environmental assessment report · requirements of eia notification, 2006 of government of india....

Environmental Assessment Report

The views expressed herein are those of the consultant and do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s members, Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

Summary Initial Environmental Examination Project Number: 40005 December 2009

INDIA: Jharkhand State Roads Project

Prepared by [Author(s)]

[Firm]

[City, Country]

Prepared for [Executing Agency] [Implementing Agency]

Prepared by the Road Construction Department, Government of Jharkhand for the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The summary 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.

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB - Asian Development Bank

CPCB - Central Pollution Control Board

EA - Executing Agency

EFRC - Environment Friendly Road Construction

EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment

EMMP - Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

IEE - Initial Environmental Examination

MoEF - Ministry of Environment and Forests

NGO - Non Government Organization

NOx - Oxides of Nitrogen

PMU - Project Management Unit

PWD - Public Works Department

RCD - Road Construction Department

ROW - Right of Way

SPM - Suspended Particulate Matter

SO2 - Sulphur Dioxide

SPCB - State Pollution Control Board

TOR - Terms of Reference

WHO - World Health Organisation

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES km - kilometer km2 - square kilometer m - meter ha - hectare - unit of area m3 - cubic meter C (Celsius) – unit of temperature dB(A) - decibel audible– unit of level of sound

NOTES

(i) The fiscal year (FY) of the Government and its agencies ends on 31st March. (ii) In this report, “$” refers to US dollars.

CONTENTS

Page

I. INTRODUCTION 1

II. DISRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 1

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 2

A. GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF JHARKAHND STATE 2

1. Physical Environment 2

2. Biological Environment 3

3. Socio-Economic Environment 3

B. THE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ALONG THE PROJECT ROAD 4

IV. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 4

A. Environmental Impacts Associated with Project Location, Preliminary Planning and Design 4

B. Environmental Impacts Due to Construction 5

C. Environmental Effects Related to Operation 7

D. Potential Environmental Enhancement/ Protection Measures 7

V. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 7

VI. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 8

VII. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 9

VIII. CONCLUSIONS 9

I. INTRODUCTION

1. The Government of Jharkhand has been entrusted with the development of the State Road Network, connecting Northern part of State to National Highway No. 2 at Dhanbad. A link road connecting Govindpur - Jamtara - Dumka - Barhet – Sahebganj, covering a total length of about 310 km and passing through six districts of the State has been selected under the project. 2. The project is categorized as B project as per the ADB Policy as well as EIA notification, 2006 of Government of India. Accordingly, Environmental Assessment Study has been undertaken by the Road Construction Department (RCD), Government of Jharkhand as per the requirements of EIA notification, 2006 of Government of India. This Summary IEE is based on the Environmental Assessment Report prepared for the project. It summarizes the environmental impacts associated with implementation of the proposed project. The study was undertaken in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of the Government of India; as well as in compliance with the ADB’s Environment Policy, 2002, and Environmental Assessment Guidelines, 2003. The content and format of Environmental Assessment Report prepared for the project is complying with the ADB’s requirements of category B projects.

II. DESRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

3. The project related to the rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing road, i.e., Govindpur – Jamtara – Dumka – Barhet – Sahebganj. The project road takes off from Chainage 0.0 Km at Govindpur Junction at NH-2, which further traverses through Jamtara, Dumka, Barhet and ends at Sahebganj. The entire project length has been divided into four packages as:

Package : Road Section Length (Km)

Package 1 : Gobindpur to Jamtara Section 69.68

: Jamtara Bypass 10.92

Package 2 : Jamtara to Dumka Section 75.50

: Dumka Bypass 05.98

Package 3 : Dumka to Barhet Section 98.14

Package 4 : Barhet to Sahebganj Section 49.85

4. The proposed improvement work includes widening of existing road sections to two-lane carriageway configuration with provisions of road side furniture and cross drainage work. The new highway will have a carriageway width of 7.0 m with a formation width of 12 m. The existing bridges and culverts will be rehabilitated and wherever required new bridges / culverts will be constructed. Two bypasses have been proposed at Jamtara and Dumka to avoid large- scale resettlement, and also to improve geometric conditions realignments that have been proposed at critical places.

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III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A. GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF JHARKHAND STATE

1. Physical Environment

5. Climate: The state is classified as sub-continental type in a climatic zone. The climate of the region is characterised by general dryness. It is very pleasant during the cold weather from November to February. Thereafter the climate becomes warm. It remains hot until the monsoon breaks towards the middle of June. With the setting in of rains the temperature falls and humidity rises. July to October is the rainy months. July and August are the wettest months. The average rainfall during July is 287 mm and that in August 445 mm. The average annual rainfall in the area is approximately 1300mm. The wind speed of the area is mild to low with a maximum wind speed 10-20 kmph during monsoon. 6. Topography, Geology and Soil: The topography of entire state is moderate to undulating. The entire area lies on upland tract. The state lies mostly on Chotanagpur plateau, which extends up to West Bengal. The area is situated at an altitude of 250 to 350 m above the mean sea level. The State lies at a latitude of 23°45’ to 25°15’ North and a longitude of 86°55’ to 87°55’ East. 7. The state is rich in coal and mineral resources. The archean gneisses and the Gondwana group of rocks constitute the major portion of the district. The main rocks in the area are Alluvium, Laterite, Mica Perodolite, Dolorite, Barakar Sandstone, Shale, Quartz, etc. The state has a variety of soils ranging from rich clayey to gravely. The main soil groups are (i) Piedmont Swamp Soil; (ii) Terai Soil and iii) The Gangetic Alluvium soil.

