04 MW HYDEL POWER PLANT THAK NULLAH, …...IEE Report for 04MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Plant I. INTRODUCTION 1. For the updation of IEE report already prepared in the year 2008 for

04 MW HYDEL POWER PLANT

THAK NULLAH, CHILAS

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

REVISED

June, 2012

IEE Report for 04MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Plant

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction:

Initial Environmental Examination Report of 4 MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Project presents the

environmental assessment of the construction and the operation phases of the project. It is to ensure

that the potential adverse environmental impacts are appropriately addressed in line with ADB's SPS

2009 as well as meeting the requirements of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997. The Project

is covered by Schedule B of Energy Sector as per “Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and

Approval of Environmental Assessment” issued by Pak - EPA in August 2000 and Category “B” Under

ADB's SPS 2009 which requires preparation of an IEE Report for submission to EPA Gilgit Baltistan

for their approval.

Project Description:

The project site is located about 15 Km east of Chilas town. The project area is accessible from Chilas

Babusar pass highway running along Thak nullah off-taking from Chilas-Gilgit road (Karakoram

Highway). It is located on Thak Nullah which is a left bank tributary of Indus river having a length of 23

km. Its confluence with the Indus river is at about 5km east of Chilas. The weir intake is proposed on

right side of Thak Nullah in Khun village where as the powerhouse is proposed about 4.5 Km

downstream of the weir intake

Environmental Baseline:

The project area falls in the Diamer district which lies in the southwest of Gilgit-Baltistan. The field

surveys conducted in February 2012 to collect primary and secondary data in respect of physical,

biological and socio-economic environment and to verify the inventory of affected assets. Meetings

were also held with officials of departments of revenue, agriculture, health, education, meteorology.

Public consultations were held with locals including project affectees. The population of the 7 villages

within the influence of the project is at present 3,510. All households have access to electricity with

irregular supply. The water supply and sanitation conditions need improvement.

Environmental Impacts and Mitigation:

The project impacts have been discussed with reference to design, construction and operation related

impacts and positive impacts. The design related impacts relate to loss of land and assets due to

construction of project structures. Construction related impacts, in particular, relate to loss of land and

built-up structures due to laying out of penstock pipe and approach road along the penstock pipe. The

construction related impacts will be manageable if the mitigation measures are implemented

thoroughly.

Out of total 7.469 acres of land acquisition, the project will also affect 1.523 acres cultivated land

comprising wheat and vegetables crops. A total of 32 fruit and shade/wood trees, and various

structures including 4 houses made up of mud stone with thatched roofing measuring 299.749m2,


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boundary walls 2,820.201m3 (including 74.513m

3 private boundary walls, 2560m3 NHA road

boundary walls and 185.688m3 community based boundary walls), cattle shed measuring 27.890m

2

and a garage measuring 28.014m2 will also be affected due to construction of penstock pipe.

In addition, community based structures such as Madrasa measuring 71.596m2, civil supply

Chowkidar room measuring 20.821m2, and two number of water channels of 275m length will partially

be affected due to construction of penstock pipe.

Based on these land and non-land impacts, the project will impact a total of 44 families with a total of

470 family members. All the affectees will be compensated according to the rate as fixed by the

Revenue Department.

Institutional Requirements:

Environmental impacts associated with construction and operation of the project need to be mitigated

for which institutional arrangements have been proposed by establishing a project management unit

(PMU) headed by a full time project director to ensure compliance with ADB policies and procedures.

For addressing complaints and grievances of project affectees, a grievance redress committee (GRC)

has been proposed.

Environmental Management Plan:

The environmental management plan (EMP) has been drawn up to address environmental concerns,

recommend mitigation measures and assign responsibility to implement and monitor them. The

environmental management plan should be used as a basis for environmental compliance programme

and be included in the contract document.


I. INTRODUCTION

1. For the updation of IEE report already prepared in the year 2008 for 04 MW Hydel Power

Plant Project, arrangements were made to provide consultancy services by Pakistan Engineering

Services (Pvt.) Ltd. in the year 2012 by Water and Power Department Gilgit Baltistan. In order to

consider project financing, an Asian Development Bank Mission visited the project area during

August 2011. Before detailed design is undertaken by EPC Contractor Environmental Assessment

(IEE Report) and Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP) Report is to be completed. It is

mandatory that no objection certificate of the IEE Report is obtained from EPA GB before proceeding

with the construction of the project.

2. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) presents the environmental assessments

regarding the design, construction and operation of the proposed hydel power plant. This IEE has

been carried out to ensure that the potential adverse environmental impacts are appropriately

addressed in line with ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009. This IEE has also been

updated to meet the requirements of the GoP for environmental assessment.

3. This IEE will be submitted to ADB by the Government of Gilgit Baltistan on behalf of Gilgit

Baltistan Water and Power Department (GB-WPD). This report is to be submitted for review and

approval by the Gilgit Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA) as required by the

Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997.

A. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

4. Section 12(1) of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 requires that “No

proponent of a project1 shall commence construction or operation unless he has filed with the

Federal Agency2 an initial environmental examination or, where the project is likely to cause an

adverse environmental effect, an environmental impact assessment, and has obtained from the

Federal Agency approval in respect thereof."

5. The National Environmental Quality Standards is (NEQS) applicable to any process

emission or effluent from the subproject. However, no such emission or effluent is envisaged from

this project.

1 Defined as "any activity, plan, scheme, proposal or undertaking involving any change in the environment and includes-(a)

construction or use of buildings or other works; (b) construction or use of roads or other transport systems; (c) construction or operation of factories or other installations; (d) mineral prospecting, mining, quarrying, stone-crushing, drilling and the like; (e) change of land use or water use; and (f) alteration, expansion, repair, decommissioning or abandonment of existing buildings or other work roads or other transport systems, factories or other installations. 2 The Ministry of Environment, Government of Pakistan has delegated the power of the Federal Agency for EIA and IEE reviews for projects falling in different provinces to the environmental protection agencies of the respective provinces. Federal Agency in this case is the NA Environmental Protection Agency.


6. Pak - EPA in August 2000 issued “Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval

of Environmental Assessment”, which includes Schedules A, B and C defining development projects

in terms of requirements for EIA and IEE. Schedule A defines projects which require an EIA. It deals

with list of major projects which have the potential to affect a large number of people. The impact of

such projects may be irreversible and could lead to significant changes in land use and in the social,

physical and biological environment. The Section of Schedule A relating to Energy Sector states that

hydropower generation above 50 MW will require environmental impact assessment report.

Schedule B defines projects which require an IEE. It deals with projects where the range of

environmental issues is comparatively narrow and issues can be understood and managed through

less extensive analysis. The Section of Schedule B states that hydropower electric generation below

50 MW will require IEE Report. Schedule C combines everything not in Schedule A and B. Thus

Thak Nullah Hydel Power Plant Project is covered by Schedule B which requires preparation of an

IEE Report for submission to EPA GB for their approval.

B. ENVIRONMENTAL CATEGORY OF THAK NULLAH HPP

7. ADB uses a classification system to reflect the significance of a project‟s potential

environmental impacts. A project‟s category is determined by the category of its most

environmentally sensitive component including direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts in

the project‟s area of influence. Each proposed project is scrutinised as to its type, location, scale, and

sensitivity and the magnitude of its potential environmental impacts. Projects are assigned one of the

four categories (A, B, C, or FI) for environmental assessment. The category is assigned based on the

project's potential for environmental impact as follows:

Category A: A proposed project is classified as category A if it is likely to have significant adverse

environmental impacts that are reversible, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an

area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. An environmental impact assessment

is required.

Category B: A proposed project is classified as category B if its potential adverse environmental

impacts are less adverse than those of category of A projects. These impacts are site specific, few if

any of them are reversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can designed more readily than

for category A projects. An initial environmental examination is required.

Category C: A proposed Project is classified as category C if it is likely to have minimal or no

adverse environmental impacts. No environmental assessment is required although environmental

implications need to be reviewed.

Category FI: A proposed project is classified as category of FI if it involves investment of ADB funds

to or through a F1.


8. Under ADB's SPS 2009, the proposed project is a Category “B” project. Therefore an IEE

has been prepared „‟with its narrower scope, has been conducted for the project with its limited

impacts that are few in number, generally site-specific, largely reversible, and readily addressed

through mitigation measures.‟‟

C. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF IEE

9. The objectives of the IEE are to:

i) Assess the existing environmental conditions to the areas where the project is

located including the identification and information of environmentally sensitive

areas;

ii) Assess the proposed activities, identify and evaluate the potential impacts and

determine their significance;

iii) Proposed appropriate mitigation measures that can be incorporated into the

proposed activities to minimize any adverse impacts, ensure that residual

impacts are acceptable and to propose appropriate monitoring requirements.

10. This lEE is based on field reconnaissance surveys, secondary sources of information and

public consultation undertaken specifically for this project.

D. REPORT STRUCTURE

11. Following (i) introduction, this report contains eight more sections including (ii) project

description; (iii) environmental baseline; (iv) environmental impacts and mitigation; (v) stakeholders

consultation; (vi) institutional requirements and environmental management plan; (vii) environmental

related costs; (viii) findings and recommendations; and (ix) conclusions.

12. Assessment of environmental flow is given in Appendix – I, list of participants of local

consultations and line departments in Appendix II, environmental management plan in Appendix - III

and photographic documentation of the project area is provided at the end of the report.


II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

13. According to data provided by GBWPD, there are 3,600 electricity consumers in Chilas

and surrounding areas. Of these 3,200 (89%) are domestic, 300 (8%) are commercial, whereas 100

(3%) are industrial. The total power demand is 2.4 MW however; the total installed capacity of hydel

and thermal power plants is 1.7 MW. Thus there is a shortfall of 0.7 MW. Unless new sources of

power are added, the situation is likely to aggravate with time as the demand is projected to increase

to 4.2 MW by 2015. The proposed 04 MW plant will be an important project to bridging the widening

gap between demand and supply.

B. LOCATION

14. The proposed Hydel Power Project is located on Thak Nullah which is a left bank tributary

of Indus river having a length of 23 km. Its confluence with the Indus river is at about 5km east of

Chilas. The project site is located about 15 Km east of Chilas town. The project area is accessible

from Chilas Babusar pass highway running along Thak nullah off-taking from Chilas-Gilgit road

(Karakoram Highway).The weir intake is proposed on right side of Thak Nullah in Khun village where

as the powerhouse is proposed about 4.5 Km downstream of the weir intake. The location of the

project on map of Pakistan is sown in Figure 1 where as its location on regional map of Chilas is

given in Figure 2.

Figure 1: Project Location in the Map of Pakistan

Thak Nullah HPP


Figure 2: Location of the Project on Regional Map of Chilas

D. PROJECT COMPONENTS

15. The layout of the project showing various project components is given in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Layout Plan of Thak Nullah HPP

16. The layout of the project comprises of a diversion weir, intake channel, settling tank, by

pass channel, fore bay, powerhouse, tail race channel, spill channel, penstock pipe and surge tank.

Salient features of the layout are listed below.


Table 1: Project Components

Sr. # Item Units Quantity

i. Design Discharge m3/s 1

ii. Gross Head meter 325

iii. Net Head meter 300

iv. Installed Capacity MW 4

v. Mean Annual Energy GWh 27.33

vi. Plant Factor % 78

vii. Penstock Diameter meters 1

viii. Penstock Length meters 4,620

ix Turbines Nos. 2

x Type of Turbines - 750ppm,twin jet Pelton wheel

xi Capacity of Each Turbine MW 2

xii Forebay capacity m3 3,900

xiii Powerhouse Type Surface -

xiv Powerhouse Size m 15m x 6m x7m

xv Grid station m 15m x15m

xvi Generator output MW 2

xvii Transformer capacity MVA 5

xviii. Length of 11kV Transmission Line Km 10

17. Diversion Weir: The typical weir made of gabions is proposed for diversion of water at the

take of point. The crest of the weir is proposed to be 4m above the nullah bed to provide sufficient

head. Two guide walls have been provided to divert water into the intake channel.

18. Intake and By Pass channels: A trapezoidal open channel is proposed for conveyance of

water from the weir to the intake structures.

19. Settling Tank: a settling tank has been proposed for the removal of sand and silt

particles. At the entrance of the settling tank a trash rack is proposed to be provided for the removal

of floating objects and bigger particles which may find their way through the intake channel. The tank

is also provided with a sluice valve fro periodic flushing.

20. Forebay: A circular tank of 35m dia is proposed for the storage of water for the lean

period. The tank can hold 3850m3 of water to meet the requirements in lean period.

21. Surge Tank: A surge tank of the same size as for the forebay is proposed on the hill slope

near the power house at the height of 315m from the entry point of the penstock at the power house.

