INITIAL ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR T & D NETWORK IN MAMMIT DISTRICT UNDER NERPSIP TRANCHE-1,

ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT POWER GRID CORPORATION OF LTD (A GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ENTERPRISE )

CC/ESMD/IEAR-2/MIZORAM FEB/MAY 2017

CONTENTS

Section Description Page No.

Section - I : Project Description - 1-4 - Background - 1 - Benefits of The Project - 2 - Project Justification - 2 - Project Highlights 3 - Project Scope & Present Study - 3 Section - II : Baseline Data - 5-9 - Mizoram - 5 Section- III : Policy, Legal & Regulatory Framework - 10-16 - Environmental - 10 - Social - 14 Section- IV : Criteria for Route/Site Selection - 17-31 - Route Selection - 17 - Study of Alternatives - 17 - Evaluation of Alternatives Route Alignment for 132 kV S/C (On - 18 D/C Tower) West Phaileng-Marpara Transmission Line - Evaluation of Alternatives Route Alignment of associated - 22 Distribution Lines - Substation - 22 Section - V : Potential Environmental Impact, their Evaluation & - 24-31 Management - Impact Due to Project Location & Design - 24 - Environmental Problem Due to Design - 27 - Environmental Problems during Construction Phase - 28 - Environmental Problems resulting from Operation - 30 - Critical Environmental Review Criteria - 31 - Public Consultation - 32 - Conclusion - 33 Section- VI : Implementation Arrangement & Monitoring - 34-53 - Administrative Arrangement for Project Implementation - 34 - Review of Project Implementation Progress - 34 - Environmental Monitoring In Utility - 35 - Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) - 36 - Environment Review - 37

LIST OF ENCLOSURES

S. No. Title/Name Description Annexure 1 Annexure -1 Biodiversity Assessment Report 2 Annexure- 2 Govt. of Mizoram Notification on Dampa Buffer Zone 3 Annexure -3 Tree / crop/ tower footing compensation process 4 Annexure -4 Safety Plan 5 Annexure -5 Safety Conditions in Contract Document 6 Annexure -6 Health & Safety Checklist 7 Annexure -7 Details of Public Consultation 8 Annexure -8 Contents of FEAR 9 Annexure -9 Estimated Budget Exhibit 8 Exhibit -1 Power Map of Mizoram 9 Exhibit -2 Schematic Map Showing Proposed Transmission & Distribution Network 10 Exhibit -3 PEDM’s Organization Support Structure Figure 11 Figure -1 132 kV line Depicting actual position along with RoW and extent of damage 12 Figure- 1a 132 kV Tower base showing impact on agricultural land and crop 13 Figure -2 33 KV lines (Single & H pole) depicting base area impact 14 Figure -3 Typical Plan of Transmission line Tower footing indicating the above position and extent of damage 15 Figure -3a Schematic Diagram indicating area of influence/impact for 132 kV D/C transmission line Map 16 Map -1 Forest Cover Map of Mizoram 17 Map-1a Proposed line route in respect West Phaileng – Marpara State road II and 17 Map- 2 Alternatives Route Alignment for 132 kV S/C (On D/C Tower) West Phaileng- Marpara Transmission Line Plate 18 Plate-1 Proposed substations location

SECTION – I : PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.0 BACKGROUND:

The North Eastern Region (NER) in India is endowed with rich energy resources but faces significant bottlenecks in electricity access and availability levels. The per capita power consumption in NER is one-third of the national average. No significant generation capacity has been added between 2004 and 2011 as a result of which inadequate power supply remains a critical constraint to sustainable and inclusive growth, and to scaling up private investment and economic competitiveness in the NER.

The road-map for development of power sector specifying the need for strengthening of overall Transmission, Sub-transmission and Distribution system of NER and was brought out in the “Pasighat Proclamation on Power” released during the first Sectoral Summit of North Eastern Council at Pasighat in in January 2007.

Pursuant to recommendations of Pasighat summit, a Sub-Group was constituted under the Chairmanship of Member (Power System), Central Electricity Authority (CEA) on Transmission, Sub-transmission and Distribution related issues in North Eastern Region. The sub-group submitted its report in December, 2007 wherein a comprehensive scheme for strengthening of transmission, sub-transmission and distribution system was evolved by CEA in consultation with POWERGRID and states of North Eastern Region and Sikkim.

Subsequently, a number of meetings took place regarding methodology for execution and funding of the scheme. In the meeting taken by Member, Planning Commission on February 24, 2009 and meeting of Committee of PIB chaired by Secretary, Department of Expenditure on March 24, 2009, it was decided that DPRs of the scheme comprising transmission, sub-transmission and distribution system up to 33kV should be prepared by POWERGRID. Accordingly, DPRs for strengthening of transmission, sub- transmission and distribution system in Mizoram were prepared and submitted to Ministry of DONER / Ministry of Power / Power and Electricity Deptt, Govt. of Mizoram (PEDM) by POWERGRID.

Among the NER States and Sikkim, the project in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim is proposed to be funded by Govt. of India. Implementation of the scheme in other 6 states in NER viz. , , , Mizoram, & is proposed through funding from World Bank / Govt. of India. The scheme is proposed to be funded by World Bank in three tranches. Accordingly, priority transmission, sub-transmission and distribution schemes to be taken up under Tranche-1 of the World Bank fund have been finalized by CEA in consultation with the state and POWERGRID.

Ministry of Power (MoP), GoI has appointed POWERGRID as Design cum Implementation Supervision Consultant (i.e. Project Management Consultant-PMC) and now re-designated as Implementing Agency (IA) to the six (6) North Eastern States for the said project. However, the ownership of the assets shall remain with the respective State government or State Utilities, which upon progressive commissioning shall be handed over to them for taking care of Operation and Maintenance of assets.

The present report deals with Initial Environment Assessment for part of priority works of strengthening of transmission & distribution System in Mizoram under Tranche-1.

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1.1 BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT:

The proposed transmission & distribution schemes not only improve overall power supply situation but also improve reliability, quality, security and enhancement of power supply in the State.

1.2 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION

The state of Mizoram is spread over an area of about 21100 sq. km with a population of more than 11 Lakhs. The present per capita energy consumption is of the order of 377 units (kWh) against the regional per capita consumption of about 258 units and national per capita consumption of about 779 units. The state meets its power requirement through about 49 MW of self-generation and about 66 MW of power allocation from various central sector generation projects of NHPC and NEEPCO. The present demand (met) is of the order of 75 MW whereas the un-restricted demand is about 85 MW. As most of the generation projects in the north eastern region are hydro in nature, the state faces shortage of power during low-hydro generation condition.

Presently, the state draws its share of power from central sector generating stations through following inter-state transmission system:  (POWERGID) – Zemabawk (Mizoram) 132kV D/C line;  Badarpur (POWERGRID) – (Mizoram) – Aizawl (PG) 132kV S/C inter- state transmission system.

Further, Aizawl (POWERGRID) is also connected with the states of Tripura and Manipur via Aizawl-Kumarghat and Aizawl-Jiribam 132kV S/C interstate lines respectively. As per the 18th Electric Power Survey of CEA, the future demand of the state is expected to grow to about 285 MW by year 2016-17 and 352 MW by year 2021-22. This shall be met through various hydro and thermal projects coming up in the north- eastern region in near future, which are as follows:

 Pallatana GBPP : 726 MW  Bongaigaon TPS : 750 MW  Kameng HEP : 600 MW  Lower Subansiri HEP : 2000 MW

The state has a share of about 90 MW from these future generation schemes. With this, the total share of the state from central sector generating stations shall be about 156 MW. A 400 kV interconnection (initially operated at 132 kV level) has been planned to transfer power from these future generation schemes to the state of Mizoram, which is as below:  Silchar(POWERGRID) – Melriat (POWERGRID) 400 kV D/C line (initially operated at 132 kV) - under construction;  Melriat(POWERGRID) - Simhui(Mizoram) 132 kV D/C line;  LILO of one ckt. of Aizawl(POWERGRID) – Zemabawk (Mizoram) 132kV D/C line at Melriat(PG).

The present intra-state transmission system of the state is quite old & weak and is unable to cater to the growing power requirements of the state. Although the present T&D system covers many areas of the state, it is inadequate in its reach and due to

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non-availability of redundant T&D system, outage of any transmission system element results in long term power shortages making the system highly unreliable. Besides, some of the network elements have undergone long term outage due to break-down. Therefore, it has become essential to address the above situation through remedial measures in the transmission and distribution system. Accordingly, phase-wise strengthening of transmission & distribution system has been proposed.

The transmission schemes proposed under DPR are priority schemes under Tranche-1 of the World Bank Fund and are essential for improving the power supply situation in the state. Implementation of these schemes will improve quantity, reliability, quality, security of the power supply in the state.

1.3 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

a Project Name : NER Power System Improvement Project ) (NERSPIP) – Tranche- I, Mizoram b) Location : Different parts of Mizoram State c) Beneficiary States/UT : Mizoram d) Project Cost : Rs.316.76 Crores e) Commissioning Schedule : 2019

1.4 PROJECT SCOPE & PRESENT STUDY

The present Initial Environment Assessment Report (IEAR) is a document developed to identify possible environmental and social issues related to construction of proposed 132 kV transmission line & 33 kV distribution line and associated 132/33 kV & 33/11 kV substations in district of Mizoram State covered under “NER Power System Improvement Project”. The IEAR provides insight on possible environment & social issues and list management measures to minimize/mitigate them based on PEDM’s “Environmental and Social Policy & Procedures Framework (ESPPF)” which has been prepared and approved by GoM & WB and disclosed on https://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/mizoram-esppf-final-with-all-annexures.pdf. The scope of IEAR covers the following subprojects;

Name of the New / Existing Sl. Name of the Line Substation A. Transmission Scheme 1. West Phaileng – Marpara 132 kV S/C Establishment of 2 x 12.5 MVA, line on D/C tower (to be charged at 33 132/33 kV new substation at West- KV) - approx. 50 km Phaileng Establishment of 2 x 12.5 MVA 132/33 kV new substation at Marpara B. Distribution Scheme 1. Bay connection between Existing West Phaileng 33/11 kV substation with proposed West Phaileng 132/33 kV substation – approx. 100 meter

The project activities include the survey for finalizing the route alignment and installation of transmission lines and construction of substations (civil and electrical installation). Lattice towers/ poles are then erected on designated places using normal excavation and foundations thereafter conductors are strung across these using manual/stringing

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machines. The construction of substations is regular civil works for small buildings. The electrical installations consist of the transformers, breakers, capacitors etc. and other protection/controlling devices to ensure required power flow.

A power map showing the transmission grid of Mizoram highlighting the above lines and other new projects placed as Exhibit-1. Schematic map showing the various subprojects covered under the subject IEAR is placed in Exhibit -2.

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SECTION – II: BASELINE DATA

2.0 The proposed project is located in in the State of Mizoram. The basic environmental settings of the State and subject project area is given below:

2.1 MIZORAM:

Mizoram is one of seven North Eastern States of India, collectively known as Seven Sisters. It shares international borders with and in south and domestic borders with Manipur, Assam and Tripura in North. The area of the state is 21,081 sq km which is 0.64% of the country's geographical area. The state lies between latitude 21°56' N and 24°31'N and longitude 92°16' E and 93°26' E. The average altitude ranges from 500 m to 800 m with the maximum reaching 2,157m in Blue Mountain (). The tropic of cancer runs through the state nearly at its middle. The general land use pattern of the state is given in Table 2.1. Table-2.1 Land use Pattern

Land Use Area in ‘000 ha Percentage Total geographical area 2,108 Reporting area for land utilization 2,094 100.00 Forests 1,585 75.71 Not available for cultivation 95 4.54 Permanent pastures and other grazing lands 5 0.25 Land under misc. tree crops & groves 41 1.96 Culturable wasteland 7 0.32 Fallow lands other than current fallows 194 9.27 Current Fallows 50 2.41 Net area sown 116 5.54 Source: Land use statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI, 2012-13

Mamit district is located at 23.925°N & 92.4913°E with an average elevation of 718 metres. The district occupies an area of 3025.75 km sq. and is 4th largest district in Mizoram. The Mamit district is bounded on the north by of Assam state, on the west by of Tripura state and Bangladesh, on the south by district and on the east by Kolasib and Aizawl districts. Mamit town is the administrative headquarters of the district. Physiographically, the district is represented by parallel to sub parallel hill ranges trending North-South direction. The hills are steep and separated by rivers which flow either to the north or to the south creating deep gorges. Climate

The climate of Mizoram can be classified as moist tropical to moist sub-tropical. The winter temperature varies from 11° C to 24° C, while summer temperature varies from 18° C to 29° C. The region is influenced by monsoons, raining heavily from May to September, while winters are relatively rain free. As per National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the state is located in a region, where Cyclones and Landslides can cause weather related emergencies. The average annual rainfall of the state ranges from 2,160 mm to 3,500 mm The climate of the Mamit district is characterized by tropical humid climate with cool summers and cold winters The district is under the influence of sub-tropical monsoon IEAR NERPSIP MIZORAM – MAMMIT DISTRICT 5

and the climate is tempered to a great extent by the altitude of its terrain and therefore is pleasant and not subjected to extremes. According to the classification of the Department of Environment & Forest, Govt. of Mizoram, the year is characterized by four distinct seasons: Summer - March to May, Rainy - June to August, Autumn- September to October & Winter -November to February. The district receives heavy rainfall during May to late September with an average annual rainfall of 2,794 mm under the influence of southwest monsoon. The winter is normally cold and dry.

Soil:

Typical soils in the state are sandy loam and clay loam, which have been heavily leached due to the high slopes leaving it porous and lacking in minerals or humus. The soils in the state are near neutral to strongly acidic (pH 4.5 - 7.3).

The soils of the district, in general, have been derived from parent rock such as ferruginous sandstone, shale, alluvial and colluvial materials. In general, the soil formations have been categorized into following groups: Hills – mostly colluvial soil, formed along the steep sided slopes because of accumulation of soil forming materials on slope surface, Valleys- mixture of colluvial and alluvial materials and is restricted to the rolling valleys along the river courses & Terraces - remnants of deposits of cobbles and pebbles.

Mineral:

There are no useful minerals of economic significance apart from clays in the River beds. The main mineral of Mizoram is hard rock of tertiary period formation which is crushed to various sizes of aggregate material. This product is very important for road construction work and building materials. Apart from these, several reports from Geological Survey of India and State Geology and Mining wing of Industries Department have indicated the availability of minor minerals in different places. A number of oil and gas exploration activities have taken place due the geological condition with which Mizoram has been formed, leading to the possibilities that Oil reserves would be confirmed. However, major deposits of economic importance have not been reported so far in the State.

Water Resources: a) Surface Water: The most important and useful rivers of Mizoram are the Tlawng (also known as Dhaleswari or Katakhal), (Gutur), (Sonai) and which flow through the northern territory and eventually join river Barak in Cachar. The Koldoyne () which originates in Myanmar, is an important river in the south Mizoram. It has four tributaries and the river is in patches. The Western part is drained by (Khawthlang tuipui) and its tributaries. Lakes in the state are scattered all over the state. But the most important of them are Palak, Tamdil, Rungdil; and Rengdil. The Palak lake is situated in Chhimtuipui District in southern Mizoram and covers an area of 30 Ha. It is believed the lake was created as a result of an earthquake or a flood. The Tamdil lake is a natural lake situated 85 kms from Aizawl. The main rivers flowing through project area in Mamit district are Tlawng, Tut, , Langkaih and Khawthlangtuipui etc. However, the project activity is not going to impact these water bodies in any way as the route alignment of proposed transmission line does not have any such river crossing.

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b) Ground Water:

Ground water is used mainly for drinking purpose as there is no major industry in the district. Ground water utilization for irrigation may be considered as negligible. As per study carried out by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the estimated gross annual dynamic ground water resource is 4.92mcm while net annual ground water draft is 0.0069 million cubic metre (mcm) & the stage of ground water development is 0.82%. Natural discharge during non-monsoon season is negligible. Future provision for domestic and industrial use is 0.01 mcm and for irrigation use, it is 4.41 mcm. Mamit district is under the “Safe” Category

Wetlands:

The state of Mizoram has a total wetland area of 13988 Ha, which is 0.66% of total geographical area of the State. Total number of wetlands present in the State is 234, but none of the wetlands is in the Ramsar list. Palak and Timdil are important wetlands of the State, which are identified under National Wetland Conservation Programme.

The Mammit district has around 86 wetlands including 58 small wetlands (area < 2.25 ha.) covering an area of 2167 Ha. River/stream (1951 ha) are the largest wetland type followed by Lake/pond (84 Ha). However, none of these wetlands are getting involved/impacted in routing/RoW of proposed lines and locating substations.

Ecological Resources:

The recorded forest area in the state is 5,641 sq. km which is around 26.76% of its geographical area. According to legal status, Reserved and Unclassed forests constitute 4483 sq. km (79.48 %) & 1,158 sq. km (20.52%) respectively. Forest Map of Mizoram is enclosed as Map-1. However, based on the interpretation of satellite data of January 2015 (India State of Forest Report), forest cover of state is spread over an area of 18,748 sq.km. which is 88.93% of the State’s geographical area. In terms of forest canopy density classes, the State has 138 sq. km. of very dense forest, 5858 sq. km of moderately dense forest and 12,752 sq.km of open forest.

Forest types occurring in the State are Tropical Semi Evergreen, Tropical Moist Deciduous, Subtropical Broadleaved Hill and Subtropical Pine Forests. Apart from normal tree like Bamboo, Banana, Orchid, other major species of forest comprises of Teak (Tectona grandis), Sal (Shorea robusta). Pine (Pinus khasiana), Champa (Magnolia champaca), Gulmohar (Delonix regia), Gamari (Gmelina arborea), Needlewood (Skima wallichi) etc. The proposed transmission line & distribution line shall pass through Mamit district having forest cover of 90.61%. Details of forest cover of the district are as below;

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District Geographic 2015 Assessment (Area in Sq. km) % Forest area (Sq Very Dense Mod Dense Open Total cover Km) forest forest forest Mamit 3025 43 654 2044 2741 90.61 Source: Indian State of Forest Report, 2015

However, it may be noted from the table that although the forest cover of the subproject district is more than 90% but most (about 75%) of these are in open/degraded types.

Protected Areas: Mizoram has two (2) National Parks and eight (8) Wildlife Sanctuaries covering an area of 1,240.75 sq. km. which constitute 5.89% of the state's geographical area. The details of various Protected Areas located in the state are given below:

Sl. Name of Protected Areas Area in sq. km District 1 National Park 100 Cha 2 50 mphaLawn 3 Dampa Tiger Reserve/Wildlife Sanctuary 500 Mamigtlai 4 Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary 110 Lawnt 5 Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary 35.75 Lunglgtlai 6 Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary 60 Chaei 7 Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary 35 mphaAiza 8 Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary 50 Lunglwl 9 Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary 50 Kolasei 1 Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary 250 Saihaib 0 Total 1240.75

It may be seen from the above table that Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the largest and also Tiger Reserve is located in the western part of Mizoram, in Mamit district. It is surrounded by Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh to the West, Tripura state, Mamit and Kawrthah forest divisions to the North, and Mamit forest divisions to the South and East. The area lies in the , a series of parallel mountain ranges allied to Arakhan Yoma arc. Dampa Tiger Reserve lies between 92°16’08’’ E to 92°27’41’’ E and 23°18’27’’ N to 23°43’50’’ N. The Tropic of Cancer passes through Dampa Tiger Reserve near the range office at Phuldungsei.

Dampa was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974 and re-notified in 1985 with a view to conserve the fast deteriorating natural wealth. It was declared as a Tiger Reserve vide gazette notification no. B-11011/14/90-FST, on 7th December 1994, after its approval from the Government of India. The total area of Dampa Tiger Reserve(DTR) is 988 km2 out of which 500 km2 area is core zone or critical tiger habitat and 488 km2 area is buffer zone Area (vide Notification No.B.12011/14/2009-FSTdt. 16.3.2011). Major fauna that are found in the reserve include Tiger, Leopard, , Wild Dog, Sambar, Barking Deer, Gaur, Sloth Bear, , Bunturon, Procupine, Slow Loris, Jungle Cat, Pangolin, Black Bear, Giant Squirrel, Common Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Wild Pig and Otter. There are no records of direct sighting of tigers in the Dampa Tiger Reserve. However, there are collateral evidences such as pugmarks and scats that indicate presence of Tigers in the area. Furthermore, there is a prey-base available for the Tiger in the reserve that supports possibilities of surviving tiger population. IEAR NERPSIP MIZORAM – MAMMIT DISTRICT 8

The main flora consists of vegetation such as Artrocarpus chalpasa, Adina cordinofolia, Amoora wallichii, Duabanga sonneratiodes, Dipterocarpus Chukrasia tabularis, Syzygium cumini and Toona ciliate. Bombax ceiba and cane is also found. Based on Champion and Seth Classification, the vegetation of Dampa Tiger Reserve can be categorised into the following forest types:

1) Tropical Evergreen and Semi Evergreen Forests; 2) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests; 3) Sub - Montane type.

However, in spite of taking all possible measures including exploration of three different alternatives during the routing of West Phaileng-Marpara transmission line, approx. 35 km stretch of proposed line unavoidably passes through the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger reserve due to its strategic location and also inaccessibility and very difficult terrain in the area. However, due care is taken to align the route parallel to the existing West-Phaileng-Marpara State PWD road to minimize impact on biodiversity (Map- 2). Although alternative routes have been explored jointly by PEDM & POWERGRID, however, all routes except the proposed one have been found unsuitable from construction point of view. The detail justification for the same has been elaborated in the Chapter:-IV Approach for Route/Site Selection.

Moreover, as per the provisions in ESPPF a Biodiversity Impact Assessment Study through an independent agency namely Assam State Biodiversity Board(ASBB) has already been undertaken (copy of report enclosed as Annexure-1) and the mitigation measures as suggested shall be put on ground during execution of the project to reduce/nullify the identified possible impacts.

Human and Economic Development:

Mizoram’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) in 2012-2013 stood at Rs. 7714 crores. The state's gross state domestic product (GSDP) growth rate was nearly 10% annually over 2001-2013 period. Both Agriculture and Industries contribute around 20% each in state’s economy, while the contribution of tertiary/service sector stands at 60%. Though, the contribution of Agriculture in economy is around 20%, about 60% of state’s population depends upon agriculture and allied sector. Jhum cultivation is still carried out in state. Paddy is the primary food crop of the state. Mandarin Orange, Hatkora, Lemon, Banana, Pineapple, Papaya, Grape, Avocado are the main fruits grown in the state. The major vegetables grown in the state include Squash, Potato, Cabbage, Brinjal, Tomato, French Bean, Lady’s Finger, Pumpkin, French Mustard, Bitter gourd etc. Various spices like Turmeric, Chillies, Ginger and Chillies are also grown.

Industrial sector in Mizoram is limited to Micro and Small Industries. Upto 2010-11, 8088 small scale industrial units were registered in the state. (Ref: Economic Survey, Mizoram 2012-13). However, there is good potential for development of Agri based and Forest product based industries in the state. Zoram Industrial Development Corporation (ZIDCO) has been established by the state Govt in collaboration with the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI). The purpose of ZIDCO is to set up industrial units of its own as well as to assist various enterprises. Another similar organization called Zoram Electronics Development Corporation has been established to promote electronics industry. Similarly, a State Government Undertaking called Mizoram Food and Allied Industries Corporation has been established to develop industries based on agro-horticulture products. With abundant scenic beauty and a pleasant climate, Mizoram has huge potential to develop its tourism related industries.

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The per capita income of Mizoram stood at Rs. 54689 against a National per capita income of Rs. 61,564 in year 2011-12. The state scores high on the front of literacy with a literacy rate of 91.6%, which is 3rd highest in India. The sex ratio of the state stands at 1000:975 against the National sex ratio of 1000:940. There are 370 Health Sub Centres, 57 PHCs and 12 CHCs in the state. About 25.2% of children are malnourished, while infant mortality rate stands at 37 per 1000 infants born. The state has around 3894 numbers of schools at different level of education.

The economy of the Mamit district is basically Agro-based. Paddy which is the staple food of the populace is the main crop. Jhum type cultivation is the most popular type of cultivation and comprises the main source of agricultural products. Soil is fertile and major crops production, which is paddy, in the district takes place during the Kharif season. In Rabbi season, Mustard, Cabbage, Radish, Carrot, Tomato, Potato, Pulses are grown. The district is famous for Oranges and Hatkora fruits. The vegetation is an admixture of species which ranges from bamboos and canes to fuel woods and timber species. The major allied activity in the district is Husbandry (piggery and Poultry)

Additional/detailed information regarding the environmental and social features along the alignment is provided in Section- IV

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SECTION III : POLICY, LEGAL & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

3.0 Power transmission project activities by their inherent nature and flexibility have negligible impacts on environmental and social attributes. Indian laws relating to environmental and social issues have strengthened in the last decade both due to local needs and international commitments. TSECL undertakes its activities within the purview of Indian and State specific laws keeping in mind appropriate international obligations and directives and guidelines with respect to environmental and social considerations of Funding Agencies.

3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL 3.1.1 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

Subsequent to the first United Nations Conference on Human Environment at Stockholm in June, 1972, which emphasized the need to preserve and protect the natural environment, the Constitution of India was amended through the historical 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 by inserting Article 48-A and 51-A(g) for protection and promotion of the environment under the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Duties respectively. The amendment, inter alia provide:

"The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country". (New Article 48A)

"It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures”. (New Article 51 A (g)

Article 21 of the constitution provides, “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”.

Article 21 is the heart of the fundamental rights and has received expanded meaning from time to time after the decision of the Supreme Court in 1978. The Article 21 guarantee fundamental right to life – a life of dignity to be lived in a proper environment, free of danger of disease and infection. The right to live in a healthy environment is part of Article 21 of the Constitution. Recently, Supreme Court has broadly and liberally interpreted the Article 21, transgressed into the area of protection of environment, and held that the protection of environment and citizen’s right to live in eco-friendly atmosphere interpreted as the basic right guaranteed under Article 21.

Thus the Indian Constitution has now two fold provision: (a) On the one hand, it gives directive to the State for the protection and improvement of environment. (b) On the other hand the citizens owe a constitutional duty to protect and improve natural environment.

Article 371 G

Provides special provision with respect to state of Mizoram which states “no act of parliament in respect of religious and social practices of the Mizos, Mizo customary laws and procedures, administration of civil and criminal justices involving decisions according to Mizo customary law and ownership and transfer of land shall apply to the state of Mizoram, unless Legislative Assembly of the state, by a resolution, so decides”.

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Sixth Schedule Special provisions have been extended to the Tribal Areas of the Mizoram state under the Sixth Schedule [Articles 244(2) and 275(1) of the constitution] in addition to basic fundamental rights. The Sixth Schedule is entirely focused at protection of tribal areas and interests by allowing self-governance through constitutional institutions at the district or regional level. These institutions are entrusted with the twin task of protecting tribal cultures and customs and undertaking development tasks.

The Sixth Schedule provides for administration of tribal areas as autonomous entities. The administration of an autonomous district is vested in a District Council and of an autonomous region, in a Regional Council. These Councils are endowed with legislative, judicial, executive and financial powers. These institutions were expected to integrate these areas with the modern system of administration while preserving the traditional autonomy and local self-governing institutes of the tribal people. There are three District Councils cover two administrative districts- Lawngthlai and Saiha.

1. Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) – Area 1,500 sq km. 2. Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) – Area 1,445 sq. km 3. Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) – Area 1,871 sq.km.

3.1.2 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL)

 GoM order/sanction under The Electricity Act, 2003

Sanction of GoM is a mandatory requirement for taking up any new transmission/ distribution project under the section 68(1) of The Electricity Act, 2003. The sanction authorizes PEDM to plan and coordinate activities to commission the new project. Electricity act does not explicitly deal with environmental implications of activities related to power transmission, distribution and construction of substation. However, PEDM integrates environmental protection within its project activities.

 Forest Clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980:

When transmission projects pass through forest land, clearance has to be obtained from relevant authorities under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. This Act was enacted to prevent rapid deforestation and environmental degradation. State governments cannot de-reserve any forest land or authorize its use for any non-forest purposes without approval from the Central government. PEDM projects, when involving forest areas, undergo detailed review and approval procedures to obtain a Forest Clearance certificate from MoEF, Government of India before starting any construction activity in designated forest area.

 Environmental Clearances under Environment (Protection) Act,1986:

Since transmission line projects are environmentally clean and do not involve any disposal of solid waste, effluents and hazardous substances in land, air and water they are kept out of the purview of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. However, amendment in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on 7th May’ 1992 made it necessary to obtain clearance from MoEF for power transmission projects in two districts in the Aravalis (viz., Alwar in and Gurgaon in ). The Aravali range, in these two areas, is heavily degraded, hence, any industrial activity there becomes critical. Environment Impact Notification, 1994 & 2006 lays down specific project categories that require clearance from MoEF Power transmission projects are not included in this list.

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 Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 :

MoEF vide its notification dated 17th July, 2000 under the section of 6, 8 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has notified rules for regulation /control of Ozone Depleting Substances under Montreal Protocol adopted on 16th September 1987. As per the notification certain control and regulation has been imposed on manufacturing, import, export and use of these compound. PEDM shall follow provisions of notification and phase out all equipments which uses these substances and planning to achieve CFC free organization in near future.

 Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001:

MoEF vide its notification dated 16th May, 2001 under the section of 6, 8 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has put certain restriction on disposal of used batteries and its handling. As per the notification it is the responsibility of bulk consumer (PEDM) to ensure that used batteries are not disposed of, in any manner, other than by depositing with the dealer/manufacturer/registered recycler/importer/ reconditioner or at the designated collection centres and to file half yearly return in prescribed form to the concerned State Pollution Control Board.

 Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 :

Vide notification dated 4th April, 2016 under the EPA, 1986, MoEF notified rules for environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes to ensure that the hazardous wastes are managed in a manner which shall protect health and the environment against the adverse effects that may result from such waste. The used transformer oil has been declared as a hazardous waste vide this notification. PEDM, being a bulk user of transformer oil shall comply with the provisions of the said rules (MoEF notification dated 4th April, 2016) if the practice of storing of used oil is maintained. In case it is decided to outsource the process of recycle of used oil to registered recycler as per the provisions of notification then PEDM shall submit the desired return in prescribed form to concerned State Pollution Control Board at the time of disposal of used oil.

 E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011:

Vide notification dated 12th May 2011 under the EPA, 1986, MoEF notified rules for environmentally sound management of e-waste to ensure that e-waste are managed in a manner which shall protect health and the environment against the adverse effects that may result from hazardous substance contained in such wastes. Thus, it is the responsibility of the bulk consumer (i.e. PEDM) to ensure that e-waste generated is channelized to authorized collection center(s) or registered dismantler(s) or recycler(s) or is return to the pick-up of take back services provided by the producer. PEDM, being a bulk consumer of electrical and electronics equipments shall maintain the record as per Form-2 for scrutiny by State Pollution Control Board.

 The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 :

Under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity signed at Rio de Janeiro on the 5th June, 1992 of which India is also a party, MoEF has enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to provide for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith. As per the provision of act, certain area which are rich in biodiversity and encompasses unique and representative ecosystems are identified and designated as Biosphere Reserve to facilitate its conservation. All restrictions applicable to protected areas like National Park IEAR NERPSIP MIZORAM – MAMMIT DISTRICT 13

& Sanctuaries are also applicable to these reserves. PEDM will abide by the provision of act wherever applicable and try to totally avoid these biosphere reserves while finalizing the route alignment.

 The Scheduled Tribes & Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006

This act recognizes and vests the forest rights and occupation in forest land to forest dwelling. Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations but whose rights could not be recognized. The definitions of forest dwelling schedule tribes, forestland, forest rights, forest villages, etc. have been included in Section 2 of the Act. The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is the nodal agency for implementation of the Act while field implementation is the responsibility of the government agencies. Its implementation has also been linked with forest clearance process under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 w.e.f. August 2009 by MoEF. PEDM shall abide by the provisions of the act if any portion of the transmission line is passing through forest land, in occupation of the forest dwelling scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers for laying of transmission lines. However, for linear projects including transmission lines obtaining of NoC from the gram sabha has been exempted for the requirement of FRA compliance as per MoEF circular dated 5th February 2013.

3.1.3 FUNDING AGENCY:

For PEDM, mandatory environment requirements with respect to WB Operational Policies are as follows:

 World Bank (WB) Operational Policies (OP) 4.01: Environmental Assessment The policy objective is to ensure the environmental and social soundness and sustainability of investment projects and support integration of environmental and social aspects of projects in the decision-making process.

PEDM takes remedial measures to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impact and improve environmental performance. Environment Assessment will take into account the natural environment, human health and safety, and social aspects and trans- boundary and global environmental aspects. During EA process public is also informed at every stage of project execution and their views are considered during decision-making process.

 World Bank OP 4.04: Natural Habitats The policy objective is to promote sustainable development by supporting the protection, conservation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of natural habitats and their functions.

 World Bank OP 4.11: Physical Cultural Resources The policy objective is to preserve PCR and in avoiding their destruction or damage. PCR includes resources of archeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, and religious (including graveyards and burial sites), aesthetic, or other cultural significance.

 World Bank OP 4.36: Forests The objective of this policy is to realize the potential of forests to reduce poverty in a sustainable manner, integrate forests effectively into sustainable economic development, and protect the vital local and global environmental services and values of forests.

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3.2. SOCIAL

3.2.1 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS Constitutional provisions in regard to social safeguards are well enshrined in the preamble such as JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles guarantee the right to life and liberty. Health, safety and livelihood have been interpreted as part of this larger right. Social safeguards provisions are dealt in detail in different Article such as Article-14, 15 17, 23, 24, 25, 46, 330, 332 etc. PEDM shall implement the said constitutional provision in true sprit to fulfill its environmental and social obligations and responsibilities.

3.2.2 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL)

 The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARRA)1 :

Govt. of India replaced the old Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and notified the new RFCTLARRA, 2013 which came into force from 1st January 2014. This act ensures appropriate identification of the affected families/households, fair compensation and rehabilitation of titleholders and non-titleholders. However, the new act i.e. RFCTLARRA, 2013 authorizes State Govt. (i.e. GoM) or its authorized Government agency to complete the whole process of acquisition of private land including Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Action Plan for R&R (i.e. Rehabilitation and Resettlement) & its implementation and the PEDM responsibility is limited to identification and selection of suitable land based on technical requirement and ensuring budget allocation. However, it is worth mentioning that this Act is not applicable to Mizoram, till the state legislative Assembly adopts a resolution in this regard, as per the provision of Article 371 G of the Constitution of India.

 Rights of Way and Compensation under Electricity Act, 20032:

The Electricity Act, 2003 has a provision for notifying transmission company under section 164 (B) to avail benefits of eminent domain provided under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Under this section PEDM may seek for GoM authorization to exercise all the powers that the Telegraph authority possesses and can spot, construct and erect towers without acquiring the land. Moreover, all damages due to its activity shall be compensated at market rate. In case of agricultural or private land the provisions of section- 67 and or section-68 (5 & 6) of the Electricity Act, 2003 and section-10 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 are followed for assessment and payment of compensation towards such damages.

1 The new land acquisition act i.e RFCTLARRA,2013 is currently not applicable in the State as the State Legislative Assembly has not yet adopted the resolution regarding applicability of new act as per provision under article 371G of the constitution of India. Based on current requirement for tranche-1, land acquisition is not an issue as land for all substaions covered under this tranche is in possession of PEDM.

2 Ministry of Power, Govt. of India issued guidelines vide its communication dated 15th Oct., 2015 for payment of compensation for damages in regard to RoW for transmission lines. Once the above guidelines are adopted by Govt. of Mizoram, compensation shall be paid as per the norms of said guidelines.

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 The Mizoram (Land Revenue) Act, 2013:

The act provides for procedure to be followed in case of allotment of govt. land, its tax collection etc. It also specifically mention about the land not to be processed for allotment within the areas of 800 metres measuring from the centre on either side of the following rivers, which may alter the transmission alignment in some cases. (a) Tlawng; (b) Tut; (c) Teirei; (d) Langkaih;(e) Chemlui; (f) ;(g) Tuivawl; (h) ; (i) Tuirial; (j) Kau;(k) De; (l) Phairuang;(m) Tuiruang ; (n) Khawthlangtuipui;(o) Mat; (p) Tuichang (); (q) Tuichang ; (r) Tuipui;(s) Tiau.

 Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878 as amended in 1949

The act provides for procedure to be followed in case of finding of any treasure, archaeological artefacts etc. during excavation. Possibilities of such discoveries are quite remote due to limited and shallow excavations. However, in case of such findings, PEDM will follow the procedure laid down in the Section-4 of act.

3.2.3 FUNDING AGENCY

For PEDM, mandatory social requirements with respect to WB Operational Policies are as follows:

 World Bank OP 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement

This policy covers direct economic and social impacts both resulting from Bank-assisted investment projects, and are caused by the involuntary taking of land. To avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement and, where this is not feasible, assist displaced persons in improving or at least restoring their livelihoods and standards of living in real terms relative to pre-displacement levels or to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever is higher.

 World Bank OP 4.10: Indigenous People (IP)

This policy contributes to the Bank's mission of poverty reduction and sustainable development by ensuring that the development process fully respects the dignity, human rights, economies, and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. The objective is to design and implement projects in a way that fosters full respect for indigenous peoples‟ so that they receive culturally compatible social and economic benefits, and do not suffer adverse effects during the development process. The project shall ascertain broad community support for the project based on social assessment and free prior and informed consultation with the affected Tribal community, if any.

 EHS Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution

The Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines are technical reference documents with general and industry specific examples of Good International Industry Practice. The EHS Guidelines contain the performance levels and measures that are generally considered to be achievable in new facilities by existing technology at reasonable costs. The EHS Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution include information relevant to power transmission between a generation facility and a substation located within an electricity grid, in addition to power distribution from a substation to consumers located in residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

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SECTION IV: APPROACH FOR ROUTE/ SITE SELECTION

4.0 ROUTE SELECTION - (ASSESSMENT & MANAGEMENT PROCESS)

At the system planning stage itself one of the factors that governs the evolution of system, is the possible infringement with the forest. Wherever such infringements are substantial, different alternative options are considered. The route/ site selection criteria followed is detailed below: While identifying the transmission and distribution system, preliminary route selection is done by PEDM based on the Survey of India Topo sheets, Forest Atlas (Govt. of India's Publication) and Google Maps etc. During route alignment all possible efforts are made to avoid the forest area involvement completely or to keep it to the barest minimum, whenever it becomes unavoidable due to the geography of terrain or heavy cost involved in avoiding it. Presence of protected areas like National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and other ecological sensitive areas are verified by superimposing the proposed alternative alignment on the Protected Area Network Geospatial Map of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), GoI.

4.1.1 STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES

Environmental Criteria for Route selection

For selection of optimum route, the following points are taken into consideration:

(i) The route of the proposed transmission lines does not involve any human rehabilitation (ii) Any monument of cultural or historical importance is not affected by the route of the transmission line. (iii) The proposed route of transmission line does not create any threat to the survival of any community with special reference to Tribal Community. (iv) The proposed route of transmission line does not affect any public utility services like playgrounds, schools, other establishments etc. (v) The line route does not pass through any National Parks, Sanctuaries etc. (vi) The line route does not infringe with area of natural resources.

In order to achieve this, PEDM undertakes route selection for individual transmission lines in close consultation with representatives of concerned Forest Department and the Department of Revenue. Although under the law, PEDM has right of eminent domain yet alternative alignments are considered keeping in mind the above-mentioned factors during site selection, with minor alterations often added to avoid environmentally sensitive areas and settlements at execution stage.  As a rule, alignments are generally cited away from major towns, whenever possible, to account for future urban expansion.  Similarly, forests are avoided to the extent possible, and when it is not possible, a route is selected in consultation with the local Divisional Forest Officer, that causes minimum damage to existing forest resources.  Alignments are selected to avoid wetlands and unstable areas for both financial and environmental reasons.

