Summary Environmental Impact Assessment Project Number: 36052 May 2006

Pakistan: North-West Frontier Province Road Development Sector and Subregional Connectivity Project (Peshawar–Torkham Subproject) Prepared by the National Highway Authority for the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The summary 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

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (As of 15 March 2006)

Currency Unit – Pakistan rupee/s (PRe/PRs) PRe1.00 = $0.0167 $1.00 = PRs59.95

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB – Asian Development Bank EIA – environmental impact assessment EMP – environmental management plan EPA – Environmental Protection Agency FATA – Federally Administered Tribal Area NEQS – National Environmental Quality Standards NHA – National Highway Authority NWFP – North-West Frontier Province ROW – right-of-way

WHO – World Health Organization

NOTE

In this report, “$” refers to US dollars.

CONTENTS

Page MAP I. INTRODUCTION 1

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBPROJECT 1

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 2

A. Physical Resources 2 B. Ecological and Biological Resources 3 C. Socioeconomic Environment 5

IV. ALTERNATIVES 7 A. No Action 7 B. Alternative Transport Mode 7 C. Alternative Alignment 7

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 8

A. Physical Environment 8 B. Ecological Environment 12 C. Sociocultural Environment 14

VI. ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT 17 A. Benefits 17 B. Costs 17 C. Economic Analysis of Environmental Impacts 17

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 17 VIII. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE 18 IX. CONCLUSION 19

APPENDIXES 1. Environmental Management Plan 21 2. Environmental Monitoring Plan for N5 Peshawar–Torkham Expressway 52 3. Public Consultation at Various Locations along the Project Corridor 55

I. INTRODUCTION 1. This updated summary environmental impact assessment (EIA) is based on the environmental assessment reports for the proposed new alignment of the Peshawar–Torkham subproject under Loan No. 2103-PAK: North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) Road Development Sector and Subregional Connectivity Project. This subproject was appraised during preparation of this loan in 2003. The summary EIA based on the 2003 feasibility study was circulated to the Board on 15 June 2004 and the loan was approved on 18 November 2004. A need to change the road alignment arose during detailed design study, and therefore a new EIA report was prepared by Global Environmental Technologies. That firm was contracted by the National Highway Authority (NHA), which is the Project’s executing agency for the national highway component. The EIA report was prepared in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in particular the Environment Assessment Procedure (1997) and in accordance with the ADB’s Environmental Policy (2002) and the Environmental Assessment Guidelines (2003). 2. It was determined that the alignment needed to be changed from that originally planned for about 14 kilometers (km) from the starting point on the Peshawar side in order to avoid geometric conditions unsuitable for applying NHA’s current technical specifications regarding vertical and horizontal alignment and to reduce involuntary resettlement. The new alignment was proposed to run through a valley about 5 km south of the originally planned road alignment. The rest of the alignment (about 38 km) basically follows that originally planned. 3. This summary EIA has been prepared for ADB’s use. It contains a general overview of the Project, a description of environmental conditions in the affected area, a brief description of potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures, and an environmental management plan that includes a monitoring plan.

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBPROJECT 4. The Government of Pakistan has proposed to construct a new four-lane expressway in NWFP connecting Peshawar and Torkham (hereinafter referred to as the “subproject”). The proposed subproject is part of a sample of subprojects prepared before loan approval.1 5. The objectives of the subproject are to (i) enhance efficiency of the road network and transport within the province and (ii) improve subregional cooperation and trade by facilitating road transport to Afghanistan and the Central Asian republics. The subproject’s detailed engineering design was recently completed, and work is expected to start soon. 6. This road is planned to be a four-lane dual carriageway for a total of 52 km, out of which 47 km will be constructed on a new alignment. On the remaining 5 km of existing alignment, the subproject activities will involve widening one side to meet the national highway standards of 7.3 meters (m) of pavement width, 3 m shoulders on both sides, and minimum embankment height of 1 m. The proposed right-of-way (ROW) to be acquired is about 60 m in plain areas and 40 m in hilly areas. The road is designed for standard speeds of 80 km/hour and 50 km/hour in plain and hilly areas, respectively. The subproject will also involve constructing 28 bridges and

1 ADB. 2004. Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors on a Proposed Loan to the

Islamic Republic of Pakistan for North-West Province Road Development Sector and Subregional Connectivity Project. Manila (Loan No. 2103-PAK approved on 18 November 2004 with total amount of $301.2 million).

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several culverts, one interchange, one toll plaza, and three underpasses, as well as to provide safety structures and proper road furniture.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 7. The proposed subproject is located in the agencies of Jamrud and Landi Kotal of Khyber Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA). Khyber Agency is situated at a latitude of 33° 33’ to 34° 27’ and longitude of 70° 28’ to 71° 51’. The proposed expressway passes through a dry mountainous track that initially traverses the Khwar bed for 15 km. A. Physical Resources 8. Climate and Meteorology. No meteorological station exists in the subproject area. Temperatures in the area typically follow a weather pattern of being mildly hot in summer and mildly cold during the brief winters. As the region is extremely mountainous, there are considerable variations in local temperatures. Maximum temperatures range from 15–20o C in winter to 40o C in summer. The monsoon rains usually start in June, peak in August, and end by September. Occasional heavy showers can take place during other months. The bulk of the rainfall usually comes between July and September. October and November are the driest months. Average rainfall in the subproject area for the years 2001/2002, 2000/2001, and 1999/2000, respectively, were 6.92, 9.58, and 18.58 mm. 9. Topography and Soils. The Torkham basin is surrounded by mountains on all sides. The Peshawar–Torkham area has two major geographical divisions: (i) the rugged mountainous regions on the north and west, with one end touching the Afghan border, and (ii) the comparatively narrow strip of valleys along the Khwar bed. Descending from the hills and adjacent to the Khwar bed is a series of very productive agricultural areas. Most portions are surrounded by hills, which are steep on the northern and western sides. The main Torkham Khwar and its tributaries have steep slopes (and carry high sediment loads). These areas receive a fair amount of water through gravity channels, especially in rainy seasons, and are being used for patches of agriculture along the Khwar beds. The water catchment area of the rain-fed streams has been observed and classified as mountainous. 10. The roads pass through dry mountains and along the Khwar channel with slate and muddy type rocks. The terrain is marked with mountains having limestone as their major component, while sandstone, siltstone, and slate are also present in small amounts. The slate, limestone, and gravel are suitable for construction material and are available in the area, although their extraction entails high risks of landslides. The various patches from Peshawar to Torkham contain soils that are medium to moderately fine in texture. The topsoil is generally very thin silt. The sporadic rain on the mountains carries down quite fertile soil that spreads in the Khwar/khwar beds and valleys. The soil is generally hard, brittle, and rocky (with slate). The predominant rock consists of slate and limestone. 11. Water Resources, Drainage, and Hydrology. There is no water storage facility in the Khyber Agency or its vicinity, so most of the water is received either from rainfall or melted snow through non-perennial Khwars, (khwars, streams, and seasonal outlets) that pass on to the downstream areas of the province and country. The melted snow and (at high altitude) rain are available only for a few months of the year, and therefore the water resource is very limited. Groundwater can be found at depths of 10–300 m below the surface, and deeper, depending upon a number of parameters, the most important being the lateral distance from any Khwar or water body. Extraction of groundwater requires heavy duty electrically or diesel powered pumps.

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Agricultural cultivation and social forestry are found in isolated pockets where spring, surface, or groundwater is available. No detailed data is available on the quantity or quality of surface and/or groundwater along the project corridor. 12. Geology and Seismology. The area is characterized by seismic activity. Mild tremors from the northwest Hindu Kush range have been felt at various locations and times in the past. The main seismic feature is the Main Mantle Thrust, which separates the Kohistan Island area to the north from the Indian Plate in the south. Earthquake epicenters are concentrated along this fault line. Occasional minor tremors are common in NWFP. However, the seismic map of Pakistan suggests that the Torkham area is located in an area with minor seismic activity and its probability of experiencing a high intensity earthquake is low. 13. Ambient Air Quality. As there is no major population settlement or industrial activity in the area, air pollution is mainly due to vehicle emissions along the road corridor. Baseline data were collected in August 2005 from different locations: Jabba, Ali Masjid, Torkham bypass, Michini check post. The data were for oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, as well as carbon monoxide and suspended particulate matter. These were assessed over 8 hours. The baseline studies have shown that the main air quality issue is the high level of particulate matter (so-called “PM10”)2 and noise levels, while levels for nitrogen and sulfur oxides and carbon monoxide were within the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) set by Pakistan’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To a certain extent, the high level of particulate matter is a natural consequence of the dry atmosphere, lack of vegetation cover, and winds. Nevertheless, this condition is exacerbated by such human activities as vehicles driving on unpaved shoulders or poorly maintained roads. Moreover, many trucks, buses, and passenger vehicles are diesel fueled and poorly maintained. Some use a fuel that is a mixture of kerosene and diesel, which results in both a cheaper fuel mix and in exhaust smoke that is high in PM10. 14. Water Quality. Water quality was assessed from five different locations in the area as part of this EIA study. These included a natural spring at Jabba, surface waters at two locations, and, in two locations, water from a well or piped water supply scheme. The analysis shows that chlorides, coliforms, and total suspended solids values were high—indicating that the water is polluted by human excreta—and the water is slightly turbid due to high particulate load from soil erosion. Surface and other water samples were also polluted from bacterial contamination, making it unfit for drinking. Most surface streams in the country are polluted while groundwater is usually "sweet," with low dissolved solids, and fit for drinking. The quality of groundwater in the project corridor, however, is contaminated with untreated human waste. The sample collected shows E-coli and total suspended solids exceeding World Health Organization standards for drinking water quality. B. Ecological and Biological Resources 15. Flora. In general, the areas traversed by the project corridor are poorly vegetated and/or forested with quite minimal biological species. The project road is mainly located in arid environment. The series of mountains along the corridor has very little vegetative cover, due to a shortage of water and limited rainfall. Scattered plantations can be seen in patches due to increased rains in 2005, and vast rangelands provide brushy growth for grazing. 16. Forests in NWFP and especially in Khyber Agency are meager and are being depleted due to limited water supply, population pressures, illicit cutting, and overgrazing. The area is 2 PM10 is particulate matter smaller than about 10 micrometers.