22. Penstock: A penstock pipe of about 4.5km long having 1m dia is proposed to bury

underground.


23. Grid Station and Transmission Line: The 33kv grid station has been proposed in Jaldas

in Chilas town thereby developing a stable and flexible distribution network in the area.

24. The 33 kV power transmission line is proposed to transfer the electrical power of Thak

Nullah hydel power plant over a distance of 10 km along the existing transmission line to the

proposed 33kV grid station at Jaldas in Chilas Town.

25. Access Road to Weir Site: The project site is accessible through Babusar Pass Highway

off taking from Karakoram Highway near Chilas town. The powerhouse and the weir site are located

on this highway at 10km and 14km form Karakoram Highway respectively. No access road

construction or rehabilitation would require for project implementation.

26. Manpower: About 200 people will be employed for the implementation of the project

where as 20 persons will get permanent employment for its operation and maintenance.

27. Construction Schedule: The implementation period of the project is 4 years

starting from 2012.

28. Environmental Flow: The weir on Thak Nullah is designed to divert 1.0 m3/s of water for

the power generation of 4MW. Between October and April the average flow in Thak Nullah is

1.7m3/s. Thus in these months, more than half of the water will be diverted for power production and

there would be minimal flow in the stream between the weir site and the proposed powerhouse site,

a distance of about 4 km. The minimal flow i.e. 0.7m3/s is much higher than the 10% of average

minimum flow 0.17m3/s which is considered as environmental flow for bare survival of biota in the

vulnerable reach. During the months of February and March the average monthly flow reduces to

1.17m3/s. These months have been declared as lean months and the powerhouse will not be

operated at full capacity. Only one turbine will operate using 0.5m3/s of flow thus allowing the

remaining water as environmental releases.


III. ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE

A. FIELD SURVEY

29. The field work for determining socio-economic setting and environmental baseline of the

project area was undertaken from 07-2-2012 to 11-02-2012. The survey team consisted of PES and

PMU professional staff including Project Manager, Senior Environmentalist, sociologist, ecologist,

and Engineers. The work consisted of project area socio-environmental survey through participatory

rural appraisal/focused group discussions with locals and owners of land, primary/ secondary data

collection, visits/ discussion with line department officials. The baseline data collected regarding

existing socio-economic and environment condition of the project area is discussed in the following

sections whereas the photographic documentation of the field survey is given in at the end of the

report.

B. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

30. The project area falls in the Diamer district of the GB. Diamer District lies in the southwest

of the GB. The Karakoram Highway enters the GB in this district The Indus River runs in the east to

west direction through the middle of the district. The elevation near the Indus is less than 1,500 m. At

north and south of the Indus valley the elevation increases to more than 4,000 m. Nanga Parbat, the

9th highest peak in the world at 8,126 m, lies in Diamer district at its border with Astore district.

31. The climate of the Diamer District has considerable variation with elevation. The areas

below 3,000 m are warm and have very little precipitation. The summer season in low lying valleys is

hot but at high altitude is very pleasant. Similarly, winter season at high altitude is extremely cold as

compared to the valleys. During winter the northern winds blow constantly bringing the temperature

down considerably.

32. At Chilas, the mean maximum temperature is 39.6°C in July, the hottest month and 12.3°C

in January, the coldest month. The mean minimum temperatures are 27.3°C in July and 0.9°C in

January, respectively. The annual precipitation is less than 200 mm. Half of the rain falls in three

months March to May.

33. Climatic data in the form of mean of daily maximum mean of daily minimum, Maximum

recorded, minimum recorded, and average monthly precipitation at Chilas is given in Table 2.

34. Rivers and Streams: The glaciers and the snow bound peaks bring out streams and

rivers in the beautiful valleys finally merge in the mighty Indus. Plenty of springs and streams flow

throughout the district providing clean water for drinking and irrigation. GB is drained by the mighty

Indus which rises in Tibet. Other two river Shingo on Shyok passing through Kargil area join the

Indus in GB.


Table 2: Climatic Data of Chilas

Month

Temperature °C Average

Monthly Rainfall

(mm)

Mean of

Daily

Maximum

Mean of

Daily

Minimum

Maximum

Recorded

Minimum

Recorded

January 12.3 0.9 19 -4.4 8.4

February 14.5 3.4 22.8 -2.8 12.7

March 20.1 8.4 31 0 30

April 26.1 13.8 37.2 3.9 31.9

May 31.1 18.4 42.2 7.2 27.7

June 37.6 24.3 46.4 13 7.6

July 33.6 27.3 47 15.6 11.6

August 38.6 26.7 48.1 15.6 12.4

September 35.1 22.5 43.6 11.1 3

October 28.4 14.6 37.8 6 12,8

November 20.9 7.1 29 -0.6 4

December 13.7 2.1 20.4 -3.1 11.1

35. Thak Nullah has a total catchment of about 190 km2 at the proposed weir site;

the annual rainfall in the catchment is estimated to be about 300 mm. The rainfall is almost evenly

distributed throughout the year. The contribution of the rain to the discharge of the Thak Nullah is

insignificant. The major contribution to the nullah is the melting snow at higher altitudes.

36. The mean annual flow in the stream at the site is 5.64 m3/s. The minimum flow of1.17 m

3/s

is recorded in February and March. With the onset of summer the flow in the stream increases and a

peak flow of 18.0 m3/s is recorded in July as indicated in Table 3. The gross head available for

generation is 325 meters and the net useful head after allowing for the frictional and intake structure

losses is 300 m.

Table 3: Record of Flow in Thak Nullah (1963-1993)

Sr. # Month Average Flow (m3/s)

1 January 1.28

2 February 1.18

3 March 1.17

4 April 2.08

5 May 6.45

6 June 10.0

7 July 18.0

8 August 14.2

9 September 7.22

10 October 2.64

11 November 1.91

12 December 1.49

Annual Average 5.64


37. Geology: The geology of the region is very diverse. Bed rock consists of a wide variety of

igneous and metamorphic rocks, which had undergone extensive deformation. Superficial materials

occur mainly as glacial deposit terraces along the river valleys, as alluvial fans at the confluence of

Indus and its tributaries and as recently deposited alluvial material in and along the nullahs and the

river-beds.The region has been affected by the collusion of Indian and Asiatic mass with a

sedimentary basin in between. Rugged mountains, deep U-shaped valleys, flat terraces and narrow

flood plains, characterize the area. The rocks exposed are mostly Norites. These rocks range from

Precambrain to Moicene in age

38. Siesmicity: Northern Areas is located in moderate to major damage seismic zone for

which the seismic factor is between g/10 to g/5. During detail design phase EPC contractor will carry

out investigation for PGA (g) and other geological parameters.

39. Soils: The alluvial soils are mainly clayey and silty shallow to moderately deep over

gravels. They are rich in organic matter and are fertile. There is almost no soil cover on the high

rocky mountains. The terraces are generally infested with gravels and boulders and interbeded and

intermixed with some fine material mainly sand and clay. Some moraine deposits and some sandy

patches are also seen.

C. AIR ENVIRONMENT

40. The air quality of the Project area is generally fresh and free of any pollutants. This is so

because there is no major source of air pollution like industrial activity, or vehicular traffic. This may

result in a rise in suspended particulate matter (SPM) during high winds or major traffic movement

which is of temporary nature.

41. During transportation of construction material and heavy equipment, dust levels are

expected to rise in the project area. The large particles of the dust will deposit in the adjoining areas

and smaller particles will remain suspended in the air causing air pollution in the surrounding areas.

Although the problem will be temporary and localised still special measures should be taken to

reduce this impact.

D. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

42. Flora: Diamer has the best forest resources in the GB. The forests cover is about 217,000

hectares which constitutes more than 75% of the total forest in the NA. All of the forests are

classified as private and none has any legal protection. The forests in Diamer are mainly classified

as montane dry temperate coniferous forests. This forest type contains blue pine (Pinus waltichiana),

edible pine (Pinus gerardiana), cedar (Cedrus deodara) and juniper, in pure and mixed stands. There

are no protected forests in the project area. On lower elevation a variety of trees including shrubs

and medicinal plants are found which are listed below.


Sr. No. Botanical Name

Trees

1. Dalbergia sisso

2. Melia azdarach

3. Olea cuspidala

4. Populous spp.

5. Salix spp.

Shrubs

7. Ross muschata

8. Dodonea viscosa

Medicinal Plants

10. Rumex

11. Aconitum

12. Prunus

13. Carum

14. Curui

Fruit Trees

15. Chalghoza

17. Wallnut

18. Almond

19. Mulberry

20. Grapes

21. apricort

43. A high growth rate of human population has put increasing pressure on the regional

natural resource base. As a result, processes such as deforestation, firewood collection, overgrazing

and over-hunting have become major threats to the remaining biodiversity in GB. The continuing loss

of forest habitat, with its associated fauna and flora, will have serious implications for the GB's other

natural ecosystems.

44. Fauna: A number of globally significant species of mammals are found in the area

including some of the threatened species reported from the Diamer District are Woolly flying squirrel

(Hylopetes cinereus}, the flare-horned markhor or Astore markhor (Capra falconeri) on the hill tops,

the snow leopard (Uncia uncia} in the valley during winters, and Himalayan black bear (Ursus

thlbetanus). List of existing fauna in the project area is given below;

List of Existing Fauna in the Project Area

Sr.No. Species Name IUCN Red List/Govt. of Pakistan

1. Black bear Endangered Species IUCN Red List

2. Brown bear Endangered Species IUCN Red List

3. Chukor Common Government of Pakistan

4. Eagle Common Government of Pakistan

5. Falcon Endangered Species Government of Pakistan

6. Golden eagle Endangered Species Government of Pakistan

7. Himalayan snowcock Endangered Species Government of Pakistan

8. H.Ibex Endangered Species Government of Pakistan

9. Marco Polo sheep Endangered Species IUCN Red List


11. Markhor Endangered Species IUCN Red List

12. Musk Dear Endangered Species Government of Pakistan

13. Pigeon Common Government of Pakistan

14. Red fox Rare Government of Pakistan

15. Urial Rare Government of Pakistan

16.. Wolf Endangered Species IUCN Red List

45. About 230 species of birds, 20 species of freshwater fish, 54 mammals, 23 reptiles and 6

amphibians are reported from GB. In comparison, the corresponding figures for the whole of

Pakistan are 668, 198, 174, 177, and 22, respectively. The anthropogenic activities that have

contributed to this includes the settlements, land clearing, and more recently the Babusar pass

highway.

46. Protected Areas: No protected areas such as game reserve, game sanctuaries, national

park etc are found in the nearby vicinity of the project area.

47. Fishery: Earlier studies suggest that 17 species of native fish and three species of exotic

fish occur in the region. Four of the native species are believed to be endemic to GB, while several

others have restricted ranges and are confined to one or two localities. The three exotic species of

fish are the brown trout, North American rainbow trout and the Chinese carp. The brown trout that

was introduced to the GB in the early 20th

century is now well established and is found in most of the

rivers and lakes of Gilgit and Ghizar Districts. The North American rainbow trout and Chinese carp,

have been introduced for aquaculture, and are found only in water bodies in which they are stocked.

Their natural breeding is reportedly very restricted.

48. During present fish studies mainly specimen of snow carp was reported to be found in the

reach of Thak nullah as reported by Assistant Director Fishery, Chilas. The fishing catch effort –

capture ratio assessment methods shows that snow carp mainly inhabits powerhouse site to its

confluence at Indus.

49. No commercial or major recreational fishing has been reported from the Thak Nullah reach

of the project area.

E. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT

50. Northern areas of Pakistan lying in the extreme north of the country are officially

designated as Gilgit Baltistan (GB) province. This province borders Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the west,

Afghanistan to the North, China to the northeast, the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and

Indian occupy state of Jammu and Kashmir to the south and southeast. Administratively, GB is

divided into 7 districts namely Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza-Nagar, Ghanche and Skardu.

Gilgit town is the political and administrative headquarter of GB. Other important urban centres

include Skardu and Chillas. The Thak Nullah project area lies in Diamer district near Chilas town.


51. Diamer District was created in 1972 and covers 6500 sq km of mostly arid mountainous

area. The district is administratively divided in two sub divisions, Chilas, Darel/Tangir, with three

tehsils (Chilas, Babusar and Darel). With its headquarter in Chilas Town, the district has 23 main and

secondary valleys where most of the population is concentrated. Diamer is a gateway to the Northern

Areas from South western side, as the Karakoram highway and via Babusar pass. Both pass through

the district and connect NAs to rest of the country. The area is home to 7th highest peak of the world

“Nanga Parbat” often narrated as Killer Mountain. Climatic conditions are at extreme in various

localities. Chilas subdivision has a sub tropical climate with hot summers and extremely severe

winters.

