environmental and social management plan construction of a

ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PROJECT of 41

Environmental and Social Management Plan

Construction of a new Dormitory at Ilukkumbura,

Knuckles Forest Reserve

Ecosystem Conservation and Management project - (ESCMP)

Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation

Forest Department

Sampathpaya, Rajamalwatta Road, Battaramulla

Forest Department

Samapathpaya

Rajamalwatta Road

Battaramulla


Content

Summary 4

1 Background of the project area 6

1.1 Introduction 6

1.2 Ecological importance of the site 7

2 Project Description 8

2.1 Project Objectives 9

2.2 Project Activities 9

2.3 Alternatives proposed by IUCN study for the design 13

3 Community Consultation 13

4 Potential Environmental Impacts of the Project and proposed mitigation 13

4.1 Pre-construction stage 13

4.2 Impacts during construction stage 14

5 Environmental Monitoring and Reporting 21

5.1 Construction Stage 21

5.2 Post-Construction Stage 22

6 Public Consultation 23

6.1 Consultation and Information Disclosure 23

6.2 Grievance Redress Mechanism 23

7 Conclusion and Recommendations 23

List of Tables

1 Summary of the level of impacts of different environment and social

parameters associated with the interventions

4

2 Identified Endemic and threatened faunal species in proposed activity

areas

7

3 Endemic and threatened flora species recorded within in proposed

activity areas

7

4 Summary of the sub project activity 9

5 Summary of key social and environmental impacts associated with the

subproject during construction stage

16

6 Construction Phase Monitoring 21

7 Sample Post – Monitoring Chart 22

List of Figures

1 Google map of the Illukkubura Conservation Center (Proposed site for

dormitory)

6

2 Old Dormitory and the Garage (Upper Picture) and The earmarked site

for the for the new dormitory (Below Picture)

9

3 Design of the ground floor of the building 11

4 Design of the first floor of the building 12

5 Design of the second floor of the building 12

Abbreviation

ADFO Additional District Forest Officer

BFO Beat Forest Officer

DFO Divisional Forest Officer

DWC Department of Wildlife Conservation


E Endemic

EN Endangered

ESCAMP Ecosystem Conservation and Management Project

EX Extinct

FD Forest Department

FPAM Field Based Protected Area management

LC Least Concern

NT Near threaten

PMU Project management Unit

RFO Range Forest officer

TO Technical Officer

VU Vulnerable

Contact Details of Responsible Officers

Position Name Contact No

Contractor

Divisional Forest Officer Mr. W.D.N.R. Prasad 0718319560

Additional Divisional Forest Officer Mr. T.A.K.J. Tennakoon 0712753076

Forester Mr. R.M.K.R. Ilukkumbura 0718064842

Range Forest Officer Mr. A.V.D. Amarasinghe 0763860222

Additional RFO R.D.S.C. Chandrasiri 0769880287

Beat Forest Officer A. A.A.D.R. Wasantha

Kumara

0776396858

Extension Officer Mr. A.M.U. Rangbanda 0716550151

Project Engineer (ESCAMP) Mr. S.K. Senadheera 0713052623

Technical Officer (ESCAMP) Mr. J.B.G. Manjula Dias 0713005595

Environment Officer (ESCAMP) Mr. Sameera Pemarathne 0719938138

Social Safeguard Officer (ESCAMP) Mrs. Srimathi Somathunga 0718072558

Environmental and Social Safeguard

Consultant / Specialist (ESCAMP)

Dr. Dunstan Fernando 0773021095

Note: Field Based Protected Area Managers (FPAM) of Knuckles are responsible together

with assigned Officers from the PMU, for supervision and monitoring of implementation of

the below mentioned ESMP. The PMU is further expected to provide a monitoring format to

the FPAM to keep records on monitoring and supervision.


Summary

The proposed site for the dormitory is located at Illukkubura in adjacent to the main road of

Mathale – Laggala through Riverstern, about 24km from the Mathale town within the Knuckles

Conservation Forest (KCF). The area represents unique ecological zone with the wet evergreen

forest in hilly terrain. The circuit bungalow located at the site

the center had high demand among local visitors. The bungalow was established in 1980s for

the use of Park Superintend before the area was declared as a Conservation Forest in 2000. The

building was renovated in 2001 and then it has been used as a circuit bungalow by the Forest

Department (FD) and open for visitors for overnight stay.

However, after 2001 the building was not renovated other than the small-scale annual

maintenance; resulting the quality of the building deteriorated and the number of visitors

reduced during the past few years.

The bungalow is located by the road to Meemure which is high demanded tourist destination.

Therefore, the demand of the bungalow could still be maintained if the building is renovated

properly. Increasing the visitation, it is obvious that it will directly and indirectly help uplift

the living condition of the local community. The villagers could have opportunities to sell local

products and rendering services to the visitors as an additional livelihood. With this background

FD has proposed renovation of the bungalow while improving the facilities for overnight

visitors.

The bungalow is located within the premises of KCF which has been recognized as highly

sensitive ecosystem. The renovation activities could course negative impact to the surrounding

environment of the KCF. Therefore, the possible environmental and social impact has been

assessed prior to launch the development and presented in this report with suitable mitigatory

measures.

The indigenous people or marginalized groups are not present within the area. Archeologically

significant places are also not present. Any land acquisition shall not be required for the

proposed renovation. Also, the project activities will not lead to any resettlement or loss of

livelihoods of villagers in the surroundings.

It is expected that the general public will not be disturbed since socio-economic activities are

not happening in the proposed project impact zone during the construction period. However,

locating the building in adjacent to a public road, precautions should be taken to control any

effect to the people who are passing the locality.

The level of impacts of different environment and social parameters associated with the

interventions are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: Summery of the level of impacts of different environment and social parameters

associated with the interventions

Parameter Level of

Impact

Reason

Air Quality Low Most of the activities would be carried out

manually. and on a minor scale for a shorter

period of time. However material transportation

and site preparation could generate some air

pollution.

Water Quality Medium The project site is a prime water catchment and

perennial streams are flowing near by the project

sites.

Surface & ground water

quality

Low Sealed type septic tanks will be constructed away

from water sources


Private Lands and PA

Lands

Private Land

No impact

PA Land - Low

The activity will be carried out within the

boundary of KCF. No additional land is required.

Private land shall not be acquired.

Noise & Vibration Medium Construction activities may lead to certain amounts

of noise pollution when use machines for tilling,

fixing ceiling and roof. Vibration impacts are not

expected.

Fauna/Flora Low According to the IUCN study and

recommendation the species recorded at the site

is common to the area.

Erosion and

sedimentation

Medium Soil work and land preparation would cause the soil

erosion and sediment at the Thelgamuwa oya

flowing nearby.

Archeological heritage Low Earth removal or excavation will not be done

Waste Low No additional wastes generated otherthan the

domestic waste of the workers

Hazardous materials Low Hazardous materials will not be used

Traffic and

accidents

Medium Material transportation would be by heavy

vehicles along the public road.

Indigenous people No Impact Indigenous or marginalized ethnic groups are not

inhabiting or around the project area.

Occupational

Health and Safety

High Large animal attack would not be expected. But

insect, bees and other small animal could course

some injuries to the workers. Health hazards would

also be possible while using cement, paints and lime

and in carpentry and mason works


1. Background of the project area

1.1 Introduction

The Knuckles Conservation Forest (KCF) lies in central Sri Lanka, in the administrative

districts of Matale and Kandy. The above 1500 m of the sea level of KCF was declared a

climatic reserve in 1873 and subsequently declared as a conservation forest in 2000. Later, a

part of the KCF was recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in 2010 with the

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. KCF has been recognized as a distinct and isolated range and

as a key biodiversity hotspot of the Island which records high point endemism. A unique

evolutionary assemblage of fauna and flora were recorded within KCF and related adjacent

areas thus considered as environmentally highly sensitive and vulnerable.

