(Dushanbe – Kurgonteppa) Road Project – Additional Financing

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) ______

Project Number: 49042 - 005 Grant Number: 0569 Document Date: May 2021

TAJIKISTAN: Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Corridors 2, 5, and 6 (Dushanbe – Kurgonteppa) Road Project – Additional Financing

Prepared by: Ministry of Transport / Project Implementation Unit Roads Rehabilitation for the Asian Development Bank

This Initial Environmental Examination Report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE REPORT ...... 2 1.2 STUDY AREA AND PROJECT CATEGORIZATION ...... 2 1.3 METHODOLOGY ...... 3 2 Legal, policy and Administrative Framework ...... 4 2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS...... 4 2.2 GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES ...... 4 2.3 ADB SAFEGUARDS ...... 18 2.4 OTHER RELEVANT GUIDELINES...... 18 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ...... 19 3.1 OVERVIEW ...... 19 3.2 TYPE AND CATEGORY OF PROJECT ...... 20 3.3 NEED FOR PROJECT ...... 20 3.4 PROJECT’S COSTS ...... 20 3.5 LOCATION ...... 20 3.6 SIZE OR MAGNITUDE OF OPERATION ...... 22 3.7 PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTATION ...... 22 3.8 DETAIL OF THE PROJECT ...... 22 3.9 DISPOSAL SITES ...... 23 4 Alternatives ...... 23 5 Description of the Environment ...... 23 5.1 PHYSICAL RESOURCES IN PROJECT AREA...... 23 5.2 ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN PROJECT AREA ...... 36 5.3 SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 42 6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 46 6.1 PRE-CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN PHASE) ...... 47 6.2 CONSTRUCTION PHASE ...... 47 6.3 OPERATIONAL PHASE ...... 54 6.4 POSITIVE IMPACTS ...... 55 6.5 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ...... 55 7 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 55 7.1 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT ...... 55 7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 57 7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ...... 70 7.4 REPORTING ...... 70 8 CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE ...... 72 8.1 CONSULTATION PROCESS ...... 72 8.2 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE ...... 72 9 Grievance Redress Mechanism ...... 72 9.1 OBJECTIVES ...... 72 9.2 GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION PROCESS ...... 74 9.3 DUTIES OF GRC MEMBERS ...... 75 9.4 GRC COMPLAINT REGISTER, RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION ...... 77 9.5 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS ...... 77 10 CONCLUSION ...... 77 ANNEX 1. ENVIRONMENTAL SITE VISIT FROM Dushanbe-Vakhdat road ...... 78 ANNEX 2. Public consultations minutes and notes from Rudaki ...... 83 ANNEX 3. Public consultations minutes and notes from Vakhdat ...... 88 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. National standards and regulations applicable to the Project ...... 10 Table 2. Environmental Standards for Emissions to the Atmosphere ...... 11 Table 3. Environmental Standards for Ambient Air ...... 12 Table 4. Environmental Standards for Water Quality & Discharges to Water ...... 14 Table 5. Environmental Standards for Waste ...... 15 Table 6. Environmental Standards for Noise Emissions ...... 16 Table 7. Temperature & Precipitation, by district ...... 26 Table 8. Temperature & Precipitation ...... 27 Table 9. Air Quality Standards ...... 33 Table 10. Transboundary Waters in the Basin of the Aral Sea ...... 34 Table 11. Characteristics of the Kofarnigon River ...... 35 Table 12. Water Quality Standards ...... 35 Table 13. Main Components of Biodiversity in Tajikistan ...... 36 Table 14. Distribution of soil erosion ...... 42 Table 15. Population in the districts traversed by the Project road ...... 43 Table 16. Vehicle crash statistics for the last 15 years for Tajikistan (Source: GAI statistics) ...... 46 Table 17. Summary of Environmental Mitigation Measures ...... 58 Table 18. Environmental Monitoring Plan ...... 71 Table 19. Cost Estimate for the Mitigation Measures ...... 72

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Corridors ...... 21 Figure 2. A satellite image map showing the Dushanbe- Vakhdat road section (KM 0+000 - KM 10+180) ...... 22 Figure 3. Soils ...... 25 Figure 4. Climate in Tajikistan ...... 27 Figure 5. Average temperature in the country and project area ...... 28 Figure 6. Wind rose of Dushanbe by seasons ...... 29 Figure 7. Annual Air Temperature Anomalies in Tajikistan ...... 30 Figure 8. CO2 emissions in Central Asia ...... 32 Figure 9. Reserved Forest in Tajikistan ...... 38 Figure 10. Distribution of rare animals (Red List of Tajikistan) ...... 40 Figure 11. Desertification in Tajikistan ...... 41 Figure 12. Districts of Dushanbe...... 44 Figure 13. Grievance Redress Process ...... 75

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB - Asian Development Bank AH - Asian Highway Standard AIDS - Acquired immune deficiency syndrome AP - Affected People CAREC - Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation PMCSC - Construction Supervision Consultant CEO - Contractor’s Environmental Officer CEP - Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan CHSO - Contractor’s Health and Safety Officer EA - Executive Agency EMP - Environmental Management Plan FS - Feasibility Study GAI - Road Traffic Police GHG - Green House Gas GoT - Government of Tajikistan GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism HIV - Human Immune Deficiency Virus IEE - Initial Environmental Examination IMF - International Monetary Fund IPPC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change JICA - Japanese International Cooperation Agency KM - Kilometer LAR - Land Acquisition and Resettlement LARP - Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan masl - meter above sea level MoT - Ministry of Transport NGO - Non-Governmental Organization PAP - Project-Affected Person PPTA - Project Preparatory Technical Assistance RAP - Resettlement Action Plan RoW - Right-of-Way RP - Resettlement Plan SA - Social Assessment SES - socio economic survey SPS - Safeguard Policy Statement STD - Sexually Transmitted Disease SSEMP - Site Specific Environmental Management Plan TA - Technical Assistance TOR - Terms of Reference UNFCCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change USD - United States Dollar VAT - Value Added Tax VOC - Vehicle Operating Cost

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report is an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for the “Blackspots” program that is funded with the savings from the CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation) Corridors 2, 5 and 6 – Additional Financing, Dushanbe to Kurgonteppa road project.

With the savings, the Tajikistan Ministry of Transport and the Government of Tajikistan have agreed to prepare a national blackspot program. As an initial step towards the preparation for this new and important road safety program, the ADB assigned a Consultant to visit Tajikistan, inspect several high crash frequency highways and select four packages of roads that are to be further investigated and then improved with low cost, high benefit crash treatments.

The following highways were inspected by the Consultant. They were identified from a list of “high crash frequency” highways provided to the Asian Development Bank by the Ministry of Transport in co-operation with the Republican Traffic Police: 1) Dushanbe – Kulob Road 2) Dushanbe – Hissor – Tursunzoda – Uzbekistan border 3) Safety Improvements in Different Regions of Tajikistan 4) Dushanbe – Vakhdat Road 5) Dushanbe – Khujand Road (Istaravshan city passage) 6) Ayni – Panjakent Road. The crash data provided for this task has limited detail. It locates a crash to the nearest kilometer only, and it lacks details of time, date, light conditions, weather conditions, road conditions, types of vehicle(s) or pedestrian involved or direction of travel of each.

On the understanding that this crash data is the best available at present, it will not be possible for a blackspot investigation team to be able to identify any patterns of crashes at specific locations on any of these roads. Without a known crash pattern, it is not practical to implement cost-effective, site-specific safety improvements. For this reason, the safety treatments recommended for the six packages detailed in this report are based on providing consistent “blacklength” safety improvements rather than many site-specific “blackspot” improvements.

The lack of accurate crash data has led to this first program addressing the needs of “blacklengths” more than “blackspots”. The focus of the program will be to create a more consistent level of safety for the main road user groups on the roads in these four packages. A small number of site-specific safety improvements (several intersection improvements) are included in the packages but most of the treatments will be improved delineation, improved safety barriers, removal of roadside hazards, speed management in villages and towns. An IEE is required for this work to commence in accordance with the ADB rules and regulations.

IEE is required for category B Projects in order to warrant compliance of the Project with the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (June 2009). As such the IEE provides a road map to the environmental measures needed to prevent and/or mitigate negative environmental effects associated with the development project. The IEE also provides a detailed description of the direct and indirect environmental effects associated with the Project during key periods of work, namely the design, pre-construction, construction and operational phase.

On the whole the Environmental impacts from the implementation of the “blockspots” component are mostly are short-time and negligible by magnitude. Most of work will be conducted within the existent ROW and do not require resettlement or land acquisition. These impacts are actually site specific and therefore are assed separately for every blackspot. By the current time the design setings are determined only for Dushanbe-Vakhdat section and therefore this document covers issues relating to this sub-project.

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background and Purpose of the Report 1. The project will support the government to prepare interventions to improve safety along the project roads. 2. ADB contracted the Kocks Consult GmbH; Germany in cooperation with State Unitary Enterprise "Research, Design and Survey Institute" Tajikistan in December 2015 as a consultant for the Project Preparatory Technical Assistance (PPTA) and consequently for preparation of all documents for the Phase 2 projects, and the same team carried out the work on this IEE. 3. This is a new IEE that considers the environmental impact brought on by the addition of the “black spots” component. 4. In detail, the IEE (i) identifies and analyzes all significant impacts; (ii) describes their extent, duration and severity; (iii) formulates the required mitigation and monitoring measures and presents it all in the form of an EMP and EMoP. 5. Work on this IEE started in mid-January 2021. And the first version of the report was submitted by the end of January 2021. 6. Tajikistan is a landlocked, mountainous country with formidable geographic barriers that seriously constrain its ability to effectively participate in international trade. Its development efforts are further hampered by inadequate physical infrastructure, which is in need of investment and regular maintenance. Tajikistan is surrounded by China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The population of Tajikistan has reached 9.54 million people in 2020. Population density is 57.2 persons / km². 7. Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is the country’s political and economic hub with a population of 916,000 in 2020 which is a 9.6 % share of the whole Tajikistan. Population density in Dushanbe is high and shows 4,512.0 persons / km². 1.2 Study Area and Project Categorization 8. The project categorization follows the categorization in the original IEE for the Phase 2 project. For purposes of establishing the environmental conditions, the overview of regional data is followed by the description at the project level if data is available. For purposes of the impact assessment, it needs to be distinguished in between the core impact area and the wider zone of influence. The selected roads were chosen due to their poor traffic safety track record. The roads have been identified as “high crash frequency” highways, and they were provided to the ADB by the Ministry of Transport in co-operation with the Republican Traffic Police. Historically Dushanbe- Vakhdat road is a part of important M-41 Highway linking the capital of Tajikistan to the Mountain Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO). The project section connects the capital of the country, city of Dushanbe with the city of Vakhdat, This is 4 lane road with 2 lanes in each direction.

9. Dushanbe - Vakhdat Road is part of CAREC corridors 2, 3, 5 and Asian Highway routes (AH 65 and 66) and of international importance and forms part of the CAREC road network. The Dushanbe - Vakhdat Road Section is one of the highest trafficked road sections in Tajikistan (app value of AADT with 6,650) and due to the straight alignment prone to over-speeding. In addition, the side strips of the road are used partly by pedestrian, which in combination with high speed and traffic volumes makes the road dangerous for road users.

10. Traffic directions are divided by the concrete barriers with gaps in U-turn locations. The whole length of the road goes in the Vakhdat area, crossing the villages of Tezgar, Neftyanik, Brick factory (Kirpichny), Pistamazor and Bahor. 11. To the north from the alignment the several road sections are adjacent to the hilly massif, planted with the trees (mainly juniper and almond trees). The Ayni – Panjakent road is part of the CAREC corridor 6 and has been rehabilitated between 2012 and 2016. Some section of the road passes through mountainous terrain with steep site slopes. A road safety audit reported several safety issues, mainly related to roadside hazard management. As the alignment runs through very complicated mountainous terrain Ayni - Panjakent Road needs also some reconstruction of 3 dangerous damaged sections of the road (km 19+800 / 25+050 / 53+240).

The Dushanbe – Hissor – Tursunzoda – Uzbekistan border road are part of the CAREC road corridor 3. The road is the main route for road traffic and the transport of goods to Usbekistan and Turkmenistan. The terrain is relatively flat with many straight road sections and passes through several villages and one large town. The traffic police expressed their concerns about the number of serious crashes occurred on the road.

The Dushanbe-Kulob road section is one of the important roads of regional significance in the southeastern region of Tajikistan and also provides transport links to the population of Dangara, Baljuvan, Khovaling districts, it is part of the international Dushanbe-Kulob Road (Asian Highway {AH66} routes). Part of the road passes through mountainous terrain with sharp, dangerous curves.

12. On the whole the Environmental impacts from the implementation of the “blackspots” component are mostly are short-time and negligible by magnitude. Most of work will be conducted within the existent ROW and do not require resettlement or land acquisition. These impacts are site-specific and therefore are assessed separately for every blackspot site. By the current time the design settings are determined only for Dushanbe-Vakhdat section and therefore this document covers issues relating to this sub-project. 1.3 Methodology 13. The project’s environmental and social assessment needs to comply with both the legal requirements of Tajikistan and the ADB SPS (2009). Consequently, the methodology used for the preparation of this IEE report is based on ADB SPS (2009) and the existing Tajikistan’s environmental and social legislation and permitting procedure. 14. This IEE focuses solely on the environmental impacts brought on by the addition of the “black spots” component. 15. The Project area was visited partially by the team during the implementation of the Phase 2 project. However, due to COVID-19 related limitations, the international environmental specialist of the Construction Supervision Consultant (PMCSC-IES) could not access the project area during the preparation of this IEE. The work on this IEE was therefore done partially as a desktop study.

2 LEGAL, POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

16. This section presents an overview of the policy/legislative framework as well as the environmental assessment guidelines of the Republic of Tajikistan that apply to the proposed project. The section also identifies relevant ADB Safeguard Policies that will be applied in the project. 2.1 Environmental Clearance Requirements 17. According to ADB’s Guidelines and Environmental Assessment Requirements of Infrastructure Projects, an IEE will be presented to both the Government of Republic of Tajikistan and ADB. According to initial environmental assessment the project road has been qualified as category “B”. 2.2 Government Environmental Laws, Regulations and Guidelines

2.2.1 Legislation

18. Tajikistan has a well-developed environmental legal and regulatory framework. Current environmental legislation in Tajikistan includes statutory acts and laws on the following topics: (i) Protection of the environment; (ii) ecological audit and monitoring; (iii) protection of flora and fauna; (iv) environmental information and education; (v) soil, water and air quality; (vi) biological safety; (vii) human health and safety; and (viii) waste and chemicals management. These laws, along with the regulations approved by the Government of Tajikistan (GoT) create a favorable legal framework for environmental protection and for the use and protection of the country’s natural resources. They also enforce the rights of any citizen for environmental safety, organic products, eco-friendly environment, access to environmental information, possibility of investing (moral, material and financial) to improve the ecological situation in the country. 19. Environmental legislation in the Tajik Republic includes the Constitution, codes and laws on air quality, noise, mineral resources, land management, forests, health and safety, waste and chemicals management. The Tajikistan Framework Environment Law was adopted in 1993 it was enacted in 1994 and amended sequentially in 1996, 1997, 2002, 2004 and 2007. Then in 2011 it was replaced by new law. The Water Code was adopted in 2000 (amended in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012), the Land Code in 1996 (amended in 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2011, twice in 2008 and 2012) and the Forest Code in 1993 (amended twice in 1997 and 2008). 20. Other important environmental legal acts include:  The Law on Hydro-meteorological Activity (No. 86 as of December 2, 2002);  The Law on Production and Safe Handling of Pesticides (No. 1 as of April 22, 2003);  The Law on Protection and Use of Flora (No. 31 as of May 17, 2004);  The Law on Protection of the Population and Territories from Emergency Situations of Natural and Manmade Origin (No. 53 as of 15 July 2004);  The Law on Biological Safety (No. 88 as of March 1, 2005);  The Law on Animal World Conservation and Use (No. 354 as of January 5, 2008);  The Law on Soils Conservation (No. 555 as of October 16, 2009);  The Law on Subsoils (No. 983 as of July 20, 1994, wording as of RT Laws No. 120 as of November 4, 1995, No. 351 as of January 5, 2008, No. 471 as of December 31, 2008 and No. 663 as of December 29, 2010);  The Law on Potable Water and Drinking Water Supply (No. 670 as of December 29, 2010);  The Law on Environmental Education (No. 673 as of December 29, 2010);  The Law on Environmental Information (No. 705 as of March 25, 2011);

 The Law on Environmental Monitoring (No. 707 as of March 25, 2011);  The Law on Environmental Audit (No. 785 as of December 26, 2011);  The Law on Specially Protected Natural Areas (No. 786 as of December 26, 2011);  The Law on Use of Renewable Energy Sources (No. 857 as of January 12, 2012);  The Law on Food Safety (No. 890 as of August 1, 2012);  The Law on Atmospheric Air Protection (No. 915 as of December 28, 2012);  The Law on Pastures (No. 951 as of March 19, 2013);  The Law on Biological Management and Production (No. 1001 as of July 22, 2013);  The Law on Radioactive Waste Management (No. 1002 as of July 22, 2013);  The Law on Ensuring Sanitary and Epidemiologic Safety of Population (No. 49 as of December 8, 2003, wording as of RT Laws No. 441 as of October 6, 2008, No. 481 as of December 31, 2008, No. 793 as of December 26, 2011 and No. 1010 as of 22.07.2013);  The Law on Energy Conservation and Efficiency (No. 1018 as of September 19, 2013);  The Law on Fishing and Protection of Fishery Resources (No. 1021 as of September 19, 2013).  The Law on Energy Saving (No. 524 as of February 6, 2002);  The Law on Industrial and Domestic Waste (No. 44, as of May 10, 2002, wording of the Republic of Tajikistan Law No. 736 as of July 28, 2011); and  The Law on Ensuring of Environmental Safety of the Road Transport (No. 1214 as of August 8, 2015).

2.2.2 International legal instruments

21. The Republic of Tajikistan is party to a number of international environmental treaties including:  Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, 1996 and updated by: o Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal), 1998; o London Amendments to Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances, 1998; o Copenhagen Amendments to Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances, 2009; o Montreal Amendments to Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances, 2009; o Beijing Amendments to Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances, 2009.

 UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD), 1997.

 UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1997; Related updates to CBD are: o Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity, 2004. o Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity, signed in 2011 and ratified in 2013.

 Ramsar Convention (joined 2000);

 Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (joined 2001); A related update is: o Bukhara Deer Memorandum, 2002.

 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1998; A related update is: o Kyoto Protocol, accessed on December 29, 2008, and entered into force on March 29, 2009.

 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (ratified 2007); Related updates: o 2009 amendments listing 9 new POPs, August 26, 2010; o 2011 amendment listing endosulfan, October 27, 2012; and o 2013 amendment listing HBCD, November 26, 2014.

 Aarhus Convention (joined 2001); A related update is: o Kiev Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers to the Convention on Access to Information, on May 21, 2003.

 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 2016.

 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (joined 1992).

2.2.3 Environmental Assessment

22. There are two laws in the country that stipulate all aspects of the EA: (a) Law on Environment Protection; and (b) Law on Ecological Expertise. The Chapter V, Articles 35-39 of the Law on Environment Protection (2011), introduces the concept of state ecological review (literally, state ecological expertise1 – SEE) that seeks to examine the compliance of proposed activities and projects with the requirements of environmental legislation and standards and ecological security of the society. The mentioned laws stipulate the mandatory cross-sectoral nature of SEE, which shall be scientifically justified, comprehensive, and objective and which shall lead to conclusions in accordance with the law. SEE precedes decision-making about activities that may have a negative impact on the environment. Financing of programs and projects is allowed only after a positive SEE finding, or conclusion, has been issued. 23. The following activities and projects are subject to state ecological review: a. draft state programs, pre-planning, pre-project, and design documentation for economic development; b. regional and sector development programs; c. spatial and urban planning, development, and design; d. environmental programs and projects; e. construction and reconstruction of various types of facilities irrespective of their ownership; f. draft environmental quality standards and other normative, technology, and methodological documentation that regulates economic activities; g. existing enterprises and economic entities.