52. Diamer has historically been a strongly patriarchal society with strong tribal mores and a

heavy influence of orthodox clergy. The area is predominantly Sunni with history of fractious relations

with Shia and Ismaeli communities in neighbouring districts. All the ethics and life style of a typical

tribal society prevail. Class stratification runs quite deep with Shin and Yashkoon wielding the

political, social and economic clout.

53. Population: According to 1998 census, 274 villages in Diamer district have population of

1,35,000 human beings residing in 31,300 households. The project area falls in the Thak Nayat

village limits of the diamer sub-division. The village limits include all the villages in the Thak valley.

Total population of Thak valley in 1998 was 4,300 and the present population is estimated at the rate

of 2.74 % pa to be 6,110.

54. Project Area Population: A map showing of location of various villages with respect to

different project components is placed as Figure 4.

Figure 4: Villages / Communities Falling in the Vicinity of the Project Area


55. The population of these villages has been obtained during the field survey and shown in

Table 4. Their population according to field survey conducted in 2012 is 3,510 living in 309

households. The average no. of persons per household is 12.6.

Table 4: Socio-Economic Indicators of Villages Falling around Project Area

S. # Villages Population

2012

Total No. of

Households

Household

Size

1. Khun 350 25 14.0

2. Shingle 340 24 14.1

3. Kot 375 29 12.9

4. Dewaray 1400 135 10.4

5. Sar 180 14 12.8

6. Ghanch 170 12 14.2

7. Jal 700 70 10.0

Total 3510 309 12.6

56. The population is living mostly in a joint and extended family system with all family

members, even the married son, living under one roof but managing family affairs under the authority

of father, as head of the family.

57. All the ethics and life style of a typical tribal society prevail. The majority of population

belong to Suni school of thought. Balties form the over-whelming majority of ethnic groups with a

small component of Shins, Yashkuns, Kashmiries Pathans and Punjabies wielding the political,

social and economic clout. People are staunch followers of religion and the clergy plays an important

role and influence over the population.

58. Education Facilities: The education facilities in the project area are poor. The number of

educational institutions in the surveyed villages of the project area is almost nill. Only one middle

school and a Madrasa exist in the Khun village. To obtain higher secondary education the students

of the project area have to travel to Gilgit, Mansehra and Abbottabad.

59. The literacy rate of the area is very low as compared to rest of the region and country with

men‟s literacy rate at 9 % where as women‟s <1 %. In a population of 135,000 there is only one high

and five primary schools for girls in relation to hundreds of schools for boys. The 91% illiteracy rate

show a dismal picture of the literacy rate of the area, particularly, since the literacy among women is

almost nonexistent as there is no girl‟s schools in the surveyed villages of the project area.

60. Majority of the population is small farmers who have a nomadic pattern of life. These


nomadic families with their livestock move to summer pasture for six months where women are

responsible for most of the animal rearing. The elder of a house is responsible to look after all the

social matters and other activities of the house including income and expenditure.

61. Agriculture: Cultivated land is irrigated with irrigation channels built along mountain

slopes. Maize and wheat are the major crops along with forage. Cropping pattern was conventional

and terrace and contour farming was mainly practiced. Horticulture is restricted to few trees for self

use and for culinary purposes. Chalghoza and walnut are the main fruit trees grown in the area.

Cash crops like peas and sweet pepper are also grown at a very small scale. Vegetables are grown

for domestic use.

62. Livestock: Majority of the people led semi nomad life going to the high altitude pastures

during summers and coming to the lower elevations during winters. Livestock has historically been

the mainstay of economy and a strong reason for this nomadic. Livestock is an important component

of rural economy.

63. Cow, bullock, goat, sheep, poultry and mule are found in the project area. Physical

condition and general health of the animals is not satisfactory especially in winter due to the shortage

of fodder. Animal diseases cause considerable losses to the livestock. Productivity of cattle is

generally low because of severe winter and lack of proper feed. Sufficient grass and grazing areas

are available. There is need for introducing improved variety to encourage people to keep more

animals.

64. Sources of Income: Table - 5 shows main source of income of economically active

population in the surveyed villages. Agriculture is the dominant sector as it is reflected at 85% in the

villages around the project site. However, most of these 85% go for par time labour as and when

available.

Table 5: Sources of Income in Surveyed Villages

Sr.# Occupations No. of

Persons %

1. Agriculture/ Forestry/Livestock/Fishery 1836 85

2. Business 21 1

3. Service 21 1

4 Labour 282 13

Total: 2160 100

Source: Primary data collected in Januaryr 2012

65. Overwhelming majority of the households is involved in agriculture as the primary source


of income. The second occupation is mostly wage labour in off farm activities. The average annual

income of the households found to Rs.84,000. They grow their own wheat, rear their own animals,

and use their milk, butter and meat as well as poultry for eggs and meat. Grow peas and pepper to

earn cash.

66. Table – 6 below gives the average annual income of the households ranges

between 80,000 and 300,000.

Table 6: Average Annual Income per Household in Surveyed Villages

%age of Population Annual Income (Rs)

55 < 84,000

25 84,000 – 180,000

15 180,000 – 250,000

5 > 250,000

Source: Primary data collected in February 2012

67. Their income is more in kind than in cash. They grow their own wheat, eat and sell

Chalghoza, walnut and almond, rear their own animals, use their milk, butter and meat as well as

poultry for eggs and meat, grow potatoes to earn cash. About half of the population (Table 6) have

annual income less than Rs. 84,000 (i.e minimum monthly wages of labour Rs.7000 as fixed by the

GOP).

68. Poverty was endemic due to narrow production base, small landholdings, traditional

agriculture practices, short production seasons and poor communication network.

69. Social Infrastructure: Availability of social services, such as schools, health care

services, water supply facilities are mostly unavailable or very basic. Majority of the people have their

own houses, although some 80% of the total houses are stone and mud houses with thatched roof

and floor. The remaining 20% are made with cement and concrete blocks or bricks.

70. Electricity: All APs of sampled population had an electricity connection but were

complaining regarding regular power failures

71. Sanitation: Sanitation services in terms of sewerage system, wastewater treatment,

drainage and solid waste management are non-existent in the surveyed villages. Therefore the

project area is characterised by inadequate sanitation conditions. However, in surveyed villages of

the project area 90% of the households use open space for excretion.

72. Health Services: The availability of health services in terms of hospitals, health clinics,

dispensaries and medicines are nonexistent in the surveyed villages. There is one non-functional

dispensary in Dewaray village. Diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, chest-infections, pneumonia,


meningitides, abdominal problems and seasonal infections (cold, cough etc.) are common among the

villagers. Skin disease like scabies and leishmaniasis also occurs due to overcrowding mainly in

winter and the later due to sand fly. TB is the most common amongst the diseases found. The people

have difficulty in obtaining the necessary medicines. For serious illnesses people have to go to

Chilas town for treatment and most of them cannot afford this.

73. Archaeological and Cultural Sites: Historical and cultural sites in the form of mosques,

shrines, graveyards or of archaeological significance will not be affected as none of such sites exist

in the project area.

74. Chance Find: In case of chance find it will be the responsibility of the project engineer to

stop the activities and report to the Archaeological Department for further necessary action.

75. Role, Position and Status of Women in the Project Area: Life in the villages is entirely

male dominated and women face many problems due to restricted mobility, lack of decision-making,

poor access to social services, limited productive employment opportunities, early marriages, no

family planning practices and no awareness about health and hygiene. The women often suffer from

health problems after childbirth and there are no regular immunizations of the children.

76. Women take all responsibilities including taking care of household activities, bringing up of

children, agriculture (sowing, watering, weeding), livestock, poultry and collection of wood for cooking

etc. Now women are taking interest in all the fields specially education and health.

D. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

77. The project areas consist of many diverse linguistic, ethnic and religious groups living in

many isolated valleys intercepted with some of the world's highest mountains. The major groups are

divided into various ethnic groups including syed, Shin, Yashkun, Kamin and Dom. The communities

living together share common cultural, linguistic and historical heritage gone through the

transformation process on various economic, political, and education fronts. The transformation

process through expansion of state system education, trade, tourism and out migration working with

major cities of Pakistan in formal and informal sectors and abroad had integrated the local

inhabitants to the ideas, traditions, cultures and languages of Pakistan and become fully

mainstreamed with Pakistani dominant society. None of the households are tribal or minority

members and all affected land is held in private ownership. It would thus be difficult to apply to any

one of these groups the notion of IP as defined by the ADB policy which is based on the idea of

discrete groups.

78. Therefore, standard provisions of the Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework are

sufficient to ensure an effective compensation process and the requirements of ADB Policy on


Indigenous People as specified in the Indigenous Peoples Development Framework (IPDF) prepared

for this project is not triggered.

H. GENDER IMPACTS

79. Life in the villages is entirely male dominated and women face many problems due to

restricted mobility, lack of decision-making, poor access to social services, limited productive

employment opportunities, early marriages, no family planning practices and no awareness about

health and hygiene. According to the women, health is one of the biggest problems in their villages.

The women often suffer from health problems after childbirth and there are no regular immunizations

of the children. Since the women lack awareness about health and hygiene, the children suffer from

various health problems due to poor hygienic conditions.

80. Access to electricity will have positive impacts on women‟s lives that bear the responsibility

and hardship of main household chorus. With the availability of sufficient electricity and the use of

electric appliances relieve women from physically demanding work and reduce their workload. As a

result women have more choices to manage their daily work. Besides lighting, electricity provides the

basic tools for small business like entertainment, access to communication media, and other

commercial and productive activities.


IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

81. This section of the IEE discusses the potential environmental impacts of the proposed

project and identifies mitigation measures to minimize the impacts in the design, construction and

operational phases. The process of impact prediction is the core of the environmental assessment

process and it is critical that the recommendations and mitigation measures are carried out during

the construction and operation of the project in accordance with the ADB's SPS 2009.

A. DESIGN RELATED IMPACTS

82. The following design principles will be presented to the design engineers by GBWPD at

the commencement of their design commission:

i) EPC contractor during design stage will ensure that any disruption to utility

services is avoided and in case of any damage, restoration is carried out.

ii) The total land requirement will be kept to a minimum.

iii) Wherever possible the design concept will aim permit the maximum use of

prefabricated materials in order to minimize construction impacts and speed up

the construction process.

83. The design will be reviewed by the GBWPD prior to the finalization to ensure that all

environmental requirements are being met and that the design will facilitate mitigation of

environmental impacts to an acceptable level.

84. Loss of Land: The total land area required for construction of project components is 7.469

acres which includes 5.957 acres of permanent land and 1.152 acres of temporary land acquisition.

Out of this 5.957 acres of permanent land acquisition, ROW of Babusar Chilas Road owned by

National Highway Authority Pakistan (NHA) will also be affected due to burying of penstock pipeline.

This will involve overtaking of 3.032 acres of land including retaining wall measuring 2560m³ along

the road. The affected /damaged section of the NHA road will be rehabilitated by the EPC contractor

for which complete safeguards will be kept in tender documents of EPC contractor. The remaining

permanent land acquisition includes 1.523 acres private cultivated land, 0.199 acres uncultivated

private land, 0.538 acres barren private land and 0.665 acres government barren land. The

permanent land acquisition will affect 44 households with 470 APs. The affectees will be

compensated based on the rates fixed by the land revenue department. All the land related issues

have been addressed in LARP of the project.

85. Loss of Economic Assets: Implementation of the project will also involve loss of economic

assets which are discussed below, however, the details have been provided in LARP.

Affected Crops: As a result of construction of project structures, 1.523 acres of cultivated


land will be affected which will result in crops damages such as wheat, vegetables and

fodder. Total crop damage is estimated to 2,440 kg. The affectees will be compensated

according to the prevailing market rates.

Boundary Walls: Stone made two no. of privately boundary walls measuring 74.513 m3

to protect agriculture land and houses will be affected. The two affectees will be

compensated at the agreed rate finalized by PMU and land revenue department. All AFs

are entitled to take the salvage material from these affected structures for their personal

use.

Houses: Four numbers of houses measuring 299.749 m2

and one garage measuring

28.014m2 will be affected by laying out of penstock pipe and construction of approach

road along the penstock pipe.These structures are built up of stone and mud. The owners

of these houses will be compensated at the agreed rate finalized by GBPWD and land

revenue department.

Cattle Shed: One cattle shed built-up of stone and mud measuring 92.888 m2 will be

affected by laying out of penstock. The owner will be compensated at the agreed rate

finalized by PMU and land revenue department.