The vegetation of the KCF consists mainly of semi-evergreen types with larger trees, the upper

slopes of the mountain contains tropical montane humid evergreen rain forest, possessing a

kind of cloud forests with various endemic species of ferns, orchids, lichens, and mosses. Also

the KCF is considered a vital water catchment with many of its streams feeding important

downstream rivers such as River Mahaweli, Heen ganga, Kalu Ganga, and Hulu ganga.

Also, the KCF considered as a high biodiversity landscape settings including montane, sub

montane and intermediate zone forest etc. Also, it has been recorded more than 1,000 flora

species in the forest reserve with some rare, threatened and endemic species. In addition, more

than 100 species of birds with many endemics, more than 30 species of mammals, more than

20 species of amphibians, more than 50 species of buterflies and over 50 species reptile are

inhbited in this forest.

Figure1: Google map of the Illukkubura Conservation Center (Proposed site for dormitory)

Two entrances are commonly used to enter the Knuckles Reserve, one through the

Hunnasgiriya - Deanston and the other through the Matale - Ilukkumbura. Both entrances have

office facilities, accommodation and research and educational facilities. Infrastructure

development work on both of these entrances is currently underway under the ESCAM Project.

The Department of Forest Conservation has proposed to establish the institutional

infrastructure at the Knuckles Illukkubura Conservation Center. The proposal submitted was

for a new hostel to increase internal capacity under subcomponent 3 (c). According to the

proposal, the new building will facilitate a group of 40 people with an auditorium facility.


Eventually, a team of about 80 people can be accommodated in both old building and the

proposed new building.

1.2 Ecological importance of the site

Fauna

There were several species observed at the locality which can be considered as conservation

importance. Some critically endangered (CR) species such as Cnemaspis clivicola (Montain

day gecko) could be seen under the rocks and crevices. Cereatophora tennenttii (Leafnose

lizard) which is another endemic and CR species, inhabit in rather undisturbed habitats with

shade and proper under growth. Also, there are several shrubs frog species could be identified

associated with the locality and the identified Endemic and threatened species list is given in

table 2.

Table 2: Identified Endemic and threatened faunal species in proposed activity areas

Scientific name Common name Conservation

status

1. Ceratophora tennenttii Leaf-horned lizard CR

2. Cyrtodactulus soba Knuckles Forest Gecko CR

3. Pseudophilautus fulvus Knuckles shrub frog CR

4. Pseudophilautus sarasinorum Muller’s shrub frog EN

5. Indosylvirana temporalis Bronzed frog NT

6. Lankanectes corrugatus Corrugated water frog VU

7. Cnemaspis clivicola Mountain day gecko CR

8. Schistura notostigma Mountain loach NT

9. Paradoxururus aureus E. Golden palm civet EN

10. Ratufa macroura E. Giant squirrel LC

Flora

The topographic and climatic variation in the Knuckles region has resulted in the occurrence

of several natural vegetation types. These include “Montane forest, sub montane forest and

Semi evergreen forest types”. Some areas that consist of a rocky substratum and thin layer of

soil harbor rock outcrop forest. In addition to these natural vegetation types, man-influenced

semi natural vegetation types present in the area include “wet pathana grassland” and “scrub

lands” dominated by Cymbopogon nardus. A wide range of hardwood as well as herbal plants

are found herein. Symplocos cochinchinensis, Ficus hispida are some of the common plants

observed in the area. Some of the red listed species besides the roadside was observed and

included in the table 3.

Table 3: Endemic and threatened flora species recorded within in proposed activity areas

No Scientific Name Common Name Conservation

Status

1 Albizia lebbeck Sooriyamara NT

2 Calophyllum trapezifolium Keena VU

3 Careya arborea Kahata LC (Native)

4 Caryota urens Kithul LC (Native)

5 Cinnamomum litseafolium Kudu kurudu EN

6 Dimocarpus longan Mora LC (Native)


No Scientific Name Common Name Conservation

Status

7 Elaeocarpus glandulifer Gal weralu VU

8 Macaranga peltata Kanda LC

9 Melia azedarach Luunumidella Introduced

10 Meliosma pinnata Nika daula Native

11 Osbeckia octandra Heen bovitiya E

12 Psychotria gardneri Kalu kuratiya E / NT

Physical Environment

The Physical features of the locality that the proposed site is located is mainly undulated hilly

terrain with thick vegetation. Dense ground cover would protect the surface water runoff for

throughout the year except extreme dry period. The canopy trees are grown up to 30-40m and

with emerge up to 60-80m. The Telgamu oya is flowing in adjacent to the proposed site is fed

with small streamlets flowing through the locality.

Socio

2. Project Descriptions

The existing building commonly known as “Illukkubura Wana Nivahana” was built in 2007. It

provides facilities for 40 overnight visitors. In addition to the visitors, this has been used as a

regional training center of the FD. Field components of officer training programmes have been

conducted at the center.

The center has high visitor demands. Especially the groups from universities and school nature

groups reserve the center for their educational visits. In addition to the overnight

accommodation facilities, several nature trails are also present at this locality. It seeks to

increase the number of tourists by increasing tourism facilities and thereby creating an

opportunity to increase the income of the people of the area.

However, the existing building does not provide all requires facilities for the training group.

Also it has not facilities for the group consisting more than 40 people. Many request received

by the FD for larger group.

To fulfill these requirements and provide more facilities for visitors and training groups, the

new dormitory building has been proposed by the FD and it has been approved by the

ESCAMP/World Bank under the component 3c


Figure 2: Old Dormitory and the Garage (Upper Picture) and The earmarked site for the for the

new dormitory (Below Picture)

. 2.1 Project objectives

The income of the peripheral communities of knuckles conservation forest is enhanced

by 50% within 5-year period.

Providing of optimum facilities and services for the nature-based tourists while

conserving the forest.

The income of the Forest Department through ecotourism activities is increased by 50%

within 5-year period.

2.2. Project Activities

The activities proposed under this renovation are summarized in table 4 below.

Table 4: Summery of the sub project activity

GRAND SUMMARY

1 Preliminaries. 600,000.00

2 Works up to D.P.C 4,341,328.60

3 Works From D.P.C to First floor 15,961,789.66

4 Works From First floor to Roof top 14,951,252.88


TOTAL 1 35,854,371.14

Allow for contingencies (approx. 6%) 2,015,999.23

TOTAL 2 37,870,370.37

Allow for VAT 8% 3,029,629.63

GRAND TOTAL 40,900,000.00

B.O.Q. FOR PROPOSED DORMITORY COMPLEX FOR DEPARTMENT OF

FOREST

AT KNUKLES CONSERVATION CENTRE

1.PRELIMINARIES

PR1 TO PR3 Preliminaries. 600,000.00

TOTAL CARRIED TO GRAND SUMMARY 600,000.00

2. WORKS UP TO D.P.C LEVEL

A-1 TO A-7 Excavator. 1,852,785.61

B-1 TO B-18 Concretor. 2,639,594.11

C-1 TO C-2 Masonary. 406,178.58

D-1 Pavior. 442,770.30

TOTAL CARRIED TO GRAND SUMMARY 5,341,328.60

3. WORKS FROM D.P.C. TO FIRST FLOOR LEVEL

E-1 TO E-21 Concretor. 5,832,749.63

F-1 TO F-3 Masonary. 1,583,316.67

G-1 TO G-12 Carpentry and joinary. 2,220,049.18

H-1 TO H-2 Iron mongary. 391,995.00

I-1 R.C.C Coping. 22,100.00

J-1 TO J-2 R.C.C Stifner coloumns. 77,450.00

K-1 TO K-15 Finishes. 4,542,732.98

L-1 TO L-14 Interna drainage. 305,210.00

L-15 TO L-24 External water supply and

drainage. 592,896.20

M-1 TO M-6 Electrical installation 393,290.00


4. WORKS FROM FIRST FLOOR TO ROOF TOP

N-1 TO N-20 Concretor. 4,892,882.78

O-1 TO O-3 Masonary. 1,354,939.81

P-1 TO P-10 Carpentry and joinary. 2,548,642.68

Q-1 TO Q-4 Iron mongary. 521,900.00

R-1 R.C.C Coping. 105,950.00

S-1 TO S-2 R.C.C Stifner coloumns. 68,100.00

T-1 TO T-14 Finishes. 4,511,440.11


U-1 TO U-14 Internal water supply and

drainage. 615,457.50

V-1 TO V-5 Electrical installation 331,940.00


Figure 3: Design of the ground floor of the building


Figure 4: Design of the first floor of the building

Figure 5: Design of the second floor of the building


2.3. Alternatives proposed by IUCN study for the design

The original design of the proposed visitor facility included a viewing deck that would overlie

the Manigala nature trail. After the discussion held with the architect and the Forest Department

officials, during the IUCN study, the design of the building has been modified. The viewing

deck has been modified in a manner that it will not be visible from the Manigala Nature trail

and thereby the impact has been avoided. Extract of the IUCN study report with their

recommendation is given in Annex 2.