24. The laws stipulate that all types of economic and other activities shall be implemented in accordance with existing environmental standards and norms and shall have sufficient environmental protection and mitigation measures to prevent and avoid pollution and enhance environmental quality. The EA studies analyzing the short- and long-term environmental, genetic, economic, and demographic impacts and consequences shall be evaluated prior to making decisions on the allocation, construction, or reconstruction of facilities, irrespective of their ownership. If these requirements are violated, construction will be terminated until necessary

1 State Ecological Expertise means both the department (institution) within the Committee for Environmental Protection and the process of review as well.

improvements are made, as prescribed by the GoT and/or other duly authorized control bodies, such as sanitary, geological, and public safety agencies. 25. An EIA is a component of the SEE, as set out in the 2011 Environmental Protection Law and in the 2012 Law on State Ecological Expertise, which comprises both the department within the Committee for Environmental and the process as well. Conducting the EIA is the responsibility of the project proponent. The State Ecological Review2 - which comprises the process component only - for all investment projects is the responsibility of the GoT Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) and its regional offices. Furthermore, according to the 2012 Law on State Ecological Expertise, all civil works, including rehabilitation ones, should be assessed for their environmental impacts and the proposed mitigation measures should be reviewed and monitored by the CEP. 26. According to the 2012 Law on Ecological Expertise, ecological expertise is intended to prevent negative impacts on the environment as a result of a proposed activity, forecast impacts from activities that are not considered as necessarily damaging to the environment and create databases on the state of the environment and knowledge about human impact on the environment. 27. This Law on Ecological Expertise and the Law on Environment Protection envisage two types of ecological expertise – State ecological expertise and public ecological expertise, which are not given equal importance. While State ecological expertise is a prerequisite for beginning any activity that may have an adverse environmental impact, public ecological expertise becomes binding only after its results have been approved by a State ecological expertise body. 28. The State Ecological Expertise is authorized to invite leading scientists and qualified outside specialists to participate in the review. Approval should be issued within 30 days, unless the project developer agrees to an extension, and remains valid for two years, if the decision is positive. For very complicated projects the term of consideration and approval can be extended till 60 days. 29. According to the Law on SEE the public ecological expertise of economic activities or other activities implementation of which can negatively impact the environment of population which live in relevant area can be carried out by any public organization and citizen. They have right to send the proposals to the responsible government bodies concerning environmental issues of implementation planned activities; to receive information on results of conducted state ecological expertise from relevant responsible bodies. The materials reflecting the public expertise delivered to the experts‘ commission should be taken into consideration under preparation of conclusion of state ecological expertise and decision making on realization of expertise object. The public ecological expertise is carried out under the state registration of application of public organization. The registration can be done by local executive authorities (for 7 days) in place where the expertise activities are planned. The public organizations which are organizing this expertise, should inform the population of initiation of expertise and then on its results. 30. The legal and regulatory system for the EIAs also include:  Procedure of Environmental Impact Assessment (adopted by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No. 532 as of 01.11.2018).  Procedure to implement State Ecological Expertise (approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No. 697 as of December 3, 2012).

2 State Ecological Review which is also commonly referred as State Environmental Review means the process only.

 Guidelines on the composition and order of development of content and structure of the documentation to be submitted for review (SEE), as well as coordination and approval of all projected budget or investment estimations, design drawings or documentation that must be developed in coordination with the SEE3, buildings and structures and EIA chapters, Strategic Environmental Assessment SEA and feasibility documents; and  List of objects and types of activity for which preparation of documentation on Environment Impact Assessment is mandatory (adopted by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No. 253 as of June 3, 2013).

31. The elaborated existing normative legal base is intended for determination of legal basis for implementation of projects and their compliance with state requirements for environmental protection and mitigation of environmental impact. 32. In the Republic of Tajikistan, the organizations with most responsibility for environmental monitoring and management currently are the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan (GoT), the Sanitary Inspectorate of the Ministry of Health, the Inspectorate for Industrial Safety and the Mining Inspectorate. An environmental licensing system exists in relation to handling hazardous waste and mineral extraction. An environmental permitting system regulates the use of natural resources. 33. The Environmental Protection Law states that a SEE should be conducted by the CEP, which is designated as a duly authorized state environmental protection body. The CEP has a comprehensive mandate that includes policy formulation and inspection duties. The CEP has divisions at oblast (region), city and rayon (district) level, in the form of Departments of Environmental Protection (DEPs), within the Hukumat (local administration) at each city or rayon.

2.2.4 Public Participation

34. Article 12 of the Environment Protection Law proclaims the right of citizens to live in a favorable environment and to be protected from negative environmental impacts. Citizens also have the right to environmental information (Article 13), as well as to participate in developing, adopting, and implementing decisions related to environmental impacts (Article 13). The latter is assured by public discussion of drafts of environmentally important decisions and public ecological reviews. Public representative bodies have an obligation to take into consideration citizens‘ comments and suggestions.

2.2.5 Licenses

35. Licenses are legal instruments to regulate certain potentially hazardous activities where minimal qualifications and strict adherence to rules are required to ensure that they are carried out efficiently, safely and do not result in potentially very significant and irreparable damage to the environment and human health .In particular, licenses are required for handling hazardous waste; for activities in industrial safety, sources of ionizing radiation, production and handling of pesticides and other agrochemicals. They are issued by the relevant industry regulator (ministry or committee) or an entity to which it has delegated such right. Licensing is also used to ensure the most efficient and sustainable use of natural resources. For example, licenses are required for prospecting, collecting or extracting mineral resources (borrow areas), or for constructing underground facilities not related to mining.

3 All projected budget or investment estimations, design drawings or documentation must be developed in coordination with the SEE.

2.2.6 Environmental Permits

36. Permits are meant to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. There are two types of permits: (a) permits to use natural resources; and, (b) permits for emissions or discharges. The natural resources use permits allow their holders to take a certain number or amount of a particular natural resource within a defined territory and time period. They are issued both to individuals (e.g. to hunt a particular species of animal or harvest particular factories) and to organizations (e.g. permits to extract ground or surface water for a particular use). By law, permits are needed for any commercial use of any resource. The authority that issues the permit and the legislation (government resolution) that applies depend on the resource. Permits to discharge polluted matter are issued by the relevant inspectorate (e.g. previous State Water Inspectorate or State Air Inspectorate – now departments) of the local state environmental protection committees to industrial or agricultural enterprises and municipal utilities that release by-products into the environment. The permits allow releasing a certain amount of polluted matter (gases, liquids, solid waste) into the environment. The permits are normally granted for one year and indicate the maximum allowed concentration of the pollutants in the released matter, the maximum volume of the polluted matter and the pollutants allowed.

2.2.7 State Environmental Program 2009-2019

37. The Program, approved in 2009, obligates ministries and offices, heads of administrations and mayors of cities to improve environmental conditions and ensure sustainable development of the country during the period of economic transition. It calls for adoption of modern environmental standards for water, air, soil, solid waste, toxic wastes, and noise control, based on maximum permissible amounts. Standards are to be supplemented by discharge permits. The Program is accompanied by broad ecological zoning, dividing the country into ten zones (Syr-Darya, Northern Turkestan, Zeravshan, Gissar, Vaksh, Dangarin, Khulbak-Kulyak-Tchube, Karategin-Baldzhuan - Shurobad, Garm-Muksu-Balandkiik, and Badakshan).

2.2.8 Environmental Standards

38. Environmental quality standards in Tajikistan are based on GOST, SNiP and SanPiN. GOST (Tajiki: ГОСТ) refers to a set of technical standards maintained by the Euro-Asian Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification (EASC), a regional standards organization operating under the auspices of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). SNiP mean Technical Standards (Tajiki: СНИП) - a building code, a set of rules that specify the minimum standards for constructed objects such as buildings and nonbuilding structures. SanPiN (Tajiki: Коидахо ва меъёрхои санитари) are sanitary rules and norms (standards). 39. Environmental quality standards in Tajikistan ensure both MPC (Tajiki: ПДК) and MPE (Tajiki: ПДВ). The maximum permissible concentration (MPC) is approved by law hygienic standard. Under MPC refers to a concentration of chemical elements and their compounds in the environment, which in everyday impact for a long time on the human body does not lead to pathological changes or diseases established modern research methods in any time of life of present and future generations. The maximum permissible (or allowable) emissions (MPE) is standard of maximum permissible emissions of harmful substances (pollutants) into the air, which is set for a stationary source of air pollution in accordance with technical standards for emissions and background air pollution. It provides non-exceeding of the hygiene and environmental air quality standards, limits (critical) loads on ecological systems and other environmental regulations requirements.

40. The Table 1. National standards and regulations applicable to the Project below gives an overview of the National Standards and regulations that are applicable to the Project. Table 1. National standards and regulations applicable to the Project

# Title - National Standards - GOSTs 1. 31431―2011. Protection of nature. Air. Set of Maximum Permissible Emissions (MPE). 29 November 2011 2. 31434―2011 Protection of nature. Air. Determination of parameters of efficiency of dust collection systems. 29 November 2011 3. IEC 61241-0―2011 Electrical equipment used at areas containing flammable dust. Part 0. General requirements. 29 November 2011 4. GOST 17.0.0.01-76 (ST SEV 1364-78) (in edition of 1987) System of standards for environmental protection and improvement of natural resources usage. General provisions 5. General provisions GOST 17.0.0.04-80 (1998) Protection of nature. Environmental passport (certificate) of industrial facility. General provisions 6. GOST R ISO14001-98 Environmental management systems. Requirements and guidelines. 7. GOST 17.0.0.02-79 (1980) Protection of nature. Provision of metrological control of air, surface water and soils pollution. 8. GOST 17.1.1.01-77 (ST SEV 3544-82) Usage and protection of water. General terms and definitions. 9. GOST 17.2.1.01- 76 Classification of emissions (content). 10. GOST 12.1.014-84 (1996) SSBT. Air at workplace. Methodology of measuring of pollutants concentration using indication tubes. 11. GOST 12.1.005-88 (1991) SSBT. General sanitary and hygiene requirements to air at workplace. 12. GOST 17.2.2.05-97 Norms and methods of emissions measuring containing spent diesel gases, tractors and self-propelled agricultural machines. 13. GOST 21393-75 Diesel motorcars. Exhaust gas opacity. Norms and methods of measurement. 14. GOST 17.2.2.03-77 Concentration of carbon monoxide at exhaust gases of motorcars with gasoline engines. Norms and measurements methodology. 15. GOST 17.2.2.03-87 Norms and methods of measurements of carbon monoxide at exhaust gases of motorcars with gasoline engines. 16. GOST 17.4.2.01-81 Nomenclature of sanitary condition parameters 17. GOST 17.4.1.02-83 Classification of chemical substances for monitoring of contamination.G:\html\doc\1\5\5\1\21 ГОСТ 17.4.1.02-83.doc 18. GOST 12.1.003-83 (1991) SSBT. Noise. General safety requirements 19. GOST 12.1.023-80 (1996) SSBT. Noise. Methods of threshold noise levels for stationary machinery. 20. GOST 12.1.029-80 (1996) SSBT. Means and methods of noise protection. Classification. 21. GOST 12.1.036-81 (1996) SSBT. Noise. Allowable levels of noise within residential and public buildings.

# Title - National Standards - GOSTs 22. GOST 12.1.007-76 (1999) SSBT. Harmful substances. Classification and general safety requirements. 23. GOST 12.4.119-82 SSBT. Means of respiratory PPE. Methods of protective features assessment for aerosols. 24. GOST 12.4.125-83 (1985) SSBT. Means of collective protective equipment from mechanical factors. Classification. Sanitary norms and regulations (SanPins) 25. SanPiN 2.1.4.559-96 Drinking water. Hygienic requirements to the quality of water from centralized systems of drinking water supply. Quality control 26. СН 2.2.4/2.1.8.562-96 Noise at working places, indoors of residential and public buildings and the territories of residential areas 41. In the following tables a synopsis is given on the specific standards for air quality, water, waste and noise emissions in Tajikistan. In addition, the standards are compared with international guidelines and standards. In general, it can be concluded that the Tajik system of environmental standards is well developed and for the purpose of the present Project it is in line with the requirements of IFIs. It was therefore decided to use the Tajik standards as the reference in the present Project. Table 2. Environmental Standards for Emissions to the Atmosphere

Topic Tajikistan National EHS Guidelines4 Rationale Standards / Requirements

Emissions of Ozone No relevant numeric No relevant numeric Consistent with Good practice Depleting standard standard (Although applicable Substances ‘no new systems or international processes should be conventions apply installed using CFCs, the principle that the halons, 1,1,1- will be no utilisation trichloroethane, of ozone depleting carbon tetrachloride, substances (halons, methyl bromide or PCBs, CFCs, HBFCs’). HCFCs) and EHS Guidelines

GHG emissions No relevant numeric Numeric standards Most relevant standard do not apply.

GHG will be quantified and reported annually if >25,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent per year are expected (as per IFC PS3, 2012)

44 See footnote 14.

Table 3. Environmental Standards for Ambient Air

National Standards / EHS Guidelines6 Adopted Project Standard Rationale Requirements (mg/m3)/ supplementary standards are marked blue Tajikistan standards5

Air Quality - Human population mg/m3: Where set, national air quality mg/m3: Tajik standard supplemented by protection (at receptors) standards apply. If no national WHO where necessary to PM 0.15 standards are set, then apply PM 0.15 achieve most comprehensive NO 0.06 WHO standards NO 0.06 suite7 WHO guidelines, μg/m3: NO2 0.04 NO2 0.04 PM2.5 10 (1 yr) SO2 0.05 SO2 0.05 PM2.5 25 (24 h) Ammonia 0.06 CO 3.00 PM10 20 (1 yr)

Benzopyrene 0.1 PM10 50 (24 h) Ammonia 0.06 Benzene 0.1 Ozone 100 (8 h) Benzopyrene 0.1

Acetone 0.35 NO2 40 (1 yr) Benzene 0.1 Petrol 1.5 NO2 200 (1 hr) Acetone 0.35 SO2 20 (24 h) V2O5 0.002 Petrol 1.5 SO2 500 (10 min) Vinyl acetate 0.15 V2O5 0.002 HCl 0.2 Vinyl acetate 0.15 HF 0.005 HCl 0.2

Fe2O3 0.04 HF 0.005

HNO3 0.4 Fe2O3 0.04

H2SO4 0.1 HNO3 0.4

Xylol 0.2 H2SO4 0.1 Manganese and its oxides 0.001 Xylol 0.2 Copper oxides 0.002 Manganese and its oxides 0.001 Magnesia 0.05 Copper oxides 0.002

5 Annex 3 to Procedure of Environmental Impact Assessment accepted by Resolution No 464 of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan dated 3 October 2006 66 See footnote 14. 7 The EHS Guidelines cites WHO ambient air quality guidelines typically apply only in jurisdictions where there are no national standards in place. 12

National Standards / EHS Guidelines6 Adopted Project Standard Rationale Requirements (mg/m3)/ supplementary standards are marked blue Tajikistan standards5 Nickel oxide 0.001 Magnesia 0.05

Inorganic dust (SiO2 70 %) 0.05 Nickel oxide 0.001

SiO2 = 70 % - 20 % 0.1 Inorganic dust (SiO2 70 %) 0.05

SiO2 is less than 20 % 0.15 SiO2 = 70 % - 20 % 0.1

Lead and its compounds 0.0003 SiO2 is less than 20 % 0.15 Lead sulfur 0.001 Lead and its compounds 0.0003

Hydrogen sulfide, H2S 0.008 Lead sulfur 0.001

Turpentine 1 Hydrogen sulfide, H2S 0.008 Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) 5.0 Turpentine 1 Butyl alcohol (butanol) 0.1 Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) 5.0 Propane alcohol (propanol) 0.3 Butyl alcohol (butanol) 0.1 Methyl alcohol (methanol) 0.5 Propane alcohol (propanol) 0.3 Styrene 0.003 Methyl alcohol (methanol) 0.5 Soot 0.05 Styrene 0.003 CO 3.0 Soot 0.05 Phenol 0.01 Phenol 0.01 Formaldehyde 0.003 Formaldehyde 0.003 Fluoride (HF, SiF4) 0/05 Fluoride (HF, SiF4) 0/05 Freon ( all brands ) 10 Freon ( all brands ) 10 Chromium trioxide 0.0015 Chromium trioxide 0.0015 Chlorine 0.03 Chlorine 0.03 ZnO 0.05 ZnO 0.05 Ethylene oxide 0.03 Ethylene oxide 0.03

Table 4. Environmental Standards for Water Quality & Discharges to Water 8

Topic Tajikistan National Standards / EHS Guidelines9 Requirements Adopted Project Standard Rational

Discharge to List of MPC quality of water at surface Temperature of wastewater prior to discharge does pH 6.5-8.5 Tajik MPC as most surface water: water bodies (Requirements to water not result in an increase greater than 3°C of ambient BOD 30 stringent standard quality in fishery water bodies)10 temperature at the edge of a scientifically established COD 125 supplemented by Effluent water pH 6.5-8.5 mixing zone which considers ambient water quality, Total Nitrogen 10 EHS Guidelines Aluminium (Al) 0.04 receiving water use and assimilative capacity among Total Phosphorus 2 where needed for Iron (Fe) 0.1 other considerations. TSS 50 comprehensive suite Cadmium (Cd) 0.005 For treated sanitary wastewater: Total Coliform bacteria 400/100 Copper (Cu) 0.001 pH 6-9 ml Nickel (Ni) 0.01 BOD 30 Aluminium (Al) 0.04 Lead (Pb) 0.006 COD 125 Iron (Fe) 0.1 Zinc (Zn) 0.01 Total nitrogen 10 Cadmium (Cd) 0.005 Chromium (Cr+6) 0.02 Total Phosphorus 2 Copper (Cu) 0.001 Chromium (Cr3+) 0.07 Oil and grease 10 Nickel (Ni) 0.01 Oil and petrochemicals 0.05 TSS 50 Lead (Pb) 0.006 Arsenic (As) 0.05 Total coliform bacteria 400/100ml Zinc (Zn) 0.01 Calcium (Ca) 180 Chromium (Cr+6) 0.02 2- 3+ Silicon (SiO3 ) 1.0 Chromium (Cr ) 0.07 Oil and petrochemicals 0.05 Arsenic (As) 0.05 Calcium (Ca) 180 2- Silicon (SiO3 ) 1.0 Water quality – List of MPC above (mg/l) No numeric standards Tajik MPC for surface water Tajik as only freshwater bodies relevant

8 For drinking water see Error! Reference source not found.. 99 See footnote 14. 10 Annex 3 to Procedure of Environmental Impact Assessment accepted by Resolution No 464 of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan dated 3 October 2006. 14

Table 5. Environmental Standards for Waste

Topic Tajikistan Standards / EHS Guidelines11 Adopted Project Standard Rationale Requirements

Waste treatment No numeric standards stated in the No relevant numeric standard. No relevant numeric standard. All waste produced must be and disposal source documents. handled and disposed of in accordance with national law on (onshore) All waste produced must be handled and disposed of in waste of production and accordance with national law on consumption. waste of production and consumption.

Secondary No numeric standards stated in the Secondary containment (SC) is No relevant numeric standard. EHS Guidelines containment of source documents. included wherever liquid wastes are Secondary containment (SC) is stored in volumes greater than 220 liquid wastes No numeric standards stated in included wherever liquid wastes are Tajik legislation. litres. The available volume of SC stored in volumes greater than 220 should be at least 110% of the litres. The available volume of SC largest storage container, or 25% of should be at least 110% of the the total storage capacity largest storage container, or 25% of (whichever is greater). the total storage capacity (whichever is greater).