Affected Trees: It is estimated that 32 private trees owned by 11AFs will be affected due

to the construction of project. Of these, 22 trees are fruit trees while remaining 10 trees

are fuel wood trees. Out of 22, there are only 2 nos. tall and fruit bearing trees, rest all

the trees are non fruit bearing and have been categorized as small and medium. The AFs

receiving compensation for trees will be allowed to take timber of their acquired trees for

their domestic use.

It will be the responsibility of the contractor to avoid maximum tree cutting during widening

of access road. Trees, the removal of which is unavoidable for construction shall have

compensatory planting and replacement. Only indigenous tree species will be selected for

replacement and no alien invasive species will be used. At least seven 7 new trees shall

replace each cut tree and maintained alive for three years as part of the contractual

agreement and milestone payments.

B. CONSTRUCTION RELATED IMPACTS

86. Construction related activities would result in negative but short lived impacts in terms of

noise, dust and exhaust pollution on the nearby settlements and specifically to the sensitive

receptors like school, madrasa and dispensary (presently non-functional). The distances of these

settlements/receptors from the weir and power house sites are given in Table 7 where as the

locations are given in Figure 4.


Table 7: Distances of Settlements/Sensitive Receptors from the Weir

and Power House Sites

Sr. No. Nearby Settlements/

Sensitive Receptors

Distances from

Weir Site

Distances from

Powerhouse Site

1. Khun Village 1km 5km

2. Dewaray Village 4.5km 1.5km

3. Middle School 4.5km 1.5km

4. Madrasa 4.5km 1.5km

5. Dispensary (non-functional) 4.5km 1.5km

87. Dust Impacts: Most of the construction work will take place close to the villages and

agricultural fields. This is likely to generate dust. Among the variety of options to control dust

(particulate matter) emissions from construction sites the most effective is wet suppression. Spraying

water on exposed surfaces and soil with adequate frequency to keep soil moist at all times can

reduce the total dust emission from the project by as much as 75%. The following mitigation

measures will be implemented during construction to control emission of dust;

i) Water will be sprayed daily on all exposed surfaces sufficient to suppress

emissions of dust. The frequency of spraying will be increased as necessary

but controlled such that the surface remains just moist at all times, particularly

when wind is blowing towards any nearby sensitive receivers.

ii) Dust emission from soil and aggregate storage stockpiles used for road

construction will be reduced by appropriate measures. These will include: (a)

covering the pile with tarpaulin or thick plastic sheets when not in use and at the

end of the working day; (b) erecting windshields / walls on three sides of the piles

such. that the walls project 0.5 m above the top of the pile and (c) keeping the

material moist by spraying of water at appropriate intervals to prevent emissions.

ii) The construction vehicles will maintain a speed limit of 20 Km/h or less on all

unpaved areas within the construction route. Speed limit signposts will be erected

in highly visible positions along the access road and within the route and

maintained for the duration of the construction. Speed bumps will be constructed

near all sensitive receptors such as schools, where there is a risk that vehicles

may exceed the speed limit.

iii) Construction materials will be transported to the route and around the route in

trucks securely covered with tarpaulins or equivalent to prevent dust emission

during transportation.


88. Noise and Exhaust Pollution during Construction: Gaseous emission and dusty

atmosphere will result from movement of heavy vehicles for transportation of equipment and

construction materials. Similar effects would be caused by drilling, pressure shaft and caverns. The

EPC contractor would be required to control noise and exhaust pollution by construction

management techniques as per NEQS.

89. Another noise concern is the construction activities near the Khun and Dewaray villages.

Operation of construction vehicles can be a nuisance for the community. Noise can be minimized

by a) preventing construction work during night time 21:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs within 500 m of the

nearest human settlement; b) prevention of blowing of horns by the project vehicles except in

emergencies; c) use of powered mechanical equipment that is acoustically insulated to reduce

noise impacts; d) tuning and proper maintenance of construction equipment and vehicles; and e)

restricting the blasting work to day time only.

90. Impact on Water Quality: The construction works are likely to affect the water quality

temporarily by increasing the silt content in it. However, the river water is not used for drinking

purposes. Therefore, any significant impact on the water quality is not anticipated during the

construction period.

91. Disposal of Excavated Material: Project implementation will involve excavation of

material as very significant activity. The excavation material will consist of rocks, overburden, broken

stones, stone dust, sand and top soil. In case of tunnelling some material will also result from over

break.

92. The overall volume of excavated material, in part, will be used for backfill as well as it will

be re-used for construction of project components in terms of mass concrete, reinforced cement

concrete, concrete lining, approach road, burying of connecting channel, pitching of side slopes and

rip-rap. Some excavated material can also find its way for use by locals for land levelling, nullah

management and other purposes.

93. The excavated material due to laying of penstock pipe would be 3185m3 consisting mainly

of overburden. The estimate for backfill is 2,051.56 m3. The remaining excavated material

1,133.44 m3 will require about 0.1acre of land for disposal for which environmental protection would

be ensured instead throwing it into the stream of the project area. Surplus material site to be

approved by GB-WPD. It is important that overburden consisting of top soil whenever met during

construction activity should be saved for use in spoil disposal areas before such areas can be

beneficially put to agriculture use, forestry or development in parts.

94. Mitigation measures to deal with surplus material may consist of the following steps:

processing; installation of a gravel and rock crushing, sorter and recycling plant at the site of the


asphalt plant; reuse; fit the material for road foundation; use for the production of mass concrete and

other building material; use for backfilling, use for the reconstruction of agricultural terraces;

installation of alternate dumping sites of surplus material at places without affecting settlements,

agricultural activities, communication lines, river beds or valuable natural habits.

95. Soil Erosion: Soil erosion will be caused due to the construction of different project

components such as weir, laying of penstock pipe and construction of approach road along the

penstock pipe. Because of low slopes and gravelly nature of the area it is visualized that the soil

erosion will not be a significant problem. However, to minimize soil erosion slope should be kept as

flat as is reasonably possible. Methods such as slope rounding, terracing and/or construction of

diversion channel should be applied.

96. Vegetation and forestation are the most effective long term and economical measures.

These methods are recommended as the preferred options for erosion control. The affected areas

should be planted with grass cover, tiny bushes and trees.

97. Loss of Trees: The project in no way affects the reserve forest areas as they occur in the

far upper reaches. Trees would be cut which at present exist on the land designated for the laying of

penstock pipe and approach road along the penstock pipe. As a mitigation measure, it is

recommended that only the smallest possible number of trees should be cut to clear the land.

However, it will be the responsibility of the contractor to avoid maximum tree cutting. Trees, the

removal of which is unavoidable for construction shall have compensatory planting and replacement.

Only indigenous tree species will be selected for replacement and no alien invasive species will be

used. At least seven new trees shall replace each cut tree and maintained alive for three years as

part of the contractual agreement and milestone payments.

98. Water Supply, Sanitation and Solid Waste Management: To meet the demand of the

drinking water supply and sanitation during the construction period, it is recommended that proper

water supply system should be provided at the site using water from springs. For proper sanitation

facilities, pour flush type latrines with septic tanks are recommended. Also proper arrangements of

solid waste management should be made in construction camps. All such facilities are to be provided

by the contractors.

99. Public Health and Safety of Workers: The contractor shall provide on-site safety

induction training for his personnel upon starting of construction work.

The contractor shall provide personal protective equipment, including hard hats gloves,

safety shoes, and such other equipment as required, and shall take all measures or

actions for the protection and safety of contractor personnel.

Non-metallic hard hats shall be worn at all times by all personnel at work site with the

exception of those areas where the engineer has indicated it not necessary to do so.

Safety glasses if required shall meet international standards and be available for use


and worn in specified worksites areas. As a minimum, safety glasses shall be worn for

the following types of work, hammering, chipping, welding, grinding, use of electricity

powered or pneumatic equipment, insulation handling, spray painting, working with

solvents, and other jobs where the potential of an eye injury exists.

Personnel shall not be permitted to work whilst wearing personal clothing or footwear

likely to be hazardous to themselves or others.

Hearing protection, including muffs, plugs or a combination thereof, shall be provided

for all personnel operating in areas where the noise level exceeds 90 decibels.

The contractor shall encourage employees to wear substantial work gloves whenever it

is practical and is safe to do so.

100. Community Health, Safety and Security: Public health and safety measures will also be

undertaken such as barriers and warning signs at required places. All safety, health, environmental

and other safety notices and signs shall be clearly displayed and written in both Urdu and English.

101. Traffic Disruption and Community Safety: The construction related traffic on the road

can disrupt existing traffic and can also create safety hazards for the villagers, particularly children. A

traffic management plan will be developed and submitted by the contractor at least one month before

commencement of construction work. The main objectives of the plan shall be to maximize the safety

of the workforce and the travelling public. The secondary objective will be to keep traffic flowing as

freely as possible.

102. Site Specific Environmental management Plans (SSEMP): The Contractor will prepare

all relevant management plans as part of SSEMP before start of construction. The contractor will

submit all plans to ADB prior to start of construction activities for approval. These plans are listed

below;

Temporary traffic management plan

Drainage and utilities re-provisioning plan

Materials management plan

Waste management plan

Excavated material disposal plan

Tree compensatory planting plan

Noise and dust control plan.

Blasting management plan

Oil spill management plan

103. Workers Camp and Storage Areas: Construction activity camp will require a camp site

for the construction labour and storage. Some 200 persons may reside in the camp at a given time.

One camp site is proposed to be spread over an area of 1.152 acres, near powerhouse site.


D. OPERATION RELATED IMPACTS

104. Loss of Water to the River System: The local communities in GB depend on the rivers

and streams for various need such as irrigation, drinking, livestock, watermills and small hydropower

plants. There are several places on the Thak Nullah where water is drawn for agricultural purposes.

One small hydel power plant of 2 MW capacity operated by GB-WPD is located just downstream of

the proposed Thak Nullah power plant. The water released from the Thak Nullah power plant will be

allowed to fall in the intake channel of the existing 2 MW hydel power plant.

105. The weir on Thak Nullah is designed to divert 1.0 m3/s of water for the power generation of

4MW. Between October and April the average flow in Thak Nullah is 1.7m3/s as shown in Table 8.

Thus in these months, more than half of the water will be diverted for power production and there

would be minimal flow in the stream between the weir site and the proposed powerhouse site, a

distance of about 4 km. The minimal flow i.e. 0.7m3/s is much higher than the 10% of average

minimum flow 0.17m3/s which is considered as environmental flow for bare survival of biota in the

vulnerable reach. During the months of February and March the average monthly flow reduces to

1.17m3/s. These months have been declared as lean months and the powerhouse will not be

operated at full capacity. Only one turbine will operate using 0.5m3/s of flow thus allowing the

remaining water as environmental releases.

106. There are few cultivated lands just downstream of the proposed weir. The community uses

the stream water for irrigation through water channels coming from the springs. Irrigation water for

crops is required in the summer months when natural flow in the Nullah is relatively high. Adequate

water will be available for irrigation in summer months (May – September) even when the project is

working at full capacity. During these months, on average 9% of the water in Thak Nullah would be

diverted for power production, whereas about 91% would flow in the Nullah normally as shown in

Table 8. The community's drinking water sources are the various springs in the hills. Therefore no

specific mitigation measures are required, however, GBWPD has to ensure through monitoring that

the existing community water channels coming from spring Nullahs and the flow in them are not

affected.

Table 8: Flow in Thak Nullah (1963-1993)


Summer Months

1 May 6.45

2 June 10.0

3 July 18.03

4 August 14.22

5 September 7.22

Total Summer Months Flow 55.92

Average Flow of Summer Months 11.18



Winter Months

6 October 2.64

7 November 1.91

8 December 1.49

9 January 1.28

10 February 1.18

11 March 1.17

12 April 2.08

Total Winter Months Flow 11.75

Average Flow of Winter Months 1.67

Annual Average 5.64

107. Environmental Flow (EF): Ecological considerations for the Thak nullah, downstream of

water abstraction require reserved or minimum flow. All definitions of reserved or minimum flow place

emphasis on the protection of natural life in the nullah. From the point of view of environmental

considerations there are numerous methods and formulas for calculation of reserved flow or

minimum flow which are briefly discussed in paras below.

108. EF Methods Based on Hydrologic or Statistic Values: Within these methods, a first

subgroup refers to the average flow rate (MQ) of the river at a given cross section. These methods

give values between 5 and 60 % of MQ; the latter one in case of high economic importance of

fishery. A second subgroup of methods refers to the minimum mean flow (MNQ) in the river. The

values calculated can vary from 33 to 100 % of MNQ. A third subgroup of methods refers to the

prefixed values on the Flow Duration Curve (FDC). In this group there are a wide variety of methods:

from a reserved flow equal to 20% of Q300 (flow rate exceeding 300 days of duration) to incredibly

complex interpolating formulas.

