in proposed work the plan contractor’s work plan. Allocation of Budget for Discussion Annual and Head adequate budget mitigation and with each 4 office of for the monitoring concerned month the implementation authority project of the environmental mitigation measures and monitoring plan Construction Contractor’s Review of Beginning Head and logistics arrangements construction of site regarding management constructio office of labour camps, plan and site n the materials observation project storage and and construction project activities sites. Physical assets Land/property Review of After land Head and ownership land acquisition site document and purchase office of lease/rent documents, the agreement lease project agreement documents.

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Implementation Arrangements Review of Continuous Project of all for slope contractors during the site environmental protection, environment constructio office conditions pollution and social n period mentioned in the prevention, action plan, tender documents protection of workers’ vegetation, attendance, fish and wage log, wildlife, use worker’s of local code of laborers, safe conduct, etc. construction, public health and public relations Site clearance, Allocation of Review of During Project DFO woody debris funds for afforestation constructio site management and plantation plan, lease n office compensatory management, agreement plantation actual loss of for forest area and afforestation number of ; Sapling felled trees purchase and utilization invoices, etc of forest products; Compensator y Plantation of local species Clean-up and Completion of Review of At the end Project RM and reinstatement of the different area of sites and Ward Offices the project area aspects of clearance constructio site project clean- and n before office up (handover handover operation documents) documents Operation Phase Operation phase Budget Review of Annual Project mitigation allocation for project site management mitigation budget office measures for document and operation project phase site Riparian release Daily Review of Annual Project RM and arrangement discharge daily site Ward Offices from the discharge office barrage log. and ensuring project minimum site release of 10% of river water

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for dry season flow Priority to local Employment Review of Annual Project in operation and of local employee site Maintenance jobs people as record. office staffs in O & M jobs Implementation Monitoring Review of Annual Project of operation report and monitoring site phase monitoring budget report and office allocation for budget corrective allocation for actions corrective actions Table 49: Impact Monitoring Plan Agencies Frequency & to be Parameter Indicators Method Location Schedule consulte d Construction Phase Physical Environment Landslides Number of Direct Internal access Thrice a year and landslides/ observation and and headrace erosion debris mapping pipe alignment flows/gully formation sites/ River Temperature, In situ and Weir site, Two times: Water pH, turbidity laboratory dewatered monsoon and Quality TSS, TDS, analysis, As per stretch and dry season hardness, Generic tailrace chlorine, oil Standard Part I: and grease, Tolerance coliform, DO, Limits BOD, COD, for Industrial chlorophyll, Effluents to be etc. Discharged into Inland Surface Waters, Nepal, 2003 Air Quality TSP, PM10 & As per National Construction Once a year in PM2.5, SO2, Ambient Air yard at HW & dry season CO, NO2, pb, Quality PH sites O3 Standard, 2012 Noise Laeq (dBA) Sound Level Construction Twice a year Level Meter yard at HW & PH sites and tunnel portals and outlets

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Land Open Direct Project Daily or pollution defecation and observation alignment at weekly as garbage active appropriate disposal construction places area (Construction yard at HW & PH sites and tunnel portals and outlets) Spoil River Direct Spoil disposal Daily manageme turbidity and observation sites nt site condition Biological Environment Forest and Actual Cross checking Internal Quarterly DFO Vegetation acquisition of with the record project access forest land and waterway alignment Actual Observation Internal Daily DFO number of and checking project access trees removed records and waterway alignment Forest status Sample plot, Project area Twice a year DFO in terms of identification and (September & coverage and and counting surrounding March) species Wildlife Wildlife status Consultation Project site Twice a year DFO Status in terms of with locals, and (September & species and note neighboring March) encounter season of settlement raiding, frequency of raiding and encounter Aquatic Fish Sampling, Reduced flow Twice a year life composition consultation zone of Chepe (September & with locals khola March) Socio-economic and Cultural Environment Local Priority for the Review of Active Monthly Employme local in employee construction nt construction record and area related interview employment opportunities Market No. of hotels, Discussion with Local market Biannually RM and tea stalls, local and direct centers near Ward groceries; enumeration; project site Offices Increase in Market survey demand of goods and supply 154

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Economic Economic Interview and Project Once after 2 status condition of discussion affected area years of workers and construction project affected people Land and No. of people Household Project Once at the RM and property receiving survey and affected area beginning of Ward compensation discussion and construction Offices in terms of cross checking land cost or the agreement lease/rent and the amount Local Erosion of Discussion with Project Once after 2 culture and existing local people affected area years of tradition practice and construction adoption of new one Existing Pressure on Discussion with Project area Quarterly Local infrastruct existing local school, schools, ures infrastructures health posts, health water user institutio groups ns and user groups Law and Incidents of Discussions Project area Once a year Local Order different types with the local administr of crimes in people and the ation the project local police office area; complaints in the local police Occupatio Cases of Observation Active Weekly Health nal health accidents, and record construction institutio and safety injury and checking sites ns deaths Public Types of Discussion with Project area Weekly Local Health and diseases and local people and and nearby health Safety incidence of the health health post institutio disease among professionals at ns and the project the local health Camp workers and post/ hospital Health local Center community and cases of accidents and injury due to project works among the local people

