Annex 1 - IEE Draft

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

October|2013 Initial Environmental Examination (Draft)

Ceylon Electricity Board


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Executive Summary Background

This power transmission project was proposed under the Long-term Transmission Development Plan of CEB, and funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB). The total cost of the project is estimated as US$ 34.52Mn. Since the said project falls under categorization of prescribed projects as per the National Environment Act, Environmental Approval for said project has been requested by CEB from Central Environmental Authority (CEA). After the site visit of the proposed transmission line route by the Environmental Scoping Committee, the Terms of Reference (TOR) has been issued by CEA for the preparation of Initial Environmental Examination Report (IEER) for the project. This IEER has been prepared as per the said TOR.

Initial Environmental Examination

This IEER covers the construction and operation of above project, scheduled for implementation from year 2010. The Project consists of

Construction of 59km long New Anuradhapura - Vavuniya 132kV Transmission line with 220kV design

Construction of 70km Vavuniya - Mannar 132kV Transmission line with 220kV design Construction of 220/132 kV/ 33 kV Mannar GSS (1 x 31.5 MVA) Augmentation of Vavuniya GSS

Justification of the Project

The National Energy Policy of Sri Lanka has a target of achieving 10% of the total power requirement from NCRE (Non-Conventional Renewable Energy), by the year 2015, which is endorsed by the Mahinda Chinthana as well. As per the studies conducted on above, a high potential of wind power has been identified in Mannar Area. Currently, CEB is planning for the development of wind power plants in Mannar.

Mannar area is currently connected to the National grid only through a very long 33kV transmission line from Medawachchiya. As a result, the quality and reliability of the Power supply received in Mannar and surroundings is low. In order to transmit power generated at wind power plant of 100MW or above, the extension of the National Grid to Mannar area is essential. Construction of a 220/132/33kV Grid Substation at a 220 kV transmission line connecting Mannar and Vavuniya is required to transmit power generated at 100MW Wind Power Plant. Also, construction of the said line would certainly improve the voltage profile of 33 kV distribution systems to provide reliable and quality power supply to consumers in Mannar, Thalaimannar and Silawathurai areas

Existing 132kV transmission line between Vavuniya and Anuradhapura was established in year 1971 and has been operated for 40 years. As per the Transmission Planning Studies of CEB, it has been identified this transmission connection as bottleneck to transfer power to the Northern area and to absorb wind power generated at Mannar area. Since there are no alternative ways of supplying electricity demand in Northern


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Province, construction of a new 220kV transmission line between New Anuradhapura-Vavuniya Grid Substations is considered as a high priority.

In mid 2009, Sri Lanka saw end of its three decade long civil conflict and now government focuses on post-conflict infrastructure development to remove disparities in economic and social status of the poorer Eastern and Northern provinces. Asian Development Banks (ADB) offers the financial assistance to develop power sector infrastructure for the provision of reliable, adequate, and affordable power supply for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in Sri Lanka.

Objectives of the IEE Report

Under the National Environment Act, construction of transmission lines above 50kV and longer than 10km, coming under the prescribed project category. Project Approving Agency, Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has issued Terms of Reference (TOR) for carry out an Initial Environment Examination (IEE) before granting the environmental approval. This report intends to evaluate environmental and socio-economic impacts from the proposed project development and suggest adequate mitigatory measures, including an Environmental Management and Monitoring plan. Extent and Scope of the Study

The scope of the study is to prepare IEER after relevant field surveys & studies, reviewing of secondary information, and consultation with stakeholders, particularly local communities living along the transmission line.

IEE process intends to identify the baseline data on the existing environment of the study area, and the potential environmental and social impacts of the project, and will propose possible interventions to avoid and mitigate the negative impacts (if any), during short, medium and long term. The IEE report will facilitate the Project Implementing Agency (PIA), CEB to get the environmental clearance to implement the project and provide guidance for the selected contractor to carry out construction activities in an environmentally and socially sound manner.

Brief outline of the methodologies adopted in IEE Preparation

Study team resort to review secondary information from publication of Government and other research groups in the preliminary stage. Baseline data on existing physical, ecological, economic, and social environment were established using the said data supplemented and verified with the preliminary data obtained by field surveys carried out in the Project affected area.

Existing Environment


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Since both the transmission lines involved in the project includes almost similar technical features as well as environmental & social impacts and mitigation measures, both lines are considered simultaneously for the rest of the executive summary.

The Project is located within two provinces, namely North Central Province and Northern Province. There are seven protected areas belonging to Departments of Forest and Wildlife (including Wilpattu National Park and Mavillu Forest Reserve), located between the three terminal points (Mannar, Vavunia and Anuradhapura) of the project. Malwathu Oya is the prominent River basin of the area. There are a large number of irrigation tanks (including both functioning and abandoned tanks) and canals in the area. Anuradhapura- Mannar railway line and A9, A14 (Medawachchiya to Mannar), A30 (Vavunia to Mannar) main roads are the prominent transport infrastructure in the area.

The land use in the project area consists mainly of paddy fields, forests, shrub and home gardens. Despite the heavy presence of protected areas in the vicinity, the line route has been selected avoiding all the protected areas/forest reserves except very short lengths through Maha Irampalkulam forest reserve (0.6km) and Mihintale forest reserve (3.3 km). The total length traversed by the line through Maha Irampalkulam forest reserve consist of home gardens only, while the length traversed through Mihintale forest reserve is only Teak plantations.

The line route has also been selected minimizing crossing of the irrigation tanks. According to the said selection of line route, it traverses mainly through paddy fields (36.35% of total length), shrublands (25.3%) and while relatively shorter lengths through Chennas (7.84%), home gardens (9.53%) and protected and other forest lands (14.18%).

Anticipated Environmental Impacts

In order to avoid the impacts to the protected areas (3 forest reserves), areas rich in biodiversity and populated areas, the line route has been selected mainly through paddy fields (36.35%). Also, the line route has been selected through shrub lands for 25.3% and chenas for 7.84% of its total length, where the both biodiversity and population density is again relatively less. However, line route traverses 14.18% of the length through forests and 9.53% through homegardens. Short balance length (6.8% of total length) is located through rock outcrops and irrigation.

Generally, the environmental impacts from the transmission lines are minimal compared to many development projects of similar scale. The main impacts anticipated from this project are removal/pruning of trees along the transmission line corridor of35m width (especially in the forest areas, Teak plantations and home gardens). Since almost the whole line length falls on flat terrain, impacts associated with slope stability and possibility of landslides is not anticipated.

Obstruction to the natural waterways and disturbance to the natural ecosystems caused by location of foundations and access roads in wetlands is a potential impact. Due to the involvement of earth works (filling of the land) in the new Mannar GSS site, erosion of suburban lands and sedimentation of the paddy fields may be a possibility. Erosion due to tower foundations located closer to rivers and irrigation


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tanks/canals may be a possibility to a lesser magnitude, since maximum efforts are taken to avoid location of towers closer to rivers and water bodies.

Main social impact is the disturbance caused by location of tower footings within home gardens, and the disturbance and constraints caused by the conductors spanning over houses and/or home gardens. Temporary disruption of farming activities and disturbance of crops (especially in the paddy fields) during foundation work is another potential impact.

Proposed mitigation Measures

As explained above, most of the environment and social impacts mentioned above have been avoided or minimized by selection of the line route with environmental perspective. A prominent environmental impact remaining is removing of the trees along the Right-of-Way (RoW) of 35m width for safety requirement, especially along the forest areas and plantations. Maximum efforts will be taken to avoid cutting/removing trees in the areas rich in biodiversity, if such trees are located below the safety clearance required from the conductors, considering the maximum heights such trees will grow.

For the loss of plantations/home garden trees, the amount for compensation for plantations as per the assessment of the relevant DS/GS will be paid directly to the land owners. For the removal of trees in the Mihinthale forest reserve (teak plantation), CEB will pay the relevant compensation for the Forest Department to enrich the teak plantation for an equal acreage within degraded areas of the same reserve. Where the line traverse through cultivations such as paddy, damages to the harvesting will be minimized by adjusting the timing of construction activities, and any damages and/or disturbance to the cultivation would be compensated as per the valuations of relevant DS/appropriate authority. Adequate safety clearances required for the movement of agricultural equipment/machines (including harvesting machines) will be provided during the design and installation of the towers and conductors.

When line route traverse along paddy fields, maximum effort will be taken to avoid construction of new access roads. In case new access roads were absolutely necessary, they would be maximum 3-4m wide and completely removed after the completion of project work. A storm water discharge system with adequate capacity for the new Mannar GSS site will be installed, which will be properly discharged up to a natural water way. During the earth works of GSS site, various mitigation measures listed in the main report required to minimize dust, noise and erosion/sedimentation will be strictly adhered.