109. EF Methods Based on Physiographic Principles: These methods basically refer to a

prefixed specific flow rate expressed as l/s.km2 of catchment area. Values can vary from 1.6 to 9 or

more l/s.km2 (in cases of abundance of fish). These methods are easily applicable presuming there

is good basic data. However no hydraulic parameters are considered and neither the effect of

tributaries nor the length of the diversion reach is taken into account.

110. EF Formulas Based on Velocity and Depth of Water: Also in this group of methods

there is a wide range of variation: one says water velocity in case of reserved flow may not fall below

a prefixed threshold value of 0.3 - 0.5 m/s and the minimum depth of water must be greater than a

prefixed value of 10 cm. Another suggests 1.2 – 2.4 m/s and 12 - 24 cm water depth and so on. The

great advantage of these formulas is that the shape of the profile is included in the calculation and

there is no need for hydrological data. Nevertheless diversion length and tributaries are not

considered.


111. EF Methods Based on Multi-Objective Planning Taking into Consideration Ecological Parameters: These

methods are generally very complex in their application and require considerable expertise in doing

so. They require site-specific flow observations and take into account hydrological, hydraulic,

ecological, and meteorological data, embracing both ecological and economic parameters. Methods

are expensive in data collection and mathematical computing and are suitable only for particular

types of rivers. Their transferability is doubtful.

112. CEMAGREF FORMULA: The formula developed for environmental flow by CEMAGREF

Agricultural and Environmental Research Institute, Antony, France is Q = [(0.0651 Qmm+2) /100]

Qam where Qmm is monthly mean and Qam is annual mean discharge of the Thak nullah weir.

According to this formula the environmental flow required is 0.134m3/s using values given in Table 9.

As can be seen by comparison with Table 9 the flow downstream of the weir is in excess of designed

flow of 1.0 m3/s throughout the year.

Table 9: Environmental Flow Requirements (m3/s) Based on CEMAGREF Formula

Sr.

# Months

Monthly

Mean

Flow Qmm

(1963-1993)

Environmental

Flow Q

Water

Required

for Power

Generation

Release of Water

Downstream of

Weir

1 January 1.28 0.134 1.00 0.28 overspill

2 February 1.18 0.134 1.00 0.18 overspill

3 March 1.17 0.134 1.00 0.17 overspill

4 April 2.08 0.134 1.00 0.95 overspill

5 May 6.45 0.134 1.00 5.32 overspill

6 June 10.00 0.134 1.00 8.87 overspill

7 July 18.03 0.134 1.00 16.90 overspill

8 August 14.22 0.134 1.00 13.09 overspill

9 September 7.22 0.134 1.00 6.09 overspill

10 October 2.64 0.134 1.00 1.51 overspill

11 November 1.91 0.134 1.00 0.78 overspill

12 December 1.49 0.134 1.00 0.36 overspill

Annual Mean 5.64

113. EF Montana Method: The period February to March is a period of lean flow as given in

table below. According to this method 10% of lean month average flow which is 0.117 m3/sec has

been considered as environmental flow for bare survival of biota in vulnerable reach and also taking

stock of riparian users‟ minimum requirements during this period. Flows of water available for power

generation at full capacity throughout the year is more than the designed flow of 1.0m3/s. The

minimum flow requirement to keep the power plant in operation is 0.5m3/s when only one turbine will

be generating 2MW power during the lean months of February and March after the release of

environmental flow whereas for the remaining months two turbines will generate 4MW using 1.0m3/s

flow. The following Table -10 is prepared to explain the situation.


Table -10: Environmental Flow Requirements (m3/s) in Thak Nullah Based on Montana Method

Lean Months

Mean Lean

Months Flow

(1966-97)

No. Of Turbine in Operation

Flow Requirement for Turbine Operation

(m3/s)

Environmental Flow

(m3/s) %

1 2 3 4 (1-3) 5

January 1.28 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 0.28 22

February 1.18 1 1 x 0.5 = 0.5 0.68 58

March 1.17 1 1 x 0.5 = 0.5 0.67 57

April 2.08 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 1.08 52

May 6.45 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 5.45 84

June 10.00 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 9.00 90

July 18.03 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 17.03 94

August 14.22 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 13.22 93

September 7.22 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 6.22 86

October 2.64 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 1.64 62

November 1.91 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 0.91 47

December 1.49 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 0.49 33

Lean Months Total Flow 67.67 - - 56.67 83.7

Average Flow for Lean Months 5.64 - - 4.72 83.7

114. The table shows that the release of environmental flow downstream of weir site will not

in any way compromise on water availability for downstream ecological requirements which is from

22 to 94% of the total flow. These figures are much above the 10% as suggested in the formula.

According to Montana method the environmental releases during lean months are above 10% of

natural flow, varying between 57 to 58%. The detail of assessment of environmental flow is given in

Appendix – I.

E. POSITIVE IMPACTS

115. The proposed 04 MW plant will be an important project for bridging the widening gap

between demand and supply. At present, there are 3,600 electricity consumers in Chilas and

surrounding areas. Of these 3,200 (89%) are domestic, 300 (8%) are commercial, whereas 100 (3%)

are industrial. The total power demand is 2.4 MW however; the total installed capacity of hydel and

thermal power plants is 1.7 MW. Thus there is a shortfall of 0.7 MW. Unless new sources of power

are added, the situation is likely to aggravate with time as the demand is projected to increase to 4.2

MW by 2015.

116. No drinking water supply is available in the project area. The whole of the population

depends on springs for drinking water. It has, therefore, been decided to provide drinking water

supply scheme at Dewaray and Jal villages on the demand of villagers. The provision of water supply

scheme planned under the project will be a significant development. It is planned that the EPC

contractor will establish water supply scheme in these villages.

117. Availability of power would reduce consumption of fuel wood and other fossil fuels by

villagers for heating and cooking purposes.


118. The project will provide unskilled jobs during the construction phase and a limited number

of jobs during project operation to locals.

119. Hydropower is a clean and renewable source of energy and its use instead of thermal

power reduces the emission of pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM),

sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and hydrocarbons. The

annual reduction in the production of CO2, the main greenhouse gas, as compared to a power of

similar capacity operating on oil, gas, or coal is shown in Table below. It is estimated that more than

28,732 tons of carbon dioxide emission will be saved annually by using hydropower rather than fossil

fuels.

Reduction in Annual Greenhouse Gas Emission

Fuel Source Oil Gas Coal

Total Saving (tons CO2) 24,528 14,716 28,732


V. STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION

120. The objectives of the stakeholder consultation process were to disseminate information on

the project and its expected long-term and short-term impacts among stakeholders, and to gather

information on relevant issues so that the feedback received could be used to address these issues

at early stages of project design. Another important objective was to determine the extent of the

concerns amongst the community and recommend means to address these in the project

implementation and suggest appropriate mitigation measures.

A. IDENTIFICATION OF STAKEHOLDERS

121. Stakeholders are people, groups, or institutions that may be affected by or can significantly

influence, or are important to the achievement of the stated purpose of the proposed project. For this

project, primary stakeholders are the communities living in Khun, Sharat, Kot, Dawary, Saroh,

Ghunch and Jal villages, in particular those who would be affected by land acquisition. Other

stakeholders are the non-governmental organizations working in these villages, and the government

departments, particularly the GB-WPD.

B. CONSULTATION PROCESS

122. Consultations were carried out through focus group discussions, public meetings,

community discussions with key stakeholders, and formal meetings with government officials, to

ascertain their views and identify their needs and preferences for compensation and rehabilitation

measures. During the consultation, the stakeholders were informed about the project and their

concerns were recorded. Views on compensation and related issues were also discussed with the

persons likely to be affected by land acquisition. Photographs of the scoping sessions / consultations

are placed at the end of the report.

123. The survey team undertook public consultations during the month of February 2012. The

list of participants is given in Appendix II. The main concerns of the participants are summarized

below.

C. SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION

124. During the consultation, the concerns and comments by the stakeholder included the

following:

i) In general, everyone welcomed the project. No one expressed any concerns by

the project itself.

ii) During the road construction by NHA, compensation was not paid to poor APs.

GBWPD should not repeat the same mistake.

iii) Timely and fair compensation should be provided against the affected assets.

Compensation should be at market rate, transparent, fairly executed. Some

respondents had concerns on the basis of previous experiences.


iv) Employment during construction and operation was a major subject of discussion.

The community expects that new job opportunities will be created by the project

directly.

v) Since land holdings are very small, to the extent possible project should avoid

land acquisition.

D. MEETINGS WITH OFFICERS OF LINE DEPARTMENTS

125. The team of consultants‟ also visited line department in Chilas to obtain information on

various aspects of Fisheries, Wildlife, Agriculture, Health and Land acquisition. The list of Line

Departments visited is given in Appendix III.

E. FUTURE CONSULTATION

126. Public consultations were earlier conducted in the project area during April, May 2008. The

same were updated in February 2012. Such an exercise will be continued during and after detail

design of the specific intervention and components. The objective of the future consultation will

mainly focus on timing of work, overall schedule, minimizing disturbance to business, and public

safety and gender issues. Further consultation will be carried out during project implementation

phase. These will be carried out during and after the detailed designs of the specific interventions

and components.

F. PROCEDURE FOR PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

127. Information Disclosure: In promoting transparency and accountability, PMU will continue

to provide relevant information to the stakeholders in a timely manner in a form and language (urdu)

that are understandable and accessible to them. Illiterate people will be informed verbally during

regular consultation process by the PMU.

128. PMU will disclose the IEE report and related documents to Environmental Protection

Agency of Gilgit Baltistan. IEE report will be disclosed at the ADB‟s website. The local community will

be provided with the Summary of IEE report and project information at different stages of the

consultation.

129. The information will be made available in locations that are easily accessible to

stakeholders. Depending upon the capacity of a stakeholder and nature of the information to be

disseminated, such locations can be local villages, project site office, PMU office, government

department or local government setup.

130. Overall, the consultation activities and disclosure will be designed so as to maximize

community awareness of the project and to create reasonable opportunities for community input and

involvement.


VI. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT PLAN

A. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

131. The project will be executed through GB-WPD with support from all relevant department

and line agencies. GB-WPD will exercise its functions through establishing a Project Management

Unit (PMU), at project site headed by a full time Project Director who will be responsible for general

project execution. In this regard, a well defined institutional structure will be placed in the PMU and

staff will be assigned to specific roles. The PMU will ensure compliance with the ADB policies and

procedures.

132. Within the project coordination office established in GBWPD, an Environment and Social

Development Cell (ESDC) will be established, reporting directly to the Project Coordinator, which will

be accountable and responsible for implementation of EMP and the LARP. The ESDC will initially

consist of two permanent members: an environment specialist and a resettlement specialist, who will

be directly hired by GB-WPD to provide technical assistance in implementation of the environment

and resettlement plans. The number may be increased depending on the number of projects. The

ESDC will be set up within the initial three months of PMU establishment and will be supported

intermittently by international experts in resettlement and environment. The ESDC will work in close

cooperation with the PMU on the day-to-day activities - EMP and the LARP implementation. The

ESDC will also be responsible for internal monitoring.

133. The ESDC would ensure that IEE and LARP are prepared and approved prior to awards of

contracts for the project. Any subsequent changes to these documents will also be responsibility of

the ESDC. The project Coordination Office will ensure budgets are delivered in time to the competent

authority for timely implementation of LARP and EMP.

134. The main contractor of the project will have a full-time health, safety and environment

(HSE) officer to manage the tasks assigned under this IEE.

B. COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES REDRESS

135. For the purpose of addressing grievances by the community about the implementation of

IEE and EMP, a Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be established for the project as soon as

project implementation commences. However, with careful observance of the provisions of the EMP

by all stakeholders involved, grievances can be avoided.

136. The Committee will be established at the project level with the primary objective of


providing a mechanism to mediate conflict. The committee will constitute the Project Director, one

elected representative, one representative of district revenue officer and three representatives of the

affected community.

137. If necessary, the aggrieved person will first address the complaint to Grievance Redress

Committee who will strive for settlement within 10 days of lodging of the complaint. If the complaint

cannot be settled, the grievance will be referred to ESDC. Within 30 days the Grievance Redress

Committee will discuss the matter and refer the grievance to PMU, and obtain a resolution. If the

grievance redress mechanism fails to satisfy the aggrieved person, s/he can approach the Gilgit

Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency or court of law.

C. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL

138. Environmental regulations of the Govt of Pakistan (GoP) require proponents of projects

that have reasonably foreseeable qualitative and quantitative impacts to submit environmental

assessment report of the project for review and approval. Thak Nullah Hydropower Project with a

generation capacity of less than 50 MW falls within Schedule B of the GoP Regulations, which

require preparation of an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Report.

