Environmental Assessment Report · Nripendra Kumar Singh, Mr. Shrikant Singh who have assisted in preparing this report. We are also thankful to the supporting staff especially Mohd

The environmental impact assessment is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

Environmental Assessment Report

Environmental Impact Assessment Project Number: 37139-02 January 2010

IND: Uttaranchal Power Sector Investment Program – Subproject 1 Prepared by Water Resources Development & Management for the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

EIA & EMP REPORT

FOR

PROPOSED SOBLA-I SMALL HYDRO POWER PROJECT

ON

SOBLA GAD

A PROJECT OF

UTTARANCHAL JAL VIDUT NIGAM LTD.

Maharani Bagh, GMS Road, Dehradun DISTRICT DEHRADUN – 248 001 (U.K.)

Prepared by :

Water Resources Development & Management

Indian Institute of Technology, ROORKEE. Ph : 01332-285774 Fax : 271073

Draft Report

CONTENTS

Sl. No. Contents Page No.

1. Introduction 1-9

2. Description of the Project 10-17

3. Description of the Present Environment 18-66

4. Alternatives 67-69

5. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 70-82

6. Economic Assessment 83-89

7. Environment Management Plan 90-110

8. Disaster Management Plan 111-122

9. EMP Implementation and Monitoring 123-124

10. Conclusion* -

Remark

*Conclusion will be submitted final report

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are grateful to the Management of UJVNL, Dehradun, U. K. for appointing

us as a Consultant for EIA/EMP study for proposed Small Hydel Power Project

at Sobla, Distt. Pithoragrah, Uttarakhand.

We are happy to convey our deep sense of gratitude, appreciation and

thankfulness for the unstinted co-operation continuously extended to us by

Chairman UJVNL Sri Yogendra Prasad and the Managing Director Sri. R.P.

Thapliyal.

We also express our thanks, to Mr. S.K. Rastogi former G.M. S.H.P., Mr. Arvind

Kumar G.M. S.H.P., Mr. S.C. Baluni D.G.M. ADB Project and other staff

members of UJVNL, Dehradun and Dharchula, for the unstinted co-operation

continuously extended to us by them.

We also express our thanks to villagers, census department, Forest

Department, PHED, Irrigation department, Statistical department, Wild Life of

India, and Indian Meteorological Department for providing us necessary

information and congenial atmosphere during study.

It is my pleasant duty to thank our Team of experts from the Deptt. of Water

Resources Development Management (WRDM) Indian Institute of Technology,

Roorkee: Mr. Pradeep Nagrath, Er. A.K. Kakkar, Dr. S.C. Sharma and Dr.

Nripendra Kumar Singh, Mr. Shrikant Singh who have assisted in preparing

this report. We are also thankful to the supporting staff especially Mohd.

Nadeem, Jagdish Bhatt, Ravi Kumar whose contribution is significant.

Devadutta Das

Date : WRDM, IIT Place : ROORKEE

List of Tables Table No. Particulars Page No.

1.1 Installed capacity of power 2

1.2 Percentage of hydro share in total installed capacity 3

1.3 Region wise hydro power capacity 3

1.4 Sector wise hydro power capacity 3

1.5 Plan of UJVNL in Uttarakhand 4

1.6 Litho tectonic sucession of Kumaun Himalya 7

2.1 Classification of Hydro Power Station 11

3.1 Likely impacts of the project 19-20

3.2 Environmental attributes and frequency of monitoring 20

3.3 Altitude wise prevailing climate 22

3.4 Prevailing wind direction and average cloud cover 23

3.5 Average Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed & Predominant

wind direction during April-May 09

23

3.6 Mean monthly temperature (in 0C) at Dharchula (1972-78) 24

3.7 Mean monthly rainfall (in cm) at Dharchula (1972-78) 24

3.8 Details of Ambient Air Sampling Locations 25

3.9 Ambient Air Sampling Schedule 26

3.10 Summarized Air Quality Data 26

3.11 National Ambient Air Quality Standard 27

3.12 Ground Water Sampling Location with distance & direction

from Sobla

28

3.13 Surface Water Sampling Location with distance & direction

from Sobla

28

3.14-3.18 Results of underground water analysis 29-33

319-3.21 Results of surface water analysis 34-36

3.22 Water Quality Criteria as per CPCB Guidelines for aquatic

Resources

37

3.23 Ambient Noise Monitoring Location 38

3.24 Summarized Noise Level (dB) data of various locations 38

3.25 Ambient Quality norms in respect of noise 38

3.26 Soil sampling locations 39

3.27 Physical properties of soil 39

3.28 Chemical properties of soil 40

3.29 Available Nutrients in Soil 40

3.30 Rating of soil 41

3.31 Exchangeable Cations 41

3.32 Available Micronutrients in Soil 41

3.33 Critical Limits 42

3.34 Land Use Pattern of Pithoragarh district 42

3.35 Land use pattern of Dharchula block 43

3.36 Land requirement for the project 43

3.37 Geographical indicators 44

3.38 Size of block and No. of family 45

3.39 Population details of Pithoragarh district 45

3.40 Population statistics of Dharchula block 46

3.41 Literacy rate of the state district wise (2001 census) 46

3.42 Literacy rate of Pithoragarh district 47

3.43 Literacy rate of Dharchula (2001 census) 47

3.44 School and college available in Dharchula block 48

3.45 Population wise no. of villages in Dharchula block &

Pithoragarh distt.

48

3.46 Economical distribution of population 48

3.47 Health facilities available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh

distt.

49

3.48 Details of electrified villages and available roads in

Dharchula block & Pithoragarh distt.

49

3.49 Other facilities like Post Office, Telegraph Office, PCO and

Telephone available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh distt.

49

3.50 Population Statistics of surveyed villages 50

3.51 Size of Holding 50

3.52 Occupational Pattern of Selected Households. 50

3.53 Cooking Fuel Used 51

3.54 Animal available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district 51

3.55 Disease and their proportion found in surveyed villages 52

3.56 Family Budgets 53

3.57 Irrigation facilities in Dharchula block and Pithoragarh

district

54

3.58 Irrigated land area in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district 54

3.59 Size of Land Holding 54

3.60 Use of Agricultural tools, fertilizer and No. of wear house for

seed & fertilizer storage

55

3.61 Area under important crops in Dharchula block and

Pithoragarh district

55

3.62 Area under important crops in Dharchula block and


56

3.63 Average productivity of important crops Pithoragarh district 56

3.64 Productivity of important crops Pithoragarh district 57

3.65 Van Panchayat Status in Uttarakhand 58

3.66 Habitat and other species associated meadow vegetation 62

3.67 List of flora found in study area 63-64

3.68 List of Fauna found in study area 65

3.69 Fish dwelling in rivers of project surrounding area 66

5.0 Emission level from Coal Fired Power Plants (tons/Yr.) 70

5.1 Extent of tree removal 72

5.2 Ambient status Impact wise mg/m3 73

5.3 Expected Noise Emissions 74

5.4 Water quality standards for fresh water classification 75

5.5 Effluent Discharge stands (Inland surface water) 76

6.1 Cost Estimate (Reconstruction of Sobla SHP) 83-84

6.2 Cost estimate for the implementation of EMP 85

6.3 Cost estimated for catchment area treatment work 85

6.4 Cost estimates for the implementation of DMP 86

6.5 Direct Employment and Income Generation during

construction period

87

6.6 Direct Employment and Income generation during operation

period

88

7.1 Magnitude of anticipated impacts and proposed Environment Management Plan

92-95

7.2 Proposed management plan (phase wise) 96-101

8.1 Important Telephone no. of Govt. Officials 122

9.1 Monitoring/Analytical Equipment/required for Project 124

List of Figures

(At the end of Report)

Fig. No. Particulars 1.1 Political Map of Pithoragarh

1.2 Proposed site marked in trekking map of Kumaun Hills

1.2(A) The proposed site and location of Askot Sanctuary and Nanda Devi Bio Sphere

Reserve and Ecological resources of Pithoragarh Distt.

1.3 The physiographic-lithotectonic domains separated by intracrustal boundary

thrusts of regional simension most of these thrust faults are active.

1.4 Simplified Geological map of the Lesser Kumaun Himalaya (After Valdiya,

1980b)

1.5 Occurrence of various mineral deposit in Kumaun in the context of Geological

formations.

1.6 Relief Map of Uttarakhand

1.7 Drainage network of Kumaun showing different hydrographic regimes and their

typical drainage basins.

1.8 Forest Map of Uttrakhand State

1.9 Seismic zoning map of India

2.1 General Layout Plan of Sobla – I Small HEP

5.1 Impact Identification Matrix for proposed Small Hydro Power Project of UJVNL

on Sobla Gad at Saobla, Pithoragarh

8.1 Emergency Management Organization Chart

List of Plates

(At the end of Report)

Plate No. Plates details

(A) A view of land sliding at Chautuldhar Plate 1

(B) Water sampling on Sobla Gad

(A) Surface water sampling on Dhauli Ganga Plate 2

(B) Water sampling at village Dar

(A) Ambient Noise Monitoring in village Dar Plate 3

(B) Ambient Noise Monitoring at diversion site

(A) Soil sampling at village Khairi Gaon Plate 4

(B) Soil sampling at village Dar

(A) Socio economic survey work at Sobla Plate 5

(A) Socio economic survey at site

Abbreviations

Sl. No. Abbreviation Full Form

1. AAQMS Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station

2. AE Assistant Engineer

3. ADB Asian Development Bank

4. BOD Biological Oxygen Demand

5. BPL Below Poverty Line

6. CIC Chief Incident Controller

7. CO Carbon Monoxide

8. CPCB Central Pollution Control Board

9. CFC Chlro floro Carbon

10. CEC Chief Emergency, Co-ordinator

11. CFC Chloro Fluoro Carbon

12. CAT Catchment Area Treatment

13. DB Decibel Audible

14. DMP Disaster Management Plant

15. DO Dissolved Oxygen

16. EE Executive Engineer

17. EAG Environment Action Group

18. EPG Environment Planning Group

19. ECC Emergency Control Centre

20. ECO Emergency Co-ordinator Officer

21. EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

22. EIU Environmental Impact Unit

23. EMP Environment Management Plant

24. EPO Emergency Planning Officer

25. EQ Environmental Quality

26. EPG Emergency Planning Group

27. EAG Emergency Action Group

28. EMD Environment Management Department

29. FD Forest Division

30. GOI Government of India

31. HFL High Flood Level

32. IA Implementing Agency

33. IED Integrated Education Development

34. IIT Indian Institute of Technology

35. IMD Indian Metrological Department

36. IS Indian Standard

37. MBT Main Boundary Thrust

38. MCT Main Central Thrust

39. MoEF Ministry of Environment & Forest

40. MoP Ministry of Power

41. MSL Mean Sea Level

42. NOx Oxides of Nitrogen

43. NDBR Nanda Devi Bio-sphere Reserve

44. O&M Operation & Maintenance

45. PIU Parameter Importance Unit

46. PFR Preliminary Feasibility Report

47. PTCUL Power Transmission Corporation of Uttaranchal Limited

48. RoW Right of Way

49. RMU Rehabilitation and Modernization

50. RSPM Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter

51. SHP Small Hydel Project

52. SO2 Sulphur Dioxide

53. SC Schedule Cast

54. ST Schedule Tribe

55. SPCB State Pollution Control Board

56. SPM Suspended Particulate Matter

57. TLV Threshhold Limit Value

58. UEPPCB Uttaranchal Environment Protection & Pollution Control Board

59. UJVNL Uttaranchal Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd.

60. UPCL Uttaranchal Power Corporation Limited

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL

1

CHAPTER – 1

1.0 Introduction

1.1 General

The new state of Uttrakhand came into being on 9th November 2000, in accordance to the Uttar

Pradesh reorganization Act, 2000. The new state of Uttrakhand has been formed out of the

existing twelve hill districts of Garhwal and Kumaon division. In addition one more district of

Haridwar has been included in new state of Uttrakhand. The state borders with Nepal and Tibet

on the east, Central Himalayas on the north, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh on the west and

northwest respectively. The region in conspicuously different from the plains of Uttar Pradesh

due to its topography, soil, climate, relief, vegetation, language, culture and historical

background.

Geophysically the state has four Mountain Zones namely Foot hills, Lesser Himalayas, Greater

Himalayas and Trans-Himalayas. The mountains are covered with perpetual snow and glaciers

and have gifted the north India a perennial river system of the Ganga and its tributaries. The

tributaries of Ganga, namely Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Yamuna and Sarda originate from the

foothills of snow capped peaks and glaciers in the Central Himalayas and incise their respective

courses through the rugged terrain, splash and surge the steep gradients and most of the stream

offer excellent potential for Hydro power development.

The state is divided into Kumaon and Garhwal Divisions with 13 districts, 42 tehsils, 95 blocks

and 15689 inhabited villages and 73 towns. The State has a geographical area of 53119 sq. km

which is 1.62% of the total area of the country and supports 84.8 lakh populations which is

0.83% the total population of India. The percentage of villages having population more than 500

is about 11.4% (1991 Census). The existing majority smaller settlements of Uttarakhand pose a

serious challenge for economic infrastructure and lack of services to the far flung places in the

hilly terrain makes Uttarakhand as one of the extremely backward states of India.

It has 76.1% electrified villages as compared to 75.3% of villages of U.P. The average per capita

consumption of electricity is 245.57 kwh, whereas Mukteshwar and Nainital consume 480.81

and 447.33 kwh respectively with a minimum consumption of 43.7 kwh in Uttarkashi.

The hill region of districts are less developed in terms of infrastructure i.e. electricity, roads and

irrigation. The inter district inequality in infrastructure leads to increasing disparity in terms of


2

income and livelihood between the hills and the plain. Low levels of income not only result in

low levels of consumption and material derivation, but also constrain human potential by

restricting access to education and health facilities thereby creating a vicious cycle of poverty.

1.2 Power Scenario in India

India, currently generates about 83% of its electricity from conventional thermal power plants

and about 14% from hydroelectric plants (mainly located in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and

the northeast). GOI has launched a 50,000 MW hydroelectric initiative. In Uttarakhand,

approximately $4 billion will be invested over the near term in transmission and distribution

systems, new power plant development, and hydropower rehabilitation and modernization

(RMU).

Uttarakhand has little or no fossil fuel resources. It is focusing on developing hydropower and

associated transmission systems for evacuation and export. Currently a net importer of electric

power, the state plans to be a net exporter by 2010. Hydropower potential is approximately

20,000 MW, of which 16,500 MW is well defined and technically viable operating at 1,160 MW

and about 5,525 MW is under construction.

1.3 Hydro Power Share

At present the hydro power share in the total installed capacity in the country accounts for 26%.

The total installed capacity of the country is 1,26,839 MW presented in table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Installed Capacity of power

Sl.No. Fuel Capacity (MW) %

1. Total Thermal 83,772 66

(i) Coal 68,988 54.4

(ii) Gas 13,582 10.7

(iii) Oil 1,202 0.09

2. Hydro 32,976 26.0

3. Nuclear 3,900 3.1

4. Renewable 6,191 4.9

Total 1,26,839

The position of hydro share in the total installed capacity over successive plan periods is

presented in table 1.2.


3

Table 1.2 Percentage of Hydro Share in total installed capacity

1956 65 - 66 78 - 79 89 - 90 As on 31st July 06

Hydro Share % of the

total installed Capacity

36.78 45.68 40.60 28.77 26.0

Presently total hydro power capacity of India is 32,976 MW. Region and sector wise installed

hydro power capacity in India are presented in table 1.3 and 1.4.

Table 1.3 - Region wise Hydro Power capacity (as on 31.07.2006)

Sl. No. Region Capacity (MW)

1. Northern 11520.3

2. Western 6798.8

3. Southern 11004.35

4. Eastern 2429.35

5. North Eastern 1094.7

Total 32847.5

Table 1.4 - Sector wise Hydro Power capacity (as on 31.07.2006)

Sl. No. Region Capacity (MW)

1. Central 9256.7

2. State 22445.35

3. Private 1136.45

Total 32847.5

Three government units serve as leading agencies: Uttaranchal Power Corporation Limited

(UPCL) is responsible for distribution at 33 kilovolts (kv) and lower. PTCUL develops and

operates high voltage transmission lines and substations from 132–400 kv, and UJVNL is

responsible for hydropower generation assets, including management of private sector

participation.

1.4 Hydro Power Development in Uttrakhand

1.4.1 Hydro and Thermal Power Ratio

The main resources for generating electricity are by utilising the hydro potential available along

the river drops, besides the use of fossil fuel. Presently the ratio of thermal generation and


4

Hydro-electric generation in Uttarakhand Power grid is quite disproportionate. With the

diminishing coal resources and difficult oil position all over the world, it is necessary that

electric generation be aimed to achieve the economic balance of 40:60 between the hydro and

thermal generation of power, as against the existing 25:75 ratio.

1.4.2 Small Hydro Power Generation: UK Scenario

The requirement of power in Uttarakhand is very fluctuating because of many seasonal and other

similar demands of industries. To improve the share of hydro-power generation it is essential to

develop the hydroelectric power potential of state.

Uttaranchal Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) was incorporated as a Company by the

Government of Uttarakhand on 14th February 2001, under the Companies Act 1956. UJVNL

manages hydropower generation at existing power stations, organizes development and

promotion of new hydropower projects with the purpose of harnessing already identified and yet

to be identified hydro power resources of the State of Uttarakhand. UJVNL is among of the large

hydropower companies of the country operating more than 34 power stations of different sizes

ranging from 0.2 MW to 304 MW with a combined capacity of 1305.9 MW and of different

vintages up to 100 years. Currently, UJVNL is in the process of developing 14 new large

hydropower projects and 16 new small hydropower projects.

The existing installed generating capacity in the State is about 3140 MW which is contributed by

hydro generation. There is no thermal power station in the state.

1.4.3 Power plan

In Uttarakhand the estimated potential of small hydro projects is app. 1478 MW. Out of which

UJVNL is operating nearly 53.75 MW. The plan of UJVNL is detailed in table 1.5.

Table 1.5 – Plan of UJVNL in Uttarakhand

Sl.No. Status No. of Projects Capacity (MW)

1. Under Operation 34 1305.90

2. Under Construction 7 39.5

3. Under Development 7 39.1

4. Under RMU 5 992.3

5. Project under Rehabilitation 1 8.0

Total Capacity 2384.8


5

Before separation from Uttar Pradesh, 32 small hydro projects of a total capacity about 182 MW

were allocated to private developers by the UP Government. These projects are in various stages

of development and some of them will be commissioned soon. Uttarakhand Govt. has allocated 8

small hydro projects of a total capacity of 85MW to 57 private developers. Apart from these, 35

nos. of small hydro projects (capacity ranging from 0.4 MW to 25 MW) of a total capacity 175

MW are still available for allocation to private developers.

1.5 Present Studies

With a view to among the large number of identified schemes harness vast untapped hydro

resources in the order of their attractiveness for implementation, ranking studies were carried out

by UJVNL. The GOI with ADB financial assistance directed for the process development of new

hydro power projects of which Sobla hydel project is a part is covered under rehabilitation in the

state of Uttarakhand. The project will support not only increased generation of power but also

strength an the economic development.

In order to achieve the above objective the UJVNL has entrusted WRDM, IIT, Roorkee to

carryout an EIA/EMP study for Sobla – I SHP on Sobla Gad located at Sobla in Dharchula tehsil

of Pithoragarh Distt., as detailed in the subsequent Chapters.

1.6 About Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh is the eastern-west Himalayan district in the state of Uttrakhand. It is a natural

landscape with high Himalayan mountains, snow capped peaks, passes, valleys, alpine meadows,

forests, waterfalls, Perennial rivers, glaciers and springs. The flora and funna of this area is rich

in ecological diversity. The geographical area of the district is 7169 km2, with a total population

of the district is 4,62,149 the total literacy rate is 76.48 percent Pithoragarh town, which is

located in Sour. Figure 1.1 shows the proposed site.

1.7 The Project Area

The Sobla - I SHP is located on the Sobla Gad river at Sobla which is a tributary of Dhauli

Ganga River originating at Panchachulli Glacier at an attitude of 4260 mtr. and meeting with

Kali river before Tawaghat. The Kali is the largest river of Kumaun and forms a natural boundry

between Kumaun and Nepal. Encompassing the largest drainage area, the Kali has two

headwaters (a) the Kalapani originating on the slope of Indo-Tibetan waterdivide near Lipulekh

Pass at an elevation of about 4,266 m, and (b) the kuti on the west, which carries water three


6

times greater in volume than the Kalapani. The Kuti originates from a small glacier at the base of

the Lampia Pass south through Garbyang to Tanakpur. Figure 1.2 and 1.2 (A) indicates proposed

site and location of Askot Sanctuary and Nanda Devi Bio Sphere Reserve and Ecological

resources of site of Pithoragarh Distt.

In fact Sobla is the entrance point of Darma valley of Dharchulla tehsil of Kumaon region. It lies

at the borders area of Tibet in the north and Nepal in the east. The entire valley lies at an altitude

between 7500 and 14000 ft. The valley extend to about 100 km. from Sobla to Dhave beyond the

last inhabited village Tidang near Tibet border. The entire valley has rich plant bio-diversity.

1.8 Down Stream Projects Detail

There are two main in down stream projects which detail are as follows.

1. Dhauliganga stage I HEP – 280 MW

Project under operation and EIA clearance given by GOI.

2. Dhualiganga stage II HEP – 120 M

Project and & study is under investigation

1.9 Geology and Mineral Resources of Kumaun

Kumaun Himalya comprises all the four latitudnal zones identified on the basis of varied

geotectonic and physiographic feaures. These lithotectonic zones are seprated by the tectonically

active boundry thrusts. Physiographic lithotectonic division is presented in figure 1.3 at the end

of report.

The Sub-Himalayan Zone north of the Ganga Plains is demarcated in the north by the Main

Boundary Thrust (MBT). This subprovince of the Siwalik is autochthonous in nature comprising

mainly sandstones, shales and conglomerates. The homoclinal unit shows Jura-Type folding and

thrusting with intervening synclines filled with subrecent gravels giving rise to the intermontance

flat plains or 'duns' in southwestern (Kotabagh-Patkot) part.

The Lesser Himalaya subprovince comprising predominantly unfossiliferous sedimentary rocks

of Precambrian to early Palacozoic age is delimited by the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) in the

south and the Main Central Thrust (MCT) in the north. The larger part of Kumaun is made up of

Lesser Himalayan sedimentary formations. The vast, imbricately thrust succession of

metamorphics of the Ramgarh and Almora Group divide the Lesser Himalaya into two domains.

The outer Lesser Himalaya is predominantly made of the sedimentary succession of the Krol


7

Belt which is thrust over imbricately by Ramgarh and Almora rocks. The rock-formations of the

inner Lesser Himalaya comprise the succession Rautgara-Gangolihat-Sor Slate-Thalkedar

Limestone and Berinag Quartzite of the Precambrian age. This sedimentary succession is thrust

over by the Baijnath-Askot crystallines, occurring in the form of klippen (which were once parts

of the huge Almora Group). Geological map of the lesser Kumaun Himalya (after valdiya, 1980)

is presented in figure 1.4.

The Great Himalaya is delimited at the base by the Vaikrita Thrust (Main Central Thrust) in the

south and the Malari Fault in the north. This hue tectonic slab of the granite-injected katazonal

metamorphics of early Precambrain age exhibits homoclinal structures, plastic deformation and

superimposed folding. The Tethys Himalaya comprises sedimentary rocks ranging in age form

Precambrian to Cretaceous. This complexly deformed zone is demarcated against the Great

Himalaya by the steep-dipping Malari Fault. Lithotectonic succession of Kumaun Himalyais


Table 1.6 Lithotectonic Succession of Kumaun Himalya

Northern Belt Southern Belt Jungbwa Ultrabasics

----------- Jungbwa T ----------- Kiogarh Ophiolitic Melange --------- Kiogarh T ---------

(Precambrian) ----------Main Central (Vaikrita)T--------

Munsiari formation (Early Precambrian)

----------Munsiari T------------- (Schuppen Zone)

------------------T------------------

Berinag Formation (Precambrian)

---------Berinag T---------------- Damtha- Tejam Group

(Precambrian) (Base not exposed)

Almora group

(with 550 + 50 m.y. granite) -----------Almora T-------------

Ramgarh Group (With 1900 + 100 m.y. porphyroids)

----------Ramgarh T----------- Krol Succession

(Late Precambrian – Lower Cambrian) -----Krol or Main boundry T------

Siwalik Group (late Tertiary)

-------Himalyan front Fault----------- Ganga Plain with Bhabhar Fan

(quaternary-Recent) Occurrence of various mineral deposits in Kumaun is presented in figure 1.5.

1.10 Climate

The elevation of the district ranges from 500 mtr. Above sea level in the valleys in the south to

over 7000 mtr. In the snow bound Himalyas in the north and North West. The climate therefore

largely depends on altitude and varies according to aspect and elevation. Although tropical beat


8

may be experienced in the southern valleys during the summer, the winters are severe. As most

of the district is situated on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, monsoon currents penetrate

through the deep valleys and rainfall is at the maximum in the monsoon season (June to

September) particularly in the southern half of the district. The northern half of the district also

gets considerable rain during the winter season which lasts from mid November to March.

1.11 Soils

Soils of the study area have been formed either through pedogenetic processes or are transported

soils. The pedogenetic soils are the one which have been formed by long duration of exposure to

atmospheric agencies, physical and chemical weathering and rock slides. Such types of soils are

derived from granite gneiss, schist and phyllite rocks. These soils obtained high percentage of

silica from their parent body, while the soils formed from the limestone are rich in calcium

carbonate. The transported soils are carried and deposited by the streams. Their parent body and

source rocks lie at far away places. Some of these soils have mixed origin of glacial and fluvio-

glacial origin. These soils of takus, fans and terraces are silt to clayey loam and are very fertile.

The brown forest soils contain very high percentage of organic matter. The katil soils are stony,

immature and extremely poor. Soils of Upraon are gravelly and sandy Loams. The Talaon soils

are brown in colour with clayey texture. The stony texture provides higher rate of erosion.

1.12 Topograophy

The study area is situated around longitude 30 3” N to 80 35” E. The bordering districts of

Pithoragarh are in Tibet & NNE, in E and SE Nepal, in South & SW Chamoli distt., in SW

Almora, Bageshwar in west. This district can be divided into three parts according to

geographical features:

o 0

(i) Higher mountain region (ii) Lower mountain region (iii) valley Maximum part of Dharchula

tehsil falls in higher mountain region & some of its part remains snow covered. It's highest

mountain peak is Nandakote (6861 M). The high altitute regions of lower mountains area &

steep lands are heavily covered with forest. Where there is gentle slope there are terraced fields

in which different sort of crops are grown while too steep areas are covered with grass which is

used as fodder. The situation caused by the different rivers & their tributaries on the river banks

are popularly known as 'seras'. These fields are more fertile than the terraced fields due to

irrigations facilities.The main rivers of the district are Saryu, Gomti, Pindar, Lahur, Pungar &

Eastern Ramganga in eastern border. Relief Map of Uttrakhand is presented as figure 1.6 at the

end of report.


9

1.13 Drainage Pattern of Kumaun

The eastern Dhauli orginates from the glaciers near Dawe (5000m) and flows in a southeastern

course. Below the confluence with the Lissar River, the Dhauli is called the Darma River. Kali

River is the major river system within the territory of the district and Dhauli Ganga is one of the

major tributes of Kali. There are many other streams which bring quite good quantum of water

to drain in this river. Drainage network of Kumaun showing different hydrographic regimes and

their typical drainage basins is presented in figure 1.7 at the end of report.

1.14 Ecology

The natural vegetation is influenced by climate and elevation. Tropical, moist deciduous forest at

one time covered all of the Sub-Himalayan area. With few exceptions most of this forest has

been cut for commercial lumber or agricultural land. In the Middle Himalayas at elevations

between 1520 and 3660 m (between 5000 and 12,000 ft) natural vegetation consists of many

species of pine, oak, rhododendron, poplar, walnut, and larch. Most of this area has been

deforested; forest cover remains only in inaccessible areas and on steep slopes. Below the timber

line the Great Himalayas contains valuable forests of spruce, fir, cypress, juniper, and birch.