8. Surface and Groundwater Quality: The Damodar is the most important river of the Chotanagpur plateau. It rises in Palamu and flows eastward between the plateaus of Ranchi and Hazaribag. It is joined by the Bokaro, the Konar and the Barakar rivers. The Damodar enters Dhanbad district at its confluence with the Jamuria, a stream that marks the western boundary of Dhanbad with Hazaribagh District. Further east, the Damodar is joined by the Katri River, which rises in the foot hills below Parasnath and traverses through the Coal-field Area. Damodar flows for about 77 km through the district being joined by the Barakar at its eastern border near Chirkunda. The Panchet dam extending to roughly 6 km is built on river Damodar. 9. Analysis of water samples collected from the project area shows that ground water quality in the area is slight alkaline in nature. The other parameters are lies within the permissible limits prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as well as State Pollution Control Board. Surface water quality lies within the permissible limits except some parameters. Result shows that turbidity of the water at Barakar River is much more, i.e., 190 units against the permissible limit of 10 NTU. Analysis of the dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand shows that there were no organic load present in the water and no waste disposal in the project area. Chloride, sulphate and nitrate concentration lies within the permissible limits. 10. Air Quality and Noise: Ambient air quality was monitored during month of August at Govindpur as well as Jamtara junction with the help of Centre of Mine Environment, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. Results indicate that respirable particulate matter level is higher (186.2 and 172.4 g/m3) than the permissible limits (100 g/m3) given by CPCB at Govindpur and Jamtara junctions respectively. Other parameters, i.e., sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen

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oxides (NOx), suspended particulate matter (SPM), carbon monoxide, and lead were also monitored and concentration found within permissible limits of CPCB. 11. The entire project corridor is free from noise pollution except at some congested locations where noise level is expected to be high. The results of noise monitoring conducted show that the noise level exceeds at all the congested locations than the prescribed ambient noise standards for commercial as well as residential zones. At Govindpur junction it is found that the noise level is 81.7 dB(A) against the permissible limit of 65 dB(A). At Narayanpur village it is 71.6 dB(A) against the permissible limit of 65 dB(A) given by State Pollution Control Board. Similarly at Jamtara Chowk it is 82.9 dB (A) which is 17.5 units more than the prescribed limits. 12. Particulate emissions from commercial activities is considered a primary source of air pollution, while secondary sources include dust arising from unpaved surfaces, smoke from burning of firewood, and vehicular pollution. Noise pollution is not a problem in the State.

2. Biological Environment

13. Vegetation: The forests of the State are mainly classified into three categories namely: 1) dry deciduous forest, 2) dry peninsular sal forests, and 3) moist peninsular sal. Forests extend over 23,605 sq.km representing 29.61% of the total geographical area of the State of which 82 % are protected forest and 17.5 % are reserve forest with a small amount of unclassed forests (33.49 sq.km.). Legally these forest areas have been classified into reserved forest, protected forest and unclassed forest. To obviate pressure on the natural forests, plantations have been undertaken by forest department in forest and non-forest areas to supplement the availability of fuel wood, small timber, fodder, etc. 14. Fauna: On account of increased anthropogenic pressure on the forest, biodiversity and wildlife resources are depleting. The main associates of Sal, Skend, Asan, Mahua, Dhaura, Piar, Sidha, Bahera, Karam, Bagal, Palas occurs but Khair does not occur in large number anywhere, in the division. Bamboo is found on the hills thinly distributed and its occurrence in inversely proposional to that of Sal. The main species occurring are Dhaura, Asan, Pier, Sidha, Kala, Piaral, Gamhar, Siris, Galgal, Bahera, Parasi, Bel, Palas, Semal, Khair, Mahira, etc. are found scattered in the forests. The undergrowth consists of Ber, Kanoda, Harsingar, etc. 15. The common wild animals in the regions are Tiger, Leopard, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Neelgai, Langur, Gaur, Wolf Elephant, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Rhesus Monkey, Black Buck etc. The important fishes commonly found in the region’s plain and river basins are Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Labeio calbase, Cirrihinus mirigale, L. Bata, M.aor, W.attu, B. bagrius, Heteropneuptus fonilis, Notopterus nontopterus, C. gaehua, and C. striatus, etc.

3. Socio-Economic Environment

16. With a geographical area of 79,714 sq.km, the population density of the state stood at 338 against the national average of 325 persons per sq. km. The sex ratio in the state is 941 and the literacy rate is 54.1%. About 28% of total population of the state is tribal. Agriculture is the major source of income of local people. About 61% area is arable, of which about 20% is under current follow. The most important crops are paddy, maize, wheat, and vegetable followed by pulse and oils seeds. Agricultural and allied activities form major portion of the state’s economy. Although Jharkhand is endowed with vast and rich natural resources, 80 % of its population residing in 32,620 villages depend mainly on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. The total area occupied by various plantation and horticulture crop in the State is about 257,000 hectares with an estimated total production of 3,785,000 tons.