139. The Project Director will have the responsibility to ensure that IEE Report is submitted to

Environmental Protection Agency Gilgit Baltistan (EPA-GB) to obtain approval prior to

commencement of construction work.

D. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

140. This IEE concludes that the construction impacts will be manageable if the mitigation

measures are implemented thoroughly. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been

prepared (Appendix IV) by close reference to the best practices and in line with ADB's SPS 2009.

EMP is based on the type, extent and duration of the identified environmental impacts, mitigation

measures, their timing, location, and implementation/ monitoring responsibility.

141. PMU should check that contractors have all the necessary valid licenses and permits such

as those for use of powered mechanical equipment. The need to confirm that contractors and their

suppliers have complied with statutory requirements for licenses will also be checked by PMU.

142. The effective implementation of the EMP should be audited as part of the loan conditions

and the executing agency must be prepared for this. In this regard, the Implementing Agency must


be prepared to guide the design engineers and contractors on the environmental aspects.

143. Prior to implementation, the EMP shall be amended and reviewed by the ESDC after

detailed designs are complete and contracting arrangements are known. Such a review shall be

based on reconfirmation and any additional information on the assumptions made at the feasibility

stage on location, scale and expected operating conditions of the project. For example, if there is

additional land required, the designs may be amended and the environmental significance must be

reviewed. Although no major additional impacts would be anticipated based on the information

provided to date, the performance and evaluation schedules to be implemented during project

construction and operation can be reviewed, updated, and costs estimates can be revised if

necessary.

144. The EMP must be reviewed by the ESDC and approved before any construction activity is

initiated, to take account of any subsequent changes and fine tuning. It is recommended that this

takes place before contracts are worked out in detail and before pre-qualification, so that the

environmental status of the project area is monitored to set a baseline to benefit monitoring using

some of the key EMP mitigation measures as the performance indicators.

145. This IEE including the EMP should be used as a basis for an environmental compliance

programme and an updated EMP should be included in the revised contract documentation for all

components. The updated EMP, any conditions of the environmental clearance from the GB EPA,

and any subsequent licenses and approvals from GB EPA should also be included in the

environmental requirements for the contractors in the compliance program. Therefore, continued

monitoring of the implementation of mitigation measures, and monitoring of the environmental

impacts related to the construction of all future works should be properly carried out and reported

periodically in monthly progress reports. Compliance with all of the EMP requirements shall also be

reported in other periodic project performance reports.

146. The contractor is to prepare a Site Specific Environmental Management Plan (SSEMP)

after contract award. The SSEMP is to be approved by ADB before the start of civil works on the

project site.

147. The impacts from construction and operation of the projects will be manageable and no

insurmountable impacts are predicted providing that the updated EMP is included in the contract

documents and implemented to its full extent. The details of the current summary


EMP (Appendix - IV) are in the form of the matrix and may require revision as the project reaches

detailed design. The matrix details the mitigation measures recommended for each of the identified

impacts, approximate location of the mitigation sites, time span of the implementation of mitigation

measures, an analysis of the associated costs and the responsibility of the institution. The

institutional responsibility has been specified for the purpose of the implementation and the

supervision. The matrix is supplemented with a monitoring plan for the performance indicators. The

EMP has been prepared following best practice and the ADB‟s SPS 2009.

E. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

148. The environmental performance of the project will be monitored internally by the

PMU/ESDC, assisted by the Design 'and Supervision Consultant. Internal monitoring will be routinely

carried out by ESDC, and the results will be communicated to ADB through the quarterly project

implementation reports. Indicators for the internal' monitoring will be those related to process and

immediate outputs and results. This information will be collected directly in the field by ESDC on

monthly basis to assess the environmental performance of the project and to adjust the work

program, if necessary. The monthly reports will be consolidated quarterly in the standard supervision

reports to ADB. Specific monitoring benchmarks will be:

i) Information campaign and consultation with stakeholders;

ii) Contractor(s) compliance with EMP;

iii) Complaints received and addressed by the Grievance Redress Committee;

iv) Environmental effects.

149. An environmental monitoring plan showing implementation responsibilities and schedule

has been drawn up and places as Table 11.

150. Monitoring activities during implementation will focus on compliance with license

conditions, recording implementation of mitigation measures, recording environmental parameters,

reviewing contractor environmental performance and proposing remedial actions to address

unexpected impacts during construction. Some of these tasks can be assigned to the contractors

and managed by the ESDC.

151. During the pre-construction period, the monitoring activities will focus on (i) checking the

contractor's bidding documents, particularly to ensure that all necessary environmental requirements

have been included; and (ii) checking that the contract documents' references to environmental


mitigation measures requirements have been incorporated as part of contractor's assignment. Where

detailed design is required (e.g. for further elaboration of the recycling facilities at the treatment

plants and pipelines) the checking of updated designs must be carried out. During the construction

period, the monitoring activities will focus on ensuring that environmental mitigation measures are

implemented, and some performance indicators will need to be monitored to record the project's

environmental achievements and to guide any remedial action to address unexpected impacts.

152. To facilitate EMP implementation, during preparation for construction the contractors must

be prepared to cooperate with local population in the mitigation of impacts. However, experience

suggests that contractors may have little impetus or interest in dealing with environmental problems

in the absence of performance-linked criteria. Therefore, the required environmental mitigation must

be clearly described in a memorandum of understanding and other contract documents at the

bidding stage; the completion of mitigation should be linked to payment milestones.

Table 11: Environmental Monitoring Plan

No. Environmental Monitoring Tasks 8

Implementation

Responsibility

Implementation

Schedule

1 Design Phase

1.1 Audit project bidding documents to ensure IEE

and EMP is included. PMU through .ESDC

Prior to issue of bidding

documents.

1.2 Disclosure of the project to NEPRA PMU through ESDC Prior to issue of bidding

documents.

1.3 Monitor final site selection (alignment) and its

environmental compliance with EMP PMU through ESDC

Prior to PMU approval of

detailed designs.

2 Construction Phase

2.1

Regular (monthly) monitoring and reporting

(quarterly) of Contractor's compliance with

statutory environmental requirements

PMU through ESDC Continuous throughout


2.2


(quarterly) of contractor's compliance with

contractual environmental mitigation measures

PMU through ESDC Continuous throughout


2.3


(quarterly) of complaints and responses of

environmental mitigation measures

PMU through ESDC

Continuous throughout


2.4

Monitor adjustments to the EMP and the

thorough implementation of detailed EMP

PMU through ESDC

During all phases of the

project

2.5

.Commissioning phase monitoring of as built

equipment and facilities versus environmental

contractual performance criteria

PMU through ESDC

At commissioning.


No. Environmental Monitoring Tasks 8

Implementation

Responsibility

Implementation

Schedule

3 Operation and Maintenance Phase

3.1

Observations during routine maintenance

inspections of facilities. Inspections will include

monitoring implementation of operational

mitigation measures versus environmental

criteria specified in EMP for operational

impacts.

Chief Engineer GBWPD As per EMP

8. Monitoring of issues related to compensation of landowners for land acquisition and loss of economic assets etc. are

addressed in the Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan.


VII. ENVIRONMENTAL RELATED COSTS

153. EMP implementation includes staffing and monitoring activities to be undertaken by PMU.

For this purpose PMU will established Environmental and Social Development Cell (ESDC) which

together with Supervision Consultant will implement the EMP. The environmental related cost for

EMP implementation and monitoring totals to Rs. 6.050 million as detailed in the Table below which

have also been included in Contract Agreement.

Table 12: Summary of Estimated Environmental Cost

Item Sub Item

Estimated Total

Costs

(Rs.)

Monitoring 2 persons for 1 year (intermittent) 1,200,000

Mitigation measures As prescribed under EMP as IEE 4,000,000

Transport 1 vehicle for 1 year 300,000

Contingency 10% contingency 550,000

Total 6,050,000

154. The land acquisition and resettlement (LARP) cost consisting of land acquisition,

economic assets, vulnerability allowances and contingencies add up to Rs. 14.649 million as given

in LARP report.


VIII. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

155. In carrying out this IEE study, secondary data were used to assess the environmental

impacts in a comprehensive manner along with public consultations. On - site environmental surveys

were carried out in order to complete the environmental assessment and recommendation of suitable

mitigation measures

156. Several actions are required during the detailed design stage to minimize impacts to

acceptable levels and described in the EMP. The negative environmental impacts from the project

will mostly take place during the construction stage but there are also some potential negative

impacts for the operational stage as well as many significant beneficial impacts. The construction

impacts are very predictable and manageable and with appropriate mitigation few, residual impacts

are likely.

157. Some key actions are required after the detailed designs are developed. PMU should

include the IEE and EMP, updated if necessary, as contractual requirements, accepted by all

contractors prior to 'signing the contract(s). The contractor will be required to prepare an SSEMP

including temporary traffic management, materials management master plan, waste management

plan, blasting management plan and oil spill management plan. The SSEMP should be deliverable

by the contractors and approved by ADB before construction commences.

158. At the detailed design stage, a review should be conducted of the monitoring activities

proposed in this IEE to establish the parameters to be checked during the construction and

operation.

159. The IEE, including the EMP, should be used as a basis for an environmental compliance

program and be included in the contract documentation. The EMP shall be reviewed at the detailed

design stage. In addition, any conditions that are part of the environmental clearance from the GB-

EPA should also be as a basis for the environmental compliance program. Therefore, continued

monitoring of the implementation of mitigation measures, the implementation of the environmental

conditions for work and environmental clearance, and monitoring of the environmental impact related

to the operation of the treatment plants and pipelines subprojects should be properly carried out and

reported monthly to track and determine the net environmental benefits that have accrued. These

should be summarized by GB-WPD in regular quarterly progress reports to ADB. Bi-annual

environmental monitoring reports will also be prepared on ADB prescribed template and for

submission to ADB. The negative environmental impacts will mostly take place during the


construction. There are no operational impacts to be addressed in the detailed designs. If the

projects are managed in line with internationally accepted environmental auditing procedures very

significant environmental benefits can be expected to be demonstrated in the operational stage.

160. The implementation of the environmental mitigation measures during the construction

period will be assigned to the contractors. However, experience suggests that contractors may have

little impetus or interest to deal with environmental problems in the absence of performance linked

criteria. Therefore, the required environmental mitigation must be clearly described in the contract

documents at the bidding stage and, the completion of mitigation.


IX. CONCLUSIONS

161. Environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Thak Nullah

HPP need to be mitigated and institutional arrangements are to be made available. Additional human

and financial resources will be required by GB-WPD to complete the detailed designs and

incorporate the environmental recommendations effectively and efficiently in the contract documents,

linked to payment milestones. The proposed mitigation and management plans are practicable but

require additional resources.

162. Monitoring activities will need to focus on compliance with license conditions, recording

implementation of mitigation measures, adherence to agreed waste disposal practices, reviewing

contractor environmental performance and proposing remedial actions to address unexpected

impacts.

163. The implementation of the Thak Nullah HPP is a feasible and sustainable environmental

option but thorough implementation of the EMP is required throughout the design, construction and

operation of the project in order to minimize impacts and retain public support for the project.

APPENDIX - I

ASSESSMENT OF

ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW

IEE Report for 04 MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Plant Appendix - I

- 1 -

ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW ASSESSMENT

1. INTRODUCTION

Thak Nullah Hydropower project aims at generating 04MW of electricity under a

design flow of 1.0m3/s using two Pelton Wheel Turbines. The protection of aquatic

environment is an important consideration in developing schemes for utilization of

water resources. Where schemes involve altering the natural flow regime of a surface

water system (river or stream etc), it is important to allow a certain share of water,

generally referred to as environmental flows, through the existing course of the water

so that biological life in the affected stretch can be maintained. While in principle the

concept of environmental flows is accepted uniformly, the methodologies for

establishing the levels of environmental flows vary considerably amongst experts,

environmental agencies or countries. In Pakistan, there does not exist any specific

legislation or ruling or instruction from relevant governments or statutory bodies or

regulatory agencies which establish a specific framework or methodology for

determining environmental flow. Consequently, in water resource development

schemes, where the level of environmental flows has to be established, consultants

rely on existing precedents or use their own experience and understanding to

propose such flow requirements. In this note, the environmental flow adopted for

Thak Nullah Hydropower Project is discussed for further clarity and understanding.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES

There are many formulas for the calculation of environmental flow. At present the

number of formulas worldwide is 207 [1]. This number is tending to increase day by

day. This demonstrates that no good universally valid solution for environmental flow

determination exists at the moment and probably will never exist.