Monitoring Plan

The recommendations of the IEE Report are made available to the Project Manager (CEB) of the Project. The Monitoring Plan will be implemented by the Project Manager and his staff with the coordination of the Environment Unit of CEB, and the selected contractor/s would be made responsible for implementing appropriate mitigation measures mentioned in the IEER. The Monitoring Plan outlines a systematic, continuous and technical way of monitoring the environmental impacts. It also includes a description of the mitigation measures, monitoring parameters, frequency, responsible institutions and key persons and facilities available with such agencies. The proposed Monitoring Plan is shown in chapter 7.


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Content

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 7

1.1. OBJECTIVES AND JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT ........................................................... 7

1.2. OBJECTIVES OF THE IEE REPORT .......................................................................................... 8

1.3. EXTENT AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................... 8

1.4. BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE METHODOLOGIES ADOPTED IN IEE PREPARATION ................. 8

1.5. GOVERNMENT POLICY REGARDING THE RELATED SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT ............ 9

1.6. COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING PLANS OF THE RELEVANT SECTOR .................................. 9

1.7. APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS, STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS COVERING THE PROPOSED PROJECT ................................................................................................................................................. 9

1.8. APPROVALS/ CLEARANCES/ PERMITS OBTAINED OR SHOULD BE OBTAINED FROM RELEVANT STATE AGENCIES/ LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND ANY CONDITIONS LAID DOWN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY STATE AGENCIES. ..................................................................................... 10

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES ........... 11

2.1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ...................................................................... 11

2.2. METHODOLOGY OF CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................ 15

2.3. WORK FORCE ........................................................................................................................ 17

2.4. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE............................................................................................... 18

2.5. EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................ 19

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ........................................................... 23

3.1. CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY ........................................................................................... 23

3.2. TOPOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................ 24

3.3. GEOLOGY & SOIL .................................................................................................................. 25

3.4. ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES .................................................................................................... 26

3.5. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................... 30

3.6. ARCHAEOLOGY ..................................................................................................................... 45

4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................ 46

4.1. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY ................................................................................... 46


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4.2. NOISE/ACOUSTIC IMPACTS ................................................................................................. 46

4.3. ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS ........................................................................................................ 47

4.4. SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS ............................................................................................... 49

4.5. ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................... 55

4.6. VISUAL IMPACTS ................................................................................................................... 55

4.7. SAFETY AND SECURITY ........................................................................................................ 55

5. MITIGATORY ACTIONS .................................................................................................... 58

6. CONTINGENCY PLAN ....................................................................................................... 62

7. MONITORING PROGRAMME .......................................................................................... 63

8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDAITONS .................................................................... 70


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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Objectives and justification of the project The National Energy Policy of Sri Lanka has a target of achieving 10% of the total power requirement from NCRE (Non-Conventional Renewable Energy), by the year 2015, which is endorsed by the Mahinda Chinthana as well. Hence, development of renewable energy receives a high priority, and wind power is among the few technically feasible options of NCRE in Sri Lanka. Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) has conducted a preliminary wind resource assessment for the northern region, which has identified a high potential of wind power in Mannar Area. At present, CEB is planning for the development of wind power plants in Mannar. However, at present, no high voltage transmission facilities are available in Mannar area, as it is connected to the National grid only through a very long 33kV transmission line from Medawachchiya. As a result, the quality and reliability of the Power supply received in Mannar and surroundings is low. In order to transmit power generated at wind power plant of 100MW or above, the extension of the National Grid to Mannar area is essential. Construction of a 220/132/33kV Grid Substation at a 220 kV transmission line connecting Mannar and Vavuniya is required to transmit power generated at 100MW Wind Power Plant. Also, construction of the said line would certainly improve the voltage profile of 33 kV distribution systems to provide reliable and quality power supply to consumers in Mannar, Thalaimannar and Selawathurai areas In mid 2009, Sri Lanka saw end of its three decade long civil conflict and now government focuses on post-conflict infrastructure development to remove disparities in economic and social status of the poorer Eastern and Northern provinces. Asian Development Banks (ADB) offers the financial assistance to develop power sector infrastructure for the provision of reliable, adequate, and affordable power supply for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in Sri Lanka. Existing 132kV transmission line between Vavuniya and Anuradhapura was established in year 1971 and has been operated for 40 years.CEBs transmission planning wing has identified a list of projects, based on the Long term Transmission Development Plan 2011-2020, which are critical for the overall development of the power system. In the Transmission Planning Studies, it has been identified this transmission connection as bottleneck to transfer power to the Northern area and to absorb wind power generated at Mannar area. Since there are no alternative ways of supplying electricity demand in Northern Province, construction of a new 220kV transmission line between New Anuradhapura-Vavuniya Grid Substation is considered as a high priority. There is a requirement to evacuate upto 200 MW of the wind power generation in near future. Transmission system strengthening is aimed at improving the voltage profile in the area as well as evacuating upto 200 MW of wind power from the region in future.


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1.2. Objectives of the IEE report

As this transmission line is above 50kV and longer than 10km, it is categorized as a prescribed project under the National Environment Act. Following the request for environmental approval, CEA has carried out the scoping process with relevant stakeholders and issued a Terms of Reference for the initial environmental examination.

This report intends to identify environmental, social and economical impacts of the proposed project development and suggest adequate mitigation measures, which is presented in accordance with the TOR. The initial environmental examination (IEE) report comprises baseline data on the existing condition of physical, ecological, economical and social information, together with anticipated environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures. IEER outcomes are expected to be incorporated into project design to minimize potential impacts due to construction and operation of the project. Also this report will facilitate CEB to get the environmental clearance to implement the project and provide guidance for the selected contractor to carry out construction activities in environmentally and socially sound manner.

1.3. Extent and scope of the study

This proposed transmission line is connecting three grid substations and almost 130km in length. Few possible alternative routes were initially considered including adjacent route to existing Anuradhapura Vavuniya transmission line. Preliminary screening has been carried out for alternative line routes connecting relevant Substations, considering the degree of environmental & social impacts and economic feasibility. Study was first aimed at establishing baseline condition for the selected option, with regard to existing conditions including physical, ecological, economic, and social situation, after conduction of site studies supplemented with secondary data. Then potential impacts due to construction of this transmission line were identified with prior similar project experiences, giving due considerations to the specific conditions of the Project area and its components. IEER includes mitigation measures resulted from the study to minimize impacts that could happen due to project implementation and presents compensation policy. Also it identifies critical environmental attributes required to be monitored subsequent to the implementation of the proposed project and establish the Environment Monitoring Plan (EMoP).

1.4. Brief outline of the methodologies adopted in IEE preparation

Baseline data on existing physical, ecological, economic, and social condition were established with support of preliminary survey, field study and secondary data. Secondary information was gathered from publication of government and other research groups in the preliminary stage. Detailed field assessment for the baseline social and environmental data has been conducted for the distance up to 100 m on the either side of proposed alignment.


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Field personnel walked along transects along the proposed route mostly during the day to record plants and animals. Species were then listed separately for each of the different taxonomic groups. The conservation status of the species i.e. endemism, rarity and threatened status, was also determined. A questionnaire survey has been carried out to collect more quantitative data from affected parties. Respondents were selected from residents live in the vicinity of the line route. Data collected through questionnaire were analyzed to get information on demography, land ownership, nature of affected group and positive/ negative attitude towards the project and used for the final report.

1.5. Government policy regarding the related sectoral development

As indicated in section 1.1, National Energy Policy, GOSL has a target of achieving share of NCRE 10% out of total generation. Ministry of Power and Energy (MoPE) has set its targets for sustainable development as a ten point agenda. Mainly it includes achieving100% electrification of Sri Lanka in 2012, while cutting down transmission and distribution losses. It also envisages harnessing new forms of renewable energy such as utilizing Wind Power, Biomass, Solar, Dandro, Wave Power and the like.

1.6. Compliance with existing plans of the relevant sector

As indicated in 1.5, developing NCRE, and reduction of the transmission losses is among the main strategies of CEB and MoPE for sustainable development, current grid constraints limit the ability of evacuating non-conventional renewable energy sources (NCRE), this project will augment existing transmission system and construct new facilities thus increasing the capacity of absorbing renewable energy to the national grid, mainly the 200MW wind energy potential to be harnessed in near future. In addition, this project aims at improving high voltage transmission infrastructure to reduce losses by improving network efficiency.