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generally overgrazed and with a degraded vegetation of few trees and bushes, such as Acacia modesta and OIea cuspidate, and shrubs like Dodonea viscose and Monotheca buxifola. Degraded shrub vegetation is typically Reptonia buxiflia, Olea cuspidate, Pistacia integerrima, Nannorhops itchieananda, Bromus spp, Palosa (Acacia modesta), Sanatha (Dadonia viscosa) and Ber (Zazyphus jajuba). Eucalyptus species and Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) have also been found in Khwar valley beds. These are non-palatable for cattle but have become a good source of wood for fuel. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources has listed 189 protected areas, including 10 national parks, 82 wildlife sanctuaries, 83 game reserves, and 14 unclassified areas that are privately owned and are proposed or recommended for protection. These protected areas represent only 9% of the total land area. There are nine wetlands designated under the international Ramsar Convention on wetlands, to which Pakistan is a signatory. The expressway alignment does not pass through any forest or game reserve, wildlife sanctuary, or any protected area. No endangered species have been reported. 17. The rangelands and forests play an important role in the economy, as they supply firewood, habitat for wildlife, animal grazing, aesthetic value, and timber. Traditionally, lands and forests have belonged to the respective tribes in FATA/Khyber Agency, and these people had unrestricted access. They have had rights to collect fruit and to remove dead dry wood for domestic use with the permission of the Forest Department. They are to have first rights for employment and contracting opportunities, including to guard the forests. The area is to be permanently closed for grazing, and a footpath passing through the state forests will remain open for residents. According to a divisional forest officer, an area of 800 acres was in forest reserve within Khyber Agency as of 1999–2000 (although not in the vicinity of the project route and alignment), having decreased from 900 acres in 1997–1998. 18. There is a very thin tree density in the route from 7–22 km due to limited availability of water in Khwar/khwar. Forest and tree cover is barely seen in the area, except along the Kwhar bed, while greenery and agricultural activity are noted only alongside the Khwar belt. A fairly thin vegetation cover has been noted on these farms and alongside the Khwar. Due to inadequate water supplies, avenue plantations are lacking even on the existing roadside. 19. A very small portion of the population is engaged in agriculture beside the khwar (7–22 km). On the whole, agricultural resources are scarce and agricultural productivity is low. People involved in this sector follow an integrated farming approach that includes growing grain, vegetables, and fruits, as well as planting trees on farmlands. Wheat, tomatoes, okra, and Zeera (cumin seed) are the main crops. Grapes, apples, walnuts, almonds, peaches, and apricots are major fruits and nuts grown in the vicinity. People are nevertheless unable to meet even their own food requirements from their farms, and so staple food production is insufficient even for local use. 20. Fauna. The following animals have been reported in the literature in the area of NWFP in different seasons and pockets and confirmed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and World Wildlife Fund: red monkeys (Macaca mulatto), wolves (Canis lupus pallipes), wild boars (Sus scrofa), markhor (sufaid, Kabul), leopards (Felis pardus), black bears (Ursus torquatus), ibex (Capra aegagrus), rabbits, foxes (Vulpes rulpes), jackals (Canus aureus), porcupines (Hystrix indica), snakes, lizards, gray goral (Naemorhedus goral goral), common leopards (Panthera entellus), leopard cats (Felis bengalensis), Himalayan lynx (Felic lynx isabellina) and Pallas’ cat (Felis manul). Two species that are on the list of endangered animals are Afghan urial (ibex) and straight horn Kabul markhore (Capra falconi megaceros). Birds of many sorts are reported in the area, include various species of partridges

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(Franlinus sp), pheasants, chakur (Alectoris chukor chukor, Caccabis chucar), and sparrows. Some transitory birds, such as waterfowl, Sakar falcons (Falco cherrug), perigrene falcons, and Hobara bustards, (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenil), are also found in early winters and late spring. The last three species mentioned are highly endangered. Pleasure hunting for sport and meat is quite common. The region lies along a flight route for migrating waterfowl, cranes, and falcons from northern cold climates, but no protected wetland is found in the subproject area. 21. Livestock constitute an important component of the farming and social systems in the area. Every household and traveling nomad keeps a few animals, including cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep, mules, asses, horses, camels, dogs, and poultry. Livestock provide some 30–40% of farm income for households. The livestock of farmers and of nomads (the latter of whom regularly travel to the higher altitudes in summer and to lower altitudes for the winter) all graze on unattended bushes and trees. C. Socioeconomic Environment 22. The province is the western gateway of the subcontinent, a traditional route for merchants and travelers from Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe to the Indian subcontinent. These have included Alexander the Great, Tamerlane, Babur, and Ahmad Shah Abdali. It is claimed that this area is the source of Buddhist and Ghandara civilizations in the 5th and 6th centuries BC. The Khyber Pass has rich historical traditions, particularly as a communication route between east and west. 23. Land Use. The total reported area of Khyber Agency is 257,654 hectares, out of which 14,954 is cultivated, 245,704 is uncultivated, 2,040 are forests and 182,325 is not available for cultivation. Agricultural use of land is limited in the region, due to the rocky mountains, steep slopes, lack of suitable plain land, and limited water supply except along the Khwar bed. Although the valleys could support more cultivated vegetation, such activity is not a prominent feature beyond a few kilometers out of Peshawar. This is due to a lack of interest in the community, limited water availability, and the nature of the employment structure (largely based on transport and commerce). 24. Housing and Drinking Water Sources. There are 54,416 housing units in Khyber Agency, according to the 1998 census. Of this total, 13,107 use public-source piped water for drinking purposes, 712 use hand pumps, 22,274 use wells, 4,467 use pond water, and 13,856 depend on other sources. Completion of 96 water supply schemes during 1999–2000 provided service to 370,015 people, which represents 76.9% coverage. 25. Energy and Telephone. Wood is used for cooking by 84.7% of urban housing units and 91.9% of rural units. Of the total, 39,310 households use electricity for lighting purposes, while 13,954 depend upon kerosene oil and 1,152 on other sources. As of 2000–2001, 15,310 connections were being provided by Peshawar Electric Supply Company for domestic, commercial, industrial (557), and irrigations purposes. This figure was 15,296 in 1999–2000. A total of 578 villages were provided electricity during 2000–2001. Access to electricity was 95% and 97% on sections 1 and 2, respectively. On average, one third of the sample population had access to a telephone facility along the project corridor. 26. Tourism Potential. FATA area has a high tourism potential that is untapped due to problems related to accessibility as well as the law and order situation. The valley can attract such activities as trekking, mountaineering, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, cultural tourism, historical tourism, and pursuit of special interests in the cultures of indigenous people. The