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In addition, care is also taken to avoid National parks, Sanctuaries, Eco-sensitive zones, Tiger reserves, Biosphere reserves, Elephant corridors and IBA sites etc. Whenever complete avoidance of environmental sensitive areas are not at all possible, route is selected in such a way that there is minimum involvement of environmentally sensitive areas and biodiversity assessment studies are carried out before implementation of the project, so that, the suggested mitigation measures may be put on ground during actual execution of the project to minimize/mitigate the identified impacts.

Keeping above in mind the routes of proposed lines under the project has been so aligned that it takes care of above factors. As such different alternatives for transmission lines were studied with the help of Govt. published data like Forest atlas, Survey of India etc. to arrive at most optimum route which can be taken up for detailed survey and assessment of environmental & social impacts for their proper management. However in case any stray houses or geologically unstable area is encountered the same will be avoided by shifting the tower location by rerouting the line for short length at time of check survey/ tower spotting.

A. TRANSMISSION LINE

4.1.2 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR 132 KV S/C (ON D/C TOWER) WEST PHAILENG-MARPARA TRANSMISSION LINE

Three (3) different alignments (Map- 3 in KML & JPG format attached) were studied with the help of Google Maps and walkover survey to arrive at most optimum route for detailed survey. The comparative details of these three alternatives in respect of the proposed line are as follows: S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III 1. Route particulars i. Route Length (km) 50 70.7 51 ii. Terrain Hilly 100 % 100% 100% Plain Nil Nil Nil 2. Environmental impact i. Name of District(s) Mamit Mamit Mamit through which the line passes ii. Towns in alignment No major township No major township No major or minor along the route. along the route. settlements are Some linear However some encountered along settlement along the minor settlements the proposed route West-Phaileng- encountered along corridor. The entire Marpara PWD road the route are West route is through encountered are Lungdar, Hreichuk, relatively dense Kawnmawi, Lallen, North Kanghmun, forest area. Chhippui, Saithah, Darlung, South Phulbial, Hruiduk Sabual, Zopui, Phuldungsei, West Vengthar, Philpui, Pukzing Hruiduk etc.. Vengthar, etc.. iii. House within RoW Nil. However, actual Nil. However, actual Nil. However, actual involvement, if any involvement, if any involvement, if any shall be ascertained shall be ascertained shall be ascertained after detailed survey after detailed survey after detailed survey

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S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III iv. Forest involvement Approx. 90 ha./ Approx. 16.2ha./6km Appx. 56.7 ha./ 21 in Ha/km 33km passing {10.8ha (4km) km is passing through buffer zone passing through through the buffer of the Dampa Tiger buffer zone of the zone of the Dampa Reserve. Dampa Tiger Tiger Reserve Reserve & 5.4ha.(2 km) is passing through TUT Riverine Reserved Forest (RRF)} As per the GoM Notification dated 16.03.2011(Annexure -2) the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve comprises both private land and forest land. However, the actual status of land coming within the RoW of the proposed route will be ascertained after joint survey with Forest Deptt. for which the process is already initiated by PEDM/POWERGRID. v. Type of Forest Reserved Forest of Reserved Forest Reserve forest (RF/PF/Mangrove/ buffer zone within within buffer zone within the buffer Wildlife Area/ the Dampa Tiger of the Dampa zone of DTR Elephant corridor/ Reserve Tiger Reserve and Biodiversity also Riverine Hotspots/Biosphere Reserved Forest Reserve/Wetlands (RRF) along the or any other TUT river environmentally sensitive area. vi. Density of Forests Moderate Moderate Dense vii. Type of flora Macaranga peltat, Macaranga peltat, Macaranga peltat, Dipterocarpus, Dipterocarpus, Dipterocarpus, Trema orientalis, Trema orientalis, Albizzia procera, Duabanga Duabanga Erythrina variegate, grandiflora, Tectona grandiflora, Tectona Trema orientalis, grandis, Derris grandis, Michelia Duabanga robusta, Bamboo champaca, Derris grandiflora, Tectona species like Bombax robusta, Bamboo grandis, Derris insigne, Bombax species like Bombax robusta, Bamboo ceiba, Mangifera insigne, Bombax species like Bombax indica, etc. ceiba, Mangifera insigne, Bombax indica, etc. ceiba, Mangifera indica, etc. viii. Type of fauna Treron phayei, Arborophila Arborophila Buceros bicornis, atrogularis, Treron atrogularis, Treron Macaca assamensis, phayei, Buceros phayei, Buceros Macaca arctiodes, bicornis, Great bicornis, Great Trachypithecus Hornbill, Macaca Hornbill, Macaca pileatu, Orthotomus assamensis, assamensis, sutorius, Hoolock Pteropus giganteus, Pteropus giganteus, hoolock, Gracula Trachypithecus Trachypithecus religiosa, Felis chaus, pileatu, Hoolock pileatu, Hoolock Draco maculates, hoolock, Orthotomus hoolock, Orthotomus etc. sutorius, Felis chaus, sutorius, Felis chaus, Draco maculates, etc Draco maculates, etc ix. Endangered Hoolock hoolock Hoolock hoolock Hoolock hoolock species, if any x. Historical/cultural Nil Nil Nil monuments

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S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III 3. Compensation Cost (Estimated) i. Crop (Non Forest) Approx. Rs. 85.00 Approx. Rs. 323.50 Approx. Rs. 150.00 lakhs (@ 5lakh/km) lakhs (@ 5lakh/km) lakhs (@ 5lakh/km) ii. Forest & Wildlife Approx. Rs. 4086.30 Approx. Rs. 517.4 Approx. Rs. 2574.60 lakhs lakhs lakhs 4. Major Crossings i. Highway Nil Nil Nil (National/State) ii. Power line Nil Nil Nil iii. Railway line Nil Nil Nil iv. River crossing Nil 2 2 5 Overall Most optimum route Spared as the most Not considered due Remarks selected for detailed of the locations are to very steep terrain, survey since the line inaccessible due to dense vegetation route is running steep terrain, dense and nearly no almost parallel to forest and non approach roads for the existing West- availability of movement of man Phaileng -Marpara approach road. and machinery. State PWD road which is an already disturbed buffer area.

From the above comparative analysis, it has been observed that although Alternative- I is having highest involvement of Dampa Tiger Reserve Buffer Zone compared to Alt-II and Alt-III, the line route of Alt-I is only found feasible from construction point of view. Moreover, the route length is shorter and for most part the route is aligned parallel to existing corridor of West Phaileng-Marpara road thus having minimum ecological disturbance to buffer area and also involve less tree felling as it passes mostly through Jhum cultivated areas with low density tree cover area. Furthermore, Alt.- I is easily accessible due to its proximity to existing West Phaileng-Marpara road. Although alternative routes have been rigorously explored and walkover survey carried out to access the feasibility, but Alt-II and Alt-III are found practically not feasible from construction point of view due to geographical terrain. Hence, based on overall analysis of various components, Alternative - I is considered as the most optimized route and recommended for detailed survey B DISTRIBUTION LINE

Since the proposed distribution line between existing West Phaileng 33/11 kV substation and New West Phaileng 132/33 kV substation connects two substations in close vicinity having line length of only 100 meter, no alternative have been studied for the subject line as there are no environment or social issues involved including forest/ ecological sensitive area that require such studies.

C. SUBSTATION

For substation site selection also analysis of 2-3 alternatives sites is usually carried out based on environment and social aspects and technical requirement. Such analysis considers various site specific parameters that include availability of infrastructure facilities such as access roads, water, distance from railheads, type of land (Government/ revenue/private land); social impacts such as number of families getting affected; Common Property Resources (CPR) including feasibility of acquisition. The finalization of substation land is done based on above analysis and site visit/verification. IEAR NERPSIP MIZORAM – MAMMIT DISTRICT 20

The social aspects are provided due weightage after technical requirement in decision making for selection/finalization of land for substation.

It may be noted that in the instant case land for all the proposed substations are already in possession with PEDM & no fresh land is required to be acquired and therefore, the said exercise is not required/needed for proposed project (Table – 4.1). As per the provisions of ESPPF, all land donations and direct purchases (Not applicable in the instant case) will be subject to a review/ approval by a broad based committee comprising representatives of different sections including those from the IA and GoM.

Table 4.1: Details of substation Land

S. Name of Area Location Surrounding Accessibility Land N Substation (acre) Stat 1 132/33 kV 0.5 The proposed land is The land use Location is Landus (New) within the existing surrounding the just adjacent already in substation campus of 33/11kV proposed to West- possession at West West-Phaileng substation site is Phaileng with PEDM Phaileng substation which mostly Jhum Marpara located adjacent to cultivated land road. Hence, West Phaileng – having medium no approach Marpara PWD road dense tree road and appx. 3.5 km from cover owned by required. the nearest West individual/ Phaileng settlement community. No area. Land is inside habitation is the buffer zone of found except Dampa Tiger Reserve residential including the entire quarters within West Phaileng area. the substation campus. Co-ordinates: 23º40’29.50”N, 92º28’50.01” E 2 132/33 kV 0.66 The proposed land is The land use Location is Land (New) located adjacent to surrounding the just adjacent already in substation West Phaileng – proposed to West- possession at Marpara PWD road substation site is Phaileng- with PEDM Marpara and appx. 4 km mostly jhum Marpara before reaching the cultivated land road. Hence, Marpara area. having medium no approach dense tree road Co-ordinates: cover owned by required. 23º16’58.19”N, individual/ 92º25’39.52”E community. Sparse habitation is found on the Southern part of the proposed site.

Further details about proposed substations land have been provided in Section –5.0 (i).

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SECTION – V : POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, THEIR EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT

5.0 IMPACT DUE TO PROJECT LOCATION AND DESIGN

Environmental impacts of Transmission & Distribution (T & D) projects are not far reaching and are mostly localized to RoW (refer Table- 5.1). Actual 132 KV line including tower on ground along with RoW and extent of impact on land/vegetation is placed as Fig.-1 & 1a while Fig.2 depicts the base of 33 kV distribution line (Single & H pole). However, T & D projects have some effects on natural and socio-culture resources. These impacts can be minimized by careful route selection. In order to get latest information and further optimization of route, modern survey techniques/tools like GIS, GPS are also applied. Introduction of GIS and GPS in route selection result in access to updated/latest information, through satellite images and further optimization of route having minimal environmental impact. Moreover, availability of various details, constraints like topographical and geotechnical details, forest and environmental details etc. help in planning the effective mitigative measures including engineering variations depending upon the site situation/location. In the instant scheme also these techniques are used and detail survey using GIS/GPS is under progress. Although, all possible measures have been taken during the finalization of route alignment for the proposed transmission lines but due to peculiarity of terrain and demography of the area where subprojects are being implemented, some environmental impacts may be there. The explanations in brief with regard to specific environment review criteria based on preliminary survey are as follows:

Table- 5.1: RoW Width & Clearance between Conductors and Trees Min. Clearance (in Meters) Transmission Voltage Max. RoW (In Meters) between conductor & Trees * 132 kV 27 4.0 33 kV 15 2.0 As per IS:5613 and MoEF guidelines finalized in consultation with CEA

(i) Resettlement

Land is required for a) construction of substations and b) erection of transmission lines. In general requirement of land area for substation varies from 0.3 acres (for 33 kV) to 10 acres (132 kV) depending upon voltage levels and no. of bays.

In the instant scheme, required land for establishment of 2 new substations i.e. 132/33 kV West Phaileng and 33/11 kV Marpara substation is already available with PEDM. As no fresh land is needed to be acquired for these substations, issue related to acquisition of land including possible R&R is not envisaged. Location map along with photographs depicting proposed substation land, its location and accessibility etc. is enclosed as Plate-1.

In respect of (b), no permanent acquisition is envisaged. Land for tower and right of way is not acquired as agricultural activities can continue. A Typical plan of transmission line tower footing indicating the above position with extent of damage and area of influence are depicted in Fig.- 3 & 3a respectively. As described earlier all measures are undertaken by PEDM at the line routing stage itself to avoid settlements such as cities, villages etc. It may be seen from the above description of proposed route alignments and also keeping in mind that no permanent acquisition of land is involved for tower foundation as per existing law, these subprojects don’t require any resettlement of IEAR NERPSIP MIZORAM – MAMMIT DISTRICT 22

villagers. However, some temporary damages/ disturbances can happen. Same will be compensated by the project under Compensation Plan for Temporary Damage (CPTD) to minimize the damages and provide compensation plan for temporary damages in consultation with the state government and affected persons and/ or community.

The project is being implemented in the tribal areas of Mamit district. It may be noted that all social issues shall be dealt separately in accordance with the provisions of 3 Social Management Framework (SMF, A-C) placed in the ESPPF of PEDM.

(ii) Land value depreciation

Based on past experience land prices are generally expected to rise in the areas receiving power. Generally transmission lines pass through uninhabited area, agriculture fields and forests, where the land-use is not going to change in foreseeable future. Therefore, the value of land will not be adversely affected to a significant degree. However, distribution lines are primarily intended to provide power supply to populated area which will boost the economic status as well as land price of the area after receiving power outweighing possible negative impacts, if any.

(iii) Historical/cultural monuments/value

As per the policy of route selection, only that route alignment is finalized which avoids all the historical and cultural monuments. As per the preliminary assessment carried out during finalization of route alignment in consultation with State revenue authorities and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), no such monuments are coming in the proposed route alignments. Moreover, utmost care shall be taken during detailed survey to avoid such areas. However, during excavation, if any treasure, archaeological artifacts are found the same shall be intimated in writing to Collector/Archaeology department as per the provisions of Section - 4 of “Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878 as amended in 1949”. The Collector shall initiate further action for its safe custody or its shifting to Treasury/ Secure place. The construction activity may be suspended temporarily during this process.

(iv) Lines into precious ecological areas

As already explained all precautions have been taken to avoid routing of line through forest and protected areas like national park/sanctuaries. In spite of that avoidance of buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve as well as forest area couldn’t be possible in case of 132 KV West-Phaileng Marpara T/L due to hostile terrain of the area as no other feasible alternative are available to reach Marpara from W.Phaileng. However, due care is taken to align the route parallel to the existing West-Phaileng-Marpara State PWD road and subsequently an assessment study (Bio-diversity Assessment) has been carried out before implementation of the project so that the suggested mitigation measures may be put on ground during actual execution of the project to minimize/mitigate the identified impacts. Moreover, suitable management measures as specified in EMP4 (refer clause- 9) like minimizing RoW requirement, use of existing tower, use of tall or extended tower etc, wherever, feasible shall be undertaken to minimize the loss of vegetation.

As per preliminary assessment/walkover survey, out of total transmission line length of appx. 50 km about 33 km (i.e. 90 ha.) passing through buffer zone of Dampa Tiger

3 SMF has 3 main elements: One, RAP for involuntary land acquisitions; Two, CPTD for poles/ towers; and Three, Tribal People Development Framework 4 Environment Management Plan (EMP) is placed at Table -6.1 IEAR NERPSIP MIZORAM – MAMMIT DISTRICT 23

Reserve. The notified area of the Dampa Tiger Reserve (500 km2) is a Reserved Forest land. However the buffer zone (488 km2) comprises of both Reserved Forest as well as Revenue Land which are more or less under private cultivation and jhum cultivation.. Therefore, the proposed route corridor also involves Forest as well as revenue land and actual involvement of forest land will be ascertained during detail survey in consultation with the Forest Department. However, as per regulatory requirements prior approval from GoI/MoEF shall be obtained under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for forest and area under Dampa Tiger Reserve respectively. In case of forest area controlled by ADC, NOC from village/district council shall be obtained before the formal process of forest clearance is initiated. As a part of preliminary activities for wildlife clearance, POWERGRID on behalf of PEDM has already got Biodiversity Assessment Study conducted, which is a prerequisite for wildlife clearance (for wildlife area involving more than 50 ha.) by an Independent Agency namely Assam State Biodiversity Board, a statutory body set under the Biological Diversity Act. The study recommended various mitigation measures including time period for permitted/restricted activities to restrict the negative impacts of construction within the designated zone, which shall be applied in the instant project to minimise disturbance to wildlife and natural cycle of regeneration. As per the assessment report, although forest in the buffer zone is reasonably good but in patches and not contiguous. This may be attributed to presence of many villages in the buffer zone and resultant biotic pressure as communities present in and around buffer are mostly dependent on forest for their livelihood. Moreover, practice of shifting cultivation or Jhoom is mostly prevalent in the area which plays a major role in fragmentation of forest. There are host of community rights on the forest resources and there is also a programmed extraction of resources, such as firewood, as per the working plans of both Mamit and Kwartha forest divisions (which together account for the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve). Additionally, the buffer, though represented by a significant floral and moderate faunal biodiversity, is not a core tiger habitat. The assessment team did not spot any tigers in the buffer area while conducting the field assessment. The area is also not part of any corridor of flagship species such as elephants. Thus, the buffer is not an inviolate area. On the contrary, there is lot of economic and social development activities that take place in the buffer area, and the local communities have a wide level of interaction with it. There is also a discernible presence of various development departments in the buffer area like Public Works Department, Rural Development Department and Horticulture Department, etc. Well-being of local communities and well-being of forests in the buffer zone (as well as of core forest area) seem to be complementary to each other. The study also found that the present species matrix in the project-affected zone does not subject itself to a “net loss of biodiversity” on account of the erection and operation of the transmission line. Two factors that are potentially contributing to this include:

1) The area to be affected/cleared is restricted to tower base and in RoW particularly in 3 m width below each conductor along proposed transmission line. Moreover, in hilly areas where adequate clearance is already available, minimum trees will be affected. 2) The present mix of species in the potentially affected area contains only limited number of Rare, Threatened or Endangered species, and most of the species are common to the region. Further, there is no major deviation in the species matrix along the length of the line, or in areas adjacent to the line. As such, vegetation clearing activity would entail removal of identified/selected trees, but it will not result in any loss at a species level or at diversity level. Moreover, to mitigate

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losses to existing forests, clearing of the transmission line Right-of-Way will be done under supervision of forest department, and some low canopy seed trees and shrubs may be kept intact if they do not interfere with tower erection and line installation. The extracted wood will be sold by the forest department, who will also retain the sale proceeds. Three-meter wide strips of land below each conductor will be cleared during construction and one such strip shall be kept free of vegetation for maintenance purpose and regeneration up to certain height in remaining width of RoW will be allowed after construction activity. Periodical lopping/pruning of trees to maintain line clearance will be done under the direction of forest department (for details refer Fig.-2 for tree felling pattern and Fig.- 1a for area of influence). Moreover, to prevent unauthorized tree felling in forest area measures like providing construction crews with fuel wood or alternative fuels by Contractor has been specified in EMP (refer clause- 24).

Transmission lines can serve as new access routes into previously inaccessible or poorly accessible forests, thereby accelerating forest and wildlife loss. In such cases, PEDM cannot take action itself, but local Forest Department personnel will normally assess the dangers and take appropriate action, such as, establishing guard stations at the entrance to the forest etc. cost of which is borne by PEDM. Given the already easy access and degraded conditions at the proposed subprojects sites, this problem is not expected to be encountered. Nonetheless, PEDM staff will report to the Forest Department any noticeable encroachment induced by the Project. (v) Lines into other valuable lands

Impacts on agricultural land will be restricted to the construction phase and when large- scale maintenance measures are required. The proposed transmission line will pass mostly through agricultural fields. As per existing law, land for tower/pole and right of way is not acquired and agricultural activities are allowed to continue after construction activity and PEDM pays compensation for all damages including cost of land below tower to its owner.

In areas where transmission lines will traverse agricultural land, compensation will be paid to owners for any crop damage incurred as a result of construction activities. PEDM field staff will consult affected villagers and local revenue dept. and apprise them about the project and likely tower locations, which shall be erected in the agricultural land, for compensation. Revenue dept. after evaluating the land loss due to construction activity and crop damages based on productivity of land arrives at the compensation cost which is paid to farmer. Agricultural activities will be allowed to continue following the construction period. If bunds or other on-farm works are disturbed during construction or maintenance, they will be restored to the owner's satisfaction following cessation of construction or maintenance activities. In the event that private trees are felled during construction or maintenance operations, compensation will be paid to the owner in an amount determined by the estimated loss of products from the tree over an eight year period (for fruit bearing trees). Agricultural lands under private ownership will be identified, and compensation will be paid to the affected villagers as per the entitlement matrix of CPTD as described in Annexure -3 (Part-B) of the ESPPF. The procedure for providing compensation is described in Annexure-3. Budgetary provision of Rs. 85.00 lakhs is made in the cost estimate to meet these expenses.

(vi) Interference with other utilities and traffic

As per regulations enacted by Government of India, it is mandatory for PEDM to seek clearance prior to construction from department of Railways, Telecommunications and wherever necessary from aviation authorities that are likely to be affected by the construction of transmission lines. The transmission lines affect nearby

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telecommunication circuits by causing electrical interference. A standing committee -- Power Telecom Co-ordination Committee (P.T.C.C.) has been constituted by Government of India to plan and implement the mitigating measures for the induced voltage which may occur to nearby telecom circuit and suggest necessary protection measures to be adopted. The committee suggests measures like rerouting of the telecom circuits, conversion of overhead telecom circuits into cables etc. to minimize the interference.

The cost of such measures is determined by the Committee on the basis of prevailing norms and guidelines. Though the exact cost to mitigate the impacts of induction in neighboring telecom circuits would vary from case to case, the cost on an average works out to be Rs.50000/- per km. Provision to meet these expenses has been made in the cost estimate for the same for transmission line proposed under the instant scheme.

The main approach road for accessing the construction sites is through existing West Phaileng –Marpara state road which is the only road connectivity between the two areas. The proposed line is running along the road and substation sites are situated just adjacent to it. Therefore, construction of additional approach for the proposed Substation sites may not be required. It has been observed that traffic volume on the aforesaid road is quite negligible as it comprises of mostly small vehicles. Therefore, we don’t foresee any steep rise in volume of traffic due to mobilization for said projects.

Wherever transmission line crosses the railways, clearance is taken from that department. In general, the system is planned and executed in such a way that adequate clearance is maintained between transmission lines on the one hand, and railways, civil aviation and defense installations on the other. Wherever the transmission lines pass by the airports the towers beyond specified height are painted in alternate orange and white stripes for easy visibility and warning lights are placed atop these towers.

(vii) Interference with drainage pattern

As the transmission & distribution lines are constructed aerially and the blockage of ground surface is limited to area of tower footings, which is very small, there is little possibility of affecting drainage pattern. Moreover, the transmission lines proposed under the subject don’t involve any tower to be placed in river beds for river crossing. However, management measures as specified in EMP (refer clause - 5 & 12) like appropriate siting of towers shall be undertaken during detailed alignment survey and design to avoid any incidence of flooding hazards of loss of agricultural production due to interference with drainage patterns or irrigation channels. In the infrequent instances where the natural flow/drainage is affected, flow will be trained and guided to safe zones. In case of substations, all drainage channels along or inside substations shall be trained and connected to main or existing drainage to avoid any erosion due to uncontrolled flow of water. Moreover, all feasible measures as listed in the EMP (Refer clause 13, 14, 31, 34 & 46) shall be undertaken in addition to standard engineering measures included as part of substation design.

5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS DUE TO DESIGN

(i) Escape of polluting materials

The equipments installed on lines and substations are static in nature and do not generate any fumes or waste materials. However, detailed specification with respect to equipment design and substation sewage design has been included in tender document to avoid any incidence of land and water contamination. Apart from this, solid waste like

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packing materials, cables, aluminium conductor, sand, aggregate material, cements and steel generated during construction is carefully handled and removed from site.

(ii) Explosion/fire hazards

During the survey and site selection for transmission & distribution lines and substations, it has been ensured that these are kept away from oil/gas pipelines and other sites with potential for creating explosions or fires. Fires due to flashover from lines can be a more serious problem in forest. However, adequate safety measures shall be taken to avoid such incidence and has been included in EMP (refer clause - 15, 23 & 51). Besides this forest authorities also incorporate measures like making fire lines to prevent spreading of fire in the affected forest area. Apart from this, state of art safety instruments is installed in the substations on both the ends so that line gets tripped within milliseconds in case of any fault.

(iii) Erosion hazards due to inadequate provision for resurfacing of exposed area

Construction of 132kV line involves only small scale excavation of area i.e. 3m L x 3m W x 3m H for tower footing that may result in generation of 108 m3 of excavated material from each tower. In case of 132/33 kV substation foundation, excavation of soil to the tune of 7500 m3 is required depending on site condition. Similarly 0.72 m3 of soil excavation is required for each pole of 33 KV line and construction of 33/11 KV substation requires around 2000m3 of soil excavation. It is estimated that a total of approx. 26017.44 m3 (102 x108 + 2x7500 + 2 x 0.72) of excavated materials will be generated for construction of 102 nos. of tower, 2 no of 132/33 KV substation, 2 nos. of poles. However, most of these excavated materials (about 80-90%) will be used for re- filling after construction work is over and remaining materials will be disposed properly as detailed out in EMP(refer clause - 25, 26 & 28). Moreover, the topsoil disturbed during the development of sites will be stored properly and used to restore the top surface of the platform. Left over infertile and rocky material will be dumped at carefully selected dumping areas and used as fill for foundations and leveling. Excavation in the hilly areas is avoided in rainy days. In hill slopes and erosion prone soils, internationally accepted engineering practices including bio- engineering techniques, wherever, feasible shall be undertaken to prevent soil erosion thereby reducing the possibility of any erosion of exposed area due to construction activity. Hence, possibility of erosion of exposed area due to construction activity is negligible.

(iv) Environmental aesthetics Since spacing between the towers/poles in case of 132 kV D/C transmission line and 33 kV distribution line are approx. 300 meters and 100 meters respectively, these will not affect the visual aesthetics of the localities particularly when it is ensured to route the lines as far away from the localities as possible. PEDM takes up plantation of trees to buffer the visual effect around its substations and to provide better living conditions. Wherever PEDM feels it appropriate, discussions will be held with local Forest Department officials to determine feasibility of planting trees along roads running parallel to transmission lines to buffer visual effect in these areas. In addition, towers may be painted grey or green to merge with the background.

(v) Noise/vibration nuisances The equipment installed at substation are mostly static and are so designed that the noise level always remains within permissible limits i.e. 85 dB as per Indian standards. The noise levels reported during normal operating conditions are about 60 to 70 dB at 2 m. distance from the equipment. To contain the noise level within the permissible limits whenever noise level increases beyond permissible limits, measures like providing

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sound and vibration dampers and rectification of equipment are undertaken. In addition, plantations of sound absorbing species like Casuarinas, Tamarind, and Neem are raised at the substations that reduce the sound level appreciably.

(vi) Blockage of Wildlife passage

In the instant scheme, portion of 132 KV D/C West Phaileng - Marpara line is passing through the buffer zone of DTR which is not a core tiger habitat and no direct sighting of tigers in the buffer zone is reported so far. As per the pre biodiversity assessment study carried out by Assam State Biodiversity Board, the subject area is also not part of any corridor of flagship species such as elephants and hence, possibility of any disturbance to wildlife is not anticipated. Another phenomenon reported in some places viz. hit/electrocution by electric lines during landing and takeoff near the water bodies, fly path of is also not envisaged in the instant case due to absence of such sensitives areas nearby the proposed line and also no earlier reported incidence in the project area.

5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE

(i) Uncontrolled silt runoff

As already explained, during construction limited quantity of excavated material will be generated from tower/pole foundations and substation foundation. However, adequate measures shall be taken to store excavated materials properly for refilling after construction is over. In hill slopes and erosion prone soils, internationally accepted engineering practices including bio-engineering techniques, wherever, feasible shall be undertaken to prevent soil erosion. Moreover, excavation in the hilly areas is avoided in rainy days. Hence, uncontrolled silt run off is not anticipated

(ii) Nuisance to nearby properties

As already described in preceding paras, during site selection due care is taken to keep the transmission lines and substations away from settlements. Further, all the con- struction activities will be undertaken through the use of small mechanical devices e.g. tractors and manual labour, therefore nuisance to the nearby properties if any, is not expected. Since all construction related activities for new substations shall be confined to existing substations which are already inaccessible for general public due to its separation/demarcation by the boundary wall. Moreover, such areas are declared as prohibited for general public as per the provisions of Electricity Act. Hence, any adverse impact arising during the construction of these substations will be temporary and limited to the boundaries of existing substations only and will neither impact nearby habitat/property nor health & safety of neighboring community.

(iii) Interference with utilities and traffic and blockage of access way

Transportation of construction materials will be through road network only since there is no rail link or other facility available to this area. However, in environmental sensitive area like forest, wildlife sanctuary etc., transportation will be mostly through head load. Access to the remote sites will be along existing roads or village paths; minor improvements to paths may be made where necessary, but no major construction of roads will be necessary either during construction or as a part of maintenance proce- dures. In case access road/path is not available, existing field/bund may be utilized after paying due compensation for any damage to crop or field to the owner. However, in case of requirement of new access road through forest area involving tree felling, the same will be included in forest proposal in consultation with forest department as per

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provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. However, in case tree felling is not required for access road in forest area, the permission for the same will be obtained from concerned DFO in accordance with MoEF circular dt. 7th October, 2014.

As and when a transmission line crosses any road/ railways line, adequate care/caution is taken so as not to cause any hindrance to the movement of traffic. Stringing at the construction stage is carried out during lean traffic period in consultation with the concerned authorities and angle towers are planted to facilitate execution of work in different stages. Apart from this, safety precaution like barricading of work area and placement of visible signage shall be undertaken to avoid any unforeseen incident.

(iv) Inadequate resurfacing for erosion control

Since, the towers/poles for the proposed transmission and distribution lines are to be constructed in hilly area, due care will be taken to control erosion. If due to terrain at some points towers/poles may be placed on slopes and erosion prone soils, internationally accepted engineering practices including bio-engineering techniques, wherever, feasible shall be undertaken to prevent soil erosion. This will include cutting and filling slopes wherever necessary. The back cut slopes and downhill slopes will be treated with revetments. Wherever sites are affected by active erosion or landslides, both biological and engineering treatment will be carried out, e.g. provision of breast walls and retaining walls, and sowing soil binding grasses around the site. Further, construction is generally undertaken in dry/non- monsoon period. (v) Inadequate disposition of borrow area

As mentioned earlier the transmission tower foundations involve excavations on small scale basis and the excavated soil is utilized for back filling. In case of substations generally the sites are selected in such a manner that the volume of cutting is equal to volume of filling avoiding borrowing of the area. As such acquisition/opening of borrow area is not needed.

(vi) Protection of Worker's health/safety

All health and safety issues and its management aspects are integral part of project/contract specific safety plan (Annexure-4) which is also part of contract condition. Various aspects such as work and safety regulations, workmen's compensation, insurance are adequately covered under the General Conditions of Contract (GCC), a part of bidding documents. Project is executed as per the approved plan and is regularly monitored by dedicated safety personnel. Moreover, for strict compliance of safety standard/plan, a special provision as a deterrent has been added in the contract which provides for a heavy penalty of Rs.10 lakhs for each accidental death and Rs1.0 lakh/each for any injury and is deducted from the contractor’s payment and paid to the deceased/affected family (Annexure – 5).

PEDM maintains safety as a top priority and has framed guidelines/checklist for workers’ safety as its personnel are exposed to live EHV apparatus and transmission lines. These guidelines/checklists include work permits and safety precautions for work on the transmission lines both during construction and operation (Annexure -6) and are regularly monitored by site in-charge. In addition training is imparted to the workers in fire fighting and safety measures. Standard safety tools like helmet, safety belt, gloves etc. are provided to them in accordance to the provisions of Safety Rules. First aid facilities will be made available with the labour gangs, and doctors called in from nearby towns when necessary. The number of outside (skilled) labourers will be quite small, of the order of 25-30 people per group and remaining workforce of unskilled labourers will be comprised of mostly local people. As per policy/norms preference shall be given to IEAR NERPSIP MIZORAM – MAMMIT DISTRICT 29

the eligible local labor having required skills a specific clause has been incorporated in contract conditions (refer clause- 22.2.1 of GCC) for compliance of same by Contractor. Workers are also covered by the statutory Workmen (Compensation) Act. Regular health checkups are conducted for construction workers. The construction sites and construction workers’ houses will be disinfected regularly if required. In order to minimize/checking of spread of socially transmitted diseases e.g. HIV/AIDS etc. PEDM will conduct awareness building programs on such issues for the construction workers.

5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM OPERATION

(i) O&M Staff/Skills less than acceptable resulting in variety of adverse effects

The O& M program is normally implemented by substation personnel for both the lines as well as substations. Monitoring measures employed include patrolling and thermo- vision scanning.

The supervisors and managers entrusted with O&M responsibilities are intensively trained for necessary skills and expertise for handling these aspects. A monthly preventive maintenance program will be carried out to disclose problems related to cooling oil, gaskets, circuit breakers, vibration measurements, contact resistance, con- densers, air handling units, electrical panels and compressors. Any sign of soil erosion is also reported and rectified. Monitoring results are published monthly, including a report of corrective action taken and a schedule for future action.

PEDM follows the best international practices while designing its system to maintain acceptable prescribed EMF level. The approved international standards and design, which The ICNIRP guideline for the general public (up to 24 hours a day) is a maximum exposure level of 1,000 mG or 100 T. Further, because of issues relating to need to ensure health and safety relating to the line such as fire safety, safe voltages on metallic parts of buildings, and safety clearances to avoid flashover, the transmission lines will not pass directly over any residential properties and as such the potential for EMF effects to occur will be further diminished.

Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) due to their high heat capacity, low flammability and low electrical conductivity were extensively used as insulating material in capacitors and transformers. But after the finding that these PCBs are non-biodegradable and have carcinogenic tendency, its use in electrical equipments as insulating medium has been banned all over the world long back. However, it has been reported in some studies that chances of contamination of oil with PCB is possible. Keeping that in mind, PEDM has discontinued procurement electrical equipments containing PCB more than 2 mg/kg and specification (as per IEC 61619 or ASTM D4059) is being stated in the tender document. Moreover, the subject scheme doesn’t involve replacement of any PCB containing equipment, hence no disposal of such equipment is anticipated. 5.4 CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW CRITERIA

(i) Loss of irreplaceable resources

The transmission and distribution projects do not involve any large scale excavation. In transmission line land is affected to the extent 144 sq. m below the tower base for which compensation is paid to land owner. In the instant scheme, major portion 132 kV West Phaileng- Marpara (33 km out of 50 km line length) is passing through buffer zone of DTR which includes both forest and revenue land. However, as per regulations, afforestation on double the diverted area in respect of forest will be undertaken to compensate any loss of natural resources. In regard to buffer area of DTR, mitigation

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measures as per guidelines including 2-5% of project cost in sanctuary area shall be implemented for habitat improvement and wildlife conservation.

(ii) Accelerated use of resources for short-term gains

The subprojects will not be making use of any natural resources occurring in the area during construction as well as maintenance phases. The construction material such as tower members, cement etc shall come from factories while the excavated soil shall be used for backfilling to restore the surface. During construction of transmission line very small quantity of water is required which is met from nearby existing source or through tanker. However, for substation mostly ground water is used by installing a bore well during construction as well as for Operational stage. Moreover, provision of rain water harvesting in all proposed substations under the present scheme has been made to conserve precious water resource and enhance the ground water level. Hence it may be seen that the activities associated with implementation of subject project shall not cause any accelerated use of resources for short term gains.

(iii) Endangering of species

As per Biodiversity assessment study, the endangered species found in the subproject project area is Western Hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock). However, during implementation of projects if any possibility of damage to habitat of Hoolock gibbon is envisaged, all precautions including permission from local forest/wildlife authorities will be undertaken for controlled felling of trees in such identified stretches. No other endangered species of flora and fauna exist in the subprojects area hence possibility of endangering/ causing extinction of any species is not envisaged due to proposed intervention.

(iv) Promoting undesirable rural-to urban migration

The subprojects will not cause any submergence or loss of land rather it will enhance the power availability hence improve life quality and development in the area that discourages migration. It also does not involve acquisition of any private land holdings. Hence, there is no possibility of any migration.

5.5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION:

Public consultation/information is an integral part of the project implementation. Public is informed about the project at every stage of execution. During survey also PEDM site officials meet people and inform them about the routing of transmission and distribution lines. During the construction, every individual, on whose land tower erected and people affected by RoW, are also consulted. Apart from this, Public consultation using different technique like Public Meeting, Small Group Meeting, Informal Meeting shall also be carried out during different activities of project cycle. During such consultation the public are informed about the project in general and in particular about the following:

 Complete project plan (i.e. its route and terminating point and substations, if any, in between);  Design standards in relation to approved international standards;  Health impacts in relation to EMF;  Measures taken to avoid public utilities such as school, hospitals, etc.;  Other impacts associated with transmission lines and PEDM approach to minimizing and solving them;  Compensation process for trees and crop damages.

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In the instant project many group meetings were organized (informally and formally) in different villages where the interventions are likely to happen. Village women folk have actively participated in these meetings. Of the total participants, women constitute around 20%. Such consultation culminated in public meeting organized at the Community Hall, West Phaileng on 15th Sept.’ 2014 for proposed transmission & distribution subprojects under NERPSIP scheme in Mamit district of the State. Since there are very scarce settlements/small villages in the proposed line corridor, therefore public from the villages like Kawnmawi, Chhippui, Lallen, Saithah, Phulbial, Phuldungsei, West Philpui, Pukzing Vengthar, Hruiduk has been invited at West Phaileng venue. Many informal consultations with the local population were also carried out during the Biodiversity Assessment Study by the consultants viz. M/s Assam State Biodiversity Board (ASBB) and M/s Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency (GICIA). Apart from this, recently (18th May 2017) another public consultation meeting was organized at Phuldungsei village community hall to obtain fresh feedback as well as suggestion on the proposed transmission line. The details of line and its importance were explained to the villagers by the officials of PEDM and POWERGRID. The programme were arranged in interactive way and queries like tree/crop compensation, routing of lines avoiding populated area/houses, engagement of local people in construction activity etc. were also replied. The programme was appreciated by the villagers and they assured to extend their cooperation for construction of the said subprojects. The process of such consultation shall continue during project implementation and even during O&M stage. Details of above public consultation including photographs and minutes of meeting are enclosed as Annexure-7.

5.6 CONCLUSIONS:

It is clear from the above assessment/studies that the project area is rich in natural forest resources and biodiversity values. Though careful route selection could avoid the virgin forest and core wildlife habitat of Dampa Tiger Reserve but in spite of taking all precautions involvement of some buffer area of DTR couldn’t be achieved completely due to geographical constraint and location of substations/load centers. However, route is so aligned that it involves minimum loss forest & biodiversity. Apart from this, biodiversity assessment studies have been also carried out to integrate mitigation measures on ground during actual execution of the project. The proposed intervention entails possible positive as well as negative impacts. However, with implementation of various management measures as listed in EMP and Biodiversity Report it is envisaged that intensity of possible impact shall be nullified to the extent possible. Since, the subject project area experiences acute shortage of power, the project will directly benefit the locals in meeting their energy needs. The infrastructural constraints are very real and pose a limiting factor on the development of the area. The availability of power will also strengthen the basic infrastructure in the area, which is essential for development of the area. Thus project in long run will bring much needed development in the area and significantly improve living standard of the locals.

Further, a detailed Final Environmental Assessment Report (FEAR) listing action/measures adopted for mitigation of possible environmental impact, details of environment/forest clearance, EMP implementation, monitoring details etc. after the environment/forest clearances are obtained from MoEF shall be compiled and submitted to Bank (refer Annexure- 8 for content of FEAR).