1111 See footnote 14.

Table 6. Environmental Standards for Noise Emissions Adopted Project 12 13 Rational Topic Tajikistan National Standards / Requirements EHS Guidelines Standard Night time Noise emissions at the night time (23:00-07:00) should not exceed Noise emissions should not exceed the Tajik standards Most stringent noise limits for the following levels (SanPin 2.2.4/2.1.8.562-96): following levels or result in a maximum apply with night and provides increase in background levels of 3 dB at the time defined as more human  Inside residential and public buildings: nearest receptor location off-site: 22:00 – 07:00 in comprehensive protection – Hospital and sanatorium’s wards, and operating rooms: 25 line with EHS measurement dB(A); Outdoor: Guidelines. criteria – Residential rooms in apartments, rest houses, boarding houses, Residential; institutional, educational: Exception 1 EHS houses for the elderly and disabled, sleeping rooms in Guidelines will kindergartens, and residential schools: 30 dB(A); Night time (22:00-07:00): 45 dB(A) prevail from 22.00 – Rooms in hotels and hostels: 35 dB(A); to 23.00 Industrial, commercial:  In residential and other areas: Exception 2: areas Night time (22:00-07:00): 70 dB(A) – Recreational areas immediately adjoining hospital buildings and adjoining hotels health centres: 35 dB(A) and dorms where EHS Guidelines is – Areas immediately adjoining residential buildings, policlinics, more stringent 45 dispensary, rest houses, homes for the elderly and disabled, dB (A) kindergartens, schools and other educational institutions, libraries; 45 dB(A); – Areas immediately adjoining hotel and dormitory’s buildings: 50 dB (A)

Day time noise Noise emissions at the day time (07:00-23.00) should not exceed Noise emissions should not exceed the Tajik standards with Most stringent limits for the following levels (SanPin 2.2.4/2.1.8.562-96): following levels or result in a maximum daytime defined as and provides increase in background levels of 3 dB at the 07:00 – 22:00 in more human  Inside residential and public buildings: nearest receptor location off-site: line with EHS comprehensive protection – Hospital and sanatorium’s wards, and operating rooms: 35 Outdoor Guidelines. measurement dB(A); Exception: areas criteria – Consultation rooms of policlinics, ambulant clinics, dispensers, Residential.; institutional, educational.: adjoining hotels hospitals, and sanatoria 35 dB(A). Daytime (07:00-22:00): 55 dB(A) and dorms where

12 According to International Sanitary Norms adopted by CIS countries (SanPin 2.2.4/2.1.8.562-96) 1313 See footnote 14.

Adopted Project 12 13 Rational Topic Tajikistan National Standards / Requirements EHS Guidelines Standard – Classrooms, teachers’ common room, school and other Industrial, commercial: EHS Guidelines is educational organization’s auditoriums conference halls, and Night time (22:00-07:00): 70 dB(A). more stringent 55 public reading rooms 40 dB(A). dB (A) – Residential rooms in apartments, rest houses, boarding houses, houses for the elderly and disabled, sleeping rooms in kindergartens, and residential schools: 40 dB(A); – Rooms in hotels and hostels: 45 dB(A); – Halls of cafes, restaurants, eating rooms: 55 dB(A); – Shops trade halls, passenger halls in airports and stations, consumer services centres: 60 dB(A);  In residential and other areas: – Recreational areas immediately adjoining hospital buildings and health centres: 45 dB(A) – Areas immediately adjoining residential buildings, policlinics, dispensary, rest houses, homes for the elderly and disabled, kindergartens, schools and other educational institutions, libraries: 55 dB(A); – Areas immediately adjoining hotel and dormitory’s buildings: 60 dB (A) – Rest areas at the territory of hospitals and sanatoria 35 dB (A) Recreation areas at the territory of micro-districts, and residential areas, rest houses, houses for the elderly and disabled, children's playgrounds in kindergartens, schools and other educational institutions: 45 dB (A)

2.3 ADB Safeguards 42. As noted previously the Dushanbe to Kurgonteppa road has been classified as category “B” for Environmental Assessment. The categorization was carried out based on ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). Because the Project is environmentally categorized as B, an IEE is required. An initial step in determining a project’s environmental category is to prepare a Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) screening checklist, considering the type, size, and location of the proposed project. A preliminary REA for the Dushanbe to Kurgonteppa road had already been prepared in 2015 at the project's concept stage. The Blackspots program follows the same category B as a main Project. A project is classified as one of the following four environmental categories:  Category A: Projects with potential for significant adverse environmental impacts. An environmental impact assessment and a summary EIA (SEIA) are required to address significant impacts.  Category B: Projects judged to have some adverse environmental impacts, but of lesser degree and/or significance than those for category A projects. An initial environmental examination and a summary IEE are required to determine whether or not significant environmental impacts warranting an EIA are likely. If an EIA is not needed, the IEE is regarded as the final environmental assessment report.  Category C: Projects unlikely to have adverse environmental impacts. No EIA or IEE is required, although environmental implications are still reviewed.  Category FI: Projects are classified as category FI if they involve a credit line through a financial intermediary or an equity investment in a financial intermediary. The financial intermediary must apply an environmental management system, unless all subprojects will result in insignificant impacts. 43. The IEE report is to be submitted to the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan to obtain the SEE (State Ecological Expertise) for the Project. 2.4 Other Relevant Guidelines 44. During the design, construction, and operation of a project, the ADB SPS requires the borrower to follow environmental standards consistent with good international practice as reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the World Bank Group’s Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines (hereafter referred to as the EHS Guidelines).14 The EHS Guidelines contain discharge effluent, air emissions, and other numerical guidelines and performance indicators as well as prevention and control approaches that are normally acceptable to ADB and are generally considered to be achievable at reasonable costs by existing technology. When host country regulations differ from these levels and measures, the borrower/client is to achieve whichever is more stringent. If less stringent levels or measures are appropriate in view of specific project circumstances, the borrower/client is required to provide justification for any proposed alternatives. 45. The EHS Guidelines include General EHS Guidelines (2007, covering environment; occupational health and safety; and community health and safety) and Industry Sector Guidelines. Applicable sector guidelines utilized in the IEE include EHS Guidelines for Electric Power Toll Roads (2007).15

14 World Bank Group, Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines, April 30, 2007, Washington, USA. http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/Content/EnvironmentalGuidelines. 15 World Bank Group, Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Toll Roads, April 30, 2007, Washington, USA. https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/9c8cfb24-abbd-4ab4-ba63-84f94da02af7/Final%2B- %2BToll%2BRoads.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=jqeslax&id=1323162564158

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

3.1 Overview 46. CAREC 2020 will seek to improve industrial competitiveness through transport connectivity, and development of economic corridors. Developing the economic corridors can help diversify the region’s industries and make them competitive through technology, logistics, and other business support services. The project road is part of CAREC transport corridors. The impact of the project will be enhanced regional integration and inclusive economic growth in Tajikistan. 47. The government has requested ADB assistance to improve portions of CAREC corridors 2, 5, and 6 by upgrading the 83.6 km Dushanbe–Kurgonteppa road, for which ADB has programmed two projects (Phase 1 and Phase 2) in 2016 and 2018 as was presented in the Tajikistan country operations business plan, 2016–2018. 48. The 82 km long road section was divided into two phases according to priority. The second phase covers approximately 48+620 km of road section starting from km 33+475. The end point of this second phase is at km 82+095 in Kurgonteppa. The phase 2 project covers two road sections: ADB-financed section (km 33 to km 73) and JICA-financed section (km 73 to km 82). 49. ADB contracted the Kocks Consult GmbH; Germany in cooperation with State Unitary Enterprise "Research, Design and Survey Institute" Tajikistan in December 2015 as a consultant for the PPTA and consequently for preparation of all documents which are required according to the ToR. 50. This is the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report for the ADB financed road safety Component within the Phase 2 of the Project. Initial Phase 2 IEE covers the ADB-financed section (in detail) and considers the JICA-financed section as an associated facility (less details). The IEE is required for category B Projects in order to warrant compliance of the Project with the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (June 2009). As such the IEE provides a road map to the environmental measures needed to prevent and/or mitigate negative environmental effects associated with the development project. 51. The initial IEE was cleared by ADB in 2018 and included is a component that was foreseen in the detailed design phase. The link to the original IEE can be found from the footnote below.16 52. The IEE also provides a detailed description of the direct and indirect environmental effects associated with the Project during key periods of work, namely the design, pre- construction, construction and operational phases. ADB contracted the Kocks Consult GmbH; Germany in cooperation with State Unitary Enterprise "Research, Design and Survey Institute" Tajikistan in December 2015 as a consultant for the PPTA and consequently for preparation of all documents which are required according to the ToR. 53. The IEE is required for category B Projects in order to warrant compliance of the Project with the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (June 2009). As such the IEE provides a road map to the environmental measures needed to prevent and/or mitigate negative environmental effects associated with the development project. The IEE also provides a detailed description of the direct and indirect environmental effects associated with the Project during key periods of work, namely the design, pre-construction, construction and operational phases.

16https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/49042-005-ieeab.pdf

3.2 Type and Category of Project 54. The proposed Project Component, to which this IEE is addressed, will improved the road safety at the black spots selected by the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan, strengthen institutional capacities of the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and relevant project stakeholders, and complete advance procurement action for the road sections to be improved. The project is categorized as Category “B” for environment as it is described in the chapter “Introduction” under the head “Study Area and Project Categorization”. Therefore, an IEE was prepared for Black spots Component as an associated facility. 3.3 Need for Project 55. The selected sites are the integral parts of most important transport corridors within Tajikistan. Traffic, especially heavy traffic will significantly increase within the next decade and safety become a priority issue. Considering the already described deficiencies of the Project road, especially with regard to traffic safety and by also considering the future increase of traffic the improvement of the safety of selected project road Component is urgently needed. 3.4 Project’s Costs 56. The five packages recommended for this $10 million (Total cost estimate = $ 9.482.891,00) program are: Package One: Dushanbe – Kulob Road - ($ 756.662,50) Package Two: Dushanbe – Hissor – Tursunzoda-Uzbekistan border - ($ 2.565.530,00) Package Three: Package Four: Dushanbe – Vakhdat road - ($ 1.803.213,50) Package Five: Dushanbe – Khujand Road (Istaravshan city passage) - ($1.245.695,00) Package Six: Ayni - Panjakent road - ($ 2.623.390,00) 3.5 Location 57. This IEE edition covers in details only Package 4 – Dushanbe – Vakhdat sub-project. Other packages are still in the stage of consideration. This is due to the fact that there are many candidates for the “blackspot” rehabilitation sites and limited resources. This is why the prioritization and final selection of the sites for the project is still being discussed by the stakeholders. 58. The road section is part of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) transport corridor as can be seen in the following map.

Figure 1. The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Corridors 59. A satellite image map of the Dushanbe-Vakhdat road section is presented below. The road is 10,25 km long, and the physical and environmental features surrounding the road can be seen from the map. The road section hosts mainly residential areas and agricultural lands. Missing illumination due to night time crashes (from the East Gates to the city of Vakhdat). Night accidents on this road section are frequent and serious. Among the total number of traffic accidents, 45% of accidents occurred at night, while the traffic volume during this period was 10%∼30% of that in the daytime. For this reason the installation of the night illumination was recommended for the project.

Figure 2. A satellite image map showing the Dushanbe- Vakhdat road section (KM 0+000 - KM 10+180) 3.6 Size or Magnitude of Operation 60. The operation under the Project Component are localized within the RoW except of installation of two transformers at the km 5+200 from both side which will require the take of totally 0.5 ha of land. 3.7 Proposed Schedule for Implementation 61. The schedule for the construction activities has not been decided at the time of preparation of this report. 3.8 Detail of the Project 62. The scope of works includes installation of 580 lighting poles, with 583 LED lights, four outside lightning control cabinets, two 63 kw transformers and 63.72 km of cables. No accurate chainage has been provided yet, but according to designers; the Eastern Gate of the Dushanbe city is considered as 0 km of the project. The project chainages therefore interval from Dushanbe gate at km 0 to km 10 +180 at Vakhdat. 63. The lighting poled will be installed on both sides of the road in the margin of the shoulder with spacing of 30-37 m between the poles. The poles will be dug into the depth of 1.2m and concreted, the excavated material totally in amount of 700m3 will be disposed at the locations

determined by the local environmental authorities, mainly for filling of natural depressions of the nearby hilly massif as erosion prevention measure. 64. The lights will be located at altitude of 11 above the earth surface. The cables will be installed in the trench of the depth of 0.7 meters and excavated material will be used for the backfilling of trench. 3.9 Disposal Sites 65. The project is not expected to generate the significant quantities of surplice material, therefore no need in disposal sites for this material. As a result of excavation for poles foundations only about 700m3 of the surplus soil material will be recovered. It will be disposed in the depression areas of the nearby hilly massif by the agreement with the local authorities. Additional mitigation measures to be adhered by the contractor are described under the headline “Earthworks” in the chapter “Impacts and Mitigation Measures”.

4 ALTERNATIVES

66. For this project only “No Action’ alternative was considered. The refuse from the project Component implementation will lead to the worsening of safety and as consequence to the increase of the accidents without any environmental benefits. Therefore, “ No action” alternative is not acceptable for the project and not considered seriously.

5 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

67. In general, the study area is located in a flat terrain ranging in altitude from 800 to 850 m.. In term of physical and biological environment there are only few of environmentally significant feature located along the Project road which are mainly presented by the planted trees on the slopes of surrounding hills on LHS. 68. The commercial buildings include the, restaurants, shops, etc. Most of the building are 1 to 2 stories high. There is a divider in the center of the road, which has a line of small trees within it. After the commercial buildings end, there is a line of small trees on the right side of the road , as well as within the divider. There are no water crossings along the road or sensitive receptors such as schools, hospitals, mosques, etc. There are residential areas behind the commercial buildings, approximately 250 meters from the road. 69. Additional significant structures are the tree rows that are stretching over many parts of the Project road. Among the planted species are pines and cypresses. Where drainage or irrigation channels are running parallel to the Project road deciduous trees such as elms, planes, poplars and willows dominate. 70. The land use alongside the Project road can be divided into three broad main categories comprising urban environment and settlements, agricultural land and grassland (steppe) which for most of its part is used as pastureland. Most prominent agricultural crops are apples, grapes, cherries, apricots, pistachio and cotton. The land under cultivation is irrigated. 71. In the following an overview is given on the physical, biological and socioeconomic conditions in the project area. 5.1 Physical Resources in Project Area 72. Regular instrumental measurements of environmental parameters including air, water quality and level of noise have been conducted for the roads rehabilitated under the funds of the International Financial Institutes including ABD such as Dushanbe-Tursunzoda and Ayni-

Penjikent. As indicated in the Project’s disclosed Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Reports (SAEMRs)17, all parameters remained within the tolerance limits. Due to anticipated negligible impacts to these parameters form the “blakspots” activities at the Dushanbe-Vakhdat Road there is no need in instrumental measurements of the environmental parameters. The need in instrumental measurements for other black spots will be determined on the basis of design findings. 73. The only sensitive receptors along the line of the lighting poles are residential houses in the villages along the project road. These are mainly one-story houses surrounded by walls. No schools, kindergartens, hospitals, mosques, which could be considered as sensitive receptors are identified in zone of project influence. The transformers will be installed on the margin of garden with no trees subject to removal. In addition to provision of lightings, the project includes the installation of additional road signs and crosswalks equipped with traffic lights.

5.1.1 Topography

74. The topography of Tajikistan is very diverse. Mountains occupy around 93% of Tajikistan. The main elements of Tajikistan’s geography are the following: the Kuramin Mountain Range and the Mogoltau Mountains, Fergana Depression, Hissar-Alai Mountains (the South Tian Shan), the depressed area in southwestern Tajikistan (Tajik depression), and Pamir. Altitudes range from 300 to 7495 meters above sea level. The recent relief of Tajikistan is the result of activities of alpine tectonic movements of the earth surface as well as the denudation process. The majority plain territories of the country are the broad areas of river valleys or the vast depressions between the mountains. Most of the country‘s population is concentrated in these particular areas along with the main fields of industrial production and agricultural potential of the county. 75. The topography of the study area is flat with very gentle ascend from the beginning to the end of the project.

5.1.2 Geology and Seismicity

76. Geologically, the study area belongs to the Tajik depression. Prevailing sediments are of late Mesozoic and early Cenozoic age. The prevailing sediments are soft and mostly unconsolidated. This makes the slopes susceptible to landslides, particularly in sections with high relief energy (mountainous part of the road) 77. For purpose of description of the geological characteristics of the study area the geological map of scale 1:500000 has been chosen in the figure below. 78. The alignment starts from the eastern rim of Dushanbe in Upper Quaternary deposits made of sand, gravel and loams. The route line comes to an end at the northwest termination of Kurgonteppa located on terrace above flood-plain combined Upper Quaternary deposits by presented sand, bench gravels and loams. 79. The Dushanbe to Vakhdat road is located within a seismic active zone. There are many active faults in Tajikistan and large-scale earthquakes have occurred five times in the past, large one has not occurred after 1998. Earthquakes are the most dangerous and unpredictable hazards that can happen to the Project road. The alignment partly crosses, a zone of the fault, capable to

17 ADB. Tajikistan: Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Corridors 2, 5, and 6 (Dushanbe-Kurgonteppa) Road Project - Additional Financing

generate earthquakes with magnitude to 7.5 and to cause tremors to 9 degree. The road most part passes in a zone possible 9 and 8-degree tremors.

5.1.3 Soils

80. Regarding the soils there is a distinguished gradient from the more humid Northern part of the study area to the very dry southern part. 81. Within its initial stretch the Project road traverses light-grey soils shown in the figure below. Further to the south the alignment is crossing spurs of the Aktau ridge. There the grey soils are replaced by carbonate and mountain brown soils.. 82. The soils of the study area are highly productive and much of the area is used for agricultural use. In the dry southern part of the Project area agricultural use is however only possible when soils are irrigated. 83. Soil erosion is a major environmental concern throughout the Republic of Tajikistan due to seismic activity, steep slopes, the fragility of the soils and human activities such as inappropriate livestock management, the removal of protective vegetative cover and poor water management practices.

Figure 3. Soils

5.1.4 Climate

84. Tajikistan’s location in the middle of Eurasia, its remoteness from oceans and seas and vicinity to deserts predefine its climate which can be characterized as continental, with considerable seasonal and daily fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The country‘s very complicated relief structure, with huge variations in elevation, creates unique local climates with great temperature differences. 85. The climate in the central and south-west regions of Tajikistan where the Project is located is characterized by climate, with rather hot summers and relatively mild winters. The cold period lasts 90-120 days, the warm period – 275-235 days. 75-85% of annual sum of precipitations happens from December to May. The climate might affect the construction season in the Project area which can be limited between February and December. Table 7 and Figure 4 indicate the average temperature and precipitation levels by districts. Table 7. Temperature & Precipitation, by district Avg. High Avg. Low Avg. Annual Annual District Month Temperature Temperature Temperature Precipitation January 15-200С –3,50С Dushanbe 14.6 0С 250-653 mm July 35-400С 12-170С January 20-220С –3,30С Rudaki 16.3 0С 175-541 mm July 35-400С 18-200С January 22-250С –3,50С Khuroson 16.5 0С 150-686 mm July 40-420С 18-200С January 22-250С –2,20С A. Djami 17,5 0С 50-193 mm July 40-450С 22-280С January 22-250С –2,00С Bokhtar 17,6 0С 50-194 mm July 40-450С 20-250С January 22-250С –2,00С Kurgonteppa 17,6 0С 50-194 mm July 40-450С 20-250С Source: Tajikistan National Agency for Hydrometeorology

Figure 4. Climate in Tajikistan

Table 8. Temperature & Precipitation

Month Average Temperature0C Average Average number of monthly precipitation, days with Minimum Maximum mm precipitation January -2.4 7.1 75 20.8 February -0.8 9.6 83 14 March 4.4 15.1 135 17.4 April 9.8 21.8 115 16.4 May 13.1 26.8 73 13.3 June 16.8 33 6 6 July 18.4 35.7 4 2.4 August 16.1 34.4 1 1.5 September 11.4 29.9 4 1.3 October 7.1 23.2 35 7 November 3.4 16.5 47 9.2 December 0.3 10.1 66 11.6

Figure 5. Average temperature in the country and project area 86. Dushanbe features a climate with strong continental climate influences. The summers are hot and dry, and the winters are chilly, but not very cold. The climate is damper than other Central Asian capitals, with an average annual rainfall over 500 millimeters as moist air is funneled by the surrounding valley during the winter and spring. Winters are not as cold as further north owing to the shielding of the city by mountains from extremely cold air from Siberia. January 2008 was particularly cold, and the temperature dropped to −22 °C. 87. The southern slopes of the Hissar Range and the whole Gissar Valley, where Dushanbe is located, are well protected from northern cold invasions. This determines the soft warm winters with an unstable snow cover. The coldest month is January. The average air temperature of the winter months ranges from 2 to 4 °C. In abnormally cold years, air temperature can drop to - 27 ° C. 88. The spring in Dushanbe is accompanied by the precipitation of heavy rainfall with thunder and hail. For the spring are characteristic late frosts on soil and in the air, which bring great harm to blossoming orchards and vegetable crops. Summer in Dushanbe is hot and dry. In July, the average daily air temperature is 27 °C, in the daytime it rises to 36 °C, annually the highest air temperature is 40 °C, and in some years the absolute maximum can reach 43 ° C. The absence of wind leads to the fact that the continuous duration of the haze reaches several days. 89. In autumn, dry, clear, warm weather prevails in Dushanbe. The air temperature on average is 15-20° C per day. In November, the air temperature drops to 9 ° C, but in the daytime it's still quite warm (16-20 ° C). For the autumn period, Dushanbe has the largest daily amplitude of air temperature, which is 18.5 °C. 90. Precipitation throughout the year is uneven. The annual precipitation is about 630 mm, of them during the cold period (from November to March) is about 390 mm, in the warm period is

240 mm. Precipitation falls mainly in the form of rain, in winter - in the form of rain and wet snow. A stable snow cover in 90% of winters is absent, On the average for a year 25-27 days are marked with a snow cover. 91. Dushanbe is characterized by a predominance of mountain pentane winds. On average, the north and north-easterly wind prevails over the year, with north-east winds prevailing in the spring and winter, and in the summer - north, west and north-west – see Figure 6 below.