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Fodder and Number of Observation Vicinity of the Monthly grazing livestock kept and discussion project area and grazing in with the local the project people area Affected Livelihood Household All directly After two or people conditions of survey and affected three years of the affected observation households land people by land acquisition and property acquisition Consumer Price of local Market survey Local market Every month price and imported and centers near consumer documentation project site items such as rice, wheat, Maize, millet, milk, meat, sugar, kerosene, LPG, vegetables, food, room rental, Labor cost Fire Incidents of Discussion with Project area Quarterly Local fire events the local people administr ation Gender Number of Review of Project office Quarterly and such people attendance and and vulnerable employed discussion construction group site Operation Phase Physical Environment Water Temperature, In situ and Reduced flow Once during Quality pH, turbidity laboratory zone and dry period for TSS, TDS, analysis, As per tailrace outlet first 2 years hardness, Generic chlorine, oil Standard Part I: and grease, Tolerance coliform, DO, Limits BOD, COD, for Industrial chlorophyll, Effluents to be etc. Discharged into Inland Surface Waters, Nepal, 2003 Biological Environment Forest and Forest status Sample plot, Vicinity of Annual for 2 DFO Vegetation in terms of identification project years and counting alignment 156

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coverage and species Wildlife Wildlife status Consultation Settlement and Twice a year DFO Status in terms of with locals, farmland in the (September & species and note vicinity of March) for 2 encounter season of project years raiding, alignment frequency of raiding and encounter Aquatic Fish Sampling, Reduced flow Twice a year life composition consultation zone of Chepe (September & with locals Khola stretch March) for 2 years Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment Local Priority for the Review of Project office Annual Employme local in O & employee at site nt M related record and employment interview opportunities Economic Economic Interview and Project Annual status condition of discussion affected area former workers and project affected people Gender Employment Review of Project office Annual and opportunity to employee at site vulnerable women and record and groups indigenous interview group of people; Complaints of discrimination Religious Erosion of Field discussion Super Chepe Annual Local and religious and (Dudhpokhari during Maghe people Cultural cultural confluence) Sankranti Site importance of Super Chepe 9.3 Monitoring Cost The estimated cost of environmental monitoring including baseline, impact and compliance monitoring for three years of construction and two years of operation phase (as appropriate) is NRs 2,911,125 (Table 50) above the cost of establishment and operation of Environment Management Unit (EMU) for impact monitoring and compliance monitoring. The cost may change overtime depending upon the country’s inflation rate. Table 50: Cost for Implementation of Environmental Monitoring Plan Man- Rate/month Amount SN Item month (NRs.) (NRs.) 157

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A Pre-construction Phase 1 Manpower Environmental Expert/Team Leader 1.5 75000 112,500 Socio-economist 1 60000 60,000 Biologist 1 60000 60,000 Support Staff 1 25000 25,000 Sub-total 257,500 2 Out of Pocket Expenses Daily Sustenance Allowance 45 2000 90,000 Transportation LS 80,000 Equipment Cost LS 200,000 Laboratory Service LS 50,000 Report Production LS 20,000 Miscellaneous LS 25,000 Sub-total 465,000 Total (A) 722,500 B 3 Years Construction Phase and 2 years Operation Phase 1 Manpower Team lead by full time Environment Safeguard Officer/Environmental Expert This will be inhouse team and the cost consisting of multidisciplinary experts will be included in project office (biologist, socio-economist) hired on management cost need basis and supporting staff 2 Out of Pocket Expenses Daily Sustenance Allowance LS 240,000 Transportation LS 360,000 Equipment Cost LS 600,000 Laboratory Service LS 200,000 Community Consultation LS 250,000 Report Production LS 150,000 Miscellaneous LS 250,000 Sub-Total 2,050,000 Total (B) 2,050,000 Total (A+B) 2,772,500 Contingency 5% 138,625 Grand Total 2,911,125

9.4 Records, Reporting and Corrective Actions The EPR 1997 entitles the environmental monitoring responsibilities to the Ministry of Energy as the concerned authority on energy sector. The proponent foresees the establishment of inhouse mechanism, an Environmental Management Unit (EMU) for overseeing the implementation of mitigation measures and management of monitoring program. The EMU on its part will carry out daily monitoring works and Maintain daily records of mitigation implementation and monitoring work in retrievable form at its office during the construction phase and instruct construction contractor to do the same. It will also Maintain all the records 158