Considering the sensitivity of the locality that the bungalow is located, the renovation activities

could course negative impact to the surrounding environment of the KCF. Therefore, the

possible environmental and social impact has been assessed prior to launch the development

and presented in this report with suitable mitigatory measures.

3. Community Consultation

Enhancement of the income of the peripheral communities of knuckles conservation forest by

50% within 5-year period is an objective of the project. By renovating the circuit bungalow,

annual visitation would have expected to be increased thus would have increased the income

of peripheral community. However, the increasing the number of tourists would directly effect

to the social condition of the surrounding communities.

Community consultation meeting will be held to make aware the possible impacts to the

surrounding community. A Social impact monitoring team consisting of community

representatives will be established and frequent monitoring will be done by them. The

monitoring will be continuing during the construction phase and in operational phase as well.

Any negative impact will be address by the established GEM system that has been described

under the section 6 of this report.

4. Potential Environmental Impacts of the Project and proposed mitigation

The potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed sub-project describe under this

Chapter related to the pre-construction, construction and operation phases including the

proposed mitigation measures.

4.1. Pre-construction stage

Potential impact during pre-construction stage will be due to surveying and setting out of the

buildings. To avoid damages to the ecologically and significant tree species, setting out surveys

shall be carried out under strict supervision of the engineer and the environmental expert.

A sufficient area around the construction site is also required to be cleared for the facilitation

of construction activities, which is usually around 3m. This area could be arranged with

minimal damage to the flora. However, all the trees in that stretch of 3m around the construction

site need not be removed. Selected valuable trees shall be translocated and plant in the same

location.

In order to avoid damages to the ecology, endemic, threatened or endangered fauna / flora

species, surveys and setting out works shall be carried out under strict supervision of an

engineer and the environmental officer. The contractor should adhere to the guidance given on

air and water quality checks and waste disposal systems too. Identification of waste disposal

method with a dumping site is the responsibility of the contractor at this stage.


Contractor shall prepare detailed Environmental Management Action Plan (EMAP) –

Site Specific EMPAs) clearly stating the approach, actions and manner in which the

ESMP is implemented. The EMAP shall be updated regularly and submit for Engineers’

review and monitoring. The environmental officer is encouraged to contact

Environmental & Social Safeguard Section of ESCAMP for any clarification or

assistance.

The Contractor shall appoint a suitably qualified Environmental Officer (with

community consultation experience) following the award of the contract. The

Environmental Officer will be the primary point of contact for assistance with all

environmental and social issues during the pre-construction and construction phases.

He / She shall be responsible for ensuring the implementation and monitoring of this

ESMP and Environment Management Action Plan (EMAP) which has to be developed

by the contractor.

He/she will also be responsible for community liaison and to handle public complaints

regarding environmental / social related matters. All public complaints should be

handled as per the ESCAMP Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). The

Environmental Officer will promptly investigate and review environmental and social

complaints and implement the appropriate corrective actions to mitigate adverse

impacts. A register of all complaints is to be registered and forward to the Site Manager

/ Engineer within 24 hours they are received, with the action taken by the

Environmental Officer on complains thereof.

4.2. Impacts during construction stage:

Removal or Damages to the vegetation

The impact on the vegetation of the project site could be rated as minimal as most

construction / renovation will be done adjacent to the existing building locations.

Therefore, less disturbance could be expected in the proposed site.

However, site clearance and clearance of 3m stretch need to remove the existing trees.

The tree species (10> cm dbh) that will have some effects from the proposed

construction are Kaluhabaraliya (Diospyros ebenoides), Sooriyamara (Albizia lebbeck)

Kanda (Macaranga peltata), Kahata (Careya arborea), Luunumidella (Melia

azedarach), Nika daula (Meliosma pinnata), Mora (Dimocarpus longan) and Kithul

(Caryota urens). The plants that have been recognized as conservation importance (Ex:

Kaluhabaraliya (Diospyros ebenoides) should be translocate to the nearest place under

supervision of the officers of FD and E PMU.

Noise and Air Pollution

Noise levels around the construction site would temporarily increase. The noise levels

generated should be limited to workday daylight hours for the duration of the work.

High noise generating equipment should be discouraged, especially vibrating machines

and earth compactors in the site.

Pollutant emissions from construction equipment could generate minor effects to air

quality in the area and immediate surrounding the construction activity. Fugitive dust

particles could release to the atmosphere during construction, transportation and

subsequent storage and handling.


The contractor would be required to keep all equipment in good order to minimize air

pollution and noise generation. Construction materials should be covered to avoid

erosion, especially fill material such as gravel and earth. Material transport vehicles

while transporting materials should be covered in order to avoid any air-borne dust in

the area. Since gravel and unpaved roads create air-borne dust, frequent watering the

road surface is essential.

Removal of top soil

Top soil of the site shall be stripped to a specified depth of 150 mm and stored in

stockpiles of height not exceeding 2m without blocking the path. Such stockpiled

topsoil may be returned to cover the areas including cut slopes where the topsoil has

been removed due to project activities. Residual topsoil will be distributed on adjoining

/ proximate barren areas as identified by the Engineer and the environmental officer in

a layer of thickness of 75mm – 150mm.

Hydrology and Water Quality

Natural drainage patterns through the land area will be disturbed due to construction

activities. Provision of streams and canals within the site is necessary to facilitate proper

drainage while controlling erosions.

Disturbance to the soil, cutting & filling, and storage of construction material within

the site could potentially contaminate the surface runoff, notably increasing the

turbidity during construction. Erosion control practices should be implemented during

the construction to limit turbidity and silt transport off site. Safe handling of

construction material would minimize the potential contamination of surface runoff and

thereby prevent affecting the quality of the water bodies nearby.

Operation of borrow sites

Contractor shall procure material only from borrow sites having approved license from

GSMB or other relevant authorities. Borrow sites / pits should be properly managed so

that material will not be eroded due to surface runoff. Slopes and embankments should

be turfed or protected from erosion by other means after cutting, to prevent wash away

of soil. Similarly, any earth heaps should be covered so that material will not be washed

away causing contamination of nearby water courses. If materials getting from outside,

special precautions to be taken to check the license and quality of borrow sites, in order

to avoid entering invasive or alien materials to the site.

Social impact

Thelgamuwa Oya which is flowing adjacent to the contract site is quite popular place

for bating of general public. Many visitors used to get rest at this site. The construction

activities would effect to the people who will be getting at this location and the people

who are passing this location.

To avoid any such impact to the community that are using the Telgamuwa Oya,

additional precautions to be made to prevent from any contamination to the

Thelgamuwa Oya due to the construction activities. Material transportation to the site

could cause road traffic. To avoid the possible road traffic, heavy vehicles and

machinery transportations should be limited as much as possible. Noise, vibration and


dust emission has to be controlled by adopting the measures described in the table 5

below.