Figure 6. Wind rose of Dushanbe by seasons

5.1.5 Climate Change

92. Climate change has been identified as an increasing threat to the environment in Tajikistan. The greatest concern has been an increase in air temperature, which has serious implications for its glaciers and water resources. Ground air temperatures are increasing in most districts and high-altitude zones. The biggest increase of annual mean temperature has been at Dangara at 1.2°C and Dushanbe at 1.0°C over a 65- year period. In mountainous areas, 1.0- 1.2°C was observed in Khovaling, Faizabad and Iskashim. However, Figure 7 below indicates moderate changes in the area around the Project Road except its sections adjoining to Dushanbe. There has also been an increase of the number of days maximum temperatures have reached 40°C or over. There has been an increase in east and south - east (warm) winds, and a decrease in west and south - west (cold) winds. Thunderstorms and hailstorms, both associated with cold fronts, have decreased. 93. According to projections, climate change and its consequences like extreme temperatures, isolated anomalous rainfall and natural disasters will continue to have serious impacts on road infrastructure. However new road infrastructure such as tunnels, improved alignments and pavements will considerably reduce travel time and consequently fuel consumption, which in turn will lead to reduced emissions and increased road safety as well as improved transport communication between the regions and remote districts of the country.

(Source: Reaching the Tipping Point: Climate Change in Tajikistan. Oxfam, 2009) Figure 7. Annual Air Temperature Anomalies in Tajikistan 94. Droughts will likely be more intense and frequent in the future. One of the worst droughts was in 2001 where, in the lowland arid region of the Amu Darya River Basin (e.g. Karakalpakstan),

access to water was halved. According to the IPCC (2007) - the projected decrease in mean precipitation in Central Asia will be accompanied by an increase in the frequency of very dry spring, summer and autumn seasons. Changes in seasonality and amount of water flows from river systems are likely to occur due to climate change. Changes in runoff of river basins could have a significant effect on the power output of hydropower generating countries like Tajikistan, which is the third highest producer in the world18. Currently about 98% of the electricity in Tajikistan is generated from hydropower19. This source of energy produces a minimum level of carbon dioxide and has a great potential for development and growth. Therefore, energy consumption could increase and still result in a smaller demand for other sources of energy. Also, neighboring countries could use electricity from Tajikistan to reduce their carbon footprint. 95. Since 2010, coal mining has increased as a measure to address the seasonal energy deficits and as a substitute for gas imports, which are often problematic. This coping strategy might result in an increase in carbon dioxide emissions in the near future. From an environmental point of view this option is not ideal, however the country's acute energy deficit, coupled with population growth, slow the pace of development and consequently the capacity to eliminate poverty. 96. In order to implement the UNFCCC commitments and strengthen climate protection and adaptation measures, to date Tajikistan has produced three National Communications on climate change. Tajikistan is one of the pioneers in the preparation of a National Action Plan for climate change mitigation (2003) within its territory. This plan includes adaptation measures many of which are being implemented and recommendations on updating the National Action Plan are currently being developed. 97. Currently Tajikistan’s contribution to Carbon Dioxide emissions in Central Asia is negligible20. See Figure 8 below. Despite the fact that the country does not have quantitative UNFCCC commitments on the reduction of emissions, the current level of emissions as compared to 1990 have reduced by one third, mainly due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and structural changes resulting from the transition to a market economy and independence. During the last decade, the level of carbon dioxide has remained quite stable, however in the current decade an increase of emissions is expected. 98. Since the late 1990s to the present, agriculture has been the main source of GHG emissions. Considering the low level of mechanization, underfeeding of livestock, and limited use of fertilizers, emissions from the agriculture sector of Tajikistan are lower than in the other countries of Asia and Europe. Opportunities for any considerable reduction of carbon footprint in agriculture are therefore limited, while the measures in other economic subsectors are more promising, especially in energy and industry.

99. In CO2 equivalent, the contribution of greenhouse gases from the Energy sector for different years was between 14% and 67% of total emissions for the corresponding year. In 2010 GHG emissions in the energy sector was 1.2 million tons or <10% than the emissions in 1990. During the same year, the International Energy Agency estimated that energy emissions in Tajikistan reached 2.8 million tons per year21. The difference occurs because of the lack of

18 Impacts, Vulnerabilities and Adaptation, Fourth Assessment Report, IPCC, 2007 19 On the average. For example in 2013 99.5% of energy was generated from hydropower. 20 According to the last inventory of GHG emissions (2004-2010) and as confirmed by international sources, the level of absolute and per capita emissions in Tajikistan remains the lowest in Central Asia. GHG emission was less than 28 thousand metric tons in 2011, i.e. twice less than Kyrgyzstan and almost 100 times less than Kazakhstan. 21 http://www.iea.org/statistics/statisticssearch/report/?country=TAJIKISTAN&product=indicators&year=2010

balance between supply and demand, and also due to different calculation and registration methods.

Figure 8. CO2 emissions in Central Asia (Source: Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center as cited at http://mdgs.un.org/)

5.1.6 Air quality

100. The Project Road traverses relatively flat and low-mountainous landscape interspersed with small villages clinging to the ROW. As such there is relatively little industrial activity that may produce air quality impacts. One of the main sources of air pollution in the region relates to the burning of fossil fuels for heating, cooking and power within the urban areas, although this impact is being reduced as more portions of the population become powered by hydroelectricity from Tajikistan’s vast hydro resources. The other main source of emissions in the ROW is from vehicle movements which can be classified in two categories; emissions from the combustion engines, and dust related impacts from the movement of vehicles. 101. Emissions from the combustion of fuel, at present rates, are relatively low due to the low volume of traffic on the road. It can be noted that Tajikistan’s contribution to Carbon Dioxide emissions in Central Asia is negligible, thus indicating that any increase in emissions from vehicles operating on the rehabilitated road is unlikely to be a significant contributor to CO2 emissions in the region.

102. Some sections of the road have degraded to an extent that little asphalt remains on such places of the road, thereby vehicle movement create high volumes of dust, especially within the dry summer months. Tajikistan has a set of air quality standards; they are indicated by Table 9. Table 9. Air Quality Standards ## Pollutant Tajikistan Standard22 mg / m3 1. Particulate Matter 0.150 2. Nitrogen Oxide (NO) 0.060 3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 0.040 4. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 0.050 5. Carbon Dioxide 3.000 6. Ammonium 0.200 (Source: Asian Development Bank. Environmental Profile of Tajikistan. 2000) 103. No sources of industrial air emissions were noted within the project area. The main sources of other emissions to air can be classified as:  Vehicle engine emissions; and  Dust, including that generated from the movement of vehicles. 104. The main emissions from the combustion of fuel in vehicle engines include Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Particulate Matter (PM). At present rates, these emissions levels are relatively low when compared regionally. 105. Coal plays a major role in air pollution in Dushanbe. The volumes of its consumption in the city, and throughout the republic, as a whole, are large. There are 468 industrial enterprises in the capital of Tajikistan. Dushanbe-2 CHP runs on coal and consumes up to 50% of all coal mined in Tajikistan. The daily coal consumption at the CHPP is 6 thousand tons. 106. The second largest coal producer is Dushanbe Cement Plant. In 2013, due to problems with the supply of natural gas from Uzbekistan, the plant was converted to coal. The plant produces 180 thousand tons of cement and consumes 72 thousand tons of coal per year. The management of the plant wants to increase cement production - the design capacity of the enterprise is 1 million tons per year - this means a significant increase in coal consumption. 107. Harmful emissions of industrial enterprises polluting the air in Dushanbe, according to the Agency for Statistics under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, doubled from 2010 to 2015 and amounted to almost 4.5 thousand tons per year. 108. Status of air quality in February 2020 (source: www.meteo.tj). In the central part of the air basin of the city of Dushanbe, there was a slight increase in the average daily concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) from 1.15 to 1.27 ppm, sulfur dioxide (SO2) from 0.16 to 0.76 ppm, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from 0.4 to 0.65 ppm, nitric oxide (NO) from 0.08 to 0.43 ppm. The monitoring of ambient air quality in city of Dushanbe is regularly conducted by the Hydro- meteorological Department of CEP.

22 Based on the Russian standard GN 2.1.5.1338-03 on maximum allowable (permissible) concentrations for pollutants in the outdoor air of populated areas.

5.1.7 Water Resources

109. Tajikistan is rich in water resources. It is necessary to note that mountains of Central Asia occupying 20% of the total area of the Aral Sea basin (350 thousand sq. km) gives 90% of surface runoff. The rivers of Tajikistan are important sources of fresh water for the Aral Sea. The glaciers and permanent snow feed the rivers of the Aral Sea basin with over 115 km³ of water a year. The major rivers are the Syr Darya (total length 2,400 km), which flows for 195 km across the Fergana Valley in the north, the Zaravshan, which runs through central Tajikistan, and the Kofarnigon, Vakhsh and Panj rivers, all of which together all of which together drain more than three fourths of Tajikistan‘s territory and form Amu Darya. On average, 51.2 km³ of water is formed on the territory of Tajikistan which comprise around 44 % of annual water flow of the Aral Sea basin rivers: in the basin of Amu Darya River - 50.5 km3 and Syr Darya River - 0.7 km³. The total catchment area of these rivers (with tributaries) in Tajikistan is estimated being over 120,000 km². Table 10. Transboundary Waters in the Basin of the Aral Sea23 Basin/sub-basin(s) Catchment area (km²) Recipient Riparian countries Amu Darya24 612,000 Aral Sea AF, KG, TJ, UZ, TM - Surkhan Darya 13,500 Amu Darya TJ, UZ - Kofarnigon 11,590 Amu Darya TJ, UZ - Vakhsh 39,100 Amu Darya KG, TJ - Pyanj 113,500 Amu Darya AF, TJ -- Pamir25 10,000 Panj AF, TJ -- Bartang26 24,700 Panj AF, TJ Syr Darya27 782,600 Aral Sea KZ, KG, TJ, UZ - Naryn28 59,900 Syr Darya KG, UZ - Kara Darya 28,630 Syr Darya KG, UZ - Chirchik 14,240 Syr Darya KZ, KG, UZ -- Chatkal 7,110 Chirchik KG, UZ Zaravshan29 41,800 Desert sink TJ, UZ 110. Tajikistan’s water resources mainly arise owing to glacier melting and precipitation. Total surface water reserves in Tajikistan’s glaciers and snowfields are estimated at 550 km³. Many of them are located in the basins of high-mountain rivers (such as Obihingou, Gunt, and Muksu) as well as in other areas. Glaciers and snowfields occupy about 6% of country’s territory. Over 1,300 lakes contain 44 km³ of water, including 20 km³ of surface fresh water and 24 km³ of saltwater. Their total area is about 705 km².

23 Source: http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/water/blanks/assessment/aral.pdf 24 Estimation: While some literature sources quote a basin area of up to 612,000 km2, the water divide can only be correctly established in the mountainous part of the basin (309,000 km2); therefore many hydrologists refrain from giving figures for the total basin area. 25 No exact figure. Some hydrologists give various figures from 5,000 km2 to 10,000 km2. 26 https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B3 27 Estimation: Some literature sources quote a basin area of up to 782,600 km2. As with the Amu Darya, the water divide can only be correctly established in the mountainous part of the basin. Thus, many hydrologists do not give a figure for the total basin area but state that 142,200 km2 of the basin area is upstream of the point where the river leaves the Fergana Valley. 28 Estimation: The literature gives various figures for the size of the catchment area, from 58,370 km2 to 59,900 km2. 29 Estimation: Due the sheer impossibility of determining the size of the catchment area, many hydrologists simply give a figure of 17,700 km2 for the mountain part of the catchment area. https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/water/publications/assessment/Russian/G_PartIV_Chapter3_Ru.pdf

111. The closest permanent water body to the Dushanbe-Vahdat blockspot is Kafarnigon river which flow shave a hydrological regime that is particularly influenced by snow and glacier melting. The basic characteristics of the Kofarnigon river is shown in the Table 11 below. Table 11. Characteristics of the Kofarnigon River

Catchment River fall, Average annual № River Length, km area, km2 m flow, m3/s 1 Kofarnigon 11700 386 2270 155

5.1.8 Water quality

112. The Kofarnigon River’s feeding is precipitation and snowfield-glacier melting, flood - in period from February to June, maximum runoff is in June. Water mineralization is about 500-800 mg / L in the high water and 800-1000 mg / L in the low water period, the composition of water is calcium sulfate. 113. Tajikistan has also water quality standards for surface watercourses with selected parameters as indicated by Table 12 below. Table 12. Water Quality Standards # Parameter Limit Value Winter – 4.0 mg/liter 1. Oxygen Summer – 6.0 mg/liter 2. Salt ammonium 0.5 mg/liter 3. BOD 3.0 4. Oil and petrochemicals 0.05 5. Iron 0.05 6. Copper 0.001 7. Zink 0.01 8. Phenols 0.001 9. Chlorides 300 10. Sulphates 100 11. Calcium 180 12. Potassium 50 13. Suspended Matter 1000 (Source: State Committee for Statistics. Environmental Protection in Tajikistan: Statistical Summary 1990-2000. 2002 edition (in Russian))

114. For more details please see chapter “environmental standards”. 115. According to the National Geoscience Database of Tajikistan, Kofarnigon river is subject to pollution from industry and settlements, including BOD, antimony and mercury. This is a likely influencing factor for the water quality baseline measurements. 116. Baseline data on water quality will be measured in the Kofarnigon river as well as the smaller natural water courses and irrigation channels that are crossed by the Project road. The measurements will serve as baseline indicators during the construction stage. Parameters for measurement are indicated in the alignment sheets and in the chapter "baseline measurements". The road is located approximately 2.5 km to the North from the Kofarnigon river along most of the length of the road, and then crosses the river at Vakhdat.

5.1.9 Ground Water

117. Ground water level is varying from low levels within a range of 1 meter to 5 meters below ground in the river floodplain of Kofarnigon River to very deep levels up to 20 m. There are no wells in the project area of phase 1 of the Project. Along the road section (included to the map below in blue) the ground water level is mainly 10-20 meters, 118. By chemical composition, the ground waters of the Kafarnigon river valley are hydrocarbonate-sulphate calcium-magnesium with mineralization of 0.2-0.7 g/l. The total hardness is 6-8.85 mg-Eq, carbonate - 5-7.3 mg-Eq. In relation to concrete structures, groundwater is predominantly non-aggressive. Groundwater alluvial deposits have a mixed type of feeding. Sources of groundwater recharge are infiltrated waters from riverbeds, irrigation canals and precipitation infiltration. Inflow from the mountain framing is negligible.

5.1.10 Noise

119. Existing ambient noise levels within the road corridor are attributable to vehicular traffic, construction and quarrying operations. Sensitive receptors concerning noise emissions are schools, hospitals mosques or other social infrastructure facilities. They are located within the settlements alongside the Project road. 120. Noise level standards in Tajikistan are shown in the chapter on environmental standards. 5.2 Ecological Resources in Project Area 121. Natural ecosystems are the single reliable source of environmental stability in the world. At the same time, the impact of anthropogenic activity on ecosystems is becoming the main reason for climate change, loss of biodiversity, and desertification/land degradation. Control of environmental risks requires a strong environmental policy, improved coordination of government structures, civil and business society representatives. 122. Changeable mountain climatic conditions and hard natural historical processes promoted formation of a unique biological diversity in Tajikistan. The annual average sunshine level varies from 2090 to 3160 hours, the average air temperature varying from +17°C and higher in the south of the country to -7°C and lower in the Pamirs. The highest temperature is in July, while the lowest is in January. The most severe climate is observed in the Eastern Pamirs, where the annual average temperature is from -1 to -6ºC. The absolute minimum is at the Bulunkul Lake -63°C. In hot deserts of southern Tajikistan and in cold high-mountain deserts of the Eastern Pamirs, the annual average precipitation level varies from 70 to 160 mm, the maximum being in Central Tajikistan, sometimes exceeding 2000 mm a year. The mountain landscapes of Tajikistan contain 0.66% of the animal world and 1.8% – plant diversity, including wild relatives of domestic animals and cultivated plants. Table 13. Main Components of Biodiversity in Tajikistan30 Component Importance Ecosystems 12 types Types of vegetation 20 types Flora 9 771 species Wild relatives of cultivated plants 1 000 species Endemic plants 1 132 species

30 First National Report on Biodiversity Conservation and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2003

Plants listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan 226 species Agricultural crops 500 varieties Fauna 13 531 species Endemic animals 800 species Animals listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan 162 species Domestic animals 30 breeds 123. Forests only take up 3% (412,000 ha) of the land area of the country, however they still play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity and genetic resources as well as in atmospheric carbon absorption. In addition, the forests are a natural protection for human settlements against floods, avalanches, and soil erosion. They also regulate the water balance and microclimate. 124. Almost all forests in Tajikistan belong to the state and are considered to be Group 1 forests. Forest management activities are directed at conservation and the improvement of forest conditions. Primarily, there is an open juniper forest prevailing at 1,500-3,200 m. above sea level. Pistachio trees, well accustomed to the hot dry climate, are mostly found in southern Tajikistan at an elevation of 600-1,400 m. Walnut forests are characteristic of Central Tajikistan at 1,000-1,200 m. above sea level and are known by their specific requirements for soil and climatic conditions. Part of the forest belt consists in maple forests with fragmentary poplars, willows, birch trees, buckthorn, saxaul and various shrubs. 125. The environment of the project road sections is consisting mostly of agricultural land, grassland and settlements. There are no significant ecological resources present. 126. No protected areas or parks found along the proposed road section. The nearest protected area is the Romit species management area, which is located at the distance about 60 km north- east from this project site.