Alpine vegetation occupies higher parts of the Great Himalayas just below the snow line and

includes shrubs, rhododendrons, mosses, lichens, and wildflowers such as blue poppies and

edelweiss. These areas are used for grazing in summer by the highland people of the Great

Himalayas. Forest Map of Uttrakhand state is presented as figure 1.8.

1.15 Sesmicity

Seismically, the area constitutes one of the most active domains of the Himalayas. Within a

period of 183 years from 1816 to 1999 a total of 298 seismic events have been recorded. Out of

these, 32 events are of M > 5.5 frequency. Area wise seismicity is quite high in Main Himalayan

Belt subdued within Tibetan Plateau and a few events located over Indo-Gangetic Plains. Several

damaging earthquakes have been recorded in the area of which largest was that of 28th August,

1916 which caused heavy damage in Dharchula. Uttarkashi Earthquake of 19th October, 1991

caused extensive structural damage and maximum intensity of IX on MM scale was observed.

Chamoli Earthquake (M-6.8) occurred on 29th March, 1999. Other events include Kinnaur

Earthquake (January, 1975). Keeping in view the seismicity set up and active nature of

seismicity, the area has been kept in zone IV as per Map Showing Seismic zone of India

[IS:1893 (part-I) : 2002] presented as figure 1.9.


10

CHAPTER – 2

2.1 Description of the project

Hydropower or hydroelectricity is a source of energy produced by the fall of water turning the

blades of a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator that converts the energy into electricity.

The greater the flow and the head, the more electricity produced. Some hydropower facilities

include dams to increase the head of a waterfall or to control the flow of water, and reservoirs to

store the water for future energy use (storage dam), while others produce electricity by

immediately using a river's water flow (run-of-river). Some hydropower plants also use pumped

storage systems, which store the water for reuse in the production of electricity during periods of

high demand.

Sobla-I SHP, is a run of the river scheme, offers a sustainable power generation system within

the overall scenario of the entire state. Though the state of Uttarakhand has been gifted

generously by Mother Nature in terms of water and forest resources, the area remains backward

due to lack of any comprehensive policy in the past combining the harnessing of its potential

together with socio-economic development. Since the proposed scheme is of the magnitude of

8.0 MW installed capacity, it is proposed that it will primarily cater to the need for quality power

to meet local requirements. However the local demand in the area at the time being is not

substantial and therefore it is proposed that, the surplus power would eventually be put in the

state grid. Also the tourist route to Kailash Mansarovar and local infrastructure in terms of small

scale industries, irrigation facilities for terrace cultivation, tourist centers like top class hotels,

clubs, water sports complexes, ropeways and facilities for trekking and skiing etc could be

developed. This will lead to an overall increase in per capita local income which would in turn

increase local electricity demand and bring about an increase in socio-economic activities. Thus

the impetus provided by the project in developing the area, both in short and long term would be

immense.

It is understood from local enquiry that on 6th June, 2000, the river brought down huge boulders

along its course and deposited it along the river bed. The water channel guided by the disposition

of the boulder deposits on the right bank changed its course. The river took a right angle turn

towards NNE and directly hit the powerhouse terrace on the left bank. As a result the terrace

materials got washed away from the base. The powerhouse structure and column foundation

collapsed partly leaving the structure overhanging. Out of two generators, one of 3 MW was

salvaged from the river bed but this machine could not be used for this project, due to very bad

condition. It is proposed two units each of 4 MW capacity will be installed in the new proposed


11

Power House. The switchyard site is also damaged and eroded from base. Half of the steel girder

bridge connecting Power House with right bank approach road has also been washed away

during this flood. The adjacent terrace on which colony is located has also been affected.

However the colony as a whole is not damaged. The river after hitting the powerhouse takes a

turn towards East and flows through a rocky gorge till its confluence with Dhauliganga.

Necessary provision has been made for required repairs of existing structures & reconstruction of

the power house building as well as supply & erection of all the electro-mechanical equipments

& machines of the power house.

The scope of the project is to reinstall a new powerhouse at location, which is preferable from

safety point of view and is technically and economically feasible. The scope of the project also

includes the study of possible augmentation of the Installed Capacity beyond 6 MW, which was

being produced before the flood on June 6th 2000.

2.2 Small-scale Hydro

A small-scale hydroelectric facility requires that a sizable flow of water and an adequate head of

water is available without building elaborate and expensive facilities. Small hydroelectric plants

can be developed at existing dams and have been constructed in connection with water level

control of rivers, lakes and irrigation schemes. By using existing structures, only minor new

civil engineering works are required, which reduces the cost of this component of a

development.

In other, more rugged regions of the country, it is possible to develop relatively higher heads

without elaborate or expensive civil engineering works so that relatively smaller flows are

required to develop the desired power. In these cases, it may be possible to construct a relatively

simple diversion structure and obtain the highest drop by diverting flows at the top of a waterfall

or steeply falling watercourse.

2.3 Examples of small-scale developments

Small-scale hydroelectric facilities have become more popular over the past two decades. Many

new sites have been created and older, existing sites have been refurbished.

SHP (small hydro power) technology was introduced in India shortly after the commissioning of

the world's first hydroelectric installation at Appleton, USA in 1882. The 130 Kw plant at

Darjeeling in the year 1897 was the first SHP installation in the country. A few other power


12

houses belonging to that period such as Shivasundaram in Mysore (5 MW, 1902), Galogi in

Mussoorie (3 MW, 1907), and Chaba (1.75 MW, 1914) and Jubbal (50 KW, 1930) near Shimla.

The above stations have since been uprated and refurbished.

2.4 Types of small-scale hydropower developments

Small-scale hydro stations are classified in three types and presented in table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Classification of Hydro Power Station Sl. No.

Size of Hydropower

Power Out put

1. Micro 100 kW or less – For one or two houses. 2. Mini 100 kW to 2 MW – For a small factory or isolated community. 3. Small 2 MW to 25 MW – For supply to a regional or provincial power grid.

In large facilities, custom design detailed engineering is required. Small-scale hydroelectric

developments have to be approached quite differently to achieve economical feasibility.

Over the last twenty-five years, efforts have been made to reduce development costs by improving

all phases of project development. Some of the innovations produced by these efforts are:

Improved methodologies for hydro resource assessment and project identification.

Improved methods of hydrologic assessment.

Standardized designs of turbines and generators.

Standardized requirements for connection to grid.

New contracting methods – turnkey.

Improvements in computational technology.

Standardized civil designs and partial development.

2.5 Environmental benefits of small hydroelectric energy

Small-scale hydroelectric developments do not take up much space and they rarely cause

significant shoreline flooding or required river diversions. Large-scale projects, however, can

create adverse environmental impacts such as shoreline flooding. Most of the negative

environmental impacts of small-scale hydroelectric developments can be avoided in part or in

whole by a good design and appropriate construction and operating practices. In general the

environmental impacts of a small hydro power station is negligible if not totally non-existent.

2.5.1 Reducing risk of transporting fuel supplies (fossil fuel generation)

Fuel supplies must be transported over long distances. The risk of fuel spills is significant,

especially in remote areas of Northern India where the roads can be ice covered and the

environment is ecologically fragile. In urban India, the risks to public safety from collisions or


13

derailments in crowded road or rail corridors are also significant. Hence increased use of

electricity from small hydro power plants can reduce the consumption of fuel oil and thereby

reduce the adverse impact of fuel oil on the environment appreciably.

2.5.2 Socio-economic benefits

The most obvious social benefit of small hydroelectric projects is the supply of reliable low-cost

electric energy to provide the comforts of modern living. Small-scale hydroelectric projects

provide a competitive source of reliable and inflation- proof energy. Small-scale hydroelectric

energy is an especially attractive alternative to traditional high-cost diesel generation that

currently provides electric energy in remote communities across India. Compared with diesel

generation, small-scale hydroelectric developments offer other interesting advantages such as:

Used as a local resource and therefore produce electricity at a stable price that is not subject

to the fluctuations of the international oil market

It provides more economic benefits to the region by way of employment during construction

and operation and use of local services, 10% accounting upto 25% of capital cost.

It provides greater opportunities for local residents to learn and upgrade their construction skills.

It provides an opportunity for wealth creation.

2.5.3 Drinking Water and Irrigation facilities

In certain cases projects are helpful in providing drinking water and irrigation facilities in

addition to power benefits.

2.5.4 Business benefits

Most small hydro projects in Himalayan region are being developed in remote and backward

areas where substantial support for economic development is actually needed. The Indian small-

hydro project includes more than 20 equipment manufacturers and about 70 engineering firms

employing more than 2,000 people. Over the last decade, the small-scale hydroelectric project

has contributed about $150M per year to the Indian economy in manufacturing and services and

added about 100 to 150 MW yearly to India’s power supply. India’s small hydroelectric

manufacturers and service providers, such as consultants and financiers, also export to overseas

customers.

2.5.5 Fish protection

At sites where fish migration is a concern, small hydroelectric developers may have to provide

measures for fish passage or habitat compensation.

2.5.6 Institutional


14

Management of small-scale hydroelectric project sell the output of their plants to regional or

provincial grids.

Detail of project is presented in DPR here only salient feature of project is presented. A General

layout plan of Sobla – I small HEP is presented as figure 2.1


15

SALIENT FEATURES 1. Location

i) State Uttarakhand

ii) District Pithoragarh

iii) Taluka Dharchula

iv) Village New Sobla

v) Nearest Rail Head Tanakpur (282 km.)

vi) Geographical Co-ordinates

Latitude 300-3’

Longitude 800-35’

2. River Catchments i) Catchmetns Soblagad

ii) River Dhauliganga

iii) Tributary Soblagad

3. Hydrology i) Catchments area of the stream/nallah 87.0 Sq.Km.

ii) Catchment area at the diversion site 80.00 Sq. Km.

iii) Precipitations :

Annual 2000 mm

iv) Climate data

Normal Maximum Minimum

Atmospheric

Temerature(C) 200c 350c 00c

Humidity(Percent) 70 to 90%

Wind (Km/Hr) average 5.67


16

v) Floods

Historical

Maximum discharge (Cumecs) 91.00

Maximum discharge observed (Cumecs) 24.00

Date of occurrence July 1981

Design Flood (Cumecs) 434.68 cumecs

Months of NIL flow 0

4. Diversion Works a) Diversion Structure

i) Type of structure Trench Weir

ii) Length(m) 15.00 m

Over-flow section 15.00 m

Non-overflow section N.A.

iii) Maximum discharging capacity 5.55 Cumecs for two units

iv) Intake 5200X5000

iv) Gates of Intake Structure

Number of gates 2

Types of gates Sluice Valve 600 for flushing, 2

Nos. Vertical lift, Mechanical

operated gates one for Trench Weir

& other for Power Duct

Operation

b) Desilting Basin

i) Settling length(m) 51.00 m

ii) Width (m) 14.63 m

iii) Depth required 1.10 m

iv) Design discharge 4.62 cumecs


17

c) Water Conductor System

i) Length (m) 1200 m

ii) Shape Rectangular open channel

iii) Size (w x h) in m 2.7 x 1.3

iv) Full supply depth (m) 1.3 including freeboard

v) Thickness of lining (mm) Base 200 thick (1:2:4 cc)

vi) Design Discharge (Cumecs) 4.62 for two machines

v) Free flow 1.0

d) Forebay

i) Size of Forebay (1 x b x d) in m 43 x 8 x 5

ii) Water level at Forebay (masl) 1941.2

iii) Number of off-takes One (another opening provided

for future provision)

- Size (m) 1.2 m dia

- Capacity 4.62 cumecs for two m/c (7.00 for

three m/cs for future extension if

possible).

iv) Maximum discharging capacity

(Cumecs) 4.62

v) Diurnal storage (cubic m) 723.6

vi) Penstocks

a. Number 1 (provision for 2nd penstock is kept

in Forebay for future Extension if

possible)

b. Diameter(m) and thickness (mm) 1.2 and 16 mm thick for main

penstock 0.84m for additional

penstock

c. Length 475.0 m

d. Size of valve 650 mm dia. Main Inlet valve

e. Bifurcations if any at lower end One provided

f. Design discharge (Cumecs) 4.62


18

5. Power House

i) Type Surface

ii) Head (m)

Design 209.66

iii) Size of power House

a) Length (m) 36.5

b) Width (m) 9.50

c) Height (m) 9.60

d) Machine hall floor level (EL m) 1732.825

iv) Installed Capacity (KW) 8000 KW

Turbines

- Type Francis

- Number 1+1

- Capacity (KW) 8000 KW (2 x 4000)

v) Type of generator

a) Excitation system Static/Brushless excitation

b) Regulation system AVR

c) Power house crane/lifting tackle 18 tonnes (Electric operated)

6. Tail Race

i) Shape Rectangular channel

ii) Size 2.0m x 1.1m

iii) Length (m) 50.00

iv) Water level (EL m)

- average 1735.00

7. Power

i) Installed Capacity (4000 + 4000) KW

a. Firm power (KW)-Load factor in

percent 8000 KW – 48.52%

b. Seasonal (max) Power (KW) 8000 KW

c. Annual energy (KWh) 28,910 kWH


19

8. Switchyard

i) Voltage level/basic insulation level 170 KV

ii) No. of bays 2 (Two) incoming & 2 (Two)

out going feeders Indoor type

iii) Size

Length 40 m

Width 15 m

9. Estimate of Cost i) Total cost (Rs. Lakhs) 3542 without IDC

3626.11 with IDC

ii) Cost per MW installed (Rs. Lakhs) 442.75 without IDC

iii) Cost of generation per kWH (Rs.) 2.03 without CDM benefits

in First 10 years 1.64 with CDM benefits


20

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

Taking into account the volume of work involved and the constraints imposed due to heavy

rainfall and severe weather conditions, an innovative work schedule has been evolved to

ensure project completion within 24 months period. The constraints are:

Heavy monsoon rains and extremely cold climate during winter months.

Deployment of heavy construction machinery, not possible at all sites.

The main civil work in the project will be the construction of powerhouse, tailrace and

switchyard, extensive repair of weir, damaged water conductor system, laying of penstock in

remaining length and transmission lines to the proposed substation. These shall be

constructed using appropriate machinery and predominantly using labour force.


CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME‐ BAR CHART OF 2X4000 kW Sobla‐I SHP Sl.

No.

ACTIVITY

M 1 M 2

M 3

M 4

M 5

M 6

M 7

M 8

M 9

M 10

M 11

M 12

M 13

M 14

M 15

M 16

M 17

M 18

M 19

M 20

M 21

M 22

M 23

M 24

1 Site development – construction of approach roads, site office and stores

Not Required, Already Existing

2 Finalization of designs / drawings and issue of construction drawings

3 Setting up reference points and marking detailed layout of Power House

4 Site mobilization by civil works contractor

5 Earthwork excavation for trench weir, power channel, desilting tank, forebay, saddles and anchors

Not Required as the structures already exist, only repairs required.

6 Stone masonry and RCC works in trench weir, intake, desilting tank, forebay, saddles and anchors for repair purpose only

1


2

7 Excavation leveling for power house building, layout of raft and erection of columns, superstructure

8 Erection of penstock pipe in remaining 200m length

9 Receipt of electro‐mechanical equipment

10 Erection of electro‐mechanical equipment

11 Erection of control and relay panels

12 Laying of control and power cables

13 Erection of switchyard equipment

14 Testing & commissioning of plant


18

CHAPTER - 3

3.0 Description of Present Environment

3.1 General

The objective of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to ascertain the baseline

environmental conditions and then assess the impacts as a result of the proposed hydel project

during different phases of project. A scoping matrix has been formulated to identify the attributes

likely to be affected due to project. The likely impact for Sobla SHP is presented in table 3.1.,

while anticipated environmental impact is presented with help of identification matrix in chapter

5. The environmental baseline includes inventory of physical, ecological and socio economic

parameters. The data has been compiled for:

1. Air Environment (Air quality);

2. Water Environment (Water resources, water use, water quality, hydrology);

3. Noise Environment (Noise levels);

4. Land Environment (Land use, geology, seismology and soils);

5. Ecological Environment (Terrestrial and Aquatic ecology); and

6. Socio-Economic Environment (Demography, Socio-economic, public health etc.)

Based on environment scoping matrix and project setting the attributes likely to be affected are

identified for baseline data generation. The information presented in this chapter has been

collected from various sources. Majority of the data has been generated and collected from field

studies. WRDM have carried out field studies to generate data on air, water, noise, soil, ecology

and socio-economics in and around the project site during April-June 2009. Surveys were

conducted for assessing the ecological status of the project area. In addition, data has been

compiled from literature, books, maps and reports. Discussions held with local people residing in

the project area, and local government/non-government organizations during field survey have

provided very useful information. The methodology and frequency adopted for data collection is

highlighted wherever necessary. Likely impacts from a hydro electric project is presented in table 3.1

while a general environmental attributes and frequency of monitoring for data collection is summarized

in table 3.2.

This Chapter deals with the description of Present environmental scenario in the study area as

per the guidelines for water resource projects. Negative and positive impacts have been

quantified wherever possible and presented in Chapter-5. The description and findings of present

socio-economic status are given in same Chapter-3 while detail Environmental Management

Plan (EMP) with magnitude of impacts is presented in Chapter-7.


19

Table 3.1 - Likely Impacts of the Project

Aspect of Environment Likely Impacts A. Air Pollution Construction Phase - Impacts due to emissions generated by crushers and

other equipment. - Impacts due to increased vehicular movement. - Fugitive emissions from various sources.

B. Water Resources & Water Quality Construction Phase - increase in turbidity of nearby receiving water

bodies. - Degradation of water quality due to disposal of wastes from labour colony and construction sites.

C. Noise Pollution Construction Phase - Noise due to operation of various equipment.

- Noise due to increased vehicular movement.

D. Land Environment Construction Phase - Increase in soil erosion.

- Pollution by construction spoils. - Use of land for labour colonies. - Problems due to muck disposal. - Solid waste from labour camps. - Acquisition of land for various project appurtenances.

E. Aquatic Ecology Construction Phase - Increased pressure on aquatic ecology as a result of

indiscrimate fishing. - Reduced productivity due to increase in turbidity.

Operation Phase - Impacts on migratory fish species. - Impacts on spawning and breeding grounds. - Degradation of riverine ecology. - Increased potential for reservoir fisheries.

F. Terrestrial Ecology Construction Phase - Increased pressure on nearby forests due to labour

force to meet their fuel wood and timber requirements. - Adverse impacts due to migration of labour population. - Loss of forest. - Impacts on natured reserves due to various project

appurtenances. - Impacts on wildlife movement. - Impacts on wildlife habitats. - Impacts on diversity and productivity of flora. - Impacts on economically/genetically/biologically

important plant species. G. Socio – Economics Construction Phase - Acquisition of land and private properties.

- Impacts on mineral reserves. - Improved employment potential during project

construction phase. - Development of allied sectors leading to greater

employment.


20

- Pressure on existing infrastructure facilities. - Friction between guest and host community.

Operation Phase - Increased revenue from power generation. H. Public Health Construction Phase - Increased incidence of water related diseases.

- Transmission of disease by immigrant labour population.

Operation Phase - Increased incidences of vector borne diseases.

Table 3.2 - Environmental attributes and frequency of monitoring

Sl. No.

Attribute Parameter Frequency Source

Air Environment 1. Meteorology Wind speed wind direction

Temperature, Relative humidity

--- IMD data

2. Ambient Air Quality

SPM, RSPM, SO2 and NOx

One Season Field Studies and data generation.

Water Environment 3 Water Resources Flow, Design/Design

Flood Hydrograph --- DPR

4 Water Quality Physical, Chemical and Biological parameters

One Season Field studies and lab analysis.

Noise Environment 5 Ambient Noise

Monitoring Weighted sound Pressure level

For 24 hrs on 1 hr. interval

Field studies with data generation.

Land Envrironment 1 Land Use Land Use pattern --- SOI Toposheets &

Ground Truth Studies. Geology Geological history --- Survey of India

Toposheets & Ground Truth Studies.

Soil Soil Types One seasons secondary sources and soil sample analysis

Field studies and Lab analysis.

Ecology Environment Noise Noise levels in dB (A) One Season Field monitoring. Ecology Flora & Fauna Diversity One Season Survey and book

literature review. Aquatic Ecology Density & diversity of

aquatic species One Season Field study, Fisheries

Department, Literature review

Socio-Economic Socio-economic

aspects Socio economic characteristic of the 10 km. approx radius of proposal file.

Socio-economic

Field Studies, Literature review, Statistical book.


21

3.2 Location of the Site

A small hydroelectric power project of 8 MW is proposed at Sobla location on Sobla river.

Proposed Sobla SHP is situated nearby Sobla in Dharchula tehsil of Pithoragarh district. It is

about 660 km. (approx.) from Dehradun capital of Uttrakhand state and 900 km. approx from

New Delhi. The area is connected with roads, and railways (Up to Tanakpur).

3.3 Site Topography

The topography of whole district (Pithoragarh) is by and large rugged, the entire region is

mountainous. This district can be divided into three parts according to geographical features:

(i) Higher mountain region

(ii) Lower mountain region

(iii) Valley

3.4 Existing Industries and Pollutants load in Study Area

No industries are situated inside Sobla Gad basin.

3.5 Site Environmental Monitoring

Site Environmental monitoring was carried out for one season as per guidelines for summer

season. The purpose of the environmental monitoring was just to know about the background

load of the area. Based on pre dominant wind direction/speed all monitoring location was

selected. Results of baseline studies are summarized further in this chapter.

3.6 Existing Environmental Status

The existing Environmental status of surrounding of the proposed Sobla SHP up to an area of 10

km radius has been studied covering the following parameters:

1. Meteorology

2. Air Quality

3. Water Quality

4. Noise

5. Soil

6. Land Environment

7. Socio-economic aspects

8. Ecology


22

3.6.1 Meteorology

Variation in the altitude range of the Sobla basin from 1000 mtr. Above mean sea level to over

7000 mtr., along with slope aspect give rise to considerable variations of microclimates and

weather patterns. Altitude wise the prevail climates is presented in table 3.3.

Table 3.3 - Altitude wise prevail climate

Sl. No. Altitudes Prevail climate

1. Up to 1200 Mtr. Sub Tropical

2. 1200- 1800 mtr. Warm Temperate

3. 1800 – 2400 mtr. Cool Temperate

4. 2400 – 3000 mtr. Cold Temperate

5. Higher Altitudes 3000 + The climate tends tp become Polar

Though deep inside the Himalya the broad climate and weather patterns that influence much of

northern India prevail here also. The south east monsoons, dominates in maximum part of the

year. Most of the valley, excepting the higher parts (the Trans Himalyan region), receives 2600

mm of rainfall in the SW monsoons. This contributes to as much as 80% of the rainfall of the

valley. The North West monsoons, originating from over central Asia and traveling the length of

the Himalya brings the winter snows and rains. Snow in the higher reaches could be many feet

deep and the winter snow line comes down to around 3500 mtrs. msl. The lower parts of the

valley do not receive snow. Temperature, influenced by altitude, aspect and season range from

extremes, touching 400 C in the lower parts of the valley to many places below zero in the higher

altitude.

The study area is situated near Askot. So meteorological data of Askot have been considered for

site selection.

3.6.1.1 Wind and Cloud

The wind directions during different months with average cloud cover at near by IMD location

of study area are given in table 3.4.


23

Table 3.4 - Prevailing wind direction and average cloud cover Wind Cloud

Prevailing Wind Directions No. of days with cloud amount (All Clouds)

OKTAS

Sl. No. Months

Main Followed by

0 T-2 3-5 6-7 8 1. January W NE 16 2 4 3 6

2. February NE W 12 3 4 4 5

3. March NE E 15 3 5 4 4

4. April NE E 11 3 5 6 5

5. May NE E 13 3 5 5 5

6. June NE E 5 4 6 7 8

7. July NE W 2 1 5 8 15

8. August NE SW 1 1 6 7 16

9. September SW NE 4 4 8 5 9

10. October NE E 16 6 4 3 2

11. November E NE 20 4 2 2 2

12. December SW W 21 3 3 2 2

Prevailing wind speed and direction during April & May month of nearest IMD location is also

presented in table 3.5. Maximum temperature was found 25 in middle of May month while

average wind speed during April and May was 1.8 to 2.0 km/hr. In May month rain fall is

observed.

Table 3.5 - Temperature, Humidity, Average Wind speed and Predominant wind direction during (April-May 09)

Temperature (Avg.)

Humidity (Avg.)

Pre dominant wind Direction

Week

Max. Min. Max. Min.

Avg. Wind Velocity (km/hr)

Main

April 09 23.5 12 79 36 1.8 NE

May 09 25 16 - - 2.0 SE 3.6.1.2 Temperature

The details of temperature recorded at the meteorological observatories in the district show that

the highest temperature was 270 C and lowest 60 C. January is the coldest month after which the

temperature begin to rise till June or July. Temperature varies with elevation. During the winter

cold waves in the wake of western disturbances may cause temperature to fall appreciably. Mean

monthly temp. at Dharchula of year 1972-78 is presented in table 3.6.


24

Table 3.6 - Mean Monthly Temp. (In 0C) at Dharchula (1972-78)

Sl. No. Month Temperature 1. January 8.3 2. February 13.0 3. March 18.1 4. April 19.0 5. May 22.5 6. June 23.8 7. July 24.4 8. August 25.3 9. September 24.4 10. October 19.4 11. November 15.6 12. December 10.6

After Joshi et. al., 1983

3.6.1.3 Relative Humidity

The relative humidity is high during monsoon season, generally exceeding 77% on the average.

The driest part of the year is the pre monsoon period when the humidity may drop to 35% during the

afternoon. During the winter months humidity increases toward the afternoon at certain high station.

3.6.1.4 Rain Fall

Most of the rainfall occurs during the period June to September when 70 to 80 percent of the

annual precipitation is accounted for in the southern half of the district and 55 to 65 percent in

the northern half. The effectiveness of the rains is among others, related to low temperature

which means less evapo-transpiration and forest or vegetation cover. However, the effectiveness

is neither uniform nor even positive in areas where either the vegetational cover is poor or has

steep slope or the soils have been so denuded that their moisture absorption capacity has become

marginal. The average rainfall during July is 701 mm and in August is 692 mm. Mean monthly

rainfall at Dharchula of year 1972-78 is presented in table 3.7.

Table 3.7 - Mean Monthly Rainfall (In cm) at Dharchula (1972-78)

Sl. No. Month Rainfall 1. January 0.9 2. February 8.7 3. March 2.3 4. April 12.3 5. May 11.1 6. June 38.0 7. July 5.8 8. August 51.9 9. September 18.2 10. October 5.7 11. November 3.0 12. December 2.5 13. Annual 150.4

After Joshi et. al., 1983


25

3.6.2 Air Quality

3.6.2.1 Ambient Air Quality

The first step to assess the impact on air quality due to proposed project not directly but

indirectly as well as its construction activity is to evaluate the existing air quality so as to

determine the respective assimilative capacity of the ambient air in the surrounding area of the

project. In view of this, monitoring of ambient air was done, in the months of April - May 2009

at two locations whose detail is a given in table 3.8.

3.6.2.2 Monitoring Station Location

As such whole study area is virgin and remote area of Himalyan zone, so ambient air monitoring

in surrounding area is very difficult. To assess the ambient air quality 2 (two) monitoring stations

have been setup. Table 3.8 gives the locations of the ambient air quality monitoring stations.

Table 3.8 - Details of Ambient Air Sampling Locations

Sl.

No.

Locations Station No. Distance from Sobla

(In Km.)

Direction from Sobla

1. Sobla Village AAQMS – 1 - -

2. Nyu Village AAQMS – 2 1.5 SSE

In the entire study area (within 10 km. from Sobla) as there is no polluting activity, so it will be

generally assumed that ambient air quality may be affected due to increase of population load,

traffic density etc.

The ambient air quality is expected to be affected in and around the proposed SHP site or colony

site up to a limited distance. Keeping this in view, neighborhood SHP diversion site was planned

to be monitored.

The site selection process begins with acquisition of the necessary background material. Three

basic kind of information are required i.e. geographical, emissions and climatological. The

geographical material is used to determine the distribution of natural features – forests, rivers,

lakes and the work of human being. Useful sources of such information may include road and

topographical maps, and other geographical map etc. The climatological summarises of greatest

use are the frequency distribution of wind speed and direction. This information is sually taken

from IMD centre of concerned area. Emission inventories will be most useful for identifying the

source of SPM and gas. On the basis of above discussed information and also guidelines for


26

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring of CPCB all AAQMS was setup and subsequently monitoring

has been done.