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SECTION – VI : PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENT & MONITORING

6.0 ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION:

Ministry of Power (MoP), GoI has appointed POWERGRID as Design cum Implementation Supervision Consultant (i.e. Project Management Consultant-PMC) and now redesignated as Implementing Agency (IA). However, the ownership of the assets shall be with respective State government or State Utilities, which upon progressive commissioning shall be handed over to them for taking care of Operation and Maintenance of assets. The arrangement for monitoring and reviewing of project from the perspective of environment and social management will form part of overall arrangements for project management and implementation environment. Following implementation arrangement has been proposed at different levels for smooth implementation of this project; Central Project Implementation Unit (CPIU) - A body responsible for coordinating the preparation and implementation of the project and shall be housed within the IA’s offices at Guwahati. The “Project-In-Charge” of IA & Head of each of the SPCU shall be a member of CPIU. State Project Coordination Unit (SPCU) – A body formed by the Utility and responsible for coordinating with IA in preparing and implementing the project at the State level. It consist of experts across different areas from the Utility and shall be headed by an officer of the rank not below Chief Engineer, from the Utility. Project Implementation Unit (PIU) – A body formed by the IA, including members of Utility on deputation, and responsible for implementing the Project across the State, with its personnel being distributed over work site & working in close association with the SPCU/ CPIU. PIU report to State level “Project Manager” nominated by the Project-in- Charge of IA. The IA will have a Core team stationed at the CPIU on permanent basis and other IA officers (with required skills) will visit as and when required by this core team. This team shall represent IA and shall be responsible for all coordination with SPCU, PIU, within IA and MoP, GoI. CPIU shall also assist MoP, GoI in monitoring project progress and in its coordination with The Bank.

6.1 REVIEW OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS:

To enable timely implementation of the project/subprojects, following committee has been setup to review the progress;

A. Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC): IA and SPCU nominate their representatives in a body called JCC to review the project. IA shall specify quarterly milestones or targets, which shall be reviewed by JCC through a formal monthly review meeting. This meeting forum shall be called as Joint Co-ordination Committee Meeting (JCCM).The IA shall convene & keep a record of every meeting. MoP, GoI and The Bank may join as and when needed. Minutes of the meeting will be shared with all concerned and if required, with GoI and The Bank.

B. High Power Committee (HPC): The Utility in consultation with its State Government shall arrange to constitute a High Power Committee (HPC) consisting of high level officials from the Utility, State/ District Administration, Law enforcement

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agencies, Forest Department. etc. so that various permission/ approvals/ consents/ clearances etc. are processed expeditiously so as to reach the benefits of the Project to the end consumers. HPC shall meet on bimonthly basis or earlier, as per requirement. This forum shall be called as High Power Committee Meeting (HPCM) and the SPCU shall keep a record of every meeting. Minutes of the meeting will be shared with all concerned and if required, with GoI and The Bank.

C. Contractor’s Review Meeting (CRM): Periodic Review Meeting will be held by officials of PIU with Contractors at field offices, State Head Quarters (PIU location) and if required with core team of IA at Guwahati. These shall be called “Contractor’s Review Meeting” (CRM). PIU shall keep a record of all CRMs, which shall be shared with all concerned and if required, with GoI and The Bank.

D. A review will be held among MoP, GoI, The Bank, State Government., Utility and IA, at four (4) months interval or earlier if needed, primarily to maintain oversight at the top level and also to debottleneck issues that require intervention at GoI/ State Government level. Minutes of the meeting shall be prepared by IA and shared with all concerned.

6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING IN UTILITY:

Monitoring is a continuous process for PEDM projects at all the stages, be it the site selection, construction or maintenance. PEDM has formed a separate cell at the Circle office level under SPCU namely Environment and Social Management Cell (ESMC) headed by Chief Engineer (Transmission Circle) for proper implementation and monitoring of environmental & social management measures. PEDM organization support structure is depicted in Exhibit - 3. Key responsibilities of the ESMC are follows:

 Coordinating environmental and social commitments and initiatives with various multilateral agencies, GoM and MoEF.  Coordination of all environmental activities related to a project from conceptualisation to operation and maintenance stage.  Advising and coordinating /Site office to carry out environmental and social surveys and route alignment for new projects.  Advising site offices to follow-up with the state forest offices and other state departments for expediting forest clearances and other E & S issues of various projects.  Providing a focal point for interaction with the MoEF for expediting forest clearances  Training of Circle and Site officials on E & S issues arising out of Transmission/ Distribution projects and their management plan.  Training of other departments to familiarize them with the ESPP document. As regards monitoring of impacts on ecological resources particularly in Forest, Sanctuary, it is generally done by the concerned Divisional Forest Officer, Chief Wildlife Warden and their staff as a part of their normal duties. Beside, a detailed Environment Management Plan (EMP) including monitoring plan for all possible environmental and social impact and its proper management has been drawn (Table- 6.1) and will be implemented during various stage of project execution. Since many provisions of EMP

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are to be implemented by contractor hence, for proper monitoring EMP has included in the contract document. A budget estimate towards tree/crop/tower base compensation and EMP implementation is prepared and is placed at Annexure-9. A summary of the same is presented below:

Sr. No. Budgetary Head Amount (Rs. Lakhs) 1 Forest & Wildlife compensation 4086.30 2 Tree & Crop Compensation 85.00 3 Land Compensation for Tower Footing 13.87 4 Implementation Monitoring & Audit 15.50 Total 4200.67

Any other measures like provision of bird guards, spike guards, barbed wire fencing or any other arrangement for addressing the issues like bird hit/animal/elephant scratching etc. shall be finalized only after detailed/ check survey and finalization of route alignment. Since the detailed/ check survey is part of main package requirement of such measures, its extent and estimated cost shall be incorporated in the revised cost estimate proposal which is normally prepared for all projects as there is a considerable time gap between planning and actual implementation. However, as per the preliminary assessment such additional measures may not be required in the instant scheme as no such impact are envisaged due to routing of lines far away from such sensitive areas.

6.3 GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM (GRM)

GRM is an integral and important mechanism for addressing/resolving the concern and grievances in a transparent and swift manner. Many minor concerns of peoples are addressed during public consultation process initiated at the beginning of the project and broadly outlined in Annexure-23. For handling grievance, PEDM shall establish Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) at two places, one at the project/scheme level and another at Head Quarter (HQ) level. The GRCs shall include members from PEDM, Local Administration, Village Panchayat Members, Affected Persons representative and reputed persons from the society and representative from the autonomous districts council in case of tribal districts selected/decided on nomination basis under the chairmanship of project head. The GRC is aimed to provide a trusted way to voice and resolve environment & social concerns of the project, and to address affected person/community concerns in a time bound manner without impacting project implementation. The composition of GRC shall be disclosed in villages/their councils office and concerned district headquarter for wider coverage.

The complainant will also be allowed to submit its complaint to local project officials who will pass it to GRC immediately but not more than 5 days of receiving such complaint. The first meeting of GRC will be organized within 15 days of its constitution/disclosure to formulate procedure and frequency of meeting. However, GRC meeting shall be convened within 15 days of receiving a grievance for its solution. GRC endeavor will be to pronounce its decision/ may also refer it to GRC at HQ for solution within 30-45 days of receiving grievances. In case complainant/ appellant is not satisfied with the decision of GRC they can approach PEDM HQ Level Committee /District Collector or Court of law for solution.

The HQ level GRC shall function under the chairmanship of Engineer-In- Chief who will nominate other members of GRC including one representative from ESMC at Circle Office who is conversant with the environment & social issues. The composition of HQ level GRC shall be communicated to all project head who is also the chairman of project

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level GRC. The meeting of HQ GRC shall be convened within 7-10 days of receiving the reference from project GRC or complainant directly and pronounce its decision within next 15 days.

6.4 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW :

Periodic review by higher management including review by Heads of SPCU and CPIU for all environmental and social issues will be undertaken to ensure that EMP and other measures are implemented at site for compliance of agreed policy and management plan.

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Table- 6.1: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN5

Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Pre-construction 1 Location of Exposure to Setback of dwellings to Tower location and Setback distances Implementing Part of overhead overhead line safety related overhead line route designed in overhead/ underground to nearest houses Agency (IA) lines tower/poles/ towers/ poles/ risks accordance with permitted level alignment selection with – once laying of underground of power frequency and the respect to nearest underground distribution regulation of supervision at dwellings cable sitting lines and sites. survey and alignment & detailed design alignment survey and design 2 Equipment Release of PCBs not used in substation Transformer design Exclusion of IA Part of tender specifications chemicals transformers or other project PCBs in specifications for and design and gases in facilities or equipment. transformers the equipment parameters receptors stated in tender (air, water, specification - land) once Processes, equipment and Process, equipment and Exclusion of CFCs IA Part of tender systems not to use system design stated in tender specifications for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), specification -once the equipment including halon, and their use, if any, in existing processes and Phase out Part of equipment systems should be phased out schedule to be and process and to be disposed of in a prepared in case design manner consistent with the still in use – once requirements of the Government

5 Compliance of these measures with quantity etc. shall be provided in the Final Environment Assessment Report (FEAR) to be prepared after obtaining all statutory clearances and execution of project”

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 3 Transmission/ Exposure to Line design to comply with the Electromagnetic field Line design IA Part of design Distribution electromagne limits of electromagnetic strength for proposed compliance with parameters line design tic interference from overhead line design relevant interference power lines standards – once 4 Substation Exposure to Design of plant enclosures to Expected noise Compliance with IA Part of detailed location and noise comply with National ambient emissions based on regulations - once siting survey and design noise standards which are also substation design design compatible with the EHS guidelines of the World Bank. Social Careful selection of site to avoid Selection of substation Consultation with Part of detailed inequities encroachment of socially, location (distance to local authorities/ siting survey and culturally and archaeological sensitive area). autonomous design sensitive areas (i.g. sacred councils -once groves, graveyard, religious worship place, monuments etc.) 5 Location of Impact on Avoidance of such water bodies Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of tower/pole overhead line water bodies to the extent possible. overhead/ underground local authorities– sitting survey and towers/poles/ line alignment selection once detailed laying of Avoidance of placement of (distance to water underground underground tower inside water bodies to the bodies) /overhead line distribution line extent of possible alignment survey & alignment and design and design Social Careful route selection to avoid Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of detailed inequities existing settlements and overhead/ underground local authorities/ tower/pole sitting sensitive locations line alignment selection autonomous and (distance to nearest councils and land overhead/undergro dwellings or social owners – once und alignment institutions) survey and design

Minimise impact on agricultural Tower location and Consultation with land overhead/ underground local authorities/ line alignment selection autonomous (distance to agricultural councils and land land) owners – once

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Careful selection of site and Tower/pole location and Consultation with route alignment to avoid overhead/ underground local authorities/ encroachment of socially, line alignment selection autonomous culturally and archaeological (distance to sensitive councils -once sensitive areas (i. g. sacred area) groves, graveyard, religious worship place, monuments etc.) 6 Securing lands Loss of land/ In the case of Involuntary Compensation and As per provisions State Govt. Prior to for income Acquisitions, Compensation and monetary R&R amounts/ laid out in the act award/start of substations. change in R&R measures are extended as facilities extended before substation social status per provision of RFCTLARRA, possession of land. construction. etc. 20136 7 Encroachment Loss of Avoid encroachment into such Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of detailed into protected precious areas by careful site and overhead/ underground local forest siting and area/ precious ecological alignment selection (National line alignment selection authorities - once alignment survey ecological area values/ Parks, Wildlife Sanctuary, (distance to nearest /design damage to Biosphere Reserves/ designated ecological precious Biodiversity Hotspots) protected/ sensitive areas) species

Minimize the need by using Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of detailed RoW wherever possible overhead/ underground local authorities sitting and line alignment selection and design alignment survey engineers - once /design

6 The new land acquisition act i.e RFCTLARRA,2013 is currently not applicable in the State as the State Legislative Assembly has not yet adopted the resolution regarding applicability of new act as per provision under article 371 G of the constitution of India. In the instant case also no fresh land acquisition (permanent) is involved hence this clause shall not be applicable.

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 8 Line through Damage to Study of earmarked elephant Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of detailed identified the Wildlife/ corridors to avoid such overhead/ underground local forest sitting and Elephant Birds and corridors, Adequate ground line alignment selection. authorities – alignment survey corridor / also to line clearance, Fault clearing by once. /design and Migratory bird Circuit Breaker, Barbed wire Minimum/maximum Operation wrapping on towers, reduced ground clearance spans etc., if applicable Monitoring – quarterly basis Avoidance of established/ Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of detailed identified migration path (Birds & overhead/ underground local forest sitting and Bats). Provision of flight diverter/ line alignment selection authorities - once alignment survey reflectors, bird guard, elevated /design and perches, insulating jumper Operation loops, obstructive perch deterrents, raptor hoods etc.7, if applicable 9 Line through Deforestation Avoid encroachment by careful Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of detailed forestland and loss of site and alignment selection overhead/ underground local authorities – sitting and biodiversity Minimise the need by using line alignment selection once alignment edge effect existing towers, tall towers and (distance to nearest Consultation with survey/design RoW, wherever possible protected or reserved local authorities forest) and design engineers – once Measures to avoid invasion of Intrusion of invasive Consultation with alien species species local forest authorities - once Obtain statutory clearances from Statutory approvals from Compliance with the Government Government regulations – once for each subproject

7 As per International/National best practices and in consultation with concerned forest/wildlife authority IEAR NERPSIP MIZORAM – MAMMIT DISTRICT 40

Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Consultation with autonomous Permission/ NOC from Consultation with councils wherever required autonomous councils autonomous councils – once during tower placement 10 Lines through Loss of Use existing tower or footings Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of detailed farmland agricultural wherever possible overhead/ underground local authorities alignment survey production/ line alignment selection and design and design change in engineers – once cropping Avoid sitting new towers on Tower/pole location and Consultation with Part of detailed pattern farmland wherever feasible overhead/ underground local authorities sitting and line alignment selection and design alignment survey engineers – once /design 11 Noise related Nuisance to Substations sited and designed Noise levels Noise levels to be IA Part of detailed neighbouring to ensure noise will not be a specified in tender equipment design properties nuisance and shall comply with documents – once National Ambient Noise Standards, which are also compatible with the EHS guidelines of the World Bank. 12 Interference Flooding Appropriate sitting of towers to Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of detailed with drainage hazards/ loss avoid channel interference overhead/ underground local authorities alignment survey patterns/ of agricultural line alignment selection and design and design irrigation production (distance to nearest flood engineers – once channels zone) 13 Escape of Environment Transformers designed with oil Equipment specifications Tender document IA Part of detailed polluting al pollution spill containment systems, and with respect to potential to mention equipment design materials purpose-built oil, lubricant and pollutants specifications – /drawings fuel storage system, complete once with spill cleanup equipment.

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Substations to include drainage Substation sewage Tender document IA Part of detailed and sewage disposal systems to design to mention substation layout avoid offsite land and water detailed and design pollution. specifications – /drawings once 14 Equipments Contaminatio Substations constructed above Substation design to Base height as IA Part of detailed submerged n of the high flood level(HFL) by account for HFL per flood design- substation layout under flood receptors raising the foundation pad (elevation with respect to once and design HFL elevation) /drawings 15 Explosions Hazards to Design of substations to include Substation design Tender document IA Part of detailed /Fire life modern fire fighting equipment compliance with fire to mention substation layout prevention and control detailed and design Provision of fire fighting codes specifications – /drawings equipment to be located close to once transformers Construction 16 Equipment Noise and Construction techniques and Construction techniques Construction IA Construction layout and vibrations machinery selection seeking to and machinery techniques and (Contractor period installation minimize ground disturbance. machinery through creating minimal contract ground provisions) disturbance- once at the start of each construction phase 17 Physical Disturbed Construction activities on Timing of start of Crop disturbance IA Construction construction farming cropping land timed to avoid construction –Post harvest as (Contractor period activity disturbance of field crops (within soon as possible through one month of harvest wherever but before next contract possible). crop – once per provisions) site

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 18 Mechanized Noise, Construction equipment to be Construction equipment Complaints IA Construction construction vibration and well maintained. – estimated noise received by local (Contractor period operator emissions authorities – every through safety, 2 weeks contract efficient provisions) operation Noise, Turning off plant not in use. Construction equipment Complaints IA Construction vibration, – estimated noise received by local (Contractor period equipment emissions and operating authorities – every through wear and schedules 2 weeks contract tear provisions) 19 Construction of Increase in Existing roads and tracks used Access roads, routes Use of IA Construction roads for airborne dust for construction and (length and width of new established roads (Contractor period accessibility particles maintenance access to the line access roads to be wherever possible through wherever possible. constructed) – every 2 weeks contract provisions) Increased New access ways restricted to a Access width (meters) Access restricted IA Construction land single carriageway width within to single carriage (Contractor period requirement the RoW. –way width within through for temporary RoW – every 2 contract accessibility weeks provisions) 20 Construction Safety of Coordination with local Periodic and regular No. of incidents- IA Construction activities local villagers communities for construction reporting /supervision of once every week (Contractor period schedules, Barricading the safety arrangement through construction area and spreading contract awareness among locals provisions) Local traffic Coordination with local authority/ Traffic flow (Interruption Frequency (time IA Construction obstruction requisite permission for smooth of traffic) span)- on daily (Contractor period flow of traffic basis through contract provisions) 21 Temporary Overflows, Measure in place to avoid Temporary fill placement Absence of fill in IA Construction blockage of reduced dumping of fill materials in (m3) sensitive drainage (Contractor period utilities discharge sensitive drainage area areas – every 4 through weeks contract IEAR NERPSIP MIZORAM – MAMMIT DISTRICT 43

Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule provisions) 22 Site clearance Vegetation Marking of vegetation to be Vegetation marking and Clearance strictly IA Construction removed prior to clearance, and clearance control (area limited to target (Contractor period strict control on clearing in m2) vegetation – every through activities to ensure minimal 2 weeks contract clearance. provisions) No use of herbicides and pesticides 23 Trimming Fire hazards Trees allowed growing up to a Species-specific tree Presence of target IA Construction /cutting of trees height within the RoW by retention as approved by species in RoW (Contractor period within RoW maintaining adequate clearance statutory authorities following through between the top of tree and the (average and max. tree vegetation contract conductor as per the height at maturity, in clearance – once provisions) regulations. meters) per site Loss of Trees that can survive pruning Species-specific tree Presence of target IA Construction vegetation to comply should be pruned retention as approved by species in RoW (Contractor period and instead of cleared. statutory authorities following through deforestation vegetation contract clearance - once provisions) per site Felled trees and other cleared Disposal of cleared Use or intended IA Construction or pruned vegetation to be vegetation as approved use of vegetation (Contractor period disposed of as authorized by the by the statutory as approved by the through statutory bodies. authorities (area cleared statutory contract in m2) authorities – once provisions) per site 24 Wood/ Loss of Construction workers prohibited Illegal wood /vegetation Complaints by IA Construction vegetation vegetation from harvesting wood in the harvesting (area in m2, local people or (Contractor period harvesting and project area during their number of incidents other evidence of through deforestation employment, (apart from locally reported) illegal harvesting contract employed staff continuing – every 2 weeks provisions) current legal activities) 25 Surplus Runoff to Soil excavated from tower Soil disposal locations Acceptable soil IA Construction earthwork/soil cause water footings/ substation foundation and volume (m3) disposal sites – (Contractor period

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule pollution, disposed of by placement along every 2 weeks through solid waste roadsides, or at nearby house contract disposal blocks if requested by provisions) landowners 26 Substation Loss of soil Loss of soil is not a major issue Borrow area sitting (area Acceptable soil IA Construction construction as excavated soil will be mostly of site in m2 and borrow areas that (Contractor period reused for filling. However, in estimated volume in m3) provide a benefit through case of requirement of excess - every 2 weeks contract soil the same will be met from provisions) existing quarry or through deep excavation of existing pond or other nearby barren land with agreement of local communities Water Construction activities involving Seasonal start and finish Timing of major IA Construction pollution significant ground disturbance of major earthworks(PH , disturbance (Contractor period (i.e. substation land forming) not BOD/ COD, Suspended activities –prior to through undertaken during the monsoon solids, others ) start of contract season construction provisions) activities 27 Site clearance Vegetation Tree clearances for easement Ground disturbance Amount of ground IA Construction establishment to only involve during vegetation disturbance – (Contractor period cutting trees off at ground level clearance (area, m2) every 2 weeks through or pruning as appropriate, with Statutory approvals Statutory contract tree stumps and roots left in approvals for tree provisions) place and ground cover left clearances – once undisturbed for each site 28 Substation Waste Excess fill from substation/tower Location and amount Appropriate fill IA Construction foundation/Tow disposal foundation excavation disposed (m3)of fill disposal disposal locations (Contractor period er erection of next to roads or around – every 2 weeks through disposal of houses, in agreement with the contract surplus local community or landowner. provisions) earthwork/fill 29 Storage of Contaminatio Fuel and other hazardous Location of hazardous Fuel storage in IA Construction chemicals and n of materials securely stored above material storage; spill appropriate (Contractor period materials receptors high flood level. reports (type of material locations and through

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule (land, water, spilled, amount (kg or receptacles – contract air) m3) and action taken to every 2 weeks provisions) control and clean up spill) 30 Construction Noise Construction activities only Timing of construction Daytime IA Construction schedules nuisance to undertaken during the day and (noise emissions, [dB(A)] construction only (Contractor period neighbouring local communities informed of – every 2 weeks through properties the construction schedule. contract provisions) 31 Provision of Contaminatio Construction workforce facilities Amenities for Workforce Presence of IA Construction facilities for n of to include proper sanitation, facilities proper sanitation, (Contractor period construction receptors water supply and waste disposal water supply and through workers (land, water, facilities. waste disposal contract air) facilities – once provisions) each new facility

32 Influx of Conflict with Using local workers for Avoidance/reduction of Observation & IA Construction migratory local appropriate tasks conflict through supervision–on (Contractor period workers population to enhancement/ weekly basis through share local augmentation of resource contract resources requirements provisions) 33 Lines through Loss of Use existing access roads Usage of existing utilities Complaints IA Construction farmland agricultural wherever possible received by local (Contractor period productivity Ensure existing irrigation Status of existing people /authorities through facilities are maintained in facilities - every 4 weeks contract working condition provisions) Protect /preserve topsoil and Status of facilities reinstate after construction (earthwork in m3) completed Repair /reinstate damaged Status of facilities bunds etc after construction (earthwork in m3) completed

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Social Land owners/ farmers Process of Crop/tree Consultation with IA During inequities compensated for any temporary compensation in affected land construction loss of productive land as per consultation with forest owner prior to existing regulation. dept.(for timber yielding implementation tree) and Horticulture and during deptt.(for fruit bearing execution. tree) 34 Uncontrolled Soil loss, Need for access tracks Design basis and Incorporating IA Construction erosion/silt downstream minimised, use of existing construction procedures good design and (Contractor period runoff siltation roads. (suspended solids in construction through Limit site clearing to work areas receiving waters; area management contract 2 Regeneration of vegetation to re-vegetated in m ; practices – once provisions) stabilise works areas on amount of bunds for each site completion (where applicable) constructed [length in meter, area in m2, or Avoidance of excavation in wet 3 season volume in m ]) Water courses protected from siltation through use of bunds and sediment ponds 35 Nuisance to Losses to Contract clauses specifying Contract clauses Incorporating IA Construction nearby neighbouring careful construction practices. good construction (Contractor period properties land uses/ As much as possible existing Design basis and layout Incorporatingmanagement through values access ways will be used good design– contract provisions) Productive land will be Reinstatement of land Consultationengineering with reinstated following completion status (area affected, m2) affected parties– – of construction twice-immediately after completion of construction and after the first harvest Social Compensation will be paid for Implementation of Consultation with IA Prior to inequities loss of production, if any. Tree/Crop compensation affected parties – construction (amount paid) once in a quarter

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 36 Flooding Flooding and Avoid natural drainage pattern/ Contract clauses (e.g. Incorporating IA Construction hazards due to loss of soils, facilities being suspended solids and good construction (Contractor period construction contamination disturbed/blocked/ diverted by BOD/COD in receiving management through impediments of of receptors ongoing construction activities water) practices-once for contract natural (land, water) each site provisions) drainage 37 Equipment Contaminatio Equipment stored at secure Store room level to be Store room level IA Construction submerged n of place above the high flood above HFL (elevation as per flood period under flood receptors level(HFL) difference in meters) design-once (land, water) 38 Inadequate Loss of land Existing borrow sites will be Contract clauses Incorporating IA Construction siting of borrow values used to source aggregates, good construction (Contractor period areas (quarry therefore, no need to develop management through areas) new sources of aggregates practices – once contract for each site provisions) 39 Health and Injury and Safety equipment’s (PPEs) for Contract clauses Contract clauses IA Construction safety sickness of construction workers (number of incidents and compliance – (Contractor period workers and Contract provisions specifying total lost-work days once every through members of minimum requirements for caused by injuries and quarter contract the public construction camps sickness) provisions) Contractor to prepare and implement a health and safety plan. Contractor to arrange for health and safety training sessions 40 Inadequate Likely to Training of environmental Training schedules Number of IA Routinely construction maximise monitoring personnel programs throughout stage damages attended by each construction monitoring person – once a period year Implementation of effective Respective contract Submission of environmental monitoring and checklists and remedial duly completed reporting system using checklist actions taken thereof. checklists of all of all contractual environmental contracts for each requirements site - once

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Appropriate contact clauses to Compliance report Submission of ensure satisfactory related to environmental duly completed implementation of contractual aspects for the contract compliance report environmental mitigation for each contract measures. – once Operation and Maintenance 41 Location of line Exposure to Setback of dwellings to Compliance with setback Setback distances PEDM During operation towers/poles safety related overhead line route designed in distances (“as-built” to nearest houses and overhead/ risks accordance with permitted level diagrams) – once in quarter under-ground of power frequency and the line alignment & regulation of supervision at design sites.

42 Line through Injury/ Avoidance of established/ Regular monitoring for No. of incidents- PEDM Part of detailed identified bird mortality to identified migration path (Birds & any incident of once every month siting and flyways, birds, bats Bats). Provision of flight diverter/ injury/mortality alignment survey migratory path etc due to reflectors, elevated perches, /design and collision and insulating jumper loops, Operation electrocution obstructive perch deterrents, raptor hoods etc., if applicable 43 Equipment Contamination Equipment installed above the Substation design to Base height as PEDM During operation submerged of receptors high flood level (HFL) by raising account for HFL (“as-built” per flood design – under flood (land, water) the foundation pad. diagrams) once 44 Oil spillage Contamination Substation transformers located Substation bunding (Oil Bunding (Oil PEDM During operation of land/nearby within secure and impervious sump) (“as-built” sump) capacity water bodies sump areas with a storage diagrams) and permeability - capacity of at least 100% of the once capacity of oil in transformers and associated reserve tanks. 45 SF6 Emission of Reduction of SF6 emission Leakage and gas Continuous PEDM During Operation management most potent through awareness, density/level monitoring GHG causing replacement of old seals, climate proper handling & storage by change controlled inventory and use, enhance recovery and applying

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule new technologies to reduce leakage 46 Inadequate Injury and Careful design using appropriate Usage of appropriate Preparedness PEDM Design and provision of sickness of technologies to minimise technologies (lost work level for using operation staff/workers staff /workers hazards days due to illness and these health and injuries) technologies in safety during crisis – once each operations year Safety awareness raising for Training/awareness Number of staff. programs and mock drills programs and Preparation of fire emergency percent of staff action plan and training given to /workers covered staff on implementing – once each year emergency action plan Provide adequate sanitation and Provision of facilities Complaints water supply facilities received from staff /workers every 2 weeks 47 Electric Shock Injury/ Careful design using appropriate Usage of appropriate Preparedness PEDM Design and Hazards mortality to technologies to minimise technologies (number of level for using Operation staff and hazards injury incidents, lost work these technology public days) in crisis – once a month Security fences around Maintenance of fences Report on substations maintenance – Barriers to prevent climbing on/ Maintenance of barriers every 2 weeks dismantling of transmission Appropriatetowers warning signs on Maintenance of warning facilities signs Electricity safety awareness Training /awareness Number of raising in project areas programs and mock drills programs and for all concerned parties percent of total persons covered –once each year

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Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 48 Operations and Unnecessary Adequate training in O&M to all Training/awareness Number of PEDM Operation maintenance environmenta relevant staff of substations & programs and mock drills programs and staff skills less l losses of transmission/ distribution line for all relevant staff percent of staff than various types maintenance crews. covered – once acceptable Preparation and training in the each year use of O&M manuals and standard operating practices 49 Inadequate Diminished Staff to receive training in Training/awareness Number of PEDM Operation periodic ecological environmental monitoring of programs and mock drills programs and environmental and social project operations and for all relevant staff percent of staff monitoring. values. maintenance activities. covered – once each year 50 Equipment Release of Processes, equipment and Process, equipment and Phase out PEDM Operation specifications chemicals systems using system design schedule to be and design and gases in cholofluorocarbons (CFCs), prepared in case parameters receptors including halon, should be still in use – once (air, water, phased out and to be disposed in a quarter land) of in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Govt. 51 Transmission/ Exposure to Transmission/ distribution line Required ground Ground clearance PEDM Operation distribution electromagne design to comply with the limits clearance (meters) -once line tic of electromagnetic interference maintenance interference from overhead power lines 52 Uncontrolled Fire hazard Periodic pruning of vegetation to Requisite clearance Assessment in PEDM Operation growth of due to growth maintain requisite electrical (meters) consultation with vegetation of tree/shrub clearance. forest authorities - /bamboo once a year(pre- along RoW No use of herbicides/ pesticides monsoon/post- monsoon 53 Noise related Nuisance to Substations sited and designed Noise levels {dB(A)} Noise levels at PEDM Operation neighbouring to ensure noise will not be a boundary nearest properties nuisance. to properties and consultation with affected parties if any - once

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In addition to various mitigation measures as listed in EMP above, a calendar month of permitted/restricted activities as suggested in Biodiversity Assessment Report shall be applied to restrict the negative impacts of construction within the designated zone and to minimise disturbance to wildlife and natural cycle of regeneration.

Activity JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Site Mobilization Tower Foundation Tower Erection Stringing of Conductor O & M

Legend Colour Action No go No activity is permitted Restricted/ Controlled Activity permitted if it doesn’t involve any tree felling Permitted Activity permitted No go. However, in case of emergency, activity may be undertaken after due permission and required protection measures.

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ANNEXURE – 1

BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT STUDY FOR PROPOSED KV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM WEST PHAILENG TO MARPARA IN BUFFER ZONE OF DAMPA TIGER RESERVE

PREPARED BY

ASSAM STATE BIODIVERSITY BOARD

1

“The earth, the air, the land and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but on loan from our children. So we have to handover to them as at least as it was handed over to us.” - Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi

2

Table of Contents

I. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 4

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5

III. TEAM OF CONTRIBUTORS 9

IV. ABBREVIATIONS 13

V. LIST OF TABLES 14

VI. LIST OF FIGURES 15

VII. LIST OF PHOTO PLATES 16

1 BACKGROUND 17

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 18

2 THE PROJECT 20

2.1 RATIONALE 20 2.2 ROUTE SELECTION 21 2.3 DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS AND AREA OF INFLUENCE OF 132 KV TRANSMISSION LINE 26 2.4 KEY CONSTRUCTION RELATED ACTIVITIES 29 2.5 LEGAL CONTEXT OF THE STUDY 30

3 PROJECT AREA 31

3.1 GENERAL FEATURES 31 3.1.1 DAMPA TIGER RESERVE 33 3.1.2 BUFFER ZONE 35 3.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE 41 3.2.1 LOCATIONS OF VILLAGES 41 3.2.2 DEMOGRAPHICS 42 3.2.3 GENDER RATIO 44 3.2.4 LIVELIHOOD 44

4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 46

4.1 STUDY APPROACH OR METHODOLOGY 46 4.2 FIELD OBSERVATIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS 55 4.3 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES 91 LOCAL 92 LONG TERM 92 MODERATE 92 LOW 92

5 RECOMMENDATIONS 102

6 REFERENCES 103

7 ANNEXURE 1 – LETTER OF PERMISSION FROM CHIEF WILDLIFE WARDEN 105

8 ANNEXURE 2 – QUADRAT-WISE TREE COUNT 106

9 ANNEXURE 3 – DESCRIPTION OF IUCN RED LIST OF ECOSYSTEMS CATEGORIES 110

3

i. Acknowledgement

We are grateful to the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) for giving us the opportunity to study and assess the impact of the proposed 132 kV power transmission line (from West Phaileng to Marpara in Mamit District of Mizoram) on the biodiversity of Dampa Tiger Reserve buffer area.

Mizoram is predominantly a hilly state and Mamit is one of its less-developed districts having inadequate road connectivity. It is because of this reason that the survey of the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve was a challenge. The Board is grateful to the Mizoram Forest Department and in particular to the P.C.C.F. Mizoram, Mr. L. R. Thanga, the Chief Wildlife Warden, Mr. Liandawla and Mr. L. Murray, Field Director, Mr. R. Lalrinmawia, Assistant Conservator Mr. C. Vanlalrama, for their incessant support to the study.

Mr. Manu Jose Mattam, Director of Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency (GICIA), Noida, and his team that conducted the field works on behalf of the Board deserves appreciation for their painstaking efforts in carrying out this assignment. Their local expert team comprising of Mr. N. Hedge, Dr. D. Singha, Mr N. S. Sing, Mr. Thangjam and Mr. C. Manpoong provided much needed support to the study throughout the field survey and data interpretation.

The officers and staff of POWERGRID, Mr. Jayanta Bardhan, Deputy General Manager and Mr. Dipjyoti Baruah, Senior Environment Officer, were of great help in guiding us to find our bearings in the field. They also provided timely supervision and guidance to the study team.

My sincere thanks to Mr A.K. Srivastava, General Manager, POWERGRID, Guwahati, for reposing faith in us by giving us this opportunity.

We are also thankful to Dr. R. K. Srivastava, Additional General Manager, POWERGRID, New , for giving us valuable feedback for finalisation of the report.

Grateful thanks to the World Bank for their consideration to support this development activity for the benefit of disadvantaged local communities in one of the most remote areas of the country.

Finally, heartfelt thanks to the Chairmen of the Board, Shri Subhash C. Das, I.A.S., and Shri. V. K. Pipersenia, I.A.S., for their guidance; Dr. Ranjana Gupta, I.F.S., A.P.C.C.F. - Assam for finalising the draft and Dr. O. Sunanda Devi, Scientific Officer of the Board for day-to-day contribution.

(A. K. Johari, I.F.S.)

Additional P.C.C.F. & Member Secretary - A.S.B.B.

4 ii. Executive Summary

Noth Easte ‘egio Poe “ste Ipoeet Pojet NE‘P“IP fo northeast states (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland) for strengethening the intra-state transmission and distribution systems (33 kV capacity and above) is being planned to be implemented by Government of India with financial assistance from the World Bank. The Government of India selected Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), the central transmission utility of the country, to execute the projects on behalf of Power and Electricity Departments of the six states . Under the NERPSIP in Mizoram, a 132 kV S/C transmission line from West Phaileng to Marpara is planned to improve the availability and quality of power supply to remote areas of West Phaileng and Marpara in Mammit district. A portion of the proposed line (33 km approximately) is passing through buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve as no other alternative route alignments are feasible/possible due to geographical constraints and proximity to the India-Bangladesh border.

The proposed line is passing through the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve, a declared protected area under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. As per the Honourable Supreme Courts directive, prior permission of the Supreme Court and/or National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) is mandatory for implementation of any infrastructure project in any protected area.

The possible environmental issues associated with laying of Transmission Lines in forest areas and wildlife areas may become a matter of concern if due care and mitigation measures are not planned and implemented. Therefore, to assess the likely impact and to develop an action plan, the Biodiversity Assessment study has been made compulsory as per the provisions of Environmental and Social Policy & Procedures Framework (ESPPF) developed to implement projects covered under NERPSIP in Mizoram. Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India through its guidelines have also made such studies mandatory for developmental projects involving diversion of more than 50 Ha of protected area.

The task of Biodiversity Assessment study was assigned to the Assam State Biodiversity Board (ASBB) by POWERGRID, which in turn, engaged Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency (GICIA), Noida, to support this study. This report is based on the outcome of field study carried out by the ASBB, its partner GICIA and the local team of experts from Mizoram.

The major objectives of the study were as follows:

To prepare a baseline of biodiversity values of the project affected area,

To study the impacts of power line construction on the biodiversity values in the affected buffer area,

To plan/suggest suitable measures and strategies for mitigation/management of the anticipated impacts.

The study involved field assessments, stakeholder consultations (including interviews with officials of POWERGRID, Forest and Wildlife Department, local population and affected persons) and review of literature. The study involves evaluation of the floral and faunal diversity of the region, along with identification of Rare, Threatened or Endangered species reported from the area. Evaluation of likely impacts on biodiversity of the buffer zone due to laying of proposed transmission line was also carried out to develop/list the possible mitigation measures for the same.

The assessment is based on extensive fieldwork in the affected area along the West Phaileng - Marpara

5 road in the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve. The co-ordinates of starting and terminating stations of the proposed line are 230.N to 0.N latitudes ad 02.E to 0.E longitudes respectively. From the West Phaileng end of the line, the buffer zone area falls to the east of the road adjacent to most of the proposed line route, except for a small patch near Saitah village. The total length of the proposed transmission line within the buffer zone is approximately 33 km, having a RoW width of 27 m. The forest cover in this stretch is dense in patches especially towards West Pulpui and moderately dense to open in the rest of the areas. The several patches of Jhoom cultivation were also found at regular intervals in the stretch.

Considering the forest type and canopy density, sampling intensity of 1% (13200 m2) was chosen for the evaluation of floral diversity. A total of 30 standard quadrats of 20 m X 30 m were placed, covering an area of 18,000 m2, which is more than chosen sampling intensity of 1% to facilitate covering of any overlaps and variability towards the end zones.

A total of 203 floral species belonging to 160 genera and 73 families were recorded. Out of these, 96 tree species; 86 species of herbs, shrubs and climbers; and, 21 species of bamboo, orchids and ferns have been documented. Similarly, faunal variety comprising 93 species of birds, 11 species of mammals, 7 species of frogs, 5 species of lizards, 4 species of snakes and 42 species of butterfly are recorded within the buffer zone.

The biodiversity values of select species calculated on Shannon-Wiener index ranged from 1.5 to 3.5, which signifies medium to high diverse forest. On the Simpson index of diversity, the index was in the range of 0 to 1, which indicates higher diversity. On the Importance Value Index (IVI), Macaranga peltata (22.373) was found to be the most important species followed by Trema orientalis (19.45), Duabanga grandiflora (19.41), Tectona grandis (16.57), Derris robusta (12.46) and so on. The least IVI value was recorded for Cinnamomum obtiosifolum (0.52). Percent species distribution in family Euphorbiaceae was found to be the highest followed by Moracaeae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Verbinaceae and Lauraceae.

On analysing Rare, Engangered and Threatened (RET) status of the recorded species as per the IUCN ategoies, it as foud that ost of the floal speies ee i the Not Ealuatedatego. Hoee, Dipterocarpus indicus (Endangered species) was found to be of high conservation importance. The RET assesset of faua shoed speies of ids i the atego of Least Coe ad speies of ids i the Nea Theateed atego. The Nea Theateed atego speies ee the White Cheeked Partridge, Ashy-headed Green Pigeon and Great Hornbill. Amongst mammals, most of the species were i the atego of least oe. Hoee, Hoolock hoolock, belonged to Endangered ategory, Macaca assamensis to Near Threatened category, and Macaca arctiodes, Trachypithecus pileatus represented Vulnerale atego. The othe eoded faua ee eithe i the ategoies of Least Coe o Not Ealuated.

The potential impacts of the transmission line on the biodiversity values of the buffer zone were also assessed and evaluated for both construction as well as the operational phase of the project. Some of the major identified impacts during the construction phase include:

. Removal/pruning of vegetation from the tower base and in RoW corridor of the transmission line; . Change/gap/reduction in forest canopy and its influence on possible fragmentation of natural habitats; . Construction related disturbances, including increased human presence, the resultant pollution, waste generation, increased noise level etc.;

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. Fire Risk.

Similarly , some of the possible impacts during the operational phase include:

. Bird mortality due to collision and/or electrocution by the transmission lines; . Disruption in the movement/migration of big mammels; . Potential influx of invasive weeds in the cleared area.

The mitigation measures to reduce/manage such possible/identified direct and indirect impacts have been analysed and incorporated in the report.

The analysis of forest in the buffer zone indicates that in patches it is reasonably good but is not contiguous. This may be attributed to presence of many villages in the buffer zone and resultant biotic pressure as communities present in and around buffer are mostly dependent on forest for their livelihood. Moreover, practice of shifting cultivation or Jhoom is mostly prevelant in the area which plays a major role in fragmentation of forest. There are host of community rights on the forest resources and there is also a programmed extraction of resources, such as firewood, as per the working plans of both Mamit and Kwartha forest divisions (which together account for the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve).