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impressive mountain peaks could be important sightseeing destinations. Springs in various places could also be tourist attractions. The dominant ethnic group in the area is the Afridi and Shinwari tribes. 27. Archaeological Sites. There are many artifacts, buildings, and historical sites in the province representing the Buddhist, Muslim, and British eras. These include such things as check posts and forts. There are only a few sites in the vicinity, including the Buddhist remains in the Khyber Pass, a castle close to the border at Torkham, a historical underground hospital built by British authorities, and the archaeological site at Rehman Dheri. A partially collapsed Buddhist stupa is located in the Rehmat Killi area adjacent to the existing road and separated by the railroad track. This important archeological site is representative of the significance of this ancient trade route. Art pirates dig illegally in this vicinity for archeological artifacts. There are no protected historically proven sites within 500 m of the Project corridor. 28. Infrastructure. The roads in the area were mostly gravel surfaced (in some mountain areas, only narrow jeepable tracks). Except for the main Peshawar–Torkham highway, these require regular repair because of land, stone, and mud slides, as well as erosion of base materials. Torkham can be accessed by the N5 and N55 from Peshawar. Upon completion of this project, it is expected that traffic will increase several fold. There will be savings in vehicle operating costs and reduced accidents. Opening this road will bring about development and associated infrastructure. The country’s airline, Pakistan International Airlines, runs a few flights to Peshawar subject to weather conditions and deploys small aircraft. The proportion of the local population taking advantage of these flights is minimal since air travel cannot generally replace road traffic. The Torkham telephone department has a limited capacity for just a few telephone lines in the cities of Torkham, Landi Kotal, and Ali Masjid. Water is available in a few villages from surface and/or ground sources, and there is no information available as to its quality. There are piped water and sewerage facilities in Torkham, Landi Kotal, Michini check post, and Ali Masjid. However, the water has been tested and found unfit for human consumption according to World Health Organization standards. The rest have no access to appropriate drinking water and lack adequate sanitary facilities. Although some houses might have some forms of sanitation facilities, men and children generally relieve themselves in the open fields during the day while women must wait until after dark. Most urban wastewater and sewage is discharged untreated and directly into open drains that lead to khwars. These drains also act as rainwater channels, and their frequent overflow creates health hazards for residents—in particular for children who play nearby. Use of open drains for washing clothes and dishes is common. There are few wells and hot springs in the area. 29. Education. The literacy rate in Khyber Agency is 39.9% and 2.6% for males and females, respectively, with an average for both sexes at 22.96. There are 171 government primary schools for boys and 144 for girls. Of a total 33 government middle schools, 22 are for boys and 11 for girls. There are also 21 government high schools for boys and just 2 for girls. The student:teacher ratios in the agency’s primary, middle, and high schools, respectively, are 57, 27, and 6. There exists only one government higher secondary school and two degree colleges for boys. The agency has 5 mohallah schools and 37 mosque schools. Both of FATA’s elementary colleges are situated at Jamrud in Khyber Agency, one each for males and females. There is one vocational institute for males in Khyber Agency and no female vocational institute in the whole of FATA. The Khyber Agency also has one business college for boys. 30. Health. There are 4 hospitals in the Agency with combined capacity of 260 beds, as well as 12 dispensaries with six-bed facilities. As of 2002–2003, Khyber Agency had one tuberculosis clinic with 10 beds, 12 basic health units, two maternal and child health facilities,

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and one leprosy clinic. The average population per bed is about 2,475 in the agency, with 266 hospital and dispensary beds. There were 36 male and 4 female private medical practitioners in the agency in 2001. During 2001–2002, a total of 4,545 patients were served on in-patient bases and 25,0870 on out–patient bases in Khyber Agency, and 1,050 operations were performed. More than 19,300 children were covered by an expanded immunization program in Khyber Agency during 2002. 31. Land Tenure. No recent land settlement has been observed or occurred in the area along the new proposed alignment (with the exception of a 4 km overlapping segment). lt has been found that cultivated and other lands belong to the tribes, elders, or chief. Land holdings are becoming smaller with the passage of time due to traditional division among the family heirs. A segment of the land along the Khwar bed is used for agriculture and social forestry, while a large proportion of the land is unused, barren, and un-vegetated due to very limited water availability.

IV. ALTERNATIVES A. No Action 32. Without the subproject, the existing road will continue to be the main transportation corridor in the subproject area. The condition of the road will continue to deteriorate due to outdated bridges and culverts, as well as the high costs of maintenance. Therefore, it is likely that traffic congestion will increase and the people living in the area will suffer from degraded transportation access. B. Alternative Transport Mode 33. Pakistan Railway has not constructed any new routes since 1982. Conversely, although the track still exists, many railway routes have been discontinued for being unprofitable. The main railway line connecting Karachi and Peshawar has lost its importance and competitiveness due to its inefficiency. Public demand for and confidence in railway services are low. 34. There is a railway line from Peshawar to Landi Kotal that is still in functional condition and there exist remains of track even as far as the border at Torkham. The line was built for moving troops. Regular train services have never been operated, but there was a weekly train on recreational basis only until 1980s due to Afghan war. The line would require substantial investment before any commercial Afghanistan-bound freight transportation could be realized. Having been closed for some 70 years, the track beyond Landi Kotal is in a highly dilapidated condition and would require major rehabilitation. The ROW beyond Landi Kotal has been taken over for stalls and other activities. Therefore, it is not seen as a viable option in the near future. C. Alternative Alignment 35. The existing Peshawar–Torkham road has insufficient capacity even for the current traffic volume. An additional lane is highly desirable, and particularly in the steeper sections. Two other options that were considered included (i) widening of the existing road alignment, and (ii) using the originally planned alignment in accordance with the project document. The first option was dropped because of the large number of affected people along the road that would need to be resettled and the prospect of traffic congestion during construction work. The second option was carefully examined during the detailed engineering design stage after loan approval. It was found that some public buildings had been constructed within the ROW of the originally

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planned alignment and that those buildings could not be relocated. It is also become clear that the originally planned road alignment contains some geometric conditions making it difficult to apply NHA’s current technical specifications at reasonable construction costs.

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES A. Physical Environment

1. Topography, Geology and Soils

a. Construction Phase 36. Most of the expressway alignment is new road construction that requires designing the route and landscape along the ROW to make it more suitable for heavy, motorized, and trade-related travel and so that it will have proper drainage. The route of the Project traverses countryside, so the design of the road (including the borrow pit areas) needs to avoid degrading the current aesthetic values. Most of the mountains en route and within the ROW require bench and/or step controlled cutting of hills and high embankments, as well as filling of gaps plus some retaining system for controlling continuous stone and land sliding. The embankment height of the expressway will also be raised for proper drainage in plain areas. The fill material will come from borrow pits or quarries. The minimum construction period is in excess of three years. The various activities are described below. 37. Clearing of Right-of-Way. For constructing roads on new alignments and/or for new borrow pits or queries, it is a normal practice to strip off the fertile surface layers of soil, if present, and to store this material until construction is complete. This "top fertile layer" is then used to help restore borrow pit areas. This practice of stripping and storing this fertile material will be done in areas where the highway is built and/or expanded on fertile lands. However, the requirement to store this material for reuse can result in agricultural land being used unnecessarily. If the material dries up, it will be blown away as dust and thereby damage crops. Therefore, the storage areas will be carefully selected to minimize crop damage and precautions (i.e., constant watering of this layer) will be taken to avoid the material’s drying out and being blown away. This top fertile layer will not be removed where the new expressway is built on elevated ground and along the dry mountains after cutting and/or blasting the rocks. 38. Cutting of trees and clearing of grass, bushes, and other vegetation from within the ROW area is one of the prerequisites for initiating construction processes. The removal of any vegetative and/or tree cover that has taken so long to develop requires special care. Therefore, special attention shall be given in the section of road (7–22 km) where there exists some tree and/or vegetative cover. 39. Care will also be used in resettling and/or relocating social infrastructure, including houses, shops, schools, mosques, dispensaries, and graves along the ROW after settling all the issues with the inhabitants or users of this infrastructure. 40. Cutting, Filling, and General Construction. Major impacts of the road construction are associated with tree cutting; excavation and/or digging; blasting; cutting; crushing stones; movement and storage of large quantities of rock, earth, asphalt plant, and transport fleet; concreting; campsite issues; and associated water, air, and noise pollution. These processes reshape the natural environment and create noise, dust, and fumes that contribute to air pollution problems that are critical in many sensitive areas and cause water pollution.

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41. These environmental problems can be minimized if proper measures are adopted (see Appendix 1, Environmental Management Plan). Working on hilly tracts, however, and especially in 7–22 km plus a few pockets beyond Landi Kotal, poses major safety and environmental issues and requires special attention in designing and cutting methods. Certain areas will have high impacts while plain areas will have moderate impacts. 42. During the construction phase, it will be necessary to transport and store large volumes of such materials as steel for the bridges as well as asphalt and aggregates for the pavement. These activities will have negative impacts on the appearance of the countryside in the vicinity of the expressway. The construction process will also generate considerable noise and dust. Choosing transport routes and locations for asphalt plants away from the populated areas will reduce the impact on the social environment. The plains portions of the current section will be more modest in its material requirements, and thus its impact will only be moderate. 43. Rock and mountain cutting and/or blasting will be required for expressway lanes, shoulders, drainage, curve easement, and profiling in the section for which borrow material will be required. The expected impact will be moderate to high. 44. Blasting. The use of high-impact and high-yield explosives for blasting rock and mountains shall be avoided, as this could create more fissures and/or cracks that will become environmental hazards and affect slope stability. Instead, low-impact and low-yield explosives will be used for stepwise, controlled blasting or cutting. Controlled blasting techniques with low-impact, low-yield explosives shall be employed to minimize intrusion from noise and vibration. Controlled blasting may also be used to obtain quarry material for road construction. 45. Blasting and use of explosives should be conducted in accordance with international practices (good practices) and be based on local ground realities. The explosive charge per hole should be limited to ensure that the peak particle velocity at the nearest sensitive dwelling, or the limit of the site, does not exceed 1 mm/sec. The total charge per blast should be limited to ensure that the noise will not cause any disturbance, levels are within the NEQS limits, and the blasts will not cause cracks in the nearby mountains. The parameters can be quantified by initial trial blasts using minimum charges. The blasting of several holes should be carried out using pattern-blasting techniques based on the use of initiation delays. The delays should be typically 20 milliseconds but no less than 12 milliseconds. This will ensure that the vibration from the total charge is the same as the vibration from an individual hole. Stemming should be used to minimize blast effectiveness and to reduce noise and surface rock fly. lnitiation should be selected to minimize noise. Electrical or Nonel detonation is preferable to Cortex. 46. Blasting should take place at predetermined times, and residents shall be notified in advance so that they will not be alarmed and can take appropriate precautionary measures. Visual and audible warnings will be given before each event, typically 10 minutes in advance. Safe distance shall be maintained by staff and local residents to avoid any mishap. 47. Borrow Areas. The road designs shall be managed to ensure net balance in the cut and fill. Borrow pit areas must be identified by NHA’s Environment Section, marked on engineering drawings, and specified in tender and/or contract documents to be provided to the contractors. Care must be exercised not to disrupt activities of residents and to minimize air pollution. Contractors should be allowed to use only approved borrow pits. Borrow areas and access roads must be restored upon completion of the contract. Quarrying for fill should be allowed from designated sites only and selected to minimize adverse environmental impacts. Where possible, existing quarries shall be used. A detailed materials plan shall be prepared as part of