Table 5 - Summary of key social and environmental impacts associated with the subproject

during construction stage

Project aspect

/ Cause of

impact

Potential impact Significance

of the

impact

Mitigation measures

Removal of

Topsoil

Impact on fauna –

especially

endemic/threatened

land snail species,

reptiles, amphibians

can be affected

Soil erosion in the

construction area

result sedimentation

in the streams,

waterways which will

affect the fauna/flora

inhabit in sensitive

ecosystem

Habitat loss and

fragmentation

Loss of critical

species

Obstructions to

movements/migratory

routes of the animals

Spreading invasive

species

Disturbances to the

drainage and natural

stream flow

Medium Removal of any critical

species found during

topsoil removal which

can be inhabiting in the

area, and ensure no

damage will occur to

endemic/threatened

species due to the work

Avoid rainy season to

reduce impact due to

erosion, siltation

Implement erosion

protection measures, silt

traps etc.

Removed topsoil could

be used as a productive

soil when

replanting/establishing

vegetation

Stockpiled topsoil must

be returned to cover the

areas including cut

slopes where the topsoil

has been removed due to

project activities.

Residual topsoil must be

distributed on

adjoining/proximate

barren areas as

identified by the

engineer in a layer of

thickness of 75mm –

150mm.

Removal of

vegetation

Impact on Endemic

or threatened flora

and fauna species

inhabiting in the area

Loss of habitats

Disturbance to the

wildlife migratory

paths and their

movements

Low All work to be carried out

complying with FFPO/FO

Prior baseline ecological

screening to be conducted

to understand whether any

critical species will be

affected

If such species to be

affected, appropriate


Habitat deterioration

and threat to the

fauna and flora

measures to be taken to

protect such species

No tree removal is

allowed without FD

approvals. FD needs to

supervise development

activities.

Section wise vegetation

clearing to minimize

disturbances to the animal

movements

As much as possible

manual clearing to be

encouraged as machinery

can over damage the

protected area / sensitive

habitats

Construction workers shall

be instructed to protect

fauna, including wild

animals and aquatic life as

well as their habitats.

Hunting, poaching and

unauthorized fishing by

project workers is not

allowed.

Activities

related to

significant

noise and

vibration

(machinery

movements,

material

handling,

transportation

of vehicles and

related earth

work etc)

Disturbances to the

wildlife in the area,

and distraction

Medium Control noise in the site.

Noise generating work

should be limited to

daytime (7:00AM to

6:00PM).

All equipment and

machinery should be

operated at noise levels

that do not exceed the

permissible levels as per

CEA regulations.

All equipment should be

in good serviced

condition.

Regular maintenance of

all construction vehicles

and machinery to meet

noise control regulations

stipulated by the CEA in

1996 (Gazette Extra

Ordinary, No 924/12)

Labour gangs should be

warned to work with

minimum noise. Strict


labour supervision should

be undertaken in this

respect.

Activities

related to the

emission of

dust

Impact on sensitive

habitats, inhabitant

fauna/flora species

Significant levels of

noise and dust

produced during

construction work,

there may be

temporary

disturbances to the

animals (especially

migratory birds)

inhabiting in the area

Construction area to be

barricaded properly to

avoid spreading

dust/emissions etc

Trucks to be operated

using covers

Material stored under

cover using proper

anchoring systems

Tires of trucks /

machineries are cleaned

before entering city roads

Regular watering of

access roads and the

construction site

Turfing of finished

earthen structures

Dust masks are provided

for the workers and using

at the required time

If any significant dust

issues occurred, Ambient

air quality including dust

levels monitored through

an accredited laboratory

and understand the

compliance status. If any

non-compliance noticed,

required corrective

actions, compensations to

be made by the contractor

as directed by the PIA

Activities

related to the

hindrance of

surface runoff

and soil

erosion,

pollution due

to oil spills,

and other

pollutants

result during

the

construction

work /

Impact on aquatic fauna

and flora due to possible

disturbances Pollution

water bodies close to the

site

Water logging and Vector

proliferation

Medium Natural water paths and

valleys should be kept free

from any obstruction

through any kind of

construction or disposal of

soil/rocks etc.

The project area must be

barricaded properly using

sandbags to avoid

disturbances to the

naturalized habitats

Construction work to be

carried out in the dry spell


contractor

facilities

Do not dispose spoil water

to drainage path or

streams.

Prohibit direct disposal of

solid and liquid waste into

nearby water bodies.

Waste management plan

to be developed and

implemented.

Material

sourcing

including

operation of

borrow pits,

quarry sites

etc.

Resource depletion

Damage to wildlife, forest

resources

Environment Pollution

Health & safety issues

Medium The contractor is required

to ensure that sand,

aggregates, and other

quarry material is sourced

from licensed sources,

away from the protected

areas/ sensitive habitats

The contractor is required

to maintain the necessary

licenses and

environmental clearances

for all borrow and quarry

material they are sourcing

–including soil, fine

aggregate, and coarse

aggregates

Sourcing of any material

from protected areas

and/or designated natural

areas, including tank beds,

are strictly prohibited

unless it is approved by

the relevant approving

agencies carrying out an

Environment Assessment

Use of borrow material

from tank beds to be

excavated as per the

conditions laid by relevant

authority to a maximum

death which will not cause

animal trapping/ falling

into the excavated borrow

pits

Ensure to cover such areas

with proper fencing to

avoid animal trapping /

falling into the pits

If the contractor uses a

non-commercial

borrow/quarry sites, the


sites should be remediated

accordingly once material

sourcing has been

completed

The contractor should

submit in writing all the

relevant numbers and

relevant details of all pre-

requisite licenses etc. and

report of their status

accordingly.

Selected quarry sites

should have proper safety

measures such as

warnings, safety nets etc.,

and third-party insurance

cover to protect external

parties that may be

affected due to blasting.

It is recommended not to

seek material from

quarries that have ongoing

disputes with the

community.

The maintenance and

rehabilitation of the access

roads in the event of

damage by the

Contractor's operations

shall be a responsibility of

the Contractor.

Copies of all relevant

licenses should be

maintained by the

Contractor for review and

documentation by the

implementing/monitoring

agencies

Transportation

and storage of

materials

Spreading dust and impact

due to hazardous material

Medium All material should be

transported in fully

covered trucks.

Overloading of vehicles

with materials should be

controlled and done in a

manner to suit the truck

capacity and tailgates of

the trucks should be

closed.

Construction material such

as cement, sand and metal


should be stored in closed

structures or in a

contained manner.

Material haulage routes

and stockpiling areas to be

well defined with the prior

approval of the respective

authorities, and all the

measures to be followed

by the suppliers to avoid

any environmental issues

(dust, noise, nuisance to

public, traffic etc.)

Safety

measurements

for workers

Injuries during the

construction. Safety from

wild animals and accidents

Medium Construction work shall be

limited to day light hours.

Workers must use relevant

Personnel Protective

Equipment (PPEs) as

appropriate for the work

9Refer Annex 4: Safe

Operating Procedures for

Working in Protected Areas

Precautions

for COVID-19

Possible infections at the

site

High Follow all actions and

instructions given by PHI and

the PMU. (Refer PMU

handbills – Annex 3)

5. Environmental Monitoring and Reporting

5.1. Construction Stage:

The environmental monitoring plan forms the basis for verifying the extent of compliance

during the implementation stages of the project. The objectives of an environmental monitoring

program are:

i. to evaluate the performance of mitigation measures proposed in the ESMP / EMAP;

ii. to provide information which could be used to verify predicted impacts and thus

validate impact prediction techniques;

iii. to suggest improvement in environmental mitigation measures if required;

iv. to provide information on unanticipated adverse impacts or sudden change in impact

trends;

Implementation of mitigation measures will be ensured through both routine and periodic

monitoring. A sample monitoring framework is given in Table 6 as guidance for site

environmental officers. In addition, attached ESMP Matrix (Refer Annex 1) also could be used

to monitor whether proposed safeguard measures are being carried out during different

construction stages.