The various groups of formulas available for Environmental Flow Assessment (EFA)

are based on the following aspects [2].

i) Methods based on hydrologic or statistic values;

ii) Methods based on physiographic principles;

iii) Formulas based on velocity and depth of water; and

iv) Methods based on multi-objective planning taking into consideration

ecological parameters.

2.1 Methods Based on Hydrologic or Statistical Values

Within these methods, a first subgroup refers to the average flow rate (MQ) of the

river at a given cross section. These methods give values between 5 and 60 % of

MQ; the latter one in case of high economic importance of fishery.


- 2 -

A second subgroup of methods refers to the minimum mean flow (MNQ) in the river.

The values calculated can vary from 33 to 100 % of MNQ.

A third subgroup of methods refers to the prefixed values on the Flow Duration Curve

(FDC). In this group there are a wide variety of methods: from a reserved flow equal

to 20% of Q300 (flow rate exceeding 300 days of duration) to complex interpolating

formulas.

2.2 Methods Based on Physiographic Principles

These methods basically refer to a prefixed specific flow rate expressed as l/s.km2 of

catchment area. Values can vary from 1.6 to 9 or more l/s.km2 (in cases of

abundance of fish).

These methods are easily applicable presuming there is good basic data. However

no hydraulic parameters are considered and neither the effect of tributaries nor the

length of the diversion reach is taken into account.

2.3 Formulas Based on Velocity and Depth of Water

Also in this group of methods there is a wide range of variation: one says water

velocity in case of reserved flow may not fall below a prefixed threshold value of 0.3-

0.5 m/s and the minimum depth of water must be greater than a prefixed value of 10

cm. Another suggests 1.2 – 2.4 m/s and 12 - 24 cm water depth and so on.

The great advantage of these formulas is that the shape of the profile is included in

the calculation and there is no need for hydrological data. Nevertheless diversion

length and tributaries are not considered.

2.4 Methods Based on Multi-Objective Planning Taking Into Consideration

Ecological Parameters

These methods are generally very complex in their application and require

considerable expertise in doing so. They require site-specific flow observations and

take into account hydrological, hydraulic, ecological, and meteorological data,

embracing both ecological and economic parameters. Methods are expensive in data

collection and mathematical computing, and are suitable only for particular types of

rivers. Their transferability is doubtful.

3. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFA FORMULAS FOR THAK NULLAH HPP

2.5 CEMAGREF FORMULA

According to this formula Q = [(0.0651 Qmm+2) /100] Qam (Ref. CEMAGREF:

Agricultural and Environmental Research Institute, Antony, France; Formula

developed for Minimum Flow for Ecological Requirements, 2006) where Qmm is

mean minimum monthly flow and Qam is annual mean discharge of the Thak Nullah

at the weir site. Using 1.17 m3/s for Qmm and 5.64 m3/s for Qam, the required

ecological flow Q is equal to 0.134 m3/s as environmental flow.


- 3 -

The same formula was earlier used by Fitchner Consultants of Germany for 106 MW

Golen Gol HPP, Chitral Pakistan. Golen Gol HPP is being developed by WAPDA, the

state-owned organization for the development of water resources and hydropower.

The EIA for Golen Gol HPP has already been approved by EPA showing no

reservations on the environmental flow calculation method.

This formula was later on used by Star Hydropower Ltd. for ADB finance 147MW

Patrind Hydropower Project, AJ&K which is under construction stage at present.

The following Table-1 compares the Formula value of 0.134 m3/sec as

environmental flow with the estimated monthly flows of Thak Nullah in the reach from

weir site to powerhouse site.

Table-1: Environmental Flow Requirements (m3/s) in Thak Nullah Based on

CEMAGREF FORMULA

Sr. # Months

Monthly

Mean

Flow Qmm

(1963-1993)

Environmental

Flow Q

Water

Required

for Power

Generation

Release of

Water

Downstream of

Weir

1 January 1.28 0.134 1.00 0.28 overspill

2 February 1.18 0.134 1.00 0.18 overspill

3 March 1.17 0.134 1.00 0.17 overspill

4 April 2.08 0.134 1.00 0.95 overspill

5 May 6.45 0.134 1.00 5.32 overspill

6 June 10.00 0.134 1.00 8.87 overspill

7 July 18.03 0.134 1.00 16.90 overspill

8 August 14.22 0.134 1.00 13.09 overspill

9 September 7.22 0.134 1.00 6.09 overspill

10 October 2.64 0.134 1.00 1.51 overspill

11 November 1.91 0.134 1.00 0.78 overspill

12 December 1.49 0.134 1.00 0.36 overspill

Annual Mean 5.64

The Table shows that the quantity of water available for power generation throughout

the year would be more than the design flow of 1.0 m3/s. The effect on aquatic life

during lean months February to March is not considered significant when viewed

from the fact that substantial fish culture does not exist in the reach under

consideration. Therefore, diversion of the stream for power generation in the section

immediately downstream of the weir will not affect fish population indicating

insignificant impact on the fishing.


- 4 -

2.6 EF Montana Method

The period February to March is a period of lean flow as given in the Table below.

According to this method 10% of lean months average flow which is 0.117 m3/sec

has been considered as environmental flow for bare survival of biota in vulnerable

reach and also taking stock of riparian users‟ minimum requirements during this

period. Flow of water available for power generation at full capacity throughout the

year is more than the designed flow of 1.0m3/s. The minimum flow requirement to

keep the power plant in operation is 0.5m3/s when only one turbine will be generating

2MW power during the lean months of February and March after release of

environmental flow whereas for the remaining months two turbines will generate

4MW using 1.0m3/s flow. The following Table -2 is prepared to explain the situation.

Table-2: Environmental Flow Requirements (m3/s) in Thak Nullah Based on

Montana Method

Lean Months

Mean Months

Flow (1966-97)

No. Of

Turbine in

Operation

Flow

Requirement for

Turbine

Operation (m3/s)

Environmental

Flow

(m3/s) %

1 2 3 4 (1-3) 5

January 1.28 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 0.28 22

February 1.18 1 1 x 0.5 = 0.5 0.68 58

March 1.17 1 1 x 0.5 = 0.5 0.67 57

April 2.08 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 1.08 52

May 6.45 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 5.45 84

June 10.00 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 9.00 90

July 18.03 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 17.03 94

August 14.22 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 13.22 93

September 7.22 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 6.22 86

October 2.64 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 1.64 62

November 1.91 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 0.91 47

December 1.49 2 2 x 0.5 = 1.00 0.49 33

Total Flow 67.67 - - 56.67 83.7

Average Flow 5.64 - - 4.72 83.7

The table shows that the release of environmental flow downstream of weir site will

not in any way compromise on water availability for power generation thus having

least impact on power generation while ensuring the downstream ecological

requirements from 22 to 94% as compared to 10%.


- 5 -

4. CONCLUSION

Two methods, namely, CEMAGREF Formula and Montana Method have been

used to assess the environmental releases downstream of the weir.

According to CEMAGREF Formula environmental flow varies from 8 to 15% of

natural flow during lean months from November to April every year.

According to Montana method the environmental releases during lean months

are above 10% of natural flow, varying between 57 to 58%.

The average of environmental flow throughout the year (4.72m3/s) is 83.7% of

average annual flow (5.64m3/s) which, therefore, has been adopted for the

project.


- 6 -

REFERENCES

1. Tharme R.F. Global Prospective on Environmental Flow Assessment

Freshwater Institute, University of Cape Town, Rhodes Gift, 7701, South Africa,

Proceedings of a Symposium held in Wellington, New Zealand, August 2003.

2. Environmental Integration of Small Hydropower Plants. ESHA – European Small

Hydropower Association. Rue d‟ Arlon, 63-65, 1040 Brussels, Belgium.

3. CEMAGREF: Agricultural and Environmental Research Institute, Anthony, France.

APPENDIX - II

CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS

IEE Report for 04 MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Plant Appendix - II

1

SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS

Date: February 8, 2012 Venue: Khun Village

Sr. # Main Participants Occupations of Participants

1 Riaz S/o Satmar Farmer

2 Like Zaib S/o Roop Farmer

3 Zaka ullah S/o Ambia Student

4 Muhammad Aslam S/o Mazhar Farmer

5 Mashroob S/o Spat Farmer

Date: February 8, 2012 Venue: Sharat Village


1 Soboat S/o Saidwal Job

2 Sharif S/o Saidwal Farmer

3 Rafique S/o Rash Khan Farmer

4 Muhammad Nawaz S/o Faiz Khan Farmer

5 Akbar Rehman S/o Gul Khan Farmer

6 Fazal Rehman S/o Gul Khan Farmer

7 Rehman S/o Gul Khan Farmer

Date: February 8, 2012 Venue: Kot Village


1 Saif-ul-Rehman S/o Samandar Farmer

2 Mujawar S/o Ahmed Farmer

3 Zaboor S/o Ahmed Farmer

4 Allah Din S/o Lajwar Farmer

5 Shuhab Din S/o Lajwa Farmer

6 Saif-ul-Din S/o Jumma Sideeque Farmer

Date: February 8, 2012 Venue: Dawar Village


1 Baksheer S/o Qadeem Farmer

2 Bazir S/o Sadeem Farmer

3 Zia-ul-Rehman S/o Ibrahim Farmer

4 Hanan S/o Gageer Farmer

5 Rahamdil S/o Ibrahim Farmer

6 Abdul Baqi S/o Ahmed Farmer

IEE Report for 04 MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Plant Appendix - II

2

Date: February 8, 2012 Venue: Sar Village


1 Zaib Alam S/o Kinkho Farmer

2 Zia-ul-Haq S/o Jalo Farmer

3 Sakeel S/o Roup Farmer

Date: February 8, 2012 Venue: Ghunch Village


1 Like S/o Ahmed Rauf Farmer

2 Abdul Rehim S/o Abdul Rauf Farmer

3 Nakleem S/o Soan Khan Farmer

4 Adil Zaib S/o Otail Farmer

5 Alam Zaib S/o Otail Farmer

6 Noor Muhammad S/o Otail Farmer

Date: February 8, 2012 Venue: Dar Village


1 Mustafa S/o Rehmat Farmer

2 Haji Jahangir S/o Hadees Farmer

3 Taj S/o Jumma Khan Farmer

4 Ibrahim S/o Faqeer Farmer

APPENDIX - III

LIST OF LINE DEPARTMENTS VISITED

IEE Report for 04 MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Plant Appendix - III

1

LIST OF LINE DEPARTMENTS VISITED

Date

(2011) Place

Organization / Person

consulted

Position

Reason for visit

Topics discussed

February 9 Chilas Fishery Department

Fida Alam

Assistant Director

- Fisheries development in Thak Nullah

- Catching of fish in the project area

minimal ecological flow, ecological projects

in the area

February 9

Chilas Forest Department

Staff Available and

discussed them

Forest types / trees

Location of forests / pastures

Sustainable use of forests by community

February 9 Chilas Agriculture Department

Shabir ullah

Agriculture Officer

Crop calendar, Crop yield

Irrigation water, Cropping Pattern

February 9 Chilas Health Department

Dr. Jan Alam

Acting M.S. District

Headquarter Hospital

Chilas

Public health situation including water

supply and sanitation conditions in the

project area.

Prevalent diseases

Health Department role in disease

prevention and control

February 9 Chilas Education Department

Hadayatullah

District Inspector of

School

Existing schools in the project area

Education facilities

February 9 Chilas Office of the DC

Shah Zaib Saeed

Deputy Commissioner

LAA - 1894

Role of District Revenue Officer in land

acquisition and payment of compensation

Redress procedures

February 9 Chilas NGO, DCDP Office

Ashfaq Ahmed

Programm Manager

Women status and poverty level in the

area

APPENDIX - IV

1

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

IEE Report for 04 MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Plant Appendix - IV

- 1 -

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Environmental

Concern Objectives

Mitigation Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement MM

Locations to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Monitor MM

DESIGN STAGE

1. Project

disclosure

Statutory compliance with

Pak-EPA 1997

IEE report submission to GB-EPA. Detailed design

commencement

Entire project Project Director Secretary GB-

WPD

2. Project

boundaries

change

Compliance with statutory

requirements

P-EPA 1997

Environmental assessment in line with P-EPA

and ADB Guidelines

Update IEE and confirm findings and

recommendations.

Submit revised IEE and EMP to ADB.

Completion of detailed

design

Entire project Contractor, SC Project Director,

Contractor, SC

3. Land

acquisition

Compensation to

affectees

LARP Implementation. Implementation

schedule

Entire project Project Director,

DRO

Secretary GB-

WPD, Project

Director PMU,

ADB

CONSTRUCTION STAGE

1. Loss of

productive

agriculture

Minimize need to acquire

agricultural land for

temporary facilities

Consultation with land owners.