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the initial design review by the supervising consultant and be approved by NHA. Detailed mitigation measures for dealing with noise and dust are considered separately in later sections.

b. Operation Phase 48. During normal operation, maintenance activities may cause more limited impacts on the physical environment as compared to the construction period. The most pertinent environmental issue is clearing of stone and landslides, particularly between Jabba and Ali Masjid and in a few other pockets. Steep, non-stabilized slopes will have high risks of slips and/or landslides. Uncontrolled dumping of spoil from slip clearance (e.g., bulldozing spoil over the side of the road) can reduce Khwar-bed and drainage and can exacerbate slope stability problems. Suitable locations for dumping spoil shall be designated just after completion of the road. 49. lf proper drainage structures are not provided in the design, the road might need more frequent repair than normal due to early unexpected damages from water effects. 50. Control over such things as accidents, speeding, collisions with animals, and others can be important environmental and social hazards, but these should be examined by other organizations. Warning signage and speed-control measures are suggested.

2. Air Quality

a. Construction Phase 51. In addition to natural processes of wind resuspension and/or blowing of aerosol and particulate matter in the air, construction activity includes breaking up, excavating, rock cutting, blasting, stone crushers and asphalt plants, sizing of stones, joint sealing, welding, piling and concreting for bridges, as well as transporting and dumping large quantities of dry materials. These activities directly and indirectly increase levels of particulate matter in the air in and around construction zones. Spraying with water and covering the stockpiles are efficient means of controlling dust. Water is eventually to be added to fill material during construction of the road base. Watering of road surface under construction and compaction of other soil surfaces, and particularly in the vicinity of villages and haul roads, shall be undertaken regularly. 52. Other precautions to reduce impacts on air quality include to (i) properly cover trucks carrying spoil or construction materials to prevent spills and materials being blown away; (ii) fit stone crushers, asphalt mix plants, and diesel generators with dust suppression equipment or emission control devices; (iii) locate stone crushers, asphalt mix plants, and diesel generators away from residential areas; and (iv) limit construction works that create noise only to daytimes.

b. Operation Phase

53. In addition to natural wind blown processes, particulates may become resuspended if passing vehicles will travel on untreated shoulders, and this may become a permanent air quality problem during the operation phase. The levels of particulate matter in the air can be reduced by (i) treating the road shoulders to avoid use of the katcha path for vehicle travel; (ii) sealing turnouts in rural areas; and (iii) by sealing the full width of the ROW as reasonably possible with grass, trees, and greenery. 54. Other air emissions during the operation phase can arise from individual vehicle sources. Although the road has been designed to facilitate effective movement of vehicles, the

11

use of high sulfur diesel fuel, adulterated fuels, and low standard fuels is a complex problem, because regulating fuels is beyond the purview of NHA. However, avoiding steep gradients in the design and control on overloading, which have been done by NHA effectively in the last few years, are some measures that will limit this impact. 55. Upon its completion, the newly aligned Peshawar–Torkham expressway will allow fast and freely flowing traffic. Therefore, vehicles can move at speeds that lead to more efficient fuel combustion, provides greater dispersion effects, and therefore generate lower ambient levels of noxious gasses and reduced emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

3. Water Resources

a. Construction Phase 56. Water Supply. Construction activities require water as an important ingredient in the road base formation. Approximately 20% by volume of water is required in the process, which must be supplied through tankers and obtained from four or five deep tube wells dug by the contractors at various locations identified by NHA. These tube wells will be handed over to the local people upon completion of the Project. Construction camps also require water as a basic item for human consumption. The Project is expected to provide employment for several hundred people over a three to four year construction period, and they will require large amounts of water in a water-scarce area. This will place a strain on local water availability and resources, even as it adds pollution by discharging water into natural streams. Care must be exercised that this requirement and supply should not unduly affect existing limited resources for the local people. 57. There is evidence that high levels of bacterial contamination (coliform) and total suspended solids occur in the locally available surface and groundwater, and this water therefore requires treatment prior to human consumption. Water used in bathrooms and kitchens will be disposed of as sewage, which requires constructing septic tanks and oil separator systems at campsites. All sewage wastes should be managed according to controlled discharge standards applicable to such conditions. Where possible, any new water supply and sewage systems should be designed for continued use by local residents upon completion of the Project. Final payment to the contractor should be released subject to decommissioning and clean up of temporary campsites, handing over of deep wells and sewage treatment facilities to the local people in working conditions (including to train them how to continue those usages). 58. Water Courses. The proposed road alignment runs along the Khwar/khwar from 7.3 km to 22 km and requires 28 bridges of varying lengths to be constructed in a 15 km section crossing over the Khwar/khwar. This makes it an expensive route selection. These locations have already been identified in the detailed design of the highway sections. This Khwar is not perennial and was dry for a few years but is running due to some rains this year. Where natural drainage flows are to be impeded, construction of the road without proper drainage and cross drainage structures may cause localized damage to the road embankment itself, localized flooding problems, damage to croplands, and formation of breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Construction wastes, rock cuttings, and residues must be removed from watercourses and disposed of in a controlled, environment friendly manner that is benign to the area. 59. Since water is a scarce and basic commodity, watercourses are of special significance within the local tribal structure. Blocking, diverting, or storing watercourses, even when appropriate from an engineering viewpoint, may upset traditional rights of the tribes. Both

12

hydrological and social impacts must be taken into account in determining appropriate cross drainage structures and rainfall catchment areas. The design of the cross drainage structures on this expressway shall ensure sufficient drainage flow. Surface water sources are going to be polluted by construction and operation of the Project, no matter how stringent measures will be taken. Therefore, it is suggested that four to five deep wells be bored at various locations and the piped water be supplied to the local villages.

b. Operation Phase 60. In principal, vehicles using road transport can contribute to deteriorating water quality in a variety of ways. Vehicle emissions contribute to acid rain. Leakage of radiator and air-conditioning water, washing of vehicles, leakage of fuel and oil, and tire and combustion residues all can cause surface water pollution. During rainfall, these can be carried as surface runoff to watercourses running parallel or close by, or they can infiltrate through the soil and enter underground aquifers and water sources. This typically results in an increased content of heavy metals, including lead, in surface and groundwater resources. Surface streams are used for irrigating crops and to provide drinking water for animals, and aquifers represent the most common source of potable water for humans. The extent of the water contamination by these sources is easily ignored, except for placing restrictions on vehicle washing. The provision of water traps with sand filters at important and sensitive locations (where car washing is carried out) shall be considered to further reduce the risk of contamination. 61. Providing proper drainage and cross drainage is an important part of road maintenance and of new design parameters for rehabilitation. Unless the road drainage is maintained properly, drains and culverts may become blocked, causing localized flooding and damage to the road itself. This needs to be checked regularly, properly, and effectively. B. Ecological Environment

1. Construction Phase 62. Although the direct threat to natural tree species from construction activities is considered minimal, a few precautionary measures should be employed for better control and management. These include a ban on tree cutting for fuel by staff and camp workers. Therefore, for a distance of 10 km north and south (or east and west) of the expressway alignment, all contractors' facilities (such as camps, borrow pits, spoil tips, dumping of overburden, haul roads or lay down areas) shall be restricted. 63. During construction, vegetation and tree covers are normally removed, exposing the soil to rain, wind, and other natural disturbances. Excavation and grading further exacerbate this situation. Runoff increases, resulting in erosion and siltation downstream. The cutting of trees and removal of vegetative cover cause loss of the soil’s structural integrity. The impact from clearing will not be significant, however, because the subproject areas are mostly barren land. 64. If it is not possible to impose a ban, the cutting of trees shall be avoided at all costs. Trees will be cut only if there is no other option and these exist within the construction sphere. Under these conditions, a record should be maintained as to the number and types of tree being cut and submitted by the contractor to the client (i.e., NHA) on a quarterly basis. 65. A mix of indigenous local species shall be selected after discussions with the local forest department and be planted by the contractors on the tops of embankments and rows. This