1.7. Applicable laws, regulations, standards and requirements covering the proposed project National Environmental Act N 47 of 1980, amendment N56 of 1988, and other amendments Electricity Act 2009 Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act , N 35 of 2002 Sri Lanka sustainable energy Authority Act, N 35 of 2007 National Environmental (Protection & Quality) Regulations, No 01 1990. National Environmental (Ambient Air Quality) Regulations, 1994. National Environmental (Noise Control) Regulations N1 1996 Fauna and Flora Protection (Amendment) Act 1993 (N 49 of 1993). Forest Ordinance Act N 13 of 1966 Forest (Amendment) Act N 65 of 2009


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Felling of Trees (Amendment Act N 01 of 2000 and Act to Amend felling of trees control) Agrarian Services Act (N 58 of 1979) Agrarian Development Act N 46 of 2000 Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act 1996 Flood Act N 22 of 1955 Monuments and Archaeological Sites and remains Act, 1958. Act N24 of 1958 Antiques Ordinance, 1960 National Involuntary Resettlement Policy Land Acquisition (Amendment) Act, N 13 of 1986

1.8. Approvals/ clearances/ permits obtained or should be obtained from relevant state agencies/ local authorities and any conditions laid down for implementation of the proposed project by state agencies.

Department of Wildlife Conservation Department of Forest Conservation Department of Irrigation Respective Divisional Secretaries Department of Archeology


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2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES

2.1. Description of the proposed project Provide a location map indicating the project site and its environ, including

surrounding development projects and infrastructure. (include all the ongoing/already proposed development projects)


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From new Apura GSS to Vavunia GSS, proposed line traverses somewhat parallel to the A9 (Kandy Jaffna) highway, but crosses it at three points.Then up to Mannar proposed GSS, line lies closer to the route of A30 (Vavuniya Parayanalankulam) highway to Parayanalankulam and A14 (Medawachchiya Mannar Talaimannar) highway for the rest.

Provincial Council(s) Pradeshiya Sabha Area(s), Divisional Secretariat(s), within which the project is to be located: Total project area lies within North and North-Central Provinces. Proposed transmission line traverse through 3 districts namely, Anuradhapura, Vavunia and Mannar. Starting from New Anuradhapura GSS, transmission line passes through New Town (Nuwaragampalatha East), Mihintale, RambewaandMedawachchiya DS divisions in Anuradhapura district, Vavunia South (Sinhala), Vavunia and Vengalacheddikulam DS divisions in Vavunia District and Madhu, Nanaddan and Mannar Town DS divisions in Mannar District.


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Present ownership and land use of the project site/line trace:

Proposed expansion of Anuradhapura GSS and augmentation of Vavunia GSS confined to existing premises owned by CEB. The proposed Mannar GSS site is a 4 ha government land located in Mannar Town DS division. This land is to be leased on long term and arrangements have been made with Ministry of Land and Land Development. Proposed transmission line from Apura to Vavunia mostly goes over paddy fields and shrubs. During the planning of proposed line, it was observed that existing 132kV transmission line route corridor is crowded with many human settlements; therefore new line has deviated from the existing line and A9 road to go through private paddy lands to avoid social conflicts. It has to cut Mihintale Forest Reserve for a length of 3.3km to avoid densely populated areas in Mihintale and Rajarata University premises. From Vavunia, proposed transmission line traverses along A30 (Vavuniya Parayanalankulam) highway up to Parayanalankulam junction. There are several forest reserves along either side of the road. Vavunia GSS is located adjacent to the Maha irampaikkulam Forest Reserve, which is already encroached and in a degraded state. And proposed line crosses the forest reserve for a length of 650m.However, the whole length traversed by the line through forest reserve is home gardens only, and no forest area is encountered. After passing the town area, transmission line mostly traverse through paddy fields and shrubs. From Parayanalankulam junction line follows A14 road up to Mannar proposed GSS. Most lands are privately owned paddy fields while rest isstate owned shrub lands.

Proposed timing and schedule including phased development (if any)

Proposed time schedule for construction of Anuradhapura Vavuniya Mannar Transmission line is shown in annex 5.4.

Give details of the project characteristics including its principal features; project

related permanent and temporary structures. (Including designs of transmission towers, switch yards, grid substation etc.)

Augmentation of New Anuradhapura GSS

- Extension of 2nos. 220 kV double bus line bays. New Anuradhapura - Vavuniya Transmission line

- Construction of 132 kV double circuit 59 km Transmission line, with 220 kV design for future upgrade of voltage.

- Approximately the line has 190 nos. lattice towers


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Augmentation of Vavuniya GSS

- Extension of 2nos. 220 kV double bus line bays. Vavuniya - Mannar Transmission line

- Construction of 132 kV double circuit Zebra 70.3 km Transmission line,with 220 kV design for future upgrade of voltage

- Approximately the line has 230 nos.lattice towers Construction of 220/132 kV/ 33 kV Mannar GSS (1 x 31.5 MVA)

- 1No, 31.5 MVA, 220/132/33 kV transformers - 132 kV single busbar arrangement including bus section - 33 kV single busbar arrangement including bus section - 4 nos. 132 kV single busbar transmission line bays - 1 No, 132 kV single busbar transformer bay - 1No, 33 kV transformer bay - 4 nos., 33 kV feeder bays

Mannar GSS is intended to absorb renewable energy from proposed wind power plant in Mannar Island while serving demand in Mannar area. This new substation will eliminate requirement lengthy 33kV lines from Puttalam and Vavunia. Collector substation will be built in Nadukuda and it will be connected to Mannar GSS in Uyilankulam via 132kV transmission link. Single line diagrams of the proposed project developments in grid substations are attached as annex 5.3.

Type of equipment/transformers to be installed at each location and their capacity details, extent and type of grid substations, switch yards etc.

Augmentation of New Anuradhapura GSS

Proposed project development is confined to the CEB owned existing GSS premises. Augmentation of Vavuniya GSS

Proposed project development is confined to the CEB owned existing GSS premises.

Construction of 220/132 kV/ 33 kV Mannar GSS (1 x 31.5 MVA)

- 1No, 31.5 MVA, 220/132/33 kV transformers - 1 No, 132 kV single busbar transformer bay - 1No, 33 kV transformer bay


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Drawing showing project layout plan covering the major components of the project at a reasonable scale. (1:50000/1:10000 scale) Mark all the buildings and infra structure facilities, land use etc. in the study area along the line route, on the same. 1:50,000 maps showing proposed line route is attached as annex 5.1.

Geographic coordinates of the center line of the line route and the boundaries of grid substations/switch yards The geographic coordinates of the center line of all the angle (deviation) points of the line route and the boundaries of grid substations/switch yards are given in annex 5.5.

A table listing names of all the tanks in the study area and the coordinates of the locations of two angle towers on either side of each tanks. List of tanks traversed along the course of transmission line and their GPS coordinates are in the Table 3.1.

2.2. Methodology of Construction Methods of construction of grid substations/switchyards etc.

GSS/switchyard consists of different equipment mounted on steel structure embedded in to concrete foundations, and a control building. Land preparation requires in both construction of grid substation and tower foundations. To lessen the risk of flooding, it is necessary to raise finished level of GSS above the road level. In Mannar, retaining wall is needed to build around the proposed land, clear any vegetation and fill up to the desired level. Construction will involve excavation for building and equipment foundations, civil works and erection of equipment. Foundation excavations are executed with backhoe or manually. Depth of excavation is very unlikely to exceed 2m in good soils.

Methods of construction of towers footing and erection of towers The project activities during construction phase will involve clearing of trees along the route alignment wherever required, excavation for installation of towers, concreting of foundations erection of towers, and line stringing. There are two main types of towers in transmission lines which are steel lattice structures. Suspension towers- These structures are designed only to carry the weight of conductors in straight-line portions of transmission line. Therefore, all conductors have been attached to tower cross arms with glass insulators and continuously run through these towers.


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Tension towers- These towers are used in angle points where transmission line deviates from its route. Since these towers are designed to withstand both conductor tension and weight, they are stronger and having a wider base, compared to suspension towers. The continuity of the electrical power transmission will be provided by a separate jumper loop. There are several types of tension towers to accommodate different angles of deviation. Tension towers are also used as section towers in longer straight sections of the transmission line. Special type of tension tower is used at the termination point of transmission line at GSS which is called as terminal tower. For tower foundations, there are nine strength classes decides upon soil parameters and level of water table ranging from homogeneous rock to most week soils. The erection of structures needs some skilled personnel and supervisory staff. Although many different tower erection methods practiced and, the selection of an erection method depends on various parameters such as the adaptability of selected methods to each site conditions, time and the cost, etc.

Methods of stringing (linking substations using conductors) Conductor stringing is a specialized process, which needs highly skilled linemen, tools and machineries. The earth wires and line conductors are strung at a tension using pilot wires, tensioners, pullers and pulleys. Adequate number of linemen and proper communication facility has to be available during the stringing process.

Use of explosives (if any) Blasting will be required only if the foundations are on rock, which could not be excavated using conventional methods; the possibility of which is very less. Rock blasting would be carefully monitored and prior warnings done to reduce the risk of accidents. In case there is any threat / risk to the surrounding residences or private / commercial/ state buildings and/or their occupants, controlled blasting will be adopted. Anyway, the detailed design will include a safety plan for construction activities and related hazards, including those related to earth removal & filling, quarrying/blasting hazards and other construction related accidents.