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17. The State has vast reserve of mineral base which is backbone of state’s economy. There are reserves of important deposits of coal, limestone, kyanite and granite. The State has an enormous potential for exploitation of coal, mica, and other minerals particularly in Singhbhum, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Koderma. The State accounts for 32.09% of India’s coal reserves, 25.94% of copper, 31.84% of iron ore, 90% of pyrite and 57.47% of graphite and huge deposits of other minerals. The major industries in the state are mostly mineral based. The state also has good potential for tourism as it has great cultural and religious values. State has many important religious /pilgrimage centers. However, there are no archeologically sensitive locations along the project road.

B. THE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ALONG THE PROJECT ROAD

18. The project road takes off from NH-2 at Govindpur and passes through settlement locations of Pokheria, Pandidih, Narayanpur, Jamtara, Bagdhah more, Fatahpur, Nishchitpur, Dumka, Amrapara, Barhet, Borio, and terminates at junction of NH-80 at Sahebganj, covering a total length of about 310 km. The project road passes through six districts of Jharkhand State. It is revealed through surveys that the strengthening and widening of the project road will cause a large number of displacements of the people. Therefore two bypasses at Jamtara (10.92 km length) and Dumka (5.98 km length) have been proposed. 19. Major portion of project road lies at latitude of 24°16’ North and at a longitude of 87°15’ East. The topography in the area is flat except 10 km hilly section in Package 4. The land use is dominated by agriculture and open land. About 34 km length of project road passes through sections of forest areas. However, density of vegetation is very less, i.e., 0.2 to 0.25. It is envisaged that about 18,781 trees exist within a 20m corridor along the project road. However, there are no rare species of flora and fauna in the forests of region. The existing road has mostly single and intermediate lane configuration with average carriageway width varies from 3.0 to 5.0 m. Available ROW varies between 12 and 25 m. The project areas are mainly drained by Barakar river basin, Ajay river basin, and Ganga river basin. The project road crosses large number of rivers/streams (74 total) as well as ponds (114 total), hand pumps and wells exist along the project road. Major perennial rivers are in the project area are Barakar, Ajay, Gumani, Basnoi, Mayurakshi, Behmai and Morang. The project area receives an annual rainfall of over 1200 mm and soils are stable. There are no archeologically sensitive locations in the project area except few cultural structures, i.e., temples, shrines, masjid and educations centres. There are number of settlement locations along the project road where proposed improvement may lead to resettlement and land acquisition.

IV. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

A. Environmental Impacts Associated with Project Location, Preliminary Planning and Design

21. Location issues: The environmental impact of project road location will not be very significant since improvement work will be carried out along the existing roads. Some sections pass through undulations with patches of vegetation and forests. Prior clearance from the Forest Department will be obtained before execution of works to cut the road side trees and diversion of forest land. Also measures will be implemented to minimize tree felling. Minor impacts on land use and local communities are expected due to acquisition of land for widening

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of road. The project affected people will be compensated as per the provisions of the resettlement plans. The widening option, have been devised so as to cause minimize destruction of structures. There are private structures, few small temples, shrines, and educational buildings which are coming adjacent to existing carriageway of the project roads. Care will be taken to avoid such community structures or cause damage in their relocation. There will also be a requirement to establish construction camps and related contractor’s facilities, borrow pits and quarries. These will be located in environmentally sound and socially safe areas. It is expected that construction materials for the road works will be mined only from approved quarries.

22. About 34 km length of the project road passes through sections of forest area and the proposed improvement would require acquisition of about 28.03 hectares of forest land and about 326.8 hectares of vegetative cover will be cleared.

B. Environmental Impacts Due to Construction

23. Impacts on Topography, Soil and Vegetation: During the improvement work of the road sections and because of felling of trees, ground clearing; stone quarrying, and construction of structures, and construction of new bypass at Jamtara and Dumka, etc. change in micro-level topography is expected. 24. During road improvement works, there will be cut and fill activities, cutting of trees, stone quarrying, and construction of structures. Even with reasonable care exercised in the final design, the interaction between proposed road features and existing land features could result in significant land instabilities during construction. Thus, the following mitigating measures should be implemented:

existing vegetation including shrubs and grasses along the road (except within the strip directly under embankments or cuttings) should be properly maintained and all slopes/soil cutting areas should be revegetated as soon as construction activities are completed, excavation and earthworks should be mainly undertaken during the dry season when the risks from erosion and silt run-off are least, sites for quarrying, borrowing and disposal of spoils are to be confirmed according to the applicable laws and regulations in the state and the practices followed in recent/ongoing projects of international level, controlled and environmentally friendly quarrying techniques should be applied to minimise erosions and landslides, cut material should be disposed of in suitable depressions, materials that will be used for surface dressing will consist of aggregates and gravel, and must not contain silt, and Internationally accepted best practice engineering approaches will be incorporated into contract documents and monitored during construction. 25. Impacts on Surface and Groundwater Quality, Drainage and Hydrology: The project road crosses large number of rivers/streams (74 total) as well as ponds (114 total), hand pumps, and wells exist along the project road. Improvement of road may result in disruptions to the natural hydrology and water mismanagement and may lead to further problems of soil erosion. 26. The improvement of the road may result in disruptions to the natural hydrology and water mismanagement that may lead to further problems of soil erosion. Construction activities could also lead to the temporary pollution of water bodies from spillage of chemicals and oil at