Table 6 - Construction Phase Monitoring

No. Indicators of Monitoring Types of

Monitoring/ Method

of Monitoring

Monitoring

Frequency

Responsibility


1 Transportation of

construction material in

covered condition, and safe

loading & unloading.

Direct Observation Regular

during

construction

FD, &

Contractor

2 Stockpiling of excavated

materials

Direct Observation Daily FD &

Contractor

3 Reuse of excavated

materials


Contractor

4 Solid waste segregation

and disposal


Contractor

5 Damages to

trees/vegetation

Direct Observation

& records

Daily FD &

Contractor

6. Impacts for Fauna Direct Observation

& records

Daily FD

/Contractor

7 Occupational health and

safety, use of safety gears

Direct observation &

record of injury

Daily FD &

Contractor

8 Safety measures on

COVID-19

Direct observations

& temperature

checking

Daily Contractor

9 Dust and Air Quality issues Direct observations Once in two

days

FD &

Contractor

10 Water logging and vector

proliferation

Direct observation &

records (of illness)

Once a week FD &

Contractor

5.2. Post-Construction Stage:

Post construction monitoring is the main activity during this stage to check whether the all

ESMP and EMAP requirements were fulfilled or to study drew backs. Table 7 provides

guidance to develop a post-monitoring tool.

Table 7 – Sample Post – Monitoring Chart

N

o

Activity Measures

suggested by

the original

ESMP

Measures

Implementation

Observations /

Impacts / Risks

Level of

success

1. Landscapin

g

The site should

be reinstated

similar to the

pre-project

conditions

using native

species.

Landscaping was

done.

Turfing should equally

spread over the site.

Need to level the

ground in some

locations (inside

the garden).

Turfing should

spread over the

site.

2. Rehabilitati

on of site

vegetation

Trees were planted but

can grow more useful

trees and suit to the

ecological condition to

the site. Planted trees:

Halamba, Mee,

Need to consider

survival rate and

at present it is

around 60%.


Karapincha, Dambe,

Suuriya maara and

kithul

Grass cover is

essential over the

ground.

Completion of landscaping is the key responsibility of the contractor at this stage. Only native

plants should be used for landscaping. Site should be free of debris, painting marks and eroded

patches. Turf with grass provide an attraction to the location. Disability access should be

available for all sections of the building. Safety of workers and visitors should be ensured with

possible ways. Appropriate signage is essential to guide visitors for easy access to the services

with less risk factors.

6. Public Consultation and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM)

6.1. Consultation and Information Disclosure

Consultation and information disclosure will be a continuous process during the preparation of

the environmental and social assessment document and implementation of such plans. These

assessments will ensure to conduct meaningful consultations with affected people and

concerned stakeholders, including civil society and facilitate their active participation. The

meaningful consultation shall begin early in the project preparation stage and carried out in an

ongoing basis throughout the project cycle. Consultation should be organized in a congenial

environment without intimidation, and should be gender sensitive as well.

6.2. Grievance Redress Mechanism

The main objective of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is to provide a time bound

and transparent mechanism to voice and resolve complaints of stakeholders. The environment

officers engage through the Consultants (Ex. design and supervision consultants) are

responsible for handling grievances. They will (i) accept and record the complaints, categorize

and prioritize them; (ii) consult with all relevant stakeholders (including contractors), visit the

project site, and do the required examination; (iii) settle the grievances in consultation with the

complainant and the project staff; (iv) report to the aggrieved parties about the

decision/solution; and (v) forward the unresolved cases to higher authorities for resolution. In

case of complex complaints, the authorities and consultants will inform the Project Director

and guide him about practical options for resolving the grievances.

Grievances should be addressed within two to four weeks from the date of lodging the

complaints. If resolution attempts at the FD field level fail, the FD will refer the complaints to

the relevant DFO along with the minutes of the hearings. If a decision made at this level is

found unacceptable by the aggrieved person(s), DFO could refer the case to PSE with the

minutes of the hearings at both grass root and district levels. The FD/DFO will keep records of

all resolved and unresolved complaints and grievances and make them available for review as

and when asked for by PMU and WB Resident Mission in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Information

about GRM will be made public through project website and other relevant sources.

7. Conclusion and Recommendations

The environmental and social impacts / issues identified during the study in Ilukkumbura

(Knuckles) dormitory area could be mitigated and manageable. The study findings indicate

possible impacts on physical, ecological, socio-economic and environmental aspects to the

proposed development. No households will be directly affected or no land acquisition is

envisaged due to the proposed project as proposed building complex will be constructed within


the land of existing facility owned by the Forest Department. However, indirect impacts will

be possible for communities passing and touring this place and work in a close proximity.

It is the responsibility of project implementers and contractors to address identified issues

before the commencement of project and during the construction period. Services from PMU

and the World Bank could be obtained to train identified stakeholders. Mitigation measures

have been proposed for all identified / predicted adverse impacts and enhancement of project

benefits.

However, there may be some impacts / issues not predicted at this stage but might appear later.

In such cases, project authorities and contractors could obtain services of consultants,

environmental experts, PMU and World Bank to mitigate such impacts or issues.

Site Managers have obligation to carry out mitigation, enhancement and monitoring activities

in appropriate stages and time. ESMP / EMAP should be a live document and environmental

mitigation measures should be incorporated or upgraded in the ESMP as and when necessary.

The study noted more benefits in the proposed program. If the identified issues and impacts are

managed properly with proposed mitigation measures, this will be a successful project.

Recommendations given by the independent report prepared by the IUCN are as follows:

It is necessary to closely monitor the construction work as this visitor facility will be

built in the boundary of KCF, which is a sensitive habitat.

The construction work needs to be closely monitored by the officials of the Forest

Department to ensure best practices by the contractor at all times and to ensure that the

contractor follows the guideline provided by the ESCAMP project to avoid or minimize

impacts arising due to construction work, such as noise, construction debris and other

solid waste generated within the construction site.

Following measures need to be taken during the preconstruction, construction, and

post-construction period:

(i) Before the commencement of ground preparation of the site, the single Diospyros

ebenoides (Kalu-habaraliya) plant (approximately 1m height individual) must be

translocated from the construction site to a suitable habitat nearby.

(ii) Construction work should not be undertaken at nighttime or during heavy rains

(iii) Construction materials should be safely stored away from the Theligamu Oya

(iv) Use of heavy machinery should be avoided

(v) Construction waste and solid waste should be disposed at sites identified by the

Forest Department, and such sites should not be established near the forest or

Theligamuoya stream.

(vi) Right bank of the Theligamu oya and the nature trail is located immediately

adjacent to the construction site and therefore, construction activities should not

cause any disturbance to the right bank of the Theligamu oya or the nature trail.

(vii) After construction, a natural vegetation belt should be established between

Manigala nature trail and the visitor facility to avoid visual impact on the

Manigala nature trail.

(viii) Only native plant species should be used for landscaping (Annex 3 of IUCN

Report). The trees for landscaping should be selected to enhance the biodiversity

of the site such butterfly feeding plants and other plants that can serve as food

plants or roosting plants for native animals.


(ix) Neutral colours should be used on the outside walls and roof of the visitor facility

to avoid visual pollution.

Annex 01: ESMP Matrix

MITIGATION PLAN

No. Mitigation Measures Locations/

Project

phase

Mitigatio

n cost

Institutional Responsibility

Implementatio

n

Supervisio

n

CONCERN 1: IMPACTS ON FAUNA

1.1 Since most of the animals living in

the reserve are crossing the road

and accidents may occur due to

narrow slopes, the maximum

speed of all vehicles transporting

construction materials should be

maintained at a maximum speed of

20 km per hour.