3.6.2.3 Sampling Schedule

Air samples were collected with the help of Respirable Dust Air Sampler. The sampling schedule

is given in table 3.9.

Table 3.9 - Ambient Air Sampling Schedule

Parameters Sl. No.

Particulars SPM RSPM SO2 NOx

1. Measurement Method

Gravimetric High Volume

Gravimetric High Volume with Cyclone

EPA Modified West & Gaeke

method

Arsenite modified Jacob & Hochheiser

2. Flow Rate 1.2 + 0.2 m3/min

1.2 + 0.2 m3/min

0.5 + 0.1 LPM

0.5 + 0.1 LPM

3. Duration of Sampling

24 hours

24 hours

24 hours

24 hours

4. Number of Samples taken

April ‘09 May 09

6 6

6 6

6 6

6 6

3.6.2.4 Sampled and Analysed Parameter

The following parameters were monitored in surrounding area of proposed site near Pithoragarh

as per EIA Guidelines :

* Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)

* Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM)

* Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

* Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)

Table 3.10 - Sumarised Air Quality Data

Location Code Location Name SPM in g/m3 RSPM in g/m3

SO2 in g/m3 NOx in 3g/m

AAQMS - 1 Sobla 114 – 54

(76)

39 – 28

(36)

<10 – <10

(<10.0)

12.7 - <10

(<10)

AAQMS - 2 Nyu 128 -64

(80)

78 – 56

(68)

<10 - <10

(<10)

14.8 - <10

(<10)

Result in parenthesis shows average value. National Ambient Air Quality Standard is presented in table 3.11.


27

Table 3.11 - National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)

Concentration of Ambient Air Pollutant Time weighted Average Industrial Area Residential Sensitive

Annual Average 360 g/m3 140 g/m3 70 g/m3 SPM 24 hors 500 g/m3 200 g/m3 100 g/m3

Annual Average 120 g/m3 60 g/m3 50 g/m3 RSPM 24 hors 150 g/m3 100 g/m3 75 g/m3

Annual Average 80 g/m3 60 g/m3 15 g/m3 Sulphur Dioxide 24 hors 120 g/m3 80 g/m3 30 g/m3

Annual Average 80 g/m3 60 g/m3 15 g/m3 Oxides of Nitrogen 24 hors 120g/m3 80 g/m3 30 g/m3

3.6.2.5 Traffic Density

The mix and growth in motor vehicle population in any city determines the contribution of auto

emissions to the overall air pollution in that city. As the pollution load attributable to auto

exhausts depends on the vehicle kilometers traveled and the growth with time therein, for

assessing the need for improvement in the vehicular emissions and fuel quality to contain

pollution from auto exhaust, it is necessary to study the growth trends of motor vehicles and the

changes in the air quality.

All villages with scattered houses are situated in remote hill area. Mostly people of these areas

coalk on foot. Maximum load was found only in day time. Assessment of additional traffic load

near project site was quite impossible because road was blocked due to land slide. Tendency and

flow of tourist is not similar in hills. Tourist for Mansrovar Yatra are also using this

road. In last one decade it has been seen that tourist visiting the hill has increased many fold.

Incremental tendency of load by tourist, due to the proposed activity of SHP especially by

transport facilities is very little.

Presently there is no other potential source of NOx generation in study area except domestic or

agricultural activity. Thus it is assumed that SO2 and NOx levels may be slightly increased

throughout the study area, which may be due to rapid urbanization and increasing growth of

population and their activities.

3.6.3 Water Sources and Quality

The proposed project is located in a remote area of upper middle Himalya of Pithoragarh district.

There are some settlements in the surrounding area of the project site. The catchment area

intercepted at the diversion structure site has also some settlements. There are no industries in the

area. Likewise, use of agrochemicals is negligible in the catchment area. Thus, in absence of

pollution sources, water quality of this area is satisfactory. The D.O. level in such water bodies is

close to saturation level. The other parameters are also well within permissible limit.


28

Contamination can enter the water bodies through one or more of the following ways:

Direct point sources: Transfer of pollutants from municipal industrial liquid waste disposal

sites and from municipal and household hazardous waste and refuse disposal sites.

Diffuse agricultural sources: Wash off and soil erosion from agricultural lands carrying

materials applied during agricultural use, mainly fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides.

Diffuse urban sources: Run off from city streets, from horticultural, gardening and

commercial activities in the urban environment and from industrial sites and storage areas.

At present, the source of water in study area is spring water from natural source. People’s of area

using spring water for drinking purposes.

Water quality monitoring was carried out in order to gather baseline data on existing water

quality, which can be used to predict the impacts of the project on water quality. Ground and

surface water sampling location with the distance and direction are presented in table 3.12 and

3.13. Result of ground and surface water analysis report is presented in table 3.14 to 3.21.

Table 3.12 - Ground Water Sampling Location with distance & direction from Sobla

Sl.

No.

Locations Station No. Distance from

Sobla (In km.)

Direction from

Sobla

Type

1. Sobla GW - 1 - - Spring Water

2. Dar GW – 2 2 ENE Spring Water

3. Khairi Gaon GW – 3 1.0 E Hot Spring

4. Khairi Gaon GW – 4 1.0 E Spring Water

5. Nyu Gaon GW - 5 1.5 S Spring Water

Table 3.13 - Surface Water Sampling Location with distance & direction from Sobla

Sl.

No.

Locations Situation Station No. Distance from

Sobla

(In km.)

Direction

from Sobla

1. Sobla Gad On Sobla River SW - 1 - -

2. Dhauli Ganga On Dhauli Ganga SW – 2 0.5 E

3. Kali River On Kali River SW – 3 8.0 S


29

Table 3.14 - Results of Underground Water Analysis

Location : Sobla Village

Location Code : GW - 1

Date of Monitoring : Summer

Norms as per IS : 10500

Sl. No

Parameters

1* 2*

Result

Essential Characteristics

1. Colour, Hazen Units 5 25 <5 2. Odour ** - Unobjectionable 3. Taste # - Agreeable 4. Turbidity, NTU 5 max 10 <5 5. pH 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 7.76 6. Total Hardness (as CaCO3) mg/l 300 600 64 7. Iron (as Fe), mg/l 0.3 1.0 0.025 8. Chloride (as Cl), mg/l 250 1000 21.5 9. Residual free Chlorine, mg/l 0.2 min - Nil 10. Flouride (as F), mg/l 1.0 1.5 0.064

Desirable Characters

11. Dissolved Solids, mg/l 500 2000 169 12. Calcium (as Ca), mg/l 75 200 16.0 13. Magnesium (as Mg), mg/l 30 100 5.8 14. Copper (as Cu), mg/l 0.05 1.5 BDL 15. Manganese (as Mn), mg/l 0.1 0.3 0.001 16. Sulphate (as SO4), mg/l 200 400 14.4 17. Nitrate (as NO3), mg/l 45 100 0.003 18. Phenolic Compounds (as C6H5OH), mg/l 0.001 0.002 BDL 19. Mercury (as Hg), mg/l 0.001 0.001 BDL 20. Selenium (as Se), mg/l 0.01 0.01 BDL 21. Cadmium (as Cd), mg/l 0.05 0.05 BDL 22. Arsenic (as As), mg/l 0.05 0.05 BDL 23. Cyanide (as CN), mg/l 0.05 0.05 BDL 24. Lead (as Pb), mg/l 0.05 0.05 BDL 25. Zinc (as Zn), mg/l 5.0 15 0.01 26. Chromium (as Cr), mg/l 0.05 0.05 BDL 27. Aluminium (as Al), mg/l 0.03 0.2 BDL 28. Boron (as B), mg/l 1.0 5 BDL 29. Pesticides, mg/l Absent 0.001 - 30. Anionic Detergents (as MBAS), mg/l 0.2 1.0 - 31. Mineral Oil, mg/l 0.01 0.03 BDL 32. Alkalinity (as CaCO3), mg/l 200 600 56

*1 Desirable Limits. *2 Acceptable Limits in absence of alternate source ** Unobjectionable. # - Agreeable.


30


Location : Dar Village




Sl. No

Parameters

1* 2*

Result




11. Dissolved Solids, mg/l 500 2000 151 12. Calcium (as Ca), mg/l 75 200 24.0 13. Magnesium (as Mg), mg/l 30 100 4.9 14. Copper (as Cu), mg/l 0.05 1.5 BDL 15. Manganese (as Mn), mg/l 0.1 0.3 0.014 16. Sulphate (as SO4), mg/l 200 400 24.6 17. Nitrate (as NO3), mg/l 45 100 0.07 18. Phenolic Compounds (as C6H5OH), mg/l 0.001 0.002 BDL 19. Mercury (as Hg), mg/l 0.001 0.001 BDL 20. Selenium (as Se), mg/l 0.01 0.01 BDL 21. Cadmium (as Cd), mg/l 0.05 0.05 BDL 22. Arsenic (as As), mg/l 0.05 0.05 BDL 23. Cyanide (as CN), mg/l 0.05 0.05 BDL 24. Lead (as Pb), mg/l 0.05 0.05 BDL 25. Zinc (as Zn), mg/l 5.0 15 BDL 26. Chromium (as Cr), mg/l 0.05 0.05 BDL 27. Aluminium (as Al), mg/l 0.03 0.2 BDL 28. Boron (as B), mg/l 1.0 5 BDL 29. Pesticides, mg/l Absent 0.001 - 30. Anionic Detergents (as MBAS), mg/l 0.2 1.0 - 31. Mineral Oil, mg/l 0.01 0.03 BDL 32. Alkalinity (as CaCO3), mg/l 200 600 52



31


Location : Khairi Gaon




Sl. No

Parameters

1* 2*

Result







32


Location : Khairi Gaon Location Code : GW - 4 Date of Monitoring : Summer


Sl. No

Parameters

1* 2*

Result







33


Location : Nyu Gaon




Sl. No

Parameters

1* 2*

Result







34

Table 3.19 - Results of Surface Water Analysis

Location : Sobla Gad River (Near Sobla Bazar)

Location Code : SW – 1

Season : summer

Sl. No.

Parameters Results

1. Colour, Hazen Units <5 2. Turbidity, NTU, Max. <5 3. pH 7.90 4. Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l 6.4 5. BOD (3 days at 270C, mg/l) 2 6. Total Hardness (as CaCO3) mg/l 116 7. Iron (as Fe), mg/l 1.48 8. Chloride (as CI), mg/l 23.5 9. Flouride (as F), mg/l 0.064 10. Dosolved Solids, mg/l 214 11. Calcium (as Ca), mg/l 30.4 12. Magnesium (as Mn), mg/l 9.7 13. Copper (as Cu), mg/l BDL 14. Manganese (as Mn), mg/l 0.039 15. Sulphate, (as SO4) mg/l 50.4 16. Nitrate (as NO3), mg/l 0.108 17. Phenolic Compounds (as C6 H5 OH), mg/l BDL 18. Mercury (as Hg), mg/l BDL 19. Cadmium (as Hg), mg/l BDL 20. Selenium (as Se), mg/l BDL 21. Arsenic (as As), mg/l BDL 22. Cyanide (as CN), mg/l BDL 23. Lead (as Pb),mg/l BDL 24. Zinc (as Zn), mg/l BDL 25. Aninoic Detergents (as MBAS), mg/l - 26. Chromium (as cr6+), mg/l BDL 27. Mineral Oil, mg/l BDL 28. Alkalinity (as CaCO3), mg/l 92 29. Aluminum (as Al), mg/l BDL 30. Coliform Organism MPN/100 ml - 31. Sodium Absorption Ratio 0.081


35


Location : Dhauli Ganga River

Location Code : SW – 2 Season : summer

Sl. No.

Parameters Results

1. Colour, Hazen Units <5 2. Turbidity, NTU, Max. <5 3. pH 7.11 4. Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l 5.8 5. BOD (3 days at 270C, mg/l) 2 6. Total Hardness (as CaCO3) mg/l 138 7. Iron (as Fe), mg/l 0.003 8. Chloride (as CI), mg/l 21.5 9. Flouride (as F), mg/l 0.02 10. Dosolved Solids, mg/l 216 11. Calcium (as Ca), mg/l 46.0 12. Magnesium (as Mn), mg/l 28.0 13. Copper (as Cu), mg/l BDL 14. Manganese (as Mn), mg/l 0.029 15. Sulphate, (as SO4)mg/l 40.7 16. Nitrate (as NO3), mg/l 0.013 17. Phenolic Compounds (as C6 H5 OH), mg/l BDL 18. Mercury (as Hg), mg/l BDL 19. Cadmium (as Hg), mg/l BDL 20. Selenium (as Se), mg/l BDL 21. Arsenic (as As), mg/l BDL 22. Cyanide (as CN), mg/l BDL 23. Lead (as Pb),mg/l BDL 24. Zinc (as Zn), mg/l BDL 25. Aninoic Detergents (as MBAS), mg/l - 26. Chromium (as cr6+), mg/l BDL 27. Mineral Oil, mg/l BDL 28. Alkalinity (as CaCO3), mg/l 208 29. Aluminum (as Al), mg/l BDL 30. Coliform Organism MPN/100 ml - 31. Sodium Absorption Ratio 0.072


36


Location : Kali River (Near Tawa Ghat)

Location Code : SW – 3

Season : summer

Sl. No.

Parameters Results

1. Colour, Hazen Units <5 2. Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l <5 3. pH 8.06 4. Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l 5.7 5. BOD (3 days at 270C, mg/l) 1 6. Total Hardness (as CaCO3) mg/l 116 7. Iron (as Fe), mg/l 0.98 8. Chloride (as CI), mg/l 17.0 9. Flouride (as F), mg/l 0.017 10. Dosolved Solids, mg/l 242 11. Calcium (as Ca), mg/l 28.8 12. Magnesium (as Mn), mg/l 10.7 13. Copper (as Cu), mg/l BDL 14. Manganese (as Mn), mg/l 0.03 15. Sulphate (as NO3), mg/l 42.5 16. Nitrate (as SO4), mg/l 0.10 17. Phenolic Compounds (as C6 H5 OH), mg/l BDL 18. Mercury (as Hg), mg/l BDL 19. Cadmium (as Hg), mg/l BDL 20. Selenium (as Se), mg/l BDL 21. Arsenic (as As), mg/l BDL 22. Cyanide (as CN), mg/l BDL 23. Lead (as Pb),mg/l BDL 24. Zinc (as Zn), mg/l BDL 25. Aninoic Detergents (as MBAS), mg/l - 26. Chromium (as cr6+), mg/l BDL 27. Mineral Oil, mg/l BDL 28. Alkalinity (as CaCO3), mg/l 80 29. Aluminum (as Al), mg/l BDL 30. Coliform Organism MPN/100 ml - 31. Sodium Absorption Ratio 0.081


37

Table 3.22- Water Quality Criteria as per CPCB Guidelines for Aquatic Resources

Designated-Best-Use Class of

water Criteria

Drinking water Source without conventional treatment but after disinfection.

A 1. Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be 50 or less 2. pH between 6.5 and 8.5 3. Dissolve Oxygen 6mg/l or more 4. Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5 Days 200C 2 mg/l or less

Outdoor Bathing (organised) B 1. Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be 500 or less 2. pH between 6.5 and 8.5 3. Dissolve Oxygen 5mg/l or more 4. Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5 Days 200C 3 mg/l or less

Drinking water Source after conventional treatment disinfection.

C 1. Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be 5000 or less 2. pH between 6 and 9 3. Dissolve Oxygen 5mg/l or more 4. Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5 Days 200C 3 mg/l or less

Propagation of wildlife and fisheries.

D 1. pH between 6.5 and 8.5 2. Dissolve Oxygen 4mg/l or more 3. Free Ammonia (as N) 1.2 mg/l or less

Irrigation Industrial Cooling Controlled Waste Disposal.

E 1. pH between 6.0 and 8.5 2. Electrivity conductivity at 250C micro mhos/cm Max. 2250. 3. Sodium absorption Ratio Max. 26 4. Boron Max. 2 mg/l

Below E Not meeting A, B, C, D & E Criteria

Table 3.22 above gives water quality criteria as per CPCB guidelines for Aquatic resources.


38

3.6.4 Ambient Noise Level 3.6.4.1 Location Details

For the measurement of noise levels 3 nos. of locations in the surrounding area of proposed SHP

are selected as per description given in table 3.23.

Table 3.23 - Ambient Noise Monitoring Location

Sl.No. Location Details Location Code Direction from the Sobla

1. Sobla Village ANQS - 1 -

2. Nyu Village ANQS - 2 S

3. Near Diversion Site ANQS - 3 N 3.6.4.2 Noise Monitoring Frequency

Noise measurements have been carried out once in the season at all the three monitoring stations.

At each monitoring station, Leq. Noise level has been recorded at hourly intervals for 8 hours

continuously by operating the noise recording instrument for five minutes during each hour.

3.6.4.3 Results and Discussions

Summarised results have been presented in table 3.24 and compared with the standard specified

in schedule III, Rule 3 of Environmental Protection Rules given in table 3.25.

Table 3.24 - Summarised Noise Level (dB) data of various locations

Day Time Location Location

Code Max. Min. Avg.

Sobla Village ANQS - 1 44.4 37 .2 41.6

Nyu Village ANQS – 2 48.1 38.1 42.8

Near Diversion Site ANQS – 3 47.2 38.9 43.2 All Values in dB (A).

Table 3.25 - Ambient Quality norms in respect of noise

(As per Schedule III, Rule 3 of Environment Protection Rules)

Type of Area Day (06.00 – 21.00 hrs.) Night (21.00 – 6.00 hrs.)

Industrial Area 75 70

Commercial Area 65 55

Residential Area 55 45

Silence Zone 50 40

All Values in dB (A)


39

All the noise-monitoring stations are falling in “Residential Areas” and Silence area. The result

satisfies the prescribed norms, in general.

3.6.5 Soil Characteristics

Thickness of topsoil in the study area varies from 0.5 to 1 m (approx), the average being 0.7m.

Area is hilly so thickness of top soil layer is not very high. To assess the quality of soil in and

around the study area, soil samples were collected from four locations for physico chemical

analysis. Table 3.26 lists the soil sampling locations.

Table 3.26 - Soil sampling locations

Sample No. Location Distance Direction from

Proposed site (Sobla village)

Type of land

SS – 1 Sobla Village - Agriculture Land

SS – 2 Dar Village 2.0 ENE Agricultural Land

SS – 3 Khairi Village 1.0 E Agricultural Land

SS - 4 Nyu Gaon 1.5 S Agricultural Land

3.6.5.1 Soil Analysis Discussion

The soil texture analysis consists of determination of the percentage of the particles of different

sizes (i.e. sand, silt and clay), as they exist in soil. The soil textures have a profound influence on

tree and plant growth because of moisture retention, nutrient supplies, aeration and root

development. The soils having a clay and sandy clay texture get easily eroded and washed during

rains. Physical properties of soil are presented in table 3.27.

Table 3.27 - Physical properties of Soil

The pH value is more important because it determines the soils for growth of plants, availability

of nutrients, bacterial activity and the physical condition. Soil microbial activity is also

dependent on pH. The soil may be termed as suitable for plant growth if its pH value ranges

between 6 - 8. While afforestation is necessary to keep the pH in limits by growing suitable tree

species. The pH value is ranging from 7.11 to 8.37 which indicate that the soil is suitable for

plant growth. Chemical properties of soil are presented in table 3.28

Parameters SS – 1 SS – 2 SS – 3 SS - 4 Texture Sandy Sandy Sandy Sandy

Color Blackish grey Blackish grey Greyish Black Greyish Black

Bulk Density (g/cc) 1.17 1.15 1.24 1.21

Water Holding Capacity % 40.6 34.2 35.4 27.8


40

Table 3.28 - Chemical properties of Soil

Location Code Parameters

SS – 1 SS - 2 SS - 3 SS -4 pH 7.53 8.37 7.11 7.82

Electrical Conductivity (ms/cm) 0.262 0.247 0.094 0.068

Electrical conductivity is a measure of the soluble salts and ionic activity in the soil. In the

collected soil samples the conductivity ranged from 0.068 to 0.262 ms/cm. Salt concentration is

directly proportional to the osmotic pressure which governs the process of osmosis in the soil

plant system. Since the salt concentration in the study area soil, is slightly good.

The organic matter is related to soil genesis and soil fertility. It includes altered and rather

resistant organic residues of plants, animals and micro organisms at various stages of

decomposition (sometimes termed as ‘humus’) and little altered organic residues of plants,

animals and living & dead micro-organism subject to rather rapid decomposition in the soils. The

percentage of organic matter in the forest dominated hills area varies between 0.31-3.0%

whereas in the study area it is varying between 1.47 to 3.32 %, thus indicating that the soil are

rich in mineral constitutes. Available Nuterients present in soil are mention in table 3.29.

Table 3.29 - Available Nutrients in Soil


SS - 1 SS - 2 SS - 3 SS - 4

Organic carbon (%) 1.65 1.08 0.62 0.81

Organic matter 3.32 2.29 1.47 1.81

Available Nitrogen (kg/ha) 630 785 905 1061

Available Phosphorous (kg/ha) 9.3 13.1 11 19.7

Available Potassium (kg/ha) 118 210 78 38

Organic Carbon values are in high range. Input on minimum doses compost & Nitrogen manure

or bio-manures are desirable to bring the status of these elements to a satisfactory level or to

expect good crop yields.

Phosphorous and nitrogen are limiting nutrients. In the tested soil samples nitrogen and

phosphorous was available in low & medium quantities. This indicates small quantity of

nitrogenous fertilizer to improve crop productivity. Potassium levels are also found in lower to

medium land. Rating of soil are presented in table 3.30.


41

Table 3.30 - Rating of soil

Low Medium High

Organic Carbon % < 0.5 0.5 – 0.75 > 0.75

Available Nitrogen < 280 280 - 560 > 560

Available Phosphorus < 10 10 – 25 >25

Available Potassium < 120 120 - 280 > 280

Values of available Ca & Mg are in high range, which indicate that the soil processes have good

exchange capacity and will respond satisfactorily when properly fertilized & manured.

Exchangeable cations and these ratings are shown in table 3.31.

Table 3.31 - Exchangable Cations Location Code Parameters

SS - 1 SS - 2 SS - 3 SS - 4 Calcium (meq/100gm) 0.3

(45.32) 0.53

(46.74) 0.024

(31.57) 0.216

(59.67) Magnesium (meq/100gm) 0.32

(48.33) 0.51

(45.15) 0.024

(31.58) 0.072

(19.89) Sodium (meq/100gm) 0.015

(2.27) 0.044 (3.88)

0.01 (13.16)

0.01 (2.76)

Potassium (meq/100gm) 0.027 (4.08)

0.048 (4.23)

0.018 (23.68)

0.064 (17.68)

Total Bases (meq/100 gm) 0.662 (100)

1.134 (100)

0.076 (100)

0.362 (100)

Figures in parenthesis gives the % contribution of the respective cation of the total Cations.

Heavy metals are integrated components of the biosphere and thus occur naturally in soils and

plants. Out of seventeen essential elements known to be essential for plant growth, eight are

required in such small quantity that they are called micronutrients or trace elements. These are

iron, manganese, Zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, cobalt and chlorine. Other element such as

silicon, vanadium and sodium appear to be helpful for the growth of certain species. Available

micronutrients and there critical limit present in soil sample are presented in table 3.32 and 3.33.

Table 3.32 – Available Micronutrients in Soil


SS - 1 SS - 2 SS - 3 SS - 4 Copper 0.37 0.34 0.32 0.18

Zinc 2.28 5.64 0.70 0.84 Iron 14.88 2.80 9.2 2.64

Manganese 2.43 2.0 0.95 0.60

(Values in mg/kg)


42

Table 3.33 - Critical limits (mg/kg)

1. Iron - 4.5 – 6.0

2. Copper - 0.20 – 0.66

3. Zinc - 0.50 – 0.65

In this region soils are alkaline in nature derived from the sub aerial weathering under climatic

condition of alternate wet and dry season with high rainfall. Excess phosphate may encourage a

deficiency of zinc, iron and copper in any area. Phosphorus in study area is found medium level.

Also heavy nitrogen fertilization intensifies copper deficiencies. In this area both nutrients are

found in low to medium range. 3.6.6 Land Environment

The project is situated in district Pithoragarh of Uttarakhand state. The dam site lies about 0.75

approx. km NW of Sobla village, at a height of about 2000 m above MSL. Parameters involved

in land environment are physiography, geology, minerals, soils, land use pattern and seismicity.

These are already discussed in chapter 1.

3.6.6.1 Land Use Pattern

Land use and land cover patterns are important in environment impact assessment study. The

land use describes its use such as agriculture, settlement, etc and land cover, describes the

material on it such as forest, vegetation, rocks or building etc. The land use pattern of

Pithoragarh distt. and Dharchula block are presented in table 3.34 and 3.35. Forest are spread

over 50.0% in the district area, Agriculture waste land area occupies 9.9% and Barren and

uncultivable land are 5.1%.

Table 3.34 - Land Use Pattern of Pithoragarh District

Sl.No. Land Use Area in Hectare 1. Total Land Area 410640 2. Land under Forest 205239 3. Agricultural waste land 40899 4. Present waste land 1359 5. Other waste land 6174 6. Land not fit for agriculture purposes 20679 7. Land utilized for than agriculture 9999 8. Pasture land 53156 9. Land used for trees, orchards etc. 27451 10. Carsent fallow land 45774 11. More than one time fallow land 38260 12. Total area sown 84034

Source Statistical book Pithoragarh, 02-03


43

The proposed SHP dam site is located near Sobla Village of Dharchula block of Pithoragarh

distt. Land required for different works of project and its use is presented in table 3.35. The area

of submergence is very small due to steep slopes of the river valley.

The proposed project is falling under Dharchula block of Pithoragarh. The study depicts that

more than 54.1% of the area is covered by mixed jungle forest and about 8% is barren with rocky

outcrops. About 10% is under cultivation, 1% in water bodies and less than 1% in

settlement/roads.

Table 3.35 - Land Use Pattern of Dharchula Block

Sl. No.

Land use Area in Hectare

1. Total Land Area 70139

2. Land under Forest 37940

3. Agricultural waste land 6502

4. Present waste land 2

5. Other waste land 2315

6. Land not fit for agriculture purposes 3258

7. Land utilized for Other purposes except agriculture 437

8. Pasture land 11492

9. Land used for trees, orchards etc. 4560

10. Carsent fallow land 3633

11. More than one time fallow land 3312

12. Total area sown 6945 Source Statistical book Pithoragarh, 02-03

It is observed that neither any agricultural land nor any house/structure is coming under

submergence. The project is under rehabilitation, so new construction works will be minimum.

Most of the existing establishment will be used by UJVNL. Detailed of land required as per

UJVNL is presented in table 3.36.

Table 3.36 - Land Requirement for the Project

Existing land (in acre) Forest Van Panchayat Civil Benap Nap land Total - 0.078 HA 0.3 ha 0.043 ha 0.421 ha

Land Requirements (HA) Sl.

No. Description

Forest Private Total Proposed land

1. Diversion Site: Desilting tank, Channel

2. Power house 3. Power Sub Station 4. Official Building 5. Staff colony

Total 0.276 0.058 0.334


44

3.6.7 Socio-Economic Status

In the process of planning, the study of socio-economic profile of any region or an area holds an

important place. For it helps in accessing the potentialities and weakness of the region, helps in

understanding the dynamic of forces operating within the region and suggests possible areas of

interventions. The success of any project/programme, therefore, depends to a large extent, upon

the potentialities and resources the region offers, and their judicious exploitation. This socio

economic study is based on survey/interview of local people and Govt. Statistical data reference

paper.

The state of Uttrakhand encompasses a geographical area of 53483 sq.km. which accounts for

only 1.63 percent of India’s area. The state contains about 4.53 percent of India’s forest area and

about 3.1 percent of India’s agriculture area. 43.6 percent of the agricultural area is under

irrigation as against the national average of 40.3 percent and average rainfall is also above the

national average. The ratio of irrigated area in the hills and plains is 10.1: 88 in Uttrakhand. Some facts

about district with contest of state and India is presented in table 3.37 as geographical indicators.