Additionally, the buffer, though represented by a significant floral and moderate faunal biodiversity, is not a core tiger habitat1. The assessment team did not spot any tigers in the buffer area while conducting the field assessment. The area is also not part of any corridor of flagship species such as elephants2. Thus, the buffer is not an inviolate area. On the contrary, there is lot of economic and social development activities that take place in the buffer area, and the local communities have a wide level of interaction with it. There is also a discernible presence of various development departments in the buffer area like Public Works Department, Rural Development Department and Horticulture Department, etc. Well being of local communities and well being of forests in the buffer zone (as well as of core forest area) seem to be complementary to each other. However, it is pertinent to mention that local communities along with local NGO PRISM have filed an application with the Guwahati High Court challenging the Mizoram government notification under which the 500 km2 including 488 km2 buffer has been declared as Tiger Reserve.

The present species matrix in the project-affeted zoe does ot sujet itself to a et loss of iodiesit o aout of the eetio ad opeatio of the tasissio lie. To fatos that ae potentially contributing to this include:

1) The area to be affected/cleared is restricted to tower base and in RoW particularly in 3 m width below each conductor along proposed transmission line. Moreover, in hilly areas where adequate clearance is already available, minimum trees will be affected. 2) The present mix of species in the potentially affected area contains only limited number of Rare, Threatened or Endangered species, and most of the species are common to the region. Further, there is no major deviation in the species matrix along the length of the line, or in areas adjacent to the line.

As such, although the vegetation clearing activity would entail removal of identified/selected trees , but it will not result in any loss at a species level or at diversity level. On the other hand postive impacts

1 Based on interview with the field director of Dampa Tiger Reserve. 2 Ibid.

7 associated with proposed transmission line outweigh the negligible and restricted/localised negative impact in RoW for which detailed mitigative measures have also been planned for implementation during laying of transmission line in buffer area.

8 iii. Team of Contributors

Name Profile

Assam State Biodiversity Board

Shri. A. K. Johari, I.F.S. A post graduate in Botany from Lucknow University, he worked on plant viruses at the National Botanical Research Institute before joining the Indian Forest Service in 1986. He has been awarded M. Phil by Punjab Uiesit o 'Foest & Cliate Chage ad holds a Post Gaduate Diploma in Public Administration. He trained as a trainer at the University of Edinburgh under the Colombo Plan and completed advanced course in Participatory Planning from the University of Wolverhampton, U.K. Apart from holding important assignments with the Assam Forest Department, he served the Government of India in the capacities of faculty member of forestry, Director in the Ministry of Environment & Forest and as D.I.G., Forestry Research, Training and Forest Protection. He is designated as the Country Focal Point for Forestry and Climate Change, Invasive Species Network and for the International Network for Bamboo & Rattan. Presently, Shri A. K. Johari, I.F.S. is the Member Secretary of the Assam State Biodiversity Board and Additional P.C.C.F. (Biodiversity & Climate Change) in the Assam Forest Department.

Dr. Ranjana Gupta, I.F.S. Dr. Ranjana Gupta, I.F.S. has a Ph.D.in Forestry and M. Phil in Social Science, besides a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration. After completing her MSc. in Botany from University, she joined the Indian Forest Service in 1986. She has worked with government agencies, research & training institutions and coordinated with international agencies such as UNDP, AARDO, CIRDAP and UNFF. Dr. Ranjana Gupta is a natural resource manager, researcher, trainer, academician and social scientist. She has extensive experience in the fields of participatory forestry, rural development, tribal development and biodiversity conservation. Apart from working with the Assam Forest Department, she has held such important assignments with the Government of India as Deputy Inspector General of Forests, Ministry of Environment & Forests, New Delhi; Director, Ministry of Rural Development, New Delhi; and Deputy Director, Forest Survey of India, Dehradun. As Deputy Inspector General of Forests she looked after the portfolios of Forest Policy, International Forest Co-operation and was designated Country Focal Point for UNFF. She is presently posted as the Additional Chief Conservator of Forests (Wetlands) at the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Assam.

Dr. Oinam Sunanda Devi A post graduate in Life Sciences from Gauhati University, she completed her Ph.D. on diversity and ecology of frugivorous birds in Eastern Assam.

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At present, she is working as Scientific Officer with the Assam State Biodiversity Board. She is involved in the implementation of Biological Diversity Act 2002 by way of generating awareness amongst various stakeholders, formation of Biodiversity Management Committees, pepaatio of Peoples Biodiesit ‘egistes ad douetation of traditional knowledge. She is also coordinating the Biodiversity Research Associate Programme and is involved in various field research activities.

Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency (GICIA)

Mr. Manu Jose Mattam Mr. Manu Jose Mattam is the director of the Natural Resources Division of Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency. Formerly he was associated with Harrisons Malayalam Limited and the Forest Stewardship Council. He has led monitoring & evaluation projects for ma etall sposoed pojets like Pojet Elephat, Cliate Change Adaptation in North East Region and CAMPA activities. He has taken lead in consultation to and Assam State for preparing perspective plan for Green India Mission (GIM). He was also a team head for developing standards for carpet and dolls and toys industry for Handicraft and Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC) for the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). He has travelled extensively throughout South Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East for his professional engagements and various forestry and climate change conference.

Mr. Sachin Raj Jain Mr. Sachin Raj Jain is a Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Development professional based out of Noida. He is the head of Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency (GICIA), Scientific Certification Systems (India) Private Limited and Sara Abode Private Limited. He has has over 10 years of experience in directing projects on Sustainability, Life Cycle Assessment, LEED v4 Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), Starbucks Ethical Sourcing, Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) FloorScore® certification, BIFMA level® certificate, Climate Change Adaptation, Monitoring & Evaluation, Afforestation and Ecology & Biodiversity assessments. He is the lead auditor for certification systems of Forest Stewardship Council – Forest Management Certification, Forest Stewardship Council – Chain of Custody Program, Scientific Certification System – Legal Harvest Verification Program and ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System.

Mr. Barun Kumar Mr. Barun Kumar is a deputy manager in the Natural Resources Division of Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency. He is overseeing Climate Change services, VRIKSH Programme, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Forestry Management (FM) certification, Controlled Wood (CW) certification and Chain of Custody (CoC) certification. Formerly, he worked with Carbon Check (Pty) Limited, accredited by United Nations

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Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at Johannesburg, South Africa. He has done several projects on EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment), Waste Management and 37 projects registered under UNFCCC, and was also involved in more than 45 projects of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard (GS) as a validator, verifier and technical expert. He has travelled extensively is Southern and Central Africa through the course of his audit work.

Mr. Abhishek Rajdeep Mr. Abhishek Rajdeep is an assistant manager in the Natural Resources Division of Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency with over 2 years of experience in third-party independent audits, monitoring & evaluation projects and natural resource management & assessment projects. He is a graduate of the prestigious Forest Research Institute (Deemed) University, Dehradun, and a post graduate in Environment Management. He is also trained in Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems and Global Positioning System applications from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun.

Ms. Taruna Ms. Taruna is a post graduate in Environment Science from the prestigious Amity University, Noida. She was involved as a core member in the Perspective Plan preparation under Green India Mission – Assam and Green India Mission - Bihar. She has also worked for proposal drafting on responsible tourism management, coordination for forest management and other such programmes on natural resource management.

Mr. Ranir Pal Saini Mr. Ranir Pal Saini is a graduate in Civil Engineering and has also studied International Affairs at the astes level. At Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency he works on project support, operations support and report drafting.

Field Researchers

Mr. Nagraj Hedge Mr. Nagraj Hedge is a post graduate of the prestigious Forest Research Institute (Deemed) University, Dehradun where he earned M.Sc. in Wood Science & Technology. He has also completed his graduation in Forestry from UAS, Dharwad. He has a broad exposure to forestry related projects in diverse geographic zones of India. He is also IRSB NET qualified in Forestry.

Dr. Dipendra Singha Dr. Dipendra Singha is a post graduate and Ph.D. from . He is at present a researcher in the same university. He has wide exposure and research experience in Mizoram with respect to biodiversity and landscapes.

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Mr. Ngangbam Somen Singh Mr. Ngangbam Somen Singh is a post graduate in Forestry from Mizoram University. He is a Ph.D. candidate at the same university. He has wide exposure in Mizoram in the context of biodiversity and landscapes.

Mr. Uttam Thangjam Mr. Uttam Thangjam is a post graduate in Forestry from Mizoram University. At present, he is a Ph.D. candidate at the same university. He has wide exposure and research experience in Mizoram in regards to biodiversity and landscape.

Mr. Chowlani Manpoong Mr. Chowlani Manpoong is a post graduate in Forestry from the Mizoram University. At present, he is a Ph.D. candidate at the same university. He has wide exposure and research experience in Mizoram in the context of biodiversity and landscapes.

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited

Mr. Jayanta Bardhan Mr. Jayanta Bardhan is a Deputy General Manager in POWERGRID. He is an engineer by training. At POWERGRID he oversees all environmental and social safeguards related issues of the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP).

Mr. Dipjyoti Baruah Mr. Dipjyoti Baruah is a Senior Environment Officer in POWERGRID. He is an environmental scientist by training. At POWERGRID he is responsible for all the ground level works pertaining to environmental and social safeguard issues related to the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP).

12 iv. Abbreviations

APCCF Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests ASBB Assam State Biodiversity Board BU Billion Units CCF Chief Conservator of Forests DTR Dampa Tiger Reserve IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IWDP Integrated Watershed Development Programme MOEFCC Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change NERPSIP North-Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project POWERGRID Power Grid Corporation of India Limited RET Rare, Endangered and Threatened Species RoW Right of Way T&D Transmission and Distribution

13 v. List of Tables

Table 1: Locations of Villages ...... 41 Table 2: Livelihood Details ...... 45 Table 3: GPS positions of field quadrats ...... 49 Table 4: GPS positions of farmlands along West Phaileng Marpara 132 kV Transmission Line ...... 51 Table 5: Identified Tree species in the sampling areas ...... – . 57 Table 6: Identified Herbs and Shrubs in sampling area ...... 62 Table 7: Identified Bamboo, Orchids and Ferns in Sampling Area ...... 66 Table 8: Important Value index for Identified Tree species ...... 68 Table 9: Identified Birds in Sampling Area ...... 75 Table 10: Identified Mammals in Sampling Area ...... 80 Table 11: Identified Amphibians in Sampling Area ...... 82 Table 12: Identified Reptiles in Sampling Area ...... 83 Table 13: Identified Butterflies in Sampling Area ...... 86 Table 14: Identified Project Impacts ...... 92 Table 15: Possible Impacts and Proposed Mitigation/Management Measures ...... 95 Table 16: Calendar Months for Permitted/Restricted Activities ...... 100

14 vi. List of Figures

Figure 1: Route Alignment of West Phaileng Marpara 132 kV Transmission line ...... 24 Figure 2: Map of West Phaileng Marpara 132 kV Transmission Line ...... 25 Figure 3: Drawing of 132 kV D/C Transmission– Tower ...... 26 Figure 4: Typical Plan of Transmission– Line Tower Footings Showing Actual Ground Position And Extent Of Impacts ...... 27 Figure 5: Schematic diagram indicating area of influence/impacts for 132 kV D/C Transmission Line ...... 28 Figure 6: Map of Dampa Tiger Reserve ...... 34 Figure 7: Demographic Profile of Six Villages in Buffer Area of Dampa Tiger Reserve ...... 43 Figure 8: Population Details of Six Villages in Buffer Area of Dampa Tiger Reserve ...... 43 Figure 9: Gender Ratios ...... 44 Figure 10: Distributions of Species ...... 71 Figure 11: Shannon - Weiner Indices H' ...... 73 Figure 12: Values of Simpson Indices ...... 73 Figure 13: RET Results of Flora ...... 74 Figure 14: RET results for Avian species ...... 89 Figure 15: RET results of Mammals ...... 89 Figure 16: RET results for other species ...... 90

15 vii. List of Photo Plates

Plate 1: Oil Palm ...... 37 Plate 2: Habitat of Dampa Tiger Reserve...... 38 Plate 3: Villages in the Study Area ...... 41 Plate 4: Assessment Teams ...... 47 Plate 5: Locations of Field Quadrats along the Transmision Line in the Buffer Zone ...... 48 Plate 6: Photographs of Field Recordings ...... 53 Plate 7: Some Identified Tree Species in the Study Area ...... 61 Plate 8: Some Identified Herbs and Shrubs in the Study Area ...... 67 Plate 9: Some Identified Bird Species in the Study Area ...... 79 Plate 10: Some Identified Mammal Species in the Study Area ...... 81 Plate 11: Some Identified Reptile Species in the Study Area ...... 84 Plate 12: Some Identified Amphibian Species in the Study Area ...... 85 Plate 13: Some Identified Butterfly Species in the Study Area ...... 88

16

1 Background

The outs eooi atiities ae itiall depedet on energy resources. Electricity transmission lies ae a essetial pat of Idias deelopet as it tasits ad distiutes poe to doesti as well as industrial sectors.

India has set an ambitious target of generating 1,137.5 BU in the year 2015-2016 which is a growth of around 8.47% over actual generation of 1,048.6 BU in the previous year (2014-2015). Even with the current trend of technological progress, there is no cost-effective and technologically feasible way of storing electrical energy and therefore electricity needs to be carried long distances at high voltages. Transmission of electricity at low voltages leads to very high losses (transmission and distribution losses) of power.

It is therefore imperative that with increased installed capacity of power generation there is also a network for efficient transmission.

The Goeet of Idia ith the fiaial assistae of the Wold Bak is ipleetig Noth Easte ‘egio Poe “ste Ipoeet Pojet NE‘P“IP fo si oth east states (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland) for strengthening of Intra-State Transmission and Distribution Systems (33 kV capacity and above). Ministry of Power, Government of India, has appointed POWERGRID as the central implementing agency to the six north east states for the project. However, the ownership of the assets shall be with the respective state governments and/or state utilities, which upon progressive commissioning shall be handed over to them for taking care of operation and maintenance of assets at their own cost.

A 132 kV D/C transmission line from West Phaileng to Marpara is proposed to be laid under the NERPSIP in Mizoram. However, a portion of the proposed transmission line passes through the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve. As per provisons under section 38W of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, prior approval of Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife is mandatory. Further, since the area proposed to be diverted is more than 50 Ha, biodiversity impact assessment study is a mandated requirement.

However, it is necessary to ensure that any proposed infrastructure development activity in the vicinity or adjacent to any protected area needs to be carried out without compromising the long-term value of natural areas, their ecosystem services, and imperiling the prospects for more holistic development. The impacts of construction of power transmission lines on wildlife and other environmental resources is generally a matter of concern, since it usually requires the removal of a large number of trees when the transmission lines are passing through forest area. Further, some other issues that tend to come into prominence include mortality of birds due to collision and subsequent electrocution, fragmentation of forest patches, breaks in wildlife movement corridors etc. Such fragmentation alters the microclimate, isolates habitat patches and increases edge effects. However, the effects related to erection and operation of transmission lines in protected areas will not be as severe as those caused by broad and wide clear-felled areas in other types of projects since clearing of vegetation is limited to 3 m wide strip below each conductor in a corridor of 27 m.

In the context of the above and as part of statutory requirements to obtain necessary approvals to undertake activity in buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve, POWERGRID proposed to undertake biodiversity impact assessment study by an Independent agency in order to minimise the impact on biodiversity values through implementation of suitable mitigation measures for identified impacts.

To undertake the above study, POWERGRID assigned this task to the Assam State Biodiversity Board in

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August 2015. The Assam State Biodiversity Board, after a competitive bidding process, engaged Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency, Noida, to support this study.

This report is based on the field study carried out by the Assam State Biodiversity Board, its partner in the project, Green Initiatives Certification & Inspection Agency and the local team of experts from Mizoram. Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is to identify the potential impacts of the transmission line on the flora and fauna of Dampa Tiger Reserve buffer zone and to suggest suitable mitigation measures.

Whereas, the specific objectives of the study are:

To prepare a baseline of biodiversity values of the project affected area.

To study the impacts of power line construction on the biodiversity values in the affected buffer area.

To plan/suggest suitable measures and strategies for mitigation/management of the anticipated impacts.

For meeting the above objectives, the study was carried out in the following three domains:

Biodiversity

 Field assessment to describe the faunal and floral biodiversity of Dampa Tiger Reserve buffer zone;  Distribution and abundance of species over the area, for ascertaining dominant species;  Listing of:  species having special conservation concerns;  Endangered species;  Threatened species;  Vulnerable species;  Species endemic to the region;  Listing any conservation concerns of the region due to natural or anthropogenic factors.

Socio-Economic

 Record existence of settlements in the Dampa Tiger Reserve buffer zone and in particular along the proposed alignment of the transmission line;  Look into the nature and extent of dependencies of the local communities on the forests and other natural resources in the area.

General Considerations

 Provide recommendations related to monitoring requirements and possible mitigation

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measures for avoiding/minimising identified negative impacts;  Ecological or biodiversity uniqueness, if any, of the area that requires special attention or considerations.

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2 The Project

2.1 Rationale

Mizoram is a sparsely populated state with hilly terrain. Mamit District is relatively remote and less developed in comparison to the rest of the state. West Phaileng and Marpara areas of Mamit district receive power from existing 33 kV West Phaileng substation that is supplied from 132 kV Zemabawk S/S (Aizawl) through 132 kV S/C line operated at 33 kV. These areas suffer low voltage and frequent power supply interruptions as well as heavy T&D losses due to lengthy and aged 11 kV lines. There are not enough transmission/sub-transmission networks to cover the entire stated area, but the energisation of villages is somehow managed by improvisation using extremely long distribution lines at 11 kV level.

In order to improve the power supply in this area, Government of Mizoram planned to charge the Zemabawk - West Phaileng 132 kV S/C line (presently operated at 33 kV) at rated voltage. For this, a 132 kV bay at Zemabawk would be constructed by the Government of Mizoram whereas a 132 kV substation at West Phaileng will be constructed under NERPSIP. Further, West Phaileng – Marpara 132 kV line (S/C strung on D/C tower) has been planned under the NERPSIP project. After this, Zemabawk - West Phaileng – Marpara 132 kV section willl be under operation, which will enhance the availability and quality of power supply to even the remotest corner of West Phaileng and Marpara in Mamit district as described below: . Construction of 132/33 kV, 2 x 12.5 MVA substation at West Phaileng to feed West Phaileng, Mamit, Rawpuichhip, Tuipuibari and surrounding areas. . Construction of 132/33 kV, 2 x 12.5 MVA substation at Marpara to feed Phuldungsei, Marpara and surrounding areas. . Construction of 50 km 132 kV S/C transmission line from West Phaileng to Marpara will improve the voltage profile and power quality that will be distributed within North West sector of Mamit district.

The majority of 11 kV feeders exceed the permissible limit of voltage regulation. Besides, many feeders have line length of more than 60 km rendering the line prone to frequent faults. The poor voltage and frequent tripping/interruptions of power have huge impact on the revenue billing efficiency. Energy accounting of the past years clearly tell the T&D inefficiency. It is calculated that if the T&D loss is reduced to 15% by improving voltage regulation, the increase in annual revenue collection could jump up substantially in Mamit district.

Substantial load addition is about to happen in Mamit district due to implementation of Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (Rajiv Gandhi Village Electrification Scheme) and Indo-Bangladesh border lighting. Therefore, transmission, sub-transmission and distribution with transformer under this scheme will play a very vital role in the imminent load addition as stated above.

After completion of the above schemes, the north-western sector of Mizoram will enormously benefit as: . Better and more reliable power supply will be available as the source of power supply will be from both Kolasib and Zuangtui 132 kV substations. Power could also be drawn from Thermal Plant. Upcoming Tuirial Hydroelectricity Power Plant could also be utilised within the region. . The voltage drops due to long distribution lines and frequent interruption of supply due to line faults will be substantially minimised. . The overall system with more versatile network will enable better power supply

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in the region. With reliable power supply, small and large industry may come up in the area. Implementation of the above scheme will result in increased revenue realisation, reduction in consumer supply interruption and reduction in T&D losses as well as improvement in quality and reliability of power supply. 2.2 Route Selection

For selection of optimum line route, the following points are generally taken into consideration; (i) The route of the proposed transmission & distribution lines does not involve any human resettlement and rehabilitation; (ii) Any monument of cultural or historical importance is not affected by the route of the transmission & distribution line; (iii) The proposed route of transmission & distribution line does not create any threat to the survival of any community with special reference to Tribal Community; (iv) The proposed route of transmission line does not affect any public utility services like playgrounds, schools, other establishments etc..; (v) The line route does not pass through any Sanctuaries, National Park etc.; (vi) The line route does not infringe with area of natural resources.

In order to achieve this, the route selection for individual transmission and distribution lines has been carried out in close consultation with representatives of concerned Forest Department and the Department of Revenue and Local Village councils. As a general practice, at least three (3) nos. of transmission routes are explored for attaining the optimum route considering all the technical, construction and environmental factors. However, where avoiding of protected areas are not at all possible due to practical reasons, it is to ensure that the route so selected involve minimum protected areas. Additionally, a pre impact assessment studies (Biodiversity Assessment) are carried out through independent agency before implementation of the project so that the mitigation measures are put on ground during project execution. In the instant case, the proposed route (Alt.-I) of the transmission line has to be routed through the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve(DTR) since no other alternatives are found feasible from construction point of view. The line has to be routed along the existing West Phaileng -Marpara PWD road which is the only direct connectivity between the two areas (i.e. substations). Although alternatives routes (Alt.-II & III) avoiding the Buffer zone of the tiger reserve have been rigorously explored by PEDM/POWERGRID but all these routes involve virgin dense forest having high biodiversity value which may inflict maximum damage to vegetation and ecosystem as no approach/access to such virgin area are in place. The summery of analysis of alternatives studied is as follows:

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S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III 1. Route particulars i. Route Length (km) 50 70.7 51 ii. Terrain Hilly/Undulated 100 % 100 % 100% Plain Nil Nil Nil 2. Involvement of protected/sensitive areas i. Forest Approx. 33 km Approx. 4 km i.e. Approx. 21 km i.e. involvement in Ha i.e. 90 ha.) is 10.8 is passing 56.7 ha.) is passing passing through through buffer through the buffer the buffer zone of zone of Dampa zone of the Dampa the Dampa Tiger Tiger Reserve. Tiger Reserve Reserve. Another 2 km section of the route is passing through Tut RRF (Riverine Reserved Forest). However, as per the notification of buffer zone, it comprises both private land and forest land. The actual status of land within the RoW of the proposed route will be ascertained after joint survey with Forest Deptt. for which the process is already initiated by PEDM/ POWERGRID. ii. Type of Forest Reserve Forest Reserve Forest Reserve Forest (RF/PF/Mangrove/ including riverine including riverine Wildlife Area/ reserved forest reserved forest Elephant corridor/ (RRF) along the Tut (RRF) along the Tut Biodiversity river river Hotspots/Biosphere Reserve/Wetlands or any other environmentally sensitive area.) iii. Type of flora Macaranga peltat, Macaranga peltat, Macaranga peltat, Dipterocarpus Dipterocarpus Dipterocarpus indicus Trema indicus, Trema indicus, Albizzia orientalis, orientalis, procera, Erythrina Duabanga Duabanga variegate, Trema grandiflora, grandiflora, Tectona orientalis, Tectona grandis, grandis, Michelia Duabanga Derris robusta, champaca, Derris grandiflora, Bamboo species robusta, Bamboo Tectona grandis, like Bombax species like Bombax Derris robusta, insigne, Bombax insigne, Bombax Bamboo species ceiba, Mangifera ceiba, Mangifera like Bombax indica, Elaeis indica, Elaeis insigne, Bombax

22 iv. Type of fauna Treron phayei, Arborophila Arborophila Buceros bicornis, atrogularis, Treron atrogularis, Treron Macaca phayei, Buceros phayei, Buceros assamensis, bicornis, bicornis, Macaca arctiodes, Great Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Trachypithecus Macaca assamensis, Macaca pileatu, Pteropus giganteus, assamensis, Orthotomus Trachypithecus Pteropus sutorius, Gracula pileatu, Orthotomus giganteus, religiosa, Felis sutorius, Felis chaus, Trachypithecus chaus, Draco Draco maculates. pileatu, maculates. Orthotomus sutorius, Felis chaus, Draco maculates. v. Historical/cultural Nil Nil Nil monuments 3. Major Crossing i. Highway Nil Nil Nil (National/State) ii. Power line Nil Nil Nil iii. Railway line Nil Nil Nil iv. River crossing Nil 2 2 4. Overall Remarks Most optimum Spared as the most Not considered route selected for of the locations are due to very steep detailed survey inaccessible due to terrain, dense since the line route steep terrain, dense vegetation and is running almost forest and non nearly no parallel to the availability of approach roads existing West- approach road for movement of Phaileng -Marpara man and State PWD road machinery which is an already As evident from above, the route length of the proposed alignment is approximately 50 km. The proposed route of the transmission line (Figure 1 and Figure 2) is running almost parallel to the existing West Phaileng – Marpara state PWD road. However, a portion of the route (approximately 33 km) has to traverse through the notified buffer zone of the Dampa Tiger Reserve as no other suitable alternative routes for the transmission line is found feasible (refer Figure 2).

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Figure 1: Route Alignment of West Phaileng – Marpara 132 kV Transmission line

The proposed 132 kV power line will start from the 132 kV West Phaileng (new) substation (the substation land is proposed within the campus of the existing 33 kV substation owned by Power and Electricity Department, Government of Mizoram) and will terminate at 132 kV Marpara (new) substation (the proposed land for Marpara substation land is already available and under the possession of Power and Electricity Department, Government of Mizoram). The GPS coordinates of the starting point and end point of the proposed 132 kV Line are as follows:

 KV West Phaileg sustatio at º. N, º. E;  KV Mapaa sustatio at º. N, º. E.

From the West Phaileng end, the buffer zone area falls to the east of the West Phaileng - Marpara Public Works Department road that is adjacent to most of the proposed line except for a small patch near Saitah village. However, within the buffer zone the proposed route mainly passes through jhum cultivated land owned by village councils and some minor agricultural farms. Details of route alignment of proposed line corresponding to area of Dampa Tiger Reserve are depicted in Figure 2.

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Figure 2: Map of West Phaileng – Marpara 132 kV Transmission Line

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2.3 Design Specifications and Area of Influence of 132 kV transmission line

As explained earlier, impact of transmission line is not far reaching and mostly localised to RoW. In total, approximately 102 towers of 30.883 m in height are to be erected for construction of proposed line out of which around 78 towers falls within the buffer zone.

The plan of transmission line tower footings showing actual ground positions is given in the drawing in Figure 3. A schematic diagram indicating area of influence/impact for 132 kV D/C transmission line is presented in Figure 4 and Figure 5 repectively.

Figure 3: Drawing of 132 kV D/C Transmission Tower

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Figure 4: Typical Plan of Transmission Line Tower Footings Showing Actual Ground Position And Extent Of Impacts

X

a

a T R A N S M I Y S S I O N

L I N

ACTUAL POSITION ON GROUND

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Figure 5: Schematic diagram indicating area of influence/impacts for 132 kV D/C Transmission Line

Conduct 1 or 2

12 To we r m Felling/Pollarding/Prun ing* Conduct or

28 2.4 Key Construction Related Activities

A total of 102 towers are to be constructed in the project out of which 78 will fall within the buffer area. Estimated time taken for foundation, erection of one tower and stringing of one span of conductor is around 20 to 30 days by a mobile gang of 10 to 15 people. As informed by PGCIL, likely nos. of gang shall be in the range 6-8 and they will be simultaneously working at different locations. As per this, the total time required for construction of said line would be around 12-15 months.

The key construction activities are:

1) Transportation of raw materials and equipment

This Involves movement of trucks, tractors, earth excavators, and miscellaneous vehicles for delivering manpower and materials such as tower parts, conductors, cement, concrete, etc to the location of erection of the towers. This activity continues till the completion of construction of tower and stringing of conductors.

2) Casting of Foundation

This involves excavation of pits either manually or by using earth excavators. The casting of foundation will be open cast or pile foundation with Reinforced Cement Concrete followed by backfilling. The foundation would remain underground after construction of tower.

3) Erection of towers

It is done using tower parts, nuts and bolts. The height of tower will be approximately 30.883 m. The erection of one tower takes at least 3 days to one week. The tower foundations (approximately 3 x 3 x 3 m3) after completion will remain underground and the raised chimneys will occupy very less space above ground level. Self-supporting latticed bolted steel towers, fabricated from structural steel angle section will be used. Normally, the following four types of tower shall be used in these lines:

a) A/DA tpe suspesio toes fo -degree angle of deviation with suspension insulator strings. b) B/DB tpe suspesio toes for up to 15-degree angle of deviation with suspension insulator strings for S/C line and tension towers up to 15-degree angle of deviation with tension insulator string for D/C line. c) C/DC tpe tesio toes for up to 30-degree angle of deviation with tension insulator strings. d) D/DD tpe tesio toes for up to 60-degree angle of deviation with tension insulator strings.

In addition to the above, special towers for major river crossings, power line crossings and the places where the terrain is particularly different such as approach to the substation, forest stretches, etc will also be used. All towers will be designed in accordance with latest edition of IS-802 standard and considering necessary improvements and reinforcements evolved as per suggestions/recommendations of Central Eletial Authoits expert committee based on the experience of previous tower failures in the country.

4) Stringing of conductors

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This is done using conventional ACSR type conductor. These conductors have been considered based on system requirements, as these are most common type of conductors with proven technology having low cost and easy availability. The space between phase conductors is kept at approximately 3.9 m and a minimum ground clearance of 6.1 m will be maintained. ACSR Panther Conductor (30/3.0 Aluminium and 7/3.0 mm steel) of overall diameter 21.00 mm will be used per phase for 132 kV D/C line. 2.5 Legal Context of the Study

It is important to understand that as per the Constitution of Idia, eletiit is i the ouet list of subjects. Therefore, the responsibility for administration/legislation of electricity is shared between the Central Government and respective state governments. Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the country is primarily governed by the Indian Electricity Act, 1910, Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, and the recently enacted Electricity Act, 2003. However, there are other overarching legislations that have a critical role in governing and setting up of electricity generation and transmission projects. Some of these acts include Water Act, 1974, Air Act, 1981, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Factories (Amendment) Act, 1988, Town and Country Planning Act, 1952 etc. In addition to these, The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, also has serious bearing on the establishment of electricity generating stations/projects.

Although, while approving any power project, issues such as transmission of power from the project are looked into, yet no formal approvals are required for transmission lines from the environmental approval point of view. In a way, construction of new power transmission lines is exempted from the Environmental Impact Assessment requirement. However, it is mandatory for such projects to get necessary approvals from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change if these lines pass through forest areas and/or protected areas.

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

When transmission projects pass through forestland, clearance has to be obtained from relevant authorities under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. This act was enacted to prevent rapid deforestation and environmental degradation. State governments cannot de-reserve any forestland or authorise its use for any non-forest purposes without approval from the Central Government. Since the proposed 132 kV West Phaileng - Marpara transmission line will pass through Dampa Tiger Reserve buffer zone along its alignment, Power and Electricity Department, Government of Mizoram with assistance from POWERGRID will require prior forest clearances for such areas under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. All prescribed procedures need to be followed up by Power and Electricity Department, Government of Mizoram, to divert those forest areas for non-forest usages, i.e. laying of power transmission lines across them.

Wildlife (Protection) Act , 1972

Since the proposed 132 kV West Phaileng - Marpara transmission line will pass through parts of buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve, it will also require clearance under Section-29 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, from MoEFCC. A set procedure needs to be followed for diverting parts of protected areas for laying transmission line. A proposal will be processed through State Board for Wildlife and National Board for Wildlife. Both the boards will see to the merits of the case and provide their judgments based on the scale and types of impacts it will exert on protected areas.

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3 Project Area

3.1 General Features

Mizoram, is one of seven north eastern states of India, collectively known as Seven Sisters. It shares international borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar in the south and domestic borders with Manipur, Assam and Tripura on the north. The area of the state is 21,090 km2 which is 0.64% of the country's geographical area. The state lies between 21°56' N and 24°31'N latitudes and 92°16' E and 93°26' E longitudes. The average altitude ranges from 500 m to 800 m with the maximum reaching 2,157 m in Blue Mountain (Phawngpui). The Tropic of Cancer runs through the state nearly at its middle.

The project area falls in Mamit district, which is bounded on the north by Hailakandi district of Assam state, on the west by North Tripura district of Tripura state and Bangladesh, on the south by Lunglei district and on the east by Kolasib and Aizawl districts. The district occupies an area of 3025.75 km2. It is 4th largest district in Mizoram and 395th largest in India in terms of total area. Mamit town is the administrative headquarters of the district. Mamit district is located at 23.925°N latitude and 92.4913°E longitude with an average elevation of 718 m.

Forests of Mizoram

The recorded forest area of the state is about 16,717 km2, which is about 79.30% of its geographical area. Out of this recorded area, reserved forests constitute 47.31%, protected forests 21.34% and un- classed forests 31.34%. The state has 0.65% very dense forests, 27.99% moderately dense forests and 61.74% open forests. The state has a climate ranging from moist tropical to moist subtropical (State of Forests Report, 2013).

Based on past studies as well as from the field observations, Singh et al. (2002) described the forest types of the state based mainly on altitude, rainfall and dominant species composition. The classification is as follows:

1) Tropical Wet Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests

These forests usually occur below an altitude of 900 m and form one of the major forest types of the state with rich species diversity. Patches of these forests can be seen usually on the steep slopes, rocky and steady riverbanks and areas not suitable for shifting cultivation. The exact distinction between the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests is difficult as they occur in the areas of similar characteristics where rainfall averages between 2,000 – 2,500 mm annually and temperature varies between 20oC to 22oC. Tropical wet evergreen forests are met usually in southern and western part of Mizoram, while semi-evergreen forests occur in northern, north- western and central part of state.

The tropical wet evergreen forests exhibit clear zonation or canopies consisting of an admixture of numerous species with dense and impenetrable herbaceous undergrowth. Most of the species of the top canopy are evergreen trees with tall boles. Cauliflory is rather common. The middle and lower canopies are dense, evergreen and diverse. Epiphytes and parasites are few. Tree ferns, aroides, palms, ferns, orchids, bryophytes and lichens are fairly common. Lianas are frequent and conspicuous, sedges and grasses are common in humid places or along the banks of rivers and rivulets. Species of Musa are also common along the streams on hilly slopes.

In exposed and drier areas, having a thin layer of soil, deciduous elements along with some evergreen trees are found. Sometimes these are grouped as distinct type, referred as tropical moist deciduous forests. The distinction between the tropical evergreen forests and tropical moist deciduous forests is

31 difficult as they are found in the small hill ranges.

The third storey of canopy consists of smaller trees and shrubs with maximum floristic diversity.

2) Montane Sub-Tropical Forests

These forests are usually found between 900 m and 1,500 m altitude in the eastern fringes bordering Chin Hills of Myanmar, and places which are cooler and have less precipitation. Sub- tropical vegetation shows mixed pine forests. The common species of these forests are Castanopsis purpurella Duabanga grandiflora, Myristica spp., Phoebe goalparensis, Pinus kesiya, Podocarpus neriifolia, Prunus cerasoides, Quercus acutissima, Q. semiserrata, Schima wallichii, etc.

3) Temperate Forests

These forests usually occur above the elevation of 1,600 m in areas like Lengteng, Naunuarzo, Pharpak, Thaltlang, Phawngpui reserve forests and display impenetrable virgin primary forests. These forests are not typical temperate forests as found elsewhere in eastern Himalaya. The predominant arboreal elements in the forests are Pinus kesiya, Actinodaphne microptera, Betula alnoides, Exbucklandia populnea, Elaeocarpus serratus, Dillenia pentagya, Michelia doltsopa, M. Champaca, Garcinia anomala, Schisandra neglecta, Photinia intergrifolia, Litsea salicifolia, Myrica esculenta, Lithocarpus dealbata, Rhododendron arboreum, etc.

4) Bamboo Forests

Bamboos usually grow as an under-storey to the tree species in tropical evergreen and sub- tropical mixed-deciduous forests, whereas Melocanna baccifera forms dense or pure forests in certain areas in the State. Large tracts of bamboos are seen throughout Mizoram but their distribution is somewhat restricted to about 1,600 m and below. They occur mostly between 40 m and 1,520 m in tropical and sub-tropical areas respectively. Few species occur in temperature areas in Blue Mountain and Mount Chalfilh. It appears that bamboos have resulted from jhumming system of cultivation (Deb and Dutta, 1987). For practicing jhum cultivation the forests are burnt and tree species are destroyed but the bamboo rhizomes throw out new culms as soon as favourable temperature and seasonal monsoon arrive. Therefore, in abandoned jhumland they are the first coloniser and grow rapidly. Some important associates found growing along with bamboos are Emblica officinalis, Litsea monopetala, Pterospermum acerifolium, Terminalia myriocarpa, Caryota mitis, Artocartus chama, Duabanga grandiflora, Albizia procera, Gmelina arborea, Syzygium species (Singh et al., 2002).

5) Quercus Forests

These forests are mostly found intermingled in sub-tropical and temperate areas. Pure patches or predominate Quercus griffithiana is present near -Baite hill ranges and its distribution is restricted to other small areas in the eastern part of Mizoram. Lithocarpus dealbata is other main species (Singh et al., 2002).

6) Jhumland

Jhumlands are very common in Mizoram. They are classified variously as current jhumland, old jhumland and abandoned jhumland. Jhumlands are more prevalent in eastern Mizoram where extensive and intensive jhumming is practiced. Similarly, the areas in western side in Lunglei district towards Bangladesh have also jhumlands.

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3.1.1 Dampa Tiger Reserve

The Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in the western part of Mizoram, in Mamit district. It is surrounded by Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh to the West, Tripura state, Mamit and Kawrthah forest divisions to the North, and Mamit forest divisions to the South and East. The area lies in the Lushai hills, a series of parallel mountain ranges allied to Arakhan Yoma arc. Dampa Tiger Reserve lies between 92° E to 92° E ad ° N to 23° N. The Topi of Cae passes though Dampa Tiger Reserve near the range office at Phuldungsei.

The riverine area towards the east and the west of Dampa, along the Khawthland Tuipui (also known as Sazalui or the Tui-lianpui river towards west and the Teirei river towards east) was declared as Reserved Forest in 1952. Beginning in the early 1960s, small hamlets began to be established in Dampa for intensive cultivation in the lower reaches, which had a detrimental effect on the biodiversity of the area. Dampa was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974 and re-notified in 1985 with a view to conserve the fast deteriorating natural wealth. Dampa was declared as a Tiger Reserve vide Government of Mizoram gazette notification No. B-11011/14/90-FST, on 7th December 1994, after its approval from the Government of India. The total area of Dampa Tiger Reserve is 988 km2 out of which 500 km2 area is core zone or critical tiger habitat and 488 km2 area is buffer zone Area (vide Notification No.B.12011/14/2009-FSTdt. 16.3.2011). Details of core zone and buffer zone is shown in Figure 6.

Major fauna that are found in the reserve include Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Wild Dog, Sambar, Barking Deer, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Hoolock Gibbon, Bunturon, Procupine, Slow Loris, Jungle Cat, Pangolin, Black Bear, Giant Squirrel, Common Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Wild Pig and Otter. There are no records of direct sighting of tigers in the Dampa Tiger Reserve. However, there are collateral evidences such as pugmarks and scats that indicate presence of Tigers in the area. Furthermore, there is a prey-base available for the Tiger in the reserve that supports possibilities of surviving tiger population.

The main flora consists of vegetation such as Dipterocarpus turbinatus, D. macrocarpus, Artrocarpus chalpasa, Adina cordinofolia, Duabanga sonneratiodes, Chukrasia tabularis, Amoora wallichii, Syzygium cumini and Toona ciliate. Bamboo Bombax ceiba and cane is also found. Based on Champion and Seth Classification, the vegetation of Dampa Tiger Reserve can be categorised into the following forest types:

1) Tropical Evergreen and Semi Evergreen Forests; 2) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests; 3) Sub - Montane type.