IEE study of Super Chepe Hydropower Project of tree felled, land area acquired and expenses for land acquisition and other environmental enhancement programs implemented. These records will be provided to Project Management Office as and when demanded for the monitoring facilitation. EMU will prepare and submit monthly monitoring report to the Project Management Office, which will take follow-up actions if necessary. The monthly reports will be based on recurrent site inspections and will report on: • The effectiveness of the mitigation measures; • Contractor’s compliance with the environmental specifications; • Measures recommended in the events of non-compliance; and • Recommendations for any other remedial actions. Contractor will keep records of the employees of the project and will submit such records to the EMU every month. Similarly, records of occupational health will also be documented in the retrievable forms and submitted to EMU every month. Besides, records of instruction, training and land area rented with agreement will also be submitted to the EMU regularly or when it is demanded by the supervising engineer. Contract document will categorically include provision of the environmental protection, health and safety, waste management and other environmental mitigation measures identified during the IEE study. It will spell out clearly the measures that will be taken in case on non-compliance. This will make them comply with the provisions. The Project Management Office will continue necessary mitigation and monitoring activities on self or through extended service of the EMU (for first 2 year of operation) and keep records of the mitigation and monitoring. Similarly, records and complaints lodged in Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) formed as a part of Public Grievances Redress Management Plan will be reviewed for evidence of noncompliance. If there is any noncompliance identified, the EMU will instruct responsible agency to take appropriate corrective action. 9.5 Particular of the Cost and Returns of the Proposal Measurement of the actual benefit of the proposed project on environmental and social doMain in monetary term is difficult and beyond the scope of this level of project and study. However, a summary of cost assessment has been made in different terms in this section.

9.5.1 Summary of Cost The total environmental and social costs are summarized in Table 51. Total environmental cost includes the cost of implementation of mitigation measures and the cost of monitoring. Table 51: Environmental Management Cost S.N. Measures/Activities Costs Rs. Remarks 1 Enhancement and Mitigation Cost (including CSP Cost) 29,209,608 2 Environmental monitoring for preconstruction, construction and 2,911,125 2 years of operation period Total 32,120,733

9.5.2 Comparison of Costs Since, it is difficult to estimate the return of the project in monetary terms; comparison has been made with the total project cost only. The comparison is presented in the Table 52.

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Table 52: Cost and Returns of the Proposal Particulars Amount (NRs.) Total Environmental Cost including Mitigation and Monitoring 32,120,733 Project Engineering Cost without IDC 1,459,410,909 Percentage of Total Environmental Cost to Total Project Cost 2.20% Percentage of CSP cost w.r.t. Project Cost 0.75%

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10 CONCLUSION

The IEE study has been carried in accordance with existing act, regulation and guidelines pertinent to IEE study. The project is likely to produce a diverse range of beneficial and adverse impact on physical, biological and socio-economic and cultural domains of the environment during construction and operation phases. The IEE study indicates the positive impact of the project are quite strong and the negative impacts that has been envisaged due to project implementation can be mitigated and minimized through the measures suggested in this report. The adverse impacts are of reversible nature and can be mitigated. Thus, from the physical, biological, economic, social and cultural point of view, the project is quite feasible and the project will support to minimize country’s energy crisis, hence immediate implementation of the project has been suggested. However, following measures will be strictly implemented in the project construction and operation process of SCHPP: • The local public and all interested parties will be informed about the project activities and its impact on the environment. • A minimum of 0.072 m3/sec of the dry season flow will be released as conservation flow downstream to avoid the dewatering effect in the aquatic system. The tributaries of the Chepe Khola will contribute additional water in the dewatered zone. • Priority will be given to local people for workforce during construction and operation period. The outside workforce will be housed in an organized labor camp with adequate drinking water and sanitation facilities. • The proponent/contractor will minimize the air pollution at the construction site by regular maintenance of all vehicles, watering dusty surfaces at regular intervals and providing enclosure at batching and crushing plants. • Riverbank protection measures will be constructed at strategic locations in the project area, including both banks of the Chepe Khola at the weir site and immediately downstream and near powerhouse as per the situation of the area. • Close coordination will be established between local forest authorities for conservation of ecological biodiversity. Taking into consideration the nature of the project, its stable topography and geology, people’s positive response and evaluated environmental impacts, it is recommended to implement the project with incorporation of the safeguard measures and monitoring plan described in the IEE report. Key consideration should be given to settle down all the social and environmental issues related to the project before implementation of project works. For this time, IEE is sufficient for implementation of project.

