Initial Environmental Examination 44482-025 October 2014 AFG: Transport Network Development Investment Program (Beharak–Eshkashim Section) This document has been prepared by the Ministry of Public Works of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This Initial Environmental Examination 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. Table of Contents ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 6 GLOSSARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL TERMS: .............................................................................. 7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. 9 CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 15 1.1 Introduction: ................................................................................................................................. 15 1.2 ADB Environmental Requirements: .......................................................................................... 15 1.3 Objectives of the Study: ............................................................................................................. 16 1.4 Scope of the Study: ..................................................................................................................... 17 1.5 Executing Agency: .................................................................................................................... 17 1.6 Methodology: ............................................................................................................................... 17 1.7 Identification of the Important Environmental Components (IEC's): ................................... 19 1.8 Preparation of the Report: ....................................................................................................... 19 1.9 Structure of the Report ............................................................................................................... 19 CHAPTER-2 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ............................................ 21 2.1 Afghanistan Environment Act .................................................................................................... 21 2.2 EIA Policy Document .................................................................................................................. 21 2.3 Administrative Process for the EIA ........................................................................................... 23 2.4 Other Relevant Laws of Afghanistan: ...................................................................................... 24 2.5 International Treaties: ................................................................................................................. 24 2.6 Conformity of the Project with Laws of the Country and Relevant Guidelines .................. 25 CHAPTER-3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ............................................................... 26 3.1 Location of the Project: ................................................................................................... 26 3.2 Environmental Category of the Project .................................................................................... 26 3.3 Benefit from the Project: ............................................................................................................ 27 2 3.4 Components of Works: ............................................................................................................... 27 3.5 Size and Magnitude of Operation: ............................................................................................ 27 3.5.1 Basic Data:. .................................................................................................................................. 27 3.5.2 Components of Work .................................................................................................................. 28 3.6.3 Alignment Design and Crest: .................................................................................................... 29 3.5.5.1 River Erosion Control ................................................................................................................. 30 3.6 Analysis of Options: ........................................................................................................ 31 3.6.1 Selection of Best Alignment: ...................................................................................................... 31 CHAPTER-4 DESCRIPTION OF BASELINE INFORMATION ................................................... 33 4.1 Project Bounding: ........................................................................................................................ 33 4.1.1 General Topographical and Environmental Feature of the Proposed Road ...................... 33 4.1.2 Present Terrain, Gradient & Topographic Condition of Road .............................................. 35 4.2 Physical Environment ................................................................................................................. 37 4.2.1 Geology: ....................................................................................................................................... 37 4.2.2 Climate and Meteorology: ........................................................................................................ 37 4.2.2.2 Precipitation ................................................................................................................................. 38 4.2.2.3 Humidity:....................................................................................................................................... 40 4.2.3 Water Resource .......................................................................................................................... 40 4.2.5 Natural Disasters: ..................................................................................................................... 42 4.2.5.1 Earthquake: ................................................................................................................................. 43 4.2.5.2 Flood: ........................................................................................................................................... 44 4.2.5.3 Drought: ....................................................................................................................................... 44 4.2.6 Soil Characteristics and Construction: ..................................................................................... 45 4.2.7 Noise Level: ................................................................................................................................. 46 4.2.8 Air Quality: .................................................................................................................................. 46 4.3.1 Terrestrial Ecosystem: ................................................................................................................ 46 4.3.2 Aquatic Ecology: .......................................................................................................................... 49 4.3.3 National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Other Protected Area .......................................... 50 4.3.4 Biodiversity Protected Area ....................................................................................................... 50 4.4 SOCIOECONOMIC PROFILE .................................................................................................. 53 4.4.1 Geography .................................................................................................................................... 54 4.4.2 Population ..................................................................................................................................... 55 4.4.3 Demography: ............................................................................................................................... 57 3 4.4.4. Human Resources: ................................................................................................................... 58 4.4.5. Gender Issues: ............................................................................................................................ 58 4.4.6. Ethnic Group:. ............................................................................................................................. 58 4.4.8. Physical Infrastructure: ............................................................................................................... 59 4.4.9. Institutional Constraints: ............................................................................................................ 60 4.4.11. Source of Income: ...................................................................................................................... 60 4.4.12. Education: .................................................................................................................................... 60 4.4.16. Natural Resources: ................................................................................................................... 63 4.5. Industries and Minerals .............................................................................................................