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Figure 6: Map of Dampa Tiger Reserve

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3.1.2 Buffer Zone

3.1.2.1 About the Area

Legal Status, or Constitution

The Government of Mizoram as provided under section 38V of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, notified an area of 488 km2 as the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve, as inclusive agenda vide Notification No. B.12011/14/2009 - FST dated 16.3.2011. However a petition is pending in the for denotification of the Dampa Tiger Reserve.

Location

The buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in the Mamit district of Mizoram along the western limit of the state. It spans across two community development blocks – and West Phaileng. The area is located approximately between 23°47'62"– 23°20'72" N and 92°19'37"– 92°31'44" E, and lies in the Lushai Hills, a series of parallel north-south oriented ranges allied to the Rakhine - Yoma arc. The terrain is mountainous and is well dissected by numerous drainage channels.

Geology

Terrain of buffer zone is highly undulating and rugged in nature consisting of alternating ridges and valleys with a tendency to taper at both ends.

Extent

The total buffer covers an area of 488 km2.

3.1.2.2 Land-use Patterns

All land in the buffer zone belongs to the state but the village councils exercise complete control over them. The following land use classifications are identified from the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve:

Primary Forests

These forests are confined to the steep slopes and hilltops and have remained untouched, as it is practically impossible to fell and transport timber from such areas or convert it for shifting cultivation. These forests provide a range of non-timber forest produce in the form of edible vegetables and herbs. A number of VCs such as Lallen, Saitha, Phuldungsei, Chhippui/Kawnmawi and Serhmun still have such primary forests. Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihoods Improvement Project identified many of these forests as Biologically Significant Areas due to their high biodiversity values.

Non-Primary (Predominantly Tree) Forests

These forests are predominantly tree forests punctuated by bamboo. They are a source of timber and non-timber forest produce for the locals, as large quantities of such products are extracted from these forests. All local demands (subsistence as well as commercial) of timber are met from this category of forests. These forests are also thought to provide significant refuge to wild .

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Current Jhum and Bamboo Forests3

Shifting cultivation is the dominant land use category in the buffer zone of the Dampa Tiger Reserve. This category of land use includes current jhum fields and regenerating fallow and forestlands, where bamboo forests are generally dominated and with lower density of standing trees in the more advanced successional stages.

Plantations and Orchards

This category of land use represents artificially generated tree cover and includes plantations under eco- development schemes as well as private orchards and teak plantations. A small proportion of the village council land has been brought under such plantations. The area under private fruit orchards is relatively large and scattered. Plantations undertaken by Eco-development Committees or Village Forest Development Committees are owned by the community while orchards and other teak plantations are privately owned. Since 2007, a number of oil palm and rubber plantations are being established (Plate 1) in erstwhile community/village lands that were earlier cultivated for jhum or valley rice cultivation. These lands have gone from community/village to private ownership, including by 'periodic patta' and are hence reducing village land available to jhumias.

Habitation and Infrastructure

This category includes human settlements (concrete buildings, thatched roof and bamboo houses) and infrastructures (such as roads, schools, churches, etc). The villages in the buffer zone are divided into vengs or localities. A household compound normally has a house, a backyard garden and a pigsty.

3 Source: Raman et al. 1998

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Plate 1: Oil Palm: seeds (above) and plantation (below)

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Plate 2: Habitat of Dampa Tiger Reserve: (Clockwise from top left) - Bamboo thicket; Clearing for Jhum Cultivation; A Typical habitat of Dampa Tiger Reserve with the dominant tree {Dipterocarpus Indiicus} and a landscape of Dampa Tiger Reserve.

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3.1.2.3 Status of Tiger and Co-Predators

Not much is known of the distribution of tigers and its co-predators in the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve although there are frequent sightings of leopards and wild dogs from this area. Even tigers were occasionally heard, reported and recorded through pugmarks in areas such as Phullu Ram, Varihaw, Zopui and Herhsel4, but there is no direct sighting of tigers in the buffer zone.

No systematic study has been carried out to know the status of tigers and co-predators in the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve.

Nothing is known of the prey-predator relationship in the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve.

Moreover, some threats have been assessed that are common to tigers and co-predators in the buffer zone. These are:

Poaching/Hunting

Hunting/poaching are the main threats to the Tiger and its co-predators in the buffer zone of the reserve. Hunting of Tigers and its co-predators has not been reported so far although their prey is frequently hunted. Villagers usually hunt crop-aidig poleati ugulates, hih are also the main prey base of these predators, particularly along the eastern and northern areas of the buffer.

Shifting Cultivation

Shifting cultivation is still a predominant form of agriculture in the buffer area. Although its intensity has reduced in the buffer area, partly due to the New Land Use Policy initiative of the Government of Mizoram that encourages farmers to adopt alternative agricultural practices, it still remains active in many villages. Although patches of forest are cleared and burnt every year, the shifting cultivation system requires that for each hectare that is cultivated, around 5 to 10 Ha is retained as regenerating forests in the landscape (for cultivation in subsequent years). This allows the persistence of substantial areas under regenerating bamboo and secondary forests, which provide forest cover and wildlife habitat as corridor in the landscape.

Roads

The road network in the buffer zone of the reserve is a constant threat as animals might get mowed down by speeding vehicles. The roads also facilitate the growth of invasive species such as Eupatorium, Mimosa, Lantana and Mikaenia.

Wild Fires

Wild fire is another threat to the habitats of tiger and co-predator in the buffer zone of the reserve. Jhum fires are generally well contained, but occasionally 'escape' leading to fire spreading through the leaf litter in a wider area. Teak plantations established in the landscape are also prone to fire as the trees are deciduous and the dry leaf litter during summer is susceptible to fires.

3.1.2.4 History of Management

Conservation and Forest Management History

4 Source: Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihoods Improvement Project, 2007.

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The buffer area of Dampa Tiger Reserve comes under two Territorial Forest Divisions: Kawrthah and Mamit. While Kawrthah division is managed by a Working Plan, which was approved by the MoEFCC in 2006, the Mamit Division continues to be administered on the basis of a Working Scheme. A brief conservation and forest management history of each Forest Division is given below:

Kawrthah Forest Division

Past History and Current Practices

There are five notified forests under Kawrthah Forest Division with total area of 747 km2. Parts of these forests fall within the buffer zone of the Tiger Reserve. Out of these five Reserved Forests, three Reserved Forests, namely, Teirei Riverine forest, Langkaih Riverine forest and Khawthlangtuipui Riverine forest (not in buffer zone) were notified on 19th May, 1965, Tut–Langkaih Protected Council Reserved Forest on 24th June, 1970 and Rengdil Pond Reserved Forest (which falls outside the buffer zone of the reserve) was pre-notified on 12th August, 1984. Assam Government notified all Reserved Forests except Rengdil Pond Reserved Forest when Mizoram was still a part of Assam.

Riverine reserves usually comprise half a mile (800 m) on both sides of an entire length of a river. Tut- Langkaih Protected Reserve covers about 94.5% of the entire geographical area of Kawrthah Division, thus, overlaps with all other Reserved Forests.

The villagers under the Tut-Langkaih Council Reserved Forest was given the customary jhuming right at the rate of 5 acres (2 ha) per household per year on five-year cycle. They were further granted rights to collect minor forest produce for domestic purpose but the commercial use of these products was prohibited. Timber from unreserved species has also been granted for subsistence use only.

The Working Plan of Kawrthah was approved in 2006. Earlier, when Kawrthah Division did not have any Working Plan, the extraction and movement of forest produce was governed as per the provisions of Mizoram (Forest) Act, 1955. There was a system of leasing out bamboo, non-timber forest produce, fishery, sand, etc on Mahal system but timber produce was controlled on royalty basis. Royalty varied from species to species, which were classified in the Mizoram (Forest) Act, 1955.

The Mizoram State Government notified Joint Forest Management (JFM) resolution on 18th September 1998. Since then all afforestation programmes were carried out under the umbrella of Joint Forest Management Committee. As per the guidelines, Village Forest Development Committees and Forest Development Agency have been formed at village and divisional level respectively. Guidelines for constitution of Forest Development Agency in the state of Mizoram were notified on 5th November 2001 and are presently functioning in Kawrthah Forest Division. Total 10 of Village Forest Development Committees have been formed under Kawrthah Forest Development Agency with a target area of 600 Ha for plantation during the current five-year plan with a financial target of Rs. 53.94 lakhs.

Mamit Forest Division

Past History and Current Practices

Mamit Forest Division is one of the most important suppliers of timber to Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. Except range, all other five ranges had extracted timber unsustainably in the past, especially Saithah Range. After T. N. Godaverman case of December 1996, the harvesting was stopped but the damage done was already beyond repair. The MoEFCC thereafter put all afforestation schemes under an umbrella scheme called National Afforestation Programme, which began in 2002. Mamit Forest Division has been implementing the National Afforestation Programe schemes through 26 Village

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Forest Development Scheme. Main activity of majority of the Village Forest Development Committees is creation of plantations. 3.2 Socio-economic Profile

Mizo, Reang or Bru and Chakma are three major ethnic communities in the buffer area of Dampa Tiger Reserve. Apart from these communities; the buffer also has significant population of people from Dumka district of , , Myanmar and ethnic from Manipur and Bangladesh.

3.2.1 Locations of Villages

The table below indicates the GPS locations of the villages in the study area. The elevation range of the sampled villages was found to be in range of 700m to 900m. Actual site photo of villages are gicven in Plate 2. Table 1: Locations of Villages

Name of Village GPS Location of the village Elevation (m)

West Phaileng 23026.888 N and 92025.702 E 736

Phuldungsei 23028.425 N and 92025.538 E 893

Saithah 23034.881 N and 92028.659 E 787

Lallen 23037.251 N and 92027.762 E 759

Kawnmawii 23039.189 N and 92028.716 E 705

Plate 3: Villages in the Study Area: Clockwise from top left: Kawnmawi Village; Phulpui village; Saithat Village; Phuldungsei Village; West Phaileng village and Lallen Village.

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3.2.2 Demographics

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The chart below shows the demographic profile for all six villages under the study area. The total number of households in all these villages is 1338.

Figure 7: Demographic Profile of Six Villages in Buffer Area of Dampa Tiger Reserve

450 428 400 350 350 300 250 176 200 161 145 150 No. householdsof 100 78 50 0 West Kawnmawi Lallen Saithah Phuldungsei West Phulpui Phaileng Name of the village

Population details

According to the 2011 census, the total population of the villages is 6306, out of which West Phaileng is the largest village and Saithah is the smallest village in the area.

Figure 8: Population Details of Six Villages in Buffer Area of Dampa Tiger Reserve

2500 2196

2000 1606 1500 11121084 1000 860 824 782

Population 646 672 444 416 500 398 326 341 332 248 165 161 0 West Phaileng Kawnmawi Lallen Saithah Phuldungsei West Phulpui Name of the village

Male Female Total

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3.2.3 Gender Ratio

The overall gender ratio in all the six villages is 1013 females to every 1000 male. This is in fact greater than the gender ratio of the state, which is 975 females per 1000 males (2011 census). The individual village-wise gender ratio is shown in the chart below.

Figure 9: Gender Ratios

2000 [VALUE] 1500 [VALUE] [VALUE] [VALUE] [VALUE] [VALUE] 1000

500

0 West Phaileng Kawnmawi Lallen Saithah Phuldungsei West Phulpui

3.2.4 Livelihood

The economy of the buffer area is predominantly agrarian. However, the region has strong economic linkages with cities such as Aizawl, Karimganj and Silchar despite being remote and rural. Typical livelihood of people in the buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve consists of the following activities5:

Salaried Employment: People who are employed in the government/non-government sectors fall into this category. Apart from generating income from the salary, many of them are also engaged in petty trade and are contractors for different projects. The Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihoods Improvement Project found that on average 10% families in Mizo villages had some form of regular income. This figure fell to 5% in Bru and Chakma villages pointing to the marginalisation of these communities within this landscape.

Agriculture and Allied Activities: More than 90% of the population is engaged in shifting cultivation or jhum, though it may or may not be their primary source of income. Few of them are also engaged in horticulture, wet rice cultivation and fisheries.

The majority of farmers in the area are involved in farming of cash crops. Some of the major cash crops grown in the area are Paddy, Sugarcane, Pumpkin, Chilli, Papaya, Paan, Parkia, Guava, Orange, Jackfruit, Mango, Citrus, Pumpkin, Areca nut, Palmoil, Coffee. Oilpalm etc. It is a usual practice for the farmers to grow multiple crops together with paddy. Some of the most common crops mixed with paddy are maize, brinjal, chilli, sesame, peas, pumpkin and white pumpkin.

Wage Labour: Wages from occasional as well as contractual labour are a substantial source of income for weaker sections of the community in the buffer area. The category of households that depend on wages for sustenance is large and includes all those families who either cannot produce enough from agriculture and allied activities or do not have an alternate source of permanent income such as a salaried job or a shop, etc. According to a village survey carried out by the Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihoods Improvement Project, 400 families were found to be dependent on wage labour for sustenance. The wage labour can be categorised as jhum and orchard labour, BRTF labour and other

5 Source: Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihoods Improvement Project, 2007.

44 contractual labour in Government Departments. The employment situation has improved after the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and more arrays of livelihoods in other developmental activities.

Craftsmanship: Almost every family in the buffer zone is engaged in the manufacture of bamboo and cane handicrafts as well as weaving. Such practices are very common among the tribes who live in the buffer zone. However, the market for such products is very limited.

Collection of Non-timber Forest Produce: Collection of non-timber forest produce produce such as bamboo, bamboo-shoot, cane, cane- shoot, herbs, edible plants, crabs and fish is common from the adjoining forests. However, there is only a limited market for cane-shoots, fishes, prawns and crabs while no market exists for the other products. With time however, these products continue to become rare. Bamboo shoot and bamboo are the most abundant non-timber forest produce and are used heavily by the marginalised sections of the local community.

Primary data survey reveals that majority of the population in the area is engaged in agriculture, followed by wage earning in the nearby towns. Most of the farmers are having marginal land-holdings; agriculture activities are mainly self-sustaining in nature. The income details for five sampled households in the area are provided below in Table 2.

Table 2: Livelihood Details

Name of Head of the Family Details Total land Annual Major Village Family holding of Income Source of Male Female Total the family (‘ INR) Income (ha)

Phungdunsei Vanlalrua 3 3 6 2.5 200 - 250 Agriculture

Phungdungsei J.H Lalthanpuia 3 2 5 3.0 300-400 Agriculture

Saithah C. Vanramduah 3 2 5 2.5 300-350 Agriculture

Lallen F. Alsawmzuala 3 3 6 3.5 300-400 Agriculture

Kawnmawii Vanlalruati 1 2 3 1.5 150-200 Agriculture (widow lady)

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4 Impact Assessment

4.1 Study Approach or Methodology

The assessment of any of impacts of developmental activities on biodiversity including flora and fauna depends on a first hand understanding of the proposed activities, its magnitude/extent, scale and ecological conditions in the surrounding area. Collection of comprehensive baseline information on flora and fauna is therefore a prerequisite for assessment of impacts of development activities. It would also help in advance planning and mitigate the impacts and ultimately managing the natural habitats and resources. The detailed methodology used for data collection and logical analysis in order to achieve the objectives of the study is discussed in this chapter.

In order to get the first hand information about the project settings and biodiversity status in the area adjoining the proposed transmission line, field surveys were conducted. Further, as part of the data collection process, the assessment team undertook a review of the relevant literature also, in addition to iteies ith the oeed stakeholdes, iludig foest depatet offiials, POWE‘G‘IDs officials and villagers in the vicinity of Dampa Tiger Reserve. The field assessment and survey/sampling was conducted during post-monsoon period between October, 2015, to January, 2016, after obtaining the requisite permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Mizoram. (Annexure 1)

Sampling Strategy

As per the route alignment survey, the total line length of the proposed 132 kV West Phaileng to Marpara is 55 km including 33 km inside buffer zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve from West Phaileng substation to the border of Dampa Tiger Reserve.

Based on the discussions with the POWERGRID officials, it was understood that the RoW of 132 kV Transmission Line would be approximately 27 m. It was further decided that the width of the patch of forest to be covered east of the road in the buffer zone will be 30 m. And the total length of the line that was covered in the buffer zone while our team conducted the field assessment came out to be 44 km taking into consideration that the road abutting the transmission line route alignment was winding and sloping. Thus, the total area covered for the field assesment of the project comes around 13,20,000 m2.

Forest in this stretch is mostly evergreen, dense in patches especially towards West Pulpui and moderately dense and open in rest of the areas. Considering the forest type and canopy density, a sampling intensity of 1% was selected, bringing the total sample size to 13,200 m2. A standard quadrat size of 20 m by 30 m will yield around 22 quadrats. Later, the number of quadrats was increased to 30 after fixing of the final point at West Phaileng (for details refer Plate 4). Each quadrat was laid at a distance of 1.5 km along the patch considering the villages, farm lands (orange, oil palm, and ginger), jhum lands and watershed project areas coming in between. Table 3 shows details of coordinates and elevations of the quadrats laid during field study/sampling.

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Plate 4: Assessment Teams: Assam Biodiversity Board and Power Grid assessment team (above) and GICIA assessment team (below)

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Plate 5: Locations of Field Quadrats along the Transmision Line in the Buffer Zone

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Table 3: GPS positions of field quadrats

Quadrats Coordinates Altitude Ranges (M)

1 230. N 0. E - 230. N 0. E 703-729

2 230. N 0. E - 230. N 0. E 698-719

3 230. N 0. E - 230. N 0. E 697-708

4 230. N 0. E -230. N 0. E 670-690

5 230. N 0. E - 230. N 0. E 630-652

6 230. N 025.511 E -230. N 0. E 680-693

7 230. N 0. E -230. N 0. E 794-820

8 230. N 0. E - 230. N 0. E 825-865

9 230. N 0. E - 230. N 0. E 821-838

10 230. N 025. E - 230. N 0. E 879-913

11 230. N 0. E - 230. N 0. E 905-917

12 230. N 0. E - 230. N 0. E 926-931

13 230. N 920. E - 230. N 920. E 714-743

14 23035.12 N 920. E - 230. N 920. E 736-749

15 230. N 920. E - 230. N 920. E 772-789

16 230. N 920. E - 230. N 920. E 739-769

17 230. N 920. E - 230. N 920. E 758-772

18 230. N 92028.108 E - 230. N 920. E 724-746

19 230. N 0. E - 230. N 0. E 635-660

20 230. N 920. E - 230. N 920. E 719-738

21 230. N 920. E - 230. N 920. E 738-760

22 230. N 920. E - 230. N 92028. E 736-748

23 230. N 920. E - 230. N 920. E 713-725

24 230 39.900 N 920 29.110 E - 230 39.888 N 920 29.116 E 730-733

25 230 . N 0 28. E - 23037.836 N 92028.066 E 724-728

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26 230 35.157 N 920 27.056 E - 230 . N 920 27.668E 706-710

27 230 30.827 N 920 25.242 - E 230 30.831 N 920 25.252E 864-869

29 230 . N 0 25.655 E - 230 25.135 N 920 25.661E 707-710

30 230 22.55 N 920 .. E - 230 . N 0 25.957 E 767-762

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Habitat Survey

The habitat survey was done through quadrats and transects method. Coordinates of all the 30 quadrats from the starting point to the end point were noted. Other features encountered along the way such as existing villages, farmlands, jhum lands etc (Table 4) were also noted.

In each quadrat all the tree species above 10 cm girth were noted at breast height and width. The number of species in each quadrat and number of individuals for each species were recorded. In each quadrat, 5 m by 5 m regeneration plots were laid to count the number of herb species, climbers, ferns, orchids, seedlings etc.

Considerations of tree, shrub and herb was based on their height from ground level. A plant of less than 0.5 m was considered herb, while plant from 0.5 m to 2.0 m in height and less than 10 cm girth at base was considered shrub. Whereas tall plants with more than 10 cm girth at base and more than 1.5 m in height were categorised as trees. Sighting of mammals, reptiles, birds and butterflies or their signs were also recorded.

Table 4: GPS positions of farmlands along West Phaileng – Marpara 132 kV Transmission Line S. No Farm Land Coordinates Elevation

1 Jhum land 230. N - 92025. E 645 m

2 Orange Farm 230. N - 92025 E 626 m

3 Jhum land 230. N - 920. E 628 m

4 Orange Farm 230. N - 920. E 634 m

5 Oil Palm 230. N - 920. E 659 m

6 Agroforestry land 230. N - 920. E 684 m

7 Agroforestry Land 230. N - 92025.5 E 739 m

8 Mixed Farm 230. N - 920. E 890 m

9 Mixed Farm 230. N - 920. E 835 m

10 Watershed Project 230. N - 920. E 739 m (IWDP)

11 Mixed Farm 230. N - 92025.222 E 890 m

12 Mixed Farm 230. N - 920. E 835 m

13 Watershed Project 230. N - 920. E 889 m (IWDP)

14 Orange Plantation 230. N - 920. E 865 m (IWDP)

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15 Jhum Land 230. N - 920. E 844 m

16 Orange Plantation 230. N - 920. E 821 m (IWDP)

17 Orange Plantation 230. N - 920. E 791 m (IWDP)

18 Orange Plantation 230. N - 920. E 757 m (IWDP)

19 Orange Plantation 230. N - 920. E 762 m (IWDP)

20 Fish Pond (IWDP) 23035. N - 920. E 715 m

21 Oil Palm 230. N - 920. E 766 m

22 Ginger cultivation 230. N - 920. E 790 m

23 Oil Palm & Orange 230. N - 92027. E 744 m

24 Oil Palm 230. N - 920. E 737 m

25 Oil Palm (IWDP) 230. N - 920. E 749 m

26 Old Age Home 230. N - 920. E 748 m Proposed Land

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Plate 6: Photographs of Field Recordings

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Impact Assessment

The team attempted to assess and evaluate the impacts of the construction and operation of the transmission line on the biodiversity values within the Dampa Tiger Reserve. The impact assessment is majorly restricted to impacts on the biodiversity values, and does not take into account any possible impacts on the ecological services offered by the forest tract in consideration. Such a study will involve collection of multi-year data, and the viability of the same can be accessed only after the specific changes to the project area are undertaken as part of the project establishment. The major impacts were identified based on point of action as belonging to 3 categories viz:

Direct impacts: impacts that are caused directly by the activity and generally occur at the same time and at the place of the activity. These impacts are usually associated with the construction, operation or maintenance of an activity and are generally obvious and quantifiable.

Indirect impacts: are indirect or induced changes that may occur as a result of the activity. These types of impacts include all the potential impacts that do not manifest immediately when the activity is undertaken or which occur at a different place as a result of the activity.

Cumulative impacts: are those impacts that result from the incremental impact of the proposed activity on a common resource when added to the impacts of other past, present or reasonably foreseeable future activities. Cumulative impacts can occur from the collective impacts of individual minor actions over a period of time and can include both direct and indirect impacts.

Data Analysis

All the data with respect to the floral and faunal biodiversity was collected and analysed. A checklist of the available flora and fauna of the project area was prepared.

Checklist of flora will have the following information:

Common and botanical name of the species, family name, habitat (tree, shrub, herb, climber, fern, grass etc) of the species, Rare Endangered and Threatened status as per the IUCN red data book and any other special remark.

Checklist of fauna is separately prepared for mammals, reptiles, birds, butterflies, and their zoological name, common name, family and conservation status.

Further, a relative measure of biodiversity with the baseline was undertaken using the following indices:

Calculation of Importance Value Index (IVI)

Importance Value Index is helpful to know the predominant tree species of the area along with the predominant family of plants.

Importance Value Index has three components namely Relative Dominance, Relative frequency and Relative density given by the following formulae:

. Relative Dominance= basal area of species A/ basal area of all species x 100 . Relative Density= number of individuals of species A/ total no. of all individuals x 100 . Relative frequency= frequency value of species A/ frequency value of all species x 100

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. Importance Value Index = Relative Dominance + Relative Density + Relative Frequency

Species Richness

Richness R simply quantifies how many different types the dataset of interest contains. For example, species richness (usually notated S) of a dataset is the number of different species in the corresponding species list. Richness is a simple measure, so it has been a popular diversity index in ecology, where abundance data are often not available for the datasets of interest. Because richness does not take the abundances of the types into account, it is not the same thing as diversity, which does take abundances into account. However, if true diversity is calculated with q = 0, the effective number of types (0D) equals the actual number of types (R).

Shannon Index

The Shannon index has been a popular diversity index in the ecological literature, where it is also known as Shannon's diversity index, the Shannon–Wiener index, the Shannon–Weiner index and the Shannon entropy. The Shannon entropy quantifies the uncertainty (entropy or degree of surprise) associated with this prediction. It is most often calculated as follows:

Where, pi is the proportion of characters belonging to the type of letter in the string of interest. In ecology, pi is often the proportion of individuals belonging to the species in the dataset of interest. Then the Shannon entropy quantifies the uncertainty in predicting the species identity of an individual that is taken at random from the dataset.

Simpson Index

The Simpson index was introduced by Edward H. Simpson to measure the degree of concentration when individuals are classified into types.

The measure equals the probability that two entities taken at random from the dataset of interest represent the same type.

This also equals the weighted arithmetic mean of the proportional abundances pi of the types of interest, with the proportional abundances themselves being used as the weights. Proportional abundances are by definition constrained to values between zero and unity, but their weighted aitheti ea, ad hee λ ≥ /‘, hih is eahed he all tpes ae euall audat.

After compiling the data from all the quadrats the above-mentioned analysis will be done. Among them Importance Value Insex is calculated manually and for the other three parameters suitable statistical software like PAST will be used. 4.2 Field Observations and Data Analysis

Habitat and Vegetation Zones

Based on the various plant assemblages, canopy density and other features of the proposed site, the following four major vegetation zones can be broadly identified in the proposed project site in Dampa buffer zone.

i. Very Dense Forest with Good Ground Cover: found in most parts of West Pulpui area, small parts of Phungdungsui and Kawnmawi areas.

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ii. Moderate Dense Forest with Good Ground Cover: found in small parts of West Pulpui, Pungdungsui and Lallen, Saithai and Kawnmawi areas. iii. Open Forest with Good Ground Cover: found in most parts of Lallen, Saithai and parts of Kawnmawi areas. iv. Open Forest with Weeds: found in small parts of Phungdungsui, Saithai and many parts of Lallen, Kawnmawi areas.

Flora

A total of 203 species of plants belonging to 160 genera and 73 families were documented from the study site. Out of this, 96 species of trees; 86 species of herbs, shrubs and climbers; and 21 species of bamboo, orchids and ferns were documented. Details of tree species are provided in Table 6; herbs, shrubs and climbers in Table 7; and bamboo, orchids and ferns in Table 8.

Total 79 species occurring within 30 sample plots were considered for calculation of diversity indices and Importance Value Index. Details of relative frequency, density, dominance and Importance Value Index of identified species is presented in Table 9 and percentage wise distribution of species is shown in Figure 8.

During present study the actual tree enumeration in the complete corridor was not carried out. However, total tree count has been extrapolated based on density/nos. of trees recorded in 30 sampling quadrats. The analysis of the same depicts that 7370 trees may be impacted during construction of said transmission line in buffer zone for construction of 78 towers considering an area of 12m x 12m for each tower base and 6m below conductor for 33km stretch of line. Details of quadrat-wise tree count is placed as annexure 2.

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Table 5: Identified Tree species in the sampling areas

Name of the Species Common Name Family IUCN Status

Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Ngan bawm Caesalpiniaceae Not assessed6

Alangium chinense Arsarimnam Alangiaceae Not assessed

Albizia chinensis Vang Mimosaceae Not assessed

Albizzia procera Kangtek Mimosaceae Not assessed

Alphonsea lutea Zawngbalhla Annonaceae Not assessed

Alstonia scholaris Thuamriat Apocynaceae Lower risk

Anthocephalus chinensis Banphar Rubiaceae Not assessed

Apourosa octandra Chhawn tual Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Areca catechu Kuhva-kung Arecaceae Not assessed

Artocarpus chama Tatkawng Moraceae Not assessed

Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamkhuang Moraceae Not assessed

Artocarpus lakoocha Theitat Moraceae Not assessed

Baccaurea ramiflora Pangkai Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Balacata baccata Thing-vawk-pui Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Bauhinia variegate Vaube Ceasalpinaceae Least concern

Beilschmedia roxburghiana Khuang hlang Lauraceae Not assessed

Betula cylindrostachya Hriang- zau Betulaceae Not assessed

Bischofia javanica Khuangthli Phyllanthaceae Not assessed

Boehmeria rugulosa Len-lang Urticaceae Not assessed

Bombax ceiba Phunchawng Bombacaceae Not assessed

Bombax insigne Pang Bombacaceae Not assessed

Bridelia retusa Thing-phak-tel Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Calicarpa arborea Hnahkiah Verbenaceae Not assessed

6 Not-assessed/not-evaluated means the taxon has not yet been assessed or evaluated against the IUCN criteria. For details of IUCN categorisation please refer annexure 3.

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Caryota urens Tum Arecaceae Not assessed

Cassia fistula Ngaingaw Caesalpiniaceae Not assessed

Cassia javanica Mak-pa-zang-kang Caesalpiniaceae Not assessed

Castanopsis tribuloides Then mim Fagaceae Not assessed

Celtis timorensis Thinghmarcha Ulmaceae Not assessed

Choerospondias axillaris thei-khuang-chawn Anacardiaceae Not assessed

Chukrasia velutina Zawng tei Meliaceae Not assessed

Cinnamomun obtusifolum Thakthibngsuak Lauraceae Not assessed

Cinnamomun verum Thakthing Lauraceae Not assessed

Colona floribunda Hnah-thap Tiliaceae Not assessed

Cordia fragrantissima Mukpui Boraginaceae Not assessed

Dalbergia obtusifolia Bianghrei Fabaceae Not assessed

Dendrocnide sinuate Thak-pui Urticaceae Not assessed

Derris robusta Thingkha Papilionaceae Not assessed

Dipterocarpus indicus Lawngthing Dipterocarpaceae Endangered

Duabanga grandiflora Zuang Sonneratiaceae Not assessed

Dyospyros stricta Thing sam kir Ebenaceae Not assessed

Dysoxylum binectariforum Sa ha tah Meliaceae Not assessed

Elaeocarpus serratus Vantha Elaeocarpaceae Not assessed

Emblica officinalis Sun hlu Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Erythrina variegate Fartuah Fabaceae Least concern

Eurya cerasifolia Sihneh Theaceae Not assessed

Eurya japonica Sihneh Theaceae Not assessed

Ficus auriculata Theibal Moraceae Not assessed

Ficus elastica Thialret Moraceae Not assessed

Ficus hirta Sazutheipui Moraceae Not assessed

Ficus hispida Paihtemaian Moraceae Not assessed

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Ficus racemose Chhohe Moraceae Not assessed

Ficus semicordata Theipui Moraceae Not assessed

Gmelina arborea Thlanvawng Verbenaceae Not assessed

Gmelina oblongifolia Vawngthla Verbenaceae Not assessed

Grewia laevigata Varitabelkang Tiliaceae Not assessed

Heteropanax fragrans Changkhen Araliaceae Not assessed

Knema linifolia Thingthi Myristicaceae Not assessed

Ligustrum robustrum Chawmzil Oleaceae Not assessed

Lithocarpus pachyphyllus Thil Fagaceae Not assessed

Litsea cubeba Sernam Lauraceae Not assessed

Macaranga indica Hnahkhar Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Macaranga peltata Kharduap Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Macaranga pustulata Hnahkharpa Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Mallotus paniculatus Khar-pa Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Mangifera indica Theihai Anacardiaceae Not assessed

Manihot esculenta Pangbal Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Mesua ferrae Herhse Guttiferea Not assessed

Michelia champaca Ngiau Magnoliaceae Not assessed

Neolitsea umbrosa Thakthing-suak Lauraceae Not assessed

Neonauclea purpurea Lungkhup Rubiaceae Not assessed

Olea dioica Sevuak Oleaceae Not assessed

Oroxylum indicum Archangkawm Bignopniaceae Not assessed

Parkia timoriana Zawngtah Mimosaceae Not assessed

Persea villosa Bul bawn Lauraceae Not assessed

Phoebe hainesiana Bul-eng Lauraceae Not assessed

Protium serratum Bil Burseraceae Not assessed

Rhus semialata Khawm hma Anacardiaceae Not assessed

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Sapium baccatum Thing vak pui Euphorbiaceae Not assessed

Sapium eugeniaefolium Thingvawkpuikungm Euphorbiaceae Not assessed am

Saraca asoca Mual hawih Caesalpiniaceae Not assessed

Schima wallichii Khiang Theaceae Not assessed

Securinega virosa Sai siak Phyllanthaceae Not assessed

Spondias pinata Tawitaw Moraceae Not assessed

Sterculia alata Thing van dawt Sterculiaceae Not assessed

Sterculia urens Pang khau Sterculiaceae Not assessed

Sterculia villosa Khaupui Sterculiaceae Not assessed

Stereospermum chelonoides Zihnghal Bignoniaceae Not assessed

Syzygium clariflorum Pichilimim Myrtaceae Not assessed

Syzygium cumini Lenhmui Myrtaceae Not assessed

Tectona grandis Tlawr Verbenaceae Not assessed

Terminalia myriocarpa Char Combretaceae Not assessed

Tetrameles nudiflora Thingdawl Datiscaceae Lower risk

Toona ciliata Teipui Meliaceae Lower risk

Trema orientalis Belphuar Cannabaceae Not assessed

Vitex peduncularis Thing khawi lu Verenaceae Not assessed

Wendlandia budleioides Batling Rubiaceae Not assessed

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Plate 7: Some Identified Tree Species in the Study Area: Clockwise from top left : Ficus Spp. (Strangler fig) ; Canarium striatum (Black Dammar) and Artocarpus Heterophyllus

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Table 6: Identified Herbs and Shrubs in sampling area

Name of the Species Common Family IUCN Status Remarks Name

Abelmoschus manihot Ui chu hlo Malvaceae Not assessed Herb

Acacia gageana Khang hu Mimosaceae Not assessed Climber

Acacia pruinescens Khang Pawl Mimosaceae Not assessed Climber

Achyranthus aspera Bu chhawl Amaranthaceae Not assessed Herb

Achyranthus bidentata Vangvat hlo Amaranthaceae Not assessed Herb

Acmella paniculata An sa te Asteraceae Not assessed Herb

Acmella uliginosa An sa te Asteraceae Not assessed Herb

Adenia trilobata Cho ak a um Passifloraceae Not assessed Shrub suak

Aeschynomene indica Hlo nuar suak Fabaceae Not assessed Herb

Ageratum conyzoides Vaihlen-hlo Asteraceae Not assessed Herb

Alternanthera Ngha-te-ril Amaranthaceae Not assessed Herb philoxeroides

Alternanthera sessilis An-ngha-ril Amaranthaceae Not assessed Herb

Amaranthus viridis Len-hling- Amaranthaceae Not assessed Herb hling-nei-lo

Ammomum maximum Ai-du Zingiberaceae Not assessed Herb

Anisochilus pallidus Phunglengser Lamiaceae Not assessed Herb

Argyreia splendens Phel-phek Convolvulaceae Not assessed Climber

Arisaema album Mitthi-vai- Araceae Not assessed Herb mim

Bauhinia scandens Zawng-alei- Caesalpiniaceae Not assessed Climber lawn

Borassus flabellifer Sial-lu Arecaceae Not assessed Palm

Bridelia Montana Phaktel Euphorbiaceae Not assessed Shrub/small tree

Bridelia stipularis Hrui-phak-tel Euphorbiaceae Not assessed Shrub

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Bridelia tomentosa Se-be-hliang Euphorbiaceae Not assessed Shrub

Byttneria pilosa Sa- zuk- Sterculiaceae Not assessed Climber nghawng-hlap

Centella asiatica Lam-bak Apiaceae Not assessed Herb

Cheilocostus speciosus Sum-bul Zingiberaceae Not assessed Herb

Chromolaena odorata Tlang-sam Asteraceae Not assessed Shrub

Cissampelos pareira Hnah-bial- Menispermaceae Not assessed Climber hrui

Cissus japonica Sa-nghar- Vitaceae Not assessed Climber hmai

Cissus repens Hrui-pawl Vitaceae Not assessed Climber

Clausena excavate Arpa-sen-til Rutaceae Not assessed Shrub

Clerodendron Phui-hnam- Verbenaceae Not assessed Shrub infortunatum chhia

Codariocalyx gyroides Hmei-thai-sa- Fabaceae Not assessed Shrub rawh-t

Colebrookiana Kawih- Lamiaceae Not assessed Shrub oppositifolia thuang-suak

Colocassia affinis Lep-lawp Araceae Not assessed Herb

Colquhounia coccinea Zumzuk Lamiaceae Not assessed Shrub

Combretum indicum -- Combretaceae Not assessed Climber

Connarus paniculatus Hmeh-keh- Connaraceae Not assessed Climber rep

Crassocephalum Buar-thau Asteraceae Not assessed Herb crepidioides

Crotalaria micans Di-ral Fabaceae Not assessed Shrub

Cryptolepis dubia Thei-kel-ki- Asclepiadaceae Not assessed Climber suak

Cyanotis cristata Vawm-kur Commelinaceae Not assessed Herb

Daemonorops Rai-chhawk Arecaceae Not assessed Palm jenkinsiana

63

Dalbergia pinnata Saizawl Fabaceae Not assessed Shrub

Debregeasia longifolia Leh-ngo Urticaceae Not assessed Shrub

Dendrolobium Se-be-hliang Fabaceae Not assessed Shrub triangulare

Dendrophthoe falcate Thikthli-ek- Loranthaceae Not assessed Bushy parasite bawm-chi- khat

Dioscorea alata Ba-chhim Dioscoriaceae Not assessed Climber

Dioscorea glabra Hra-kai Dioscoriaceae Not assessed Climber

Dioscorea hispida li-liam Dioscoriaceae Not assessed Climber

Dioscorea pentaphylla Vawk-pui-ba- Dioscoriaceae Not assessed Climber hra

Entada purseatha Khawihrui Fabaceae Not assessed Climber

Gallinsoga parviflora Sazu-pui- Asteraceae Not assessed Herb chaw

Ipomoea hederifolia Ni-pui-par Convolvulaceae Not Assessed

Jasmenium elongatum Hlo-kha Oleaceae Not assessed Climber

Jasmenium laurifolium Kangfimhrui Oleaceae Not assessed Climber

Jasmenium Hlo-kha Oleaceae Not assessed Climber multiflorum

Jasmenium nervosum Hrui-kha Oleaceae Not assessed Climber

Jasmenium scandens Hrui-dam- Oleaceae Not assessed Shrub dawi

Leea compactiflora Kum-tin-tuai Leeaceae Not assessed Shrub

Lepionurus sylvestris Anpangthuam Olacaceae Not assessed Shrub

Maesa indica Arngeng Myrsinaceae Not assessed Shrub

Melastoma Bui-lu-kham Melastomaceae Not assessed Shrub malabathricum

Merremia umbellata Thian-pa Convolvulaceae Not assessed Climber

Mussanda macrophylla Va-kep Rubiaceae Shrub

64

Nervilia arangoana Hnah-khat Orchidaceae Not assessed Climber

Osbeckia stellata Bui-lu-kham- Melastomaceae Not assessed Shrub pa

Oxyspora paniculata Kham-par Melastomaceae Not assessed Shrub

Pavetta indica Thai-nu-rual Rubiaceae Not assessed Shrub

Pericampylus glaucus Khau-chhim Menispermaceae Not assessed Climber

Polygonum chinense Diktawn Polygalaceae Not assessed Herb

Pothos chinensis Liking-chang- Araceae Not assessed Climber dam

Pothos scandens Laiking-tai- Araceae Not assessed Climber rua

Premna coriacea Kuam Verbinaceae Not assessed Climber

Rhododendron Chhawkhlei- Ericaceae Not assessed Shrub johnstonanum par-var

Rubia cordifolia Saphit Rubiaceae Not assessed Climber

Rubus alceifolius Siali-nu-chhu Rosaceae Not assessed Shrub

Saccharum Rai- Ruang Poaceae Not assessed Grass arundinaceum

Sarcochlamys Leh-ngo Urticaceae Not assessed Shrub pulcherrima

Sida acuta Khing-khih Malvaceae Not assessed Shrub

Smilax glabra Tluang-ngil Smilacaceae Not assessed Climber

Smilax ovalifolia Kai-ha-pui Smilacaceae Not assessed Climber

Stachyphrynium Hnah-thial-pa Marantaceae Not assessed Herb placentarium

Tadehagi triquetrum Ui-fawm-a- Fabaceae Not assessed Herb ring

Thysanolaena maxima Hmunphiah Poaceae Not assessed Grass

Triumfetta rhomboidea Se-hnap-suak Tiliaceae Not assessed Shrub

Urena lobata Se-hnap Malvaceae Not assessed Shrub

65

Table 7: Identified Bamboo, Orchids and Ferns in Sampling Area Name of the Species Common Name Family IUCN Status Remarks