Table 3.37 - Geographical Indicators

Sl.No. Indicators India Uttrakhand Pithoragarh

1. Total Geographical Area (Sq. Km.) 3287240 53483(1.63 %) 7090 (0.22%)

2. Area Under forest (Sq. Km.) 765210 34651(4.53%) 3544 (0.46%)

3. Area Under Agriculture (ha) 183016000 5671704 1450

4. Area Under irrigation (%) 40.3 43.6 (7709 ha) 1.9

5. Average annual rain fall (mm) 1432 1547 1408

Source: Indiastat and Uttrakhand at a Glance 2006-07 Figure in parenthesis are the % of India.

Uttarakhand is sparsely populated, which has total 13 districts, 40 Tehsils, 95 Community

Development Blocks and 16414 villages. However, the total population of the state according to

2001 census is 84,79,562 comprising of 43,16,401 males and 41,63,161 females which

accounted for 0.83% of the country’s population. The sex ratio is 964 females as per 1000 males.

The literacy rate is 72.28 percent with 84.01% for males and 60.26% for females.

3.6.7.1 Economy

The economy of the Uttarakhand state is mainly agriculture based. Tea cultivation mainly takes

place in maximum area of Kumaon and Garhwal regions between Himalaya and Shiwalik

ranges. However, the total forest area in state is 63 percent of the total area but the cultivate area

is 12.5 percent only. The total irrigated area in the state is about 11.5 lakh hectare.


45

Besides agriculture tourism and hydroelectric power projects the main industrial sector which is

backbone of economy of Uttarakhand. Nevertheless in recent a rapid growth of industries sector

in some place of Uttarakhand has been done and as a result of scientific and technological

developments is the result of human activities and thus, the whole human race is concerned with

the associated negative impact due to technological, physiological, psychological, environmental

and socio-economic factors. These industrial growths ultimately affect in many fold of

concerned area of Uttarakhand.

The study area is the gateway of Darma valley. The valley is inhabited by Bhotias who are

locally known as Darmani. The villagers migrate to the lower location situated at or above 3500

ft. between Dharchulla and Jauljibi during Month of October and November to spend winter in

relatively warmer areas. They return to Darma valley in March April.

3.6.7.2 Area, Population and Family No.

As per 2001 census, the total population of the Pithoragarh district is 4,62,289 with male

population of 2,27,615 and female population of 2,34,674. There is an increase of 10.95% in

population in comparison of 1991 census. The population was 3,35,172 in 1981 and 2,86,550 in

1991. The district is not densely populated. The population density per sq. km.is 65 in 2001.

Study area is mainly falling under Dharchula block which area, No. of villages and existing

family no. is presented in table 3.38 whereas population details of Pithoragarh district and

Dharchula block is presented in table 3.39 and 3.40.

Table 3.38 - Size of block, No. of villages and No. of family in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district

Name of block Area in sq.km. No. of Villages No. of family Dharchula 2884 72 9795 Pithoragarh Distt. 7090 1579 98510

Table 3.39 - Population details of Pithoragarh district

Year Total Population S.C Population S.T. Population Male 180241 48599 8760

Female 184961 46546 8577 1981

Total 365202 95145 17337 Male 209177 46613 9081

Female 207470 44845 9071 1991

Total 416647 91458 18152 Male 227615 53501 9422

Female 234674 52948 9857 2001

Total 462289 106449 19279 (Source :- District Statistical handbook year 2005)


46

Table 3.40 - Population statistics of Dharchula block

Year Total Population S.C Population S.T. Population Male 25734 4282 3271

Female 25292 4391 3301 Dharchula

Total 51026 8674 6572

The majority of the population lives in villages as indicated by the rural population of 402456.

The sex ratio in the district is 1031 females per 1000 males. The total population in Pithoragarh

distt.of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is 1,06,449 and 19279 which is 27.2% of total

population. The religion wise populations are as 4,56,277 (98.70%) Hindu, 4031 (0.87%) Muslims,

1215 (0.26%) Partian, 437 (0.09%) Sikhs, 17 (0.004 %) Jain, 206 (0.0041 %) Budha and 98 (0.02%) has

not mention their religion.

3.6.7.3 Educational Level

Despite a generous fund flow from the Central Government for the SARVA SHIKHSHA

ABHIYAN (Project-Education for all) during the past five years, the state government does not

seem to have achieved the target. The Govt. has also initiated in the 13 district of the state,

various education scheme for the physically and mentally challenged children under the schemes

like education guarantee scheme (EGS), integrated education development (IED), girl child

education and alternative education and so on. The important aim of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

(SSA) is to make the primary education available to the age group of 6-14. They are

compulsorily to be educated up to standard five by 2007 and standard eight up to 2010.

Population and literacy rate of all thirteen district of State are presented in table 3.41.

Table 3.41 - Litracy rate of the State: district-wise (2001 Census)

Literacy Rate (Percent) Sl. No. District

Total Male Female 1. Udham Singh Nagar 64.9 75.2 53.4 2. Pithoragarh - Garhwal 77.5 90.9 65.7 3. Hardwar 63.8 73.8 52.1

4. Dehradun 79.0 85.9 71.2 5. Nainital 78.4 86.3 69.6 6. Almora 74.0 89.0 61.0

7. Tehri-Garhwal 66.7 85.3 49.4 8. Pithoragarh 76.0 90.1 62.6 9. Pithoragarh 75.4 89.7 61.6 10. Uttarkashi 65.7 83.6 46.7

11. Bageshwar 71.3 87.7 57.0 12. Rudra Prayag 73.7 89.8 59.6 13. Champawat 70.4 87.3 54.2

14. Uttrakhand 71.6 83.3 59.6 15. India 64.8 75.3 53.7


47

While large populations certainly inhibit development, the lack of key social infrastructural like

education, female literacy, female health services boost population growth. The country has

dramatically improved literacy from an average of 12 percent in 1947 to 65.4 percent in 2001 but

still the country is woefully behind even countries like Vietnam (1991, 92 percent), Malaysia

(1995, 84 percent), Indonesia (1995, 84 percent), and Myanmar (1995, 74 percent). Literacy rate

of Pithoragarh district is shown in table 3.42 while Dharchula block is presented in table 3.34. School

and Colleges available in Dharchula block and Pithoragarh district are presented in table 3.44.

Literacy picked up and as people become educated, they looked for better jobs elsewhere in the

plains. Due to increase level of awareness about education literacy rate in Darma valley

according to the 2001 census report ranges from 64.03 to 93%.

Table3.42 - Literacy Rate of Pithoragarh district

Literate Person % of Literacy

Male Female Total Male Female Total

1991 137574 72504 210078 80.31 42.41 61.38

2001 170872 125490 296362 90.06 62.59 75.95

On social indicators Uttrakhand fares quite well with a literacy rate of 71.6 % against the

national figure of 64.8 %. Some hill districts have a literacy rate above the state average.

As expected the literacy rate for females is lower than that for males; more than 80 % of

the males are literate and the female literacy rate varies across districts. However, the

unexpected part is that these numbers are much higher than the national average. This can

be considered a unique feature and the main reason for rapid growth.

Table 3.43 - Literacy rate of Dharchula block wise (2001 Census)

Literate Person % of Literacy

Male Female Total Male Female Total

Dharchula 17612 10263 27875 83.8 49.07 66.48

In terms of basic education, the number of school/colleges in the state in 2003-04 was 19700,

which accounted for 1.7 % of the national figure. Figure for 08-09 shows that there were

1,22,838 students in the Pithoragarh distt. compared to Uttarakhand state 2302066 in around

5.3%. The number of student in the hills is 53.5 % of the state total whereas students in the plains

make up 46.5 %. As per September 2008 statistics total working teacher in primary school of

Pithoragarh distt. are 1596 and upper primary school are 817 while vacant post of both category

are 618 which account 7.2% of state total vacant post in both category.


48

Table 3.44 - School and Colleges in Dharchula block and Pithoragah distt.

Sr. Basic School Hr. Secondary

School

Degree College PG College Jr. Basic

School

Total Girls Total Girls Total Girls Total Girls

Dharchula 174 34 8 13 - 1 - - -

Pithoragarh Distt. 1252 300 60 137 13 4 - 2 -

Year – 04-05

3.6.7.4 Village Status

Pithoragarh district have 1579 villages of different size. Population wise existing village status of

Dharchula are presented in table 3.45.

Table 3.45 - Population wise Nos. of villages in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh distt.

Less than

200

200 - 499 500 - 999 1000 -1499 1500 - 1999 2000 - 4999 More than

5000

Total

Dharchula 27 17 9 7 6 3 1 70

Pithoragarh

Distt.

930 457 142 32 9 8 1 1579

As per 2001

3.6.7.5 Occupational Pattern

The study of distribution of work force, among different sectors and occupation, assumes a

significant place in the process of planning as it enables the planners to understand the pattern of

their utilization, on one hand, and the important role each sector plays within their respective

regional economics. As per census 2001 block wise economical distribution of population are


Table 3.46 - Economical distribution of population

Farmer Faring worker

Domestic Marginal worker

other Total worker

Dharchula 7995 169 1030 9281 5200 23675 Pithoragarh Distt

74361 615 4415 74647 124062 198709

As per year 2001

Percentage of cultivators and people in Govt. service is indicative of changed lifestyles in the

valley. Locals now began to give up the traditional way of living for a modern and relatively

easier and physically less demanding way of living. This changes the demography of the area

completely. Now only few peoples (25-30 % approx) of the area engage themselves in the

traditional way of living. Local inhabitants now come to their villages only to perform traditional

pujas (worship) and for customary celebrations, thus keeping the link their roots intact.


49

3.6.7.6 Health

Health facilities available in Dharchula block and Pithoragarh distt. are presented in table 3.47.

Table 3.47 - Health facilities available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh distt.

Total Staff Ayurvedic Homeopathic Name of Block

Allopathic Hospital

Primary health Centre

No. of

bed Doctor Paramedical Other Hospital Doctor Hospital Doctor

Dharchula 7 1 32 5 39 22 7 4 - -

Pithoragarh Distt*

46 18 610 54 319 220 52 29 6 5

As per year 2004-05

3.6.7.7 Basic Facilities available in study area

The primary purpose of social sector schemes has been to provide basic minimum needs to as

many focus group households, as possible, so that their socio economic level and status be

uplifted and they be brought back into the main stream of development to enable them to benefit

from other development programmes that are in vogue. An attempt has also been made to study

the available amenities in the study area which is presented in table 3.48 and 3.49.

Table 3.48 - Details of electrified Villages and available roads in Dharchula block &


Length of Road (inKm.) Sl. No. Name of Block Total Villages

Electrified Villages Total PWD

1. Dharchula 72 42 134 95 2. Pithoragarh Distt* 1672 1369 1160 818

As per year 2004-05

Table 3.49 - Other facilities like Post Office, Telegraph Office, PCO and Telephone available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district

Sl.No. Name of Block Post Office

Telegraph PCO Telephone Bus Stop

1. Dharchula 54 - 23 733 37 2. Pithoragarh Distt* 318 9 509 14699 685

As per year 2004-05

3.6.7.7 Methodology for Socio economic survey

A random sample of villagers/respondents of study area from Dharchula block of 50 households

was drawn and for collection of necessary data pre tested questionnaire (a formate of

questionnaire attach as Annexure at the end of report) were adopted for collection of socio-

economic data with the emphasis of family size, main occupation, income source, health of

people, diseases, cooking fuel used etc. from the total 8 villages spread in surrounding of Sobla

consisting from Dharchula block have been randomly selected. Further, 50 house holds were

randomly selected after villages listing of households. Of these, 27 households are marginal, 11


50

small, 8 medium and farmers 1 are large. However, 3 are either landless or employed with

service/traders. Before collection of primary data from selected villagers, a rapid survey i.e. an

interaction with villagers helped study the perception, behaviour and attitude of the villagers.

Population statistics of near by Villages are presented in table 3.50.

Table 3.50 - Population Statistics of surveyed villages

Sl. No.

Village Name

No of House hold

Total Populat

ion

Male Female Sex Ratio

Literacy Rate

Male Literacy

Rate

Female Literacy

Rate 1. Sobla 29 155 73 82 1123 52.67 81.35 20.75 2. Baram 198 904 490 414 845 71.68 86.70 54.05 3. Suwa 100 648 336 312 929 62.14 81.71 42.20 4. Syankuri 243 1384 719 665 925 73.18 92.17 53.51 5. Umachiya 64 344 184 160 870 67.13 90.54 41.48 6. Watan 13 75 43 32 744 52.83 67.85 36.0 7. Dar 102 544 299 245 819 46.96 64.31 25.60 8. Nyu 50 231 125 106 848 71.50 86.45 54.21

3.6.7.7.1 Occupational Status

The occupation (main and subsidiary) of surveyed households has also been studied. The

analyzed data shows that a majority of studied households (i.e. 72%) have farming as the main

occupations followed by farming and dairying. However, a smaller numbers of households have

dairying or poultry as a subsidiary occupation. The collected information about size of holding

and occupational pattern is presented in table 3.51 and 3.52.

Table 3.51 - Size of Holding

Sl. No. Size of Holding

1. Marginal (less than 0.5 ha) 27 2. Small (0.50 to 1.00 ha) 11 3. Medium (1.00 to 2.00 ha) 8 4. Large (2 to 4) 1 5. Above 4 Nil

Table 3.52 - Occupational Pattern of Selected Households

Occupation Sl.

No. Agriculture Dairying Business Service Others Total

1. 20 10 6 8 6 50

Traditionally, the main occupation of the villagers in the region had been trading, sheeps rearing

and cultivation of mainly wheat/rice and potatoes during summer months between June and

October.


51

In the present study, the main occupation considered is the one which earns more than 50% of

their annual in come. But, an occupation which earns them less than 50% annual income to the

selected farmers is considered to be subsidiary occupation. In the present case, some farmers are

also observed to be depending on the subsidiary occupation. The subsidiary occupations are

mainly poultry farming, dairying, business, service it include retired person etc, which generally

supplements the farmer’s income.

3.6.7.7.2 Cooking Fuel

The selected households spread over study area falling under Dharchula block. Villagers were

interviewed and data related to their fuel use were collected. Due to availability of LPG gas

Suppliers in Dharchula and subsidiary to BPL people some villagers are using gas for cooking

purposes. Villagers are also interested to take gas connection but due to distance and blockage of

road due to land sliding it was very difficult to supply daily needs including LPG cylindar. Three

reasons are main obstacle to take a connection i.e. easy availability of wood, minimum income

source and and Road blockage due to land sliding. The analyzed data presented in table 3.53.

Table 3.53 - Cooking Fuel Used

Source of Cooking Fuel Sl. No.

Number of families studied

Fire wood, dung cake &

biomass

Fire wood & biomass

Biomass and dung cakes

Kerosene Oil LPG Electricity

1. 50 22 8 9 1 10 -

However, 20 families used firewood, dung cakes and biomass. The size of holding of a large

number of marginal and small farmers in particular is very small; therefore the availability of

bio-mass to these families dependent on farm is insufficient. Hence, these families depend

mainly on fire wood, collected from nearby forest. Thus, the forest area is decreasing year after

year, which is a matter of serious concern because of increasing depletion of forest and

consequently environment pollution.

A large quantity of animal dung is available annually in the village area of Dharchula block,

which is generally wasted by burning the dry dung cakes for cooking purposes. Details of animal

available in Dharchula block is presented in table 3.54

Table 3.54 Animal available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district

Cow Buffalo Sheep Goat Horse Pig Others Total

Dharchula 35973 7405 16512 17995 564 39 3274 81762

Pithoragarh Distt 240748 86877 32804 145173 1043 138 18781 525577 As per 2003


52

It is, in fact, a heavy cost to the society, that the fresh dung could have 'been used for producing

bio-gas to replace kerosene oil and fire wood used in the surveyed villages. Apart from this bio-

gas slurry might have been used as organic manure to replace fertilizer application.

3.6.7.3 Health and Health Care

The households were also interviewed for collecting the data pertaining to health and health care.

The data of different households and different villages revealed that of the total 50 households

studied, 20 percent suffered from several diseases during the last five years i.e. 2003 to 2008

approx. The collected information is presented in table 3.55.

Table 3.55 - Disease and their proportion found in surveyed villages

Disease Name Percent

Fever/typhoid 14

Respiratory diseases 07

Dysentery& Diarrhea 12

Tuberculosis 02

Lever ailment 02

Other diseases 08

Reporting no diseases 05

Effective curative and preventive measures, such as the implementation of vaccination and

inoculation scheme, improvement of environmental sanitation and provision of better medical

facilities will minimize disease.

3.6.7.4 Family Budgets

The information/ data pertaining to consumption and expenditure on different items of meet their

requirement is also collected from randomly selected households of different villages.

The analysis reveals that most of the families are non-vegetarian. However, vegetarian are also in

large numbers. But, non-vegetarians are generally, medium and large farmers or families of

services/ business occupation. Further, wheat and rice are the staple food of all the families and

milk, curd is a preferred diet in common. The average family budget are presented in table 3.56


53

Table 3.56 - Family Budgets

Sl. No.

Particulars Average Expenditure (Percent)

Remarks ( if any)

1. Fooding 65 2. Clothing and health care 10 3. Health care 8 4. Education 50 5. Recreation 2.0 6. Religious discourse 1.0 7. Transportation 4.0 8. Others 5.0

Total 100

Average size of rural family = 4

The average family expenditure is a function of total annual income of the families which varies

according to the level of income earned annually. In brief, the families expenditure is directly

linked with the level of Income.

Most of the people in study area are generally vegetarian. They consume wheat, rice mandua,

jower, komi and madira. Total cereal consumption is high than the normally required. Hard work

and cold climate necessitate greater consumption of cereals. Generally soyabean, black gram and

lentil are used as pulses but its consumption is very low. Milk and curd are consumed in every

family. Food diet are usually inadequate in animal protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

The perception of local residents shows that the area needs a marked improvement in facilities

like irrigation, agriculture, production, wage rates whereas determination was also observed on

areas like infrastructural i.e. road, electricity, education and health facilities, natural disaster is

also responsible for development of any programme or project in this area.

The foregoing facts reveal that the level of income determines the living status i.e. living

standard is directly influenced by level of income. Further, it is also observed that most of

marginal and small farmers depended on their small size of holdings and thus, their income is

quite meagre. Also several families have unemployed youths.

3.6.7.8 Agriculture

3.6.7.8.1 Irrigation Facilities

Assured means of irrigation ensure better prospects for agricultural development. The study of

sources of irrigation helps in evaluating and even predicting the future prospects for agricultural

operations. The study of distribution of irrigation sources in study area shows that agriculture is

mainly dependent on rainfed, canals and Gul in the whole district. Table 3.57 shows irrigation

facilities available while table 3.58 shows irrigated land by different facilities in Dharchula block

& Pithoragarh distt.


54

Table 3.57 - Irrigation facilities in Dharchula block and Pithoragarh district

Bore Well Length

of Canal

(in Km.)

Govt. Private

Well

(Pucca)

Hauz.

(No.)

Gul

(Km.)

Hydrum

(No.)

Dharchula 51 - - - 232 118 -

Pithoragarh 404 - - - 2705 982 159 As per year 2004-05

Table 3.58 - Irrigated Land area in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district (In hectare)

Bore Well Canal

Govt. Private

Well Pond Other Total

Dharchula 157 - - - - 301 458

Pithoragarh 1594 - - - - 2479 4673 As per year 2002-03

3.6.7.8.2 Land Holding

The development of agriculture also depends, to a large extent, upon the pattern of land

distribution in the region besides other factors like the use of improved seeds, fertilizers,

irrigation facilities etc. if the distribution of land is highly skewed, scientific cultivation could not

be implemented beyond a certain extent which limits the scope of agricultural development.

Therefore, analysis of distributor of land into various sizes of holdings assumes significance.

Land holding size in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh Distt. is presented in table 3.59.

Table 3.59 - Size of Land Holding

Land Holding size in Hectare Less than 0.5 hect.

0.5 to 1.0 hect.

1.0 to 2.0 hect.

2.0 to 4.0 hect.

4.0 to 10.0 hect.

More than 10.0

Total land Holding size and

area Dharchula 5989

(1384) 2360

(1626) 1231

(1655) 254

(662) 24

(120) 3

(84) 9864

(5331) Pithoragarh Distt.

53974 (12576)

21282 (14844)

9663 (12947)

1898 (4839)

164 (856)

14 (276)

86995 (46338)

Results in parenthesis shows area in hectare

The study and distribution pattern shows that land distribution in hill area is more acute or

skewed. It could be seen that 60.7% of the cultivators has less than 0.5 hectare of land holding.

3.6.7.8.3 Use of Agriculture tools & Fertilizer

The improvement in the performance of agriculture sector, over the last few decades, has only

been possible on account of consistent changes, brought about from time to time, in various facts

of agricultural operation. The regions, that have marched ahead, over the others have largely


55

been an account of the fact that they have discarded traditional mode of cultivation and have

shifted to modern and scientific methods tool and inputs. Traditional plough was being taken all

over the district. Use of Agricultural tools & fertilizer consumption is presented on table 3.60.

Table 3.60 - Use of Agricultural tools, fertilizer and No. of wear house for

seed & fertilizer storage

Plough Fertilizer Distribution (M.Tonne)

Wood Iron Advance Cultivator

Thracing Machine

Tractor Nitrogen Phosphorous Potash Total

Seed & Fertilizer Weir House

Dharchula 6196 196 322 - 181 43.71 13.31 0.34 57.16 10 Pithoragarh Distt.

47513 261 261 1 181 220.97 101.71 5.7 328.38 102

3.6.7.8.4 Cropping Pattern

The crops grown by the farmers in Dharchula block are also studied. The analyzed data revealed

that the socio-economic conditions of the farmers is influenced by the pricing policy, climatic

conditions and profitability of competing enterprises which in turn influenced the volume of

production. The area under different crops and productivity itself vouched this. In fact, area and

productivity of crops have changed from year to year during the last several years.

The important crops grown in the kharif season in the area are paddy, and maize whereas the rabi

crops are wheat, barley and mustard is also grown as a cash crop. But, the comparative analysis

reveals that the farmers cultivated only those crops which utilized more irrigation water,

fertilizers and human labour. The area under important crop is presented in table 3.61 and 3.62

while avg. productivity of important and productivity crops is given in table 3.63 and 3.64.

Table 3.61 - Area under important crops in Dharchula block and

Pithoragarh district (hectare)

Rice Kharif Total Rice Wheat Barley Total Pulse

Block Total Irrigated Total Irrigated Total Irrigated Total Irrigated Total Irrigated

Dharchula 1474 250 1474 250 2993 421 289 - 88 1

Pithoragarh

Distt.

23911 4012 23911 4012 27462 3553 3518 19 5254 14

As per year 2002-2003


56

Table 3.62 - Area Under important crops in Dharchula block and

Pithoragarh district (hectare) Year 2002-2003

Total Maize Total Paddy grains Total Telhan Potato Block

Total Irrigated Total Irrigated Total Irrigated Total Irrigated

Dharchula 580 5 6060 676 185 - 325 -

Pithoragarh

Distt.

3290 25 68207 7609 1861 - 953 16

As per year 2002-2003

The study of land utilization pattern under different crops presents some what similar trend in

each year of the whole area. The perusal of table 3.61 and 3.62 shows that rice, wheat, barley is

the main crops sown in kharif season with rice accounting for over 32.5 percent and wheat

37.4% of total swon area of district. Almost same tendency have seen in crop production in

Dharchula block. Wheat account for 48.7 follows by rice and maize with 24 & 9.4%.

3.6.7.8.5 Crop Productivity

The analysis of productivity of different crops reveals that the productivity of some crops has

decreased in year 99-2000 from the year of 98-99 and in some other like telhan, the productivity

has marginally increased. Although, there are several reasons for decrease in the productivity, yet

it is partly due to untimely rains and inadequate irrigation facilities in the study area.

Further, the productivity of maize, paddy and wheat increase in 2002-2003 as compared to 1998-

99 partly due to due even distribution of rains and favorable climatic condition.

Table 3.63 - Average productivity of important crops : Pithoragarh district (Qt. per hect.)

Year Total

Rice

wheat Barley Total

Maize

Total

paddy

grains

Total

Pulse

Total

crops

Total

Telhan

Patato Tobacco

1998-99 12.72 11.21 9.98 10.37 12.39 6.57 11.75 5.33 228.17 70.58

1999-2000 10.54 13.92 10.50 12.80 12.63 7.44 12.26 7.99 225.36 76.73

2002-2003 12.24 13.42 15.73 9.84 12.86 4.19 12.24 5.73 186.50 0.0


57

Table 3.64 - Productivity of important crops : Pithoragarh district (Metric Ton)

Year Total

Rice

wheat Barley Total

Maize

Total

paddy

grains

Total

Pulse

Total

crops

Total

Telhan

Potato Tobacco

1998-99 25496 24774 3739 3083 71874 4681 76555 1141 59416 367

1999-2000 29709 36663 3715 3430 94489 4203 98692 1527 27156 399

2002-2003 29266 36862 5535 3237 87771 2202 89933 1066 17773 -

3.6.7.8.6 Forest Management

Forests are also ecological entities directly and indirectly supporting and sustaining life in varied

forms, including humans. In India a large number of indigenous communities live in densely

forested areas and depend on them for their life and livelihood. Their dependence on forest is

such and association so long that forest has been imbibed in their life and culture. For the same

reason they seem to have deep understanding of even the complex ecological issues and have

developed indigenous methods of protecting and utilizing the forest in a sustainable manner.

3.6.7.8.6.1 Van Panchayat in Uttarakhand

Van Panchayats are a unique institution, characteristic of the state of Uttarakhand, for organized

utilization and protection of forests and related natural resources by local communities that are

dependent on them. They are locally elected bodies or voluntary groups of local people that

govern the local forests with a view to fulfill the needs of local people for forest produce, in a

sustainable and equitable manner. Thus Van Panchayats in a way are a form of Local

Government. Formally as an institution, Van Panchayats have been in existence now for a little

over 75 years. However, the association of people of Uttarakhand with forests and their history

of protecting it is much longer and eventful. At present there are 6,777 van Panchayats in

Uttarakhand covering an area of 5,241.08 square kilometres (Forest Department, Uttarakhand,

May 2001). Forming about 12% of the total forest area of the state.

Geographically Van Panchayats cover a small portion of the forest area of the state, though in

some districts namely Almora and Pithoragarh they cover significant; nearly 30% of the total

forest area. Practically, Van Panchayats are the only areas of direct involvement of the local

communities in managing forests. In the state people have a long history of a strong association

with the forests. Thus it is necessary that local people should equally and strongly involved in

managing and administering the forest area, especially, in the changing scenario over the last

decade. Table-3.65 shows some basic statistics of the Van Panchayats in the state.


58

Table 3.65 - Van Panchayat Status in Uttarakhand

District District Area (Sq. km.)

Population (1991)

Area under Van

Panchayats (Sq. km.)

Total Forest

Area (Sq. Km.)

Forest Area (Ha)

per Person

Panchayat Forest

Area (Ha) per

Person

Number of Van

Panchayats

Area (Ha) Per Van

39.90Pancha79.03yat

Pauri Garhwal 5440 683000 651.53 4507.14 0.660 0.095 1633 39.90

Chamoli &

Rudraprayag

9125 455000 618.02 5210.40 1.145 0.136 782 79.03

Uttarkashi 8016 240000 77.80 6948.30 2.895 0.032 68 114.41

Tihri Garhwal 4421 580000 16.38 4058.90 0.700 0.003 85 19.27

Dehradun 3088 1026000 98.28 2276.89 0.222 0.010 159 61.81

Haridwar 2360 1124000 0.00 375.19 0.033 0.000 0

Garhwal 32450 4108000 1462.01 23376.82 0.57 0.04 2727 53.61

Almora &

Bageshwar

5385 837000 1204.75 3944.26 0.471 0.144 1898 63.47

Pithoragarh &

Champawat

8856 566000 1092.98 3302.43 0.583 0.193 1657 65.96

Nainital 6794 1540000 286.84 3026.90 0.262 0.019 495 57.96

Udhamsingh

Nagar

0.00 1011.11 0

Kumaon 21036 2943000 2584.57 11284.70 0.38 53.61 53.61 53.61

Grand Total 53485 7051000 4046.58 34661.52 0.49 53.61 53.61 53.61

Source : Uttaranchal State Forest Statistics (2000), Forest Department Nainital

Van Panchayat is a democratically elected village level institution set up in Uttarakhand for the

management of forests. It is responsible for the management of grazing, collection of full wood,

fodder and timber, and protection of community forests. A Van Panchayat can be formed if one

third of the inhabitants of a village resolve to form one. At the village level, it is teh sole

arbitrator for the management of the Van Panchayat forests. It has linkages with the forest

Department for technical assistance and for the preparation of development plans. So without

discussion on forest and Van Panchayat Socio-economic study will not completed specially in

hill area. There is an urgent need to management of any upcoming project in hilly area to work

together with Van Panchayat for Socio, eco and enviro development.