Infrastructure facilities required/provided: Separate parking and storage spaces should be allocated to construction vehicles, equipments, material storage yards, disposal sites, and labour camps for human resourceduring mobilization stage to avoid anyenvironmental impact and public inconvenience.Selected sites must comply with the local laws and regulations and need approval from authorities to utilize these facilities. All construction sites and labor camps are to be provided with electricity either via temporary connection from national grid or onsite generator. Selecting accessible sites will eliminate the need of access road construction. Also it is important that selection of temporary lands is done reasonably away from highly populated areas, water bodies, natural flow paths, agricultural lands, important ecological habitats and residential areas.


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Details of any access roads to be built/improved (existing condition and anticipated improvement Two existing GSSs and proposed Mannar GSS are located adjacent to main roads and no new access facilities are needed. Transmission line construction will rely on existing roads, wherever feasible. However, during line construction, new access roads/tracks may be built to reach certain tower locations without vehicular access, if it is absolutely necessary. In such locations, maximum efforts will be made to manually transport equipment in knocked-down state to tower locations, while new access road will be built, only if it is absolutely necessary.

Temporary access roads will be sited carefully to minimize the environmental and/or social issues such as soil erosion in the hilly areas, disruptions to paddy farming operations in the paddy fields etc. Removal of trees and green cover vegetation should be minimized during preparation of access road and other facilities.These temporary access roads will be completely removedand ground is reinstated after the completion of construction activities.

Other resources/facilities required/provided Temporary labour camps will be provided with proper water and sanitary facilities. Since project sites are mostly located in rural areas of the dry and arid zones, proper water supply must be ensured only with water browsers. Hygienically sound sanitation facilities are to be setup in and around labor camps, which should not cause ground or surface water pollution.

State the proposed time schedule for construction As mentioned earlier, proposed time schedule for construction of Anuradhapura Vavuniya Mannar Transmission line is shown in annex 5.4.

2.3. Work force Local labour requirements, availability of labour in the area, employment of local

people Scope of this project envisages large scale and specialized construction. Therefore CEB will call for tenders and award the construction to a contractor. It will be either a national or international contractor, and they will employ the relevant workforce. For skilled labor, it is highly likely that personals from outside the locality will be employed while in unskilled labor, personnel from within the locality are utilized. Majority of the population in project areas are engaged in agricultural activities, especially paddy and chena cultivation. Therefore most of them are seasonally employed. Hence unskilled labor requirement of the construction activities can be fulfilled with locally available manpower.

Occupational health and safety facilities required/provided Nature of the works in construction activities has a high incidence of occupational ill health. This work includes many hazardous tasks and conditions such as work at height, excavations,


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noise, dust, power tools and equipment, confined spaces and high tension power supply. The effects can be devastating for the individuals and their families as there is often a long-term impact on quality of life and financial security. Contractors are obliged to maintain occupational health and safety facilities that comply with labor rules and standards, in order to assure safe work environment. They should provide or maintain plant or systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health; keep information and records relating to the health and safety of employees of the employer; and engage persons who are suitably qualified in relation to occupational health and safety to provide advice to the employer concerning the health and safety of employees of the employer.CEB will exercise such care over contractors work and take such steps as are practicable in the circumstances to avoid a foreseeable risk of death or injury.

2.4. Maintenance procedure Any provisions for maintenance of project components. State the standard practice

and any deviation required

The CEB does monitoring and supervision of the Project during the construction of the project as well as operational phase. Once the project is handed over to the CEB, it ensures that the transmission line is maintained properly and in good condition. The lifetime of a transmission line is more than 50 years, during which maintenance works are comparatively less, and limited to following.

(i) Removal of rust and re-painting (old galvanizing) of any tower steel members with

corrosion (ii) Replacing any damaged insulators (iii) Removal/pruning of trees/branches of them which may grow above 3m, height along

the 35m wide line corridor.

There will be no environmental or social impacts anticipated under item (i) and (ii).

Since the trees that would grow above 3m would be cut/ removed along the 35m wide line corridor before the line is energized, the additional impact from item (iii) is also, insignificant.

The lifetime of a GSS is also more than 50 years and maintenance works involved are limited to following items.

(i) Filtering/changing of topping up transformer oils (ii) Removal and replacement of equipment

Since no transformers, circuit breakers or any other equipment containing PCB would be installed in the GSS under this project there will be no environmental or social impacts anticipated from above activities.


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Sources of hazardous/electronic waste (if any) During construction of grid substations, CEB will not use PCB or asbestos for any new transformers, and disposal of none of those substances from old transformers are involved in this project. Construction of project components will not generally result in hazardous or electronic waste. In case of such event, CEB will proceed according to the CEA guidelines of hazardous waste disposal.

2.5. Evaluation of alternatives

- The no action alternative (i.e. one based on current practices without approval of the project) "No-action" would mean the proposed activity would not take place, and the resulting environmental effects from taking no action would be compared with the effects of permitting the proposed activity or an alternative activity to go forward. The no-action alternative is developed for two reasons. It is almost always a viable choice in the range of reasonable alternatives, and it sets a baseline of existing impact continued into the future against which to compare impacts of action alternatives. This is important context information in determining the relative magnitude and intensity of impacts Economy of Northern Province is in boom after end of civil conflicts and shows escalation of the demand for electricity in all the sectors especially domestic and industrial which is expected at the rate of 7-8%. In this context, generating sources and primary transmission and associated grid substation facilities have to be re-enforced and strengthened in order to meet this growth in demand. This transmission development project will build infrastructure to absorb renewable energy from proposed wind farm in Mannar, and reduce losses by improving efficiency of the grid and ensure reliable and uninterrupted supply to the Mannar area. Beneficial results of non-development options also cannot be ignored. These benefits include ecological and environmental preservation, and the reduction of stress to existing floral and faunal assemblages. But when compared, positive benefits adequately justify the implementation of the project. Therefore no-action alternative is not acceptable.

- Alternative routes, design and technology selection, construction techniques, and maintenance procedures etc.

The analyses of alternatives results in the selection of the preferred alternative for the project based on sound environmental, technical and economic grounds i.e., the option with the highest cost benefit factor, the most technically feasible and with least residual impact on the environment (social and biological) is identified as the preferred option.


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Several alternative line routes have been proposed based on Google Earth satellite images and 1:50,000 topographical maps during initial route selection, which were studied / inspected during preliminary site visits. Entire transmission line was considered as two line segments, one from New Apura GSS to Vavunia GSS and from Vavunia GSS to proposed Mannar GSS due to longer line lengths and significantly different land use patterns. First part from New Apura GSS to Vavunia GSS has existing 132kV link in between. A parallel corridor was considered as the shortest and most technically feasible one. But studies revealed that many parts of the existing line have been now populated with new settlements. Hence another option was considered which is longer in length but very much less social and environmental impact. In Vavunia GSS to proposed Mannar GSS portion, shortest path lies within many forest reserves and national parks, which are rich eco systems with dry zone forests. Selected route goes parallel to main roads making easy access to project sites and causing lesser impact to environment. Both these line routes were further studied by relevant officers of CEB and more optimized after sites visits with environmental scoping committee members. Proposed alternatives were compared with special emphasis to the environmental impacts, land use and social concerns, and the evaluation analysis is given in Table 2. 1.

Table 2.1 Evaluation of Alternatives

Proposed 132kV Transmission Line Project form Anuradhapura to Vavunia (Land Use as percentage of the total length for each alternative)

Total Line Length 56.2 km 58.3 km 59 km

Land Usage Option 1 Proposed Route On Map (percentage)

Option 2 Proposed Route On Map (percentage)


i) Protected areas under forest department

11.46 5.36 -

ii) Other Forests under forest department 5.03 6.67 5.03

Other Plantation - 2.34 iii) Home Garden 28.64 11.76 8.38 vi) Shrub 17.03 22.75 38.45 v) Chena 13.15 10.96 11.71

vi) Paddy 18.5 39.55 31.25 vii) Rock 0.82


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viii) Tanks 6.17 2.83 2.03 No of Crossing

i) Railway - 1 1

ii) Major (A ,B type )road crossing 7 8 6 iii) River Crossing - - - iv) Tanks 8 4 9

Option 1

Line goes parallel with Existing Anuradhapura Vavunia Transmission Line.

Option 2

Transmission line initiates from Anuradhapura GSS and passes Kuda Nelunkulama, Nelunkanniya, Kudawewa, Ruwangama, Andankulama, Dilkgala, Sangilikulam, Nambadagaswewa, Horowtibbewewa, Katukeliyawa, Koukumbukgollewa, Medawachchiya Town, Akirikanda, IssenBessawagala, Tammanna Wewa, Maha Kumbukgollewa, Kalukundamaduwa and terminates at Vavunia GSS.