13

responsibility shall be included in the contract document. Upon completing work, the contractors will be bound to ensure site clearance and its rehabilitation. In this regard, insurance bonds can be obtained from contractors to guarantee completion of environmental rehabilitation work. 66. Revegetation of roadsides and center medians must take into account which species of trees, grasses, and shrubs are suitable for a given locality. Preference must be given to indigenous varieties because of their better adaptability to natural ecosystems. Eucalyptus trees make heavy water demands on aquifers and should be avoided in all conditions, and especially in water-starved areas. In addition, they have little commercial value, discourage birds from nesting, and inhibit other species from growing in their vicinity. For safety reasons, including to prevent accidents, planting shall be structured to provide low bushy plants for areas close to the road. 67. Tree planting needs to be planned and managed properly. A managed plantation will also contribute to revenue generation and will help meet the fuel needs of local communities in the future. Some suggestions include to (i) plant 330 trees of local species along the roadside, (ii) maintain a safe distance from the edge of the road for the tree plantation, (iii) provide grass and/or vegetative cover on steep slopes to stabilize the slopes and retain the soil, (iv) include contract clauses for contractors in the tender document requiring that they look after tree planting, and (v) use local expertise and local species as much as possible. 68. Faunal diversity along the subproject corridor is low due to limited water availability and an absence of dense forest cover. The forest reserves are quite distant from the road. Most of the subproject areas are also barren or inaccessible to humans. Other fauna include livestock kept in households or by traveling nomads. Therefore, the impact on fauna during the construction phase is found to be insignificant.

2. Operation Phase 69. Tree planting is generally done to enhance the aesthetic appearance of roads, provide a cool look in summer weather, improve soil retention and minimize soil erosion along the embankment, reduce flood impacts, and provide a natural buffer between the road and adjoining land uses. It also will provide screens against sound, dust, wind, emissions, night glare, and pollution of waterways. Grass and tree plantation is considered to be the best and cheapest soil erosion control measure. lf the species are selected without due consideration to the special needs of roads and the given area, however, they can create safety and sustainability problems while impacting the ecosystem. Inappropriate species can cause environmental damages, for example, by utilizing a lot of water in a water-scarce area, shifting birds and animal species away from that area, or discouraging other species from growing near the tree planting area. Therefore, careful selection of local species is important. 70. With the expressway in operation, the traffic speed will increase due to better road conditions. The main concerns of the Wildlife Department are poaching of rare animals and accidental killing of animals by vehicles, and especially at night. Although the forest reserves are quite distant from the road, some additional measures are recommended. For example, “No stopping” signs should be posted along this distance and casual stopping of vehicles prohibited. Although this will not prevent poaching, it will make it easier to spot and apprehend people engaged in suspicious activities. As a supplementary measure, training of local people as volunteer wardens along with some capacity building of the wildlife service could be considered. In addition, signage on roads is suggested warning Khwars about the presence of wildlife. There should be recordkeeping and monitoring of automobile collisions with crossing animals.

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C. Sociocultural Environment 1. Pre-Construction Phase

71. Land Acquisition and Resettlement. One overall objective of the social assessment and resettlement action plan is to ensure that the population displaced by a project is correspondingly benefited. Displaced persons should be (i) compensated for their losses at full replacement cost prior to relocation; (ii) assisted with relocation and supported during the transition period; and (iii) assisted in improving or at least restoring their former living standards, income earning capacity, and production levels. NHA policy for vendors and shopkeepers is to offer the alternative of leasing permanent space in specially constructed bazaar areas ("bus bays") alongside the roads and away from the ROW. These concerns are addressed in the resettlement policy framework. Furthermore, this requires community participation in planning and implementing resettlement. 2. Construction Phase 72. Construction Camps. Construction activities (and especially in hilly areas) along with ancillary bridges and structures will be major undertakings requiring quite a number of non-local workers for a period of 3–4 years and housed at various long-term construction camps. The workers and their associated impacts and changes can have significant impacts on the local communities and social infrastructure. 73. Water supply and discharges, solid waste generated, and storage of plant and materials for the construction camps may interfere with local residents and their ecosystems. The contract documentation must include provisions for the safe provision of construction camps, restoration of natural conditions upon completion of the Project, secondary water treatment facilities, proper disposal of solid waste, minimum interactions with local communities, deep well boring to provide water for their own use and at the end handing those wells over to the local residents, and other matters. Wherever possible, local communities must be involved and/or hired by the contractors for identifying camp locations and sharing resources with construction workers. In addition, it is suggested to have meetings with local elders for smooth working throughout the construction activities. In this way, a sense of ownership will be developed in local residents to encourage their protecting the expressway assets and looking after their interests and related resources. 74. Nonlocal workers may not be aware of local customs, traditions, and history. Awareness about the local culture and observances (particularly with regard to women, religious concepts and sectoral background, political affiliations, and the cultural system) is required to avoid incidents. Sites of social, religious, or historical significance should be marked and information disseminated to the staff to avoid damage or desecration. Graveyards in the area must be identified to ensure due care and diligence to ensure they are given consideration and respect. 75. Storage of Construction Materials. All dangerous materials (fuel, chemicals, and welding materials) used and stored on site should be placed in secured and safe premises. Loading and transferring of fuels, solvents, and lubricants should be carried out in a way to control all possible potential spills. Storage areas shall be equipped with warning signs displaying potential impacts, such as fire and other hazards. 76. Noise. Generation of noise is an inevitable and necessary component of any construction activity, with varying levels for different activities. All vehicles and equipment should

15

be well maintained and fitted with silencers as provided by the manufacturers. Human activities producing high noise levels, such as rock cutting, blasting, and piling—and especially when conducted near noise sensitive receptors—should be restricted to daytime hours only. Normally, it is suggested that no work be carried out between dusk and dawn in residential areas. Similarly, the use of vehicle pressure horns should be discouraged and avoided. 77. Personal protective equipment, like earplugs and earmuffs, should be used where appropriate. So long as noise levels are maintained within prescribed limits during construction by using properly maintained or new machines and personal protective equipment is provided, no additional mitigation measures to reduce noise pollution during construction are proposed. 78. Controlled blasting and explosions will use explosive that can produce high noise levels. An audible warning in addition to visible signals, such as a siren, should be sounded 10 minutes before each blasting event. If blasting near the road, a dwelling, or people's residences, it is suggested that a thick rubber mat be placed over the charged holes to reduce the noise generated and stop small pieces of rock flying through the air and causing damage. 79. Archeological Sites. Construction activity has the potential irreparably to damage archeological sites if these are present in the immediate vicinity. The results of the engineering, environmental, social baseline survey indicate no established historical sites along the corridor of the existing route, although there are a few historical checkpoints or surveillance posts in the nearby mountaintops that are not recorded as being of historical significance by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. An old historical underground hospital built about a century ago by the British authorities was observed in the overlapping of the new and old routes. Efforts should be made to preserve and protect these from the construction dust and air pollution transported via wind. There are no other known sites close enough to the Project corridor to be of direct concern. The expressway route does pass through areas rich in history, however, and it is possible that the construction work will come upon a site of historical significance. The contractor will be responsible for reporting any such findings to the responsible authorities, if any, and this will be included in the contract documents. 80. Road Safety. During the construction phase, the contractor is responsible for ensuring that all construction vehicles observe speed limits on the construction sites and on public roads. All vehicles should be fitted with audible warning devices when reversing. Tires must be in good condition. Brakes, lights, and other such equipment must be working at all times. 81. Traffic Management. Where road users are diverted or there are unexpected conditions (e.g., opposing flow on a divided highway), adequate warning must be provided and visual reminders (e.g., cones) shall be used to guide the traffic. Warning signs shall be placed at the approach from both directions. Barriers, cones, and signs shall be used to clearly designate which road lane is to be used and the potential presence of oncoming traffic. The center of the road must be marked with cones (if the diversion is less than one week in duration) or painted yellow lines. "No overtaking" signs should be placed at regular intervals. Temporary paint markings must be removed after a diversion is ended.

(i) Camp sites, and storage sites be fenced and out of bound to general public. (ii) For bridge construction sites, declaring the area as hard hat area for the staff and

out of bound for general area marked and properly signed. (iii) Standard good construction procedures be followed to avoid any accidents.