If some animal or group is

blocked, they must wait quietly

until they are completely

evacuated.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

No

additional

cost

Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

1.2 The contractor should avoid

overloaded vehicles to transport

material to construction sites in

and out of the knuckles forest area.

The materials should be covered

with a tarpaulin during

transportation.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

1.3 All works should be carried out in

such a manner that destruction or

disruption to the fauna and their

habitats is minimized.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

1.4 The sound of the horn (tooting of

wehicle horns) is prohibited in the

vicinity of the protected area and

in the vicinity of the Knuckles

Conservation Centre.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

NA Contractor Respective

Forester /

RFO

1.5 Limit activities to day light

working hours from 8.00 am to

5.00 pm

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

1.6 Equipment that may produce noise

and vibration, used for

earthmoving and concrete mixing

Entire

construction

period and

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO


shall be limited, as much as

possible within the PA/Forest

area.

construction

sites.

1.7 Construction workers should be

advised to protect wildlife, aquatic

life as well as their habitats.

Project workers do not allow

hunting and unauthorized fishing

in other waterways, including

Thelgamu Oya.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

Awarenes

s under

the

monitorin

g and

supervisio

n cost –

Rs.80,000

.00

RFO

EO-PMU

Respective

Forester /

RFO

CONCERN 2: IMPACTS ON FLORA

2.1 All works shall be carried out in a

manner that the destruction to the

flora and their habitats are

minimised. Trees and vegetation

shall be felled /removed /pruned

only if that impinges directly on

the permanent works or necessary

temporary works. In all such cases

contractor shall take prior

approval from the Forester or

RFO.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites and

immediate

surrounding

s.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO-PMU

ESSS-

PMU

2.2 Endemic/point endemic / rare

/threatened /endangered plant and

tree species shall not be permitted

to fell /remove or prune.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites and

immediate

surrounding

s.

Awarenes

s under

the

monitorin

g and

supervisio

n cost

RFO

EO - PMU

Respective

Forester /

RFO

2.3 Material transport vehicles,

machinery and equipment shall be

used and stationed only in the

areas of work under the

recommendation of the Forester or

RFO and in any other area

designated/approved by the

Forester within the premices.

Entire

construction

period/

material

transportatio

n period and

construction

sites.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

2.4 Measures to avoid/minimize the

airborne dust have to be taken as;

Covering the vehicles

carrying dusty materials.

Wetting down/spraying of

road construction areas if

necessary.

Material

Transport

and Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

Engineeri

ng cost is

allowed. –

Rs.

20,000.00

Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

2.5 Wheel washing of vehicles are

not allowed inside the PA/Forest

area.

Entire

construction

period and

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO


construction

sites

2.6 Ensure that any vegetation

clearing occurs within the limits of

an approved construction area,

before the site preparation, under

the supervision of Forester / RFO.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.


Forester /

RFO

2.7 Ensure all plant/planting

materials, equipment & vehicles

coming to sites of PA/Forest area

have been cleaned and free from

weeds and invasive seeds.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

2.8 Ensure no activities outside the

work zones through clear

delineation of the works area.

Entire

construction

period,

including

material

transport.

NA

Contractor Respective

Foreser /

RFO

EO-PMU

CONCERN 3: CONSTRUCTION WORKS

3.1 The contractor is required to

ensure that sand, aggregates and

other quarry material is source

from licenced sources.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

3.2 Sourcing from any material from

PA/Forest areas and or designated

natural areas including water

streams shall not be done.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

3.3 Contractor shall use lead-free

paints in every construction site

and No asbestos will be allowed to

use.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

3.4 Waste disposal system to be

established where ever necessary

under the recommendation of

project engineer or Forester.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

Engineeri

ng cost

Rs.

10,000.00

Contractor

Engineer – FD

(ESCAMP)

Respective

Forester /

RFO

CONCERN 4: PROTECTION OF GROUND COVER AND VEGETATION

4.1 Contractor should provide

necessary instructions to drivers,

operators and other construction

workers not to destroy ground

vegetation cover unnecessarily.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO - PMU

CONCERN 5: SOIL PROTECTION

5.1 Top soil of any construction area

shall not be removed without

written permission form the

Forester. If it is essential to

Entire

construction

period and

within the


Forester /

RFO


remove under the written

permission of the Forester, such an

activity must be carried out under

the supervision of the respective

RFO.

project sites

where

topsoil has

to be

removed

5.2 Areas where top soil has to be

removed for the purpose of these

works, contractor shall obtain the

instruction/directions from the

Engineer – FD (ESCAMP) and the

Forester and the removed top soil

should not bring outside of the

PA/Forest area.

Entire

construction

period and

within the

project sites

where

topsoil has

to be

removed

NA Contractor

Engineer –

FD

(ESCAMP

)

Respective

Forester /

RFO

5.3 Soil conservation measures should

be implemented in the soil erosion

sensitive areas along with the

construction works.

(In particular, in particular, one

side of the selected area has a steep

slope and talcum flows, so special

attention to soil conservation is

very important. At the start of the

rainy season, the problem will

double. Therefore, it is

recommended to start construction

before or after the rainy season.

Places where runoff from

the site is required, it will

be via the longest flow

path possible to ensure

maximize sediment

retention. Flows to

thelgamu oya and

undisturbed areas (where

no construction is

happening) will be

prioritized.

Where required, sediment

controls will be put in

place. These will include,

but not be limited to, rock

check dams, sediment

basins, sediment fences

and silt socks.

Sediment controls will be

reviewed during site

inspections and/or after

rainfall.

Site

preparation

period and

sites

identified as

soil

conservatio

n measures

are needed.

Engineeri

ng cost

Rs…20,0

00.00

Contractor

Engineer – FD

(ESCAMP)

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO - PMU


Review flow path and

determine most

appropriate controls are in

place, additional controls

which can be place in-

stream and/or changes that

can be made to flow path.

5.4 Ensure effective sediment and

erosion control measures to

reduce potential impacts during

the site clearing for proposed

infrastructure development.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

Engineeri

ng cost

Rs.

10,000.00

Contractor

Engineer – FD

(ESCAMP)

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO - PMU

CONCERN 6: WATER – PROTECTION OF WATER SOURCES AND QUALITY

6.1 The contractor is responsible for

arranging adequate supply of

water for the project purpose

throughout the construction

period. Contractor shall not obtain

water from natural springs and

waterways inside PAs for this

purpose without receiving written

permission from the DFO or

respective Forester.

Entire

construction

period and

waterways

located in

the

surrounding

areas of the

construction

site/s.

Engineeri

ng cost is

allowed.

Contractor

Engineer –

FD

(ESCAMP

)

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO - PMU

6.2 The Contractor shall not extract

water from groundwater or from

surface water-bodies without

permission from the DFO or

respective Forester. Such

extraction (if approved) should be

carried out under the direct

supervision of the respective

Forester/RFO/BFOs.

Entire

construction

period and

waterways

located in

the

surrounding

areas of the

construction

site/s.

Engineeri

ng cost is

allowed.

Contractor

Engineer –

FD

(ESCAMP

)

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO - PMU

6.3 Contractor shall not divert, close

or block existing canals/streams

within the PA for any purpose

during the construction work.

Entire

construction

period

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO - PMU

6.4 All above the works under this

EMP over or closer to the water

streams, rivers, rivulets within

Forest area/Protected area, thus

activities may be undertaken

during dry season.

If the work is carried out during

the rainy seasons, the contractor

shall avoid storing materials such

as cement, lime, chemicals and

other items of work in areas where

those can be washed away by the

rain/surface runoffs.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO


6.5 Contractor shall protect the water

sources in/around, (streams

(Thelgamu oya) and surface

runoffs in the PA) from various

contaminants (dust, sand, cement,

soil, polythene, plastic, or any

other waste) derived from the

works or workers.

Entire

construction

period

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO - PMU

CONCERN 7: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

7.1 Demolished materials of the

garage/construction sites should

be reuse or taken away from the

PA/forest areas under the approval

of Engineer of FD (ESCAMP) and

the Forester.