5.2.1 Flora

127. Hissar province has quite rich vegetation and the area of the road falls under the belt of ephemeral plants. First of all, it is bluegrasses and sedges, the road also crosses the habitat of Caucasian skeleton, pistachio, almond, and hawthorn. Over the past 50-60 years, these habitats are severely degraded and heavily modified by human. There is artificial planting of ash, poplar, willow, elm, plane tree, and so on, as well as farmland. Mulberry groves (Morus alba, White Mulberry) are common within the vicinity of the study area. 128. Across the road the most common plant species are the following: bluegrass (Poa bulbosa), sedge (Carex pachystilis), astragalus (Astrogalus), wormwood (Artemisia scotina), calligonum (Calligomm griseum), Circassian (Salsola richteri), medusahead (Thaeniatherum asperum), maple (Acer lactum), Walnut (Inglana regia), wild almonds (Amygdalus bucharica), apple (Pirus malus), cherry (Prunus divaricata), plum (Mahaleb), willow (Salix), birch (Betula alba), also found poplar, and juniper (Juniperus polycarpos) on the slopes. Ephemeral vegetation occupies the foot of the Hissar and Turkestan ranges. They can be found mainly at autumn and winter pastures. The vegetation here is very low, its mass is small, but it is great eaten by all kinds of animals. The taller wheatgrass is used as hayfields or pastures. In this area also large plants of the family Apiaceae are common (Feruls, Prangos), rhubarb (Rheum ribes) and ram (Polygonum polymorphum) can be found.

129. In the area adjoining to the Project road grow some rare and endangered plant species such as Weisia papillosissima Lasar, Stroganovia Tolmaczoyii Junuss, Crocus korolkowii, Allium

suworowii, Tulipa praestans, Tulipa tubergeniana and Anemone bucharica. However, all of them grow on the hill and low-mountain slopes and the Project road will not affect them. 130. Most vegetation in the Project Area now occurs in agricultural land and gardens, growing fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Both introduced and local species and varieties are used. Besides homes and private plots, in many portions of the road land immediately adjoining the road is used for vegetable growing, cereals and orchards. Either side of the road, rows of trees has been planted. Most are young (from 5 to 10 years in age) and some of them between 20 and 30 years in age approximately. Around 80% are ornamental species, primarily poplar (Populus) species, willow, fir-tree, pine and acacia species which make up around 50% of the total. The remaining 20% are fruit trees, including apples, walnut and mulberry. 131. Dushanbe –Vakhdat road. Urban vegetation includes ornamental trees and shrubs such as pines, birches, alders, etc. 132. No important, rare, endangered, or protected species of flora are found within or in the vicinity of the road during this study. Please see Figure 9 below.

Figure 9. Reserved Forest in Tajikistan

5.2.2 Fauna

133. Fauna of Tajikistan is characterized by the great genetic diversity. Mountain fauna is richer than that of the plain and contains a substantial number of European-Siberian and East-Asian elements. The fauna of the hot, lowland deserts contains plenty of Indo-Himalaya, Ethiopian, and Mediterranean species. 134. In terms of zoogeographic zoning the entire length of the Project road falls under the Tajik zoogeographical site. This site is characterized by an abundance of representatives of all classes of vertebrates. This area is home to two species of amphibians, 40 species of reptiles, 186 species of birds and 45 species of mammals. The most common species here are: Amphibians - Gray Toad (Bufo bufo) and Marsh Frog (Rana ridibunda);

Reptiles - Gecko, Turkestan and Steppe Agama, Viper, Cobra, East Boa (Eryx miliaris), Steppe Turtle, Glass-lizard (Pseudopus apodus) and Blindworm (Anguis fragilis); Rare and endangered species included in Red Data Book are cobra and steppe turtle. Birds - Kestrel, Buzzard, Griffon Vulture, Rock Pigeon, Indian (Acridotheres tristis) and Pink (Sturnus or Pastor roseus) Starlings, Black-chest and Barn Sparrows, European Bee- eater, Roller, Crested Bird, Magpie, Black Check, Shrike, Long-tailed Shrike, and Barn Swallow; Rare birds such as Partridge, Shahin, Egyptian vulture, Golden Eagle, Saker and Pheasant are seen in this area. Due to their mobility they rarely fall into the car accidents. Mammals - Wolf, Fox, Porcupine (Hystrix), Tolai Hare (Lepus tolai), Turkestan Rat, Wood Mouse, Vole (Microtus), Gerbils (Gerbillus), Long-eared Bat, Horseshoe Bat, Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), Long-eared Hedgehog et al. Rare and endangered species such as Porcupine, Vormela peregusna, Wild cat and Striped hyena may occasionally cross the road. Fish - There are 52 species of fish in Tajikistan, including acclimatized and accidentally imported, and about 85% of them are inhabitants of the Aral Sea basin. The greatest number of species of fish belong to the carp family - Cirprinidae (23), the second largest number of species is Cobitidae, also known as the True loaches (11), the third - Sturgeons - Accipenseridae (5), and the rest of the family are represented each by one or two species. The most typical fish species in Tajikistan are: Amudarya trout, Marina, Turkestan catfish, carp, Aral and Turkestan barbel, catfish and others; weeds (non-target) species - gudgeon, mosquito fish, and numerous loaches. Special protection measures are needed to organize in the upper reaches of the rivers Vakhsh and Kofarnigon at the time of spawning of Amudarya trout (Salmo trutta axianis). Insects - Among rare and endangered insects which could be found in the vicinity of the road are following: arboreal mantis, Empusa pennicornis Pallas, Carabus tadzhikistanus, Nola elaeagni. All of them might live near the road and may occasionally pass the road. 135. No important, rare, endangered, or protected species or habitats were found within the Project Corridor during the initial IEE study (see Figure 10 below).

Figure 10. Distribution of rare animals (Red List of Tajikistan)

5.2.3 Desertification

136. Since the 1930s there has been intensive reclamation of foothill and floodplain valleys to increase the area of arable land in Tajikistan but up to 100 thousand ha of floodplain, pistachio, and partially broad-leaved forests were destroyed in the process. During the economic and energy crises in 1990s juniper forests, which are difficult to reforest, were cut down. Deforestation and animal grazing in forest areas have had a negative impact on the quality and diversity of forests and the natural regeneration of forests have practically stopped. 137. Pasture makes up 80% of agricultural land and is mainly found in the Khatlon region and the DRS. Pasture stocking today is lower than during the Soviet period 25 years ago and the condition of pastures is not adequate. In the east of the Pamir the condition of the teresken (Eurotea) pastures has become critical. Here, due to a lack of energy sources, people have started a massive uprooting of teresken that is a valuable animal fodder, and this has resulted in the desertification of highland pastures. In other districts cattle often graze near human settlements, thus local pastures have become overgrazed and degraded. More than half of the natural pastures in the country are in the highlands at altitudes varying from 1,700-2,000 to 3,500 masl. 138. The causes of land degradation are multiple, complex, and vary across Tajikistan’s regions, but to a greater extent deterioration and exhaustion of land resources is the result of

admittedly incorrect and destructive agricultural practices, overgrazing, deforestation and cutting down of bushes, forest degradation. Main active factors are wind and water erosion. 139. While natural factors contribute to soil erosion, unsustainable human behavior accelerates the process to an intolerable degree: it is estimated that 97% of agricultural land in Tajikistan has some level of erosion. Land degradation caused from erosion due to overgrazing is estimated to affect approximately 3 million hectares, or 85% of pastures (Asian Development Bank, 2004). In addition, excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers has resulted in the contamination of soil and waterways.

Figure 11. Desertification in Tajikistan 140. The erosive processes are especially active in the foothill regions where poorly cemented sandstones, loess like loams, and similar rock predominate lending themselves to washing out and wind erosion. The two main factors underlying the process of soils degradation in Tajikistan are water erosion and gully erosion. However, anthropogenic factors accentuate the erosive processes through intensive development of agriculture on slopes and unsustainable cultivation practices. 141. The incidence and causes of soil degradation vary across the country, depending on natural features, climate and land use. In the south of mostly low hills there are small sites of the unfixed sand and zones of strong degradation (e.g. in Karadum and Kumjalolkum). Above these zones there are semi-fixed sands and areas of weak and medium degradation. Among the sandy massifs there are raised areas, which are strongly subjected to water erosion. In the limits of Yavan, Gozimalik, Vakhsh and other districts there are sites of different degrees of erosion, mainly

caused by water. In the limits of irrigated zones, a wide variety of erosion processes are at work. On the slopes of the mountain ranges (Babatag, Aktau, Karatau), a number of sites face water erosion to varying degrees. See Table 14 below. Table 14. Distribution of soil erosion31 Administrative Degree of erosion (%) districts and Non- Weakly Middle Strongly Very Common provinces eroded eroded eroded eroded strongly area eroded Kurgonteppa group 3.2 18.8 51.8 18.0 8.2 96.8 of districts Kulyab group of 2.0 14.0 43.0 26.4 14.6 98.0 districts Sughd province 2.8 4.5 58.6 22.0 12.1 97.2 Hissar group of 4.3 9.4 40.2 31.5 14.6 95.7 districts Garm group of 0.5 4.2 35.1 32.9 27.3 99.5 districts GBAO – 4.2 32.8 37.8 25.4 100 142. Tajikistan’s widespread land degradation will increase the sensitivity of the land to climate change impacts, while the implications of climate change for the agriculture sector and the role of the Sustainable Land Management can play in climate change adaptation are considered to be highly significant for Tajikistan32. 143. Within the Project Area, Kurgonteppa group of districts, soil erosion is resulting in significant impacts to the land. 5.3 Socioeconomic Environment 144. This Chapter presents the findings on the major socio-economic characteristics of the affected Project communities. The chapter is based on information received from the Jamoat’s Key-Informants, country statistical data and data collected through the socio-economic surveys and census undertaken in the Project area. The main objective of the SES and census surveys is to understand the existing socio-economic environment and vulnerability of affected people in the Project area, to use the data for preparation of the LARP budget and to identify groups and persons who may need an additional support due to the Project impact.

5.3.1 Profile of the Project Area

145. Tajikistan is a Central Asian country bordering Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. According to the Statistics Agency, the estimation population in.Tajikistan 9,126 thousand (as of January 1, 2019) is divided into 4 regions and capital Dushanbe: Sughd, Khatlon, Gorno-Badakhshan and Region of Republican Subordination. Each region is divided into several districts (Rayons) which are subdivided into the village-level self-governing administrative units – Jamoats. There are 58 Rayons and 368 Jamoats in Tajikistan.

31 ADB TA 5941-REG: Combating Desertification in Asia. Tajikistan Country Situation paper (CSP) prepared by Shiv Saigal, 2003. 32 Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR). Wolfgramm et al (2011).

146. The Project road traverses through several villages of Vakhdat district of the Republican subordination namely Tezgar, Rohati, Neftyanik, Kamongaron, Pistamazor, Bahor. Table 15. Population in the districts traversed by the Project road

No of No of No of Rayon Population Male Female affected households villages villages Dushanbe 838,900 418,800 383,900 128,000 - - Vakhdat 54,000 N/A N/A N/A - - *estimated based on mean HH size

147. The major economic activities in the Project Rayons are agriculture and animal husbandry. Animal husbandry is widespread in the Project area. Almost each household having some land, also have some livestock. Animals raised in the area include cattle, sheep, goats and horses.. 148. Nevertheless, reported poverty is acutely present in the region. Partial de-monetization of the economy, the growing internationalization of the labor market, increasing reliance on non- market forms of production and inter-household transfers all mean that the calculation of household incomes and expenditures involves a complex mix of in-cash, in-kind, official, unofficial and informal payments (Falkingham, 1999b).33 149. The economic data on Project villages reflect the data at the Rayons’ level. The major economic activities in all Project villages are agriculture, orchards and animal husbandry. 150. The project starts from the eastern borders of Dushanbe. The city is served by Dushanbe International Airport which has regularly scheduled flights to major cities in Russia, Central Asia, as well as Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul amongst others. Tajikistan's principal railways are in the southern region and connect Dushanbe with the industrial areas of the Gissar and Vakhsh valleys and with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russia. 151. The Dushanbe trolley bus system operates public buses in the city. Automobiles are the main form of transportation in the country and as of 2019 many highway and tunnel construction projects are underway or have recently been completed. 152. More than 100 industrial enterprises were put into operation in the capital, which produced about 60 types of items including looms, refrigerators, cotton and silk fabrics, hydro-equipment for agricultural machinery, knitwear, apparel, leather goods, and many other goods. 153. Dushanbe is the capital city of Tajikistan with the population number of 846 thousand people officially residing on its territory; while the actual population (including migrants) is estimated to be around one million people. 154. The population density is 6,581 people/km². More than 10% of the country's population lives in Dushanbe. Population of Dushanbe is relatively young with the growth rate of 1.8% and labor force accounting for 62%. In addition to its current population, a rapidly growing construction sector in Dushanbe makes it attractive to returning skilled migrants. 155. The City’s territory is administratively divided into four districts: Shohmansur, Firdavsi, Ismoili Somoni and Sino, with the latter covering the largest territory and population.

33 A Profile of Poverty in Tajikistan, Jane Falkingham, https://core.ac.uk/download/files/67/93913.pdf

Figure 12. Districts of Dushanbe. 156. The growth rate was 2.19% per year. The average density was 51.3 people per square kilometer, but the population was concentrated heavily in the western, southwestern, and northwestern regions. The level of poverty is quite high in the rural areas: in 2009, the poverty headcount ratio living on US$1.25 per day was 6.6% as determined by the World Bank’s atlas method; for the same year, the UNDP Human Development report reported 22%. Poverty is multidimensional as it touches the three sectors of education, health, and living standards, implying that there is severe deprivation in these three dimensions.

With regard to gender, females with secondary education are at least at 93.2 % compared to males at 85.8%, at the national level for those 25 years and older. The population of Dushanbe city made up of ethnic Tajiks, Uzbeks, Russians and others (2.4%).

157. Men proportion in population of Dushanbe is higher than that women (52.2% to 47.8%), and compared with the national average (50.6% to 49.4%), this may be due to the fact that men they work in the capital and leave families in rural areas, where living conditions are often more favorable for families, as there is a farm, a garden and livestock. In Dushanbe, young people under the age of 30 make up 63% in the republic: 64%. The number of working age (15-64 years) in Dushanbe is 69% (by country: 62%), while the labor force is less than 50% of this age group. The working-age population currently stands at about 2.5 million people. In 2018, only 55 thousand citizens received official unemployment status. The official unemployment rate in Tajikistan is 2.1% at the end of 2017 and, therefore, very low. This is mainly due to the fact that the majority of the unemployed are not registered (about 1 million). The working population is outside the country for work. On this basis, the actual unemployment rate may be much higher. 158. The City Master Plan (up to 2040) envisaged further expansion of the city mainly to the south to add 18,000 ha by 2025 and 25,000 ha by 2040; expansion will include territories of Hissar, Rudaki and Varzob districts adjacent to the City. Infrastructure development plans supporting ambitious Master Plan are yet to be developed.

5.3.2 Key Facilities and Infrastructure

159. Each Project Jamoat (local authority), has a mostly combined primary and secondary school, mosque, health-post and shops and small businesses along the central village road. Some villages are distant from the road, but their lands are located along the Project road. Other services such as hospitals, larger markets and administrative services are based in Jamoats’ and district centers. 160. Electricity is available in all project villages. However, during the dry seasons when the production of electricity is lower, the villages get the electricity supply for a couple of hours a day. 161. Piped water is available in some villages mostly those closer to Dushanbe, while other villages rely on wells, collection of rainwater in basins and cisterns and purchasing water for the daily usage. Consequently, only 6 households have a hot-water system in the house as the piped water is not everywhere available. Only one surveyed household has an in-house flush toilet while all other have a latrine. There is no wastewater treatment in any of the Project villages.

5.3.3 Transport and Traffic accidents

162. Well-functioning transport sector is crucial to the Republic of Tajikistan because of the mountainous terrain of the land locked country. It is important from many different aspects, including economic, social, and political. 163. The development of the transport sector is very important for landlocked Republic of Tajikistan as it will help ensure a cost-effective access to regional and domestic markets. It will also help generate employment and provide services throughout the country. 164. This review process clarified that there are massive improvements required regarding the road safety situation and high casualty numbers in the Republic of Tajikistan. However, there are a number of initiatives that have already been undertaken.

165. Current and past statistics for traffic accidents are in detail given in the road safety report. The following Table 16 provides an overview. Table 16. Vehicle crash statistics for the last 15 years for Tajikistan (Source: GAI statistics)

Number of Year Crashes Deaths Injured vehicles 2001 231336 1373 395 1557 2002 220391 1388 414 1625 2003 218677 1379 421 1621 2004 222972 1402 415 1556 2005 231762 1725 483 2037 2006 246411 1479 435 1740 2007 268018 1775 468 2046 2008 304219 1674 497 1935 2009 337425 1666 482 1924 2010 357869 1574 411 1748 2011 369818 1401 438 1592 2012 374598 1381 442 1527 2013 395868 1466 472 1605 2014 423303 1514 446 1726

5.3.4 Cultural and Historical Sites

166. No historically or culturally significant sites have been identified along the road sections during this study. However, the consultant visited Institute of history, archeology and ethnography under the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan (Institute) to verify these issues. The consultant was informed that along the project road are located several ancient cemeteries (mazars) and settlements which might be considered as historical and cultural heritage. This information needs to be verified by further joint field study together with PIURR and the Institute.

6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

167. Based on the results of the conducted field surveys and environmental assessment, the project’s environmental impacts were identified and described, and suitable mitigation measures prepared. The Project involves installation of outdoor lightning at the Dushanbe-Vakhdat road. No valuable or protected natural habitats or other valuable environmental structures are significantly impacted after finalization of construction period, neither in their structure nor function. The only exception are the steppe turtles, whose habitat must be protected. 168. Impact assessment an envelope of 200 meters wide on each side of the project road over its entire length is identified as the core impact area. The road sections where sensitive receptors are present, such as schools, hospitals or other places where people congregate are given particular attention so that ample mitigation is formulated. In Phase 1 of the Project no school, kindergarten, mosque or hospital are located closer than 50 m to the future Project corridor’s edge. For road sections that cross rivers, the impact assessment is expanded to cover the

identified continuous extent of any ecologically important habitats / features along the Project Corridor. 169. Main impacts refer to the human environment, and also due to noise emissions, emissions of pollutants and vibrations within the traversed settlements especially when the Project road runs close to sensitive receptors such as schools, hospitals, mosques, bazars or other. In summary main impact categories arise from the following activities: (i) construction works within or close to settlements result in loss of trees and building structures, noise impacts, emission of pollutants to air and vibration which is especially of concern when the Project road comes close to sensitive receptors, (ii) site clearance activities result in loss of topsoil and vegetation structures, They have been divided into pre-construction phase (design phase), construction phase, and operation phase impacts. The chapter is structured according to activities. 170. Potential negative construction phase and operation phase impacts can be effectively mitigated through the application of appropriate good international practice construction practices and compliance with international guidelines including the General EHS Guidelines (2007, covering environment; occupational health and safety; and community health and safety) and the EHS Guidelines for Toll Road (2007). 6.1 PRE-CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN PHASE)

6.1.1 Vegetation Clearance

Impacts

171. There are no ecologically significant structures along the project Dushanbe-Vakhdat road. Some planted tree lines line the southern end of the road, but no valuable or endangered species are around. The whole length of the road has already been significantly disturbed by human activities. The noise, air quality, water quality and other impacts will be temporary in nature and covered by the current EMP. No tree cutting will be required for the project. 172. There are no legally protected areas alongside the project road and only few structures of local environmental significance to be considered during the design stage. Mitigation Measures

173. No mitigation measures are required for the vegetation clearance, as no such activities are required in the project. 6.2 CONSTRUCTION PHASE

6.2.1 Site clearance activities

174. No site clearance is required for the Project Implementation, as all activities will be conducted within the existent road shoulders. The stripping of top-soil needed only for the sites where the transformers will be installed. The total quantity of removed top-soil is expected to be about 10m3. Field assessment confirmed that the soil subject to stripping is located within the immature fruit garden as shown on photos in Appendix 1 (line 5 and6) and therefore suitable for the use by farmers. No loss of topsoil is expected as the project work will be conducted within the RoW. Mitigation Measures

175. Due to negligent quantity of the removed topsoil the stockpiling and temporarily storage are not required. The stripping the top-soil will be immediately delivered for the usage to the farm located in close vicinity. The transportation and dumping of top-soil will be conducted at the Contractor’s expenses.

6.2.2 Vegetation Clearance

176. No tree cutting is required in the Dushanbe- Vahdat project. The roadside vegetation along the road does not include vulnerable or endangered species that would be jeopardized due to the project. However, some trees located in vicinity may be damaged accidentally due to Contractor’s negligibility. Mitigation Measures

177. In the case of accidental damage on trees, re-plant the same kind of the tree. The tree should be of the same species and compensated as 1 for 1 tree.