Adiantum phillippense Lungpui-sam Adiantaceae Not assessed Fern

Aerides rosea Nauban Orchidaceae Not assessed Orchid

Aglaomorpha coronans Tuai-bur Polypodiaceae Not assessed Fern

Bambusa tulda Rawthing Poaceae Not assessed Bamboo

Bulbophyllum lobbi Hnankhat Orchidaceae Not assessed Orchid

Cyathea chinensis Kawk-pui Cyatheaceae Not assessed Tree fern

Dendrobium Danghang Orchidaceae Not assessed Orchid chrysanthum

Dendrobium falconeri Lenpatkungbawl Orchidaceae Not assessed Orchid

Dendrobium formosum Nauban parvar Orchidaceae Not assessed Orchid

Dendrobium nobile Nauban Orchidaceae Not assessed Orchid

Dendrobium watti Nauban parvar Orchidaceae Not assessed Orchid

Dendrocalamus Dampa mau Poaceae Not assessed Bamboo dampaensis

Dendrocalamus Phulrua Poaceae Not assessed Bamboo hamiltonii

Dendrocalamus Rawnal Poaceae Not assessed Bamboo longispathus

Dicranopteris linearis Ar-thla-dawn Gleicheniaceae Not assessed Fern

Dinochloa compactiflora Sairil Poaceae Not assessed Bamboo

Drynaria quercifolia Tui bur suak Polypodiaceae Not assessed Fern

Dryopteris sp. Katchatpui Polypodiaceae Not assessed Fern

Lygodium flexuosum Dawnzempui Lygodiaceae Not assessed Fern

Melocanna baccifera Mautak Poaceae Not assessed Bamboo

Schizostachyum dullosa Rawthla Poaceae Not assessed Bamboo

66

Plate 8: Some Identified Herbs and Shrubs in the Study Area: Clockwise from top left- Broom grass, Cissampeles perera, Cissus javanica, Parkia roxburghiana, Cromolena odorata and Cissus discolor

67

Table 8: Important Value index for Identified Tree species

Name of the Species Relative Relative density Relative IVI frequency dominance

Acacia gigante 0.673401 0.486216 0.301175 1.460791

Alangium chinense 0.673401 0.324144 0.523937 1.521482

Albizia chinensis 1.010101 0.972432 1.725072 3.707604

Albizzia procera 2.020202 1.620719 3.42163 7.062551

Alphosea lutea 0.3367 0.162072 0.11643 0.615203

Alstonia scholaris 0.673401 0.324144 0.684326 1.681871

Anthocephalus chinense 0.3367 0.162072 0.60829 1.107062

Artocarpus chama 2.020202 0.972432 1.512503 4.505137

Artocarpus heterophyllus 0.673401 1.458647 3.614097 5.746145

Artocarpus lakoocha 1.010101 1.458647 3.079467 5.548215

Baccaurea ramiflora 0.3367 0.162072 0.282308 0.781081

Bauhinia variegate 2.693603 3.241439 2.328609 8.263651

Beilschmedia roxburghiana 0.3367 0.162072 0.152072 0.650845

Bischofia javanica 0.673401 0.486216 1.026489 2.186105

Bombax ceiba 1.346801 1.134503 2.012584 4.493889

Bombax insigne 2.020202 1.458647 1.7322 5.21105

Bridelia montana 0.3367 0.162072 0.085541 0.584313

Calicarpa arborea 2.356902 1.134503 1.347267 4.838673

Caryota urens 0.3367 0.162072 0.11643 0.615203

Cassia fistula 1.346801 0.81036 0.427704 2.584865

Cassia japonica 0.673401 0.324144 0.118807 1.116351

Celtis timorensis 0.3367 0.81036 0.190091 1.337151

Cinnamomun obtiosifolum 0.3367 0.162072 0.021385 0.520157

Cinnamomun verum 0.3367 0.162072 0.038018 0.53679

Cordia fragranlissima 0.673401 0.324144 0.200783 1.198328

Dalbergia pinnata 0.673401 0.486216 0.231602 1.391218

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Dendrocantie sinerata 0.673401 1.134503 0.215563 2.023467

Derris robusta 4.713805 6.158733 1.592769 12.46531

Dipterocarpus indicus 0.3367 0.162072 0.287512 0.786284

Duabanga grandiflora 4.040404 5.672517 9.700321 19.41324

Dysoxylum binectariforum 0.3367 0.162072 0.214446 0.713218

Elaeocarpus serratus 1.010101 0.972432 1.369222 3.351755

Emblica officinalis 0.3367 0.162072 0.100392 0.599164

Erythrina variegate 4.040404 2.755223 1.266763 8.06239

Eurya cerasifolia 1.010101 0.648288 0.209955 1.868344

Eurya japonica 0.3367 0.162072 0.048117 0.546889

Ficus auriculata 2.356902 3.079367 3.339036 8.775305

Ficus elastic 0.3367 0.162072 0.342163 0.840935

Ficus hirta 0.673401 1.296575 2.300096 4.270072

Ficus hispida 1.683502 1.134503 1.201729 4.019734

Ficus racemose 1.683502 1.296575 1.156511 4.136588

Ficus semicordata 1.010101 1.782791 0.251181 3.044073

Gmelina arborea 1.683502 1.458647 1.849605 4.991754

Gmelina oblongifolia 0.3367 0.162072 0.16766 0.666432

Grewia laevigata 0.673401 0.324144 0.048663 1.046208

Heteropanax fragrans 1.010101 0.648288 0.401566 2.059955

Lepionurus sylvestris 0.3367 0.162072 0.050279 0.549051

Ligustrum robustrum 0.3367 0.972432 0.328476 1.637608

Lithocarpus pachyphylum 2.020202 1.944863 1.242052 5.207117

Litsea cubeba 0.3367 0.162072 0.057051 0.555823

Macaranga indica 0.673401 2.593151 2.081872 5.348423

Macaranga peltata 5.723906 8.589812 8.05984 22.37356

Macaranga pustulata 0.3367 1.296575 0.878979 2.512254

Mangifera indica 0.3367 0.162072 0.179849 0.678622

Mesua ferrea 1.010101 0.486216 0.400972 1.897289

69

Michelia champaca 2.693603 2.917295 4.44983 10.06073

Neonauclea perpurea 1.346801 0.81036 1.309843 3.467004

Oroxylum indicum 0.3367 0.162072 0.247213 0.745985

Parkia timoriana 1.683502 1.296575 1.67964 4.659717

Protium seratum 0.673401 0.324144 0.194653 1.192197

Rhus simialata 3.030303 1.782791 0.439371 5.252465

Sapium baccatum 0.3367 0.324144 0.165426 0.82627

Sapium insigne 0.673401 0.324144 0.114102 1.111646

Schima wallichii 2.693603 2.431079 2.514898 7.63958

Securinega virosa 0.3367 0.162072 0.034311 0.533084

Spondias pinnata 0.3367 0.162072 0.188213 0.686986

Sterculia alata 0.673401 1.296575 1.127047 3.097023

Sterculia urens 0.3367 0.162072 0.196767 0.69554

Sterculia villosa 1.010101 0.486216 0.616535 2.112852

Stereospermum personatum 2.356902 2.917295 1.807048 7.081245

Steriospermum 0.673401 0.648288 0.389305 1.710994

Syzygium clariflorum 0.3367 0.324144 0.239562 0.900406

Syzygium cummuni 0.673401 1.458647 1.368652 3.5007

Tectona grandis 4.040404 6.158733 6.371075 16.57021

Terminalia myriocarpa 0.3367 0.162072 0.137245 0.636018

Tetrameles nudiflora 2.020202 1.782791 5.344847 9.147841

Toona ciliate 3.367003 1.944863 1.478144 6.790011

Trema orientalis 6.060606 9.076028 4.32323 19.45986

Wendlandia budleindes 0.3367 0.162072 0.022835 0.521607

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Figure 10: Distributions of Species

8 7.5 7 6.5 7.389162562 6 5.5 5 4.926108374 4.433497537 4.5 4.433497537 4 3.9408867 3.448275862 3.448275862 3.5 3.448275862 AXIS AXIS TITLE 2.955665025 3 2.955665025 2.955665025 2.463054187 2.463054187 2.463054187 2.5 1.97044335 1.97044335 1.97044335 1.97044335 2 1.477832512 1.477832512 1.477832512 1.477832512 1.477832512 1.477832512 1.477832512 1.477832512 1.5 0.985221675 0.985221675 0.985221675 0.985221675 0.985221675 0.985221675 0.985221675 0.985221675 0.985221675 0.985221675 0.985221675 1 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.492610837 0.5 0

SPECIES

71

Biodiversity Indexing

As per Shannon-iee ide of diesit, the alues H = . ad 5.373 (Figure 10) was found for the tree species and others plants (herbs, shrubs, climbers) respectively. The values of Shannon-wiener index usually ranges fo . to .. A eosste ith H alue geate tha has ee egaded as medium to high diverse in terms of species (Barbour et al. 1999). Therefore, the current study area can regarded as medium to highly diverse forest.

As per Simpson index of dominance: The values D = 0.036 and 0.0481 (Figure 11) was found for the tree species and others plants (herbs, shrubs, climbers) respectively. Simpson index values range from 0 to 1. The Simpson index of diversity is given as 1-D which again indicates higher diversity values in the study area.

In case of Importance Value Index (IVI) for tree species Macaranga peltata (22.373) was found to be the most important species followed by Trema orientalis (19.45), Duabanga grandiflora (19.41), Tectona grandis (16.57), Derris robusta (12.46) and so on. The least Importance Value Index value was observed for Cinnamomum obtiosifolum (0.52).

Percent species distribution in family Euphorbiaceae was found to be highest followed by Moracaeae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Verbinaceae and Lauraceae.

72

Figure 11: Shannon - Weiner Indices H'

Shannon Index (H')

6 [VALUE] 5 4 [VALUE] 3 2

1 Value of the index 0 Taxa Tree Species Others((Herbs, Shrubs and Climbers)

Figure 12: Values of Simpson Indices

SIMPSON INDEX (SI) [VALUE] [VALUE] VALUE OF THE INDEX THEOF VALUE

TAXA TREE SPECIES OTHERS((HERBS, SHRUBS AND CLIMBERS)

73

RET Species

A total number of 96 species were found in the quadrats laid in the area. On the basis of Rare, Endangered, Threatened assessment of the species, it was found that most of the species were in the atego of Not Ealuated i the IUCN atego list. Hoee oe speies as foud i the atego of high conservation importance i.e. Dipterocarpus indicus (Endangered category). The illustrative chart of the Rare, Endangered and Threatened species assessment is details below and complete list of the species is provided in the chart below.

Figure 13: RET Results of Flora

90 5 1

NOT ASSESSED LEAST CONCERN ENDANGERED

Fauna

A checklist based on the field study, secondary literature and interactions with local people and forest officials has been prepared. This comprises of 93 bird species (Table 9), 11 mammal species (Table 10), 5 amphibians (Table 11), 9 reptiles (Table 12), and 42 butterfly species (Table 13).

RET Status Study

Mammals

Chart below reveals the mammals found in the biodiversity assessment of the area. A total of 11 species were recorded and categorized into the various IUCN Categories. On analysis it was found that most of the species were in the category of least concern. However, there is one endangered species viz. Hoolock hoolock. Trachypithecus pileatus and Macaca arctiodes were found in the vulnerable category. The complete list of species is provided in Chart 5.

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Table 9: Identified Birds in Sampling Area

S. No Common Name Scientific Name IUCN Status

1 White cheeked Partridge Arborophila atrogularis Near Threatened

2 Mountain bamboo Partridge Bambusicola fytchii Least Concern

3 Red jungle fowl Gallus gallus Least Concern

4 Striated heron Butorides stariata Least Concern

5 Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Least Concern

6 Mountain hawk eagle Nisaetus nipalensis Least Concern

7 Spotted dove Streptopelia chinensis Least Concern

8 Ashy-headed green pigeon Treron phayei Near Threatened

9 Wedge tailed green pigeon Treron sphennurus Least Concern

10 Mountain scops owl Otus spilocephalus Least Concern

11 Oriental scops owl Otus sunia Least Concern

12 Silver backed Needle tail Hirundapus cochinchi Least Concern

13 House swift Apus nipalensis Least Concern

14 Red head trogon Harpactes Least Concern erythrocephalus

15 Oriental dwarf kingfisher Ceyx erithaca Least Concern

16 Stork billed kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis Least Concern

17 Blue eared kingfisher Alcedo meneiting Least Concern

18 Blue beared bee eater Nyctyornis athertoni Least Concern

19 Indian roller Coracias benghalensis Least Concern

20 Eurasian hoopoe Epupa epops Least Concern

21 Great hornbill Buceros bicornis Near Threatened

22 Wreathed hornbill Aceros undulatus Least Concern

23 Great barbet Megalaima virens Least Concern

24 Grey capped woodpecker Dendrocopos Least Concern canicapillus

75

25 Rufous woodpecker Celeus brachyurus Least Concern

26 Pied falconet Microhierax Least Concern melanoleucos

27 Eurasian kestrel Falco tinnunculus Least Concern

28 Large woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis Least Concern

29 Short billed minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris Least Concern

30 Scarlet minivet Pericrocotus speciosus Least Concern

31 Grey backed shrike Lanius tephonotus Least Concern

32 Black hooded oriole Oriolus xanthornus Least Concern

33 Ashy drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Least Concern

34 Crow billed Drongo Dicrurus annectans Least Concern

35 Black naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea Least Concern

36 Common green magpie Cissa chinensis Least Concern

37 Large billed crow Corvus macrorhynchos Least Concern

38 Grey headed canary- Flycatcher Culicipa ceylonensis Least Concern

39 Black crested bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris Least Concern

40 Red vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Least Concern

41 Scaly breasted/pygmy cupwing Pnoepyga albiventer Least Concern

42 Grey billed Tesia Tesia cyaniventer Least Concern

43 Slaty bellied tesia Tesia olivea Least Concern

44 Yellow bellied warbler Abroscopus superciliaris Least Concern

45 Black faced warbler Abroscopus schisisticeps Least Concern

46 Yellow brown/Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Least Concern

47 Eastern crowned leaf warbler Phylloscopus Least Concern trochiloides

48 Golden spectacled warbler Seicerus burkii Least Concern

49 Blyth's reed warbler Acrocephalus Least Concern dumoteum

76

50 Wastern crowned warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis Least Concern

51 Thick billed warbler Phragmaticola aedon Least Concern

52 Common tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius Least Concern

53 Refescent prina Prinia rufescens Least Concern

54 Oriental white eye Zosteropus palpebrosus Least Concern

55 Pin striped tit Babbler Mixornis gularis Least Concern

56 Rufous-fronted Babbler Cyanordema rufirons Least Concern

57 White browed Scimitar- Babbler Pomatorhinus Least Concern schisticeps

58 Large scimitar babbler Megapomatorhinus Least Concern hypoleucos

59 Grey throated babbler Stachyris nigriceps Least Concern

60 White hooded babbler Gampsorhynchus Least Concern rufulus

61 Puff throated babbler Pellornum ruficeps Least Concern

62 Eyebrowed wren babbler Napothera epilepidota Least Concern

63 Nepal fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis Least Concern

64 White crested laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus Least Concern

65 Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Lanthocincla pectoralis Least Concern

66 Asian fairy bluebird Irena puella Least Concern

67 Brown breasted flycatcher Muscicapa muttui Least Concern

68 Oriental magpie Robin Copsychus saularis Least Concern

69 White tailed flycatcher Cornis concretus Least Concern

70 Verditer flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus Least Concern

71 Blue whistling thrush Myophonus caureleus Least Concern

72 Spotted forktail Enicurus maculatus Least Concern

73 Black backed forktail Enicurus immaculatus Least Concern

74 Siberian rubythroat Calliope calliope Least Concern

77

75 Little pied flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Least Concern

76 Rufous gorgeted flycatcher Ficedula strophiata Least Concern

77 White capped redstart Phoenicurus Least Concern leucocephalus

78 Blue rock- thrush Monticola solitarius Least Concern

79 Grey bushchat Saxicola ferreus Least Concern

80 Dark sided flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica Least Concern

81 Dark sided thrush Zootgera marginata Least Concern

82 Common hill myana Gracula religiosa Least Concern

83 Common myana Acridotheres tristis Least Concern

84 Golden fronted leafbird Chloropsisaurifrons Least Concern

85 Plain flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum Least Concern

86 Ruby cheeked sunbird Chalcoparis singalensis Least Concern

87 Little spiderhunter Arachnothera Least Concern longirostra

88 Streaked spiderhunter Arachnothera magna Least Concern

89 Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea Least Concern

90 Forest wagtail Dendronanthus indicus Least Concern

91 Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus Least Concern

92 Black stork Ciconia nigra Least Concern

93 Himalyan bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus Least Concern

78

Plate 9: Some Identified Bird Species in the Study Area: Clockwise from top left – Common Magpie Robin, Jungle Babbler, Indian Roller, Street Spider Hunter, Hill Mynah and Oriental Pied Hornbill

79

Table 10: Identified Mammals in Sampling Area

Common Name Scientific Name Vernacular Name IUCN status

Mammals Western Hoolock Hoolock hoolock Hauhuk Endangered gibbon

Rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta Zawng Least Concern

Assamese macaque Macaca assamensis Zo/Khan Zawng Not Threatened

Stump tailed Macaca arctiodes Zawnghmaisen Vulnerable macaque

Capped leaf Trachypithecus pileatus Ngau Vulnerable monkey

Flying fox Pteropus giganteus Not known Least Concern

Short-nosed fruit Cynopterus sphnix Not known Least Concern bat

Rat-headed bat Tylonycteris pachypus Not known Least Concern

House-mouse Mus musculus Not known Least Concern

House rat Rattus rattus Not known Least Concern

Jungle cat Felis chaus Sauak Least Concern

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Plate 10: Some Identified Mammal Species in the Study Area: Hoolock Gibbon (above) and Rhesus Macaque (below)

81

Table 11: Identified Amphibians in Sampling Area

Family Scientific Name IUCN Status

Frogs Bufonidae Bufo melanostictus Least Concern

Megophryidae Xenophrys parva Least Concern

Ranidae Amolops marmoratus Least Concern

Ranidae Rana danielli Least Concern

Rhacophoridae Philautus sp. Least Concern

Rhacophorus bipunctatus Least Concern

Rhacophorus maximus Least Concern

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Table 12: Identified Reptiles in Sampling Area

Family Scientific Name IUCN Status

Lizards Agamidae Draco sp. Least Concern

Agamidae Draco maculates Least Concern

Agamidae Ptyctolaemus gularis Not assessed

Gekkonidae Gekko gecko Not assessed

Scincidae Mabuya multifasciata Not assessed

Snakes Colubridae Amphiesma xenura Not assessed

Xenochrophis piscator Not assessed

Viperidae Trimeresurus cf. stejnegri Not assessed

Elapidae Bungarus fasciatus Least Concern

83

Plate 11: Some Identified Reptile Species in the Study Area: Eutropis multifasciata (above) and Gecko Gecko (below)

84

Plate 12: Some Identified Amphibian Species in the Study Area: Duttaphrynuc melanostictus (above) and Bungarus fasciatus (below)

85

Table 13: Identified Butterflies in Sampling Area

Family Scientific Name Common Name IUCN Status

Butterflies Papilionidae Pailio paris Pari peacock Not assessed

Graphium doson Common jay Not assessed

Graphium xenocles Great zebra Not assessed

Graphium megarus Spotted zebra Not assessed

Papilio polytes Common Mormon Not assessed

Graphium eurypylus Great Jay Not assessed

Papilio castor Common mime Not assessed

Papilio nephelus Yellow helen Not assessed

Byasa dasarada Great windmill Not assessed

Pieridae Catopsilia pyranthe Mottled emigrant Not assessed

Catopsilia pomona Lemon emigrant Not assessed

Eurema andersoni One spot grass yellow Not assessed

Cepora nerissa Common gull Not assessed

Appias indra Plain buffin Not assessed

Delias pasithoe Red-base jezebel Not assessed

Eurema hecabe Common grass yellow Not assessed

Gandaca harina Tree yellow Not assessed

Pieris canidia Asian cabbage white Not assessed

Nymphalidae Apatura ambica Indian purple emperor Not assessed

Mimathyma chevana Sergeant emperor Not assessed

Athyma cama Orange staff sergeant Not assessed

Symbrenthia hypselis Spotted jester Not assessed

Euploea core Common crow Not assessed

Danaus chrysippus Plain tiger Not assessed

Parantica aglea Glassy tiger Not assessed

86

Athyma asura Studded sergeant Not assessed

Pantoporia hordonia Common lascar Not assessed

Junonia atlites Grey pansy Not assessed

Melanitis zitenius Great evening brown Not assessed

Lycanidae Cheritra freja Common Imperial Not assessed

Pithecops corvus Forest quaker Not assessed

Remelana jangala Chocolate royal Not assessed

Caleta elna Elbowed pierrot Not assessed

Leptotes plinius Zebra blue Not assessed

Heliophorus epicales Purple sapphire Not assessed

Hypolycaena erylus Common tit Not assessed

Hesperiidae Iton semamura Common wight Not assessed

Tagiades japetus Common snow flat Not assessed

Odontoptilum angulata Chestnut angle Not assessed

Hasora vita Plain banded awl Not assessed

Lambrix salsala Chestnut bob Not assessed

Sarangesa dasahrara Common small flat Not assessed

87

Plate 13: Some Identified Butterfly Species in the Study Area: Clockwise from top left- Yellow Helen, Grass Yellow, Mormon Papolio Polytes, Lascar Pantoporia hordonia, Red Base Jexebel and Jay Graphium doson Axion

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RET STATUS

Avian Species Figure 14: RET results for Avian species

100 [VALUE] 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20

10 [VALUE] 0 Least Concern Near Threatened

On assessment of avian diversity in the area, a sample of 93 species was found. The Rare, Endangered and Threatened species assessment of the species reveals that 90 number of the species were in the atego of Least Coe, folloed ue of speies hih ee foud i the Nea Threatened atego. The Nea Theateed atego of speies is White Cheeked Partridge, Ashy-headed green pigeon and Great hornbill. The complete list of species is provided in the Table 9.

8 7 7

6

5

4

3 2 2 1 1 1

0 Endangered Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable

Figure 15: RET results of Mammals

Chart above reveals the mammals found in the biodiversity assessment of the area. A total of 11 species were recorded and categorized into the various IUCN Categories. On analysis it was found that most of the species were in the category of least concern. However, there were two endangered species also viz. Hoolock hoolock and Trachypithecus pileatus. Two species were also found in the Endangered and Vulnerable category i.e. Macaca assamensis and Macaca arctiodes respectively. The complete list of species is provided in Table 10.

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Others Figure 16: RET results for other species

Least Concern Not Evaluated [VALUE]

[VALUE] [VALUE] [VALUE] [VALUE] [VALUE] [VALUE] [VALUE]

FROG LIZARD SNAKE BUTTERFLY

In the others category, four fauna families were assessed. These are Frog, Lizards, Snake and Butterfly. A total number of 57 species were found in all these categories. On Rare, Endangered and Threatened species assessment of the species; it was found that all of the species were in the catego of Least Coe ad Not Ealuated. Chat above details the numbers of species found in the above two categories and detailed list is mentioned in Table 11, Table 12 and Table 13.

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4.3 Impacts and Mitigation Strategies

Based on an assessment of the terrestrial biodiversity and socio-economic status of the area along the proposed powerline as well as the extent of vulnerability or benefits of these resources, the team has attempted to evaluate the possible impacts that might occur to biodiversity values as well as to socio- economic aspects along the project site; both during the construction as well as the operational phase of the project.

The study does not take into account any possible impacts on the ecological services offered by the forest tract in consideration. Such a study would involve an evaluation of multi- year data, and the viability of the same can be accessed only after the specific changes to the project area are undertaken as part of the project establishment.

The impact matrix showing all possible impacts (both positive as well as negative) in terms of their nature, extent, duration, intensity and likelihood is presented in Table 15. The details of proposed mitigation measure to be adopted to minimize identified negative impacts have been discussed subsequently.

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Table 14: Identified Project Impacts

Possible Impacts Details of Impact Extent Duration Intensity Likelihood

Positive

Improved power supply in the The area is affected with poor or limited power, which is a limiting Regional Long term High High area and its allied development factor for any development activity benefits

Reduction in T&D losses The existing 11 kV line is having a high T&D losses and also unable to Regional Long term High High meet the current power demand of the area

Generation of livelihood The line construction activity is a labor intensive operation and will Local Short High Moderate opportunities during generate man days in the local area during the construction phase as term construction and maintenance well as some work for annual maintenance during the operation phase phases of the phase

Increase in watch and ward in Due to the existence of a transmission line in the buffer area, the area Local Long term Moderate Low the buffer area would be subject to intermittent visits for inspection, maintenance works etc. These infrequent inspections and the consequent watch and ward in the area would act as a deterrent for any illegal activities in the area.

Negative

Construction Phase

Felling of trees for the Trees felled along the line cause opening up of canopy in few places Local Long term High High construction of line but mostly they are isolated

Clearance of ground during the Shrubs and herbs will be cleared below tower base and also for Local Short High High

92 construction works movement of machinery term

Generation of dust and noise Increase in SPM, RPM and noise level in the site due to movement of Local Short High Moderate vehicles, equipment and due to construction activity etc. Expected to term be high during the construction phase, but would be negligible during the operational phase.

Sedimentation, and changed Risks due to movements of vehicles, downloading of conductors and Regional Short Moderate Moderate discharge regimes into water other construction materials, vehicle maintenance including change of term bodies oil & grease. Impact more during the construction phase and expected to be negligible in the operational phase.

Landslides and soil erosion Vehicle movement would cause soil disturbance and compaction. Due Local Long term High High to hilly terrain excavation along uprooting and land clearing at the tower base would lead to accumulation of loose soil that may lead to soil erosion and landslides..

Disturbance to wildlife and Increased human presence during construction activity may Local Short High Moderate Man-animal conflicts tempoararily affect normal activity of wildlife in the project area and term sometime leads to man-animal conflits.

Increased risk of fires Vehicular and human movement would enhance risk of any deliberate Local Short Moderate Moderate or accidental fires term

Incomplete removal of project Risk of soil, water, waste impacts from residuals left after project Local Long term High High materials completion

Operational Phase

Injury or death of birds Electrocution and collision of birds with transmission line Local Long term High High term

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Alteration and physical May divert movement due to presence of structures Local Short Low Low disturbance in fauna term movements

Any natural disasters - floods, Risks and hazards from catastrophes. The risk is due to any structural Local Short Moderate Low earthquake etc. damage that may occur to the transmission line and subsequent term damage to flora and fauna.

Conduits for invasive alien Removal of vegetation and soil disturbance due to construction Local Long term Moderate Moderate species activities would increase chances of proliferation of invasive species.

Man-animal conflicts Conflicts due to sudden encounters in the line of the animal, especially Local Short Low Low during periodic inspections and maintenance works. term

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Mitigation or Management Measures

This section outlines some of the possible mitigation or management measures that can be implemented in order to compensate or minimise negative impacts having high/moderate value in the project area. The aim of adopting these measures is to ensure that the projects activities explicitly incorporate biodiversity values in its works. Thus, it is designed in such a way that there occurs minimum or no harm to the existing ecological integrity of the area. Table 15: Possible Impacts and Proposed Mitigation/Management Measures

Nature of the impact Significance Confidence Proposed mitigation/management measures level (No (With

Mitigation) mitigation)

Felling of trees for the High Low Moderate The construction of line will require removal of trees during the construction construction of structures works. In order to compensate the losses, the following measures can be along RoW adopted:

 Minimum possible vegetation should be cleared

 Removal of native trees should be avoided as much as possible;

 Vegetation must be cleared in consultation with forest department. In case of presence of any high conservation values species (RET or any species of local and traditional importance) in the construction site, proper conservation measures including translocation or in-situ conservation aspects should be adopted in consultation with forest authority/ecologist/botanist before its removal.

 Compensatory afforestation should be carried with native species in degraded patches of roads and powerlines passing near villages and community forest in consultation with forest department.

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Clearance of ground High Low High  Must ensure that minimum possible ground vegetation should be vegetation during removed below tower base and for movement of machinery during construction works construction works. All such clearing work is sensitive to local natural vegetation types and must be carried out in consultation with forest department.

 It must be ensured that as far as possible native species providing ground cover is retained as cutting of native species seedlings and saplings and opening up of habitats may lead to proliferation of invasive alien species in the area, that thrive in opened areas, leading to disturb the existing ecosystem of the area.,

 Clearing should not be undertaken in such a manner that there is slashing of all understory vegetation without regard to native and alien species.

 In the instant case some locations are critical on accessibility issue. These are at AP-16, AP-35 and AP-77 where access road is 200m to 300m away. All due precautions and measures as listed above, including statutory clearance from MoEFCC and other prescribed guidelines for road construction shall be followed.

Generation of dust and noise Moderate Low High  All vehicles delivering loose construction material and any such material by movement of vehicles and gathered at the site must be covered by appropriate material such as construction machinery tarpaulins to prevent dust spreading, pollution, or wastage.

 Movement of vehicles should be strictly restricted to existing roads and tracks and along the RoW, creation of new roads and tracks or off- roading should be prohibited in connection with roads and powerlines in natural areas.

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 It must be ensured that minimum noise is generated during the works by using well-oiled and greased machinery.

 Water should be sprayed over the construction area.

Sedimentation and changed in Moderate Low High  Excavation activity should not be undertaken during rainy season. discharge regimes into water bodies  Vehicle maintenance including change of oil and grease shall not be done inside buffer area.

 All excavated materials from tower base should be properly stored and should be used for refilling material as soon as construction is over.

 Storage of loose excavated material should not be kept in slope area.

 No material including earth should be used from the buffer area.

 The towers should be placed well out of major drainage channel/river to avoid flash flood related accidents.

Landslides and soil erosion Moderate Low High  Excavation activity should not be undertaken during rainy season.

 Tower should not be placed along any major drainage.

 Storage of loose excavated material should not be kept in slope area.

 In steep slope terrain, the back cut slopes and downhill slopes should be treated with revertment.

 In case of active erosion and landslides prone area, both biological and engineering treatment like provision of breast wall and retaining walls and sowing soil binding grasses around site.

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Disturbance to wildlife and High Low Moderate  The construction work must be completed in stipulated timelines and man-animal conflicts any prolonged delay should be avoided.

 Avoiding work during nights to facilitate movement of faunal species, especially large mammals and carnivores.

 The construction related camps should not be made in Buffer area. Additionally, management strategy must delineate to detect and prevent encroachments or construction of new structures and homesteads along the proposed line of works in the area.

 Presence/use of domestic animals should be avoided.

 Provide basic training to the workers for any unforeseen conflict management.

Partial Removal of High Low High  All outside material left over after construction or repair (including infrastructural waste stones, sand, cement, packaging material, papers, cartons, oils, cans, generated during construction bags, wires, metal objects, housing sheds, plastics and glass) should not activities be left on site. These should be immediately removed and carried away outside the natural area and safely disposed of or reused elsewhere.

 Garbage and other refuse material (especially those that could be ingested by wildlife or livestock) should be removed daily and disposed off in environmentally safe manner.

 Awareness training should be imparted to workers on issues of environmental protection, waste management, etc.

Injury or mortality of avifauna High Low Moderate Collisions and electrocutions of birds with power lines have long represented due to collision/electrocution major conservation issue. and in the proposed work also it would be an important ecological impact. The phenomenon of bird hit and/or electrocution by electric lines

98 is usually reported during landing/takeoff near the waterbodies and fly path of bird Moreover, due to absence of such sensitives areas nearby the proposed line and also no earlier reported incidence in the project area, the anticipated impact could not be detailed out at present. The mitigation or management measures are based on the speculative figures to the best available information. In order to compensate o minimise such impacts, the following precautionary mitigation measures can b adopted:  Marking of powerline wires with flight-diverters/reflectors/bird- guards that will prevent birds or bats collisions and deaths.  In highly susceptible locations, tower can be retrofitted by installing elevated perches/insulating jumper loops/ placing obstructive perch deteets e.g. isulated Vs/ hagig the loatio of odutos, and / or using raptor hoods.  Budgetary provision for such measures shall be inbuilt in the project cost.  Monitoring of powerlines for any deaths of birds/bats and effectiveness of implemented measures.

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In addition to above, a calendar month of permitted/restricted activities is designed to restrict the negative impacts of construction within the designated zone, which shall be applied in the instant project to minimise disturbance to wildlife and natural cycle of regeneration. Table 16 Calendar Months for Permitted/Restricted Activities

Activity JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Site Mobilization Tower Foundation Tower Erection Stringing of Conductor O & M

Legend Colour Action No go No activity is permitted Restricted/ Controlled Activity permitted if it doesn’t involve any tree felling Permitted Activity permitted No go. However, in case of emergency, activity may be undertaken after due permission and required protection measures.

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Some Other Points to Consider

Increase in grazing activity: The removal of big trees during the construction phase will open the canopy of the region. It is anticipated that this may further lead to increase in cattle grazing due to opening up of grazing land.

The Power and Electricity Department, Government of Mizoram and the Power Grid Corporation of India can undertake a voluntary carbon footprint estimation of its project works in the area. The estimated carbon footprint can be offset through plantation of the same mosaic of species in the degraded patches. This afforestation activity will be over and above the activities planned under Compensatory Afforestation Management Planning Authority works to further enhance the ecosystem values of the area.

Compliance To The Policy Priority Schema (Generic As Well As Specific Guidelines Of MoEFCC)

While it will be incumbent on the Project Implementing Agency (Power Grid Corporation of India Limited or its leased partner) to follow all such instructions/directions as content in the Policy Priority Guidelines of MoEFCC, the following observations are apparent in this proposal:

1) The proposed alignment is the least disturbance causing alignment, as there is an existing transmission line of 33 kV along the proposed 132 kV line. 2) Since the surrounding/adjoining areas are also forested lands on hilly terrain, any alternative route for the transmission line shall entail fresh clearing of area and disturbances. 3) The proposed alignment, though passing through the buffer of Dampa Tiger Reserve, is not likely to cause any fresh disturbance as there are settlements all along the road that exist alongside the proposed alignment. There is also no dislocation of the local communities involved on account of the proposed line. 4) Restoration of natural areas along the existing routes that are or may come to disuse shall have to be taken up.

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5 Recommendations

The proposed transmission line alignment is through the buffer area of the Dampa Tiger Reserve. This area is stocked with reasonably good forests but is also checkered with a large number of villages. There are different communities living in this buffer area with diverse livelihoods, both dependent on and independent of the forests. There is also a distinguishable presence of various developments departments like Public Works Department, Rural Development and Horticulture etc. Also, there are visible outcomes of various projects implemented in the buffer area, such as, the Integrated Watershed Development Program.

The buffer, though represented by a significant floral and moderate faunal biodiversity, is not a core tiger habitat. There has been no direct sighting of any tigers in the buffer. The area is not a corridor for any flagship species such as elephants. There are a host of community rights of on the resources and there is also a programmed extraction of resources, such as firewood, as per the prescriptions of the working plans of both Mamit and Kwartha Forest Divisions.

Shifting cultivation is a common practice in the buffer, apart from other traditional agricultural practices.

Thus, the buffer is not an inviolate area. On the contrary it has a wide interface with local communities and is open of developmental activities. Well being of local communities and wellbeing of forests in the buffer (as well as of core forest area) seem complementary to each other.

The proposed activity of laying of a 132 kV transmission line entails possible positive as well as negative impacts. However, if the prescribed mitigation measures for possible negative impacts are undertaken, the positive impacts heavily outweigh the negative impacts. Availability and reliability of power supply act as a primary enabler for development activities. There is a pressing need for infrastructure development in the project area (i.e. Mamit district). Considering these factors, the implementation of project is recommended with prescribed mitigation measures.

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6 References

Anonymous. Kawrthah Working Plan, Kawrthah Forest Division.

Biodivwersity Conservation and Rural Livelihoods Improvement Project 2007, Final Report Dampa Landscape - Indicative Plan, Prepared by PEACE-ELDF-Samrakshan – NR International

Champion, H.G. and Seth S.K. 1968. A revised survey of the forest types of India. Vol.1. Delhi: Manager of Publications.

Champion, H.G. and Seth S.K. 1968. A revised survey of the forest types of India. Vol. 1. Delhi: Manager of Publications.

Grogan, P., Lalnunmawai, F. and Tripathi, S.K. 2012. Shifting Cultivation in steeply sloped regions: a review of management options and research priorities for Mizoram state, . Agroforestry Systems, 84: 163-177.

Grogan, P., Lalnunmawia, F., & Tripathi, S. K. 2012. Shifting cultivation in steeply sloped regions: a review of management options and research priorities for Mizoram state, Northeast India. Agroforestry Systems 84: 163- 177.

Jhala, Y.V., Qureshi, Q., Gopal, R. and Amin, R. 2009. Field Guide: Monitoring tigers, co-predators, prey and their habitats. Third ed. Technical Publication of National Tiger Conservation Authority, New Delhi and the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun

Joshi, N. V. and Gadgil, M. 1991. On the role of refugia in promoting prudent use of biological resources. Theoretical Population Biology 40: 21: 1-29.

Karanth, K.U. and Nichols, J.D. 2002. Monitoring tigers and their prey: a manual for researchers, managers, and conservationists in tropical Asia. Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bangalore, India.

Leblhuber, S. K., and Vanlalhruaia, H. 2012. Jhum Cultivation versus the New Land Use Policy: Agrarian Change and Transformation in Mizoram. In: Fields and Forests: Ethnographic Perspectives on Environmental Globalization, edited by Daniel Münster, Ursula Münster, and Stefan Dorondel, RCC Perspectives 2012, no. 5: 83–89.

Leblhuber, S.K. and Vanlalhruaia, H. 2012. Jhum cultivation versus the New Land Use Policy: Agrarian change and Transformation in Mizoram. In: Fields and Forests: Ethnographic perspectives on Environmental Globalization, edited by Daniel Munster, Ursula Munster, and Stefan Dorondel, RCC Perspectives 2012, 5:83-89.

Malhotra, K. C. 1990. Village safety and supply forest in Mizoram: A traditional practice of protecting ecosystem. Page 439 in Abstracts of V International Congress of Ecology, Yokohama, Japan, August 23- 30, 1990.

Mudappa, D. and Raman, T.R.S. 2010. Rainforest Restoration: A Guide to Principles and Practice. Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore.

Naithani, H. B.; Garbyal, S. S.; Bisht, N. S. 2010. Bambusa dampaeana - a New Species of Bamboo from Mizoram, India. Indian Forester S.l.: 991-992.

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Raman, T. R. S, Ingle, B. & Mandal, J. 2014. Comprehensive Survey of Birds in Dampa Tiger Reserve. Brief Interim Report, submitted to Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram Forest Department, 21 May 2014.

Raman, T. R. S. 2001. Effect of slash-and-burn shifting cultivation on rainforest birds in Mizoram, northeast India. Conservation Biology 15: 685-698

Raman, T. R. S. 2014a. Field and fallow, farm and forest. The Telegraph, 12 April 2014, page 12.

Raman, T. R. S. 2014b. Mizoram: bamboozled by land use policy. The Hindu, 14 May 2014, page 9.

Raman, T. R. S., Rawat, G. S. & Johnsingh, A. J. T. 1998. Recovery of tropical rainforest avifauna in relation to vegetation succession following shifting cultivation in Mizoram, north-east India. Journal of Applied Ecology 35: 217-231.