59

3.6.8 Ecological Status

Ecological situation of Sobla micro hydel site is in the transitional area, out side the buffer zone

of the NDBR which is covering some parts of districts Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh.

The transitional area falls under orobiome – ecotonal zone. This area is as important as the

NDBR it self. Ecologically it maintains the high biological diversity and harbours the mix of

species, which are found on other side of the ecotonal zone. Ecologically this area not to be safe

guarded for the continuity of the species diversity and orobian ecosystem of the NDBR. The

Geographical characteristic as well as geological characteristic has been given else where in the

report. The ecological climate of the area is temperate sub alpine and alpine. In the following

times the vegetation of the zone has been given as per the altitude.

3.6.8.1 Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests

These forests have the following subtypes

(i) 'Bank oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) forests occupy the altitudinal zone of 1800 to 2100m

and descending to 1500 m on northern slopes or even to 1100 m in deep valleys and ravines.

Incidently, the zone of its occurrence overlaps the most populated zone of Kumaun. Banj' occurs

mostly pure with its chief associates of 'burans', 'ayar' 'kaphal', 'garpipal (Populus ciliata), 'rianj'

(Quercus lanuginosa) and 'phaniyat' (Q. glauca), etc. the undergrowth is dense with Viburnum

spp., Rubus spp., Berberis asiatica. Desmodium, Indigofera, Rosa moschata, ringal etc.

(ii) 'Tilonj' Oak (Q. dilatata) forests occur between 2000 to 2600 m. being more mesophytic than

'banj' it is being replaced by 'banj' on dry ridges. It also forms almost pure crops with associates

like 'burans', 'kaula', Iles chamkharik, (Carpinus viminea) etc. the undergrowth is dense, consisting

of Rubus, Spirea, Indigofera Viburnum, Deutzia corymbosa, Strobilanthus, Rosa moschata, etc.

(iii) 'Kharsu' Oak (Q. semecarpifolia) forests grow above the 'tilonj' zone, extending upto tthe

tree line. The ground cover may consist of Viburnum species, Strobilanthus, 'ruins' (Cotoneaster

acuminata), Rosa moschata, etc.

The three types of oak forests mentioned above constitute the bulk of the broad-leaved forests of

the Himalayan zone with 'chir' representing the main conifer species. The oak forests have nearly

lost their capacity of regeneration due to overgrazing and heavy lopping. There are ten types of

forests in this zone.

The Moist Deodar (Cedrus deodara) Forests occur mostly in small patches, known as 'bain'

which appear to have been planted as temple-groves. The bulk of these forests are confined to


60

the Pithoragarh District. In Almora district the main ones are Jageshwar and Dhauladevi. The

natural regeneration of 'deodar' comes adequately if protection is afforded.

The moist Temperate Deciduous Forests occur on deeper and moist soils, and have a rich variety

of species, such as Aesculus indica, Juglans regia, Carpinus viminea, Fraxinus micrantha, Ulmus

waltichiana. Betula alnoides, Acer sp. etc. with equally large number of species as the undergrowth.

The Low-level Blue (Pinus wallichiana) is found mixed with 'banj and 'kharsu' in small patches

between 1800 and 3000m. some good planted patches are also seen on the Nain ridge in the

Nainital Forest Division.

The West Himalayan Upper Oak Fir Forests are found between 2600 and 3400m, with silver fir

(Abies pindrow) and rare Picea smithiana (rare).

The western district of East Himalayan Mixed Confiferous 'tansen (Tsuga dumosa), forests with

a large number of broad leaf species are confined to 2400-3100 m in the upper reaches of the

valleys in the Pithoragarh district along with silver fir (Abies pindrow), blnepine (Pinus

wallichiana), and Taxus baccata.

The Montane Bamboo (Ringal) Brakes are commonly seen as undergrowth in high altitude

forests above 1500m. The species include 'deoringal' (Thamnocalamus falconeri), 'tham'

(Thamnocalamus spathiflorus) and 'jumra' (Arundinaria jaunsarensis) in higher altitude and

Arundinaria falcata in the 'bank' forests.

The Cypress Forests are found on dry temperate sites confined to the steep inner ranges. To a

limited extent the cypress is often mixed with silver fir and 'kharsu'. In the Nainital Tahsil mainly

in the neighbourhood of Nainital, old and new plantations of cypress are quite common.

The Alder Forests are confined to the places which have permanent water supply such as on

ralisnewly formed shingle beds in streams and on landlips and screes. These are found

throughout the region from 1000 to 3000 m providing greenery to steam banks. 'Utis' (Alnus

nepalensis) occurs in strips of varying width. 'Garh pipal' (Populus ciliata), 'chamarmowa'

(Ulmus wallichiana), 'pangar' (Aesculus indica) and 'kharak' (Celtis australis) are its common

associates.

The Temperate Pastures have resulted from repeated burning and continual grazing near

habitation, where a variety of grasses such as Chrysopogon, Heteropogon, Dactylis, Agrostis

have found footholds.


61

The Oak Scrub Forests developed on an extensive scale, specially in the civil forests, due to

degeneration of the oak forests as a result of constant maltreatment through overgrazing,

repeated lopping, burning and cutting for firewood. The oaks (mainly 'banj and tilonj') today

represented by dead stumps or shrubs are accompanied by thorny bushes of 'kilmora' (Berberis),

'ghingaru' (Crataegus crenulata), jhatela' (Prinsipia utilis), Wikstroemia, Indigofera,

Cotoneaster, etc. In fact all oak forests are in a state of degeneration. If this state of affairs is

allowed to continue, the entire hill region in due course of time will become barren. Unscientific

felling for charcoal and firewood; and clearance of areas in the name of horticultural extension

and potato cultivation are responsible for the degeneration of once thick forests of oaks.

The oak forests have also degenerated within the reserved forests, because of unlimited rights

and concessions granted to and maltreatment by local villagers, and certainly not by contractors

and foresters, as is being wrongly publicised lately.

3.6.8.2 Himalayan Dry-Temperate Forests

This type is represented by scrubs of Hippophae – Myricaria occuring in small patches along the

inner Himalayan streams between 2300 to 3200m. The Hippophae salicifolia thickets include

Salix elegans, Myricaria elegans and germenica spp., Epilobium spp. and occasional Populas

ciliata. Higher up this type merges with Juniperous and its associates.

3.6.8.3 Sub-Alpine Forest

Two subtypes are discernible. The birch and fir forest growing between 300w and 3500 m

comprise fir (Abies spectabilis), birch or 'Bhojpatra' (Betula utilis) and 'kharsu' with

undergrowths of Rhododendron campanulatum, Cotoneaster acuminata, Rosa sericea Ribes

rubrum, Lonicera sp., Rubus niveus, smilax vaginata, and ringal. The degeneration due to

overgrazing in the forests has given rise to sub-alpine pastures having a variety of grasses.

3.6.8.4 Moist Alpine Scrubs

The scrubs are a continuation of the alpine pastures below the snow-line. They have, however, a

longer snow-free period. Betula utilis, with thickets of Rhododendron campanulatum,

Rhododendron anthopogon, Sorbus foliolosa, Berberis kumaonensis, Lonicera parviflora,

Juniferous species and a number of flowering plants from the vegetal consociation of the scrubs.

The alpine pastures occur above 3500m, the meadows bearing mostly mesophytic herbs such as

Primula, Anemone, Iris, Gentiana and many plants of Ranunculacea, Criciferae, Compositae

etc.


62

Table 3.66 - Habitat and other species associated meadow vegetation

Sunny meadow Continuous green vegetation

Dominated by Saussurea graminifolia. Other genera: Ranunculus, Delphinium, Corydalis, Draba, Sisymbrium, Arenaria, Impatiens, Geranium, Potentilla, Saxifraga, Astragalus, Pleurospermum, Gentiana and Swertia. Perennial mesophytic herbs are restricted to the edges of melting snow, e.g. Primula denticulata, P. macrophylla, P. munroi, Kobresia hookeri and Caltha palustris

Alpine scree Dry exposed rocks

Dominated by Euphorbia stracheyi. Other species include: Rheum webbianum, R. australe, Saussurea obvallata, S. gossypiphora and Pleurospermum densiflorum. Outlying patches of Rhododendron campanulatum, R. anthopogon, Juniperus recurva, Lonicera myrtillus and Salix fruiticulosa in lower regions of alpine scrub

Shaded meadows

Shaded slopes Dominated by the genus Aconitum, principally A. atrox. Other species include Aconitum heterophyllum, A. violaceum, Angelica glauca, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Megacarpaea polyandra, Delphinium cashmirianum and Parnassia pusilla

Glacial moraine - Poor vegetation cover because of debris flows and avalanches. Common species are Epilobium latifolium, Waldheimia glabra, W. tomenosa, Sedum roseum, S. crassipes, Oxyria digyna, Saxifraga imbricata, Salix spp. and Rheum speciforme

Alpine stony desert

Virtually covered with snow, except for the two months of rainfall (June–July)

Highly specialized, short-lived species: Christolea himalayensis, Arenaria spp., Corydalis bowerii, C. crithimifolia, Draba spp., Pleurospermum spp., Sedum bouveri, S. quadrifidum, Androsace spp., Thylacospermum spp., Saussurea gossypiphora and Cremathodium nanum


63

Table 3.67 - List of flora found in study area

S. No. Botanical name Local name Trees

1. Aesandra butyracea. Chiura 2. Aesculus indica. Pangar 3. Alnus nepalensis Utees 4. Betula alnoides Saur Bhojapatra 5. Betula utilis Bhojpatra 6. Carpinus viminea Putli 7. Cedrella toona Tun 8. Celtis australis. Kharik 9. Cinnamon tamala Dalchini, Tejpat 10. Dalbergia sissoo Sisham 11. Dandroclamus strictus Bans 12. Ehretia laevis Chamror 13. Erythriana arborescens Dhauldhak 14. Ficus glomerata Gular 15. Ficus hispida Totmila 16. Ficus palmata Bedu / Anjir 17. Ilex excelsa Gauloo 18. Juglans regia Akhrot 19. Litsea glutinosa Singrau/Mai da lakri 20. Myrica esculenta Kaphal 21. Pinus wallichiana Kail 22. Pterocarpus marsupium Bija Sal 23. Quercus leucotrichophora Banj 24. Rhamnus persica Chirla 25. Rhododendron arboreun Burans 26. Rhus japonica Beshmeel 27. Salix acutifolia Bhains 28. Sapindus mukorossi Reetha 29. Sapium insigne Khinna 30. Sorbus aucuparia Mohli

Shrubs 1. Ageratum conizoides Gundrya 2. Artemisia vulgaris Kunja 3. Artemisia nilagirica Kunja 4. Arundo donax Tinta 5. Berberis aristata Kingor 6. Berberis lycium Kingor 7. Bistorta amplexicaulis Kutrya 8. Boehmeria platzphylla. Khagsa 9. Cannabis sativa Bhang 10. Cissus rependa Pani-bel 11. Colebrookia oppositifolia Binda 12. Cotoneaster microphyllus Bugarchilla 13. Callicarp arboria Kumahr 14. Duchesnea indica Bhiun-Kaphal


64

Herbs 1. Anaphalis adnata Bugla 2. Anemone vitifolia Mudeela 3. Acorus calamus Bauj, Bach 4. Agrostis nervosa - 5. Apium leptophyllum - 6. Arabidopsis thaliana. - 7. Artemisia japonica Patee, Pamsi 8. Bergenia ciliata Silpara 9. Bistorta amplexicaulis Kutrya 10. Centella asiatica Brahmibuti 11. Clematis tibatiana - 12. Curcuma aromatica Ban Haldi 13. Cymbopogon flexuosus - 14. Cymbopogon msrtinii Priya-ghas 15. Cynodon dactylon Dubla 16. Deyeuxia scabescens - 17. Echinops cornigerus Kantela 18. Eragostis poaeoides - 19. Eulaliopsis bineta Babula 20. Impatiens balsamina -

3.6.8.5 Wildlife Ranging from area under permanent snow cover to the hot sub-tropical jungles of the foothills,

the catchment area presents diverse habitats with significant levels of variation. This area is the

home of a wide variety of mammals, reptiles and birds. The major part of the catchment area lies

in the central Himalayas which has a relatively less rainfall as compared to that of eastern part of

the Himalayas and the climate is temperate to sub-temperate with fairly heavy snowfall above

2500 meters. It has restricted the wildlife habitat significantly. Zoo-geographically the study area

adjoining the project can be divided into two regions:

- Himalayan Foothills

- Temperate region

3.6.8.5.1 Himalayan Foot Hills

This area has elevation upto 2000 meters. The fauna of this region is more or less similar to that

of the Indo-Gangetic plain. This is characterised by grassy meadows and savannah vegetation.

This region is reported to harbour various Mammalian fauna i.e. sambhar, barking deer, wild

boar, jackal etc. This area was frequented by the famous tiger enthusiast Jim Corbett. However,

growth of human settlement have narrowed the wildlife habitat in this area to a significant extent.

Due to terrain characteristics, the sighting of wildlife is poor.


65

3.6.8.5.2 Temperate region of Western Himalayas This region comprises the temperate areas above an elevation of 2000 meters. The climate is

moist temperate with snowfall in the winter months. The faunal species include jackal, sambhar,

cats, brown bear and black bear. Amongst the avi-fauna, the common species include the

Himalayan Golden Eagle, Himalayan woodpecker, Indian Mayna,and Hill Patridges. The

important faunal species reported in the project area and its surroundings are documented in

Table-3.68. These information’s are based on secondary sources as well as field observations

during the ecological survey.

Table 3.68 - List of Fauna found in study area

S. No. Zoological Name Local Name Mammals

1. Felis bengalensis Ban Biralu 2. Felis chaus Ban Biralu 3. Hystrix indica Solu 4. Lepus nigricollis Khargosh 5. Macaca mulatto Banar 6. Muntiacus muntjak Kakar 7. Nemarhaedus ghural Gural 8. Panthera pardus Bagh 9. Selenarctos thibetanus Rikh 10. Sus scrofacristatus suwar

Birds 1. Acridotheres tristis Myana 2. Alectoris Chukar Chukor 3. Aquila crysaetos Garud 4. Arborophila torqueola Titar 5. Bubo bubo bengalensis Ghughu 6. Corvus macrorhynchos Kawwa 7. Corvus splendens Kawwa 8. Dendrocoposhimalayensis Kathphorwa

Reptiles 1. Agama tuberculata Chhipkali 2. Argyrogena ventromaculatus Saanp 3. Varanus bengalensis Goh 4. Xenochrophis piscator Saanp 5. Ptyas mucosus Saanp

The fisheries in the project area are poorly developed due to unfavorable climate. The elevation,

temperature, current, velocity and natural biota are the factors governing the growth of fish in the

rivers and water bodies in the area. Most of the streams, rivers, and other aquatic body in the

upper reaches maintain fairly low temperature which results into low primary productivity.


66

Hence, generally small sized fish are available in upper streams. The list of major fish species

found in study area are presented in table 3.69.

Table 3.69 - Fish dwelling in the rivers in the surrounding area of the project

Name of the Fish Local Name

Family Cyprinidae

Schizothorax sinuatus Asala

Schizothorax kumaonensis Asala

Tor tor Dansulu

Tor putitora Dansula

Garra lamta Gondal

Garra gotyla gotyla Gondal

Crossocheilus latius Sunhera

Barilius bendelisis Fulra

Barilius vagra Fulra

Labeo dyocheilus Kharont

Family Cobitidae

Noemacheilus botia Gadiyal

Noemacheilus rupicola Gadiyal

Family Sisoridae

Glyptothorax pectinopterus Nau

Pseudoecheneis sulcatus Mungria Nau

Since the fishing is not being practiced in the area hence the quantify of fish is found in water could not be estimated.


67

CHAPTER – 4

4.0 Alternatives

The development of small hydropower not only in India but also around the world is on the

increase. In maximum area of the world has huge potential to further develop hydro power

resources. Small hydropower offers a wide range of benefits especially for rural areas and

developing countries. The resource is environment friendly and has substantial economic

advantage. Uttrakhand has large network of rivers and canals which provides and immense scope

for hydro-power energy. There is an urgent need to develop this promising sector of renewable

energy as only a fraction of available potential has been harnessed so far.

4.1 General Information

A. Site Information : The entire region is ecological fragile unstable and less rigid from the origination point. The whole area is more sensible and falls under the seismic prone region. The natural hazards both terrestrial and atmospheric can be seen all over Himalyan region. As such the area is restricted so topo sheet of study area is not presented in this report.

B. Geographical Location

Sl. No.

Village Project Code

Proposed capacity (MW)

Power house

site

District Tehsil State

1. Sobla Sobla - I 8 Sobla Pithoragarh Dharchula Uttarakhand

C. Latitude D. Longitude E. Elevation above Mean Sea Level (mtr.)

*Diversion site

F. Total Area proposed for the Project (in ha.), if any Forest area (in ha), if any

G. Nature of Terrain

H. Technical Classification of Soil (loam, sandy etc./aerial extent (ha.)

300 03’

800 35’

1950

0.755

0.354

Hilly

Sandy


68

4.2 Existing land usage of the proposed project site area (in hectares)

In Hectare Total i) Agriculture a) Irrigated b) Unirrigated

- -

- -

ii) Homestead

- -

iii) Forest

0.354 0.354

iv) Grazing

- -

v) Fallow

- -

vi) Water bodies

- -

vii) Marshes

- -

viii) Others(Pl. Specify)

0.401 0.401

Total

4.4 Alternate sites considered from the environment angle.

Yes Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Check list for hydropower sector as per ADB is

enclosed as appendix at the end of report.

4.4 Reason for selecting the proposed site from the environment & Engineering angle.

Narrow Gorge.

Hard Rock.

Approach Road available.

Maximum discharge & head available on this location.

Best Option for create Job opportunity in Hill area.

Project to cause Socio Economic development in area.

No submergence.

Not affecting agricultural land.


69

Without the project will be omitted because the state has power shortage and has good potential

for hydropower and intends to develop a power surplus to faster economic growth. Figure 5.1

shows EIU and there magnitude with project at the end of report.

(1) Without the project the energy (mkwh) likely tobe produced shall not be produced. In that

event the shortfall between supply and demand will continue which will impact economic

growth of the population in the state including the local population and may lead to social

backwardness.

(2) With the project, the annual energy production in the state shall go up by ….mkwh and shall

cause reduction of…….tons of CO2, if the same quality if energy is produced from a thermal

power situation to meet the deficit of that amount.

Identification matrix presented in Chapter – 5 indicate adverse and beneficial impact of a hydel

project. Any development work/project in any area gives some adverse impact while another site

gives beneficial impact. Increasing population it-self is main root of all problems so any

development project especially small hydel project should not be derailed.

Alternative were discussed while finalization of the location of different structures of the project

initially when theproject was taken up for construction. Now as all other structures are existing

only alternatie site were reviewed for power house. The site considered for which clearance was

given by geologist. At this site hard rock is existing in river bank near power house & therefore

possibility of scouring is eliminated. The detail is already presented in DPR No other feasible

alternative is available for this site.

4.5 Power House Selection Site

Three alternatives has been selected choosen for selection of proposed site

Old site

Alternative - I

Proposed site

Alternative - II

Another New Site

Alternative – III

1. Already this site is

omitted

As per geological survey this site is situated

with hard rock and fulfill all criteria with

safety angle flow to river not affected this

site and fulfill all the reason mention in

point 4.4 in same chapter. A Geological

Map indicating proposed site is enclosed as

figure 2.1 at the end of report.

This location is not fit for

establishment of power

house as per safety point

of view.


70

CHAPTER – 5

5.0 Introduction

Hydropower development in the country is being given priority to improve the hydrothermal

mix, and to optimize the efficiency of the country’s power system and usage of resources for

sustainable power generation in an environment-friendly manner. From the operational

perspective, hydropower projects also provide synergy for optimizing generation, result in fuel

savings, minimize greenhouse gases, and produce power in an environment friendly manner,

supporting sustainable development. Hydropower results in energy being generated from

renewable resources and avoids emissions from equivalent thermal plants. Table 5.0 presents the

emission factors from a comparable coal-fired power plant offset by ensuring power generation

from clean hydropower.

Table 5.0 Emission levels from Coal Fired Power Plants (tons/Yr.)

Particular CO2 SO2 NOx TSPM

1 MW @ 50% PLF, 8

months/Yr

14.1 0.074 0.053 0.049

5.1 Anticipated Environmental Impacts and mitigation measures

The first step in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is identification of all potential

significant environmental impacts. These are then critically examined and the major impacts

(both beneficial and adverse) are analysed in details in this EIA.

In order to ensure comprehensiveness, the various aspects considered in impact identification of

the project are as follows:

Project components.

Project phases

Impact generating Activities.

Types of Impacts.

Various techniques are available for impact identification. These include checklists, matrix,

networks, cause-effect diagrams, computer simulation models etc. For the present project, the

matrix method has been chosen.


71

5.2 Identification Matrix

The impact identification matrix is shown as figure 5.1 at the end of report. The environmental

attributes that may be affected are:

Air

Water

Noise

Soil

Flora & Fauna (Ecology)

Aesthetics

Land use

Socio-economics

Infrastructure

Health & safety.

The various activities have been considered under the four following groups:

Siting

Construction

Operation

Secondary Activities

The activities have been arranged in columns and environmental attributes in rows in the matrix.

A Preliminary scrutiny has been done and the cells which fall at the junction of "activity" and

"attribute" that have possible interaction with each other have been crossed.

The matrix thus identifies the environmental attributes likely to be affected and the activities

responsible for this. The impacts may be beneficial or adverse. These will be analysed during

evaluation of the impacts.

5.2.1 Siting

This is the first phase of activity in a project and involves:

Construction of access roads.

Site survey.

Site clearing.

Since the proposed hydroelectric power project will be set up in the vicinity of trans Himalayas

which is an ecofragile and sensitive areas needs a special care during all phases.


72

5.2.2 Construction

This will involve excavation, construction, drainage, erection of structures and equipment,

engagement of construction labour and laying of drain/pipelines & power lines green belt

development will be taken up in the initial phases and hence is included in this phase. Air, water,

noise and soil/land may be affected by these activities.

Since the proposed Hydro Power will be developed in the hill area where, no industrial activity is

in existence (except small villages) an addition of Hydro Power will also have anticipated

negligible impacts on aesthetics and land use. Local labourers will be employed as construction

workers and to increase their income. New businesses may develop to cater to the needs of the

construction work force. Environmental impacts of preconstruction and construction activities on

physical resources, ecological and human environment are as follows:

5.2.2.1. Environmental Impact of preconstruction and Construction Activities Construction of power house, colony site, transmission lines will involve tree removal along the

alignment where required, excavation for installation of towers, erection of towers, erection of

substation equipment, civil works related to the transmission line, and line stringing. Table 5.1

indicates the extent of tree removal required for the power house, ADM office/colony site and

right-of-way (RoW). SHP construction will involve tree removal at the project site; excavation

work; erection of equipment; and civil works relating to construction of the desilting chamber,

forebay, penstock, powerhouse, and other related works. During the operation phase, most of the

construction phase impacts will be stabilized; impacts during operation and maintenance of the

project will be limited. As such the projects under rehabilitation plan so existing land will be

utilized by project and removal of free is negoligable.

Table 5.1 Extent of tree removal

Sl. No. Site Removal of Tree Land Area 1. Power house site Nil -

2. Diversion site Nil Already existing structure no new construction required.

3. Colony site Nil -do-

4. Transmission lines Nil -do-

5. Power Sub Station Nil -do-

Total Nil -do-


73

Environmental impacts associated with the transmission system, substations, and SHP locations

will be studied on a case-by-case basis. The EIAs provide site selection criteria to avoid

unnecessary problems, and to avoid ecologically sensitive areas such as reserve forest and

wildlife sanctuaries.

5.2.2.1 Physical Resources

A. Impact on Topography

During construction, the topography will change due to excavation and erection of towers’ and

fill cuts for leveling the tower erection sites and construction powerhouse, fore bay, desilting

chamber, and penstock. A minor change of surface features will occur because of tree removal at

the tower erection site and along the RoW to facilitate construction. The most prominent impact

on the surface topography will be in the hilly region along the reserve forest for both

transmission lines and the SHPs. The impact will be local but irreversible due to the presence of

the transmission line, substations, and SHPs.

B. Impact on Air Quality

During construction, activities will involve excavation for tower erection and power channel

construction for the SHPs, movement of vehicles carrying the construction material, etc. All will

result in the emission of dust particles thereby affecting air quality marginally at site; this will be

transitory. Spraying of water during excavation will reduce the dust emission to a great extent.

Overall the major impacts regarding Ambient Quality are limit to the construction period and can

be mitigated to an acceptable level by implementing recommended measures and using the best

engineering and environmental practices. The expected ambient air quality is presented n table

5.2

Table 5.2 Ambient status Impact wise mg/m3

Residential Industrial

Pollution level SPM SO2 & NOx SPM SO2 & NOx

Low (Negligible impact) 0-70 0-30 0-180 0-40

Moderate (Significant impact) 70-140 30-60 180-360 40-80

High (Advance impact) 140-210 60-90 360-540 80-120

Critical < 210 < 90 > 540 > 120

Note : Impact are manageable and can be managed existing with cost effectively with strong will

power of management.


74

C. Impact on Noise

During construction the major sources of noise pollution will be movement of vehicles for

transporting construction material and equipment to the site. Since most of the access roads are

not motorable, nonmotorized goods will transfer the equipment, i.e. mainly using mules along a

mule road. Rope ways are the best suited with the landscape of the area to carry

instruments/materials, the major construction work is expected to be carried out during the day

time. Noise produced will not have a significant impact on existing ambient noise levels. As

noted, the predominant land use along the most part of alignment is reserve forest and

agricultural. Faunal population in the reserve forest will be disturbed marginally due to the

construction noise and they may move to nearby forest areas. Use of low-noise-generating

equipment and restriction of construction activity for limited periods will minimize disturbance

to the forest fauna. The expected noise level of construction equipment is presented in table 5.3

Table 5.3 Expected Noise Emissions

Sl. No. Machine Noise level dB(a)

1. Compactor 80-85

2. DG set 80-110

3. Dozer 80-85

4. Drilling Machine 120-130

5. Dump Truck 80-90

6. Face shovel 80-90

7. Granting Machine 100-120

8. Motor Scraper 85-95

9. Pumps 80-100

D. Impact on Surface Water Quality

Construction will not have any major impact on surface and groundwater quality in the area.

Contamination of water bodies may result due to spilling of construction materials and surface

runoff from the construction site. Contamination of water levels may increase where the

alignment crosses waterways and if the surface runoff during construction enters the river. Even

during construction of the trench weir, turbidity, total suspended solids, and some other

parameters are likely to be increase. This can be avoided by careful selection and work style of

sites and access roads so that surface runoff does not enter the river.


75

Care should be taken to locate the temporary construction worker colony away from water

bodies. Adequate drinking water facilities, sanitary facilities, and drainage in temporary colonies

should be provided to avoid polluting surface water. Provision of adequate washing and toilet

facilities with septic tanks and appropriate refuse collection and disposal system should be

obligatory. Sedimentation pits should be provided at the substation site during construction. Oil-

confining pit or oil separation system should be provided at the substation area to avoid surface

water pollution. Oil traps should be provided for separating oily waste. The sludge generated at

the trap should be kept in a specified place inside the premise of substations and sold to

authorized contractors/third parties. No sludge disposal on land will be allowed. Water quality

standards for fresh water classification and effluent discharge standards for inland surface is

presented in table 5.4 and 5.5.