6.2.3 Impacts on surface/ground water

178. There are very low (if any) possible impacts on surface or ground waters from the project due to absence of the water bodies in vicinity to the road. The closest water body is River of Kafarnigon which flows south of the road in distance from 1.6 to 2.3 km. The activities that will be carried out pose virtually no risk for surface and ground water reserves except possible accidental leaks of oil material and other waste to the nearby side drains. Mitigation Measures

The machinery and equipment should be properly checked and maintained before the start of work. Any accidental fuel/oil spills to the ditches should be immediately fixed at the Contractor’s expenses. Oil and solid waste management need to be described in the SSEMP.

6.2.4 Encroachment into private and residential land

179. The safety improvement activities will not result in acquisition of private or residential land. The only encroachment to land outside of RoW is acquisition of total 50 m2 of state land from Rudaki District. This land is not in private use and not a source of income for any stakeholder. The application for this land has already been sent to the Rudaki authorities and the process started. No specific mitigation measures are therefore need due to this encroachment. Project will not cause any displacement of encroachers or disturbance in operations of commercial facilities, or access to public properties such as schools, mosques, hospitals, or other community centers. All proposed works will take place within the ROW of the existing road assigned as to MoT land.

6.2.5 Operation of Construction Yard and Working Camps

180. Due to minor scope of work, there is no need in installation of large working camp. However, in some cases the some kinds of accommodations or small camps may be needed. 181. Impacts produced by workers camps are manifold and include generation of solid and liquid waste, equipment maintenance related pollutants spills, potential spills from stored materials (chemicals, fuels, etc.), competition for water resources with local needs, and health and safety risks to workers and locals, including risk of HIV / AIDS and other STD’s.

182. Construction worksites may place stresses on resources and infrastructure of nearby communities. This may lead to friction between local residents and the temporary workers. 183. In addition, construction camps are likely to have public health impacts. There will be a potential for diseases to be transmitted, exacerbated by inadequate health and safety practices. Therefore, the contractor will be required to recruit a full time health, and safety officer (CHSO) to address such concerns in the work sites. The CHSO should also liaise/work with the nearby communities when it is necessary for mitigation of health and safety concerns. Mitigation Measures

184. The contractor should submit documents for approval (short statement and site plan in appropriate scale) which indicate: • Site location, surface area required and layout of the work camp. The layout plan should also contain details of the proposed measures to address adverse environmental impacts resulting from its installation. • Sewage management plan for provision of sanitary latrines and proper sewage collection and disposal system to prevent pollution of watercourses; • Waste management plan covering provision of garbage containers, regular collection and disposal in a hygienic manner, as well as proposed disposal sites for various types of wastes (e.g., domestic waste, used tires, etc.) consistent with appropriate regulations; • Description and layout of equipment maintenance areas and lubricant and fuel storage facilities including distance from water sources and irrigation facilities. Storage facilities for fuels and chemicals will be located away from watercourses. Such facilities will be bounded and provided with impermeable lining to contain spillage and prevent soil and water contamination.  Prior to the commencement of works the site installations should be inspected for approval.  The selected site will not be on top of ground water area or near surface waters.  The contractor should hire a qualified health and safety expert who will provide safety training to the staff according to the requirements of the individual workplace. Prior to the commencement of works, the work site personnel should be instructed about safety rules for the handling and storage of hazardous substances (fuel, oil, lubricants, bitumen, paint etc.) and also the cleaning of the equipment. In preparation of this the contractor should establish a short list of materials to be used (by quality and quantity) and provide a rough concept explaining the training / briefing that should be provided for the construction personnel.  Locate storage facilities for fuels and chemicals away from watercourses. Such facilities will be bounded and provided with impermeable lining to contain spillage and prevent soil and water contamination.  Store and dispose waste/used oil consistent with environmental legal requirements.  Work site restoration: After completion of construction works, the contractor should execute all works necessary to restore the sites to their original state (removal and proper disposal of all materials, wastes, installations, surface modelling if necessary, spreading and levelling of stored topsoil). 185. To mitigate the construction camp related impacts, the contractor should arrange the facilities, services, and water supply of the work camp so that it won’t compete on the same resources with nearby communities. The contractor should also employ, to the largest extent feasible, people from the local communities to the workforce. Local communities will also be

preferred, to largest extent feasible, when employing people for the tree planting works, drainage cleaning, and other suitable tasks. 186. Prior to construction works, the contractor should provide a comprehensive Site Specific EMP covering the aspects that are described in the chapter "Environmental Management Plan". 187. The camp should not be set up on top of a ground water area, nor near any surface water areas. Prior to commencing operation, the contractor should indicate proper sources of drinking and construction water which won’t compete with local needs. 188. In order to avoid or minimize the compete for the water resources prior to establishment of the work camps, conduct consultations with local authorities to identify sources of water that will not compete with the local population. 189. For health and safety protection of workers and adjacent communities the following should be provided: (i) Adequate health care facilities (including first aid facilities) within construction sites; (ii) Training of all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care issues, general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work; (iii) Personal protection equipment for workers, such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and ear protection in accordance with legal legislation; (iv) Clean drinking water to all workers; (v) Adequate protection to the general public, including safety barriers and marking of hazardous areas; (vi) Safe access across the construction site to people whose settlements and access are temporarily severed by road construction; (vii) Adequate drainage throughout the camps so that stagnant water bodies and puddles do not form; (viii) Sanitary latrines and garbage bins in construction site, which will be periodically cleared by the contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases. 190. Where feasible the contractor will arrange the temporary integration of waste collection from work sites into existing waste collection systems and disposal facilities of nearby communities. This should be taken into consideration when deciding the place for the camp. 191. The contractor should provide information to workers, encouraging changes in individual’s personal behavior and encouraging the use of preventive measures. The goal of the information is to reduce the risk of HIV / STD transmission among construction workers, camp support staff and local communities. 192. Contractors’ conformity with contract procedures and specifications during construction will be carefully monitored. Contractors will be made to follow standard construction practices, monitored and supervised by the project management and contract supervision consultant (PMCSC) employed under the Project. 193. In case new work camp needs to be opened for the road section, the mitigation measures outlined above should apply. However, no specific arrangements differing from the ones above are needed for that section regarding work camp operation areas operation. 194. Providing information to workers, encouraging changes in individual’s personal behavior and encouraging the use of preventive measures. The goal of the information is to reduce the risk of HIV / STD transmission among construction workers, camp support staff and local communities. 195. The Contractor should prepare and implement COVID19 health and safety management plan as part of the SSEMP. The plan should take into consideration the activities to prevent the spread of potential COVID-19 infections among the workers or between the communities and the workers of the project. The action plan should have clear outline for monitoring activities, the

activities to be taken in case COVID-19 infections are discovered, and general rules of conduct to reduce the risk of spread of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections.

6.2.6 Disruption of Traffic

196. Transport of potentially hazardous or toxic materials on the road poses a risk to the local population. Impacts in case of an accident which causes a spill may include pollution of surface water or ground water through leaching. 197. The traffic impacts will be high in the Dushanbe –Vakhdat road section, and a traffic management plan needs to be prepared and account for the special arrangements that are needed to ensure smooth flow of traffic through the section. The framework Traffic Management Plan (TMP) has been added as Annex 5 of this report. Mitigation Measures

198. Prior to commencing operations, the contractor should submit a traffic management plan to local traffic authorities and provide information to the public about the scope and schedule of construction activities and expected disruptions and access restrictions. 199. During the construction work the contractor will arrange for adequate traffic flow around construction areas. 200. The contractor should enhance traffic safety by providing adequate signalization, lighting, traffic safety signs, barriers and flag persons for traffic control. Adequate training should be provided to the workers on traffic control prior to commencing operations. 201. The contractor should include action plan to mitigate impacts from transport of hazardous and toxic materials to the traffic emergency response plan for the operation phase of the road.

6.2.7 Noise and Vibration Impacts

202. Noise impacts are expected to originate from the construction activities, hauling traffic, etc. These can have adverse effects on the health of the construction workers or on the sensitive receptors along the project road. 203. Especially night-time noise may impede sleep and cause physical symptoms within the sensitive receptors if not mitigated in a proper manner. 204. Working around noisy machinery is an occupational hazard and the use of noise protection gear should be enforced. 205. According to the Federal Highway Administration the typical maximum noise levels from construction equipment within 50 feet (approx. 15 meters) of the source vary between a range of 55 dBA and 95 dBA, with mean value being 83.1 dBA and the mode 85 dBA. These values are expected to represent the values that the population along the road will be subjected at times during the road construction phase. Mitigation Measures

206. The night-time noise impacts should be mitigated by avoiding construction work during night-time near sensitive receptors. This applies especially to the areas which are in the vicinity of residential areas.

207. The construction workers need to be provided with proper PPE as well as guidance on the importance of using the protective gear.

6.2.8 Air Quality Impacts

208. Air quality impacts arise from the use of machinery, dustiness of roads, hauling of materials, etc.Harmful gases can cause respiratory illnesses, as well as nuisance from odors for the population being affected. Dust levels aggravate the respiratory systems of the persons subjected to it. All of the air quality impacts are manageable with proper precaution measures as well as proper planning of locations for the machinery and hauling routes. Mitigation Measures

209. Hauling trucks should avoid residential areas when possible and the hauling routes as well as the project road needs to be watered during dry times for dust suppression. 210. Dust suppression needs to be carried out regularly during dry times. Watering of the construction area and the hauling trucks should be done whenever there is dust visible.

6.2.9 Generation of Waste

211. Every construction project generates waste, which should be managed to prevent environmental impacts. Management means estimation of amounts and sources where waste will occur, planning for collection, and proper disposal of the waste according to the laws of the country. Unmanaged waste is a residual impact and a residual cost. 212. Typically, construction works are expected to generate wastes from including garbage, recyclable waste, food waste, and construction debris. In addition small quantities of hazardous waste will also be generated mainly from the vehicle maintenance activities (liquid fuels; lubricants, hydraulic oils; chemicals, such as anti-freeze; contaminated soil; spillage control materials used to absorb oil and chemical spillages; machine/engine filter cartridges; oily rags, spent filters, contaminated soil, etc.). 213. In this project the estimated waste amounts will be fairly small, as the construction works are of clearly a smaller scope than in a typical road construction project. However, there is some risk of land and water pollution due to PCB and other pollutants present in the transformers that will be installed. These should be mitigated. Mitigation Measures

214. For the waste that is generated, a Waste Management Plan (WMP) must be developed. It should cover the following key areas: • Estimate carefully the types and amounts of waste expected to be generated during construction and operation including chemical and hazardous materials, household and liquid wastes;

• Stipulate how the wastes will be dealt with in accordance with the principles of the waste and resource management hierarchy, and specify the arrangement for waste collection and proper disposal

• Mitigation measures for dealing with accidents, spills and other incidents that may impact on the environment as a result of waste management during construction and operation.

6.2.10 Disruption of Utilities

215. These impacts can include disruption to power lines, water pipes and other utilities, which may cause harm to the communities who are potentially cut off from these services. These are the potential consequence if proper precautions are not made during the construction process. 216. In case of accidents where utilities are accidentally disrupted, the contractor needs to work to minimize the damage and correct the situation as soon as possible. Mitigation Measures

217. The affected people will be consulted during project implementation to make the project contractors aware of any significant issues that may be resulting from disruption of utilities. 218. People should be informed in advance of any power cuts that are expected and the duration of the cut will be made clear in order that they can plan around the lack of power. 219. In case any utilities are disrupted, the contractor will be liable to replace the utilities in questions immediately and provide for example water through water trucks to the communities that have lost their access to water, as far as feasible. 220. Contractor should Immediately repair and/or compensate for any damage caused by construction works and activities to existing communities and their property and facilities Maintain access roads used for transport of construction materials and other construction related activities are maintained to ensure that they remain in at least in their pre-project condition for the duration of the project.

6.2.11 Occupational and Community Health and Safety

221. Road construction work includes several health and safety hazards which can cause severe bodily harm if not mitigated. These hazards are related among others to work at heights, traffic accidents, work with heavy machinery, work with fire, working in noisy environments, etc. 222. The communities are also a subject to health and safety risks from the road works. These include disturbance to utilities, traffic accidents, alteration of available routes, children playing in the borrow areas or other constructions sites, etc. 223. These impacts can have serious effects if neglected and therefore need to be mitigated appropriately in the EMP Mitigation Measures

224. For health and safety protection of workers and adjacent communities adequate health care facilities (including first aid facilities) must be provided within construction sites. In addition, training of all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care issues, general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work is of utmost importance. 225. Personal protection equipment must be provided for workers, such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and ear protection in accordance with legal legislation and the use of PPE must be monitored and enforced. The contractor is responsible for the use of PPE at the construction sites.

226. Clean drinking water should be made available to all workers. 227. Adequate protection must be organized to the general public, including safety barriers and marking of hazardous areas. Safe access across the construction site must be given to people whose settlements and access are temporarily severed by road construction. 228. Adequate drainage should be built throughout the camps so that stagnant water bodies and puddles do not form. 229. Sanitary latrines and garbage bins must be available in the construction site, which will be periodically cleared by the contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases. Where feasible the contractor will arrange the temporary integration of waste collection from work sites into existing waste collection systems and disposal facilities of nearby communities. 230. The Contractor should prepare and implement a COVID-19 health and safety management plan. The plan should take into consideration the activities to prevent the spread of potential COVID-19 infections among the workers or between the communities and the workers of the project. The action plan should have clear outline for monitoring activities, the activities to be taken in case COVID-19 infections are discovered, and general rules of conduct to reduce the risk of spread of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections.

6.2.12 Land Acquisition Impact

231. The studies and examinations, undertaken by the Consultant and PIURR, confirmed that improvement of lighting and road signage along the selected 9 km of Dushanbe-Vakhdat road should not cause any impact on privately owned land or assets. Therefore, no cases of physical resettlement or economic displacement is expected within the scope of this project. No permanent and or temporary impact on solid structures used as commercial facilities, or any private improvements are expected, therefore no cash compensation is required for temporary or permanent stoppage of business or salaries and wages. 232. Project will not cause any displacement of encroachers or disturbance in operations of commercial facilities, or access to public properties such as schools, mosques, hospitals, or other community centers. All proposed works will take place within the ROW of the existing road assigned as to MOT land. 233. A Social Due Diligence Report was prepared by the Consultant. The findings in it were based on the results of the review of available materials, i.e. Black Spots Program Report, approved drawings and findings of site observation undertaken by the Social Safeguards Consultant of the PMCSC (Kocks Consulting GmbH) and the representatives of PIURR. Mitigation Measures

234. In order avoid any further impacts, all civil works will be carried out strictly within the road ROW of the existing road assigned as to MoT land. 6.3 OPERATIONAL PHASE 235. Settlement patterns. No significant changes in settlement patterns are anticipated as a result of proposed installation of outdoor lightning. 236. Community impacts. There are no negative community impacts associated with the blackspots activities. Impacts on safety, business and tourism will be highly positive. 237. Traffic impacts. The proposed project will result in better road condition, increased speed of vehicles, and improvement of safety.

6.4 Positive Impacts 238. There are many positive impacts associated with the Project. Main positive impacts refer to improver road safety.

6.4.1 Accessibility and Regional Cooperation

239. The improvement of the blackspots is extremely important for a country. It will improve safe access to domestic and regional markets. It will help provide services throughout the country and generation of employment is also enhanced.

6.4.2 Community Impacts

240. Proposed improvements in the road carrying capacity and surface condition are expected to facilitate movement of people, produce, and products along these established travel corridors. Local residents will benefit from easier access to the marketplace and improved traffic safety. Manufacturers and processors will benefit from more reliable transportation links between suppliers of raw materials and major markets both within and outside the immediate area. Consumers may be able to more readily access these markets to obtain goods that were previously unobtainable or prohibitively expensive. Within the project area many agricultural households cultivate fruits and vegetables for sale in local markets. The project road is crucial for transporting these products to market where they can be sold to consumers. The project will help alleviate poverty by facilitating transport of produce to more distant markets where grower can receive higher prices. 6.5 Cumulative Impacts 241. Cumulative impacts can be described as the combined changes of environment that are the result, not only of a single project, but of all human activities, past, present and future (as far as it is foreseeable) in the study area. Hence cumulative impact assessment requires the assessment of the combined effects resulting from implementation of the project, including all the ancillary facilities such as temporary diversions, access roads, borrow areas and disposal sites for surplus material. It thus integrates the identified impacts from the project and analyses the social and environmental implications regarding the area of influence when both Project components are considered together. 242. In general, it can be concluded that most of the identified specific impacts, positive and negative, will aggravate when assessed together. This is because additive, multiplicative and synergetic effects might occur.

7 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

7.1 Institutional Arrangement 243. The EMP included in this IEE together with the Site Specific EMP that need to be prepared by the contractor provide the overall Project environmental management framework. 244. The Site Specific EMP must be submitted within 30 days of the contract award and Preconstruction and Construction cannot commence until the Site Specific EMP is approved by PIURR and the PMCSC. 245. The Bid Documents for the potential Contractor(s) shall contain two sections relating to environmental issues, firstly a basic clause indicating that the Contractor will be responsible for following the requirements of this IEE/EMP and that he should prepare his own Site Specific EMP

for the Project. Secondly, the EMP of the IEE shall be repeated in its entirety as an Annex to the Bid Documents so as the bidder is aware of his environmental requirements under the Project (both Pre-construction, Detailed Design and Construction) and help him put costs to his proposal (such as costs for noise monitoring, etc.). 246. The Contract Documents should follow a broadly similar pattern to the Bid Documents. It is not considered necessary to repeat the mitigation measures. The Contract should specify that the Contractor(s) is responsible for implementation of the EMP via his Site-Specific EMP. Again, the EMP should be included at an Annex to the Contract so the Contractor(s) is liable for any non- conformance with the EMP, and thereby this IEE. 247. The MOT will be the executing agency. The MOT’s PIURR will be the implementing agency. The PIURR will be assisted during project implementation by relevant departments of the MOT, the PMCSC, and relevant government agencies. 248. Ministry of Transport as an executing agency will;  Provide overall project oversight;  Ensure compliance with all covenants of the financing agreement and ADB’s policies, procedures, and guidelines;  Coordinate with all ministries and agencies involved in the project as appropriate;  Ensure that the PIURR is adequately staffed and functional during the entire period of project implementation;  Approve bidding documents, bid evaluation reports, contract variations, and suspension and termination of contracts;  Sign and act as the Employer for the contracts with consultants and contractors;  Timely resolve issues that would compromise quality, costs, or completion time of the project;  Conduct timely financial audits as per agreed timeframe and take recommended actions;  Collect and retain all supporting and reporting documents, including annual audit reports and financial statements;  Involve beneficiaries and civil society representatives in all stages of project design and implementation as appropriate;  Regularly post on MOT website, in consultation with ADB, the updated project information documents for public disclosure, including safeguards documents; and  Ensure project’s post-implementation sustainability and report to ADB on the project impacts. 249. PIURR as an implementing agency will  Coordinate the day-to-day project implementation activities;  Act as focal point for communication with ADB on projectrelated matters;  Procure works and goods and administer works and goods contracts;  Recruit consultants and administer consulting services contracts;  Monitor and promptly address complaints, and ensure their effective and adequate resolution;  Establish adequate financial management system and submit timely withdrawal applications to ADB;

 Prepare periodic progress reports identifying issues and action plans, and ensure their timely submission to ADB;  Monitor and evaluate project activities and outputs, including periodic review and preparation of project completion report;  Assist ADB’s project review missions as appropriate. 250. The Contractor(s) will be responsible for the preparation of the Site-Specific EMPs. The preparation of the Site Specific EMP requires a qualified environmental person. The work will need to be fully compliant with the EMP and will need to be prepared within 30 days of Contract award. 251. During the Construction phase, the Contractor must retain the expertise of a full time Contractor’s Environmental Officer (CEO) to prepare and update the SSEMP and to oversee and report on the SSEMP implementation throughout the contract period. The CEO should be full- time member of contractor’s staff. 252. The PMCSC has mobilized an international environmental specialist (PMCSC-IES, 3 person-months) and a national environmental specialist (PMCSC-NES, 36 person-months) to ensure that the Contractor is compliant with its environmental obligations. Both PMCSC-IES and PMCSC-NES are working for Component 1 and will also simultaneously cover Component 2 (Blackspots). In accordance with the current PMCSC contract, no additional resources for environmental coverage of Component 2 are provided. Specifically, the PMCSC-IES and the PMCSC-NES should be responsible for preparing a monthly environmental report outlining the Contractors’ environmental performance during that period. 253. The improved project road will be operated by the State Institution "Maintenance of tunnels, lighting networks and traffic lights on roads of international and national significance" under the Ministry of Transport, while newly installed Dushanbe-Vahdat street lighting system after completion will be transferred to OJSC “Shabakahoi Taqsimoti” – state Company which is responsible for the power distribution. 7.2 Environmental Management Plan 254. The EMP describes the various measures proposed under this Project, which were designed to avoid, mitigate, or compensate the adverse environmental impacts that may result from the Project. As such the EMP considers all phases of the Project cycle, namely the detailed design, construction and operational phases of the Project. 255. To ensure that the proposed mitigation measures will be carried out by the contractors during the construction stage, the design consultant will clearly set out in the tender and contract documents the contractor’s obligation to undertake the respective environmental mitigation measures. 256. The EMP consists of two tables. Table 17 summarizes the environmental mitigation measures, and Table 18 describes the environmental monitoring requirements. At the end is a statement which includes the timeframes and responsibilities for carrying out the environmental monitoring.