.

Detailed design stage.

Entire project ESDC, DDC Project Director,

SC

2. Waste disposal Sound environmental

management

Design consultants to explore and identify

reuse options.

Design consultant to identify disposal

locations for excavated materials and

requirements in contracts.

Disposal at identified sites

Detail design output.

Within one month of

award of contract or

earlier

Entire project DDC ESDC, SC

3. Plans to control

environmental

and associated

impacts

Avoid impacts from

unplanned activities

Construction contractor to prepare following plans

as part of SSEMP:

Temporary traffic management plan

Drainage and utilities re-provisioning plan

Materials management plan

Submission to ADB

prior to construction

activity

Entire project Contractor ESDC/SC


- 2 -

Environmental

Concern Objectives


Recommended

Timing to

Implement MM

Locations to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Monitor MM

Waste management plan

Excavated material disposal plan

Tree compensatory planting plan

Noise and dust control plan.

Blasting management plan

Oil spill management plan

4. Loss of trees To avoid adverse

impacts due to removal of

trees.

Payments linked to tree re-establishment and

not to tree removal:

Minimize tree cutting.

Seven new trees will be planted to replace

each cut tree

Select only indigenous tree species for

replacement; no alien invasive species to be

used

One month prior to

and during

construction of

relevant activities

Entire project Contractor ESDC, CSC

5. Soil erosion To minimize excessive

erosion of embankments

and slopes.

Maintain proper slope

Compaction of soil material

Tree plantation on the slope

Construction activities All embankments

and slopes with

protection

measures.

Contractor ESDC,SC

6. Environmental

orientation of

contractor and

workers

Develop capacity to

implement environmental

requirements and

mitigation measures

Contractor tender documents to include

resources and funds for mitigation measures

as detail in No. 3 of Construction Stage.

The contractor shall be responsible for

implementation of an affective environmental

monitoring and reporting system using

checklists of all contractual environmental

requirements and EMP

Before

commencement of

construction work.

Refreshers at early

stages of construction

Construction Sites Contractor, ESDC Project Director


- 3 -

Environmental

Concern Objectives


Recommended

Timing to

Implement MM

Locations to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Monitor MM

7. Exploitation

handling,

transportation and

storage of

construction

materials

Minimization and

avoidance of adverse

environmental impacts

due to construction

material exploitation,

handling,

transportation and

storage

Contract documents to specify:

Fuel and bulk storage covered with tarpaulin

against wind and away from the residential

area.

Proper maintenance of transport vehicles

Work areas to be re-vegetated and

landscaped, wherever appropriate, to minimize

erosion and to avoid creating hazards for

people and livestock

Construction activities A list of routes of

transport of

construction

material is to be

prepared for the

contract and

agreed one month

prior to construction

activities.

Contractor ESDC, SC

8. Explosive

Material for

Blasting

To minimize the damage

around specific site.

To control the noise level

To ensure the workers‟

safety.

Use required quantity of explosive material for

blasting.

Blasting should be at day time and in bounded

area.

Handle the explosive material under

manufacturer\s specifications and Explosive

Act 1884, of the government.

During excavation

activities such as

tunnel excavation etc

At tunnel sites Contractor ESDC, SC

9. Air quality To minimize particulate

matter released to the

atmosphere.

Stockpiled soil and sand to be sprinkled with

water

Stockpiled soil and sand shall be slightly

wetted before loading, particularly in windy

conditions.

Fuel-efficient and well-maintained haulage

trucks shall be employed to minimize exhaust

emissions.

The road near communities shall be sprayed at

Construction activities. All construction

sites

Contractor to

comply with

NEQS

ESDC, SC


- 4 -

Environmental

Concern Objectives


Recommended

Timing to

Implement MM

Locations to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Monitor MM

least twice per day with water to suppress

dust.

Concrete batching plants, asphalt plant and

rock crusher activities to be controlled (e.g.

asphalt hot mix plants should not be located

within 500m of any sensitive receiver, river-

bank or irrigation channel but located at

convenient sites nearby but downwind of and

at least 500nm from sensitive receptors such

as schools and hospitals.

10. Construction

Waste Disposal

Minimize the impacts

from construction waste

disposal.

Preparation of waste management plan

including estimates of amounts and types of

construction waste to be generated by the

project.

Identify opportunities for waste to be reused in

the project or by other interested parties.

Identifying potentially safe disposal sites close

to the project or those designated sites in the

contract.

Waste shall not be burned as open burning Is

contrary to good environmental practice.

One month prior to

construction activities

quarterly.

All construction

sites

Contractor

GB WPD

ESDC, SC

11. Water quality Minimization of adverse

impacts on water quality

Storage of lubricants, fuels and other

hydrocarbons more than 50m away from water

bodies.

Proper disposal of solid waste from

construction activities and labor camps.

Covering the construction material and spoil

stockpiles with a suitable material to reduce

material loss and sedimentation.

Avoiding stockpiling to water bodies.

Construction activities Entire project Contractor ESDC,SC


- 5 -

Environmental

Concern Objectives


Recommended

Timing to

Implement MM

Locations to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Monitor MM

Excavated material shall not be stored where

natural drainage will be disrupted.

Borrow sites should not be close to sources of

drinking water.

12. Worker camp To ensure that the worker

facilities does not

adversely affect the

surrounding environment

and residents in the area.

Felled trees and other cleared or pruned

vegetation should not be burned.

LPG to be provided for cooking at worker

camps.

Drinking water and sanitary facilities shall be

provided for employees.

Solid waste and sewage shall be managed

according to the waste management plan.

The Contractor shall document that all liquid

and solid hazardous and non-hazardous waste

are separated, collected and disposed of

according to the given requirements and

regulations.

Entire project


Construction

camps

Contractor EDSC,SC

13. Workers‟

Safety

To ensure safety of

workers and equipment.

Placing adequate warning signs.

Providing workers with PPE .

Establish all relevant safety measures as

required by law and good engineering

practices.

First aid facilities should be available at

construction sites with at least one qualified

first-aider

During construction Workers camp

Construction sites

Contractor ESDC,SC

14. Traffic

Condition

Minimize disturbance of

vehicular traffic &

pedestrians during

haulage of materials,

spoil, equipment and

Implement traffic management plan.

Formulation and implementation of a

construction related traffic management plan.

Assign traffic control personnel.

Vicinity of residential areas, schools to be

Day Time during


Existing access

road

Construction sites

Contractor ESDC,SC


- 6 -

Environmental

Concern Objectives


Recommended

Timing to

Implement MM

Locations to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Implement MM

Responsibility to

Monitor MM

machinery.

considered for installation of traffic warning

signs and speed bumps.

No blocking access to the road

15. Restoration of

Temporary

land

All vacated sites should

be restored to pre-project

conditions

All construction sites, all debris and waste shall

be removed.

All temporary structures, including office

buildings, shelters, waste receptacles and

toilets shall be removed.

All vacated sites should be restored to pre-

project conditions

At conclusion of the

project

All temporary

acquired sites

Contractor, Project director

OPERATIONAL STAGE

1. Water quality Maintain the quality and

quantity of water to be

supplied to community.

The drinking water quality used by the

community in the project area shall be

monitored.

Starting from the

construction period

and continuing for the

first three years of the

project operation.

Thak Nullah Chief engineer

GB WPD

Chief engineer

GB WPD

2. Fishery To document the fishing

activities in the Kachura

Lungma

Monitor fishery resources. Starting from the

construction period

and continuing for the

first three years of the

project operation.

Thak Nullah Director, fishery

department,

Chief engineer

GB WPD

PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION


- 1 -

A- Photographs Showing Meetings with Officers of Line Departments

Meeting with DC Diamer in his Office Meeting with Assistant Director District Diamer in

his Office at Chilas

Discussion with the Agriculture Research Officer

A view of Meeting with Inspector Education

A view of meeting with Acting M.S. District

Headquarter Hospital Chilas

Meeting with Mr. Ashfaq

Representative of NGO in Chilas


- 2 -

B- Photographs Showing Scoping Sessions / Consultations with Locals of the Project Area

Discussion with PMU Staff at Power House Site Discussion with PMU Staff at Weir Site

Consultation with Locals at Dewary Village

Consultation with Locals in Khun Village

Consultation with Locals in Khun Village Local consultation at Weir Site


- 3 -

C- Photographs Showing Sites of Various Project Components

Power House Site Intake Weir Site


TOC - I

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

04MW THAK NULLAH HYDROPOWER PROJECT

Table of Contents

ACRONYMS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ 1

I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1

A. Environmental Regulatory Compliance 1

B. Environmental Category of Thak nullah HPP 2

C. Objectives and Scope of IEE 3

D. Report Structure 3

II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................... 4

A. Background and Justification 4

B. Location 4

D. Project Components 5

III. ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE ............................................................................................. 8

A. Field Survey 8

B. Physical Environment 8

C. Air Environment 10

D. Biological Environment 10

E. Social and Cultural Environment 12

D. Indigenous People 17

H. Gender Impacts 18

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION .............................................................. 19

A. Design Related Impacts 19

B. Construction Related Impacts 20

D. Operation Related Impacts 25

E. Positive Impacts 28

V. STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION .................................................................................. 30

A. Identification of Stakeholders 30


TOC - II

B. Consultation Process 30

C. Summary of Consultation 30

D. Meetings with Officers of Line Departments 31

E. Future Consultation 31

F. Procedure for Public Disclosure 31

VI. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN.... 32

A. Institutional Arrangement 32

B. Complaints and Grievances Redress 32

C. Environmental Review and Approval 33

D. Environmental Management Plan 33

E. Monitoring and Evaluation 35

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL RELATED COSTS ............................................................................... 38

VIII. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................. 39

IX. CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................... 41

TABLES

Table 1: Project Components

Table 2: Climatic Data of Chilas

Table 3: Record of Flow in Thak Nullah (1963-1993)

Table 4: Socio-Economic Indicators of Villages Falling around Project Area

Table 5: Sources of Income in Surveyed Villages

Table 6: Average Annual Income per Household in Surveyed Villages

Table 7: Distances of Settlements/Sensitive Receptors from the Weir and Power House Sites

Table 8: Flow in Thak Nullah (1963-1993)

Table 9: Environmental Flow Requirements (m3/s) Based on CEMAGREF Formula

Table 10: Environmental Flow Requirements (m3/s) in Thak Nullah Based on Montana Method

Table 11: Environmental Monitoring Plan

Table 12: Environmental Related Cost

FIGURES:

Figure 1: Project Location in the Map of Pakistan

Figure 2: Project Location in the Map of Chilas

Figure 3: Layout Plan

Figure 4: Villages/ Communities in the Vicinity of the Project Area


TOC - III

APPENDICES:

Appendix – I Assessment of Environmental Flow

Appendix – II List of Participants of Local Consultation

Appendix - III List of Officials of Line Departments Visited

Appendix – IV Environmental Management Plan

PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

IEE Report for 04MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Project

i

LIST OF ACRONYMS

ADB : Asian Development bank

amsl : above mean sea level

DP : Affected Person

BHU : Basic Health Unit

CAS : Compulsory Acquisition Surcharge

CSC : Construction Supervision Contractor

DCO : District Coordination Officer

DDC : Detailed Design Contractor

DFO : Divisional Forest Officer

EIA : Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP : Environment Management Plan

EO : Environment Officer

EPA : Environmental Protection Agency

ESDC : Environment and Social Development Cell

Ft. : Feet

GB : Gilgit Baltistan

GRC : Grievance Redress Committee

GWh : Giga Watt Hour

Ha/ha : Hectare

HH : Household

HPP : Hydropower Project

IEE : Initial Environmental Examination

Km : Kilometer

KPK : Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

kV : Kilo Volt

kW : Kilowatt

LAA : Land Acquisition Act (1894)

LAC : Land Acquisition Collector

LARP : Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan

GB-WPD : Gilgit Baltistan Water and Power Department

IEE Report for 04MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Project

ii

LIST OF ACRONYMS

NEPRA : National Electrical Power Regulatory Authority

NGO : Non-Government Organization

P&D : Planning and Development Department

PD : Project Director

PES : Pakistan Engineering Services (Private) Ltd.

PMU : Project Management Unit

PRs : Pakistani Rupees

RP : Resettlement Plan

TOR‟s : Terms of Reference

UC : Union Council

WAPDA : Water and Power Development Authority

WHO : World Health Organisation

Documents

04 MW HYDEL POWER PLANT THAK NULLAH, …...IEE Report for 04MW Thak Nullah Hydropower Plant I. INTRODUCTION 1. For the updation of IEE report already prepared in the year 2008 for