Table 5.4 Water quality standards for fresh water classification

Designated Use Class of Indian waters S. No. Characteristic A B C D E

1. pH Value 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 2. Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l, min 6 5 4 4 - 3. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days at 200C),

mg/l 2 3 3 - -

4. Total Coliform Organisms, MPN/100 ml max. 50 500 5,000 - - 5. Color Hazen Units 10 300 300 - - 6. Chlorides (as Cl), mg/l, max. 250 - 600 - 600 7. Sodium Adsorption Ratio max - - - - 26 8. Boron (as B), mg/l max - - - - 2 9. Sulphates (as SO4), max. 400 - 400 - 1000

10. Nitrates (as NO), mg/l max. 20 - 50 - - 11. Free ammonia (as NH3), mg/l - - - 1.2 - 12. Conductivity at 250 C hm/cm max 1000 2250 13. Arsenic (as As), max. micro 0.05 0.2 0.2 - - 14. Iron (as Fe), mg/l 0.3 - 50 - - 15. Fluorides (as F), mg/l 1.5 1.5 1.5 - - 16. Lead (as Pb), mg/l 0.1 - 0.1 - - 17. Copper (as Cu), mg/l 1.5 - 1.5 - - 18. Zinc (as Zn), mg/l 1.5 - 1.5 - - 19. Manganese (as Mn) 0.5 - - - - 20. Total Dissolved Solids, Mg/l 500 - 1,500 - 2100 21. Total Hardness (CaCO3), mg/l 300 - - - - 22. Magnesium (as Mg), mg/l 100 - - - - 23. Cyanides (as CN), mg/l 0.05 0.05 - - -

A = Drinking water source without conventional treatment but after disinfections. B = Outdoor bathing (organized). C = Drinking water source with conventional treatment followed by disinfections. D = Propagation of wildlife and fisheries. E = irrigation, industrial cooling, controlled waste disposal. Source : Bureau of Indian Standards


76

Table 5.5 Effluent Discharge stands (Inland Surface Water)

S. No. Parameter Units Standards 1. Color and Odor All efforts should be made to

remove color and unpleasant odor as far as practicable.

2. Suspended Solids, Max. Mg/l 100 3. Particulate Size of Suspended Solids Shall pass 850 micron IS Sieve 4. pH Value 0C 5.5 to 9.0 5. Temperature, Max. Mg/l Shall not exceed 50C above the

receiving water temperature 6. Oil and Grease, Max. Mg/l 10 7. Total Residue Chlorine, Max Mg/l 1.0 8. Ammonical Nitrogen (as N), Max Mg/l 50 9. Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (as N), Max. Mg/l 100

10. Free Ammonia as (NH3), Max. Mg/l 5.0 11. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days at 20

0C), Max. Mg/l 30

12. Chemical Oxygen Demand, Max. Mg/l 250 13. Arsenic (as As), Max. Mg/l 0.2 14. Mercury (as Hg), Max. Mg/l 0.01 15. Lead (as Pb), Max. Mg/l 0.1 16. Cadmium (as Cd), Max. Mg/l 2.0 17. Hexavalent Chromium (as Cr+6), Max. Mg/l 0.1 18. Total Chromium (as Cr), Max. Mg/l 2.0 19. Copper (as Cu), Max. Mg/l 3.0 20. Zinc (as Zn), Max. Mg/l 5.0 21. Selenium (as Se), Max. Mg/l 0.05 22. Nickel (as Ni), Max. Mg/l 3.0 23. Cyanide (as CN), Max. Mg/l 0.2 24. Fluoride (As F), Max. Mg/l 2.0 25. Dissolved Phosphates (as P), Max. Mg/l 5.0 26. Sulphides (as S), Max. Mg/l 2.0 27. Phenolic compounds (as C6H5OH), Max. Mg/l 1.0 28. Radioactive Materials

(a) Alpha emitters, ml, Max. Micro curie/ml 10-7 (b) Beta emitters, ml, Max. Micro curie/ml 10-6

29. Bioassay test 90% survival of fish after 96 hours in 100% effluent

30. Manganese (as Mn) Mg/l 2.0 31. Iron (as Fe) Mg/l 3.0 32. Vanadium (as V) Mg/l 0.2 33. Nitrate Nitrogen Mg/l 10.0

E. Impact on Soil and Geology

Excavation activities and land clearance may result in soil erosion at the construction site and

along access routes. Erosion-prone areas will be avoided when siting the towers. Leveling and

stabilization of tower construction sties will be done after completion of construction.

Construction chemical, if any, must be handled properly to avoid any soil contamination.


77

5.2.2.1.2 Ecological Resources

A. Impact on Terrestrial Ecology

The initial construction work along the alignment involves land clearance, cutting, filling, and

leveling; and may cause loss of vegetation. This will be an irreversible impact. Care should be

taken to avoid vegetation; power house, office building and colony towers should be located

where the vegetation is thin. This will greatly minimize tree loss and compensation to be paid to

tree owners. Compensatory afforestation has to be done in association with the state Department

of Forests. Trimming of trees should be done in consultation with the Department of Forests.

The removal of herbaceous vegetation and lossening of the top soil generally causes soil erosion.

However, such impacts will be primarily confined to the project site during initial periods of

construction and need to be minimized by adopting mitigative measures like paving, surface

treatment, and water sprinkling.

B. Terrestrial Fauna. During construction, the fauna in the reserved forests may be

disturbed due to various construction activities. Care will be taken to not disturb the major

wildlife habitat. No significant commercial fisheries will be affected by water quality impacts

from construction.

5.2.2.1.3 Human Environment

A. Agriculture

Some permanent and temporary losses of agricultural land will occur due to locating towers in

agricultural fields, loss of crops along the access route, etc. Land will be acquired for

construction of new substations and the SHP. As far as possible, prime agricultural land will be

avoided for transmission lines, and construction will occur after crop harvesting. Adequate

compensation will be given to the affected land holders.

B. Socioeconomic

During construction, job opportunities will be available for the local population.

C. Resettlement

Issue related to resettlement and rehabilitation will be short out as per Govt. ruels and regulation.

D. Cultural Sits

No archaeological, historical, or culturally important sites are located near the proposed power

house site or diversion site and RoW of the alignment for transmission lines and or near

substations or powerhouses.


78

E. Traffic and transport

Study area is falling in remote area so high density is not available but special attention and

precaution will be taken during the construction phase, traffic disturbance needs to be minimized

by avoiding high density areas, using proper traffic signs, ensuring proper access roads, and

avoiding roads blockage.

5.2.3 Operation

This phase will contribute its activity after the hydropower unit starts operation. The primary

impacts, if any, will be on air, water, noise, soil and due to discharge of domestic effluent, waste

disposal and vehicular movement.

The Proposed Hydro Power itself is sufficient to improve the local infrastructure i.e. Road,

drinking water, Power etc. The proposed Hydro Power will generate a lot of opportunity for the

local people so as to improve their socio economic status.

5.2.3.1 Environmental Impact of Operation Activities

5.2.3.1.1 Physical Resources

A. Impact on Topography

No topographical changes are envisaged during the operation phase; existing access routes will

be utilized during operation and maintenance.

B. Impact on Climate

The proposed project is small project so the construction of power house transmission lines,

substations, and colony will involve some tree removal which would not cause any significant

impact on climate of the area.

C. Impact on Hydrology

The headwork for SHP consists of a trench weir for diversion of water to the powerhouse. The

operation will not have significant impact. The Project will not have any impact on the water

table. Some erosion will take place mainly on the terraces and soil-covered slopes. The terraces

are glacio-fluvial in origin and soil is eroded through run-off-water. Also along the steep slopes

and escarpment, gravity fall of fragmented rock boulders are common.

D. Imbalances

Tectonically, the project area has undergone three to four phases of deformation. It is located

north of the main central thrust, a well-defined tectonic lineament.


79

However, the entire project area is located in unstable area. In the stretch of power channel,

leakages may cause saturation of debris material, which may result in slope failure and may

cause land sliding. However, significant damage will be caused by project implementation. So,

proper attention will be required.

E. Sediments

The project area is characterized by steeps slopes covered with soil and thick vegetation. Small

nalas are the main source of erosion in the area, as runoff water causes flow of soil and small

rock masses from the slopes. Sedimentation is practically insignificant as the stream has

sufficient capacity to carry these sediments leading to erosion. During the rainy season, large

blocks, boulders, etc. carried from the upper zones often get dumped in the river bed at lower

reaches due to changes in gradient or broadening of the river bed.

F. Impact on Air Quality

The project does not generate any air emissions during operation, and will generate a net

environmental benefit by offsetting air emissions from thermal power generation.

G. Impact on Noise

During project operation, noise from the substation and power house operation, and corona noise

from the conductors will be felt only up to 15-30m. The noise generated will not be intense and

no major settlements are within 30 m from the proposed sites. Substation area should be

surrounded by walls with a minor sound insulation effect; total noise control will be quite

expensive. The other alternative is proper maintenance of the equipment/machines inside the

substations so that the ambient noise level meets the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

standard for residential area i.e. 55 audible decibels dB(A) during daytime and 45 dB(A) during

nighttime at the boundary of substations. Hence the impact will not be significant.

H Impact on Surface Water Quality

The operation of the proposed transmission line and SHP will not have any major impact on the

surface and groundwater quality. Transformers free of polychlorinated biphenyl will be used for

the substations.

I Impact on Groundwater Quality

Ground pollution can occur if chemical substances and oily waste percolate to the water table.

Avoiding spilling at the tower construction site and powerhouse will minimize the chances of


80

leaching construction chemicals to the groundwater. Adequate treatment facilities at substation

areas should be provided to avoid groundwater pollution.

J Impact on Soil and Geology

No impact on soil is expected during the operational phase. Geological impact are related to

damage due to seismic conditions. The area under the Project primarily falls in zone V a high

damage risk zone. Foundation design of the towers and powerhouses considers the probability of

earthquake at the design stage itself.

5.2.3.1.2 Ecological Resources

A. Impact on Terrestrial Ecology

During the operational phase, clearing of vegetation and trimming of trees along the alignment

corridor will be done for maintenance purposes. This will reduce the chance of fires due to

electric sparks. The project is under rehabilitation so minimum construction work will be

required approximately 0.334 hectares of new forest land & Nap land will be required and no

trees will need to be removal. This will acquire regulatory approval (forest clearance) from

MoEF. Since the proposed sites for most of the project works are in forest-designated land, forest

clearance will be required from the state government. The Department of Forests will receive

compensation for the RoW from concern agency and for compensatory forestry from UJVNL;

this will be reported to the state ministry responsible for environment and forests.

B. Terrestrial Fauna

During the operation phase, birds may hit the transmission lines. Deflectors will be added to

minimize this risk.

C. Impact on Aquatic Ecology

The proposed transmission line will pass over rivers at several places. No significant impacts on

aquatic ecology are envisaged as tower sites near the river. Sites will be carefully selected and

designed to prevent excess run-off or erosion into the river. Some disturbance will occur during

construction of diversion site/trench weir which occur significant impacts on aquatic fauna, As

such no commercial fisheries are operating in the project area.

5.2.3.1.3 Human Environment

A. Health and Safety

Health and safety impacts, such as accidents due to electro-cutting, fires and explosions, and

exposure to electromagnetic fields along the alignment and at the substation, may occur. House


81

will not be allowed within the project area and RoW. A safety and emergency procedures manual

will be developed and kept at the substations. Necessary training regarding safety aspects to the

personnel, working at the substation and line inspectors will be provided. Personal protective

equipment like safety gloves, helmet, and noise protection will be provided during construction

and during maintenance work. Priority will be given to maintaining hygienic conditions and

good aesthetics at the substations and power house. Efforts should be made to run medical

dispensary and run under a qualified doctor at site.

B. Socioeconomic

Rural and urban electrification is expected to have beneficial impacts on socioeconomic

conditions. Anticipated light industrial development will trigger economic growth.

C. Solid Waste Generation

Solids waste may be generated, such as metal scraps, wooden packing material, and oily waste.

Oily waste and scrap will be collected and disposed of in compliance with the Environmental

Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules.

5.2.4 Secondary Activities

The setting up of an SHP will increase urbanization, (though to a small extent only), increased

transport and associated development. This may have a beneficial impact on the socio economic

structure and infrastructure. It may also have certain adverse impacts.

5.3 Screening of Impact

The matrix identifies the possible impacts due to various activities of the project on different

environmental attributes. Some of these impacts are insignificant and does not warrant further

analysis. Thus our objective is now to identify those impacts, which are significant and require

further detailed analysis to the extent necessary for decision making purposes.

The major construction activities like excavation, construction, erection of equipment, drainage,

laying of water pipelines etc. will all take place over a short time frame. Thus their impacts may

be considered to be temporary. The operation of a hydropower unit and their secondary activities

may have negligible impacts and will considered for detailed examination.


82

5.4 Findings

From the Matrix (attach at the end of report as figure 5.1) it is deduced that the air quality, noise

level and vibration, surface water quality, flora and fauna, soil quality and cultural resources are

likely to be marginally negatively affected but it will be diluted by nearby forest and plantation

of different forest area. A special care and mitigative measures will be taken to minimize their

negative impacts which will be done near by project area or near by proposed colony site.

However, it is heartening to note that the overall impact of hydel project is positive, as is evident

from the Impact Assessment Matrix. The parameters which will be positively affected are

aesthetics, land and property value, land use pattern, employment quality of life, basic amenities,

trade and commerce, economy and income level.


CHAPTER - 6

6.0 Economic Assessment

The Sobla hydroelectric project envisages construction of a 15 mt. high trench weir above the

deepest foundation level with location near village sobla on river Sobla Gad. The power house is

located just before of the confluence of Dhauliganga with river inside the right bank hill. The

major works of the project include intakes, an underground desilting basin, a 51 mt. long,

penstocks and tail race works. The salient features of the project are given in the report. The

power house will have an installed capacity of 8.0 MW. The Project estimated cost as per DPR

prepared in 2009 is Rs. 3542.00 lacs. The abstract of cost estimate Sobla SHP of project is


Table 6.1 - Cost Estimate (Reconstruction of Sobla SHP)

AMOUNT (Rs Lacs) S. No.

ITEM CIVIL E/M TOTAL

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) I Works

1. A-Preliminary 50.00

2. B-Land (CAT+R&R) 80.00

3. C-Works

3.1 Repair of Head Works 71.35 71.35

3.2 Construction of Desilting tank 88.49 88.49

3.3 Repair of D-tank and Protection Work 26.26 26.26

3.4 Repair of Damaged Power Channel 58.96 58.96

3.5 Repair of Fore-bay tank 1.67 1.67

3.6 Construction of Penstock, Thrust, Anchor and Saddle 238.68 238.68

3.7 Power house building & Land Development Work 252.00 252.00

3.8 Construction of Switchyard 20.51 20.51

3.9 Protection of Power House & Penstock 25.26 25.26

3.10 Water Supply Line(Lump Sum) 2.50 2.50

3.11 Construction of TRC 51.13 51.13

Total C-Works 811.55 836.81

4. K-Building (Colony Protection + Colony Repair + Old

Storage Repair) 22.26 22.26

5. M-Plantation 10.00

6. O-Miscellaneous @ 4% of Civil/E&M works 106.94

83


7. P-Maintenance @ 1% of items I-works Less item 1,2 & 11 27.18

8. Q-Special tools & plants 25.00

9. R-Communication 27.63

10. S-Power Plant & Accessories 1862.00 1862.00

11. Y-Losses on stock @ 0.25% on item 3 to 7 & 9 to 10 2.40

Total : I – works 833.81 1862.00 3050.22

II ESTABLISHMENT

1. @ 10% of I-Works 81.16 81.16

2. @ 8% of E/M Works 148.96 148.96

III ORDINARY TOOLS & PLANTS

1. @ 1% of I-Works 30.50

IV RECEIPT & RECOVERIES

1. At the rate of 0.75% of Q-spl. T&P 0.19

Total of Direct Charges

V INDIRECT CHARGES

1. Audit & Account @ 1% of I-Works 30.50

VI TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

1. 33 KV Line 200.00

GRAND TOTAL 3541.53

Say 3542.00

(Rs.Three Thousand Five Hundred Forty Two. Lacs Only)

The above cost does not include the cost of transmission. The estimate for civil & Hydro

mechanical works have been prepared based on the average rates for major items of works made

available by CWC and CEA has been followed.

6.1 Proposed EMP, CAT and DMP Estimate

The different activities required to carried out for EMP, CAT and DMP implementation

are presented in table 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4. The estimated provision of fund will be allocated

in project cost for implementation of EMP, CAT and DMP.

84


Table 6.2 – Cost estimate for the implementation of EMP

Sl. No.

Particulars Amount (Rs. In lacs)

1. Provision of sewage treatment 2.00 2. Oil Sepration System 1.00 3. Drainage system 1.00 4. Solid Waste Sepration system 0.20 5. Solid waste Disposal System (Safe & Scientific manner) 0.50 6. Restoration and landscaping of construction sites 10.00 7. Green belt development 2.50 8. Compensatory afforestation 1.00 9. Socio economic development work 10.00 Total 28.20 Running Operation & Maintenance (Yearly) 1. Muck management plan 2.50 2. Treatment and operation cost of STP 0.50 3. Maintenance cost of STP 0.20 4. House keeping cost 1.00 5. Proper Disposal of solid waste 0.50 6. Green belt maintenance 0.50 7. Social : Electricity, Water, Dispensary, School, Woman welfare etc. 2.50 Total 7.70

Table 6.3 – Cost estimates for Catchment Area treatment Work

Sl. No.

Item Amount (Rs. In lacs)

1. CAT office establishment and maintenance 1.00 2. Development and maintenance of nursery 0.25 3. Plantation in degraded forest land & maintenance for 5 years 2.00 4. Barbed wire fencing for protection 1.00 5. Road side plantation 0.20 6. Maintenance of roadside plantation 0.50 8. Providing wire crate 2.00 9. Stream bank protection 1.00 10. Stone masonry check dam - 11. Vegetative check dam - 12. Maintenance of protection works up to fifth year. 5.00

Total 12.95

85


Table 6.4 – Cost estimates for the implementation of DMP

Sl. No. Particulars Amount

(Rs. In lacs)

1. Installation of alert systems, Setting up of Control Room 2.00

2. Setting up of Communication System 2.00

3. Setting up of Emergency Response Organization 1.00

4. Public Information System 1.00

5. Training & miscellaneous 2.00

6. Annual Budgetary provision for implementation of DMP 2.00

Total 10.00

Note : EMP and DMP implementation cost may vary depending on the market value prevailing

at that very time.

Since the area is prone to natural disaster, suitable provision in the design of the diversion,

desilting and power house structures should be made to withstand the fury of flood. Adequate

provision in the shape of flood protection works should be provided to protect the power station

building, the desilting tank and other structures lying close to the river bank. The staff of the

power plant should be trained in disaster management related activities.

VHF communication system shall be provided in the power station for notifying the state disaster

management agency of the disaster.

The cost on the above measures including table 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 are included in the project cost.

6.2 Impact of Hydel Project

Any project is likely to have some beneficial or harmful impacts, which may be either beneficial

or adverse. The likely impact of the proposed hydel project have been worked out on the basis of

the data collected pertaining to socio-economic aspects i.e. base line survey, which has been

discussed in the previous chapter.

6.2.1 Impact on Agricultural Scenario

The proposed project is expected to generate more employment for the local people, which in

turn, will generate more income to the people. At the same time, the development of the local

area in terms of an enlarged market economy may provide the local farmers with proper outlet

for their agricultural products to enjoy the price incentive, which is likely to be strong enough to

offset the expected local inflation through real-balance effect. Therefore, the impact of the

project on the existing agricultural situation is more likely to be positive.

86


8

7

6.2.2 Impacts on Consumption Behaviour

There is a strong multiplier effect of the project. As it is expected, the proposed hydel project is

going to inject huge amount of money in the area and consequently, the aforesaid multiplier

effect may lead to an overall increase in average income of the inhabitants and consumption for

the people of i.e. study area. Therefore, it can be ascertained that the impact of the project on the

consumption behaviour is likely to be positive.

6.2.3 Impact on Employment and Income

Presently hill area is suffering from migration of people. Peoples migrated for a better job

opportunity and good life style. The majority of the respondents have still agriculture their main

occupation (about 74%). It is observed that about 26% of them have secondary source of

income-like service, self-employment, business etc. discussions with the respondents revealed

that a part of the income from secondary sources earned by them is usually ploughed back in for

development of agriculture so that they can produce more and thereby meet their own food

requirements and supplement their income by selling agricultural produce in the local market.

Given this existing situation, the new investment in the proposed hydel project will have

multidirectional impact on direct and indirect employment pattern and enhance income of the

people in the study area.

Increase of employment opportunities has been an important objective in the state. The present

project has an employment generation plan and the possible impact of this plan makes it clear

that a large part of the employment will trickle down to the local people which in turn, will

generate income. An attempt is also made here, to estimate the direct employment and income

effect of the project during construction and operation period is presented in table 6.5 and 6.6. In

estimating the share of local People in direct employment of various categories, some relevant

assumptions are made.

Table 6.5 - Direct Employment and Income Generation during construction period (approx.)

Sl. Category No. Rate Wage bill No. (Rs lacs/yr) (Rs lacs/yr) 1. Executive 10 3 30.0 2. Skilled 25 1.20 30.0 3. Semi skilIed/ 25 1.0 25.0 unskilled 50 0.97 48.50 4. Non technical 50 0.97 48.50 5. Contractors workers*. 100 0.97 97.00

Total 260 279.00


Table 6.6 - Direct Employment and Income Generation during operation period (approx.)

Sl. Category No. Rate Wage bill No. (Rs lacs/yr) (Rs lacs/yr) 1. Executive 03 3.6 10.80 2. Jr. Engineer 03 2.16 6.48 3. SkilIed 04 1.44 5.76 4. Technical 04 0.97 3.88 5. Non technical 08 0.97 7.76 6. Contractors workers*. Total 22 34.68

*It may be noted that ‘contractors’ workers will be employed only when required. Overall assessment of the project

on employment and income effects indicates that it has positive impact on employment and income.

Note : Prediction of income is quite difficult due to incomplete information it may be increased.

An attempt is made here according to relevant information by economist.

6.2.4 Perception of Local People

In this context, the selected villagers/households of Dharchula blocks of project area were asked

about their perception in relation to environment due to hydel projects. The analysed data

revealed that 72 percent households perceived pollution of environment as a potential source of

health problems but they did agree that the hydel project is not create any nuisance or

environmental Problem. However, these households are mainly educated/literate. Further only 11

percent reported that they are aware of environment, but are not aware of the implications of

adverse effects of polluted environment, However, 17 percent do not know, what is environment

and showed their altogether ignorance of the environment. These households are illiterate and

below poverty line.

6.2.5 Conclusion

The analysis of various aspects of the present study amply revealed that the present project is

going to create positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the people in the study area.

On the basis of the present study the following significant conclusions could be drawn:

(i) The project is not going to cause any damage to the present traditional agriculture

prevailing in that area but rather will give an impetus to farming. Moreover, it may

indirectly help the’ agriculture to improve by way of generating additional income from

subsidiary sources expected to be generated by the project.

88


89

(ii) The project will have positive impact on consumption behaviour of the people of the

study area by way of improvement in average consumption, of superior quality products

of the people through multiplier effect.

(iii) The project will have strong positive employment and income effects, which may

facilitate socio-economic development of the study area.

(iv) The project will be an incentive and speed up the growing view on importance of

education among the people of the study area.

(v) Peoples’ perception regarding the project is found to be neither optimistic’ nor

pessimistic.

(vi) The project is likely to bring about positive changes in the life style and quality of life of

the people located in that area.

Overall outcome of this impact assessment gets reflected through the major inter-relationships

and inter-dependence among various aspects of the study. The Proposed hydel project will

generate income in exchange of skilled and unskilled labour along with future job opportunities.

Market plays the catalytic role in the process of economic development of this area with its

influences on the overall life style of the local people. Development of social infrastructure and

commercial activities in and around the proposed hydel project is expected to have strong

positive impact on the socio economy of the area. Moreover, since the proposed hydel project

would be located in an area where there is no scope of development of opportunity chances.

Whole hill area is very peaceful an establishment of hydel project may prevent migration of

people from hill area and chances of law and order problems are likely to be few.


CHAPTER – 7

7.0 Environment Management Plan

The Environment Protection Act 1997 (the Act) provides for the protection of the environment

and includes a provision in section 38 for the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to enter

into an Environmental Protection Agreement and under section 43 for the EPA to require an

Environmental Authorisation. To assist with assessing proposed and existing developments and

the production of agreements and authorisations Environment Management Plans (EMP) should

be developed by all authorised proponents. For all other proponent activities, in which the

submission of an EMP is desirable, the structure of the submission should be consistent with

these guidelines.

EMPs have the purpose of protecting the environment, and are based around the objectives of the

Act. This includes requiring persons engaging in polluting activities to prevent environmental

degradation and adverse risks to human and ecosystem health, make progressive environmental

improvements, achieve effective integration of environmental, economic and and social

considerations in the decision making process, promote shared responsibility for the

environment, and promote the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

The primary purpose of the EMP is to provide information to the EPA on a proposed/existing

development within the local and regional framework, with the aim of emphasising how the

proposed/existing development may impact on the relevant environmental factors and how those

impacts may be mitigated and managed so as to be environmentally acceptable. An EMP

requires the proponent to:

Describe the proposed/existing development;

Describe the receiving environment;

Outline the potential impacts of the proposed/existing development on factors of the

environment;

Identify the proposed management strategies to ensure those environmental factors are

appropriately protected; and

Demonstrate that the proposed/existing development should be judged by the EPA to be

environmentally acceptable.

90

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL 7.1 Objectives of the Environment Management Plan The objectives of the EMP are:

Place the proposed/existing development in the context of the local and regional

environment;

Adequately describe all components of the proposed/existing development, so that the

EPA can consider approval of a well-defined project;

Provide the basis of the proponent’s environment management program, which shows

that the environmental impacts resulting from the proposed/existing development,

including cumulative impact, can be acceptably managed; and

Provide a document that clearly sets out the reasons why the proposed/existing

development should be judged by the EPA to be environmentally acceptable.

7.2 Anticipated Impacts and Management Plan Magnitude of anticipated impacts and their potential impacts on four categories of physical

environment, environmental pollution, ecological resources and human environment is presented

in table 7.1.

91


Table 7.1 - Magnitude of anticipated impacts and proposed Management Plan

Sl.

No.

Environmental

Attribute

Potential Impacts Project

Phase

Magnitude

of Impacts

Management Plan

A. Physical Resources

1. Topography Change in the surface

features and present

aesthetics due to the

construction at

different project sites.

Operation

phase

Low Plantation surrounding the

substation and powerhouse area to

improve aesthetics. No other

mitigation required.

2. Climate Impacts on the

climatic conditions,

marginal removal of

trees along alignment

and SHPs to be done.

Construction

and

Operation

Low Compensatory afforestation.

3. Hydrology Operation of head

works.

Operation Low Construction of trench type weir.

Ground water Table Operation Low

Dewatered river bed

(during lean period)

due to stream

diversion.

Operation Low During lean period flow would be

optimum. 20% of flow will be

discharge in main stream.

Change in flow

regime (during lean

period) due to stream

diversion.

Operation Low During lean period flow would be

optimum. 20% of flow will be

discharge in main stream.

Flow disruption

(during lean period)

due to ponding at

diversion.

Operation Low Since rivers are natural

forest/Glacier fed, even during lean

period flow would be optimum.

Change in land use

by submergence of

land due to ponding

at diversion.

Operation Low Land to be submerged negligible

sediment utilized for plantation

purposes.

Sedimentation. Operation Low Sediment will be restored and

utilized to improved aesthetic value

of area

River morphology. Operation Low Large blocks boulders get dumped

in river bed due to change of

gradient

Pests and weeds. Low

Water leakage may

cause land sliding.

Operation Proper care should be taken during

construction of channel

92


B. Environmental Resources

1 Air Quality

Project will have marginal impact on air quality during the construction period due to dust emission.

Construction Low Sprinkling of water at construction site, limited bare soils, maintenance of project vehicles, etc

2 Noise Noise due to general construction and corona noise from conductors.

Construction Low Restriction of noise-generating activities at night and use of personal protective equipment like ear plugs, mufflers, etc. Plantation in surrounding of Power house and sub station also minimize noise.

Noise arising from substation operation and corona noise from conductors.

Operation Low Transformer location away from the human settlement. Monitoring of possible corona noise to identify and correct problems. Proper maintenance of equipment/machineries so that ambient noise standards will be achieved. Plantation will also help to minimize Noise.

Change of water course may increase TDS which affect D.O. level

During operation period

Low to medium

New diverted water course will be constructed through hard rock available at site. Leakage of water will be probhited in each state.