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construction sites and waste from construction camps, discharge of sediment-laden water from construction areas and uncontrolled surface water discharge over the road edge creating large–scale erosion on down-slopes. Thus the following mitigating measures are recommended:

natural courses of water bodies should, as far as possible be maintained and brought back to their natural course; all debris and vegetation, clogging culverts should be regularly cleared and disposal of construction debris in streams and rivers should be avoided; river-bank slope stabilities should be monitored and appropriate remedial measures applied throughout the construction period; if possible, construction work at bridges should also be avoided during the rainy season, chemicals and oils should be stored in secure, impermeable containers, and disposed of well away from surface waters; no vehicle cleaning activity should be allowed within 300 m of water bodies/ drains; construction camps should be equipped with sanitary latrines; lined drainage structures should be provided; and side drain waters must be discharged at every available stream crossing. 27. Air Quality: During construction, and at the micro-level only, air quality may be degraded by generation of dust (SPM) and generation of polluting gases including SO2, NOX, and hydrocarbons for short periods from vehicular movements, site clearance, earth filling and material loading and unloading. The impacts are expected to be localised, temporary and confined to construction areas. Care should, however, be taken at sensitive urban locations so that harmful impacts can be minimised. The following actions should be implemented:

regular check-up and maintenance of construction equipment; mixing plants, i.e., asphalt, concrete, and bricks, should be operated within the permissible limits of CPCB, and be located away from settlements; the contractor should submit a dust suppression and control programme to the RCD; vehicles delivering loose and fine materials should be covered to reduce spills; controlled blasting should be carried out and only with the prior approval of the site Engineer and, if required, RCD; bitumen emulsion should be used wherever feasible; and bitumen heaters should be used and the use of wood for fuel discouraged or prohibited.

28. Noise and vibration will be unavoidable but the impact will only be temporary and will only affect people living or working near piling locations. Mitigation measures should include (a) construction machinery should be located away from settlements (b) careful planning of machinery operation and the scheduling of such operations can reduce noise levels, (c) the siting of construction yards at least 500 metres from residential areas, and (d) contractors should be required to fit noise shields on construction machinery and to provide earplugs to the operators of heavy machines. 29. Flora and Fauna: The project road mostly passes through plain terrain. However, acquisition of forest land (28.03 hectares) may cause minor impacts on the presence of flora and fauna in the forests. Removal of the existing vegetative cover and the uprooting of about 7,174 trees is an unfortunate activity, which may reduce the ecological balance in the areas. This may also affect the wildlife habitat and enhance soil erosion. A total of approximately 326.8 hectares of vegetation cover would probably be removed for improvement of road.

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30. To minimize negative impacts on flora such as trees, contract documents should specify that (a) all wood building material for workers’ housing should be brought from outside the project area; (b) workers should be supplied with non-wood fuels such as kerosene or liquefied petroleum gas for the duration of the contract, (c) all contract equipment and plants should be cleaned to the satisfaction of the project engineer in charge prior to their relocation to project sites; (d) during site clearance, care should be taken to ensure that the minimum area of vegetation area is affected; and (e) the water sprinkling of trucks used as construction vehicles should be properly and regularly undertaken, so that dust deposition problem on vegetation are minimized. 31. About 34 km length of project road passes through forest area. However, the presence of wild animals is very rare. The presence of wild animals in the project areas is not reported and may be considered very rare. However, to avoid any significant impacts on wildlife the following mitigating measures should be implemented: (a) construction facilities such as workers camp, construction camp, hot mix plant, batching plant should be located at least 1 km away from the forest stretches; and (b) employment agreements should specify heavy penalties for illegal hunting, trapping and wildlife trading - all other ancillary works should also agree not to participate in such activities.

C. Environmental Effects Related to Operation

32. Noise and Vibration, Air Pollution, Runoff, Spoils of Hazardous Materials: The current low traffic flows along the project roads is expected to increase because of improved economic activities associated with better access. The larger numbers of vehicles will be an additional source of noise and gaseous emissions. Traffic volumes will, however, remain low and this should not be a significant impact. Repairs to culverts and new drainage work will eliminate/ reduce the soil erosion problems presently caused by poor cross drainage. 33. Land Use and Settlements: The likely impacts on land use and settlement patterns are limited. Improved access will inevitably lead to increased in and out migration, but this is likely to occur gradually and over a prolonged period. There will be time for new residential areas to be established. There may, however, be a need to control ribbon development.

D. Potential Environmental Enhancement/ Protection Measures

34. In order to improve the environment, additional measures were also proposed during construction for the following: (a) sanitation and housekeeping at the labour/construction camps, (b) provision of water supply, (c) hygiene and provision of toilet facilities, (d) sewerage and waste disposal, (e) first aid, (f) maintenance of buildings and facilities, (g) identification of debris disposal sites, and (h) rehabilitation of quarry and borrow pits.

V. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

35. Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan: Keeping in view various environmental issues associated with project activities, an environmental management plan (Appendix A) including time frame and the implementing responsibilities have been worked out. The impacts and mitigation measures are worked out at various stages of the Project, i.e., planning and design, construction and operation stages of proposed Govindpur–Jamtara– Dumka–Barhet–Sahebganj road section.