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11 REFERENCES

Baral, H.S and Shah K.B, (2064). Wild Mammals of Nepal. Himalayan Nature, Kathmandu. Constitution of Nepal, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Law Books Management Board, Kathmandu DDC Gorkha. (2072). District profile of Gorkha, 2071, District Development Committee, Gorkha. Dhital M.R. (2015). Geology of the Nepal Himalaya, Regional Geology Reviews, Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-02496-7_30 DoED website (http://www.doed.gov.np/operating_projects_hydro.php) accessed on 24/04/2017 DoR. (2007). Environmental and Social Management Framework, a guideline to the environmental and social issues associated with new road construction and upgrading. Ministry of the Physical Planning and Works, Department of Road, Kathmandu. Environment Protection Act, 1997 (with amendments), Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Kathmandu Environment Protection Rules, 1997 (with amendments), Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Kathmandu Fleming, R Sr. and Jr. and Bangdel, L.S. (1976). Birds of Nepal. R.C. Fleming (Sr. and Jr.) Kathmandu, Nepal. FSSD, (1991).Volume equation and biomass prediction of trees of Nepal. Forest Survey and Statistical Division, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal GoN. (1995). Topographical Sheet No. 2687 04B, Department of Survey. Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. (1985). A guide to birds of Nepal. Croom Helm, London, England. IUCN. (2014). IUCN red list of threatened species, version 2012.2, www.iucnredlist.org Jnwali, S.R., Baral, H.S., Lee, S., Acharaya, K.P., Upadhyay, G.P., Pandey, M., Shrestha, R., Joshi, D., Laminchhane, B.R., Griffiths, J., Khatiwada, A.P., Subedi, N., and Amin, R. (2011). The Status of Nepal Mammals: The National Red List Series, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Kathmandu Nepal Labor Act, 1991, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Law Books Management Board, Kathmandu Local Self-Governance Act, 1999, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Law Books Management Board, Kathmandu Local Self-Governance Regulations, 2000, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Law Books Management Board, Kathmandu Martin, G.J. (1995). Ethnobotany: A People and Plant Conservation Manual. Chapman and Hall, London. National Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, 1993, Nepal Gazette Volume, 45 Number 19 Kathmandu National Population and Housing Census, 2011, Central Bureau of Statistics. Polunin, O. and Stainton, A. (1984). Flowers of the Himalaya. Oxford University Press. 162

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Press, J.R., Shrestha K. K. and Stainton, J. D.A. (2000). Annotated Checklist of the Flowering Plants of Nepal, The Natural History Museum, London and Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal Shrestha, J. (1995). Enumeration of the Fishes of Nepal. Biodiversity Profiles Project. HMG of Nepal/Governments of Netherlands, Kathmandu, Nepal Shrestha, K. (1985). A Field Guide to Nepali Names for Plants. Natural History Museum, Institute of Science and Technology, T.U., Kathmandu, Nepal. Shrestha, K. 1985. A Field Guide to Nepali Names for Plants. Natural History Museum, Institute of Science and Technology, T.U., Kathmandu, Nepal. Shrestha, T.K., 1997: Mammals of Nepal, A.K. Printers, Kathmandu Singh, A.P. (2001). Flowering Plants of Nepal (Phanerogams). Bulletin of Department of Plant Resources No. 18. HMG/N, MoFE, Dept. of Plant Resources, National Herbarium and Plant Laboratories, Godavary, Lalitpur, Nepal. Solid Waste Management and Resource Mobilization Act 2011, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Law Books Management Board, Kathmandu Solid Waste Management and Resource Mobilization Regulation 2012, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Law Books Management Board, Kathmandu Stainton, J.D.A. (1972). Forests of Nepal, Johan Murry, London Uprety, B.K. (2003). Safeguarding the resources Environmental Impact Assessment process and Practice. Utara Uprety, Kathmandu. Water Resources Act 1992, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Law Books Management Board, Kathmandu Water Resources Regulation 1993, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Law Books Management Board, Kathmandu Zobel, D.B., Jha P.K., Behan M.J., Yadav U.K. (1987). A practical Manual for Ecology. Ratna Book Distributors, Kathmandu, Nepal.

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ANNEX

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ANNEX 1: Project Survey License

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ANNEX 2: ToR Approval Letter and Approved ToR

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ANNEX 3: Topographic Layout of Project

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ANNEX 4: Project Construction Schedule

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ANNEX 5: Public Notice for IEE

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ANNEX 6: Deeds of Enquiry (Muchulka)

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ANNEX 7: Minutes of Consultation

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ANNEX 8: Recommendation Letters

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ANNEX 9: Details of owners of land loss

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ANNEX 10: Water Quality Test Report

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ANNEX 11: Photographs

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Participants of Public Consulltation

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Headwork Area

Powerhouse Area

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