3 Surface and Ground Water quality

Runoff from the construction site leading to increase in COD, BOD, oil & grease, etc.

Before construction activity

Low Careful siting of power house, sub station towers and access roads. Sedimentation ponds at the substations.

Domestic wastewater from construction sites and during substation/SHP operation leading to increase in COD, BOD, oil & grease, etc.

During construction and operation

Low Domestic waste water treatment by providing septic tank. If volume of domestic effluent will be high a small treatment facilities be setup.

Oil spillage During construction and operation

Low Containment structures, oil water separation, adopting good practices for oil handling and maintenance works for substation.

Oil contamination during maintenance

During operation

Medium Oil traps installation for separation of oil from water for substation or any location.

93

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL 4 Soils and

Geology Soil erosion may be occur due to construction work or tower erecting and clearing of vegetation in the RoW and access roads.

During and after the construction activity.

Low Avoiding of sites which are prone to soil erosion and land slide. Leveling of other sites and tower construction sites in scientific manner. Use of few access roads. Rehabilitation and stabilization of disturbed land.

Soil erosion due to

excavation and

clearing of vegetation

in the powerhouse

and access roads.

During and

after the

construction

activity.

Low Avoiding of sites that are prone to

soil erosion. Leveling of

construction sites and tower

construction sites in scientific

manner. Use of few access roads.

Rehabilitation and stabilization of

disturbed land.

Improper debris

removal/accumulatio

n.

Pre-

construction

and

construction.

Medium Proper planning for debris removal

from channel which will be reused

in repair of existing structures,

powerhouse, substations and for

site reclamation.

Damage due to

seismic activity.

Construction

/Operation

phase.

Medium Safe site selection and proper civil

work (as per norms) with tower

foundation as per seismicity prone

area.

C. Ecological Resources

1. Terrestrial

Ecology

Loss of vegetation. Before the

construction

phase

Low Location of towers and

powerhouse at barren/waste land or

thinly vegetated area and waste

lands to minimize tree loss.

Selection of few access roads.

Compensatory afforestation.

Minimum corridor width.

2. Terrestrial

Fauna

Disturbance to the

local fauna during

construction.

No

mitigation

required

Low Some wildlife species are reported

to be seen in study area. Proper

care should be taken on

management and locale level to

minimize any adverse impact.

Disturbance to the

local fauna during

operation.

During

operation

phase

Low Monitoring of lines during the

operation and deflectors will be

added if required.

3. Aquatic

Ecology

Disturbance to fish

during construction

of trench weir.

During

construction

/operation

phase

Low

Species

componia

may after

due to flow

of water

No mitigative impact required.

Since the river are forest/natural

fed, even during the lean period,

minimum flow will be maintained,

hence aquatic ecology will have

low impact.

94

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL D. Human Environment 1. Health and

Safety Exposure of electromagnetic fields.

Construction /Operation phase.

Low Alignment route away from the settlement. No houses will be allowed in the RoW of the alignment, or near power houses and substations.

Land slide, cloudburst, Fires and other accidents at the substations/power house.

Construction/Operation phase

High Use of personal protective equipment during construction and maintenance work. Preparation and implementation of safety and emergency manual/plan as per rule & regulation at power house/substation. Regular inspection of lines for land slide/faults prone area to prevent accidents. According DMP and off site emergency plan work should be done in crisis period.

2. Agriculture Permanent and temporary loss of agriculture land due to tower erection, substation/powerhouse, and due to access routes.

Construction phase

Low* Avoid prime agriculture land. Assessment of land. Assessment of land required and compensation will be given as per rules & regulation (if required). Construction activity will be start after crop harvesting and selection of few access routes.

3. Socio-economic

Beneficial impacts from rural and opportunities during construction/ operation phase

During operational phase.

High Overall economic growth and infrastructure development of the region.

4. Resettlement Resettlement of the house falling along the RoW.

Construction phase

Low Avoid high density areas, proper traffic signs at the construction site, ensuring proper access roads.

5. Cultural sites No archaeological, historical, or cultural important sites are affected by the construction of the project.

- - No mitigation required

6. Traffic and Transportation

Traffic congestion due to movement of construction vehicles

During operation phase.

Low Avoid high density areas, proper traffic signs at the construction site, ensuring proper access roads.

7. Solid Waste Generation

Probability of surface and groundwater contamination.

Construction/Operation phase.

Low The oil sludge should be separately stored in the containers, used transformer oil to be collected and reclaimed. Separated oily waste and scrap will be collected and disposed off in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules.

*Already existing setup and line will be used so impact will be occurred minimum.

95

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL Detail potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures (phase wise) of proposed Sobla - I

SHP is presented in table 7.2.

Table 7.2 - Proposed Management Plan (Phase Wise)

Project Activity/Stage Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation measure

(A)Preconstruction

Civil work for power

house, office, substation

and colony

Impact and air, water,

noise, soil

Exposure to safety

related risks

1. Colony already existing hence no adverse affect.

2. Proper plantation all around colony.

3. Drainage with De silting chamber, will be provide all around

power house, office, sub station and colony.

4. Solid waste storage bean system will be provided at required

location.

5. All buildings designed constructed as per seismic zone

provision.

6. Safety system will be provided at required location.

Location of

transmission towers and

transmission line

alignment and design.

Exposure to safety

related risks

Setback of dwellings to overhead line route designed in

accordance with permitted level of power frequency and the

regulation of supervision at sites.

Release of chemicals

ases in receptors

(air, water, land)

and g

Not used in substation transformers or other project facilities or

equipment by concerned agencies.

Equipment

specifications and

design parameters.

Processes, equipment, and systems will not to use

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), including halon, and their use.

Transmission line

design

Exposure to

electromagnetic

interference

33 KV Transmission line will be required for the power

evacuation from this project which does not have

electromagnetic interference. Additional measures by suitable

design to comply with the limits of electromagnetic

interference from overhead power lines.

SHP/Substation location Exposure to noise Design of plant enclosures to comply with noise regulations.

Impact on water

bodies and land

Consideration of site location where prime agricultural land not

available.

Location of

transmission towers and

transmission line

alignment and design

Social inequities Carefully site selection to avoid existing settlements,

agricultural land & forest land.

Location of

powerhouse, head

works.

No need to acquire agricultural land.

Involuntary resettlement

or land acquisition.

Social inequities Compensation paid for temporary permanent loss of productive

land as per Govt. rules and regulation.

Avoid encroachment by careful site and alignment selection. Encroachment into

precious ecological

areas.

Loss of precious

ecological

values/impacts on

precious species

Minimise the need by using existing towers and RoW wherever

possible.

96


Avoid encroachment by careful site and alignment selection.

Minimise the need by using existing towers and RoW,

wherever possible.

Transmission line

through forestland.

Deforestation and loss

of biodiversity

Obtain statutory clearances from the Government.

Loss of agricultural

productivity

Use existing tower footing/towers wherever possible.

Avoid sitting new towers on farmland wherever feasible.

Farmers compensated for any permanent loss of productive

land.

Encroachment into

farmland.

Farmers/land owners compensated for significant trees that

need to be trimmed/removed along Right-of-Way.

Noise related Nuisance to

neighbouring

properties

Substations, powerhouse, head works designed to ensure noise

will not be a nuisance.

Interference with

drainage

patterns/Irrigation

channels

Flooding hazards/loss

of agricultural

production

Appropriate channel alignment and siting of towers to avoid

any hazrd.

Transformers designed with oil spill containment systems, and

purpose-built oil, lubricant and fuel storage system, complete

with spill cleanup equipment.

Escape of polluting

materials

Environmental

pollution

Powerhouses/substations to include drainage and sewage

disposal systems to avoid offsite land and water pollution.

Equipment submerged

under flood

Contamination of

receptors (land, water)

Powerhouses/substations constructed above the high flood

level (HFL) by raising the foundation pad.

Ground

subsidence/landslide

Natural disaster

frequently observed

Careful site selection with appropriate civil and sitting of

towers to avoid any hazard.

Design of Powerhouses/substations to include modern fire

control systems/firewalls.

Explosions/fire Hazards to fire

Provision of fire fighting equipment to be located close to

transformers, power generation equipment.

(B) Construction Civil work for power


and colony


noise, soil

Exposure to safety

related risks

1. Small hut size colony should be developed.





location.


provision.


Equipment layout and

installation

Noise and vibrations Construction techniques and machinery selection seeking to

minimize ground disturbance.

97


Physical construction Disturbed farming

activity

Construction activities on cropping land time to avoid

disturbance of field crops (with in 1 month of harvest wherever

possible).

Noise vibration and

operator safety,

efficient operation

Construction maintenance and turning of plant. Mechanized

construction

Noise vibration

equipment wear and

tear

Proper maintenance and turning of plant.

Increase in airborne

dust particles

Existing roads and tracks used for construction and

maintenance access to the site wherever possible.

Construction of road for

accessibility

Increased land

requirement for

temporary

accessibility

New access ways restricted to a single carriageway width.

Temporary blockage of

utilities

No blockage Temporary placement of fill in drains/canals not permitted.

Site clearance Vegetation Marking of vegetation to be removed prior to clearance, and

strict control on clearing activities to ensure minimal clearance.

Fire hazards Trees allowed growing up to a specified height within the RoW

by maintaining adequate clearance between the top of tree and

the conductor as per the regulations.

Loss of vegetation

and deforestation

Trees that can survive pruning to comply should be pruned

instead of cleared.

Trimming/cutting of

trees within RoW

Felled trees and other cleared or pruned vegetation to be

disposed of as authorized by the statutory bodies.

Wood/vegetation

harvesting

Loss of vegetation

and deforestation

Construction workers prohibited from harvesting wood in the

project area during their employment, (apart from locally

employed staff continuing current legal activities). Contractor

should arrange LPG gas for cooking of food for their workers.

Excess fill from tower foundation excavation disposed of next

to roads or on barren land or personal in agreement with the

local community or land owner.

Surplus earth work/soil Runoff to cause water

pollution, solid waste

disposal

Soil excavated from power houses will be disposed as safe &

scientific manner by placement on barren land or along backfill

trenchweir etc.

Substation construction Loss of soil Fill for the substation foundation obtained by creating or

improving local water supply ponds or drains, with the

agreement of local communities.

Substation construction Water pollution Construction activities involving significant ground

disturbance (i.e., substation land forming) not undertaken

during the monsoon season.

Storage of chemicals

and materials

Contamination of

receptors (land, water,

air)

Fuel and other hazardous materials securely stored above high

flood level with safety measures.

98


Construction schedules Noise nuisance Construction activities only undertaken during the day and

local communities will be informed of the construction

schedule.

Provision of facilities

for construction

workers

Contamination of

receptors (land, water,

air)

Construction workforce will be provided for certain facilities it

include proper sanitation, water supply and waste disposal

facilities.

Use of existing roads wherever possible.

Ensure existing irrigation facilities are maintained in working

condition.

Protect/Preserve topsoil and reinstate after construction

completed.

Loss of agricultural

productivity

Repair/reinstate damaged bunds, etc. after construction

completed.

Encroachment into

agricultural land

Social inequities Compensation for temporary loss in agricultural production.

Need for access tracks minimised, use of existing roads.

Limit site clearing to work areas regeneration of vegetation to

stabilize works areas on completion (where applicable).

Avoidance of excavation in wet seasons.

Uncontrolled

erosion/silt runoff

Soil loss, downstream

siltation; etc.

Water courses protected from siltation through use of bunds

and sediment ponds.

Contract cl

ev

auses specifying careful construction practices on

ery stage.

Maximum existing access ways will be used.

Losses to

neighbouring land

uses/values

Productive land will be reinstated following completion of

construction.

Nuisance to nearby

properties.

Social inequities Compensation will be paid for loss of production, if any.

Flooding hazards due to

construction

impediments of natural

drainage.

Flooding and loss of

soils, contamination

of receptors (land,

water)

Avoid natural drainage pattern/facilities being

disturbed/blocked/diverted by ongoing construction activities.

Equipment submerged

under flood

Contamination of

receptors (land, water)

Equipment stored at secure place above the high flood level

(HFL).

Inadequate siting of

borrow areas

Loss of land values Existing sites (if available) will be used, therefore, no need to

develop new sources of aggregates.

Arrangement of Environment awareness programme.

Contract provisions specifying minimum requirements for

construction camps.

Preparation and implementation of health and safety plan.

Arrangement of primary health centre with medicine and

instrument with a knowledgeable health staff.

Environment, Health

and safety

Injury and sickness of

workers and members

of the public.

Arrangement for health and safety training sessions.

99


Training to personal of implementing agency for environmental monitoring work. Implementation of effective environmental monitoring and reporting system using checklist of all contractual environmental requirement.

Inadequate construction stages monitoring.

Likely to maximize damages

Appropriate contact clauses to ensure satisfactory implementation of contractual environmental mitigation measures.

(C) Operation and Maintenance Construction of power


and colony


noise, soil

Exposure to safety

related risks

1. Small hut size colony should be developed.





location.


provision.


Wood/vegetation

harvesting

Loss of vegetation

and deforestation

Staff working at site prohibited from harvesting wood in the

project area during their employment, (apart from locally

employed staff continuing current legal activities). Contractor

should arrange LPG gas for cooking of food for their workers. Location of transmission towers, transmission line alignment, and powerhouse.

Exposure to safety related risks

Setback of dwellings to overhead line route designed in accordance with permitted level of power frequency and the regulation of supervision at sites.

Equipment may submerged under flood

Contamination of receptors (land, water)

Equipment will be installed above the high flood level (HFL) by raising the foundation pad.

Oil spillage Contamination of land/nearby water bodies

Substation transformers located bunded areas with a storage capacity of at least 100% of the capacity of oil in transformers and associated reserve tanks. Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimize hazards. Safety awareness raising for staff. Preparation of emergency plan and training given to staff, for their implementation.

Inadequate provision of staff/workers health and safety during operations

Injury and sickness of staff/workers

Adequate sanitation and water supply facilities will be provided. Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimise hazards. Security fences around substations/powerhouse/head works. Barriers to prevent climbing on/dismantling of transmission towers. Appropriate warning sign on facilities. Electric safety awareness rising in project areas.

Electric shock Hazards Injury/mortality to staff and public

Fire hydrant point and fire extinguisher may be placed at appropriate places.

Operation and maintenance staff skills

Unnecessary environmental losses

Adequate training in O&M to all relevant staff of substations and transmission line maintenance crews.

100

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL less than acceptable of various types Preparation and training in the use of O&M manuals and

standard operating practices. Inadequate periodic environmental monitoring.

Diminished ecological and social values.

Proper environmental monitoring of project operations and maintenance activities.

Equipment periodic environmental monitoring

Release of chemicals and gases in receptors (air, water, land)

Processes, equipment and systems using cholofluorocarbons (CFCs), including halon, should not be used in any stage of equipment.

Transmission line maintenance

Exposure to electromagnetic interference.

Powerhouse design to comply with the limits of electromagnetic interference within floor area.

Noise related Nuisance to

neighbouring

properties.

Powerhouses/substations sited and designed to ensure noise

will not be a nuisance.

Sobla - I small hydro project is coming under rehabilitation plan, so reinstallation of power house

with other facilities at this location will be preferable from safety point of view which would

make the project technically, economically and environmentally feasible. Implementation of

EMP with strong CAT and DMP will make the project feasible. Besides the above, some

important points on EMP aspect are detailed here in as under.

7.3 Restoration Plan for Quarry Sites

During construction of a hydropower project large quantities of construction materials are

required. The quarries need to be properly stabilized after excavation of construction material is

completed. The recommended stabilization measures are described in the following paragraphs.

The top soil is proposed to be removed before the start of quarrying. The removed top soil will

be kept separate and stock piled so that it could be reused subsequently for the rehabilitation of

quarry sites after the completion of quarrying activity. The extraction of construction material

from quarries results in formation of depressions, which are proposed to be filled up by the

dumping waste material generated during quarrying. The dumped material shall act as initial

ecological pioneers site that would initiate the process of succession and colonization in future

course of time. Boulders of moderate sizes would be used to line the boundary of the path. The

top soil removed before the start of the project activity would be used for covering the filled up

depressions/craters at the quarry sites. Micro organisms naturally present in the top soil would

ameliorate the plant growth and natural plant succession.

7.4 Management of Muck Disposal

Muck generated from excavation in any hydel project component is required to be disposed in a

planned manner so that it takes a least possible space and will not create any hazardous nuisance

to the environment. In the hilly area, dumping is done after creating terraces thus usable terraces

101

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL are developed. The overall idea is to enhance/maintain aesthetic view in the surrounding area of

the project in post-construction period and avoid contamination of any land or water resource

due to muck disposal.

Suitable retaining walls shall be constructed to develop terraces so as to support the muck on

vertical slope and for optimum space utilization. Loose muck would be compacted layer wise.

The muck disposal area will be developed in a series of terraces of boulder crate wall and

masonry wall to protect the area/muck from flood water during monsoons. In-between the

terraces, catch water drain will be provided.

The terraces of the muck disposal area will be ultimately covered with fertile soil and suitable

plants will be planted adopting suitable bio-technological measures. The basic aim and

objectives of the muck management plan are to:

Protect the areas from soil erosion.

Develop the area for afforestration.

Develop as parks, gardens and play ground etc.

The maximum quantity of muck will be utilize for development of infrastructure of the

project

Develop the area in harmony with the landscape of the project area.

As only part excavation will be required for penstock laying & Power house construction, a very

small amount of muck would be generated. This muck will be used in construction of the above

structures & repair of other existing civil structures for the project. Amount earmarked for this

purpose is presented in chapter 6. Various activities proposed as a part of the management plan

are given as below:

Land acquisition for muck dumping sites.

Civil works (construction of retaining walls, boulder crate walls etc.)

Dumping of muck.

Levelling of the area, terracing and implementation of various engineering control

measures e.g., boulder, crate wall, masonry wall, catch water drain.

Spreading of soil.

Application of fertilizers to facilitate vegetation growth over disposal sites.

For stabilization of muck dumping sites following measures of biological and engineering

measures will be taken.

102

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL 7.4.1 Biological Measures

Plantation of suitable tree species and soil binding species.

Plantation of ornamental plants.

Barbed wire fencing.

7.4.2 Engineering Measures

Wire crate wall

Boulder crate wall

R.C.C

Catch water Drain

7.5 Restoration and Landscaping of Project sites

The construction of the project structures, e.g., power house, approach roads, labour camps, etc.

would disturb the existing topography and physiography only to a little extent as the main

component of the project as Trench weir, Desilting tank, Water conductor system, Forebay tank,

& most of the penstock is existing at site & need petty repair. Penstock shall have to be laid in

some length but this will not affect existing topography & physiography. Although, no major

alteration of the area is expected as the layout has been so conceived that no major impacts on

this account are anticipated. It is proposed to landscape the area, so that it integrates with the

natural surroundings and the beauty of the area. Accordingly, it is proposed to develop small

gardens at power house site and nearby area. The landscaping plan is detailed on following

headings.

7.5.1 Garden Complex

A garden with local ornamentation plants/orchids and trees should be created at required

locations. All plants will be properly labelled with scientific and/or common names.

7.5.2 Creation of viewpoints

Viewpoints will be created one near the powerhouse and other at suitable place. These view

points will be slab type extension above the ground, which will be properly reinforced and

fenced to avoid any undesirable incidence. It will be given a shed and plantation of ornamental

plants will be done near it.

7.5.3 Landscaping

Various sites in the area will be stabilized by constructing a series of benches. The walls that will

be constructed for containing the slope will be embedded with local stone to integrate with the

103

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL aesthetics of the area. Provision of fund earmarked for restoration and landscaping of project

sites is mention in chapter 6.

7.6 Greenbelt Development

The forest loss due to various project appurtenances has been compensated as a part of

compensatory afforestation. However in addition to these, it is proposed to develop greenbelt

around the periphery of various project appurtenances. The general consideration will be taken

while developing the greenbelt are:

Local trees growing with perennial foliage should be planted around various

appurtenances of the proposed project.

Plantation of trees should be undertaken in appropriate encircling rows around the project

site.

Fast growing trees should be planted.

A green belt around the reservoir will be created which will not only improve the aesthetics and

vegetal cover, but would also prevent land slides along the reservoir periphery. The creation of

green belt on either side of the reservoir will ensure protection of the reservoir area from any

minor slips due to fluctuation in the water level. The slopes on both the banks will be planted

with suitable tree species for creation of a green belt around the reservoir rim. In areas with

moderately steep slopes indigenous, economically important, soil binding tree species will be

planted, which are able to thrive well under high humidity and flood conditions. The following

measures are recommended:

(i) The green belt will develop on both the banks, up to the tail of the reservoir wherever

moderately steep slopes are available for plantation.

(ii) The average width of the green belt will vary with the topography. A minimum of 2 layers of

plantation will be developed.

(iii)Water loving species, preferably Salix alba, S. acmophylla, Populus alba and P. ciliata will

be planted in the row nearest to the reservoir rim. The soil present at this level and the air

moisture are favourable for the survival and growth of these species.

(iv) Species like Aesculus indica, Grevellia robusta, etc. will occupy the middle portions of the

green belt.

v) The outermost layer of the green belt will be composed of hardy tree species and shrubby

mix to withstand any external influences/ pressures of grazing, browsing by cattle and sheep,

etc. In this layer the species Grevellia robusta, Ficus spp., and Quercus sp. will be planted in

the inner as well as outer rows.

104


The plantation and maintenance of the plantation area should also be done by the project

proponents in association with the state government. At least more than 33% of total area will be

developed under greenbelt development. The species to be planted under greenbelt development

programme shall be finalized in consultation with the Forest Department.

7.7 Compensatory Afforestation

The loss of vegetal cover can be compensated by compensatory afforestation. The Indian Forest

Conservation Act (1980) stipulates: if non-forest land is not available, compensatory forest

plantations are to be established on degraded forest lands, which must be twice the forest area

affected or lost, and if non-forest land is available, compensatory forest are to be raised over an

area equivalent to the forest area affected or lost as per Govt. rate.

7.8 Wildlife Conservation Plan

As per available information the project and its surrounding areas have wildlife. Around the

main construction areas i.e. the trenchweir site, power house site, etc. where construction

workers congregate, some disturbance in the wildlife population may occur. However, in view of

the wildlife concentration in the area, the impacts due to various construction activities could be

marginal.

7.9 Medical Facilities

A population of about 250 is likely to congregate during the construction phase. The labour

population will be concentrated at one or two sites. It is recommended that necessary and

adequate medical facilities will be developed at the project site. It is recommended that the

dispensary should be developed during project construction phase itself and continue it during

operation phase also, so that it can serve the labour population/staff and locale people of the area

who is traveling a long distance for medical facilities. It also help during any casualty and disaster.

7.9.1 Health Management

The increase in water fringe area provides suitable habitats for the growth of vectors of various

diseases and they are likely to increase the incidence of water-related diseases. The suggested

measures to minimize the incidence of vector-borne diseases are given in following paragraphs:

Site selected for labour camps should not be in the path of natural drainage.

Adequate drainage system to dispose storm water drainage from the labour colonies

should be provided.

105


Adequate vaccination and immunization facilities should be provided for workers at the

construction site.

The labour camps and resettlement sites should be sufficiently away from a main water

body or quarry areas.

7.10 Landslides

The proposed project area is located in a landslide prone area for which adequate management

measures need to be incorporated. Unscientific land use pattern is the major cause for the present

deteriorating situation for which appropriate land use regulation measures need to be

implemented. Social and economic upliftment, generating new local resource based small eco-

friendly practices on steeper slopes, etc. can be other measures which can be implemented to

control landslide hazards. Various measures recommended for control of landslides are given in

the following paragraphs. Discouraging new developments in hazardous areas by:

Disclosing the hazard prone areas.

Adopting utility and public facility service area policies.

Informing and educating the public.

Manning a record of hazard.

Removing or converting existing development through:

Acquiring or exchanging hazardous properties.

Discontinuing non-conforming uses

Reconstructing damaged areas after landslides.

Removing unsafe structures.

Clearing and redeveloping blighted areas before landslides.

Regulating new development in hazardous areas by:

Enacting grading ordinances.

Adopting hill side development regulations.

Amending landuse zoning and regulations creating hazard reduction zones and

regulations.

Enacting subdivision ordinances.

Protecting existing development by:

Controlling landslides and slumps.

Controlling mudflows and debris flows.

106


Controlling rock falls.

Operating monitoring, warning and equation system.

In addition to above appropriate landslide control measures including various biological and

engineering measures shall be implemented. These measures are as below:

7.10.1 Biological Treatment measures

Compensatory Afforestation

Pasture Development

Agro-forestry

Contour farming

7.10.2 Engineering Treatment measures

Wire Crate walls

Gabion structures

Check dams

Contour and Graded Trenching

Step Drains

Stone Masonry.

More prominently, generation of electricity for the development of the region is inevitable. The

construction of new motorable roads is not fit for the region. Already existing, roads along the

streams are more prone for soil erosion, landslide and mass movement. Ropeways are best suited

with the landscape of the basin (if required). Micro-hydropower project will supply electricity for

the ropeways. It will definitely lead a way for transportation facilities, on the one hand and will

reduce the ecological imbalance in this ecologically fragile mountain terrain, on the other.

In this hilly district water source are not easily accessible hence water for drinking and irrigation

is a problem for the local people. Agriculture is mostly rainfed. Hence new source need to be

identified and existing sources need to be conserved and augmented.

As such the project is under RMU so any new land acquisition and rehabilitation problem not

occur. So any new law and order problem may not be generated. Implementing Agency will

incurr the expenditure to implement the environment management plan as mentioned in earlier

chapter 6. Environment management work can be executed as per environment management

organization chart is presented as figure 7.1 at the end of report.

107

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL 7.3 Catchment Area Treatment Plan

7.3.1 Catchment Scenario

The total catchment area of river Sobla Gad are 87 sq. km. No vegetation grows in the river bed

and stony area. Any kind of treatment is neither possible nor warranted in such area. The small

area where a kind of vegetation is available substantially denuded and deforested due to

indiscriminate felling, repeated lopping of trees for fodder, uncontrolled excessive grazing and

annual burning of forest. Reduction of vegetative cover in the recent times has worsened the

ecosystem of all river valleys.

The catchment area treatment (CAT) plan pertains to preparation of a management plan for

treatment of erosion prone area of the catchment through biological and engineering measures;

however, a comprehensive CAT plan should also include the social dimensions associated

directly or indirectly with the catchment. A well-designed CAT plan should not only control the

sedimentation of reservoir but should also provide a life support system to the local population

through their active involvement. An effective CAT plan of a hydropower project is a key factor

to make the project eco-friendly and sustainable. A detail separate CAT study should require in all

over water shed of Sobla Gad basin. An out line about study with objective about CAT is sketched

here only.

7.3.2 Catchment Area Treatment Measures

The treatment measures will be designed keeping in view the ecological as well as social

dimensions of the project. The treatment measures emphasize on conservation of the catchment

through plantation and supporting engineering works. It envisages an active participation of the

local community. As this area is falling under restricted and sensitive zone, so a careful planning

and their implementation will be required in every stage.

7.3.2.1 Plantation Works in Degraded Forest Area

It is proposed to carry out plantation in the degraded forest area. The area selected for plantation

in each of the sub-water sheds is marked with the help of forest department. Delineation of

plantation area from these sub watersheds is on the basis of Sediment Yield Index value and the

total area of the sub watershed. Actual patches for plantation shall be earmarked physically by

the CAT implementing agency accordingly at the time of execution, depending on the

accessibility as well as treatibility of the area. The plantation would help in reducing the silting

of reservoir in addition to the multi objective of soil conservation, water recharge and eco-

restoration of the degraded area.

108

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL 7.3.2.2 Road Side Plantation

It is proposed to carry out road side plantation along of road, identifying suitable patches of

roads in the project intervention area involving local educational institutes and local citizens and

along the newly constructed road to project site.

7.3.2.3 Drainage Line Treatment and Soil Conservation Works

These would include construction of check dams and retaining walls at specific locations

accompanied by tree and shrub planting to control erosion in gullies, eroding streams and land

slide. The location and details of these structures shall be worked out individually, keeping in

view the patches of plantation and site-specific design requirements. Forest department shall

carry out these works; however, local public (through Van Panchayat) shall be involved where

such works fall within the village boundary.