Raman, T.R.S. 2001. Effect of slash and burn shifting cultivation on rainforest birds in Mizoram, northeast India. Conservation Biology, 15:685-698.

Sengupta, M. 2013 Shifting Cultivation and the Reang Tribe in Tripura. Economic and Political Weekly 48(40): 59-65.

Singh, D. 1996. The Last Frontier: People and Forests in Mizoram. Tata Energy Research Institute, New Delhi.

“igh, D. . The Ne Lad Use Poli: People ad Foest i Mizoa. Pages –315 in Environmental Issues in India: A Reader, edited by Mahesh Rangarajan and Bina Agarwal, Dorling Kindersley, India..

Sussman, R.W. and Rakotozafy, A. 1994. Plant Diversity and Structural-Analysis of a Tropical Dry Forest in Southwestern Madagascar. Biotropica, 26:241-254.

Zathang, L 2009. Biodiversity Conservation Plan Of Thorangtlang High Value Biodiversity Area, Mizoram, under CSS - Itegated Deelopet of Wildlife Haitats A Copoet of Potetio of Wildlife Outside PAs Miist of Eioet & Foests, Got of Idia

Field Guides Used:

1. Plants Of Mizoram By Mr. Sawmliana

2. Some Plants Of Mizoram (Anonymous)

3. The Book Of Indian Animals: S H Prater

4. The Birds Of : Grimmet et al.

5. The Book Of Indian Reptiles: J. C. Daniel.

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7 Annexure 1 – Letter of Permission from Chief Wildlife Warden

Copy of letter of permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Mizoram, for carrying out of Biodiversity Assessment Study in Buffer Zone of Dampa Tiger Reserve.

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8 Annexure 2 – Quadrat-wise Tree Count Species/Quadrat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Acacia gigante 1 2

Alangium chinense 1 1

Albizia chinensis 1 4 1

Albizzia procera 1 1 1 1 5 1

Alphosea lutea 1

Alstonia scholaris 1 1

Anthocephalus 1 chinense Artocarpus chama 1 1 1 1 1 1

Artocarpus 7 2 heterophyllus Artocarpus lakoocha 1 7 1

Baccaurea ramiflora 1

Bauhinia variegata 5 1 1 3 1 7 4 2

Beils schmedia 1 roxburghiana Bischofia javanica 2 1

Bombax ceiba 3 1 1 3

Bombax insigne 4 1 1 1 1 1

Bridelia montana 1

Calicarpa arborea 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Caryota urens 1

Cassia fistula 1 1 1 2

Cassia japonica 1 1

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Celtis spp. 5

Cinnamomun verum 1

Cinnamomun 1 obtiosifolum Cordia fragranlissima 1 1

Dalbergia pinnata 1 2

Dendrocantie sinerata 1 6

Derris robusta 1 1 9 1 1 6 1 9 1 1 2 2 1 2

Dipterocarpus 1

Duabanga gradiflora 1 4 5 1 9 1 1 1 3 5 1 3

Dysoxylum 1 binectariforum Elaeocarpus seratus 4 1 1

Emblica officinalis 1

Erythrina variegata 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 2

Eurya cerasifolia 1 2 1

Eurya japonica 1

Ficus auriculata 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 Ficus elastica 1

Ficus hirta 6 2

Ficus hispida 1 1 3 1 1

Ficus racemosa 2 1 2 1 2

Ficus semicordata 7 1 3

Gmelina arborea 1 4 1 1 2

Gmelina oblongifolia 1

Grewia laevigata 1 1

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Heteropanax fragrans 1 1 2

Lepionurus sylvestris 1

Ligustrum robustrum 6

Lithocarpus 1 6 1 1 1 2 pachyphylum Litsea 1

Macaranga indica 1 3 3 Macaranga pustulata 8

Macaranga peltata 1 1 6 1 4 4 7 1 1 1 6 1 3 7 2 3 4

Mangifera indica 1

Mesua ferrea 1 1 1

Michelia champaca 1 2 3 1 1 1 8 1

Neonauclea perpurea 1 1 1 2

Oroxylum indicum 1

Parkia timoriana 1 1 1 2 3

Protium seratum 1 1

Rhus simialata 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Sapium baccatum 2

Sapium spp 1 1

Schima wallichii 1 4 3 1 1 1 2 1

Securinega virosa 1

Spondias spp 1

Sterculia alata 7 1

Sterculia urens 1

Sterculia villosa 1 1 1

Stereospermum 4 2 3 3 2 2 2 personatum

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Steriospermum 2 2

Syzygium clariflorum 2

Syzygium cummuni 1 8

Tectona grandis 1 6 1 1 8 7 1 6 1 2 2 2

Terminalia myriocarpa 1

Tetrameles nudiflora 1 5 1 1 1 2

Toona ciliata 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2

Trema orientalis 1 7 1 2 8 1 8 5 1 1 1 7 1 1 2 2 3 3

Wendlandia 1 budleindes Total 1 3 1 1 3 1 2 3 3 1 2 3 2 3 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 7 3 9 4 9 6 9 2 6 6 5 1 3 2 1 7 6 0 0 7 5 5 4 2 9 6 9 2 4 5

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9 Annexure 3 – Description of IUCN Red List of Ecosystems Categories

EXTINCT (EX) - A taxon is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. A taxon is presumed Extinct when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an idiidual. “ues should e oe a tie fae appopiate to the taos life le ad life fo.

EXTINCT IN THE WILD (EW) - A taxon is Extinct in the Wild when it is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population (or populations) well outside the past range. A taxon is presumed Extinct in the Wild when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an idiidual. “ues should e oe a tie fae appopiate to the taos life le ad life fo.

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (CR) - A taxon is Critically Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically Endangered, and it is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

ENDANGERED (EN) - A taxon is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Endangered, and it is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

VULNERABLE (VU) - A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable, and it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

NEAR THREATENED (NT) - A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

LEAST CONCERN (LC) - A taxon is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

DATA DEFICIENT (DD) - A taxon is Data Deficient when there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. A taxon in this category may be well studied, and its biology well known, but appropriate data on abundance and/or distribution are lacking. Data Deficient is therefore not a category of threat. Listing of taxa in this category indicates that more information is required and acknowledges the possibility that future research will show that threatened classification is appropriate. It is important to make positive use of whatever data are available. In many cases great care should be exercised in choosing between DD and a threatened status. If the range of a taxon is suspected to be relatively circumscribed, and a considerable period of time has elapsed since the last record of the taxon, threatened status may well be justified.

NOT EVALUATED (NE) - A taxon is Not Evaluated when it has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

110

Not Evaluated Category is defined as a category on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species that indicates that a taxon has not yet been evaluated against the criteria7. This ioles a of the . illio speies desied sietists ut ot assessed the IUCN. The atego Not Ealuated does not indicate a level of risk8. However, site operations related to removal of flora and fauna species must be observed by qualified botanist and zoologist to guide the proper remove procedures thus to least damage to the flora and fauna species.

7 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2012.

8 Guidelines for the application of IUCN Red List of Ecosystems Categories and Criteria, Version 1.0, International Union For Conservation of Nature.

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ANNEXURE – 2

GOVT. OF MIZORAM NOTIFICATION ON BUFFER ZONE OF DAMPA TIGER RESERVE

ANNEXURE – 3

TREE CROP COMPENSATION PROCESS

TOWER FOUNDATION/FOOTING LAND /TREE / CROP COMPENSATION PROCESS OTHER THAN FOREST LAND COMPENSATION

As per the statutory requirements (IS-5613, Part 3, 1989) all the trees and bushes, including saplings coming in the ROW limit i.e. clearance belt of transmission lines must be cut and removed. The procedure for clearing of trees and crops is as illustrated below.

As per the provisions of Indian Telegraph Act1885 Part III Section 10 (b) which prohibits acquisition of any rights other than that of use only, land for tower and right of way is not acquired and agricultural activities are allowed to continue. However, as per clause 10 (d) of same act stipulates that the user agency shall pay full compensation to all interested for any damages sustained during the execution of said work. Accordingly, PEDM pays compensation to land owners towards damages if any to trees or crop during implementation of transmission project as well as during Operation and maintenance phase. The procedure followed for such compensation is as follows:

PEDM follows the principle of avoidance, minimization and mitigation in the construction of line in agricultural field having crop due to inherent flexibility in phasing the construction activity and tries to defer construction in cropped area to facilitate crop harvesting. However, if it is unavoidable and is likely to affect project schedule, compensation is given at market rate for standing crops. All efforts are also taken to minimize the crop damage to the extent possible in such cases. As regards trees coming in the Right of Way (ROW) following procedure is adopted for enumeration:

All the trees which are coming within the clearance belt of ROW on either side of the center line are identified and marked/numbered from one AP (Affected Person) to the other and documented. Type, Girth (Measured 1 m. above ground level), approximate height o the tree is also noted for each tree. Trees belonging to Govt., Forest, Highways and other local bodies may be separately noted down or timely follow up with the concerned authorities for inspection and removal. Cashew, Guava, Lemon and other hybrid trees which are not of tall growing nature are not marked for cutting since these trees can be crossed using standard tower extensions if required.

PEDM also pay compensation to affected land owners for utilization of their land for tower footing. To arrive compensation rate mechanism of negotiated settlement is followed. The association of local authorities like Dy. Commissioner/Addl. Dy. Commissioner (Revenue) of concerned district and concerned Circle officers is also ensured during such negotiation. The circle value for the land price fixation as per the Department of Registration for different categories of land for the villages along the transmission line corridor will be obtained from the district registrars. This guidance value will be referred to by the negotiation committee. Once the negotiated rate is finalised & consent is received from land owners, the same is approved by Dy. Commissioner of concerned district for payment of compensation to land owners by PEDM. All efforts are made to release such payment before construction activities.

A notice under Indian Telegraph Act/Electricity Act, 2003 is served to the landowners informing that the proposed transmission line is being routed through the property of the individual concerned. The notice shall contain the particulars of the land, ownership details and the details of the trees/crops inevitability likely to be damaged during the course of the construction of the proposed transmission line and acknowledgement received from land owner. A copy of said notice is further issued to the Revenue Officer, who has been authorized by the Mizoram Govt. for the purpose of assessment/valuation and disbursement of compensation to the affected parties.

The revenue officer shall further issue a notice of intimation to the concerned landowner and inspect the site to verify the documents related to the proof of ownership and a detailed Mouja list is prepared for the identified trees and crops inevitability damaged during the course of the construction. For assessing the true value of timber yielding trees help of forest officials is taken and for fruit bearing trees help of Horticulture department is taken.

The Mouja list shall contain the land owner details type of tree/crop, its present age, variety, yielding pattern etc. and the same is prepared at site in the presence of the land owner. These Mouja lists are further compiled and a random verification is conducted by the concerned District Collector or his authorized representative in order to ascertain the assessment carried out by the revenue office is genuine and correct. After this process the District collector issues a tree cutting permit to PEDM to enable removal / damage to the standing tree/crop identified in the line corridor.

Once the tree/crop is removed / damaged, PEDM shall issue a tree cutting/crop damaged notice to the land owner with a copy to the Revenue Officer to process the compensation payment. Based on the above the compensation payment is generated by means of a computerized programme developed by the National Informatics Center exclusively for this purpose. The detailed Valuation statement thus generated using this programme is verified at various levels and approval of payment of compensation is accorded by the concerned District Collectors.

On approval of compensation, the revenue officer shall further intimate the amount payable to the different landowners and PEDM arranges the payment by way of Demand Draft to the affected parties. The payment is further disbursed at the local village office after due verification of the documents in presence of other witnesses.

TOWER FOUNDATION/FOOTING LAND /TREE / CROP COMPENSATION PROCESS OTHER THAN FOREST LAND COMPENSATION

Walk over / preliminary survey of route alignment

Detailed / Check Survey of final route alignment to fix the angle point and tower spotting

If the line passing through private cultivable/Jote land/areas.

As per land document/Khaitan produced by Land owner, compensation notice served to land Owner with copies to SDM & Tahasildar of Said-Mouja for verification

Preparation of Mouja list by Revenue official at site in presence of landowner, PEDM and two witnesses.

Inspection/verification of plot by SDM/DC or his authorized representative to assess the plot being affected & its rate etc.

Issue of tree cutting permit, if any by DC

Cutting of trees by PEDM and issue of cutting certificate to land owner and revenue official by PEDM

Input: Govt. /Local rate Grievance Procedure APs may represent if not Preparation of checklist and valuation Association of Forest Deptt. satisfied with assessment statement by revenue official to revenue to SDM/DC / Horticulture for assessment of value of for revision/review. timber and fruit bearing trees respectively. If he/she Despite land Approval of valuation statement by SDM/DC is still not compensation, either individual or group basis satisfied, if owner they may doesn’t allow move to installation of Disbursement of compensation of Court. tower PEDM Crops/trees/land to affected farmers/owner shall approach and acknowledgement SDM/DC for Local resolution. Court

ANNEXURE – 4

SAFETY PLAN

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-149

SAFETY PLAN

13. FORM OF SAFETY PLAN TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE CONTRACTOR WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF AWARD OF CONTRACT

[TO BE EXECUTED ON A NON JUDICIAL STAMP PAPER WORTH RS. TWENTY ONLY]

SAFETY PLAN

THIS SAFETY PLAN is made this ……….………...... day of ….……..... 20...... by ………….………………… a Company registered under the Companies Act, 1956/Partnership firm/proprietary concern having its Registered Office at …………...... [to be modified suitably for JV Contractor] (hereinafter called as ‘Contractor' which expression shall include its successors and permitted assigns) for approval of ...... (insert name of the Employer)...... , a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 having its Registered Office at ...... (insert registered address of the Employer)...... for its Contract for .……………….…...... (insert package name, project name alongwith Specification number of the Contract)......

WHEREAS ...... (abbreviated name of the Employer)...... has awarded to the Contractor the aforesaid Contract vide its Notification of Award/Contract No. ……..……….... dated ....…………..and Amendment No...... (applicable when amendments have been issued) (hereinafter called the "Contract") in terms of which the Contractor is required to submit ‘Safety Plan’ along with certain documents to the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager of the Employer within Sixty (60) days of Notification of Award for its approval.

NOW THEREFORE, the Contractor undertakes to execute the Contract as per the safety plan as follows:

1. THAT the Contractor shall execute the works as per provisions of Bidding Documents including those in regard to Safety Precautions / provisions as per statutory requirements.

2. THAT the Contractor shall execute the works in a well planned manner from the commencement of Contract as per agreed mile stones of work completion schedule so that planning and execution of construction works goes smoothly and consistently through out the contract duration without handling pressure in last quarter of the financial year/last months of the Contract and the shall be finalized in association with EMPLOYER Engineer In-charge/Project Manager from time to time as required.

3. THAT the Contractor has prepared the safe work procedure for each activity i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. to be executed at site, which is enclosed at Annexure – 1A (SP) for acceptance and approval of Engineer In- charge/Project Manager. The Contractor shall ensure that on approval of the same from Engineer In-charge/Project Manager , the approved copies will be circulated to Employer’s personnel at site [Supervisor(s)/Executive(s)] and Contractor’s personnel at site [Gang leader, supervisor(s) etc.] in their local language / language understood by gang.

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-150

THAT the Contractor has prepared minimum manpower deployment plan, activity wise as stated above, which is enclosed at Annexure – 1B (SP) for approval of Engineer In- charge/Project Manager.

4. THAT the Contractor shall ensure while executing works that they will deploy minimum 25% of their own experienced work force who are on the permanent roll of the company and balance 75% can be a suitable mixed with the hired gangs / local workers / casual workers if required. The above balance 75% work force should be provided with at least 10 days training by the construction agencies at sites and shall be issued with a certificate. No worker shall be engaged without a valid certificate. Hired gang workers shall also follow safe working procedures and safety norms as is being followed by company’s workmen. It should also be ensured by the contractor that certified fitters who are climbing towers / doing stringing operations can be easily identifiable with a system like issue of Badge / Identification cards (ID cards) etc. Colour identification batches should be worn by the workers. Contractor has to ensure that inexperience workers / unskilled workers should not be deployed for skilled job.

5. THAT the Contractor’s Gang leader / Supervisor / Senior most member available at every construction site shall brief to each worker daily before start of work about safety requirement and warn about imminent dangers and precautions to be taken against the imminent dangers (Daily Safety Drill). This is to be ensured without fail by Contractor and maintain record of each gang about daily safety instructions issued to workers and put up to EMPLOYER site In-charge for his review and record.

6. THAT the Contractor shall ensure that working Gangs at site should not be left at the discretion of their Gang Leaders who are generally hired and having little knowledge about safety. Gang leader should be experienced and well versed with the safe working procedures applicable for transmission line/ Sub Station works. In case gang is having Gang leader not on permanent roll of the company then additional Supervisor from company’s own roll having thorough knowledge about the works would be deployed so as to percolate safety instructions up to the grass root level in healthy spirits. Contractor has to ensure close supervision while executing critical locations of transmission lines / sub stations and ensures that all safety instructions are in place and are being followed.

7. THAT the Contractor shall maintain in healthy and working condition all kind of Equipments / Machineries / Lifting tools / Lifting tackles / Lifting gears / All kind of Ropes including wire ropes / Polypropylene ropes etc. used for Lifting purpose during execution of the project and get them periodically examined and load tested for safe working load in accordance with relevant provisions and requirement of Building & other construction workers Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Rule 1998, Factories Act 1948, Indian Electricity Act 2003 before start of the project. A register of such examinations and tests shall be properly maintained by the contractor and will be promptly produced as and when desired by the Engineer In-charge/Project Manager or by the person authorised by him. The Contractor has to ensure to give special attention on the formation / condition of eye splices of wire rope slings as per requirement of IS 2762 Specification for wire rope slings and sling legs.

THAT the Contractor has prepared a list of all Lifting machines, lifting Tools / Lifting Tackles / Lifting Gears etc. / All types of ropes and Slings which are subject to safe

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-151

working load is enclosed at Annexure – 2 (SP) for review and approval of Engineer In- charge/Project Manager.

8. THAT the Contractor has to procure sufficient quantity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)conforming to Indian / International standards and provide these equipment to every workman at site as per need and to the satisfaction of Engineer-in-charge/Project Manager of EMPLOYER. The Contractor’s Site Supervisor/ Project Manager has to ensure that all workmen must use Personal Protective Equipment at site. The Contractor shall also ensure that Industrial Safety helmets are being used by all workmen at site irrespective of their working (at height or on ground). The Contractor shall further ensure use of safety shoes by all ground level workers and canvas shoes for all workers working at height, Rubber Gum Boots for workers working in rainy season and concreting job, Use of Twin Lanyard Full body Safety Harness with attachment of light weight such as aluminium alloy etc. and having features of automatic locking arrangement of snap hook, by all workers working at height for more than three meters and also for horizontal movement on tower shall be ensured by contractor. The Contractor shall not use ordinary half body safety harness at site. The Contractor has to ensure use of Retractable type fall arrestors by workers for ascending / descending on suspension insulator string and other similar works etc., Use of Mobile fall arrestor for ascending / descending from tower by all workers. The contractor has to provide cotton / leather hand gloves as per requirement, Electrical Resistance Hand gloves for operating electrical installations / switches, Face shield for protecting eyes while doing welding works and Dust masks to workers as per requirement. The Contractor will have to take action against the workers not using Personal Protective Equipment at site and those workers shall be asked to rest for that day and also their Salary be deducted for that day. EMPLOYER may issue warning letter to Project Manager of contractor in violation of above norms.

THAT the Contractor shall prepare a detailed list of PPEs, activity wise, to commensurate with manpower deployed, which is enclosed at Annexure – 3 (SP) for review and approval of Engineer In-charge/Project Manager. It shall also be ensured that the sample of these equipment shall be got approved from EMPLOYER supervisory staff before being distributed to workers. The contractor shall submit relevant test certificates as per IS / International Standard as applicable to PPEs used during execution of work. All the PPE’s to be distributed to the workers shall be checked by EMPLOYER supervisory staff before its usage.

The Contractor also agrees for addition / modification to the list of PPE, if any, as advised by Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager.

9. THAT the Contractor shall procure, if required sufficient quantity of Earthing Equipment / Earthing Devices complying with requirements of relevant IEC standards (Generally IECs standards for Earthing Equipments / Earthing Devices are – 855, 1230, 1235 etc.) and to the satisfaction of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager and contractor to ensures to maintained them in healthy condition.

THAT the Contractor has prepared / worked out minimum number of healthy Earthing Equipments with Earthing lead confirming to relevant IS / European standards per gang wise during stringing activity/as per requirement, which is enclosed herewith at Annexure

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-152

– 4 (SP) for review and acceptance of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager prior to execution of work.

10. THAT the Contractor shall provide communication facilities i.e. Walky – Talkie / Mobile Phone, Display of Flags / whistles for easy communication among workers during Tower erection / stringing activity, as per requirement.

11. THAT the Contractor undertakes to deploy qualified safety personnel responsible for safety as per requirements of Employer/Statutory Authorities.

THAT the Contractor employing more than 250 workmen whether temporary, casual, probationer, regular or permanent or on contract, shall employ at least one full time officer exclusively as qualified safety officer having diploma in safety to supervise safety aspects of the equipment and workmen who will coordinate with Engineer In-charge /Project Manager/Safety Coordinator of the Employer. In case of work being carried out through sub contractors the sub – contractor’s workmen / employees will also be considered as the contractor’s employees / workmen for the above purpose. If the number of workers are less than 250 then one qualified safety officer is to be deployed for each contract. He will report directly to his head of organization and not the Project Manager of contractor He shall also not be assigned any other work except assigning the work of safety. The curriculum vitae of such person shall be got cleared from EMPLOYER Project Manager / Construction staff.

The name and address of such safety officers of contractor will be promptly informed in writing to Engineer In-charge with a copy to safety officer - In-charge before start of work or immediately after any change of the incumbent is made during the currency of the contract. The list is enclosed at Annexure – 5A (SP).

THAT the Contractor has also prepared a list including details of Explosive Operator (if required), Safety officer / Safety supervisor / nominated person for safety for each erection / stringing gang, list of personnel trained in First Aid Techniques as well as copy of organisation structure of the Contractor in regard to safety. The list is enclosed at Annexure – 5B (SP).

12. The Project Manager shall have the right at his sole discretion to stop the work, if in his opinion the work is being carried out in such a way that it may cause accidents and endanger the safety of the persons and/or property, and/or equipment. In such cases, the Contractor shall be informed in writing about the nature of hazards and possible injury/accident and he shall comply to remove shortcomings promptly. The Contractor after stopping the specific work can, if felt necessary, appeal against the order of stoppage of work to the Project Manager within 3 days of such stoppage of work and decision of the Project Manager in this respect shall be conclusive and binding on the Contractor.

13. THAT, if, any Employer’s Engineer/ supervisor at site observes that the Contractor is failing to provide safe working environment at site as per agreed Safety Plan / EMPLOYER Safety Rule/ Safety Instructions / Statutory safety requirement and creates hazardous conditions at site and there is possibility of an accident to workmen or workmen of the other contractor or public or the work is being carried out in an un safe manner or he continues to work even after being instructed to stop the work by Engineer / Supervisor

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-153

at site / RHQ / Corp. Centre, the Contractor shall be bound to pay a penalty of Rs. 10,000/ - per incident per day till the instructions are complied and as certified by Engineer / Supervisor of Employer at site. The work will remain suspended and no activity will take place without compliance and obtaining clearance / certification of the Site Engineer / Supervisor of the Employer to start the work.

14. THAT, if the investigation committee of Employer observes any accident or the Engineer In-charge/Project Manager of the Employer based on the report of the Engineer/Supervisor of the Employer at site observes any failure on the Contractor’s part to comply with safety requirement / safety rules/ safety standards/ safety instruction as prescribed by the Employer or as prescribed under the applicable law for the safety of the equipment, plant and personnel and the Contractor does not take adequate steps to prevent hazardous conditions which may cause injury to its own Contractor’s employees or employee of any other Contractors or Employer or any other person at site or adjacent thereto, or public involvement because of the Contractor’s negligence of safety norms, the Contractor shall be liable to pay a compensation of Rs. 10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakh only) per person affected causing death and Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh only) per person for serious injuries / 25% or more permanent disability to the Employer for further disbursement to the deceased family/ Injured persons. The permanent disability has the same meaning as indicated in Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923. The above stipulations is in addition to all other compensation payable to sufferer as per workmen compensation Act / Rules

THAT as per the Employer’s instructions, the Contractor agrees that this amount shall be deducted from their running bill(s) immediately after the accident, That the Contractor understands that this amount shall be over and above the compensation amount liable to be paid as per the Workmen’s Compensation Act /other statutory requirement/ provisions of the Bidding Documents.

15. THAT the Contractor shall submit Near-Miss-Accident report along with action plan for avoidance such incidence /accidents to Engineer – In-charge/ Project Manager. Contractor shall also submit Monthly Safety Activities report to Engineer – In-charge/ Project Manager and copy of the Monthly Safety Activities report also to be sent to Safety In-charge at RHQ of the Employer for his review record and instructions.

16. THAT the Contractor is submitting a copy of Safety Policy/ Safety Documents of its Company which is enclosed at Annexure – 6 (SP) and ensure that the safety Policy and safety documents are implemented in healthy spirit.

17. THAT the Contractor shall make available of First Aid Box [Contents of which shall be as per Building & other construction workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Rule 1998 / EMPLOYER Guidelines)] to the satisfaction of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager with each gang at site and not at camp and ensures that trained persons in First Aid Techniques with each gang before execution of work.

18. THAT the Contractor shall submit an ‘Emergency Preparedness Plan’ for different incidences i.e. Fall from height, Electrocution, Sun Stroke, Collapse of pit, Collapse of Tower, Snake bite, Fire in camp / Store, Flood, Storm, Earthquake, Militancy etc. while carrying out different activities under execution i.e. foundation works including civil works,

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-154

erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. which is enclosed at Annexure – 7 (SP) for approval of the Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager before start of work.

19. THAT the Contractor shall organise Safety Training Programs on Safety, Health and Environment and for safe execution of different activities of works i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. for their own employees including sub contractor workers on regular basis.

The Contractor, therefore, submits copy of the module of training program, enclosed at Annexure – 9 (SP), to Engineer In-charge/Project Manager for its acceptance and approval and records maintained.

20. THAT the Contractor shall conduct safety audit, as per Safety Audit Check Lists enclosed at Annexure – 8 (SP), by his Safety Officer(s) every month during construction of Transmission Lines / Sub Stations / any other work and copy of the safety audit report will be forwarded to the Employer’s Engineer In-charge / Site In-charge/Project Manager for his comments and feedback. During safety audit, healthiness of all Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) shall be checked individually by safety officer of contractor and issue a certificate of its healthiness or rejection of faulty PPEs and contractor has to ensure that all faulty PPEs and all faulty lifting tools and tackles should be destroyed in the presence of EMPLOYER construction staff. Contractor has to ensure that each gang be safety audited at least once in two months. During safety audit by the contractor, Safety officer’s feedback from EMPLOYER concerned shall be taken and recorded. The Employer’s site officials shall also conduct safety audit at their own from time to time when construction activities are under progress. Apart from above, the Employer may also conduct surveillance safety audits. The Employer may take action against the person / persons as deemed fit under various statutory acts/provisions under the Contract for any violation of safety norms / safety standards.

21. THAT the Contractor shall develop and display Safety Posters of construction activity at site and also at camp where workers are generally residing.

22. THAT the Contractor shall ensure to provide potable and safe drinking water for workers at site / at camp.

23. THAT the Contractor shall do health check up of all workers from competent agencies and reports will be submitted to Engineer In-Charge within fifteen (15) days of health check up of workers as per statutory requirement.

24. THAT the Contractor shall submit information along with documentary evidences in regard to compliance to various statutory requirements as applicable which are enclosed at Annexure – 10A (SP).

The Contractor shall also submit details of Insurance Policies taken by the Contractor for insurance coverage against accident for all employees are enclosed at Annexure – 10B (SP).

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-155

25. THAT a check-list in respect of aforesaid enclosures along with the Contractor’s remarks, wherever required, is attached as Annexure – Check List herewith.

THE CONTRACTOR shall incorporate modifications/changes in this ‘Safety Plan’ necessitated on the basis of review/comments of the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager within fourteen (14) days of receipt of review/comments and on final approval of the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager of this ‘Safety Plan’, the Contractor shall execute the works under the Contract as per approved ‘Safety Plan’. Further, the Contractor has also noted that the first progressive payment towards Services Contract shall be made on submission of ‘Safety Plan’ along with all requisite documents and approval of the same by the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Contractor has hereunto set its hand through its authorised representative under the common seal of the Company, the day, month and year first above mentioned.

For and on behalf of

M/s...... ………......

WITNESS 1. Signature...... Signature......

Name...... Name......

2. Signature...... Authorised representative

Name...... (Common Seal)

Address...... (In case of Company)

Note: All the annexure referred to in this “Safety Plan“ are required to be enclosed by the contractor as per the attached “Check List “

1. Safety Plan is to be executed by the authorised person and (i) in case of contracting Company under common seal of the Company or (ii) having the power of attorney issued under common seal of the company with authority to execute such contract documents etc., (iii) In case of (ii), the original Power of Attorney if it is specifically for this Contract or a Photostat copy of the Power of Attorney if it is General Power of Attorney and such documents should be attached to this Safety Plan.

2. For all safety monitoring/ documentation, Engineer In-charge / Regional In-charge of safety at RHQ will be the nodal Officers for communication.

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-156

CHECK LIST FOR SEFETY PLAN

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents 1. Annexure – 1A (SP) Yes/No Safe work procedure for each activity i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. to be executed at site.

2. Annexure – 1B (SP) Yes/No Manpower deployment plan, activity wise foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc.

3. Annexure – 2 (SP) Yes/No List of Lifting Machines i.e. Crane, Hoist, Triffor, Chain Pulley Blocks etc. and Lifting Tools and Tackles i.e. D shackle, Pulleys, come along clamps, wire rope slings etc. and all types of ropes i.e. Wire ropes, Poly propylene Rope etc. used for lifting purposes along with test certificates.

4. Annexure – 3 (SP) Yes/No List of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), activity wise including the following along with test certificate of each as applicable:

1. Industrial Safety Helmet to all workmen at site. (EN 397 / IS 2925) with chin strap and back stay arrangement. 2. Safety shoes without steel toe to all ground level workers and canvas shoes for workers working on tower.

3. Rubber Gum Boot to workers working in rainy season / concreting job. 4. Twin lanyard Full Body Safety harness with shock absorber and leg strap arrangement

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-157

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents for all workers working at height for more than three meters. Safety Harness should be with attachments of light weight such as of aluminium alloy etc. and having a feature of automatic locking arrangement of snap hook and comply with EN 361 / IS 3521 standards. 5. Mobile fall arrestors for safety of workers during their ascending / descending from tower / on tower. EN 353 -2 (Guided type fall arresters on a flexible anchorage line.) 6. Retractable type fall arrestor (EN360: 2002) for ascending / descending on suspension insulator string etc. 7. Providing of good quality cotton hand gloves / leather hand gloves for workers engaged in handling of tower parts or as per requirement at site. 8. Electrical Resistance hand gloves to workers for handling electrical equipment / Electrical connections. IS : 4770 9. Dust masks to workers handling cement as per requirement. 10. Face shield for welder and Grinders. IS : 1179 / IS : 2553 11. Other PPEs, if any, as per requirement etc.

5. Annexure – 4 (SP) Yes/No List of Earthing Equipment / Earthing devices with Earthing lead conforming to IECs for earthing equipments are – (855, 1230, 1235 etc.) gang wise for stringing activity/as per requirement

6. Annexure – 5A (SP) Yes/No List of Qualified Safety Officer(s) along with their contact details

7. Annexure – 5B (SP) Yes/No Details of Explosive Operator (if required), Safety officer / Safety supervisor for every erection / stinging gang, any other person nominated for safety, list of personnel trained in First Aid as well as brief information about safety set up by the

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-158

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents Contractor alongwith copy of organisation of the Contractor in regard to safety

8. Annexure – 6 (SP) Copy of Safety Policy/ Safety Document of the Yes/No Contractor’s company

9. Annexure – 7 (SP) Yes/No ‘Emergency Preparedness Plan’ for different incidences i.e. Fall from height, Electrocution, Sun Stroke, Collapse of pit, Collapse of Tower, Snake bite, Fire in camp / Store, Flood, Storm, Earthquake, Militancy etc. while carrying out different activities under execution i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc.

10. Annexure – 8 (SP) Yes/No

Safety Audit Check Lists ( Formats to be enclosed)

11. Annexure – 9 (SP) Yes/No

Copy of the module of Safety Training Programs on Safety, Health and Environment, safe execution of different activities of works for Contractor’s own employees on regular basis and sub contractor employees.

12. Annexure – 10A (SP)

Information along with documentary evidences in regard to the Contractor’s compliance to various statutory requirements including the following:

(i) Electricity Act 2003 Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(ii) Factories Act 1948 Yes/No

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-159

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(iii) Building & other construction workers (Regulation Yes/No of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Act 1996) and Welfare Cess Act 1996 with Rules. ______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(iv) Workmen Compensation Act 1923 and Rules. Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(v) Public Insurance Liabilities Act 1991 and Rules. Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(vi) Indian Explosive Act 1948 and Rules. Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(vii) Indian Petroleum Act 1934 and Rules. Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(viii) License under the contract Labour (Regulation & Yes/No Abolition) Act 1970 and Rules.

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(ix) Indian Electricity Rule 1956 and amendments if Yes/No

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-160

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents any, from time to time.

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(x) The Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Yes/No Rules.

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(xi) Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act 1986. Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(xii) National Building Code of India 2005 (NBC 2005). Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(xiii) Indian standards for construction of Low/ Medium/ Yes/No High/ Extra High Voltage Transmission Line

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

(iv) Any other statutory requirement(s) Yes/No [please specify]

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance]

13. Annexure – 10B (SP)

Details of Insurance Policies alongwith documentary evidences taken by the Contractor for the insurance coverage against accident for all employees as below:

Section IX. Contract Forms 9-161

S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents

(i) Under Workmen Compensation Act 1923 and Yes/No Rules.

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of insurance taken]

(ii) Public Insurance Liabilities Act 1991 Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of insurance taken]

(iii) Any Other Insurance Policies Yes/No

______[Name of Documentary evidence in support of insurance taken]

____

EMPLOYER

ANNEXURE – 5

SAFETY CONDITIONS IN CONTRACT DOCUMENT

ANNEXURE – 6

HEALTH AND SAFETY CHECKLISTS

HEALTH AND SAFETY CHECKLIST

Safety Related Check List during Construction of Transmission Lines

Name of the Circle: ...... Date of Safety Audit:......

Name of Tr. Line: ...... ………

Loc. No: ...... ………………………………………Voltage Level: ......

Name of Contractor: ...... ……

Name of Sub Contractor: ...... ………

A. DURING TOWER FOUNDATION :

SN Description of Activity Feed Remarks back I) EXCAVATION : 1. Dumping of Excavated soil. (Minimum 1.5 Mts. or half the depth of the pit whichever is more) Yes / No. 2. Whether angle of repose of soil as per design in the foundation is maintained or not. Yes / No. 3. De-watering arrangement is available ( If necessary) Yes / No. 4. Working area has been protected properly to avoid against fall of passerby or animal in the excavated pit. Yes / No. 5 Shoring & Shuttering to protect the loose rock / soil against fall exists. Yes / No. 6 Arrangement of illumination at construction site is available. (if required ) Yes / No. 7 Check proper/adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose Yes / No. connection for De-watering Pumps/ Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 8 Check for damage / Uneven settlement of foundation. Yes / No. 9 Ensure Life saver arrangements have been made during construction of well foundation in river bed. (Where necessary) Yes / No. 10 Check that the adequate arrangement is made for the storage of blasting material at safe place. (if required) Yes / No. 11 Check that the blasting materials is handled with due care at site. ( If required ) Yes / No. 12 Check that during blasting operation, Labour / Workmen / SN Description of Activity Feed Remarks back Passerby are at safe places and arrangement is made to inform Yes / No. public by caution markings (Red Flag) / Public Notices. 13 Check that the Blaster is holding the proper license issued by the appropriate authority as per the Indian Explosive Act. Yes / No. 14 Check that the length of the fuse wire used during blasting operation is adequate. Yes / No. 15 Ensure Laying of temporary cable used for operation of Machines used during construction should not cause any danger Yes / No. for electrocution of workmen. 16 Check that PPEs i.e. Safety helmets, Safety Shoes, is used by blaster and their gang members during blasting. Yes / No. 17 Ensure that Shuttering and timbering has been made as detailed in I:S: 3764. Yes / No. 18 Ensure that before undertaking excavation, the soil has been tested and in case of availability of any explosive / dangerous Yes / No. gas, necessary arrangement must be made to remove / dilute such gases. 19 The positions of underground installations such as sewers, water pipes and electrical cables have been verified and in case of their Yes / No. existence, they must be isolated. 20 Arrangement shall be made to prevent external vibrations due to rail / road traffic (If required). Yes / No. 21 Safety is ensured during the construction of Tr. Lines for buildings, structures etc. which are coming in the vicinity of the Yes / No. excavated area from collapse. ( If required ) 22 Check that sufficient strong ladder of suitable length is available for ingress / outgress of persons in the pit Yes / No. 23 Lone worker should not be allowed to work in the excavated area beyond shoulder level. Yes / No. 24 Check for any possibility of seepage of water from nearby pond / river should be estimated and taken care of. Yes / No. 25 After excavation the work has been completed speedily and back filling done at the earliest. Yes / No. II) CASTING OF FOUNDATION / CONCRETING : 1 Check construction materials are stacked at safe place and also does not cause any danger. (Away from pit by 1.5 Mtrs. Or half Yes / No. the depth of pit, whichever is more. ) 2 Check arrangement of illumination at Construction Site. (If required). Yes / No. 3 Ensure life saver arrangements have been made during construction of Well foundation in River Bed. Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed Remarks back 4 Check that the Concreting Mixer machine is placed at a safe place. (Not very near to pit.) Yes / No. 5 Check proper / adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose Yes / No. connection for De-watering Pumps / Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 6 Check that laying of temporary cables used during construction Yes / No. activities should not cause any danger for electrocution to workmen. 7 Inspection of excavations shall be made by a Competent Person every day. In case, possible cave in or slide is apparent, all Yes / No. working in the excavation shall be seized until the necessary precautions have been taken to safeguard the possible cave in or slide. 8 Jacks and vertical supports shall be positioned in such a manner that the vertical loads are distributed equally and do not exceed Yes / No. the capacity of the jacks and the jacks are placed away from pit edge etc. 9 Proper Jacking arrangement is made to take the entire load of template. Yes / No. 10 In case of long template in stub setting, more jacks have been provided and check that the Jacks are placed on levelled and hard Yes / No. surface to avoid the unbalancing and fallen. 11 Wire mesh rolls shall be secured in order to prevent dangerous recoiling action. Yes / No. 12 Lone worker should not be allowed to work in the excavated Yes / No. area. 13 Check that sufficient strong ladder of suitable length is available for ingress / outgress of persons in the pit Yes / No.