Table 17. Summary of Environmental Mitigation Measures Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor CONSTRUCTION PHASE Site clearance activities Loss of topsoil at the transformers No loss of topsoil is expected as the Contractor PMCSC (Chapter 6.2.1) location. The total quantity of project road will be conducted within the removed top-soil is expected to be RoW. The small quantity of soil from about 10m3. transformers sites will be delivered to the surrounding garden farm at the expenses of the Contractor. Vegetation Clearance No tree cutting is required in the In the case of accidental damage on trees, Contractor PMCSC (Chapter 6.2.2) Dushanbe- Vahdat project. The re-plant the same kind of the tree. The tree Road alignment in areas roadside vegetation along the road should be of the same species and of tree plantations. does not include vulnerable or compensated as 1 for 1 tree. Embankment filling of the endangered species that would be tree stem area. jeopardized due to the project. However, some trees located in vicinity may be damaged accidentally due to Contractor’s negligibility. Potential accidental damaging of Re-plant the potential damaged trees. The Contractor PMCSC trees during construction activities trees should be of the same species and compensated as 1 for 1 tree.

Impacts on Accidental leaks of oil material to the The machinery and equipment should be Contractor PMCSC surface/ground water nearby side drains during the work of properly checked and maintained before (Chapter 6.2.3) machinery. the start of work. Any leak should be (in particular Kofarnigon immediately fixed at the Contractor’s River, located at the expenses. Oil and solid waste management distance of 2500 m from need to be described in the SSEMP. the KM_where the poles and transformes will be installed) Encroachment into Aacquisition of 50m2 of lands is The acquisition documentation will be PIURR PIURR private and residential required for installation of prepared due to absence of affected land (Chapter 6.2.4) transformers. people the LARP issuing is not required.

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor Disproportionate encroachment on poor people's assets. Operation of Health and safety risks to workers For health and safety protection of workers Contractor PIURR with the Construction Yard and and adjacent communities and adjacent communities the following support of the Working Camps should be provided: PMCSC (Chapter 6.2.5)  adequate health care facilities Site selection, site (including first aid facilities) within preparation and operation construction sites; of contractor’s yard  training of all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care issues, general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work;  personal protection equipment for workers, such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and ear protection in accordance with legal legislation;  clean drinking water to all workers;  adequate protection to the general public, including safety barriers and marking of hazardous areas;  safe access across the construction site to people whose settlements and access are temporarily severed by road construction;  adequate drainage throughout the camps so that stagnant water bodies and puddles do not form;  sanitary latrines and garbage bins in construction site, which will be periodically cleared by the contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases.

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor Where feasible the contractor will arrange the temporary integration of waste collection from work sites into existing waste collection systems and disposal facilities of nearby communities; Worker’s health and soil / water The contractor should hire a qualified Contractor MoT and pollution health and safety expert who will provide PIURR with the safety training to the staff according to the support of the requirements of the individual workplace. PMCSC Prior to the commencement of works, the work site personnel should be instructed about safety rules for the handling and storage of hazardous substances (fuel, oil, lubricants, bitumen, paint etc.) and also the cleaning of the equipment. In preparation of this the contractor should establish a short list of materials to be used (by quality and quantity) and provide a rough concept explaining the training / briefing that should be provided for the construction personnel. Locate storage facilities for fuels and chemicals away from watercourses. Such facilities will be bounded and provided with impermeable lining to contain spillage and prevent soil and water contamination.

Store and dispose waste/used oil consistent with environmental legal requirements.

Work site restoration: After completion of construction works the contractor should execute all works necessary to restore the sites to their original state (removal and

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor proper disposal of all materials, wastes, installations, surface modeling if necessary, spreading and leveling of stored topsoil). Road construction projects bear a Providing information to workers, Contractor PMCSC, high potential risk to affect local encouraging changes in individual’s Ministry of communities and the health and well- personal behavior and encouraging the Health34 being of those that live in or near to use of preventive measures. The goal of the temporary work camps by the information is to reduce the risk of HIV supporting the spread of COVID-19, / STD transmission among construction STD and HIV/AIDS. In addition, the workers, camp support staff and local transport sector itself actually helps communities. the epidemic, as infrastructure and The Contractor should prepare and associated transport services give implement COVID19 health and safety people and infections mobility. management plan. The plan should take into consideration the activities to prevent the spread of potential COVID-19 infections among the workers or between the communities and the workers of the project. The action plan should have clear outline for monitoring activities, the activities to be taken in case COVID-19 infections are discovered, and general rules of conduct to reduce the risk of spread of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections. Potential soil and water pollution The contractor should submit documents Contractor Safeguard for approval (short statement and site plan Department in in appropriate scale) which indicate: PIURR of MoT

 Site location, surface area required with the support

and layout of the work camp. The of the PMCSC layout plan should also contain details of the proposed measures to address

34 The subdivisions of the sanitary inspection of the Ministry of Health conduct the regular inspections of facilities by their own schedule.

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor adverse environmental impacts resulting from its installation.  Sewage management plan for provision of sanitary latrines and

proper sewage collection and disposal system to prevent pollution of watercourses;  Waste management plan covering provision of garbage tons, regular collection and disposal in a hygienic manner, as well as proposed disposal sites for various types of wastes (e.g., domestic waste, used tires, etc.) consistent with appropriate regulations;  Description and layout of equipment maintenance areas and lubricant and fuel storage facilities including distance from water sources and irrigation facilities. Storage facilities for fuels and chemicals will be located away from watercourses. Such facilities will be bounded and provided with impermeable lining to contain spillage and prevent soil and water contamination. Prior to the commencement of works the site installations should be inspected for approval. The selected site will not be on top of ground water area or near surface waters. Competition for water resources Prior to establishment of the work camps, Contractor PIURR with the conduct consultations with local authorities support of the to identify sources of water that will not PMCSC compete with the local population.

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor

Disruption of Traffic Potential impact on community health a. Implement a traffic management plan Contractor PIURR with the (Chapter 6.2.6) and safety that will set out how access along the support of the All construction sites project road will be maintained safely PMCSC during construction.

b. Provide clear signs to guide road users and advise them on changes to road priorities in order to make their journey as smooth as possible and to ensure road safety as unanticipated changes e.g. change of lane, will be avoided.

c. Ensure access in areas to be closed temporarily by providing temporary/alternative access. Traffic impairment Submit a traffic management plan to local Contractor MoT, PIURR traffic authorities prior to mobilization. with the support of the PMCSC Provide information to the public about the scope and schedule of construction activities and expected disruptions and access restrictions

Allow for adequate traffic flow around construction areas.

Provide adequate signalization, appropriate lighting, well - designed traffic safety signs, barriers and flag persons for traffic control.

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor Potential impact on community health a. Implement a traffic management plan Contractor PIURR with the and safety that will set out how access along the support of the project road will be maintained safely PMCSC during construction.

c. Ensure access in areas to be closed temporarily by providing temporary/alternative access. Noise and vibration Noise exceeding applicable noise For sensitive receptors such as schools Contractor PIURR with the Impacts (Chapter 6.2.7) standards. Vibrations may result in and hospitals applicable noise standards support of the Works near villages damage to local infrastructure, should be complied with as far as PMCSC settlements and sensitive including private property and local technically feasible by means of noise receptors such as schools (haulage) roads. measurements and in case of exceed of and hospitals. standards, ascribe of time restrictions for construction activities between 6 am and 6 In phase 1 of the project no mosque, pm. school, kindergarten or hospital is located closer than 50 m to the road corridor. For potential damages to local infrastructure, including private property and local (haulage) roads, compensation procedures will have to be established prior to the beginning of construction and approved by the PMCSC.

In addition, grievance redress procedures should be put in place to facilitate communication between the contractor and

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor potentially affected people. In addition, haul routes and construction site access roads should be discussed and jointly approved between the contractor and local officials to minimize the risk of conflicts. Noise and vibration Disturbance of adjacent settlements Restrict work between 06.00 am to 9.00 Contractor PIURR with the Impacts (Chapter 6.2.7) due to elevated noise levels and pm. In addition, a limit of 70 dBA will be set support of the vibration in the vicinity of the construction site and PMCSC strictly followed. In addition the following measures need to be implemented: Noise control at source (using less noisier equipment, mufflers, dampeners, enclosures, proper maintenance of equipment, providing training to operators, etc.), noise control at path (using natural structures with screening properties and acoustic barriers).

The contractor needs to use mobile noise protection barriers that have a dampening effect of at least 20 dBA during the construction work

Air Quality Impacts Air pollution due to exhaust emission The contractor will maintain construction Contractor PIURR with the (Chapter 6.2.8) from the operation of construction equipment to good standard and avoid, as support of the machinery much as possible, idling of engines. PMCSC Banning of the use of machinery or equipment that cause excessive pollution

(e.g., visible smoke). Generation of Waste Loss of valuable ecological structures No agricultural area or river floodplain Contractor PIURR with the (Chapter 6.2.9) if the selected disposal sites are not should be selected as disposal site. support of the (Disposal areas for carefully selected. Minimum distance to any watercourses PMCSC stockpiling demolished must be at least 100 m. Disposal sites pieces of structures,

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor surplus soil, pieces of should be preferably on barren land asphalt pavements etc.) without any wooden vegetation. For the waste that is generated, a Waste Management Plan (WMP) must be developed. It should cover the following key areas: • Estimate carefully the types and amounts of waste expected to be generated during construction and operation including chemical and hazardous materials, household and liquid wastes; • Stipulate how the wastes will be dealt with in accordance with the principles of the waste and resource management hierarchy, and specify the arrangement for waste collection and proper disposal • Mitigation measures for dealing with accidents, spills and other incidents that may impact on the environment as a result of waste management during construction and operation. Disruption of utilities Damage to infrastructure, supply cuts Measures will be ensured in engineering Contractor PIURR with the (Chapter 6.2.10) of infrastructure services. designing to avoid any disturbance to the support of the (Construction activities in existing infrastructure. PMCSC close vicinity to existing infrastructure such as Prior to construction start the respective water supply pipes and service agencies should be informed about other facilities, wastewater the construction work. discharge facilities, Coordinate with respective agencies and electricity lines etc.) provide prior information to the public in case of any required disruption in services during construction

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor Disruption of utilities Potential risks of the lack of access of a. The affected people will be consulted Contractor PIURR with the (Chapter 6.2.10) communities to energy supply and during project implementation and will support of the (All sites where utilities will water supply make the project contractors aware of any PMCSC be interrupted) significant issues resulting from loss of electricity. b. People will be informed in advance of any power cuts and the duration of the cut will be made clear in order that they can plan around the lack of power. c. In case any utilities are disrupted, the contractor will be liable to replace the utilities in questions immediately and provide for example water through water trucks to the communities that have lost their access to water, as far as feasible. Disruption of utilities Community Health and Safety a) Immediately repair and/or compensate Contractor PIURR with the (Chapter 6.2.10) impacts for any damage caused by construction support of the Possible damage to works and activities to existing PMCSC properties and community communities and their property and facilities. Construction facilities sites. b) Maintain access roads used for transport of construction materials and other construction related activities are maintained to ensure that they remain in at least in their pre-project condition for the duration of the project. c) Trances for placing the electricity cables and lighting poles will be marked with protective barriers and relevant visual signage will be displayed (24 hours /day) until completion of works on specific spot. Occupational and Health and safety risks to workers For health and safety protection of workers Contractor PIURR with the community health and and adjacent communities and adjacent communities the following support of the safety (Chapter 6.2.11) should be provided: PMCSC

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor  adequate health care facilities (including first aid facilities) within construction sites;  training of all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care issues, general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work;  personal protection equipment for workers, such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and ear protection in accordance with legal legislation;  clean drinking water to all workers;  adequate protection to the general public, including safety barriers and marking of hazardous areas;  safe access across the construction site to people whose settlements and access are temporarily severed by road construction;  adequate drainage throughout the camps so that stagnant water bodies and puddles do not form;  sanitary latrines and garbage bins in construction site, which will be periodically cleared by the contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases. Where feasible the contractor will arrange the temporary integration of waste collection from work sites into existing waste collection systems and disposal facilities of nearby communities;

Issue or Potential Impact Mitigation measures Institutional Responsibility Activity / Location Implement Monitor  Traffic management plan will be exercised to ensure uninterrupted and safe movement of pedestrians, public traffic, vehicle drivers and all road users.  Road Safety Plan will be exercised and monitored by the PMCSC and PIURR to ensure a high level of safety for road users and pedestrians accessing the project area. Land Acquisition Impact Project will not cause any In order avoid any further impacts, all Contractor PMCSC, (Chapter 6.2.12) displacement of encroachers or civil works will be carried out strictly PIURR disturbance in operations of within the road ROW of the existing road commercial facilities, or access to assigned as to MoT land. public properties such as schools, mosques, hospitals, or other community centers. The acquired 50m2 of land are not currently used by any entity. It is the state lands, no resettlement is triggered COVID-19 = coronavirus diseases, PMCSC = Construction Supervision Company, LARP =Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan , MoT=Ministry of Transport , PIURR = Project Implementation Unit for Road Rehabilitation, SSEMP = Site-Specific Environmental Management Plan.

257. Prior to construction works, the contractor should provide a comprehensive Site Specific EMP covering the following aspects:  Layout of the work camp, if camp is to be set up, and details of the proposed measures to address adverse environmental impacts resulting from its installation  Sewage management including provision of sanitary latrines and proper sewage collection and disposal system to prevent pollution of watercourses, if camp is to be set up.  Waste management covering provision of garbage bins, regular collection and disposal in a hygienic manner, as well as proposed disposal sites for various types of wastes (e.g., domestic waste, used tires, etc.) consistent with appropriate regulations.  Health and Safety Plan, including the COVID-19 health and safety management plan. 258. The Site Specific EMP should be submitted by the contractor for approval to PIURR and the PMCSC. 7.3 Environmental Monitoring Plan 259. Environmental monitoring is an important aspect of environmental management during construction and operation stages of the project to safeguard the protection of environment. 260. During construction, environmental monitoring will ensure the protection of embankment from potential soil erosion, borrow pits restoration, quarry activities, location of work sites, material storages, asphalt plants, community relations, and safety provisions. 261. After the project completion during operation period, environmental monitoring will cover: (i) proper functioning of transformers which will be checked on quarterly basis by the State Institution "Maintenance of tunnels, lighting networks and traffic lights structures on roads of international and national significance" under the Ministry of Transport, (ii) waste management issues dealing with the lamps, painting tins for poles and their proper disposal at the designated landfills to be inspected by the local environmental departments of Rudaki and Vakhdat districts once per 6 months, (iii) functioning of GRM (checking the logbooks for the complaints on monthly basis, meeting with GRC members in Vakhdat and Dushanbe) and (iv) accounting of accidents on monthly basis at the road section from km 00 to km 10 to be conducted by MoT/PIURR in accordance with the country’s regulations. 262. The parameters to be monitored are outlined in Table 18. The PIURR shall supervise the road project regularly, and include the findings to the SAEMRs. 7.4 Reporting 263. During construction, the PMCSC will support PIURR in preparing SAEMRs, which will be submitted to ADB for disclosure. Within three months after completion of all civil works, a report on the project's environmental compliance performance (including lessons learned that may help the PIURR in their environmental monitoring of future projects) will also be prepared. This report will be part of the input to the overall Project Completion Report. During operation, PIURR will prepare SAEMRs with assistance of PMCSC and submit to ADB for disclosure, until ADB’s Project Completion Report is issued. In case the PMCSC’s liability period ends before ADB’s Project Completion Report’s issuance, PIUEE itself will prepare the SAEMRs. The SAEMRs will be disclosed on ADB website. The relevant information of the reports in Russian and Uzbekistan language will also be disclosed to the affected people by posting on PIURR’s website. In addition to the above-mentioned reports, in case of any accident related to occupational and community health and safety, PIURR is expected to (i) report to ADB within 72 hours, and (ii) prepare and submit an incident report with action plan within 7 days of the occurrence. The PMCSC will support the PIURR in preparing such reports.

Table 18. Environmental Monitoring Plan

Issue What Where How When Institutional parameter is to be is the parameter Is the parameter to is the parameter to be responsibility monitored? to be monitored be monitored? monitored? Frequency

Construction stage Worker’s safety Official approval for worker’s Job site and Inspection; interviews; Weekly site visits by the PMCSC and health camp if applicable; worker’s camp if comparisons with the hired Health and safety Availability of appropriate applicable Contractor’s method expert. personal protective equipment; statement Organization of traffic on the Unannounced construction sites inspections during Provision of safety training to construction and upon the staff according to the complaint. requirements of the individual workplace Worker’s education Has relevant education been To be determined To be determined by After beginning of works PMCSC on AIDS and STD, provided? by assigned assigned Construction and at appropriate COVID-19 issues Construction Supervision intervals throughout Supervision construction Operational stage Waste Management Ensuring that waste generated At the locations of Visual inspections Unannounced Local during maintenance of poles poles inspection during environmental including the paining tins and maintenance and upon sub-divisions. burnt lamps disposed properly complaint. Maintenance of Ensuring that the transformers At the locations of Visual inspections Upon complaint, PIURR transformers are working properly the transformers otherwise annually OJSC :Shabakahoi Taqsimoti Barq” Road safety Ensuring that the road safety Along the road Accounting of Monthly MoT, Traffic as a main project output is alignment from km accidents police achieved. 0 to km 10 264. As the blackspot program activities are limited by scope and anticipated environmental impacts are mostly negligible, the cost of mitigation is included into the cost of main activities and should be fully covered by the Contractor.

71 Blackspots Project Component

Table 19. Cost Estimate for the Mitigation Measures

Description Unit Quantity Rate Amount Protection of Environment Preparation of Site Specific EMP lumpsum $2,000 Management of Solid Waste Included in civil engineering and Sewage Waste from the lumpsum works Construction Camp. Securing of Storage and Included in civil engineering Equipment Maintenance lumpsum works Areas. Contractor’s Environmental $18,000 month 635 $3,000 Officer Contractor’s Health and $18,000 36 $3,000 Safety Officer month 6 Health and safety training At the 1 $1,000 $1,000 start of the works Total $39,000

8 CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

8.1 Consultation Process 265. The IEE process for the Blackspots Program includes stakeholder participation and consultation to help MoT to achieve public acceptance of the project. The purpose of the Public Consultation is 1) inform people about the project, 2) receive a feedback, 3) incorporate all relevant views of affected people and other stakeholders into decision making, such as project design, mitigation measures, etc. According to the SPS of ADB the Public Consultation begins early in the project preparation stage and is carried out on an ongoing basis throughout the project cycle”. Consequently, starting from the initial project stage consultations should be conducted in all project affected villages. 8.2 Information Disclosure 266. MOT will make the environmental assessment and other environment-related documents available in accordance with Tajikistan’s and ADB requirements for disclosure. Timing for disclosure is scheduled immediately after obtaining of the SEE (State Ecological Expertise) m which is the clearance (environmental permit) from the State Agency of Environmental Protection. 267. After finalization the IEE reports documenting the mitigation measures and consultation process will be submitted to MoT and ADB and will be disclosed on ADB website.