7.3.2.4 Maintenance Support for Soil Conservation Works

Mass movement of land, erosion, monsoon related land slides and large cloudbursts are common

in the catchment area, since it is geologically very fragile and seismologically active. It is most

likely that the soil conservation structures constructed get affected due to the natural

phenomenon. The structures will therefore require annual repairs as the need arises. One time

planning and allocation of budget in this river valley project would render insufficient to take

care of the treatment measures in long term. Hence a long term provision of funds for

maintenance and up gradation of old soil conservation works would become necessary.

7.3.2.5 Ecorestoration Works Ecorestoration works shall be undertaken through CWC (Community Welfare Committees).

These would include the following measures, which would help in reducing the erodibility of

soil or the resultant silt load in the reservoir.

Plantation in degraded patches of civil forestland.

Water conservation and harvesting works.

Soil conservation in village area.

Animal husbandry.

Improvement in agricultural practice.

Horticulture and medicinal plants,

109


110

Technical and financial support for harnessing alternate-solar and micro hydel projects-

sources to reduce pressure on forest for fuel wood.

Public health support including healthcare and family welfare programs.

Gender support through education and awareness programme of women.

Rural technology support programs.

7.3.2.6 Phasing of CAT works and cost estimates Estimated cost for the CAT work is presented in table 6.3 of chapter 6. The catchment area

treatment works have been phased over five year duration, so as to complete them along with the

project construction. The actual start time shall, however, depend upon the overall progress of

the project including approvals and disbursement of funds for the CAT plan. The forest

department, taking guidance from these targets shall prepare a detailed program and get it

approved from the concern authority before actual implementation.


CHAPTER – 8

8.0 Disaster Management Plan 8.1 Natural Disaster The hill slopes are prone to land slides, landslips, rockslides and soil creep. These hazardous

features have hampered the over all progress of the region as they obstruct the roads and flow of

traffic, break communication, block flowing water in stream and create temporary reservoirs and

also bring down lot of soil cover and thus add enormous silt and gravel to the streams.

Because of the increase in the population and the constructional activities, the frequency of

landslides and lands subsidence has increased. Heavy construction work coupled with the lack of

planning for water outlet; increase water seepage culminating in the land slides. Huge amount of

explosives used in construction works of road have adversely affected the ecosystem of the

region and the stability of stabilized mountain slopes.

The history of forest fire, socio-economic and ecological losses associated with it clearly reveals

that it has posed major threat to Himalayan forest ecosystem and acquired the character of

natural calamities which is responsible for crores of rupees loss annually along with various

adverse impacts on macro-climatic structure and bio-diversity of Himalayan region. Among the

fire accelerating effects, the local factors have been found more responsible. The dry and heated

forest floor bio-mass (fallen leaves, mosses, lichens, dead wood etc.) becomes more susceptible

to the spark or flames. The factors involved in primary fire outbreaks have been identified

natural as well man-made. Among the natural phenomenon, the friction between the clumps of

Bamboos like trees under influence of strong wind results in to spark which ignite the dry clump

sheath, leaves and burst into fire which instantly spreads into vicinity areas. The manmade fire

incidences are either due to negligence or due to vested interests.

8.2 Objectives

The Disaster Management Plan (DMP) is aimed to ensure safety of life, protection of

environment, protection of installation, restoration of production and salvage operations in this

same order of priorities. DMP would reflect the probable consequential severity of the undesired

event due to deteriorating conditions or through ‘Knock on’ effects. The objective of the

industrial DMP is to make use of the combined resources of the plant and the outside services to

111


optimize operational efficiency to rescue, rehabilitation and render medical help and to restore

normalcy. The Project specific emergencies anticipated are Land slide and Fire. Consequence

estimation has been made by considering two scenarios i.e. earthquake and fire.

8.3 Disaster Management Plan

The emergency planning for earthquake/land slide/cloudburst scenarios consists of 'hardware'

aspects such as provision of evacuation pathways, setting up of alarms and warning systems,

establishing communication systems besides the 'software' aspects concerning human behavior,

procedures to be followed, roles and responsibilities, leadership, guidance and provision of

information. Both hardware and software aspects need to be integrated into the design of

emergency management. A proper guideline will be provided for preparing a contingency plan or

disaster management plan during any disasters. It may be noted that this plan would serve as a

reference documents consisting of salient information indicating the actions to be taken at the

time of disaster, and hence, it has to be made as comprehensive as possible and it needs to be

tested and updated periodically. The suggested format of the disaster management plan is

outlines in this chapter. A separate detail risk assessment study will be suggested to carry out.

8.4 Purpose of the Plan

In order to delineate the tasks and needed response, it is essential to identify and characterize the

vulnerable zones through inundation maps, the nature of damage potential and the characteristics

of populations and structures on the downstream areas. Based on the characteristics of each

hazard zone, the needed response could be delineated in the Disaster Management Plan. Hence

the objectives of the plan could be to provide for:

Timely warnings and alerts.

Assess the damage potential.

Delineate emergency action and procedures.

Delineate emergency organization and first response/action teams.

Define roles and responsibilities.

Delineate procedures for mitigation and control of incident.

Delineate access routes and safe locations.

Delineate emergency action.

Training the personnel.

Providing public information.

112


The project features and structures are so small that they cannot contribute to any disaster

themselves. Hence there is no specific requirement of disaster management plan as such.

However, to meet the exigencies on account of natural disaster arising out of cloudburst or

earthquake induced change to the power plant and appurtenant works, the following disaster

management plan is proposed.

1. In the event of earthquake mother, alarm should be sounded in the power plant and the

machines in operation should be automatically tripped.

2. During monsoon period, patrolling of the water conductor system should be undertaken

regularly (once a shift) to locate any leakage from the water conductor and also for any

possible slope slippage. Appropriate measures should be taken to close the intake gate at

the weir in case leakage of water from the water conductor is noticed to prevent damage

to the hill slope doam under.

3. The staff of the power station should be trained with first and practices and and made

aware of action to be initiated following a natural disaster.

8.5 Emergency Response Organization

The Emergency Response Organization delineated for the plan is shown in Figure 8.1. The plan

must have a Chief Emergency Coordinator (CEC), who will be overall in charge of planning,

execution and coordination of all activities of Disaster Management Plan. His alternate member

is also to be notified for coordinating the emergency response activities. Executive Engineer or

Assistant Engineer who will be present on site during any emergency act as CEC. During

emergency both Assistant Engineer designated and act as ECO environment, health and safety

point of view.

Chief Emergency Coordinator is to be assisted by an Emergency Planning Group (EPG)

constituted for the purpose of decision making and planning the emergency effort under the plan.

This group involves all the Heads of Departments of Irrigation, Revenue, Health, Police and

Public Representative. To assist this group with technical information and advice, an Advisory

Team consisting various experts on dam safety and related issues need to be constituted. Chief

Emergency Co-ordinator also organize villagers to work in emergency as EPG and EAG

member.

113


A local level, preferably a taluk/settlement level, Emergency Action Groups (EAGs) need to be

constituted for pooling, mobilizing and responding to the inundation situations. These groups

essentially should consist of a local volunteer, engineering support group, rescue/evacuation

team, medical/health volunteer, a police representative.

The Chief Emergency Coordinator needs to report and coordinate District Collector on the

disaster situation and should seek any further assistance/help from District Emergency

Authorities. Alternate persons for all the constituents of groups are necessarily be identified and

included in the plan.

8.6 Functions of Chief Emergency Coordinator (CEC)

The following functions are delineated for the Chief Emergency Coordinator. He is expected to

take various emergency decisions by convening the immediate meeting/conferencing of

Emergency Planning Group. Together, they are responsible for the following:

Formulation and implementation of the plan.

Guidance/ decision on matters of basic policy.

Activation of the emergency control centre and convening the emergency meeting.

Declaring the emergency zones with the help of technical personnel and experts.

Control on emergency operations.

Review of operational preparedness of emergency machinery.

Holding periodic mock/ training exercises to ensure optimum preparedness at operational

levels.

Development and updating hazard scenarios and cascading effects from time to time.

Mobilizing organizations, financial and human resources for the plan.

Liaison with external/Govt. agencies and assessment of whether any public assistance is

required.

Furnishing information on the incident to District, State and National level authorities

and if needed competent bodies may be called for assistance.

Liaison with press/ media, to report the emergency.

Declaring rehabilitation centres in case of evacuation, if called for.

Monitoring post emergency situation in terms of health care, first aid, rehabilitation etc.

Declare all clear, once everything is normal.

114


8.7 Functions of Emergency Action Group (EAG)

Emergency Action Group carried out frontline activities at the time of disaster. Preferably as

many local teams as possible be formulated for the purpose. The main activities of EAG are:

Rush to the emergency zone

Make systematic assessment of hazard

Liaise with Chief Emergency Coordinator

Carryout evacuation, if necessary

Carryout emergency actions

Extend relief, first aid, human assistance

Organize rehabilitation centres

8.8 Emergency Response System

The overall emergency response system needs to integrate various functional sub-systems

essentially designed to generate speedy response action in terms of warnings, communications,

fire fighting, medical and first aid. It is essential to delineate these systems and plan their

locations and operating procedures, besides training the personnel well in advance before any

emergency. Following response systems are needed for the purpose of disaster management plan.

8.9 Emergency Control Centre (ECC)

Emergency Control Centre will be the focal point in case of an emergency from where the

operations to handle the emergency are directed and coordinated. The centre will have to be

equipped with adequate resources to receive and transmit information and directions from the

Chief Emergency Coordinator. Besides equipping the centre, prior arrangements should be made

so as to ensure that the centre would start activating other systems immediately, once the hazard

is declared. An existing pre identified room located at safe site (free from natural disaster) will

converted as ECC. An emergency control centre should therefore contain a well-designed

communication system consisting of:

At least two external telephones (one incoming and the other one out going fitted with

simultaneous/ selective broadcasting systems) with a EPBAX.

Wireless / Radio equipment (VHF/ walkie talkie/ pager/mobile).

Inundation/vulnerability maps indicating risk zones, assembly points, alternate

evacuation routes, safe areas, rehabilitation centres, etc.

Telephone directory of emergency response system.

115


List of all emergency equipment and personnel for evacuation, personnel protection,

medical aid, etc., under the plan as well as with Govt. agencies in the district.

List of ambulances, base medical facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, etc.

Reference books/ chemical dossiers

Copies of Disaster Management Plan

8.10 Training of the Personnel

A Disaster Management Plan, no matter how carefully prepared, cannot be effective unless

accompanied by training program that include periodic exercises and drills. The objectives of

training in emergency preparedness are related to the following:

Familiarize personnel with the content of the plan and its manner of implementation.

Train specific response personnel and new personnel in particular duties requiring special

skills.

Introduce personnel to new equipment, techniques, and concepts of operation.

Keep personnel informed of changes in the plan or procedures.

Test the preparedness of response personnel.

Test the validity, effectiveness, timing, and content of the plan and implementing

procedures.

Test emergency equipment.

Update and modify the plan on the basis of the experience acquired through exercises and

drills.

Maintain cooperative capability within first response team and with other response/

mutual aid and agencies.

Maintain good emergency response capability.

8.11 Training Schemes for First Response Team

Every member of first response team needs initial training followed by periodic refresher

courses. Members of emergency response organization would also benefit from this training,

improve communication procedures, and provide an opportunity for responders to become

familiar with areas of hazards where they could be called to assist.

8.12 Mock Drills and Demonstration Exercises

Drills and exercise are vital to emergency preparedness. They involve enactment, under

conditions of a mock scenario, of the implementation of the response actions performed during

116


an emergency. Development and conduct of following two types of exercises are recommended

for implementation according to the needs:

Tabletop drills or exercises are useful for orientation purpose, while gathered around a

table, the emergency response organization is presented with a situation to be resolved

Exercises are more comprehensive and test the entire response organization up to and

including communication with all response functionaries.

All the above type of exercises are strongly recommended to be conducted atleast once in a year,

wherein members of first response team could actively involve. Deficiencies that may be

discovered during an exercise of the plan and procedures should be corrected immediately.

8.13 Public Information System

During a crisis following an accident, the affected people, public and media representatives

would like to know about the situation from time to time and the response of the emergency

authority to the crisis. It is important to give timely information to the public in order to prevent

panic and rumours. The emergency public information could be carried out in three phases.

8.14 Before the crisis

This will include the safety procedure to be followed during an emergency through posters, talks

and mass media in local language. Leaflets containing do's/ dont's should be circulated to educate

the affected population.

8.15 During the crisis

Dissemination of information about the nature of the incident, actions taken and instructions to

the public about protective measures to be taken, evacuation, etc. are the important steps during

this phase.

8.16 After the crisis

Attention should be focused on information concerning restoration of essential services,

movement/restrictions, etc. Various tasks of the public information system would include:

Quick dissemination of emergency instructions to the personnel and public.

To receive all calls from medial public regarding emergency situations and respond

meticulously.

Obtain current information from the Central Control Room.

Prepare news release.

117


Brief visitors/media.

Maintain contact with hospitals and get information about the casualties.

8.17 Dissemination of Public Information

Any emergency preparedness plan, however efficiently it is outlined, cannot succeed if the

participation of involved community is not planned. To make the local community an active

participant, community awareness along with Emergency Preparedness has to be implemented,

so that it can foster understanding in the people and help in controlling emergency situations.

The target audience of warning system is personnel and public who are not trained about

hazards, warning signals and protective actions. People tend to seek confirmation of the hazard

from neighbourhood and the media, which takes time. For a public warning system, to be

effective, it must serve only as a trigger to initiate preplanned protective action by the public.

Through community awareness efforts conducted by local planning committees, the public must be

made aware of protective options which include sheltering within their work places and evacuation.

The community should be mainly be made aware of the following information:

The likely hazards that can occur in their vicinity.

The type of warning system employed to alert them, in case of a disaster.

The protective action that should be adapted in different situations of emergency.

Knowledge of the escape routes and assembly points, in case of evacuation from disaster.

zones

8.18 Safety Plan

Safety of both men and materials during construction and operation phases is concern. The

disaster in any hydel project especially in Himalayan zone will be due to land slide, Cloud brust

and earthquake may collapse of structures and fire/explosion, etc. keeping in view the safety

requirement during construction, operation and maintenance phases, safety policy with the

following regulations needs to be adopted. In any disaster situation Emergency Officer

immediate intimate District Disaster Management Centre. Some important telephone Nos. of

Govt. official’s of District Pithoragarh is presented in table 8.1.

1. To allocate sufficient resources to maintain safe and healthy conditions of work.

2. To take steps to ensure that all known safety factors are taken into account in the design,

construction, operation and maintenance of plants, machinery and equipment.

3. To ensure that adequate safety instructions are given to employees.

118


4. To provide wherever necessary protective equipment safety appliances and clothing, and

to ensure their proper use.

5. To inform employees about materials, equipment or processes used in their work which

are known to be potential hazardous to health or safety.

6. To keep all operations and methods of work under regular review for making necessary

changes from the point of view of safety in the light of experience and up to date

knowledge.

7. To provide appropriate facilities of First aid and promote treatment for injuries and

illness at work.

8. To provide appropriate instruction, training, retraining and supervision to employees in

health and safety, first aid and to ensure that adequate publicity is given to these matters.

9. To ensure proper implementation of fire prevention methods and an appropriate fire

fighting service to gather with training facilities for personnel involved in this service.

10. To organize collection, analysis and presentation of data on accident, sickness and

incident involving personal injury or injury to health with a view of taking corrective

remedial and preventive action.

11. To promote through the established machinery, joint consultation in health and safety to

matters to ensure effective participation by all employees.

12. To publish/notify regulations, instructions and notices in the common language of

employees.

13. To prepare separate safety rules for each types of occupation/processes involved in a project.

14. To ensure regular safety inspection by a competent person at suitable intervals of all

buildings, equipment, work places and operations.

15. To frame and implement safety guidelines in operation.

8.19 About Area

The entire basin in ecologically fragile, unstable and less rigid from the origination point to its

confluence as it is also with the case of Himalyan Mountain system. The characteristics features

of the basin in terms of fragility, are more pronouns to discuss in the way that lowering the

environmental conditions in both, highly elevated reaches and low laying areas. The process of

upliftment of mountain peaks and deepening of the river villages in continued due to tectonic

forces active throughout the basin resulting instability and disturbances in the landmasses. The

natural hazards, both terrestrial (earthquakes) and atmospheric hazards (cloudburst landslides

119


and flush floods), can be seen every where however the impact of natural hazards increases with

increasing elevation.

The basin is technically more sensible and falls under the severe seismic prone region. Already,

severe earthquakes have been taken place. The situation is grim in the area and there are many

cases in the surrounding of study area where due to landslide many villages were affected.

During study heavy land slide has been observed at Chautuldhar plates 14 and annexure II

indicates about land slide.

8.19.1 Causes of land slide

Following are the main causes of land slides in the mountain region :

1. Instabling of terrain, because the process of deepening river valleys and uplifting of mountain

peaks are continued.

2. Human induced activities.

3. Unscientific measures used for construction of roads such as blasting, cutting of fragile slope etc.

4. Heavy down pour and repetition of cloud burst at a time and within a limited geographical

area.

5. Steep slope and high velocity of water.

6. Over grazing and consequently soil erosion.

7. Construction of settlement on the instable slopes.

Earthquake, cloudbursts, landslides flash floods etc. are the disasters, which may not be stopped.

But the intensity of damage due to the occurrence of these phenomena can be reduced after

adopting several measures. These measures are:

1. It is very difficult to predict the actual occurrence of landslides. Yet there are certain signals

like forecasted heavy rainfall. Seismic activity combined with landslide vulnerability can

predict the estimated time and possible consequences. The locale people to be trained to

recognize the signals and act upon it.

2. A warning system to relay information about landslides could be placed near the settlements

to help quick evacuation.

3. Public awareness programmes for people on causes and effects of landslides, climatic

conditions that lead to landslides would be an extremely effective measure to prevent

damages.

4. Restrictions on building activity on the landslide areas.

120


5. The cloudburst has triggered debris slides along the tension cracks and caused casualties and

damages on the large scale in the catchment areas should not be allowed to be obstructed and

house construction activities in the interior of hills regulated.

6. The whole of Himalayan region is earthquake prone area, house should be allowed to be built

only in accordance with the earthquake resistant designs recommended by the concern

authority.

7. A safe distance from each side of the river/nala, according to the situation, should be left and

no cultivated fields and house made on the said distance.

8. All landslide affected zones should be left for natural stabilization and no human activities be

allowed in such landslide affected weak slopes till the area are fully stabilized in due course

of time.

Note : A report of on site and off site emergency plan should be prepared and submitted to

concerned department.

DMP can be managed with participation of local people and villagers during any emergency as

per emergency response organization chart presented as figure 8.1 at the end of report.

8.20 Cost Estimate The budget for mitigation and prevention during any disaster are presented in table 6.4 in chapter 6.

Presently Uttarakhand Govt. has establish Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC)

for Disaster mitigation & management in Uttrakhand. DMMC is also providing consultancy and

training programme for Govt. & Non Govt. organization. It is advisable that UJVNL with the

help of DMMC develop a strong regional knowledge base towards disaster policy, prevention

mechanism, mitigation measures, preparedness and response plan.

121


Table 8.1 - Important Telephone No. of Govt. Officials STD Code : 05964

Designation Office Residence & Fax No. District Magistrate 225301 (Collec),

225201 (Camp off.)

SDM Magistrate 225950 225372 SDM Dharchula 222207 222271 Chief Development officer 223218 225804, 225336 (FAX) District Development officer 225097 Chief Agriculture Officer 225104 Block Development Officer Dharchula 222253 District Horticulture Officer 225275 General Manager Distt. Industry Centre 223574 District Economic & Statistical Officer 225143 District Panchayat Raj Officer 223174 Chief Veterinary Officer 225319 E.E. Provincial Division P.W.D. Pithoragarh 225115 225209 E.E. E/M Division P.W.D. Pithoragarh 225429 225429(FAX) E.E. Irrigation Construction Division Pithoragarh 235139 225140 E.E. Construction Division P.W.D. 238724 228730 S.E. Nirman Mandal U.K. Peyjal Nigam Pithoragarh 225341 225492 E.E. Nirman Shakha U.K. Peyjal Nigam Pithoragarh 225258 E.E. 2nd Nirman Shakha U.K. Peyjal Nigam Pithoragarh 225121 Executive Engineer U.K. Jal Sansthan Pithoragarh 225237 District Education Officer 225227 Superintendent of Police 225539 225023 Dy. Superintendent of Police 225539 225410 Police Station 225130 Fire Station 225314 Police Wireless Office 225402 Police Lines 225130 Divisional Forest Officer 225234 225390 Divisional Logging Manager 224187 Chief Medical Officer 225142 225504 District Hospital 225687 Asst. Regional Transport Officer 228222 District Information Officer 225549 Commandant ITBP 225494 Other Contact No. Fire Department Safety Department UEPPC, Dehradun Industry Department

Note : Contact No. of Project Authority, Operating Staff and Security Staff will be included after office establishment at site.

122


CHAPTER – 9

9.0 EMP Implementation and Monitoring

A large part of the sampling and monitoring activities will be concerned with long term

monitoring aimed at providing an early warning of any undesirable changes or trends in the

natural environment that could be associated with industries and associated activities. This is

essential to determine whether the changes are a response to a cycle of climatic conditions or are

due to the industrialization and associated activities.

In particular, a monitoring strategy is required to ensure that all environmental resources, which

may be subjected to contamination, are kept under review. Monitoring of the individual elements

of the environment is necessary.

To meet the above objective an “Environmental Management Department (EMD)” will be

formed at project site which will be responsible for implementation of EMP and post operation

monitoring. The officers of the department will meet frequently to assess the progress and

analysis the data collected during the preceding fortnight/month. The following items will be

considered under the monitoring schedule.

9.1 Meteorological Station

It is proposed to install a meteorological station at power house SHP. The following parameters

will be recorded regularly. Metrological equipment required are presented in table 9.1.

Wind speed & Direction

Rainfall

Temperature and humidity

9.2 Water environment

Instrument for turbidity hardness and TDS measurement may be procured. This

information will be useful for monitoring the erosion damage of turbine underwater parts.

Surface water (Down stream of Sobla gad) should also be analysed once in a season and

compared as per CPCB norms for Aquatic resources. Drinking water should be analysed as per

IS:10500 on three month interval from different villages situated nearby Project site.

123


124

9.3 Socio-economic development

The project management through environmental department will be in regular touch with

concern authority and local surrounding villages to monitor the implementation of various socio

economic developmental schemes.

9.4 Monitoring/Analytical Equipment Required

Table 9.1 - Monitoring / Analytical Equipments / required for Project

Monitoring Equipments Sl. No.

Equipments Nos. with UJVNL

Nos. Required

Parameter / Function

Frequency

Meteorological monitoring 1. Automatic Weather

Monitoring Station - 1* Wind speed,

direction, Temp., rainfall, humidity

Continuous

*Will be procured based with commissioning of project Budget provision made

9.5 Implementation Arrangement 9.6 Institutional Implementation Arrangements

UJVNL will be responsible for implementation of all the mitigation and management

measures suggested in Environmental Monitoring Programme while PTCUL will be

responsible for transmission line. Management of UJVNL will monitor the smooth

implementation of Environment Management Plan. The in-charge of EMD (GM/DGM)

will report all the environmental matters to higher management as per the reporting

schedule on prescribed formats. The higher management will supervise the reported

activity from time to time for smooth implementation of Environmental Mitigation and

Management measures and will take necessary actions, if required.

For successful implementation of the environmental management plan other agencies of the State

may also be involved by UJVNL, if required (for regulatory requirement or technical support).

Annexure - I

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Respondent Village Block Male Female

Date

i) Name of the respondent : Age

ii) Address

Village :

Panchayat :

Block /Tehsil :

District :

1.0 General information (Location)

Road

Power

Drinking water (supply & availability)

1.1 Family size & composition : Name Age Sex Occupation Level of

education Head of the family 1.

Spouse 1.

Dependents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

2.0 Caste

3.0 Religion

4.0 Land Land Amount (acre) a) Own land

b) Leased out land

c) Leased in land

5.0 Cropping Pattern

Area (acre) Sl. No.

Name of the crop/season Dry Irrigated

Production (Qtl.)

Value (Rs.)

5.1 Kharif :

a) Paddy

b) Maize

c) Others, if any

5.2 Rabi :

a) Wheat

b) Mustard

c) Gram

d) Others, if any

5.3 Summer :

a) Paddy

b) Maize

c) Others, if any

Total

6.0 Cost of cultivation (Rs/year) : 7.0 Family income (Total)

Family income (Rs./Month)

Sl. No. Name of the earning members

Source of income

Primary Secondary 1. 2. 3.

Total gross income

8.0 Household savings and consumption pattern : (In Rs./yr or in % of total consumption)

Savings *

Consumption* (Gross income – farm inputs - savings)

Pattern of consumption

Food Education Clothing Medical Others

(* to be derived) 9.0 Health status of family member 10.0 Fuel used 11.0 Peoples’ perception regarding the project Advantages Disadvantages 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Investigator :

Name :

Designation :

Signature :

Date :

Annexure - II

Plate – 1

(A) A view of land sliding at Chautuldhar

(B) Water sampling on Sobla Gad

Plate - 2

(A) Surface water sampling on Dhauli Ganga

(B) Water sampling at village Dar

Plate - 3

(A) Ambient Noise Monitoring in village Dar

(B) Ambient Noise Monitoring at diversion site

Plate - 4

(A) Soil sampling at village Khairi Gaon

(B) Soil sampling at village Dar

Plate - 5

(A) Socio economic survey work at Sobla

(B) Socio economic survey at site

Figure 1.1 – Political Map of Pithoragarh

Figure 1.2 Proposed site marked in trekking map of Kumaun Hills

Sobla

Proposed Site

Figure 1.3 The physiographic-lithotectonic domains separated by intracrustal boundary thrusts of regional simension most of these thrust faults are active.

Figure 1.4 Simplified Geological map of the Lesser Kumaun Himalaya (After Valdiya, 1980b)

Figure 1.5 Occurrence of various mineral deposit in Kumaun in the context of Geological formations.

Figure 1.6 Relief Map of Uttarakhand

Figure 1.7 Drainage network of Kumaun showing different hydrographic regimes and their typical drainage basins.

Figure 1.8 Forest Map of Uttrakhand State

Figure 1.9 Seismic Zoning Map of India

Figure 5.1 - Impact Identification Matrix for proposed Small Hydro Power Project of UJVNL on Sobla Gad at Saobla

SITING CONSTRUCTION OPERATION FUTURE

Activity

Parameter Acq

uis

itio

n o

f Lan

d

Sit

e C

lear

ance

Exca

vat

ion

Const

ructi

on a

nd

Iden

tifi

cati

on

Movem

ent

of

Veh

icle

s fo

r C

onst

ruct

ion

M

ateer

ial

Gre

en B

elt

Devel

opm

ent

Raw

Mat

eria

l Sto

rage

and T

ran

sfer

Wat

er

Req

uir

em

ent

Ener

gy r

equir

ement

and G

ener

atio

n

Tra

nsp

ort

Air

Poll

uta

nts

Eff

luen

t D

isposa

l

Soli

d W

ast

e H

andli

ng

Hea

t E

mis

sion

Nois

e Poll

uti

on

Urb

anis

atio

n

due

to

Pro

pose

d

hydal

Pro

ject

Tra

nsp

ort

Soci

o E

conom

ic D

evel

opm

ent

Air Quality Noise Level

Surface Water Quality

Ground Water

Quality

Soil Quality Agriculture

Flora Fauna Forest

Aesthetics Land and property

Value

Land Use Population/Habitat

Basic Amenities Quality of Life Economy and Income Level

Employment Trade and Commerce

Historical and

Cultural Resources

Adverse Impact, Significant Impact, Negligable Impact

Beneficial Impact

Figure 8.1 Environment Management Organization Chart

EE (DGM (EHS)

Assistant Engineer

Assistant Engineer

* H&S * En

Chemist Supervisor

Asstt. Security supervisor

Asstt. Security supervisor

Jr. Engineer Environment

Jr. Engineer (Mechanical)

Jr. Engineer (Electrical)

Jr. Engineer (Civil)

Horticulture officer

Health supervisor

Safety supervisor

Security supervisor

Gardner

Gardner

* Designated for environment, Health and safety work

Documents

Environmental Assessment Report · Nripendra Kumar Singh, Mr. Shrikant Singh who have assisted in preparing this report. We are also thankful to the supporting staff especially Mohd