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36. Aside from EMP, to ensure that the Project would not generate a negative impact to the overall environmental quality, the environmental monitoring plan (Appendix B) is prepared. The environmental monitoring plan also includes the responsible parties to implement and the party to supervise or receiving the monitoring report. The environmental quality monitoring covers air and water quality, noise and vibration, and other environmental parameter to monitor vegetation coverage along the road side. 37. Responsible Authorities for Implementation: The Road Construction Department (RCD), Government of Jharkhand, has been entrusted the responsibility of successful implementation of the project. RCD is responsible for development and maintenance of state road network and operates through its Headquarters at Ranchi. In the present organisational structure, RCD is headed by the Secretary, RCD, who, along with Engineer-in-Chief, is overall responsible for managing the activities of the department. 38. Institutional Requirements for the Project: To ensure that the proposed mitigation measures are implemented, the environmental management plan, which described the responsible party to implement mitigation measures and who is responsible party to supervise them, has been prepared in the matrix form (Appendix A). 39. The RCD as the Executing Agency (EA) is responsible for implementing the overall EMP. In practice, the PIC will be the responsible party to implement EMP on behalf of RCD. The contractors will be responsible for implementing all mitigation measures during the construction period, especially to mitigate all environmental impacts associated with the construction activities. The construction supervision consultant (CSC) will be responsible for day-to-day supervision of the contractor for implementing the EMP and reporting the implementation of EMP of each package to the PIC on a monthly basis. The PIC has an environmental officer and will review the CSC’s reports on implementation of EMP and coordinate with other relevant Government agencies or local authorities to take necessary actions if any environmental impacts could not be mitigated as was planned in the EMP or if any additional mitigation measures are required. The PIC will follow up by preparing annual report on implementing EMP to the relevant parties such as SPCB, Forest Department and also for ADB. 40. The expected cost of the environment mitigation measures and monitoring is about US$191,000 (US$124,000 for mitigation measures outside the civil works, which are mostly tree planting, and US$67,000 for environmental monitoring and training). Other mitigation measures are related to construction works and their cost is part of the civil works cost.

VI. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

41. Official consultations with stakeholders were carried out during the preparation of environmental study. Various officials consulted include the Chief Conservator of Forest, Chief Wildlife Warden, Environmental Officer from Pollution Control Board, and Statistical Officers. The issues discussed include flora and fauna in the region, environmental quality and socioeconomic scenario in the region. 42. Consultations with affected persons, local communities, village heads, and shopkeepers were carried out through structured questionnaire during the field surveys. Most of the people interviewed strongly support the Project. The people living in the entire project areas anticipate benefits from improved transport facilities, employment opportunities, boost economic

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development and thereby provide direct, or indirect, benefits. They are in favour of proposed development without major impacts on properties and natural resources. It is envisaged from the interview survey undertaken along project roads that there is increased environmental awareness among the local people.

VII. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

43. The positive impacts of the Project include: i) the improved road: will reduce travel time, fuel consumption, and emissions from base traffic volumes; ii) drainage conditions will be considerably improved: this because of the provision of improved side drains, culverts and causeways; iii) economic development and access will be stimulated; and iv) boost to tourism sector in the state due to better access to important tourist/religious centers. 44. The negative and deemed ‘significant’ impacts identified are: (a) impacts due to loss of forest resources and impacts due to loss of roadside trees; (b) impacts due to loss of land and displacement of people, c) change of natural course of rivers and erosion of river banks and siltation of water bodies, (d) occasional disturbance from noise generated during construction of project roads, (e) occasional high concentrations of airborne dust during construction of project road resulting in deposition and some damage to vegetation, crops and water quality of streams. 45. The predicted negative impacts will occur mostly during the construction stage but for short term and reversible. They are also manageable and almost all of them can be minimized through engineering solutions incorporated in the design and implementation of the EMP and monitoring plan. For all works, the RCD will, however, have to obtain applicable clearances from the Forest Department and Ministry of Environment and Forests. The EMP should also be improved during implementation if there is any change in design or realignment (if deemed necessary) is envisaged.

VIII. CONCLUSIONS

46. The environmental assessment report prepared for the Project has thoroughly assessed all the potential environmental impacts. All negative impacts, during and post construction, including those deemed ‘significant’ can be properly mitigated and no comprehensive, broad, diverse or irreversible adverse impacts have been identified. In view of this, it may be concluded that improvement of the project road presents no major environmental and ecological concerns and does not warrant further detailed environmental study.

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Appendix A: Environmental Management Plan

Institutional Responsibility Environmental Issues / Component

Remedial Measures / Actions Approximate Location Mitigation

Cost (INRs.) Implementation Supervision

1. Pre-construction Phase

1. Finalization of road alignment and widening options including bypass alignment

Take adequate consultation with local people to avoid sensitive areas.

Avoid excessive cut and fill and road should be aligned to follow natural topography.

Minimize requirement of forestland for road construction

Initiate actions to seek permits for diversion of forest land for non-forest uses (road construction) as per the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

Initiate actions to take environmental clearance from MoEF as per the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Avoid or minimize tree felling, acquisition of agricultural land, shifting of shrines/temples, disturbance to community ponds, community resources, burial grounds, etc. to the extent possible through evolving alternate widening options.