Option 3

Transmission line initiates from Anuradhapura GSS and passes Maha Nelunkulama, Kuda Wannamaduwa, Nelunkanniya, Cahikatuwewa, Hammillewa, Ruwangama, Andankulama, Timbiriwewa, Dikgala, Kongasgauna, Diviyandabendewam, kadahattewewa, medawachchiya, Pahala Kumbukwewa, Palukandewa, Galkaddegama, Rambewa, Alagala, Sinnakulama, Vannakalveerakulam, Thuverunkulam, Lunuwewa, Velikkulam, Nedunkulama, and terminates at Vavunia GSS.

Option 3 is the selected proposed alternative for the transmission line.

Table 2.2 Evaluation of Alternatives

Proposed 132kV Transmission Line Project form Mannar to Vavunia (Land Use as percentage of the total length for each alternative)

Total Line Length 70.3 km 71 km 77.5 km

Land Usage Option 1 Proposed Route On Map (percentage)



i) Protected areas under wildlife department

6.05 - 19.85

ii) Protected areas under forest department

2.21 3.82 -


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iii) Other Forests under forest department 13.73 9.64 18.33

vi) Other Plantation 2.88 - - v) Home Garden 10.51 14.42 2.45 vi) Shrub 14.23 23.92 24.15 vii) Chena 4.57 3.69 2.65

viii) Paddy 40.64 39.22 30.64

ix) Tanks 5.24 5.29 1.92 No of Crossing

i) Railway Crossings 3 3 1

ii) Major (A ,B type )road crossing 4 3 1 iii) River Crossing - - - iv) Tanks 10 13 8

Option 1 (Selected Line)

Transmission line initiates from Vavunia GSS and passes Paddanichchipuliyankulam, Tandikkulam, Pattiniyarmakllankulam, Palamaikkallu, Pampaimadu, Sonaksalampaikkuam, Salampaikulam, Kurukkalkurisuddakulam, Senkappaddai, Vannankailupuliyankulam, Munrukurippukulam, Madhu Road, Tambanaikkulam, Udaiyadipullyankulam, Chundikkuli, Nalavankulam, Semmantiyu, llantaimoddai and terminates atMannar GSS. Option 2

Transmission line initiates from Vavunia GSS and passes Pattiniyarmkilankulam, Palamaikkallu, Pampaimadu, Aliyansaintakualam, Velapparpuliyankulam, Kurinchakkualam, Senkappaddai, Pandisurichchan, Uralkulattuvadi, Vannakilupuliyankualm, Paraiyanalankulam, Kovitkulam, Kochchikulam, Semmantivu, Lantaimoddal and terminates atMannar GSS. Option 3

Transmission line initiates from Vavunia GSS and passes Pichchuvilaththikkulam, Maha Irampaikkulam, Kakkayankulam, Pokkaravani, Parikariperiyakulam, Palampiddi, Nalattikulam, Kayamoddai, Kataddamandakualm, Puthukkamam, Vellalakulam, Punkantalvu and terminates atMannar GSS. Option 1 is the selected proposed alternative for the transmission line.


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3. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.1. Climate and meteorology Basic meteorological parameters, potential hazardous weather events

Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya is located almost 205 km north of Colombo. It belongs to North-Central Provinceand has been declared as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site. The city experiences tropical climate governed by monsoon winds. The western part of the district, receives very less precipitation (1000 mm-1500mm) than east part of district (1500-2000 mm).Highest precipitation is received in inter monsoon period from October to December. Throughout the year district has high temperature (29 C - 30 C). But, from December to January, temperature goes down to 26 C. Vavuniya District is located in the north of Sri Lanka in the Northern Province approximately 260km from capitol city of Colombo. The district falls within the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The average temperature is 28.70C and it is low during the period of October to January. The average rainfall of the district is 1310mm. From early October to late January is the Maha rainy season and from late April to late May is the Yala rainy season. Mannar district is located in the north west of Sri Lanka in the Northern Province, covering a land area of 2,002 sq. km. Western part of the district, including the Mannar Island forms a part of Sri Lankas arid zone while the rest of the areas of the district falls within the dry zone of Sri Lanka, where tropical dry climate is prevalent. The area covered by the district receives somewhat low rainfall throughout the year. Annual rainfall in the western part of the district, including the Mannar Island, is less than 1000 mm while that in rest of the district is between 1000 1250 mm. The area experiences heavy rains from October to December, during NE monsoonal season. In comparison, amount of rainfall receives during the rest of the months is extremely low. The highest average monthly temperature is recorded in the months of June, July & August (36C) while the lowest is encountered in the months of January and December (25C). The mean annual temperature is about 30-34C. Extreme weather events

As all three districts are in dry and arid areas, droughts are the most common disastrous situation. According to historic weather data, rural areas of Anuradhapura are more vulnerable to the extended droughts.

Sri Lanka is more frequently hit by floods than any other natural disasters. Subjective project area receives more precipitation for a shorter period during Northeast Monsoon between November and February. Severe flooding can occur in these areas when the Northeast Monsoon is reinforced by a cyclone or cyclonic storm, mostly in November and December. Vavuniya records the most number of flood incidents since 1957. (The National Atlas of Sri Lanka)

Cyclones are not common phenomena in Sri Lankas disaster scene. But historical data shows that cyclone paths are fall on these three districts. Anuradhapura district records 8-10 cyclone events since 1901 while Mannar district has 6-8 such events.


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3.2. Topography Recent topographical data clearly indicating reserve areas, marshy areas, water

bodies, canals, streams, drainage channels A table containing names of the tanks through which the transmission line traverse,

coordinates etc.

Starting from Uilankulama Proposed GSS, about one fourth of the proposed transmission line traverses on flat terrain of less than 30m MSL height up to Madhu area and then line stretch up to Anuradhapura via Vavuniya goes along slightly undulating terrain varies 30~150m MSL.

Reserved areas

Proposed transmission line has got number of forest reserves, sanctuaries and national parks in the vicinity. In Madhu road area transmission line route intersects proposed extended boundary of Madhu sanctuary for a length of 3.1km. Close to Vavuniya GSS, four forest reserves are in close proximity to the transmission line and two of them namely, Maha Irampaikkulam forest reserve & Puvarasankulam forest reserve are crossed for a length of 660 and 700m respectively. Both reserved areas have been encroached by people for settlements and cultivations, therefore in a degraded state.

While existing Anuradhapura to Vavuniya transmission line crosses Issenbassawa wewa Forest Reserve, proposed line deviates to further west to avoid settlements and reserved areas. Mihintale Forest Reserve in outskirts of Anuradhapura has been under the authority of Forest Department and commercial Teak (Tectona grandis) plantations are underway. Proposed transmission line crosses Mihintale reserved area for a length of 3.2 km.

Marshy areas, water bodies

Proposed transmission line traverses along paddy lands in many areas including area irrigated under Giants tank scheme, Vavuniya, Medawachchiya, Rambewa and selected land for Uilankulama GSS. Main water bodies in close proximity to transmission line are Giants tank and Mahakanadara Wewa neither of them are crossed by the line.

Canals, streams, drainage channels

Main waterway crossed by the transmission line is the diversion canal from Aruvi Aru to Giants tank. No other canals or streams are crossed other than several minor irrigation canals.

Table 3. 1 Names of the tanks/coordinates

No Name of the Tank Entry Point Exit Point N E N E

Anuradapura to Vavuniya 1 Tank at Sangikakanadarawa 831'25.64"N 8031'2.81"E 831'28.53"N 8031'1.62"E 2 Tank at Ratmalwetiya 833'24.49"N 8030'20.68"E 833'29.60"N 8030'19.17"E 3 Tank at Nelugoliewa 834'16.69"N 8030'21.44"E 834'24.82"N 8030'22.68"E 4 Tank at Nabadawila 838'21.60"N 8030'34.96"E 838'24.18"N 8030'34.99"E


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5 Vannanbullyan Kulam 841'33.98"N 8030'39.60"E 841'41.34"N 8030'43.79"E 6 Vannakalveeran Kulam 841'51.57"N 8030'49.66"E 841'56.00"N 8030'52.14"E 7 Kayan Kulam 843'37.32"N 8031'40.69"E 843'41.66"N 8031'41.96"E 8 Pinuwakumbukgas Wewa 844'27.80"N 8031'52.90"E 844'35.47"N 8031'54.67"E Vavunia to Mannar 1 Vavuniya Kulam 845'54.93"N 8030'33.19"E 845'59.38"N 8030'42.73"E 2 Thandi Kulam 846'44.28"N 8029'30.54"E 846'38.24"N 8029'34.28"E 3 Pattiniyarmakllon Kulam 846'55.12"N 8028'41.02"E 846'57.74"N 8028'48.43"E 4 Paddakaddu Kulam 846'41.75"N 8028'6.59"E 846'43.47"N 8028'10.68"E 5 Tampanai Kulam 846'11.87"N 8027'33.61"E 846'14.32"N 8027'38.40"E 6 Tank at Ganeshapuram 846'11.41"N 8026'54.74"E 846'9.20"N 8027'4.73"E 7 Tank at Puvarasankulam 845'36.46"N 8022'8.47"E 845'40.97"N 8022'23.39"E 8 Keraddiyan Kulalm 845'34.20"N 8020'7.98"E 845'35.11"N 8020'20.57"E 9 Tank at Senkappaddai 845'50.13"N 8018'20.63"E 845'44.99"N 8018'29.73"E 10 Tirukaya Kulam 845'16.98"N 8013'30.23"E 845'18.20"N 8013'34.29"E 11 Kallyamurippu Kulam 845'4.36"N 8012'56.10"E 845'6.97"N 8013'3.13"E 12 Tank at Tambanaikkulam 847'57.76"N 80 7'33.95"E 847'57.36"N 80 7'36.61"E 13 Murunkan Kulam 849'46.35"N 80 2'6.74"E 849'46.48"N 80 2'15.63"E