Any other organic or inorganic

solid waste material should be

collected in covered bins and

arrangements should be made for

removal of solid waste from the

sites of PA/Forest area.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

Engineeri

ng cost

Rs.

30,000.00

Contractor

Engineer –

FD

(ESCAMP

)

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO - PMU

CONCERN 8: FIRE PROTECTION

8.1 No storage facilities will be

established inside the PA for more

than one week for materials such

as cement, sand or any other

construction material.

In any case, any lubricant, fuel or

any chemical substance, any other

solvent should not be brought to

the site for any purpose without

receiving written permission from

the and under supervision of

Forester.

Waste oil, other petroleum

products and untreated wastewater

shall not be discharged on

ground/within the PA.

Collect all waste/spoils and taken

away from the PA/Forest area,

under supervision of Forester.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

8.2 No one will be allowed for

cooking, smoking during working

hours or bringing cigarettes,

lighters, matchboxes or any other

smoking material/apparatus etc.

into the sites of PA/Forest area.

Entire

construction

period and

PA.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

CONCERN 9: LABOUR CAMPS


9.1 The contractor should give

priority to hiring labour from the

surrounding areas to avoid the

need for labour camps.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

9.2 If labour camps are required to

house migrant workers, they

should be placed well away from

Forest area/PA boundaries and

buffer zones whenever possible.

The construction camps, office

and storage areas shall have

provision of adequate water

supply, sanitation and all requisite

infrastructure facilities

Site restoration - All construction

camp/temporary office/material

storage areas should be restored to

its original conditions or as agreed

with the land owner.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites

NA Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

9.3 Other biological waste materials

from the camping sites shall not be

dispose/decompose within the

PA/Forest area and they should be

taken away from the PA/Forest

area to dispose/decompose.

Labour camp sites after use should

be cleared and the site should be

reinstated to previous condition at

the close of the construction work.

No any plastic or polythene

materials shall be brought into the

project sites in PA/Forest area

Entire

construction

period and

camping

sites

Engineeri

ng cost

Rs.

20,000.00

Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO-PMU

ESSS-

PMU

CONCERN 10. APPROVALS, LICENCES AND PERMITS

10.

1

All necessary approvals, permits

and licenses required by the state

and local legislation will be

obtained prior to construction

commencing.

All approvals, permits and

licenses shall be maintained and

complied with during the

construction period. Should there

be any changes to the project

which would require additional

permits or licenses, these shall be

obtained.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites.

NA Respective

DFO / Forester

Contractor

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO-PMU

SDO-PMU

CONCERN 11: PUBLIC SAFTY


11.

1

Contractor shall take necessary

actions to prevent breeding of

mosquitoes at the areas of work by

preventing stagnation of water

(including gutters, used and empty

cans, containers, tires etc.).

No construction along community

areas will be permitted during

night time.

all keep all places of work clean,

devoid of garbage to prevent

breeding of rats and other vectors

such as flies.

Burrow sites, if any, should be

rehabilitated at the end of their use

by the contractor under the

supervision of the respective RFO.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites &

material

storage sites

Engineeri

ng cost

Rs.

50,000.00


Forester /

RFO

11.

2

Avoid peak hours in roads, if

local/public roads are used for

bringing materials, especially

during the hours of school children

use the roads. The speed of the

vehicles should maintain less than

20 kmh-1 when transporting the

construction materials.

Entire

construction

period and

Public/acces

s roads


Forester /

RFO

11.

3

Any noise pollutions should be

controlled/minimized

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites


Forester /

RFO

11.

4

Should be exhibited a notice

/awareness board as a “working

place” at the in front of main

construction sites before

commencement of building

construction works.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites

Engineeri

ng cost

Rs.

20,000.00


Forester /

RFO

CONCERN 12: WORKERS SAFTY - ACCIDENTS AND RISKS

12.

1

The Contractor shall comply with

requirements for the safety of the

workmen and all reasonable

precautions shall be taken to

prevent danger of the workers

from accidents causes due to

falling, heavy loads, snake bites,

insect bites, stuck by objects,

contact with unsafe energy

sources/power supply line etc.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites &

material

storage sites


Forester /

RFO


Records on health and safety

related accidents must be

maintained properly.

12.

2

All workers employed in

construction activities shall be

provided with necessary

protective gear such as hand

gloves, boots, helmets. These

activities include mixing cement,

lime mortars, concrete etc.

Entire

construction

period and

construction

sites

Engineeri

ng cost

Rs.

50,000.00


Forester /

RFO

12.

3

Precautionary measures to protect

from attacks by the wild animals

(snakes) during working times

inside the forest shall be taken as

mentioned below.

Contractor has to make

sure to dispose organic

waste properly. None of

the solid waste is discarded

into the forest

area/working.

Keep a environmental

officer to monitoring the

construction activities.

Throughout

the

construction

period &

material

transporting

sites.

NA Contractor

Respective

Forrester /

RFOs

Respective

Forester /

RFO

EO-PMU

SDO-PMU

12.

4

Where materials need to transport

using laborers, less than 40kg shall

allow per labour, per time.

Entire

construction

period and

Constructio

n sites


Forester /

RFO

CONCERN 13: ARCHAEOLOGICAL CHANCE FINDS

13.

1

Archaeological remains in the

Forests area/PA and adjacent areas

must not destroy/disturb or

remove by the contractor or by any

workman.

Throughout

the project

period


Forester /

RFO

SDO-

ESCAMP

13.

2

In case of chance finds, the

contractor is obliged to stop the

works immediately and inform the

DFO, Forester or respective

RFOs, Engineer – FD (ESCAMP)

or any other officers available at

the immediate vicinity at that

moment.

All fossils, coins, artifacts of value

of antiquity and structures and

other remains or things of

Geological, Paleontological or

archaeological interest etc.

discovered on the site and/or

during construction/rehabilitation

Entire

construction

period and

Constructio

n sites


Forester /

RFO

SDO-

ESCAMP


work shall be returned to the

respective RFO, Forester or DFO

or Engineer-FD (ESCAMP).

CONCERN 14: FIRST AID

14.

1

At every workplace, first aid kit

and treatment facilities shall be

provided

Entire

construction

period and

Constructio

n sites

Engineeri

ng cost

Rs.

5,000.00


Forester /

RFO

CONCERN 15: OTHER SOCIAL CONSERNS

15.

1

No child labour is not allowed for

any purpose of the contract

Throughout

the project

period


Forester /

RFO

15.

2

Local people shall be employed in

the project activities where

possible and no gender

discrimination is expected.

Throughout

the project

period


Forester /

RFO

CONCERN 16: GRIEVANCE REDRESS

16 Maintaining records of all

environment, social related

grievances raised, if any, and the

actions taken to address them

throughout the construction

period.

Throughout

the project

period


Forester /

RFO


Annex 02: Extract from the IUCN Study report and recommendations

Impact on existing Ecosystem and Species

Proposed visitor centre will be on a disturbed and open area considered as an abandoned chena land

that is in the early stages of secondary succession (Figure 02). Further, the area affected is around

0.05 ha which is insignificant when compared to the total extent of the Knuckles Conservation

Forest (31,305 ha). Therefore, this construction will not significantly impact the ecosystem diversity

of KCF. Further, the site was inhabited by species commonly observed in such human-disturbed

sites which were also recorded in the area surrounding the construction site. None of the species

seen are listed as range-restricted species or species restricted to Knuckles Range. During the

construction stage, there could be a temporary reduction in numbers. Still, during the operational

phase, most of the species should return to the site as evident by the fact that almost all of the faunal

species recorded was also observed within the premises of the old visitor facility located next to the

site selected for construction, which indicates that the species found are habituated to the presence

of humans. Therefore, the construction of the building will not displace any of these species from

the area.