Throughout the project road

Bypass alignments at Jamtara (10.92km) and Dumka (5.98 km)

Part of project cost

Design Consultant / RCD

RCD

2. Land and Property Losses / Acquisition

Social Impact Assessment and Resettlement Studies undertaken for project.

Initiate all necessary land and property acquisition procedures prior to the commencement of any related work.

Adhere to the Land Acquisition procedures in accordance to RAP’s Entitlement Framework.

Compensation as per project Resettlement Action Plan.

For acquisition of forest land (about 28.0 hectares of forest land to be acquired), compensatory afforestation as per Forest Conservation Act, 1980 shall be undertaken against forest land acquisition on double amount of land.

Throughout project road corridor

Locations of forest areas along the project road alignment (34 km length)

Free land to be made available by RCD.

RCD / Design Consultant

RCD / Supervision Consultant

2. Construction Phase

1. Removal of Vegetation and Land Clearing activities

The road land width requiring clearing shall be clearly demarcated on ground as per alignment plan.

During land clearing operations, top soil shall be collected, preserved, and reused as a base for turfing of embankment

Throughout Project road corridor

Contractor Cost

Contractor / RCD Supervision Consultant/ Forest Department/

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slopes or development of barren areas along road side.

Trees falling within roadway width and other vegetative cover are to be removed. Compensatory afforestation as per requirements of forest department (1:2 in Jharkhand) shall be undertaken for loss of trees. In total 14384 trees will be planted.

Cultural properties like small temples/shrines (34 cultural properties are affected) coming within the road land width, shall be shifted to adjacent areas in consultation with local community leaders.

During clearing operations, any treasure trove, slabs with epigraphical evidence or edicts, sculptural or any material found and appear to have historical importance, it should be brought to the notice of Department of Archaeology, Government of Jharkhand and instructions of Department, if any, must be followed.

All public utilities like power transmission cables, telephone cables, water/sewerage lines, drains, tube wells, etc., falling within road land width shall be inventoried, and arrange for relocation /shifting to adjacent areas in consultation with the respective agencies/ authorities.

Establish and maintain interaction with local community to ensure that no social resentment sets in due to operations.

Locations of the Forest Areas (about 34 km length passing through forest areas)

For relocation of utilities Govt. will bear the cost

Cost of compensatory afforestation (US$0.1 million)

RCD

3. Establishment of temporary site office and material storage areas

The temporary office and storage area for construction works shall be located away from human settlement areas (minimum 500 m) and forest areas (minimum 1 km).

The office and storage areas shall preferably be located on barren/waste lands and conversion of agricultural/cultivable lands for office and storage areas shall not be allowed under any circumstances.

All fuel oil/lubricants loading, unloading and storage areas shall be paved (impermeable), and have separate storm water collection system with facility for separation of oil/lubricants prior to discharge.

The temporary office and storage area shall be provided with adequate water supply, sanitation, septic tank/soak pit of adequate capacity so that it functions properly for the

At identified location with prior approval of supervision consultant

Contractor cost

Contractor with approval of supervision consultant

Supervision Consultant/ RCD

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entire duration of its use.

After completion of construction works, the site shall be restored to its previous state by undertaking clean up operations.

4. Establishment of construction camp sites

The construction campsites shall be located away from any local human settlement areas and preferably located on lands, which are barren/waste lands.

The camps shall be located, at a minimum, 1 km from forest areas to deter trespassing of construction labour.

The campsites shall be provided with adequate water supply, sanitation and all requisite infrastructure facilities. This would minimize dependence on outside resources, presently being used by local populace and minimize undesirable social friction thereof.

The camps shall have septic tank/soak pit of adequate capacity so that it can function properly for the entire duration of its use.

Construction camps shall be provided with kerosene/LPG to avid dependence on firewood for cooking to the extent possible.

After completion of construction works, location of campsites shall be restored to its previous state by undertaking clean up operations.

At identified camp location with prior approval of supervision consultant

Contractor cost



5. Extraction and mobilization of construction materials, i.e., boulders, aggregates, earth and water for construction

Stone aggregates shall be sourced only from licensed existing quarries. RCD has identified quarries.

No new crushers shall be established and existing licensed crushers will be used.

Ensure stone quarries and crushing units have pollution control system, occupational safety procedures/practices in place and regular inspection shall be carried to ensure compliance. This shall be a pre-condition for sourcing of materials from quarries/crushing plants.

Earth borrow areas identified in design report shall be reassessed for its environmental sensitivity and ensure it is not an ecologically sensitive areas. Permits are to be obtained from authorities and all permit conditions are

At identified quarries and borrow area location with prior approval of supervision consultant

Contractor cost



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complied.

The borrow areas are to be demarcated with signboards and operational areas are to be access controlled.

Topsoil from borrow areas (first 30cm) are to be preserved and used for redevelopment of borrow areas as per IRC provisions or as a base for turfing along embankment slopes.

The borrow areas as an option may be converted into ponds wherever possible, which can be used for storage of rainwater for domestic use.

Conversion of agricultural lands for borrowing earth is to be discouraged to the use possible unless warranted by local conditions. In such cases, written consent shall be obtained from the land owners.

Fly ash shall be used in all road construction works, which are within the 100 km from thermal power stations. Design consultant has identified sources of fly ash and incorporated in the design as per IRC specifications.

Water for construction works shall not be drawn from sources, which serve routine needs of local people.