3.3. Geology & soil General geology of the area, soil types


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Lithotectonically Sri Lanka is divided in to several regions and entire transmission line lies within the Wanni Complex starting from Cenozoic cover in North-West part of the country comprising of alluvial deposits and Miocene limestone. Then line crosses areas adjacent to giant tank where Biotite gneiss rocks and Grumusol soils are present. Solodized Solonetz soil is seen along the banks of Aravi Aru. From Paraiyanalankulam to Vavuniya, Reddish Brown earth and Low Humic Gley soils are dominant. From Vavuniya to Anuradhapura, Granitic gneiss, Charnockite and Hornblende gneiss rocks are encountered while Reddish Brown earth and Low Humic Gley soils are still dominant.

3.4. Ecological resources Existing natural and manmade habitats in and around the project site and,

distribution and density of fauna and flora of them

The Table 3.2 shows the details of the habitats that will be intercepted by the transmission line and their extent in the total corridor from Anuradhapura to Vavuniya. Table 3. 2 Land use of the line corridor including the types of habitats and their extents (ha)

Total Line Length 59 km

Land Usage Percentage of total line length (%)

Corridor width (m)

Total affected Area (ha)

i) Paddy 31.25 35 64.53 ii) Home Gardens 8.38 35 17.3 iii) Open scrublands 38.45 35 79.4 iv) Forest (protected + other) 5.03 35 10.39 v) Chena 11.71 35 24.18 vi) Other 5.18 35 10.7 The Table 3.3 shows the details of the habitats that will be intercepted by the transmission line and their extent in the total corridor from Manner to Vavuniya. Table 3. 3 Land use of the line corridor including the types of habitats and their extents (ha)

Total Line Length 70 km

Land Usage Percentage of total line length (%)

Corridor width (m)

Total affected Area (ha)

i) Paddy 40.64 35 99.57 ii) Home Gardens 10.51 35 25.75 iii) Open scrublands 14.23 35 34.86


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iv) Forest (protected + other) 21.89 35 53.63 v) Chena 4.57 35 11.2 vi) Other 8.16 35 19.99 Flora The project area comprise of predominantly paddy lands then homegardens, open scrublands, forest areas, chena lands and lakes in order of significance. Table 3.4 shows the distribution of the flora in the affected habitats while Table 3.5 shows the distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the Project area. The full list of flora species encountered in the Project affected areas is shown in Annex 7. Table 3. 4 Summary of the distribution of flora according to the habitats in the project area

Habitats The extent in the corridor (30m) in ha

No. of species in the habitat types

Biodiversity % in the ecosystem

Endemic species

% Nationally Threatened species

% Vulnerable species

%

Paddy 164.1 38 19.58 1 0.5 Home Gardens

43.05 64 32.98

1 0.5

Open scrubs

114.26 43 22.16

1 0.5

Forest 64.02 22 11.34 Chena 35.38 14 7.21 1 0.5 Tanks 30.69 13 6.7 Total 164.1 194 100 1.5 Table 3. 5 The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the Project area

Family Scientific name Common name

Habit Species Status

Conservation Status

PA HG TA OS FO CH

Apocynaceae

Walidda antidysenterica

Idda

Small Tree

Endemic LC *

Rubiaceae

Mitragyna tubulosa

Halamba

Tree Native EN *

Cycadaceae

Cycas nathorstii

Madu

Small Tree

Native VU *

Salvadoraceae

Salvadora persica

Maliththan

Small Tree

Native NT * *

ABBREVIATIONS: SS Species Status, ED Endemic, CS Conservation Status, EN Endangered, NT Near Threatened, OS Open Scrublands, PA Paddy, HG Home gardens Fauna


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Table 3.6 shows the summary of the fauna in the different habitats in the Project area while Table 3.7 shows the distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable fauna in the Project area. The full list of the faunal species encountered in the Project area is shown in Annex 7. Table 3. 6 The summary of the fauna in the different habitats in the Project area

Habitats

% of fauna observed

% biodiversity

Category of fauna

End emic species

Endangered species

Critically Endangered

Vulnerable species

Near Threatened

Paddy lands 13.27 7.0422 Butterflies 7.0422 Dragonflies 1 4.2253 Amphibians 2.8169 Reptiles 45.070 Birds 2.8169 Mammals

Homegardens

22.80 16.393 Butterflies 1 2 1.6393 Dragonflies 3.2786 Amphibians 1 1 4.0983 Reptiles 28.688 Birds 1 1 1 1.6393 Mammals

Chena Cultivations

19.62 10.476 Butterflies 1 0.9523 Dragonflies 0 Amphibians 4.7619 Reptiles 38.095 Birds 1 3.8095 Mammals

Open Scrublands

16.44 18.181 Butterflies 2.2727 Dragonflies 0 Amphibians 3.4090 Reptiles 42.045 Birds 1 2.2727 Mammals

Tank associated

10.46 5 Butterflies 7.1428 Dragonflies 3.5714 Amphibians 0 Reptiles 36 Birds 1 0 Mammals

Other Plantations

4.48 0 Butterflies 50 Dragonflies 0 Amphibians 0 Reptiles 8.3333 Birds 29.166 Mammals

Forests 12.89 20.289 Butterflies 1 0 Dragonflies


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Abbreviations: NA not applicable Rare threatened and endemic species Table 3. 7 The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable fauna in the Project area Family Scientific name Common name Species

category Species Statu

Conservation Status

TA PA OS HG FO CH PL

Elephantidae

Elephas maximus

Asian Elephant

Mammal BR EN *

Columbidae

Columba livia Gmelin, 1789

Rock Pigeon Bird BR CR * * *

Bucerotidae

Ocyceros gingalensis (Shaw, 1811)

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill

Bird E LC *

Picidae

Chrysocolaptes festivus (Boddaert,

White-naped Woodpecker

Bird BR VU *

Scolopacidae

Limosa limosa (Linnaeus, 1758)

Black-tailed Godwit

Bird M NT *

Scincidae

Lankascincus fallax

Common Supple Skink

Reptile E LC * *

Rhacophoridae

Pseudophilautus regius

Polonnaruwa shrub frog

Amphibian E VU * *

Lycaenidae

Amblypodia anita

Purple leaf Blue Butterfly BR NT * *

Pieridae

Appias galane

Sri Lanka Lesser albatross

Butterfly E LC *

Lycaenidae

Amblypodia anita

Purple leaf Blue Butterfly BR NT * *

Lycaenidae

Virachola perse Hewitson, 1863

Large Guava Blue

Butterfly BR VU *

Papilionidae

Papilio crino

Banded peacock Butterfly BR VU * * *

Libellulidae

Trithemis festiva

Indigo Dropwing Dragonfly BR VU *

ABBREVIATIONS: SS Species Status, ED Endemic, CS Conservation Status, EN Endangered, , OS Open Scrublands, PA Paddy, HG Home gardens, R Rubber Proximity to protected areas In Anuradhapura, the transmission line traverses across the Mihintale Sanctuary and then Mihintale Forest Reserve for a short distance. In Mannar the line crosses the Madhu Road Sanctuary for a short distance of about 1 km while it goes parallel to the A14 road. The Mihintale Wildlife Sanctuary was gazetted in May 27 1938. It is believed to be the first sanctuary in the world but now is in a rather neglected state. . It comprises 999.6

4.3478 Amphibians 1 1 2.8985 Reptiles 34.782 Birds 1 7.2463 Mammals 1


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hectares or 2,500 acres. All the mountains and hills of Mihintale, the Kaludiya Pokuna, Mihindu Guhava, Ambasthala area and the Amba Vanaya, which belong to the Forest Department, come within this Sanctuary. The biodiversity of this area is high. The forest type is dry mixed evergreen forest with open and sparse forests (open scrublands). The dominant tree species include Palu, Burutha, Weera, Milla, Teak, Ebony. With regard to the fauna, about 72 species had been recorded including Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, Butterflies and Dragonflies. According to the IUCN Red List among the fauna there are 3 endangered, 2 vulnerable and 4 Near Threatened species. The Mihintale Forest Reserve is located within the Sanctuary and had been designated as a Reserve in 1924. However, it is also now in a rather neglected state. The predominant vegetation is Teak Plantations which is now in the second rotation having an age of around 10 years. The plantation had not been managed and therefore the growth of the trees is very poor. There is also a metal quarry in operation within the Reserve. The Madhu Road Sanctuary which belongs to the Department of Wildlife Conservation had been designated as a protected area in 1968 and has an extent of 26,677 ha. The forests belong to dry mixed evergreen forests and open and sparse forests (open scrublands) and the predominant tree species are Palu, Weera, Milla, Ebony, Burutha. According to the IUCN, there are about 63 faunal species belongs to all the categories of fauna and among them there are 4 endangered, 4 vulnerable and 4 near threatened species.