Among the recorded 40 animal species, only seven endemic species are within site selected for

construction work. These endemic species are locally as well as regionally common, and therefore

the construction will not significantly affect such species.

Endemic fauna observed within the study area

Species Name Common Name Sinhala Name DS NTS

Macaca sinica Sri Lanka toque monkey Rilawa E LC

Moschiola meminna Sri Lanka Meminna Meminna E LC

Ocyceros gingalensis Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill Sri Lanka Alu

Kandaththa E LC

Treron pompadora Sri Lanka Green-pigeon Sri Lanka Batagoya E LC

Gallus lafayettii Sri Lanka Junglefowl Sri Lanka Vali-kukla E LC

Pycnonotus

melanicterus

Sri Lanka Black-capped

Bulbul

Kalu Isasi Kondaya E LC

Pellorneum

fuscocapillus

Brown-capped Babbler Mudunbora

Demalichccha

E LC


Among the recorded 47 plant species, only four endemic species were observed within site selected

for construction work. Three endemic species (except Diospyros ebenoides) are locally as well as

regionally common, and therefore the construction will not significantly affect such species. A

single seedling of Diospyros ebenoides was observed in the area that will be disturbed due to the

construction work. It is recommended to translocate the plant before the commencement of the

ground preparation for the proposed building.

Endemic flora observed within the study area

Species Name Common Name DS NTS

Semecarpus nigroviridis Geta Badulla E LC

Diospyros ebenoides Kaluhabaraliya E EN

Derris parviflora Kalawel E LC

Strychnos benthami E NT

Impact on the cultural value of the Knuckels Conservation forest

The proposed visitor facility will not have a significant impact on the cultural values of the

community that live around Knuckles Conservation Forest. The Forest Department established the

existing visitor facility in 2003, and they have been operating to date without developing any

conflicts with the local community. The new visitor facility too will be managed by the Forest

Department. Therefore, it can be expected that the proposed facility too will be maintained in the

same manner without having any impact on the local community or their cultural values. Further,

the propose visitor facility is also located away from the village and therefore, those who will use

the facility will have minimum interactions with the local community. Positive impact provides

livelihoods for the local community.

The site selected for the proposed visitor facility is not visible within the broader landscape, and

therefore, it will not have any impact on the aesthetic value of the KCF. Further, this building will

be covered by the vegetation as well as the existing dormitory. However, the original design of the

proposed visitor facility included a viewing deck that would overlie the Manigala nature trail. After

the discussion held with the architect and the Forest Department officials, the design of the building

was modified. The viewing deck was modified in a manner that it will not be visible from the

Manigala Nature trail and thereby the impact has been avoided (see annex 2a for the original design

and 2b for the modified design).

Conclusion and recommendations

The proposed construction site is located next to the existing dormitory/office complex area of the

Knuckles Conservation Centre and within the forest-village boundary. Further, this area had been

previously used for Chena cultivation before the declaration of Knuckles Conservation Forest. As

per the evidence presented above, the proposed visitor facility will not have a significant negative

impact on the outstanding universal values of the KFC. Specifically, it will not have any significant

effect on


Biodiversity (fauna/flora/ecosystem) of the KFC

Cultural and aesthetic values of the KFC

Further, the potential benefits of educational and conservation outweigh the minimal negatives

during construction.

Even though proposed construction will not have a significant impact on the outstanding universal

values of KCF, it is necessary to closely monitor the construction work as this visitor facility will

be built in the boundary of KCF, which is a sensitive habitat.

It is recommended that the construction work is closely monitored by the officials of the Forest

Department to ensure best practices by the contractor at all times and to ensure that the contractor

follows the guideline provided by the ESCAMP project to avoid or minimize impacts arising due

to construction work, such as noise, construction debris and other solid waste generated within the

construction site.

Also, it is recommended that the following measures are taken during the preconstruction,

construction and post-construction period

Before the commencement of ground preparation of the site, the single Diospyros

ebenoides (Kalu-habaraliya) plant (approximately 1m height individual) must be

translocated from the construction site to a suitable habitat nearby.

Construction work should not be undertaken at nighttime or during heavy rains

Construction materials should be safely stored away from the Theligamu Oya

Use of heavy machinery should be avoided

Construction waste and solid waste should be disposed at sites identified by the

Forest Department, and such sites should not be established near the forest or

Theligamuoya stream.

Right bank of the Theligamu oya and the nature trail is located immediately

adjacent to the construction site and therefore, construction activities should not

cause any disturbance to the right bank of the Theligamu oya or the nature trail.

After construction a natural vegetation belt should be established between Manigala

nature trail and the visitor facility to avoid visual impact on the Manigala nature

trail.

Only native plant species should be used for landscaping (see annex 3). The trees

for landscaping should be selected in order to enhance the biodiversity of the site

such butterfly feeding plants and other plants that can serve as food plants or

roosting plants for native animals.

Neutral colours should be used on the outside walls and roof of the visitor facility

to avoid visual pollution.


Annex 03: COVID-19 – Safeguards posters


Annex 04:

Safe Operating Procedures for Working in Protected Areas

Purpose

To define the safe operating procedures in a manner that informs and instructs employees of

implementing authorities and contractors/work force of the key health and safety points and

controls to remember when working in areas where wildlife can be found.

Background

People and wildlife live side by side in a PA, therefore, encounters with wild animals are

common. Most small animals are not aggressive; however, conflict may occur when they are

trying to meet their basic needs of finding food, water and shelter. It is important to understand

and recognize basic animal behaviors, in order to prevent injuries to both animals and humans.

The following hazards may occur when working in close proximity to wildlife creatures:

Infectious disease transmission from mosquito or small animal bites swelling, mild or

severe allergic reactions from stinging insects.

Serious injury or death from contact with other wild animals such as snakes, bears,

leopards etc.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Insect repellant Long-sleeved shirts and pants,

safety boots (no sandals) Insect spray designed for bees/wasps/hornets

any other appropriate PPEs

Safe Operating Procedure

General

Always carry a cellular phone, or other two-way communication device, in case

emergency medical help is required.

Be aware of your surroundings and note any wild or suspicious acting animals in your

work area. If necessary, seek safe shelter from these animals and contact the appropriate

authorities.

Avoid reaching or stepping into or over hidden areas that may contain wildlife.

Be aware of signs that indicate above or below ground animal nests and take appropriate

action to prevent contamination.

Avoid direct contact with bird, bat or other animal droppings.

Avoid direct contact with animal blood. If contact cannot be prevented, wear rubber

gloves, and dispose properly.

Biting and Stinging Insects

Know what kind of biting and/or stinging insects to expect in the area or work location.

Ensure there is a ready supply of insect spray in work area.

If you are allergic to bee or wasp stings, always notify the work supervisor. Understand

and know how to administer the medication yourself.

Do not wear perfumes, colognes, scented soaps or powders.

Tuck pants into your socks or work boots. Wear light-colored clothes (camouflaged),

if possible.

Look out for stinging-insect nests – any visible signs of activity around a particular hole

or place.

Destroy standing water for mosquitoes

Do not swat at or make fast movements around stinging insects – most bees and wasps

will not sting unless they are provoked or startled.


If a bee or wasp nest must be removed from your immediate work area, notify the

relevant people immediately.

Small Wild Animals

Never touch or handle wild animals – healthy, sick or deceased. Parasites and other

infectious diseases may be present.

If bitten by a wild animal, clean the wound with soap and water, and obtain medical

assistance immediately, advising medical staff of the potential for infectious diseases,

such as rabies.

Bears

Bears are naturally shy, but extremely curious animals. If that curiosity is rewarded with food,

they become conditioned to be increasingly forward, even aggressive. They can cause injury

or death.

Confirm with the wildlife staff if there have been any recent bear sightings or incidents in the

respective work area. If working in an area with known bear activity, always be prepared.

Elephants / leopards:

Instructions of the Forest Department is always necessary for the protection from Wild

elephants & leopards.

environmental and social management plan construction of a

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