9 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

9.1 Objectives 268. The scope of the GRM addresses issues related to involuntary resettlement, social and environmental performance, and information disclosure. 269. The LARP includes in its scope the establishment of a responsive, readily accessible and culturally appropriate grievance redress mechanism (GRM) capable of receiving and facilitating the resolution of affected persons’ concerns and grievances related to the project. There is one GRM which applies to social, resettlement and environmental concerns of project affected people and stakeholders. The GRM is a formalized way for PIURR to identify and resolve concerns regarding environmental and social issues including DPs’ grievances. It

35 This is based on the assumption that the construction period will be 6 months. 36 See footnote 35. - 72 - Blackspots Project Component

offers stakeholders and DPs a forum to voice their concerns, seek clarifications to their queries, or register complaints related to the Project’s performance. 270. Any stakeholders and the DPs will have the right to file complaints and/or queries on any aspect of the Project, including environment, land acquisition and resettlement. Under the adopted grievance mechanism, the DPs may appeal any decision, practice or activity related to the Project. All possible avenues will be made available to the DPs to voice their grievances. PIURR will ensure that grievances and complaints on any aspect of the project are addressed in a timely and effective manner. 271. The fundamental objectives of the Grievance Redress Mechanism are:  To reach mutually agreed solutions satisfactory to both, the Project and the DPs, and to resolve any grievances locally, in consultation with the aggrieved party;  To facilitate the smooth implementation of the LARP, particularly to cut down on lengthy litigation processes and prevent delays in Project implementation;  To facilitate the development process at the local level, while maintaining transparency as well as to establish accountability to the affected people.  To consider raised concerns and complaints on environmental issues as far as it is technically feasible; 272. The MOT issued a letter No 516 on 20 May 2016, requiring the establishment and development of the GRM at the jamoat (sub-district) level. (Annex 5-1 of the LARP document) The Grievance Redress Committees (GRC) are established at the jamoats at each Project district and PIURR levels. The GRCs include the following institutions and their representatives:  Rayon jamoat's chairman or person authorized by jamoat (raisi mahala);  Land planning engineer  The jamoat chairman (focal point to accept and register grievances);  Rayon's State Committee on Land Use and Geodesy;  Rayon's architecture department;  State executive authority/ deputy head of district.

273. All grievances related to the Project will be addressed with the participation of PIURR, the PMCSC and Contractor’s representatives. In more complex cases, representatives of other authorized institutions will be invited. The GRM covers issues related to social, environmental and other safeguard issues under the ADB SPS 2009 and applicable laws of Tajikistan. 274. PIURR members of the GRCs include:  Chief Engineer  Social safeguard specialist  Environmental safeguard specialist  MoT lawyer  Other specialists as necessary 275. There are five Grievance Redress Committees at the jamoat level - one in each Project jamoat and one at the central level. A Focal Person (FP) is appointed at each Project jamoat and at PIURR. PIURR FPs participated in all consultations with communities and shared their contact details with participants for questions related to the Project and in the event of grievances for the entire duration of the Project, including the preparation and implementation of the LARP. 276. The GRCs will function for the duration of the project implementation. PIURR and the PPTA Consultant conducted training for members of five GRC at the jamoat’s level. (Annex 5- 2 in the LARP document).

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9.2 Grievance Resolution Process 277. Grievances can be lodged with the Focal Person at the jamoat’s GRC. The jamoat’s FP, in consultations with PIURR relevant safeguard specialists, will screen the grievance for eligibility. If eligible, the jamoat’s FP will organize a meeting of the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC). PIURR representatives will be informed and invited to the meeting. 278. The complaint registered with the GRM should be reviewed, addressed and a decision made on its relevancy to the Project within 14 calendar days of lodgment. If the case is complex or requires more detailed investigation (e.g. inspection by technical experts or legal opinion from the state or certified private entities) the complaint review period may be extended to 30 calendar days or more, if necessary. In such cases, written notification should be sent to the complainant explaining the reasons for extension, describing the process and indicating the expected dates for the delivery of the results of the revision. 279. All supporting documents such as, photographs, related certificates and legal and technical expert opinions, if required, should be prepared, reviewed and assessed. Once the complaint is resolved, the GRC will organize a complaint closure meeting, where the complainant confirms the closure of the complaint. PIURR representative will oversee the resolution of the complaint. 280. If the complaint is found to be invalid, the GRC formulates a response and sends a written letter to the complainant, explaining the reasons for the rejection. The complainant may lodge the case in the local court or at the ADB Accountability Mechanism at any time of the grievance process. The GRM at the Project level does not impede the access of DPs to the ADB Accountability Mechanism (AM) or to the country’s judicial or administrative remedies. All complaints and resolutions will be properly documented by PIURR and made available for review, monitoring and evaluation purposes. 281. If DPs want to register a complaint with the ADB AM, the Focal Person will provide the complainants the following contact information:  National Social Safeguards Focal Point  Resident Mission of Asian Development Bank in Republic of Tajikistan  45 Sovetskaya Street, Dushanbe. Tajikistan  Tel: 992 372 210558 and/or  Special Project Facilitator Asian Development Bank  Email: to be access from www.adb.org/site/accountability-mechanism/contacts  Fax number: (63-2) 636-2490 282. When the grievance is forwarded to ADB (TJRM), ADB will contact PIU/MoT to review the case and suggest the resolution at the project level. In case of complex issues and not reaching an agreement, the case will be logged to the AM of ADB. All reports on the GRM decisions and evidences will be included. 283. All efforts will be made to settle issues at the Project level. All complaints and resolutions will be properly documented by PIURR and made available for review, monitoring and evaluation purposes. PIURR safeguard specialists keep regular contact and will have a database for the whole project grievances cases including status of grievances. This report will be regularly included in monthly project progress reports. 284. The grievance redress process is shown in the Figure 13 below.

Complex cases (additional 14 days for resolution) Grievance addressed Complaint settled

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Jamoat GRC resolution (14 Grievance addressed days)

FP registered the complaint Court of Law ADB AM

Complainant

Figure 13. Grievance Redress Process 285. GRM proceedings may need one or more meetings for each complaint and may require field investigations by specific technical or valuation experts. Grievance cases shared by more than one complainant may be held together as a single case. 286. For appeals lodged directly to the MoT, the FP at PIURR will review the case together with the respective GRC at jamoat level and attempt to find a resolution together with the aggrieved person. 287. At each level of appeal, the GRC will be assisted, as required, by the professional capacity needed to solve specific cases. This may include among others:  Jamoat and/or hukumat representatives  Rayon land committee  Representatives of the State Agency for Architecture  The State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy (SCLMG)Ministry of Architecture  State Agency for Environment and Forestry  State Unitary Enterprise for Housing and Communal Services  Technical expertise from professional engineers  Other specialized organizations as necessary 9.3 Duties of GRC Members

9.3.1 Focal Point (FP)

288. Once the FP receives a written notification of a complaint s/he will:  Based on the simple screening procedure, asses the grievance and determine if the grievance is eligible for the GRM; if eligible, register the grievance in the complaint’s logbook;  Wright a grievance summary to be signed by the complainant and the FP indicating name of the complainant, date and place of presentation of complaint, description of complaint and supporting documents, if any;  Send the complaint summary to all members of the local level GRC;  Convey requests and enquiries of the complainants to PIURR/MOT and to the other members of the GRC at the local level;  Organize a grievance redress meeting;  Maintain records of each meeting and each communication between the FP/GRC and the complainants;  Participate at appeal cases at all levels;  Ensure the administrative and organizational support for GRC members.

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9.3.2 Construction Supervision Consultant Safeguards Specialists

289. Once notified of a complaint and invited the FP to a grievance meeting the Consultant will:  Participate to all grievance meetings, provide opinions and analysis;  Accompany eventual assessment/valuation specialists in the field,  Provide other GRC members as relevant with opinion and suggestion for resolution to be reflected in the final meeting report.

9.3.3 GRC Chairperson / Head/Deputy of PIURR of MoT

290. Once notified that a complainant has lodged an appeal case at the central level, the GRC chairperson will:  Review the local level GRC decision;  Invite the GRC members to the meeting;  Chair the GRC meetings and ensure that the minutes of the meeting are taken and shared with all relevant parties;  Inform the aggrieved person of the GRC’s decision;  Ensure the administrative and organizational support for GRC members to work;  Support the decision made by the GRC and follow up to ensure action is taken.

9.3.4 PIURR Project Coordinator

291. Once notified that a complainant has lodged an appeal case at central level project coordinator will:  Participate in all grievance redress meetings at jamoat and central level, provide opinions and analysis;  Ensure that records at jamoat GRC are maintained;  Request additional assessment/valuation specialists’ opinions and accompany them in the field if needed;  Request that the chairperson organizes meetings, as necessary;  Ensure a proper PIURR Complaint Register is maintained.

9.3.5 Representatives of PIURR Safeguards Unit

292. Once notified that a complainant has lodged at the central level, the representatives of PIURR safeguard and technical unit will:  Participate in GRC meetings at local and central level;  Prepare the chronology of events to understand the sequence of developments prompting the complaint;  Provide opinion on resettlement impacts claimed by the claimant;  Request that the chairperson organizes meetings, as necessary;  Maintain communication between the GRC and the complainants.

9.3.6 Technical Experts

293. When requested by PIURR to provide a technical expertise for the assessment of an impact claimed by the complainant, the relevant expert will:  Examine the case, perform relevant tests or an investigation;  Prepare a short report based on the results of the examination completed;  Recommend if further or additional legal opinion or expertise is needed to make a judgment on the substance of the case.

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9.4 GRC Complaint Register, Records and Documentation 294. PIURR of the MoT will maintain the complaint register. This will include a record of all complaints for regular monitoring of grievances and results of services performed by the GRCs for periodic review by the ADB. A sample of the GRC Grievance Registration Form can be found in Annex 5-2 of the LARP document. 9.5 Implementation Arrangements 295. The overall responsibility for implementation of the Project lies at the GoT. The relevant organizational entity for the project implementation is the Execute Agency of PIURR which is part of the MoT. 296. MoF (Ministry of Finance) is the responsible government body for coordination with ADB and other donors for foreign assistance. 297. Environmental permitting and monitoring of Project implementation is within the responsibility of the State Ecological Review Committee and its regional offices. Furthermore, according to the 2012 Law on State Ecological Expertise, all civil works, including rehabilitation ones, should be assessed for their environmental impacts and the proposed mitigation measures should be reviewed and monitored by the CEP (Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan). 298. The tender and contract documents will clearly set out the contractor’s obligations to undertake environmental mitigation measures set out in the Environmental Management Plan. PIURR will monitor and measure the progress of implementation of the EMP. In this regard, SAEMRs during construction stage will be prepared by PIURR with the PMCSC’s support and submitted to ADB within 1 month after the reporting period.

10 CONCLUSION

299. The IEE has been prepared for the blackspots component of Dushanbe to Kurgonteppa, Project The road forms part of CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation) corridors 2, 5 and 6. 300. IEE is required for category B Projects in order to warrant compliance of the Project with the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (June 2009). As such the IEE provides a road map to the environmental measures needed to prevent and/or mitigate negative environmental effects associated with the development project. The IEE also provides a detailed description of the direct and indirect environmental effects associated with the Project during key periods of work, namely the design, construction and operational phase. 301. Based on the IEE Environmental impacts of the “blackspots” components are evaluated as negligible to minor. This is because the Component physical activities will be conducted within RoW of the existent road with minimal if any of social and environmental interferences during pre-construction and construction stage. After Project implementation, during operational stage, there will be however only very low remaining impacts, mainly because the reconstruction follows the existing alignment and no valuable or protected natural habitats or other valuable environmental structures are significantly impacted after finalization of construction period, neither in their structure nor function. The Project Component itself may be considered as Safety and Environmental mitigation measure. 302. The IEE includes an environmental site visit summary as Annex 1, public consultations minutes and notes from Rudaki as Annex 2, and public consultations minutes and notes from Vakhdat as Annex 3.

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ANNEX 1. ENVIRONMENTAL SITE VISIT FROM DUSHANBE-VAKHDAT ROAD

The assessment of project alignment and potential sensitive receptors. The only sensitive receptors along the line of the lighting poles are residential houses in the villages along the project road. These are mainly one-store houses surrounded by the walls. No schools, kindergartens, hospitals, mosques, which could be considered as sensitive receptors are available in zone of project influence. The transformers will be installed on the margin of garden with no trees subject to removal. In addition to providing of lightings, the project includes the installation of additional road signs and crosswalks equipped with traffic lights. The main project features of the project are shown in the table below:

No Location Image Description 1 Km 0 The line of lighting poles starts from the East Gates of the Dushanbe.

2 Km 3+500 The RHS designed location of the pole (stones). The road is surrounded by the agricultural lands

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3 Km 4+800 The RHS residential houses in the Tezgar village (Rudaki District) The house are surrounded by thick walls.

4 Km 4+780 The LHS residential buildings in Neftyanic village are located in distance over 50m from the worksite. No impacts are anticipated.

5 Km 6+050 The RHS proposed location of transformer. Area of pad is 25m2. No trees are subject to removal

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6 Km 5+200 Designed LHS transformer Location. This is a state land, no compensatio n is required

7 Km 8+700 The RHS residential houses in Pistamazor (Vakhdat District)

8 Km 8+300 The typical LHS hilly landscape along the LHS of the road

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Km 7+800 The poles LHS will be installed between the side drain and retaining wall.

9 Km 8+870 The RHS proposed locations of walk crossings equipped with traffic lights (red lines). The gaps in the median barrier will be opened up for the walk crossings

10 Km 9+000 One of the RHS roadside business buildings (includes shops, car maintenance workshops, restaurant etc.

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11 Km 9+200 The village RHS in Bahor Jamoat

11 Km The end of 10+180 the project. The lighting is available for further road sections.

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ANNEX 2. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS MINUTES AND NOTES FROM RUDAKI

THE MINUTE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION

«_25__»_January 2021, 14:00 Rudaki district Guliston Jamoat Public School No.35

Participants:

1. Residents whose buildings and structures, business points and their livelihoods are effected by the project (Affected Persons); 2. Representatives of the Rudaki district; 3. Grievance redress committee; 4. Representatives of the Project Implementation Unit for Road Rehabilitation 5. The Consultant Representatives of the KOCKS company

Agenda:

1. Public Consultation of explanatory work on Black Spot component under the Dushanbe-Kurgonteppa Road Project. Additional Financing. 2. Asian Development Bank Social Safeguard Policy (resettlement); Environmental Issues related to the Project. 3. Mechanism and Complaints Committee. 4. COVID-19 risk prevention measures; 5. Other unforeseen issues;

Explanatory work was carried out on the project, the financing bank, ADB Policy and Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan, the essence of land allocation, physical and economic resettlement, loss of livelihood, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the population, especially affected people. At the same time, the participants were provided with detailed information on the technical characteristics of the project, the impact on the environment, the impact on land plots and adjacent buildings and structures (relocation), and the impact measures. Affected individuals asked the members of the working group the following questions: ______Question 1: By whom the works will be performed?______Answer 1: the works will be performed by the Contractor but the contractor will be selected after Bid.______Question 2: to whom we should write a letter regarding providing of the pedestrian crossing road?______Answer 2: the request can be addressed to the MOT.______Question 3: When the project works will start.______Answer 2:_the project works will start in the beginning of this year.

We, the undersigning have participated in the public consultation and got the useful information regarding the project, on financing Bank, ADB Safeguard Policy Statement and the Grievance redress mechanism.

No. Name Position 1 Muminov Mirzorajab Guliston jamoat

2 Toirov Hodijon Guliston jamoat

3 Kholov Nurali Guliston jamoat 4 Boboev Mansur Rohati jamoat - 83 - Blackspots Project Component

5 Yorov Muslihiddin Rohati jamoat 6 Eshonov Nazirdin businessman 7 Sharipov Sharifjon businessman 9 Amirkhonov Z. businessman 10 Khojaev Nematullo businessman 11 Bayonov Abdurahim businessman 12 Qalandarov S. head of Ganjobod’s mahalla 13 Qalandarob Kh. businessman 14 Davlatov N. Rohati jamoat 15 Aliev M. Sangtuda settlement 16 Shokirov M. Sangtuda settlement 17 Qurbonov B. Tezgari poyon settlement 18 Rahmatov F. Mavlavi settlement 19 Kholov M. Mavlavi settlement 20 Sohibnazarov K. Mavlavi settlement 21 Ismoilov Dustmurod Mavlavi settlement 22 Rasoev Ilhom Mavlavi settlement 23 Khojaev N. Mavlavi settlement 24 Olimov T. Tezgari bolo settlement 25 Jobirov H. Tezgari bolo settlement 26 Mirzoev A. Tezgari bolo settlement 27 Azizov Sh. Tezgari bolo settl ement 28 Sulaymonov Tezgari bolo settl ement 29 Sharipov Ashraf Guliston jamoat 30 Bobojonov Abdusalom head of settlement 31 Bobojonov Aziz businessman 32 Sharipov Mir Daryoobod settlement 33 Aliev Toir Daryoobod settlement 34 Nazarov Kenja head of settlement

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ANNEX 3. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS MINUTES AND NOTES FROM VAKHDAT

THE MINUTE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION

«_25__»_January 2021, 16:00 Bahor Jamoat of the Vakhdat city

Participants:

1. Residents whose buildings and structures, business points and their livelihoods are effected by the project (Affected Persons); 2. Representatives of the Vakhdat city; 3. Grievance redress committee; 4. Representatives of the Project Implementation Unit for Road Rehabilitation 5. The Consultant Representatives of the KOCKS company

Agenda:

1. Public consultation on explanatory work on Black Spot component under the Dushanbe- Kurgonteppa Road project, Additional Financing. 2. Asian Development Bank Social Safeguard Policy (resettlement); 3. Environmental issues related to the Project; 4. Mechanism and Complaints Committee; 5. COVID-19 risk prevention measures; 6. Other unforeseen issues;

Explanatory work was carried out on the project, the financing bank, ADB Policy and Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan, the essence of land allocation, physical and economic resettlement, loss of livelihood, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the population, especially affected people. At the same time, the participants were provided with detailed information on the technical characteristics of the project, the impact on the environment, the impact on land plots and adjacent buildings and structures (relocation), and the impact measures. Affected individuals asked the members of the working group the following questions: ______Question 1: What is the period of the project implementation? Answer 1: the project implementation period is one year. Question 2: Is the road widening provided in the design? Answer 2: No. This project will be implemented within the existing road.______Question 3: Who is the project Contractor? Answer 3: The project Contractor will be identified after Bid.

No. Name Position Signature 1 Rozikov Zuhuriddin Head of Bahor Jamoat 2 Kenjaev Umed Secretary of the Bahor Jamoat 3 Muminzoda Behruz Chief accountant 4 Mirzoev D Reoresentative of the Bahor Jamoat

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5 Ayubov A. Kh. Chemist Shop worker 6 Ilyosov Saifullo Military table supervisor 7 Yorov Tagaymurod Head of Jamoat 8 Ahmadov Nasim Businessmen 9 Gulmov Davlatbi Guard 10 Ziyoev Odiljon Deputy chairman of Bahor village 11 Jugiev Giyos Chairman of Pistamazor village mahalla 12 Yatimov Akbarjon Deputy Chairman of Bahor Jamoat 13 Ashurov Burhon Chairman of Pistamazor village mahalla 14 Zokirov Ahmad Khishtgaron village 15 Boboev Asror Pistamazor village 16 Ikromzoda Shokirjon Deputy Head of City

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