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3. Operational Phase

82. Noise. During the operational phase, certain protective measures like provision of sound barriers; raising wall heights of schools, mosques, and any other sensitive receptor; and use of double glazed windows are suggested at critical locations. Similarly, a ban on horns in urban and residential areas is suggested. Although noise levels from traffic are disturbing or intrusive, public complaints about noise levels seem to be mainly directed to the indiscriminate use of horns and engine noise from overloaded trucks. 83. Such noise sensitive dwellings, as hospitals and schools with anticipated noise levels in excess of 65 decibels (measured in the audible human range) during nighttime should be considered for noise abatement measures. Increasing the height of outer walls can create an effective noise barrier. Reductions of 10 dB should be achievable if the barrier is constructed to intersect the line of sight (i.e., if one looks from within the structure, one cannot see the road). The typical local rural house, with a boundary wall of clay or mud bricks and rooms arranged around an interior courtyard, minimizes the impact of high noise levels from outside. 84. Access. The Peshawar–Torkham expressway involves constructing a new alignment that may block existing pathways, separate communities, restrict traditional access to grazing areas, and have other similar effects. Access can be retained by providing underpasses at frequent intervals, and preferably in the line of natural pathways. In rural areas, underpasses can simply be large culverts that allow access by people and animals. 85. Amenities. Provision of such civic amenities as marked crosswalks, footbridges, underpasses, bus stands, shopping areas, and turnouts is to be decided after local consultation. NHA experience in Pakistan has shown that underpasses are preferable to footbridges to both local residents and others. If these are adopted, the space in the underpass should be utilized for shops and vendors. They will provide a degree of security, lighting, cleanliness, and housekeeping that otherwise is typically lacking. Ramps should be used instead of stairs and the slopes made sufficiently gentle to be appropriate for elderly persons, handcarts, and animals. Speed limit signage should be provided as appropriate and be readily visible. 86. Road Safety and Traffic Management. An improved high-speed expressway can raise serious issues and problems for local residents, including the possibility of accidents. Residents must be able to cross the road safely at designated points. Locations and particular attention must be provided for such vulnerable groups as children, elderly persons, and animals. In addition, where accidents involving animals can be expected with higher probability, this needs to be addressed by providing warning signage that is effective also at night. Following are other issues linked with the safety of the general public while using this expressway:

(i) Complete road furniture, including appropriate signage, should be placed properly and use standard light-reflective paints.

(ii) All vehicles should observe strictly allowable speed limits and load requirements. Road discipline should be enforced and extra resources devoted to the traffic police.

(iii) Vehicles must be roadworthy and properly maintained. (iv) All entry and exit points must be well designed and properly lighted at night. (v) Any movement of hazardous materials on the roads should be carried out under

permit and in coordination with the traffic police, EPAs, and civil defense authorities. 87. Gender and Cultural Issues. The section of the expressway from 22–27 km (following the existing highway) will pass above several villages. The local people in this area are

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concerned about the privacy of their women and family. Road users will be able to see down into the houses and this may be interpreted as an invasion of privacy. Planting or roadside barriers should be constructed to shield the view of the villages from passing vehicles. These also can serve as sound barriers. 88. Improved traffic facilities might increase tourism and developmental activity in previously isolated areas, and that may conflict with strict local tribal customs and traditions. Foreign influences, culture, and such social problems as drugs, prostitution, and HIV/AIDS may also become problems in the area. Social integration and mixing of men and women among tourists will be evident. Resistance against such influences might become an important issue and will need to be addressed properly.

VI. ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT A. Benefits 89. The economic analysis carried out for the Project shows that the quantifiable benefits from the Project are savings on vehicle operating costs and time savings for existing traffic and generated traffic. Vehicle operating costs are made up of fuel savings, plus reduced repairs and maintenance for vehicles. B. Costs 90. The environmental cost for improving, rehabilitating, and constructing the national highway, including monitoring costs during construction and tree planting, is estimated to be the same as in the originally planned alignment. The total environmental mitigation cost is around Rs464 million, out of which Rs451 million is included as part of the construction costs and Rs13 million is for items required for mitigation. C. Economic Analysis of Environmental Impacts 91. The only tangible environmental benefits from the Project will be a marginal net reduction in total emissions into the air shed because of improved travel conditions for vehicles between Peshawar and Torkham. Emissions will drop along the existing alignment but increase along the new alignment. Nevertheless, the net result is a decrease. Noise will also decrease along the old alignment whereas on the project road the noise level will increase. In this case, because noise response is logarithmic, the net effect is an increase in the perceived noise area. 92. The benefits gained from the recommended construction- and operation-related environmental expenditure is not significantly large compared to the Project’s overall cost. Without such expenditures, however, the Project would generate significant environmental impacts, permit the biophysical environment in the area to deteriorate, and indirectly depress the economies of the local communities.

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN A. Environmental Management Plan and Responsible Authorities 93. The environmental management plan (EMP) is in Appendix 1. It will serve as a guideline for incorporating environmental measures to be carried out by NHA and contractors, as well as

18

for other parties concerned for mitigating possible impacts associated with the national highway component of the Project. 94. NHA will ensure that (i) all required mitigation measures that need to be incorporated into the project design are passed on to the engineering consultant, (ii) the bidding document for contractors contains all required mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction period and the obligation for contractors to implement the EMP during construction, (iii) the No Objection Certificate is obtained prior to granting any civil work contract, (iv) monitoring of the EMP implementation is undertaken on a regular basis, as required, and the annual report on EMP implementation is well documented, (v) coordination occurs with other parties and government agencies to effectively implement the EMP at all stages of the Project, (v) remedial actions will be undertaken for handling unpredicted environmental impacts, and (vi) additional environmental assessment will be undertaken if any change in the alignment or project design occurs. 95. To ensure that contractors will comply with the provisions of the EMP, the following specifications should be incorporated into all construction bidding procedures: (i) a set of environmental prequalification conditions for potential bidders, (ii) a list of environmental items to be budgeted by the bidders in their proposal, (iii) environmental evaluation factors for bid reviewers, and (iv) environmental clauses for contract conditions and specifications. Furthermore, the full EIA report should be made available for potential bidders. B. Institutional Capacity to Address Environmental Concerns 96. The general manager of environment/social/lands of NHA, and in particular the director and staff of environment and afforestation, will be responsible to implement the EMP. The regional deputy director of environment and afforestation at the Peshawar Regional Office will be responsible for directly supervising the contractor and consultant in implementing the EMP. To strengthen the institutional capacity for environmental management, the subproject will hire a supervision consultant (environment). That consultant will assist the regional deputy director and project director who will be responsible for handling NHA’s obligations with respect to contract documentation, including the EMP. The supervision consultant shall (i) ensure that all contractual obligations related to design and construction are met, as well as those for environmental and social compliance; (ii) update the subproject’s initial environmental examination and the EMP; (iii) monitor implementation of the mitigating measures; and (iv) organize environmental training for the NHA staff and contractors’ consultant. 97. The environmental monitoring plan (Appendix 2) has been prepared to guide staff and other parties in monitoring (i) the environmental impacts on the project corridor (physical, biological, and socioeconomic); (ii) unexpected environmental impacts; (iii) compliance with legal and tribal community obligations; (iv) rehabilitation of borrow areas, tree planting, and restoration of camp sites; (v) implementation of mitigation measures, effectiveness of the mitigation measures (and to recommend improvements in mitigation measures, if necessary); and (vi) post-construction (environmental audit). NHA may outsource implementation of the environmental monitoring plan, especially to monitor noise, air, and water quality.

VIII. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE 98. A community consultation exercise was carried out during early August 2005 as part of project preparation. The process included both semi-structured interviews with small groups and more formal consultation meetings. A total of 11 public consultations were held at various locations along the road alignment and a total of 192 affected people participated. Details of the

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public consultations are shown in Appendix 3. The EIA report was submitted to EPA of NWFP for seeking its approval, to meet the mandatory requirements under Section 12 of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2001. Newspaper advertisement was launched in three newspapers on 4 and 5 April 2006, and EPA of NWFP convened a public hearing on 3 May 2006. 99. The key concerns expressed during semi-structured interviews and small meetings were the stress on local resources and infrastructure in nearby communities, and especially that arising from construction camps, as well as issues relating to affected people’s livelihoods and compensation. The formal consultation meetings raised the following environmental concerns: (i) extensive strip-plantations of native species of bushes and/or trees along the roads; (ii) controlled excavation and blasting activities, especially near populated areas; (iii) the contractor must repair and/or reconstruct the structures damaged by the road construction works and activities; (iv) rehabilitation and/or leveling of the sites used for labor camps and quarrying of construction materials; (v) spoil dumps should be leveled so that adjacent communities and farmers may use the same for agroforestry purposes (crops and/or tree planting); (vi) minimize dust and noise pollution during construction works; (vii) labor camps should not be established too close to local villages and towns; (viii) leftover construction material must be disposed of before leaving (not left lying as such on site); and (ix) construct underpasses or high-clearance culverts by the villages and towns so that the people can move around conveniently to other villages, their grazing areas, and their water, fodder, and firewood collection points.