B. TOWER ERECTION :

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1 Check proper communication facility is available at site during Tower erection. (If required) Yes / No. 2. Check damages or uneven settlement of foundation. Yes / No. 3. Ensure the derrick used before tower erection has been checked for adequate strength/ size. Ensure for copy of test certificate for all the Yes / No. lifting machines and tackles. 4. Ensure that the pulleys used before tower erection has been checked for adequate strength / proper size (diameter). Also in case of open Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks type pulleys proper locking arrangements like providing of Safety Pin is made. Ensure for copy of test certificate for all the lifting machines and tackles. 5. Ensure that the ropes used before tower erection has been checked for adequate strength / physical condition (Free from break of Yes / No. strands and knots etc. 6. Check that the lifting tools and tackles i.e. Winch Machine, Chain Pulley Block, Trifor, D - Shackle etc. are in healthy condition and Yes / No. has been tested periodically. (Attach copy of test certificate). 7. Ensure that permission has been obtained from Aviation Authority for erection of special towers. (Where necessary). Yes / No. 8. Ensure that permission has been obtained from Aviation Authority for erection of towers which comes in the vicinity of flying zone. Yes / No. (Where necessary) 9. Check that the safety measures has been taken before undertaking for the Road / Rail / River Xing jobs involving likewise stretches. Yes / No. 10. For rail or road crossing check whether written working plan is available at site with specific reference to safety e.g. local earthing, Yes / No. skilled & experience manpower, proper T&P, strength and height of scaffolding to maintain the required clearance etc. 11. Ensure that all the members and proper size of Nuts and Bolts of lower section are fitted properly before erection of the upper section Yes / No. of tower is taken up. 12. Check that the anti climbing devices are provided in the tower after erection job. Yes / No. 13. Check that the danger plates have been provided. Yes / No. 14. Check that only erection team members are allowed to stand near the tower while erection is in process and should wear the safety Yes / No. helmet / Safety Shoes. 15. Working area of the tower has been demarcated during erection. Yes / No. 16 Check that proper guying arrangement has been made. And also to see that proper size of the crow bars has been used which has been Yes / No. fixed at hard surface in case of sandy soil or loose soil. 17 Check that proper arrangement is made while lifting the tower members and fixing them at height i.e. Proper size and strength of Yes / No. the hook used for lifting the tower members. 18 Check sufficient numbers of guys are made while lifting the assembled cross arm and also avoiding use of single sheeve pulleys Yes / No. while lifting the assembled cross arm / heavy load.

C. CONDUCTOR STRINGING:

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. All drivers and plant operators are holding the valid driving license. Yes / No. 2. Check that the permit has been obtained from the Competent Authority for stringing of conductor while crossing through Road / Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks Rail / River / Venerable areas etc. ( Where necessary ) 3. Check that required painting has been made on tower falling in the vicinity of aviation zones. (Where necessary.) Yes / No. 4. Check that all safety measures have been taken during stringing of conductor crossing the HV / LT lines (Earthing of existing lines Yes / No. etc.) 5. Ensure that proper size of Nuts and Bolts is rigidly tightened and punching / tacking / tack welding is done in towers before Yes / No. undertaking stringing job. 6. Ensure that proper scaffolding arrangements made during stringing of conductor ( While Road Xing / Power Line Xing etc. Yes / No. 7. Ensure that all members are fitted in tower before undertaking conductor stringing work. Yes / No. 8. Check that the back filling of the foundation has been done as per specification. Yes / No. 9. Ensure that the discharge rod is electrically tested before use. Yes / No. 10. Stringing Machine / Tension puller Machine are properly earthed. Yes / No. 11. Check the brake arrangement of the TSE Machines is working. Yes / No. 12. Ensure that the pulleys used before conductor stringing has been checked for adequate strength / proper size (diameter), also in case Yes / No. of open type pulleys proper locking arrangements like providing of Safety Pin is made Ensure for copy of test certificate for all the lifting machines and tackles. 13. Ensure the ropes used before conductor stringing has been checked for adequate strength / physical condition (Free from break of Yes / No. strands and knots etc. 14. Check that the lifting tools and tackles i.e. Winch Machine, Chain Pulley Block, Trifor, D - Shackle etc. are in healthy condition and Yes / No. has been tested periodically. (Attach copy of test certificate). 15. Check for the brake arrangement of the Drum reel of conductor during laying / paying out of conductor. Yes / No. 16. Check that proper communication facility is available at site during of stringing of conductor ( If required ) Yes / No. 17. Whether the tower has been permanently earthed. Yes / No. 18. Check that Sag Board is provided at two locations. Yes / No. 19. Check that the Sag Board arrangement is made by the experienced / trained persons. Yes / No. 20. Check approved Sag tension chart is available and followed at site. Yes / No. 21. While clamping of conductor / EW to be done, check for earthing. Yes / No. 22. Ensure sending signal to puller to stop when last layer of conductor / EW being pulled. Yes / No. 23. Check tension applied on the dynamo meter dial and check values with approved data. Yes / No. 24. Before stringing starts check that the villagers do not come SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks underneath the job of the concerned section. Yes / No. 25. Only nylon or polypropylene ropes should be used during conductor stringing in vicinity of live overhead lines. Yes / No. 26. Ensure that PTW has been taken from the concerned authority. Yes / No. 27. Ensure that Winch, Pulleys etc. are properly earthed. Yes / No. 28. For LT lines, whether special persons are posted at each point of isolation till return of permit (PTW). Yes / No. 29. Whether the network of LT lines has been thoroughly checked and precautions taken Against inadvertent charging. Yes / No. 30. Check that proper arrangement is made / available for development and use of a Portable Earthing and Short – Circuiting Devices which Yes / No. can be engaged and disengaged to and from the LT lines, keeping away from the LT lines, until all operations on the same are completed and all men and materials are removed from LT lines. 31. Check the provision and proper positioning for the guying and back staying (Where necessary). Yes / No. 32. Check demarcation of feeder is done for D/c Line. Yes / No. 33. Ensure that all the insulator strings are thoroughly checked for availability and proper fixing of cotter / split pins before hoisting the Yes / No. same.

General Points common for all activities during Excavation, Casting of Foundation

A. ERECTION OF TOWER AND STRINGING OF CONDUCTOR :

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check whether the contractor had procured required quantity of PPEs considering maximum numbers of erection gangs deployed Yes / No. at one time. 2. Supervisors/ Workmen have been provided with required healthy PPEs, like Safety helmet / Safety Belts / Safety Shoes / Gum Yes / No. Boot etc. as applicable. 3. Availability of First Aid Box with required medicines at site. Yes / No. 4. Instruction register is available at site. Yes / No. 5. Ensure that Supervisor / Gang Leader always issues instruction to the Workmen before start of work. Yes / No. 6. Ensure that supervisory staff from Power Grid is available at site during construction. Yes / No. 7. All driver and plant operators are holding valid driving license. Yes / No. 8. Check the vehicle for rescue is available at site. Yes / No. 9. Ensure engaged labour are aware of the job. Yes / No. 10. Check that the unskilled labourers are not engaged in skilled job. Yes / No. 11. Ensure that supervisor / workmen engaged in the field are aware of First Aid Techniques ( Such as in case of Electric Shock, Fall Yes / No. from the height, Snake bite and the person rescued from buried under the debris etc. 12. Check for nearby Hospital / Doctor in case of emergencies Yes / No. arises. 13. While transporting heavy consignment of conductor / EW drums from central store to site by the use of Cranes, Truck, and Yes / No. Tractor. The safety aspect for construction and failure of brake system of moving machinery is to be checked. 14. At least one dry powder type of portable fire extinguisher shall be provided especially where explosive or blasting agents are Yes / No. used for excavation. 15. Check the competence (Qualification / Experience) of supervisor / gang leader of contractor. Yes / No.

REMARKS IF ANY: Signature Signature Signature

Name : Designation : Name : Name : Representative of Designation: Designation: Contractor PEDM Rep. from Site. PEDM Rep. from Circle office Safety Related Check List during Construction of Sub - Station

Name of the Circle : ...... Date of Safety Audit:......

Name of Sub Stn. / Switching Stn.: ...... ………

Name of Contractor: ...... ……….

Contractor License / Registration No.:………………...... Validity...... …….....

Name of Sub Contractor : ...... ……….

A. SUB- STATION CIVIL WORKS : SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks I): SAFETY DURING EXCAVATION : 1. Check Substation area has been protected by constructing boundary wall all around the substation to avoid entry of Yes / No. passerby / unauthorized person or animal in the substation. 2. De watering arrangement is available ( If necessary ) Yes / No. 3. Check proper / adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose Yes / No. connection and no naked wire connection to Pumps / Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 4. Check arrangement of illumination at construction site is Yes / No. available. 5. Check dumping of Excavated soil (Minimum 1.5 Mts. Or half the depth of the pit whichever is more from the edge of the pit.) Yes / No. 6. Check Shoring & Shuttering to protect the loose rock / soil Yes / No. against fall. (if required). 7. Check lone worker is not allowed to work in the excavated area. Yes / No. 8. Ensure Laying of temporary cables used for operation of Yes / No. Machines used during construction should not cause any danger for electrocution of persons / animals. 9. Ensure that before undertaking excavation, the soil has been tested and in case of availability of any explosive / dangerous Yes / No. gas, necessary arrangement must be made to remove / dilute such gases. 10. The positions of underground installations such as sewers, water pipes and electrical cables has been verified and in case of their Yes / No. existence, they must be isolated before further excavation works to ensure Human Safety. 11. Check that the scaffolds are not overloaded in any case. Yes / No. Scaffolds are to be erected and supported properly. 12. Stability of the soil of the excavated pit for safe working is to be checked and certified by a competent person daily before start of Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks work. A register at site is maintained where competent person can certify accordingly. No manhole should remain uncovered during night & off days. 13. Check the provision of sufficient strong ladder of suitable length Yes / No. is available near the working place during excavation. 14. Check if any permission is required from local statutory body before excavation. Yes / No. 15. Check for No undercutting / toe cutting in soil. Yes / No. 16. Check after excavation the work should be speedily completed Yes / No. without delay and back filling done at the earliest. 17. Check for any possibility of seepage of water from nearby pond / Yes / No river has been estimated and taken care of. 18. Check to avoid slide / collapse of side walls of excavated pit, the Yes / No. excavation is to be done in trapezoidal cross – section. OF BLASTING II): SAFETY PRECAUTION DURING STORAGE, HANDLING AND USE MATERIAL: 1 Check that the adequate arrangement is made for the storage of blasting material at safe place. (Temporary Magazine is to be Yes / No. installed observing all norms) as per Indian Explosive Act. 2. Check that the blasting materials is handled by licensed blaster Yes / No. with due care at site. (If applicable) 3. Check smoking is prohibited in the vehicle carrying explosives. Yes / No. 4. Check that the Blaster is holding proper license issued by the Yes / No. appropriate authority. As per Indian Explosive Act. 5. Check that the length of the fuse wire used during blasting Yes / No. operation is adequate. 6. Check while transportation, no unauthorized person is allowed in Yes / No. vehicle carrying explosives. 7. Check that the loading and unloading of explosives is being done Yes / No. carefully. 8. Check explosives and detonators or blasting caps is not being Yes / No. transported in the same vehicle. 9. Check while transportation the detonators and explosives are not Yes / No. carried loose or mixed with other materials. 10 Check surplus explosives shall not be stacked near working area Yes / No. during loading / unloading. 11. Check explosives shall not be held in hands when lightening the Yes / No. fuse. 12. Check that blasting in the open has been carried out during the Yes / No. fixed hours every day or on fixed days in the week so that the public at large should know about this. 13. Check that arrangement has been made to display sufficient Yes / No. warnings / sign board to enable the people to get out of the SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks blasting area to get off the danger zone 14. Check that the danger zone has been suitably cordoned off. Yes / No. 15. Check during blasting operations begin / after the firing of explosives shall follow the loud siren. Yes / No. 16. Check that during blasting operation, Labour / Workmen / Passerby are at safe places and arrangement is made to inform Yes / No. public by caution markings ( Red Flag ) / Public Notices etc. 17. Check that PPEs i.e. Safety helmets, Safety Shoes, is used by blaster and their gang members during blasting and also the Yes / No. persons supervising the blasting operations. 18. For covered blasting ensure placement of cover plates of proper thickness and sufficient numbers of sand filled bags. Yes / No. 19. Ensure that permission for blasting has been obtained from the appropriate authority. Yes / No. III) SAFETY DURING CASTING OF FOUNDATION / CONCRETING : 1. Check construction materials are stacked at safe place and also does not cause any danger. (Away from pit) i.e. 1.5 Mtrs. or half Yes / No. the depth of the pit whichever is more.) 2. Check proper arrangement of illumination at Construction Site of Sub station is available. Yes / No. 3. Check that the Concreting Mixer/ Vibrator machines etc are placed at a safe place (Not very near to any pit at least 1.5 Mtr. Yes / No. from the edge of the pit) to avoid transfer of vibrations and should be operated by skilled persons. 4. Check proper / adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose Yes / No. connection for De watering Pumps / Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 5. Check for laying of temporary cables used during construction activities should not cause any danger for electrocution to Yes / No. persons / animals. 6. All bracing, struts and shuttering in excavations shall be adequately secured so as to prevent their accidental Yes / No. displacement. 7. Ensure Shuttering and timbering has been made as detailed in I:S: 3764 for protecting the loose rock / soil against fall. Yes / No. 8. Check for proper placing of Hydraulic jacks with stability and constant watch of these instruments (which are continuously Yes / No. loaded) to avoid any danger of displacement causing sever accident.

B. SAFETY DURING STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT ERECTION & CABLE LAYING ETC. : SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 1. Check Back filling done prior to erection activity. Yes / No. 2. Check the derrick used before structure erection has been Test certificate is checked for adequate strength / size and no joints are Yes / No. required apart permitted. from visual inspection. 3. Check that the pulleys used before structure erection / Test certificate is Equipment Erection has been checked for adequate Yes / No. required apart strength / proper size (diameter), also in case of open type from visual pulleys proper locking arrangements like providing of inspection. Safety Pin is made Safe working load should be punched. 4. Check the ropes used before structure erection / Equipment Test certificate is Erection has been checked for adequate strength / physical Yes / No. required apart condition (free from break of strands and knots etc. from visual inspection. 5. Check that the lifting tools and tackles are in healthy Test certificate is condition and has been tested periodically. Yes / No. required apart from visual inspection. 6. Check permission has been obtained from Aviation Authority for erection of Lightning Mast which comes in Yes / No. the vicinity of flying zone. (Where necessary ) 7. Check that all Nuts and Bolts are fitted in the structure before undertaking the job of other section of the structure Yes / No. and are tightened. 8. Check area has been cordoned off to prevent injuries to unauthorized persons from hitting against structural Yes / No. component or falling in the excavated pits. 9. Check that danger plates are available on all the equipment & structures in the switchyard. Yes / No. 10. Check demarcation of feeder is done for Double Circuit Yes / No. Line. 11. Check only erection team members are allowed to stand near the structure / Equipment while erection is in process Yes / No. and should wear the safety helmet / Safety Shoes. 12. Check proper guying arrangement has been made while lifting structure / Equipment, if necessary. Yes / No. 13. Check that proper arrangement is made while lifting the structure members and fixing them at height i.e. Proper Yes / No. size and strength of the hook used for lifting the structure members. 14. Check sufficient numbers of guys are made while lifting the assembled structure / heavy loads and also avoiding use Yes / No. of single sheeve pulleys while lifting the assembled SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks structure / heavy load. 15. Check arrangement has been made for equipment identification. Yes / No. 16. Check that required painting made on tower falling in the vicinity of aviation zones. (Where necessary.) Yes / No. 17 Check no live wires nearby. Take shut down if necessary. Yes / No. 18. Check the structure has been permanently earthed. Yes / No. 19. Check crane are preferably be used for erection of pipe structure in the substation building works ( if required.) Yes / No. 20. Check all safety procedures for erection work like use of safety helmets, Safety belts, use of guy wires, lowering / Yes / No. lifting of tools by rope etc. are strictly adhered to during structure erection works is in progress in the switchyard. 21. Check that correct size of spanner (Box or ring type) as well as DE spanners is being used. Yes / No. 22. Check working area of the structure has been demarcated during erection. Yes / No. 23. Check heavy structures are lifted with crane with proper Yes / No. safety. 24. Only polypropylene ropes are to be used to tie the aluminium tube / Bus bar since this is soft material and Yes / No. will not damage aluminium tube / Bus bar during erection. 25. Ensure that R clips in insulator caps are fixed properly to avoid disconnection of insulator discs. Yes / No. 26. Ensure that all the necessary security pins (split pins) are fixed. Yes / No. 27. Check all nuts of jumper fittings are properly tightened and live metal clearance have been maintained as per TSECL Yes / No. specification. 28. In case of tension fitting dead end joint dimensions before & after the compression are checked and recorded. Yes / No. 29. No damaged component of any hardware fitting should be used on works. Yes / No. 30. Length of jumpers has been measured properly to give it a parabolic shape. No sharp bend should exist. Yes / No. 31. Check surge counter erection facilitates proper reading and that earthing is done with minimum bends. Yes / No. 32. Check Surge monitor has been earthed by connecting it to main earth mat with (G I Flat 75 x 12 mm) and earth pit Yes / No. separately as per drawing. 33. Check the alignment of earth switch with isolator, earth switch of isolator is put into operation and the contacts are Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks cleaned. After completion of pre commissioning checks and formats are dully filled and signed. 34. Ensure that the rubber beedings are kept in good condition. Yes / No. 35. Check CT has been placed on the support structure very carefully and all nuts have been tightened. Earthing is done Yes / No. as per drawing. 36. Ensure the lattice structure of CT has been earthed at two points. Yes / No. 37. Check the marshalling box in the switchyard has proper illumination arrangement. Yes / No. 38. Check the capacitor unit is short circuited & earthed, until erection and commissioning works are being done on Yes / No. CVT. (The capacitor get charged by the electrical fields in the vicinity and they keep these charges for a long time, which can be dangerous to human life. Hence the shorting of capacitor unit is necessary). It should be removed before tests / use. 39. Check Fuses in the marshalling box are OK. Yes / No. 40. Check proper earthing of CVT tank has been done. Yes / No. 41. Check all housing accessories, mounting stools including bolts / Nuts for fixing Line Trap and insulators are of non Yes / No. magnetic material. 42. Check H.F. point of CVTs on which the coupling device is not mounted has been earthed. Yes / No. 43. Check the remaining CVTs have been earthed thro’ coupling device. Yes / No. 44. Cable drums after visual inspection should be stored preferably in the covered area. Cable ends should be Yes / No. clamped. 45. Ensure each cable and conduit run should be tagged with cable identity numbering as per the approved that appear in Yes / No. the cable and conduit schedule. 46. The tag should be of aluminium plate with ID number punched on it and securely attached to the cable conduit by Yes / No. not less than two turns. Cable tags should of rectangular shape for power cables and of circular shape for control cables. 47. Check underground cable markers should project 150 mm above ground and spaced at an interval of 30 Mts. They Yes / No. shall be located on both sides of road and drain crossing and also at every change in direction. 48. Check cable tags should be provided inside the switchgear, motor control centres, control and relay panels etc. Yes / No. wherever required for cable identification, where a number SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks of cables enter together through a gland plate. 49. The cable (power and control) between LT stations, Control room, DG set building and fire fighting pump Yes / No. house should be laid in the buried cable trenches. In addition to the above, for lighting purpose also, buried cable trench can be used in outdoor area.(as per Technical specification of specific contract ) 50. Cable route and joint markers and RCC warning covers should be provided wherever required. The voltage grade Yes / No. of cables should be engraved on the marker. 51. Tray Identification Number on each run of trays at an interval of 10 Mtrs should be painted. Yes / No. 52. In case the outer sheath of a cable is damaged during handling / installation, the same should be repaired to the Yes / No. satisfaction of the site. In case any other part of a cable is damaged, the same should be replaced by a healthy cable. Power cables should be at the top most layers. The armour of control cable is to be earthed. 53. All cable termination should be appropriately tightened to ensure secure and reliable connections. All the exposed Yes / No. parts of cable lugs should be covered with tape, sleeve or paint. 54. Power and control cables are laid on separate cable trays Yes / No. 55. Co-axial cable is laid separately from power cable. Yes / No. 56. All cable trays, racks and metallic ducts have been grounded by connecting each to earth / mat. ( As per Yes / No. Scheme ) 57. Check sections of cable trays have been bridged by copper jumpers/ G I to retain continuity of earthing. (As per Yes / No. Scheme) 58. Check earthing of panel is done by the erection contractor for connecting it with switchyard earth mat. ( As per Yes / No. Scheme ) 59. Auxiliary bus wiring for AC and DC supplies, Voltage Transformer circuits, annunciation circuits and other Yes / No. common services is provided near the top of the panels running through out the entire length of the panels. 60. All internal wiring to be connected to external equipment is terminated on terminal blocks, preferably vertically Yes / No. mounted on the side of each panel. 61. Check whether Mimic Diagram is available preferably made of anodized aluminium or plastic of approved fast Yes / No. colour material and screwed on to the panel that can be easily cleaned. SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 62. Check the panels all equipment mounted on front and rear side as well as equipment mounted inside are provided Yes / No. with individual name plates with equipment designated engraved. 63. Check on top of each panel on front as well as rear side, large and bold name plates are provided for circuit / feeder Yes / No. designation. 64. Check all front mounted equipments are provided at the rear with individual name plates engraved with tag Yes / No. numbers corresponding to panel internal wiring to facilitate easy tracing of the wiring. 65. Check the name plates mounted directly by the side of the respective equipments should not be hidden by equipment Yes / No. wiring. 66. Check availability of 240V single phase 50 HZ, AC socket with switch suitable to accept 5 Amps and !5 Amps pin Yes / No. round standard plug, is provided in the interior of each cubicle with ON-OFF switch for connection of hand lamps. 67. Check that panels are provided with a fluorescent lighting fixture rated with 240 Volts single phase, 50 Hz supply for Yes / No. the interior illumination of the panel during maintenance. The fittings are complete with switch fuse unit and switching of the lighting is controlled by the respective panel door switch. Adequate lighting with fuse unit is also provided for the corridor in control panels. 68. Check control panels are provided with necessary arrangements for receiving, distributing, isolating and Yes / No. fusing of DC and AC supplies for various control, signalling, lighting and space heater circuits. The incoming and sub circuits are separately with switch fuse units. 69. Check panels are provided with a space heater rated for 240 V, single phase, 50 Hz, AC supply for the internal Yes / No. heating of the panel to prevent condensation of moisture. 70. Check all panels are equipped with an earth bus securely fixed Yes / No. 71. Check when several panels are mounted adjoining each other, the earth bus is made continuous with necessary Yes / No. connectors and clamps for this purpose. 72. Check provision is made for extending the earth bus bars to adjoining panels on either side. Yes / No. 73. Check provision is made on each bus bar of the end panels for connecting earthing grid. Yes / No. 74. Check all metallic cases of relays, instruments and panel SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks mounted equipment including gland plates are connected Yes / No. to the earth bus by copper wires of specified size. 75. Check the colour code of the earthing wire is green. Yes / No. 76. Check that earthing made with equipment is with Nuts and Bolts i.e. For such connection lugs should be pressed and Yes / No. tightened to the terminals through Nuts and Bolts. 77. Check that no equipment is mounted on the panel doors. Yes / No. 78. Check each switch should bear clear inscription identifying its function. Yes / No. 79. Check those who have sufficient knowledge of steel structural job have been employed in steel structural works Yes / No. only. 80. Check necessary instruction has been communicated by supervisor before start of the day’s works to workmen Yes / No. under his control. 81. Storing of equipments is to be made properly to avoid any accident during handling. Yes / No. 82. Check all Nuts and bolts are properly raised or lowered preferably using closed loop pulleys and gully bags / hand Yes / No. bags tied at the end for carrying nuts and bolts. 83. Check that Fire resistant sheets are used before entrance of control cable in control room. Yes / No. 84. Check air compressor tubing properly tightened. Yes / No. 85. Check all carrying connectors / clamps properly tightened. Yes / No.

C. CONDUCTOR LAYOUT DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE : SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check all members are fixed in structure and ensure proper size of Nuts and Bolts are rigidly tightened and punching / tacking / Yes / No. tack welding is done in towers / structures before undertaking conductor laying job. 2. Ensure proper scaffolding arrangements made during laying of conductor (While Power/Distribution Line crossing etc). Yes / No. 3. Ensure that all members are fitted in structure before undertaking conductor laying work. Yes / No. 4. Ensure that the discharge rod is electrically tested before use. Yes / No. 5. Ensure whether the structure is properly earthed. Yes / No. 6. Only nylon or polypropylene ropes should be used during conductor laying in vicinity of live overhead lines. Yes / No. 7. Ensure that PTW has been taken from the concerned authority when extension of existing substation is under execution. Yes / No.

SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 8. Ensure that Winch, Pulleys etc. are properly earthed. Yes / No. 9. For LT lines, check whether special persons are posted at each point of isolation till return of permit (PTW) if positioning of Yes / No. person is not possible then it is to be seen that all the point of isolation has been kept in the locked position till the work is in progress. 10. Whether the network of LT lines has been thoroughly checked and precautions taken against inadvertent charging. Yes / No. 11. Check that proper arrangement is made / available for grounding LT lines coming across during conductor laying. (This can be Yes / No. done by way of portable earthing and short circuiting devices which cab be engaged to and disengaged from LT lines, keeping away from the LT lines until all operations on the same are completed and all man and materials are removed from the LT lines). 12. Check the provision and proper positioning for the guying and back staying (Where necessary). Yes / No. 13. Check working of hydraulic crimping machine. Yes / No. 14. Check before and after crimping, dimensional changes in clamps and are in accordance with the drawings and specifications. Yes / No.

D SWITCHYARD EARTHING DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE: SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check that while earthing conductor crossing the road is laid 300 mm below the road or at greater depth depending upon the site Yes / No. conditions. 2. Check that while laying the Earthing conductor in outside area is buried at least 600 mm below the furnished ground level. Yes / No. 3. Check that the earthing pads have been provided for the apparatus / equipments at accessible position. Yes / No. 4. Check all steel columns, metallic stairs are connected to nearby earthing grid conductor by two earthing leads. Yes / No. 5. Check of earthing of lightening fixtures, receptacles switches, junction boxes lighting conduits has been done by a separate Yes / No. earthing conductor. 6. Check that the railway tracks within switchyard area has been earthed at a spacing of 30 Mts. / specified distance and also at Yes / No. both ends. 7. Check cable trays has been connected to earthing flat of 50X6 mm / specified sized earthing flat at intervals specified in Yes / No. approved drawing. 8. Check that this earthed flat is earthed at about 30 Mts. distance. Yes / No. 9. All accessories in transformer and reactor like radiators tank, SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks cooling banks etc are connected to the earthing grid at minimum Yes / No. two points. 10. Check metallic conduits are not used as earth continuity Yes / No. conductor. 11. Check flexible earthing connectors should be provided for the moving parts. Yes / No. 12. Check sheath and armor of single core power cable is earthed at switchgear end and equipment side. Yes / No. 13. Check contact surface of earthing pads for jointing free from scale, paint, enamel, grease, rust or dust. Yes / No. 14. Check that light poles, junction boxes on the poles, cable and cable boxes / glands, lockout switches etc. are connected to the Yes / No. earthing conductor running along with the supply cable which intern is connected to the earthing grid conductor at a minimum two points. Check earthing conductor which is generally buried 2000 mm 15. outside the switchyard fence. All the gates and every alternate Yes / No. post of the fence are to be connected to earthing grid. 16. Check megger used for measuring soil resistivity is calibrated with desired accuracy. Yes / No. 17. The earth resistivity has been measured in dry weather condition. Yes / No. 18. Check the earthing of Transformers and Shunt reactor, earth pits are constructed as per relevant standard / approved drawing. Yes / No. Check that the measured value of combined earth resistance 19. should be less than 1 Ohm. Yes / No. Check that for earth electrode and individual earth pits, this value 20. should not be more than one Ohm. Yes / No. Check all non current carrying metal parts shall be effectively 21. earthed by two separate and distinct earth connections ( Indian Yes / No. Electricity Rule 61,67 ) 22. Check that all pylon supports in the Fire Fighting HVSW system has been earthed to the earthmat. Yes / No.

E: GENERAL POINTS COMMON FOR ALL ACTIVITIES DURING EXCAVATION, CASTING OF FOUNDATION

Erection of structures, laying of Conductor, storage and transportation of material: SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check Supervisors / Workmen have been provided with required healthy PPEs. Like ( Safety helmet / Safety Belts / Safety Shoes Yes / No. / Gum Boot etc. as applicable ) 2. Check availability of First Aid Box with required medicines at Yes / No. site. 3. Check Site Instruction register is available at site. Yes / No. 4. Ensure Supervisor / Gang Leader always issues instruction to the Workmen including contractor labour before start of work. Yes / No. 5. Ensure supervisory staff from Power Grid is available at site during construction. Yes / No. 6. Check all driver and plant operators are holding valid driving license. Yes / No. 7. Check the vehicle for rescue is available at site. Yes / No. 8. Ensure engaged labour are aware of the job. Yes / No 9. Ensure supervisor / workmen engaged in the field are aware of Yes / No. First Aid Techniques ( Such as in case of Electric Shock, Fall from the height, Snake bite and the person rescued from buried under the debris, rescue of person from drowning etc. 10. Check for availability and to keep a record of nearby Hospital / Doctor in case of emergencies arises. Yes / No. 11. While transporting heavy consignment of conductor / EW drums from central store to site by the use of Cranes, Truck, Tractor. Yes / No. The safety aspect for construction and failure of brake system of moving machinery is to be checked. 12. At least one dry powder type of portable fire extinguisher shall be provided especially where explosive or blasting agents are Yes / No. used for excavation. ( If applicable ) 13. Check the competence (Qualification / experience) of supervisor / gang leader of contractor. Yes / No. 14. Wire mesh rolls shall be secured in order to prevent dangerous Yes / No. recoiling action. 15. Proper unloading arrangement has been made at site (Preferably with crane) to unload the material. Yes / No. 16. After unloading the material visual inspection of the materials has been carried out along with the erection contractor to check Yes / No. that the material has not been damaged or not (Galvanizing is proper or not) As per approved Field Quality Plan etc. 17. While transporting the heavy laden equipment like transformer / Reactor by road from Rly Stn to Sub station check whether for Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks all safety precaution taken. Like safe lifting capacity of crane, safe load on culvert / Bridge / Nala / Drain etc.and working plan is available at site with specific reference to safety e.g. local earthing, skilled & experience manpower, proper T&P, strength and LT wires / HT wires interrupting the height of equipment and the required clearance maintained etc. Permission to be obtained from concerned authority if required. “Impact recorder on the equipment like Reactor / Transformer must be installed during transportation” 18. Check that the adequate and safe means of access and aggress has been provided for all work places as far as reasonably Yes / No. practicable and is being used by the workers. 19. Check proper illumination is provided at the work places and their approaches including passage ways. Yes / No. 20. Check that the lamps have been protected by suitable guards where necessary to prevent danger, in case the lamp breaks. Yes / No. 21. Check loose materials which are not required for use shall not be placed or left so as dangerously to obstruct work places or Yes / No. passage ways. 22. Check all projected nails has been removed or bent over to prevent injury. Yes / No. 23. Check scrap, waste and rubbish has not been allowed to accommodate on the site or the scrap materials has been stored at Yes / No. the isolated place. 24. Check that the worker while working at height scaffold materials, waste materials and tools are not being thrown by Yes / No. them to cause injury to any person. 25. Check whether contractor has procured required quantity of PPE considering maximum number of erection gangs deployed at one Yes / No. time. Check the quantity of PPEs. 26. Check that the PPEs required by the workmen are being utilized by them always. Yes / No. 27. Check the worker is under constant surveillance by the other person while working at height. Yes / No. 28. Check construction site has been barricaded for unauthorized persons / animals. Yes / No. 29. Check that lifting appliances and machines and vehicles used on the construction site is of sound material and good quality and is Yes / No. free from patent defects and is strong enough to with safely the load and stresses to which they will be subjected. 30. Check structures and equipment is being used only for the purpose for which they were intended. Yes / No. 31. Check equipment has been operated by the competent person. Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 32. Check portable ladders shall not exceed 9 Mts. in length, Yes / No. otherwise may cause danger while climbing of person and back legs shall be equally braced. 33. Check unskilled labour are not utilized for skilled jobs and only experience persons are deployed for erection. Yes / No. 34. Check a well planed and documented procedure for the entire Construction works of Substation shall be prepared by contractor Yes / No. and get approved from TSECL for distribution to Contractors’ field staff and TSECL for follow up. 35. Check no metallic measuring tapes are being used during expansion of charged bays. Yes / No. 36. Check metal ladders are not being used in the vicinity of exposed live electrical equipment. Yes / No. 37. Check one bore well is available for water supply in case Municipal Construction supply is not available Yes / No. 38. Check charged area of a yard should be properly fenced off. Yes / No. 39. Check ladders / lengthy articles / lengthy equipments etc. should always be carried in horizontal position. Yes / No. 40. Check insurance by contractor for the labour to provide adequate Yes / No. coverage for any accident etc.

REMARKS IF ANY:

Signature Signature Signature Name : Name : Name : Designation: Designation: Designation : PEDM Rep. Site office Rep. from Contractor Rep. from Circle office of PEDM

ANNEXURE – 7

DETAILS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Photographs of Public Consultation held on 15th Sept’2014 at West Phaileng

Photographs of Public Consultation held at Village Community Hall Phuldungsei on 18th May 2017

ANNEXURE – 8

CONTENTS OF FEAR

Table of Content for Final Environment Assessment Report (FEAR) for Transmission and Distribution Project

Section - I: Project Description: Brief description of the background, objective of the project, resultant benefit and scope of the work.

Section – II: Baseline Data: Description of the relevant physical, physiographical, and socio- economic condition of the project area including description of natural resources base like forest resources or any other environment sensitive areas like National Park sanctuary etc. along with description of climatic condition, population and other demographic features of the project area.

Section -III: Policy, Legal and Regulatory Framework: Description of the policy, Legal and Regulatory framework applicable to transmission project and the environmental requirement under which environment assessment has been carried out.

Section – IV: Major Features of Final Route & Environment Impact: Brief description of the environmental criteria for selection of route and major features of final route alignment , details of forest involvement including number of trees and species of the trees likely to be effected. The details of forest clearance and environmental impact matrix describing in brief the extent of impact of transmission line.

Section – V: Potential Environmental Impact, Evaluation and its Management: Description of the measures adopted and under implementation for identified impact due to project location, design, construction, O&M details of public consultation and its documentation, details of contractual conditions regarding safeguard issues under scope of contract for compliance and conclusion listing the category of the project based on the impact and analysis.

Section – VI: Monitoring and Organization Support Structure: Description of the monitoring plan, reporting pattern/frequency, external monitoring requirement/timing for potential environment & social issues with compliance status of Environment Management Plan (EMP) and organization support structure.

Enclosures:

1) Original Topo / GIS map with Final route marked 2) Public Consultation details like list of participants, photos etc. 3) Copy of Forest proposal and Compensatory Afforstation plan. 4) Forest approval letters 5) Tree, Crop & Tower footing compensation details 6) Contract conditions regarding safeguard issues. 7) Budget/Expenditure 8) Compliance details of safety checklist/measures

ANNEXURE – 9

BUDGET ESTIMATE

BUDGET ESTIMATE TOWARDS FOREST AND CROP/ TREE/ TOWER FOOTING COMPENSATION

Total 132 kV T/L length - 50 km.

Total 132 kV tower locations - 102 approx.

A. Compensation

1. Forest & wildlife - 90 ha. approx

- Forest and wildlife compensation including = 4086.30 lakhs @ 5 times NPV & 2% of project cost

2. Crop & Trees

- Transmission Line length in Private /Revenue land – 17 km - Crop/tree compensation for 132 kV line- (17 x 5,00,000/-) = Rs. 85.00 lakhs

3. Land compensation for 132 kV tower footing- (102 towers x 13,600) = Rs 13.87 lakhs

Sub Total of A (1+2+3) = Rs 4185.17 lakhs

B. Implementation Monitoring & Audit

i) Man-power involved for EMP implementation & Monitoring in entire route of transmission & distribution line (Rs.10, 000/-x 50 Km) = Rs 5.5 lakhs ii) Independent Audit (LS) if needed = Rs. 10.00 lakhs

Sub Total of B (i+ ii) = Rs. 15.50 lakhs

Grand Total (A+B) = Rs. 4200.67 lakhs

EXHIBIT – 1 POWER MAP OF MIZORAM

EXHIBIT – 2 SCHEMATIC MAP SHOWING PROPOSED TRANSMISSION NETWOR Transmission and Distribution Network in Mammit District proposed under NER Power System Improvement Project in Mizoram

132/33 KV ZAMABAWK S/S

33/11 KV W. PHILENG (EXISTING) S/S (EXISTING) 132 KV line presently charged at 33 KV

33 KV Overhead cable connection

132 KV LINE (NEW) TO BE CHARGED AT 33 KV 132/33 KV

132/33 KV MARPARA S/S (NEW) W. PHILENG S/S (NEW)

:- NEW LINE PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP :- EXISTING STATE LINE :- EXISTING S/S

:- OVERHEAD CABLE CONNECTION :- NEW S/S PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP

:- 132 KV BAY ADDITION PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP

EXHIBIT – 3 PEDM’s ORGANIZATION SUPPORT STRUCTURE EXHIBIT-3 : PEDM Organization Chart for ESPP Implementation

Commissioner & Secretary to GOM

Joint Sect. Under Sect. (Tech.).

Office of the Engineer-in-Chief Engg.-in. Chief

SE(E)-Design Jt. Director DD (Admin.) EO to E-in-C CE (Civil) SE (E)-Plg. SE(E)-Com. CE(E) RE (A/C) (RGGVY)

Circle Office CE (SO) P&E CE (Dist.) CE (New) SPIU for PS Improvement Project WB/GoI Funding

Chief elect. SLDC Project Circle-II Aizwal Power Lunglei Power Transmission Project Circle-I Champhal Power Inspectorate. Circle Aizwal Circle Circle Circle Aizwal Aizwal Circle

SPIU SPIU

Finance (A/C SE (Civil) SE(Civil) Land Acquisition officer-New) (Existing) (Existing) Officer (New)

EE (Env) EE (E) (New)

AE (Env.) AE (E) AE (E) AE (E) Existing Existing Existing Vacant Post Vacant Post Vacant Post

EXPERT GROUP FOR TAXONOMIST, ECOLOGIST, SOCIOLOGIST & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST ETC SHALL BE ENGAGED WHENEVER REQUIRED

FIGURE – 1 132 KV LINE DEPICTING ACTUAL POSITION ALONG WITH ROW AND EXTENT OF DAMAGE 132 kV line depicting actual position along with RoW and extent of damage

FIGURE – 1 a 132 KV TOWER BASE SHOWING IMPACT ON AGRICULTURAL LAND AND CROP

132 kV Tower Base showing extent of impact on agricultural land and Crop with Anti climbing device .

Another 132 kV Tower Base showing extent of impact on agricultural land and Crop

FIGURE – 2 33 KV lines (Single & H pole) depicting base area impact 33 KV lines (Single & H pole) depicting base area impact

Actual Impact of 33 kV Pole at Base Area

33 kV line inside city area of Assam 33 kV (H Pole) line inside substation

FIGURE – 3 TYPICAL PLAN OF TRANSMISSION LINE TOWER FOOTINGS SHOWING ACTUAL GOUND POSITION AND EXTENT OF IMPACT

TYPICAL PLAN OF TRANSMISSION LINE TOWER FOOTINGS SHOWING ACTUAL GOUND POSITION AND EXTENT OF IMPACT

X

a

a

T R A N S M Y I S S I O N L I N E

ACTUAL POSITION ON GROUND INDICATIVE MEASURES X & Y = 10-15 METERS a = 300- 450 mm

FIGURE – 3 a SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM INDICATING AREA OF INFLUENCE/IMPACT FOR 132 KV D/C TRANSMISSION LINE

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM FOR INDICATING AREA OF INFLUENCE/IMPACT for 132 KV D/C Transmission Line

Conductor 12 m 12m 4 m

3m

W 45.5 m m Conductor swing Area O

4.5m Tree Felling Zone 12m To wer To wer

R Felling/Pollarding/Pruning* 12 m

m

Tree Felling Zone 27 Conductor

4 m

3m 4 m Conductor swing Area

Tree Felling for Foundation Area Tree Felling for Foundation Area

Normal Span 350 m

Note : Tree felling in 3m wide corridor/zone below each conductor is applicable in forest area only.

MAP – 1 FOREST COVER MAP OF MIZORAM

Proposed Subprojects Area

MAP – 2

Proposed line route in respect of West Phaileng – Marpara and Dampa Tiger Reserve

MAP– 3 ALTERNATIVE ROUTES OF TRANSMISION LINE

PLATE – 1 PROPOSED SUBSTATION LOCATION 132/33 kV New substation at West Phaileng

132/33 kV New substation at Marpara