3.5. Socio-economic considerations Present land use pattern

Summary of the present land use data extracted from 1:50,000 maps published by Survey Department are as follows. Detailed land use data is already mentioned in section 3.4.

Table 3. 8 Summary of the proposed land use

Land Use Percentage % Paddy 36.35 Home Gardens 9.53 Open scrublands 25.31 Forest (protected + other) 14.18 Chena 7.84 Other 6.8

Population characteristics and socio-economic status of community in the study area

Population Population in the three districts under consideration is as given in the Table 3.9. Compared to Anuradhapura District the other two Districts are sparsely populated. Whereas Anuradhapura District has a population density of 112 per km2, Vavuniya and Mannar report 81 per km2 (Table 3.10). Distribution of population by gender is as shown in the Table 3.11. Male population accounts for 51%, 41% and 52% in Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Mannar Districts respectively. The ethnic composition of the population in the Vavuniya and Mannar Districts are not mentioned in the statistics available as they were under military conflict for years. The Table 3.12 shows


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the distribution of population by ethnicity in Anuradhapura District. The distribution of population in the divisions of divisional secretariats is as mentioned in the Tables 3.13, Table. 3.14 and Table.3.15. Table 3. 9 Population by District (2011)

District Population in thousands

Anuradhapura 830 Vavuniya 174 Mannar 104 total 1108

Source: Department of Census and Statistics Table 3. 10 Population Density by Districts (Per km2)

District Density Anuradhapura 112 Vavuniya 81 Mannar 81

Source: Department of Census and Statistics Table 3. 11 Population by Gender (in thousands)

District Male % Female % Total % Anuradhapura 423 51 407 49 830 100 Vavuniya 85 49 89 51 174 100 Mannar 54 52 50 48 104 100

Source: Department of Census and Statistics Table 3. 12 Population by Ethic Groups 2011 District Sinhalase Sri

lankan Tamil

Indian Tamil

Moor Burgher Malay Other Total

Anuradhapura 676073 (90.6%)

5073 (0.6%)

443 (0.05%)

61989 (8.3%)

179 (0.02%)

279 (0.03%)

1651 (0.2%)

745687 (100%)

Vavuniya _

_

_

_

_

_

_

_ Mannar _

_

_

_

_

_

_

_ Source: Department of Census and Statistic

Table 3. 13 Population by Divisional Secretarial Anuradhapura

Division

Male Female Total

Medawachchiya 20318 20151 40469 Mihinthale 13421 13365 26786 Nuwaragampalatha-east 134231 31439 65671 Rambewa 15643 15961 31604 Source: Department of Census and Statistics


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Table 3. 14 Population by Divisional Secretarial Vavuniya

Division Male Female Total

Vavuniya 57439 59002 116441 Vavuniya- north 1863 1348 3211 Vavuniya- south 5463 5537 11000 Vengalacheddi Kulam 8889 6758 17647 Source: Department of Census and Statistics Table 3. 15 Population by Divisional Secretarial Mannar

Division Male Female Total

Mannar town 20876 20848 41724 Source: Department of Census and Statistics *Statistics are available only for Mannar town Housing Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of housing facilities are dominant among the major indicators of peoples socio-economic states. As they stand for symbolic expression of social status of residents, people strive to construct good houses and furnish them with other status symbols. People of the three Districts under consideration possess facilities of housing as indicated in the statistics compiled by the Department of Census and Statistics. Being affected by the military conflicts for decades the Districts of Vavuniya and Manna show lesser number of housing units compared to those of Anuradhapura Districts. (Table 3.16). Most of the houses in all the three Districts are single storied as shown in the Table 3.16. Single storied housing unites account for 97%, 77% and 86% in Anuradhapura, Vauniya and Mannar Districts respectively. As the building materials used for the construction of houses are concerned, bricks and cement blocks have been predominantly used in the three Districts. However, 24% in Mannar have been built with mud, kadjans and planks. The poor housing facilities are well evident from those statistics. (Table 3.17). As the roofs of those houses are taken into account, nearly 90% of housing units in Anuradhapura have tiles and asbestos, whereas those building material account for 59% in Vavunia and 67% in Mannar. Kadjan and similar temporary materials have been used for 11% of houses in Vavuniya and Mannar each. (Table 3.18) For drinking water, most of the people in three Districts depend on wells. Over 51% of houses in Anuradhapura and 71% in Vavuniya get water from wells. In Mannar, 51% of houses get water from wells. Tube well seemed popular among 17% in vavuniya and 7.4% in Mannar. (Table 3.19). Whereas 83.4% of houses in Anuradhapura are illuminated by electricity supplied by the national grid, and 69.6% and 58.1% of houses in Vavuniya and Mannar respectively are connected to the same source of electricity. (Table 3.20) Still 15.3% in Anuradhapura depends on kerosene. In Vavuniya and Mannar kerosene oil accounts for illuminating 27.7% and 34.2% of houses respectively. Availability of sanitary facilities is evident from the statistics given in the Table 3.21. In Vavunaya and Mannar Districts, permanent toilets are not available for 10% of houses.


Page 33

Table 3. 16 Occupied Housing Units by Type of Housing Units, 2012

Source: Department of Census and Statistics 2011 Table 3. 17 Housing Units by Principal Material of Wall, 2011

Source: Department of Census and Statistics 2011

District

Num

ber o

f hou

sing

units

Type of housing unit

Sing

le h

ouse

-sin

gle

stor

eyed

Sing

le h

ouse

-tw

o st

orey

ed

Sing

le h

ouse

m

ore

than

two

stor

eys

Atta

ched

ho

use/

anne

x

Flat

Cond

omin

ium

/lux

ury

apar

tmen

t

Twin

hou

se

Row

hou

se/l

ine

room

s

Hut/

shan

ty

Oth

er

Anuradhapura 227,598 220,896 4,581 229 423 48 0 423 141 746 111 percentage 100.0

97.1 2.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.0

Vavuniya 40,896 31,478 1,118 188 135 54 27 39 1,784 5,953 118 percentage 100.0 77.0 2.7 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 4.4 14.6 0.3

Mannar

23,338

20,170

888

501

16

18

11

39

3

1,672

20 percentage

100.0 86.4 3.8 2.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.0 7.2 0.1

District N

umbe

r of h

ousin

g un

its Principal material of construction of wall,2012

Bric

k

Cem

ent

bloc

k/st

one

Cabo

ok

Pres

sed

soil

bric

ks

Mud

Kadj

an/p

alm

yra

h Plan

k/m

etal

sh

eet

Oth

er

Anuradhapura 227,598 202,879 6,395

496

1,963

14,859

458

402

146 percentage(%) 100.0 89.1 2.8 0.2 0.9 6.5 0.2 0.2 0.1

Vavuniya

40,894

16,238

14,373

142

281

5,428

1,362

2,854

216 percentage(%)

100.0 39.7 35.1 0.3 0.7 13.3 3.3 7.0 0.5

Mannar

23,338

398

16,728

196

18

763

4,001

1,149

85 percentage(%)

100.0 1.7 71.7 0.8 0.1 3.3 17.1 4.9 0.4


Page 34

Table 3. 18 Housing Units by Principal Material of Roof,2011

Source: Department of Census and Statistics. 2011 Table 3. 19 Housing Units by Districts and Principal Source of Drinking Water, 2011

District Anuradhapura

Vavuniya

Mannar

Principal source of drinking water

228304 % 41214 % 23783 %

Well Protected well within premises

51306

22.5 19632

47.6 5667

23.8

Protected well outside premises

63130

27.7 8160

19.8 6549

27.5

Unprotected well 8681 3.8 1587 3.9 556 2.3 Pipe born water

Tap within unit 32167 14.1 783 1.9 1187 5.0 Tap within premises but outside unit

16093

7.0 1180

2.9 3872

16.3

Tap outside premises 7585

3.3 1415

3.4 1212

5.1

Other Rural water supply project 35803

15.7 439

1.1 234

1.0

Tube well 5758 2.5 6974 16.9 1749 7.4 Bowser 261 0.1 105 0.3 2530 10.6 Bottled water 2394 1.0 854 2.1 46 0.2 River/tank/stream/spring 5126 2.2 85 0.2 181 0.8