IX. CONCLUSION

100. The subproject will result in economic and social benefits to the region. It will help reduce poverty, bring about social uplifting of the area, and will improve transport links within Pakistan and with Afghanistan and the Central Asian republics. The benefits from the subproject are primarily due to reduced transport costs and travel times. The subproject will result in positive environmental impacts that include a reduction in dust levels through paving of the road shoulders and increased tree plantation, as well as provision of deep well groundwater to the local inhabitants. Implementing the EMP and monitoring plan will minimize potential negative environmental impacts. This project is the only option that fulfills political, security, financing, and environment requirements of the area’s inhabitants. In the long term, the provision of an all year access facility could offer enormous development potential for the people and area. 101. Environmental, social, and biological issues were investigated using the data collected, and various statistical techniques were used to calculate the magnitude of impacts during the construction and operational phases. Most of the issues encountered were evaluated and found to be below the established NEQS. The few impacts, such as shortage of water, cutting of trees, noise, rock blasting, soil erosion, drainage, and those related to safety, were rated as moderate to high. Proper mitigation measures are proposed in the EMP, which will keep the severity level within permissible limits. Social issues and concerns were raised during the public consultation process that included relocation of graves, shops, dispensaries and first aid treatment centers, houses, and schools; noise control measures; and provisions of bus stops, safety features, and bus bays. With regard to these, appropriate measures were proposed to the satisfaction of the local community. 102. Land acquisition issues are not very complex. The tribal land usually belongs to the tribe, and each tribesman has a share in that piece of land. Proper land marking and division will make land assessment easy, and the acquisition process will go smoothly. NHA will facilitate constituting a committee including the political agent, district coordination officer and FATA

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revenue and other line departments, such as the FATA Building Department, which will facilitate the land acquisition process and appraise structures’ values. The land acquisition process requires diligent care to avoid unnecessary delay and prompt payment for land and assets in order to ensure harmony with the local communities and the Project’s smooth progress. 103. Blasting may become a very serious safety and environmental concern. Therefore, only low-impact, low-yield explosives will be used. To address other safety and environmental issues, bench and/or step cutting will be undertaken using mechanized options to make the slopes stable, measures to clear the water passage in the nearby Khwar beds will be employed, and, if possible, retaining walls or cantilever bridges will be installed on turnings. 104. Improper drainage is the most common cause for roads to fail. Therefore, the EMP will ensure that proper and effective components are incorporated into the new designs. Erosion from the embankments can cause damage to road infrastructure, and it needs to be addressed and minimized either by planting shrub or trees or by other means provided for in the EMP. 105. Traffic safety is NHA’s utmost priority during the construction and operational phases. Therefore, extra care will be taken in providing safety measures in the operational phase. This is discussed in detail in chapters V and VII, above. 106. Internal and external monitoring with an appropriate organization was suggested. Appropriate training was proposed to enhance the capacity of NHA, the contractor, and consultant staff. The links between the key players have been established and a reporting mechanism was also proposed. In case of any EMP noncompliance or violation, a grievance redress system will be activated to resolve the dispute. This information and data will be used during and at the end of Project to evaluate the EIA, EMP, and Resettlement Action Plan designs, the progress of the subproject, and its rating in the light of social and environmental parameters set before the project implementation. 107. The graveyards and relocation of graves are sensitive issues. During the implementation phase, the Project Director, consultant, and contractor’s representative must coordinate with the community. The graves shall be relocated with the involvement of community notables and religious scholars and with the highest level of honor and dignity. 108. Environmental and social training will be important for successful project implementation. Adverse impacts can be minimized and/or kept within acceptable limits using the EMP. The EMP will develop work plans related to mitigation and monitoring during the planning and design stage and during construction and operation. The EMP will be made part of all contract documents, ensuring that NHA and all contractors will implement these mitigation measures. 109. The contractors will be responsible for a large number of the EMP actions. To strengthen environmental skills or the experience of contractors’ staffs and of project implementing agencies, a series of training programs will be undertaken by NHA. 110. To compensate disturbance to human living conditions, NHA will provide four to five deep well water bores and complete piped water supply to the inhabitants of all the areas adjoining the Khwar bed. The subproject will improve drainage features, avoid blasting that uses high intensity explosives, provide better design and alignment for culverts and bridges, construct new bridges with better alignments, provide drainage with space for shoulders on both sides, and restore borrow pits and quarries. Finally, the subproject will improve grades, horizontal and vertical curves, and sight distances to avoid torque problems faced by overloaded trucks.

Appendix 1 21

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely to

happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Preconstruction/Design Stage Formation width in built-up areas

Hindrance, public nuisance

Congestion, bad air quality locally, high emissions, high noise

Few congested, built-up areas, towns

Rush hours throughout project lifetime

Can be serious.

• In built-up areas, apply as feasible some flexibility in widening on one side only.

• Incorporate technical design features that allow flexible shoulder width in towns.

• Explore incorporation of additional parking lots and bus bays.

Technical Design Engineer

National Highway Authority (NHA), Environmental Consultant

Land acquisition and resettlement

Sociocultural Losses of homes, assets and lands, livelihoods, religious structures

Ganj Garh, Jabba, Lala China, Maskat, Ali Masjid, Kata Kosha, existing track, Gurgura, Changi Khel, Neki Khel, Ayub Afridi, Shaik wal, Sadu wal bypassing Landi kotal,Shanwari Khunga Khel, and Torkman

Prior to contract letting and start of construction

Intermediate but can become a problem if not handled properly.

• Relocation • Minimize land

acquisition wherever possible by rerouting.

• Realign road to reduce impact of dwellings.

• Provide adequate compensation based on resettlement plan to project affected persons (PAPs).

Resettlement expert local government (e.g. political agent)

NHA

22 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely to

happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Design expressway to standards with special reference to local dangers

Uneasy traffic flow, hazardous driving conditions due to livestock crossing

Congestions and undesired encounters with slow traffic and pedestrians, accidents with animals

Applies for all built-up areas on entire alignment

Rush hours, night time

Intermediate • Improve road geometry.

• Provide markings for center and edge lines and stop lines at junction and stop bus.

• All markings and signs must be reflectorized.

• Improve junction and fly-over layouts.

• In built-up areas, incorporate service lane and crossings for pedestrians, as feasible.

• Bus, taxi and rickshaw bays in built-up areas

• Prevent farmer vehicles crossing the highway and provide sufficiently dimensioned culverts for passage through expressway alignment.

• Provide signage for livestock and animal crossings.

Design Engineer NHA, Environmental Consultant

Drainage issue

Environmental and road Infrastructure

Aesthetic, water pond, breeding ground for mosquitoes

All along road in mountainous area

During and after rains

Major • Slopes of embankment leading to water bodies will be modified and screened so that contaminants do not enter the water body.

• Proper design and maintenance

Design Engineer NHA, Environmental Consultant

Appendix 1 23

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely to

happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Cultural properties

Impact on mosques, madrassas, graveyard, and archeological sites

Social Impacts To be checked all along the project corridor.

At planning stage

• Construction activities avoid any interference with cultural heritage sites.

• In case of unavoidable interference, prior notification and consultation needed for consensus on options (e.g., relocation or rebuilding) or any other form of agreed compensation.

NHA, in bid documents for contractor, Design Consultant, Sociologist

NHA, Social Consultant

Oil spillage caused by tanker accident

Contamination of soil and water resources

With subsequent environmental hazards

All along entire alignment

• Detailed technically designed solutions to curb contamination risk

• Elaboration of contingency plan

Design Engineer NHA, Environmental Consultant

Structures be designed to address flash flow risk

Flash flow may damage structure or cause drainage problems in urban areas

Throughout project corridor

Construction and operation during rainy seasons

Serious if structures under-designed.

• Adequately designed x-sections of drainage structures to be based on hydraulic studies for last 50 years.

• Protective measures against scouring at bridges and culverts (e.g., planting with soil stabilizing shrubs and grasses)

• In built-up areas, sufficiently size drains, possibly install small check dams to reduce water flow velocity.

• All structures to be constructed with reasonable safety against seismic impacts.

Design Engineer NHA, Environmental Consultant

24 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is

likely to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Location in area subject to dust storms, smog, fog

Windstorm gusts or smog causing obstruction and risk of driving

Visibility problem, possibly causing accidents

During dry windy weather, anywhere on project corridor

Dry windy weather

Can be occasionally serious.

• Design standards of structures to withstand wind velocities of 130 km/hr or maximum recorded in 50 years

• For stabilizing, planting of shrubs next to embankment

• Plan for regular road maintenance during season with high incidents of dust storms and smog.

Design Engineer, Supervision Consultant

NHA Maintenance, Environmental Consultant

Location in area with seismic background

Seismic activities may damage structures, environment, health, lives.

Air, water, health, food quality, jobs, safety

Throughout project corridor

After earthquake with intensity higher than designs are intended to withstand

Can be serious at times.

• Adequately design structures up to seismic scales indicated on seismicity map.

• Seismic loads for bridges to be computed in accordance with revised seismic code of Pakistan.

• Discuss contingency planning measures with respect to road connectivity and rapid remedial reconstruction of structures in case of earthquake events or other natural disasters.

Design Engineer, Supervision Consultant, local authorities

NHA Maintenance, Environmental Consultant

Planning material balance

Avoidable loss of agricultural land for dump sites, borrow area

• Prepare material plan. Contractor NHA, Environmental Consultant

Planning site activities

Construction causes danger to local workers

• Prepare health and safety plan.