In case water is sourced from existing private tube wells, well owner shall be informed about the quantity and duration for which water drawls will be carried out and possible implications. Written consent for use of groundwater shall be obtained.

In case new tube wells are to be constructed, required permits are to be obtained from the Ground Water Department and permit conditions, if any are to be complied.

In any case, care shall be taken not to source all requirements from one single source and no two sources (in case of tube wells) shall be less than 500 m from each other.

6. Transportation of construction materials

Existing tracks/roads are to be used for hauling of materials to extent possible.

The alignment of haul roads (in case of new ones) shall be

Along haul roads with prior approval of supervision consultant

Contractor cost

Contractor with approval of supervision


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finalized to avoid agricultural lands to the extent possible. In unavoidable circumstances, suitable compensation shall be paid to people, whose land will be temporarily acquired for the duration of operations. The compensation shall cover for loss of income for the duration of acquisition and land restoration.

Prior to alignment of new haul roads, topsoil shall be preserved or at least shall be used for any other useful purposes like using in turfing of embankment rather than allowing its loss by construction activities.

Dust suppression along transportation links is to be ensured by deploying water tankers with sprinkling system are to be deployed along haul roads.

The vehicles deployed for material transportation shall be spillage proof to avoid or minimize the spillage of the material during transportation. Transportation links are to be inspected daily to clear accidental spillage, if any.

Precaution shall be taken to avoid inconvenience to the local community due to movement of materials.

consultant

7. Temporary traffic diversion

Wherever required prepare appropriate traffic diversion plans (in specific stretches as per progress of construction work) and implement to avoid inconvenience due to construction works to present road users.

The traffic diversion signs should be bold and clearly visible particularly at night.

Diversion schemes are required to ensure smooth traffic flow, minimize accidents to road users during construction works.

All along the project road. Contractor cost



8. Cut and Fill operations

Finalization of alignment plan and profile shall consider options to minimize excessive cuts or fills. The design shall follow the relevant IRC specifications.

The cut and fill quantities required for profile correction shall be balanced to the extent possible, to avoid dependence on earth from borrow areas.

In both cases of cut and fill, top soil shall be preserved and reused for turfing of embankment slopes or redevelopment

All along the project road. Contractor cost

Contractor with approval of supervision consultant on plan and profile


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of borrow areas or any other areas in the vicinity of roads.

Under no circumstances, topsoil shall be allowed to be used as a fill material in road construction activities.

9. Preparation of embankments and road base

The road construction works will raise, extend and enlarge existing road carriageway all along the alignment. Therefore, mitigation measures to contain erosion and drainage problems are essential.

The engineering measures for countering soil erosion, slope protection, drainage wherever required shall be considered and implemented as per relevant IRC specification.

Measures like selection of less erodable material for embankment construction, compaction, adequate embankment slopes and turfing shall be considered as per IRC specifications.

All along the project road

At locations of embankments

Contractor cost



10. Construction of bridges / culverts

The road construction will also require construction of several cross drainage structures, across streams/rivers flowing across the road.

Refer to hydrological studies to ensure that construction of drainage structures is not likely to alter drainage pattern, and discharge capacities of drainage structures are designed to facilitate smooth passage of water and heading up or flooding is avoided even in flood season.

Schedule the construction works to dry season so that impacts on water quality of stream/river is minimized or avoided.

Precaution shall be exercised to prevent oil/lubricant/ hydrocarbon contamination of channel bed during construction works. Spillage, if any, shall be immediately cleared with utmost caution to leave no traces.

Ensure all construction wastes are removed from work site and stream/river beds are to be cleaned up after completion of construction but prior to onset of monsoon.

Locations of bridges/culverts along the project road (74 locations of culverts/bridges)

Contractor cost



11. Plantation of trees Tree planting operations shall be commenced immediately after completion of embankment compaction.

Tree plantation along the road shall be undertaken as per

All along the project road / at identified location

Environmental Cost US$ 0.1 million)

Contractor / local Forest Department

Supervision Consultant/ Forest

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permit conditions issued by the Department of Forests, prior to tree felling.

The species shall be suitable for local climate and easily available. The concerned Divisional Forest Officer can be consulted for selection of species and technical guidance, if required.

Proper care shall be taken to increase survival rate of saplings like regular watering, pruning, provision of tree guards, manure for better nourishment, etc., including timely replacement of perished saplings.

Department

12. Establishment and operations of hot mix plants, laying of bitumen

Hot mix plants shall be established at least 500 m away from human settlements and preferably located on leeward side of most dominant wind direction.

NOC to establish and operate are to be obtained from State Pollution Control Board and all permit conditions are to be implemented/ complied.

The hot mix plants shall be set up on barren/waste lands and conversion of agricultural/cultivable lands for this purpose shall not be allowed under any circumstances.

All operational areas like storage, handling, loading, unloading areas shall be paved, and have separate storm water collection system with facility for separation of oil/lubricants prior to discharge.

The storm water from storage area shall not be directly discharged into any, nearby water courses/drains.

The hot mix plants shall be provided with adequate water supply, sanitation, septic tank/soak pit of adequate capacity so that it functions properly for the entire duration of its use.

After completion of construction works, the site shall be restored to its previous state by undertaking clean up operations.

Hot mix plants shall have required measures for control of dust, air, and noise pollution as per regulatory limits of State Pollution Control Board measures.