District N

umbe

r of h

ousin

g un

its Principal material of construction of roof

Tile

Asbe

stos

Conc

rete

Zink

allu

min

ium

sh

eet

Met

al sh

eet

Kadj

an/p

alm

yrah

/st

raw

Oth

er

Anuradhapura

227,598

110,199

94,347

2,742

3,180

13,053

3,914

163 %

100.0 48.4 41.5 1.2 1.4 5.7 1.7 0.1

Vavuniya

40,894

11,649

12,483

1,654

450

9,654

4,494

510 %

100.0 28.5 30.5 4.0 1.1 23.6 11.0 1.2

Mannar

23,338

13,386

2,149

228

320

4,606

2,534

115 %

100.0 57.4 9.2 1.0 1.4 19.7 10.9 0.5


Page 35

and other Source. Department of Census and Statistics. 2011 Table 3. 20 Housing Units by Districts and Principal Type of Lighting, 2011


Vavuniya

Mannar

Principal type of lighting 228,304

% 41,214

% 23,783

%

Electricity Electricity-from national grid 190,428

83.4 28,692

69.6 13,810

58.1

Electricity-from rural hydro power project

0

0.0 564

1.4 1,378

5.8

Other Kerosene 34,999 15.3 11,431 27.7 8131 34.2 Solar power 2,742 1.2 514 1.2 407 1.7 Bio gas 54 0.0 3 0.0 8 0.0 Other 81 0.0 10 0.0 49 0.2

Source: Department of Census and Statistics,2011 Table 3. 21 Housing Units by Districts and Toilet Facilities, 2011


Vavuniya

Mannar

Toilet facilities 228,304

% 41,214

% 23,783

%

Within the unit

Exclusively for the household 40,327

17.7 8,260

20.0 6,051

55.4

Sharing with another household

6,090

2.7 1,094

2.7 655

2.8

Outside the unit

Exclusively for the household 148,986

65.3 22,795

55.3 11,413

48.0

Sharing with another household

20,135

8.8 2,949

7.2 1,875

7.9

Other No toilet but sharing with another household

7,455

3.3 1,262

3.1 1,034

4.3

Common/public toilet 269 0.1 836 2.0 358 1.5 Not using a toilet 5,042 2.2 4,018 9.7 2,397 10.1

Source: Department of Census and Statistics, 2011 As shown in the Table 3.22 nearly 60 % of the families under the influence if the proposed project falls into the Anuradhapura District and the rest 40% in the Vavniyawa District. No family was identified in or in the vicinity of the transmission line in the Mannar District main land at the time of survey in


Page 36

September. The distribution of those families by Divisional Secretariats and Gramaniladhari Divisions in the two Districts are as mentioned in the Table 3.23 and 3.24 respectively. Table 3. 22 Distribution of Families by District

District No. of Families % Anuradhapura 36 59.02 Vavuniya 25 40.98 Total 61 100

Table 3. 23 Distribution of families by Divisional Secretariat

Divisional Secretariats within the District

No. of Families %

Anuradhapura 2 3.28 Medawachchiya 8 13.11 Mihinthale 5 8.2 Nuwaragam Platha East 15 24.59 Rambewa 6 9.83 Vavuniya 25 40.98 Total 61 100 Table 3. 24 Distribution of Families by Grama Niladhari Division

District Divisional Secretariat Grama Niladari Division No. Families

Anuradhapura Nuwaragam palath - East Nelunkanniya 8 ThuriyanKulama 6 Keerikulama 3

Medawachchiya Agirikanda 1 Kandaradiulweya 4 Paran Halmillewa 3

Mihinthale Mahakandarawa Track 2 1 Maradankulama 1 Ruwangama 3

Rambewa Maha Kanadarawa R.B. Track 1

1

Maha Kanadarawa R.B. Track 2

1

Diviyaudabendawewa 1 Gonewa 3

Vavuniya Vavuniya Achchipuram 1 Alagalla 1 Kalmbakulam 1 Maharambaikulam 3


Page 37

Pampaimadu 1 Punthoddam 2 Salmbaikulam 10 samalankulam 6

As shown in the Table 3.25 there are 250 members in the 61 families. Families with four or more members account for 82% of total families. Female population represents 53.2% (Table 3.26). As the age of the household members is concerned nearly 37% is below the age of 19 years and over 44% is in between 20 and 49 years. Only 18% is over the age of 50 years. (Table 3.27), According to the Table 3.27, only 30% of family members are employed, whereas 26% is still school children. It is interesting to report 36 % of unemployed and 7% of non schooling rate in these areas under consideration.(Table 3.28) Table 3. 25 Distribution of Families by the Number of Family Members

No of Family Members

No. of Families % Population %

1 4 6.56 4 1.60 2 7 11.48 14 5.60 3 9 14.75 27 10.80 4 16 26.23 64 25.60 5 13 21.31 65 26.00 6 10 16.39 60 24.00 7 1 1.64 7 2.80 8 0 0.00 0 0.00 9 1 1.64 9 3.60 Total 61 100.00 250 100.00 Table 3. 26 Distribution of population of families by gender

Gender No. of People %

Male 117 46.80 Female 133 53.20 Total 250 100.00 Table 3. 27 Distribution of population of families by Age

Age Category No. of People %

Below 9 years 37 14.80 10-19 years 56 22.40 20-29 years 39 15.60


Page 38

30-39 years 42 16.80 40-49 years 29 11.60 50-59 years 20 8.00 Above 60 years 27 10.80 Total 250 100.00 Table 3. 28 Distribution of members of families by work and Education

Work or Education No. of People %

Employed 75 30.00 Un Employed 91 36.40 Schooling 65 26.00 Non-Schooling 19 7.60 Total 250 100.00 Land Possession The Table 3.29 on land possession of the households reveals an important factor that deserves due attention of the proposed project. That is the very low quantity of lands belongs to majority of families. For over 74% of families the quantity of land ranged between 0.5 Acre and 1.0 Acre. Another 10.67% of families live in lands less than 2.0 Acre in quantity (Table 3.29). The nature of land ownership is as shown in the table 3.30. Accordingly 72.3% of households claimed private ownership for their lands whereas 8.2% of households were on leased lands. Only 6.5 % are in state land as mentioned by them. Table 3. 29 Distribution of families by the quantity of land possession

Quantity of land No .of families %

Less land 0.5 Acer 22 36.07 0.5 Acer 1.0 Acer 23 37.71 1.0 Acer 2.0 Acer 12 19.67 Above 2.0 Acer 4 6.55 Total 61 100.00 Table 3. 30 Distribution of families by the nature of land ownership

Land Ownership No. of families %

Private Land 44 72.13 Lease Land 5 8.20 Government Land 4 6.56 Other 8 13.11 Total 61 100.00 Residence


Page 39

All the families responded to have permanent residences in their lands of current occupation. The period of residence is, over 10 years for 69% families and and the rest have been in those residences for 10 years or less. (Table 3.31) Except 3 (4.9%) family living in wattle and daub houses, all the families possess permanent houses but with limited space (Table.3.32). The floor area of houses is less than 500 square feet for 55% of families and 18% of families have a floor area that ranges between 501and 1000 Sq.feet. Only 11% of families responded to have floor areas over 1000 square feet (Table 3.33). Additional building are available only for 46%% of families in their residential lands.(Table 3.34) Table 3. 31 Distribution of family by the period of residence

Period of residency No. of families %

New 5 8.20 Below 10 years 14 22.95 Year 10-20 5 8.20 Year 20-30 12 19.67 More than 30 4 6.55 From Birth 13 21.31 Not yet 2 3.28 No Response 6 9.84 Total 61 100.00 Table 3. 32 Distribution of families by the condition of the house

Condition of house No. of families %

Permanent building in Good Condition

54 88.52

Wattle and daub house 3 4.92 Constructing 4 6.56 Total 61 100.00 Table 3. 33 Distribution of families by the quantity of floor area

Square Feats of the floor No. of families %

< 500 34 55.74 501-1000 11 18.03 1001-2000 7 11.48 >2001 1 1.64 No Response 8 13.11 Total 61 100.00 Table 3. 34 Availability of the other building situated in the household lands

Building No. of families %

No any other building 33 54.10 Other buildings 28 45.90


Page 40

Total 61 100.00 Use of mass media and IT Being the most popular electronic media, television is available for 73.77% of the families (Table 3.35) Radio sets are used by 62.3% of respondents (Table 3.36). Though 73.7% of families possesses television sets, only 59% of them have erected antennas. Mos

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Annex 1 - IEE Draft