Appropriate traffic diversion schemes shall be implemented during bitumen paving is under progress and all works shall

At identified hot mix plant locations with prior approval of supervision consultant

Contractor cost



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be planned and swiftly completed to avoid inconvenience to road users.

13. Mobilization of construction machineries and vehicles

All diesel-run equipment/vehicles/ deployed for construction activities shall be regularly maintained for smooth operation, a measure contributing to air quality and noise.

Vehicles/equipment shall be periodically subjected for emission tests and shall have valid Pollution Under Control certificates.

All vehicles deployed for material movement shall be spill proof to the extent possible. In any case, all material movement routes shall be inspected daily twice to clear off any accidental spills.

At identified locations Contractor cost



14. Occupational Health and safety hazards at work and camp sites

All personnel at work sites shall be provided with protective gears like helmets, boots, etc., so that injuries to personnel are avoided or minimized.

Children and pregnant women shall not be allowed to work under any circumstances.

No personnel shall be allowed to work at site for more than 10 hours per day (8-hour makes one work shift).

Workforce, likely to be exposed to noise levels beyond regulatory stipulated limits, shall be provided with protective gears like ear plugs, etc., and regularly rotated.

Dust suppression measures like sprinkling of water shall be ensured at all operations areas.

The construction camps shall have healthcare facilities for adults, pregnant women and children.

All construction personnel shall be subjected to routine vaccinations and other preventive/healthcare measures.

The work and campsites shall have suitable facilities for handling any emergency situation like fire, explosion, etc.

All areas intended for storage of hazardous materials shall be quarantined and provided with adequate facilities to combat emergency situations. All required permits for storage of inflammable/hazardous materials are to be obtained.

At identified locations Contractor cost



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The personnel in charge of such areas shall be properly trained, licensed and with sufficient experience.

The operational areas shall be access controlled and entry shall be allowed only under authorization.

15. Cleaning work sites and waste disposal

All operational areas under road construction works like work sites, office/storage area, work force camps, and borrow areas, shall be cleaned up and restored to its previous state soon after operations are complete.

All construction waste shall be disposed in approved areas. Local district authorities shall be consulted to determine disposal site and implement any conditions imposed while issuing permits.

All along the project road Contractor cost



3. Operation Phase

1. Contamination from accidental spills

The accident sites shall be cleared immediately.

The soiled dearth shall be scraped into small lined confined pits nearby with ROW

All along the project road Maintenance cost

RCD / Contractor RCD

2. Air Pollution Vehicular air pollution shall be managed enforcing the vehicle emission rules.

Road side tree plantation shall be maintained.

Public awareness shall be generated.

All along the project road Maintenance cost

Transport Department/ SPCB/ RCD

RCD

3. Noise Pollution No horn signs for sensitive area (dense forests, school and religious structures) shall be put up.

Public awareness program shall be conducted.

At selected locations Contractor cost

Contractor RCD

4. Water Pollution The drainage system shall be cleaned periodically as per operation and maintenance manual.

Washing of vehicles shall be prohibited and signs will be put up.

At selected locations Maintenance cost

Contractor RCD

5. Safety Measures The traffic management plan shall be developed along congested locations.

Traffic control measures, including speed limits, shall be enforced strictly.

Encroachment and squatting within the ROW shall be controlled.

At selected locations Maintenance cost

Contractor / RCD RCD

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No schools or hospitals shall be allowed to be established within ROW.

Note: RCD: Road Construction Department, SPCB: State Pollution Control Board; IRC: Indian Road Congress; RAP: Resettlement Action Plan; ROW: Right of Way; NOC: No Objection Certificate

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Appendix B: Environmental Monitoring Plan

Responsible party Environmental Features

Aspect to be Monitored Time and Frequency of Monitoring Location Implementation Supervision

Before starting of any construction activities.

Once in every section while construction is ongoing.

i) Air and Noise Concentration of SPM and SO2 and NOx

Leq - Noise levels on dB (A) scale Once after completion of construction activities.

At selected settlement locations along the project road

Supervision Consultant

RCD

Before starting of construction activities.

During construction activities in the vicinity of each water body.

ii) Water Quality Concentration of sediments and presence of construction debris.

Once after completion of construction activities.

pH, BOD, COD, DO, TDS, NO3 and Coliform

Same as above.

Major water bodies / streams and ponds along the project road alignment


RCD

Length of line drainage structures constructed and strengthened.

During construction activities in the vicinity of each water body.

Full length of project road


RCD

Before starting of construction activities. Length of damaged or missing line drains.




RCD

Before starting of construction activities.

Once a year during construction activities.

Total number, type and lengths of cross drainage structures including bridges constructed or strengthened

Once after completion of all construction activities.



RCD

Before starting of construction activities. Number of weak cross drainage structures.




RCD

iii) Tree Plantation Survival rate of plants Once every season during construction

One in a year during operation phase for 2 years

Location of compensatory afforestation all along the project road.

Supervision Consultant / RCD

RCD

BOD = biochemical oxygen demand, COD = chemical oxygen demand, DO = dissolved oxygen, NOx = nitrogen oxides, NO3 = nitrate, RCD = Road Construction Department, SPM = suspended particulate matter, TDS = total dissolved solids.

environmental assessment report · requirements of eia notification, 2006 of government of india....

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