Contractor NHA, Environmental Consultant

Appendix 1 25

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Construction Phase Camp Site and Construction Works Site selection of construction camp, materials storage, human activities on site, travel to and from construction camp

Sociocultural, environmental, acceptability to public owner interference, friction with residents

Sanitary waste disposal, solid (kitchen) waste disposal, fuel leakage, noise and additional traffic, water usage and pollution

Several sites along expressway for construction

Throughout construction period

Minor if recommenda-tions are followed.

• Prior consultation with local contractor needed to obtain No Objection Certificate for establishing work camps and workshops, or agreement made with the landowner.

• Site construction to be supervised

• Proper storage and fencing, locking of storage rooms containing hazardous material

• Setting up complaints office; advertising ways to voice complaints.

Contractor NHA, Environmental Consultant

Site restoration after contract completion

Loss of roadside vegetation, assets, and plantations, if any, in an area of scarce biodiversity; dissatisfaction with rehabilitation measures after completion.

Loss of plants in an area with already scarce biodiversity, and loss of functional benefits from roadside plants

7.3 to 23 km especially, all along routes, camps

Long lasting Moderate • Manage design to minimize removal roadside plantation.

• Apply flexibility in decision reducing shoulder width.

• Plan compensatory planting: for each tree felled, 10 plants of similar or local flora specie.

• Contractor will provide plan for removal and rehabilitation of site upon completion.

• Conduct photographical and botanical inventory of vegetation before cleaning the site.

• Disallow introduction of exotic species or species with known environmental setbacks (e.g. Eucalyptus, Prosopis).

Design Engineer

NHA, Environmental Consultant

26 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project

Activities Type(s) of

Impact Potential

Impacts on Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Sanitation and waste disposal facilities and camp site

Health risk to work force and public if not properly manage

At all solid and liquid waste collection areas, latrine sites of camps

Throughout operation of work camps and long lasting impacts

Moderate • Contactor to provide proper waste management plan for composite waste.

• Sewerage system at such camps to be properly designed (pit latrines or required septic tanks) to receive all sanitary waste waters.

• Provide adequate sanitation, washing, cooking, and dormitory facilities.

• Sewerage treatment facility be designed and located to ensure that no water pollution takes place.

• Lined wash areas will be constructed within the camp site or site for receipt of wash waters from construction machinery.

Contractor NHA Maintenance, Environmental Consultant

Movement of vehicles in construction site and along haulage routes

Environmental impact, damage of properties, impacts from temporary haul and access roads

Soil compaction and alteration of percolation and vegetation pattern, damage to properties and utilities

Throughout project corridor

During construction period

Low • Construction vehicles, machinery, and equipment will move, or be stationed in the designed right-of-way to avoid unnecessary soil compaction.

• Damage will be instantly repaired and/or compensated at contractor’s obligation.

• Air, water, and soil quality to be monitored regularly as in EMP

• Existing road and tracks will be used to the extent possible for hauling materials.

Contractor via bid documents Approved labs

NHA Maintenance, Environmental Consultant

Appendix 1 27

Institutional Responsibility

Project

Activities Type(s) of

Impact Potential

Impacts on Environment

Where the impact is likely to

happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision • In unavoidable

circumstance, suitable compensation will be paid to people whose land will be temporarily acquired for duration of construction. Compensation will cover loss of income and land restoration.

• Prior to alignment of new haul roads, topsoil will be preserved or at least will be used for turfing and embankment.

Movement, maintenance, and fuelling of construction vehicles

Environmental pollution and contamination

Contamination of soil, irrigation and groundwater from fuel and lubricants

All irrigation canal crossings, all work sites

During construction period

• Slopes of embankment to be designed so that pollutants do not enter water bodies.

• Construction vehicles and equipment to be properly maintained and fuelled so that oil and diesel spillage do not contaminate soil.

• Fuel storage and refueling sites to be kept away from drainage channels.

• Oil and grease traps to be provided at fuelling locations to prevent contamination of water

• Unusable debris shall be dumped in nearest landfill sites.

• Waste oil to be sold off to authorized vendors.

• Water quality to be monitored as envisaged in the EMP.

Contractor via bid documents

NHA, Environmental Consultant

28 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of

impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Creation and burning of waste at/or near camp site

Solid, liquid waste generated, and air pollution associated with burning garbage

Air pollution associated with burning garbage

Around campsites

Throughout construction and aftermath

Moderate • Disallow siting of work camps, including waste dumpsites, closer than 1 km to any inhabited areas.

• Incorporate technical design features for refuse collection containers and sites that would minimize burning impacts.

• Devise plan for safe handling, storage, and disposal of harmful materials.

• Disallow burning.

Contractor via bid documents

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Health and safety at work place

Health risk if work conditions provide unsafe and/or unfavorable work conditions.

Relevant for entire construction area. Throughout operation of work camps

Upon establishing camp sites and throughout operation of work camps

High • Obligatory insurance against work accidents for laborers

• Provide basic medical training to specified work staff and basic medical service and supplies to workers.

• Layout plan for camp site indicating safety measures taken by the contractor (e.g., fire fighting equipment, safe storage of hazardous materials, first aid, security, fencing, and contingency measures in case of accidents).

• Work safety measures and good workmanship practices to ensure no health risk for laborers

• Protection devices (earmuffs) to be provided to workers operating in high noise generating machines, when blasting.

• Proper maintenance of facilities for workers

• Regular pest control measures in dormitories

• Obligatory warning of work staff if pest hazard is imminent or detected

• Awareness campaigns for protection from AIDS/HIV/Hepatitis

Contractor via bid documents

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Appendix 1 29

Institutional Responsibility

Project

Activities Type(s) of

Impact Potential

Impacts on Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Soil and Borrow Material, Rock Blasting or Cutting; Cut and Fill Rock cutting, blasting required in hilly areas

Environmental sustainability, safety issue. Uncontrolled explosions can trigger landslides and affect hydraulic regime. Groundwater channels or springs might be disturbed.

Falling rocks: entire area becomes unsustainable, unsafe. Road is blocked regularly.

7.3-22 km plus 27 km onward and a few patches

Throughout the lifetime of the project

High • Design for step and/or bench cutting, use of low impact explosives, going to riverside on turning to extend road instead touching rocks.

• Pre-blasting geological, geomorphologic and hydrological studies.

• Application of good engineering and construction practices.

• Consulting of experienced explosive expert to be mandatory.

• Small interactive blast and shorter distance instead of massive loads

• Blasting from top to bottom of hill

• Secure wider area by providing visual and sound warning.

• Provision of protective equipment for staff

• Provide contingency plans, standby first aid equipment, and heavy bulldozers.

• Safe storage of explosives at site as per international explosive storage guidelines

• Compliance with all precautionary measures and obligations stipulated by law and/or authorities concerned with use of explosives

Contractor via bid documents

NHA, Environmental Consultant

30 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Disposal of hill cuttings

Surplus hill-cut rock pieces can block or alter waterways, contributing to erosion.

Sourcing fill material and disposing of excess materials, transporting of excess materials

At prospective blasting site

As applicable during construction

Medium • Design to optimize cut and fill net balance.

• Contractor needs to submit a plan for using and/or proper disposal of surplus material in a way to prevent blockage (and higher erosion) of surface waters as well as dumping of this in valleys or in designated forest areas.

Contractor via bid documents

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Disposal of surplus material, storing material for reuse

Physical environment

Water pollution from runoff of discarded asphalt, loss of productive land due to dust

Along the full length of the highway

At start of construction

Low • Asphalt to be collected for reuse

• Waste disposed in controlled landfill

• Water spraying to reduce dust

Contractor via bid documents

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Digging borrow pit areas

Physical environment

Borrow pits collect water; malarial mosquitoes

The entire length will require fill to raise the level of the highway

Early in construction

Low • Use approved borrow areas. Borrow road made good completion of the contract

• Inspection of sites

Contractor via bid documents

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Appendix 1 31

Institutional Responsibility

Project

Activities Type(s) of

Impact Potential

Impacts on Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Excavation of earth from borrow areas, embankment works, cutting operations, embanking, clearing of vegetation

Changes of topographic characteristic, loss of topsoil, impact on agriculture, soil erosion, loss of vegetation habitat

Aesthetic, water storage, seepage, agricultural impacts, soil erosion, interrupting pathways

Borrow areas at or near agricultural and irrigation areas, and at all sites where high embankments are required (e.g., near bridges)

Long lasting Medium • Agricultural areas to be avoided for borrowing of materials.

• Contractors must obtain approval from NHA for excavation and for plan of rehabilitating site after excavation.

• Remove top soil and reintroduce for returning to nature.

• In areas with strong flash flow, high embankments are provided to minimize soil erosion.

• Stone pitching and/or retaining walls at high embankments in critical areas

• As applicable and needed, planting of grasses and shrubs will be done for slope protection.

• Soil erosion check measures adopted, such as forming sediment basins, slope drains.

• Soil erosion along road to be visually checked, as in EMP.

• Ensure adequate crossings.

• Construct bridges or underpasses where required.

NHA, in bid documents for contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Quarrying materials

Physical environment

Cuts scar natural hillsides

In mountain section

During construction

Low Fill should be available.

• Use existing quarry sites. Contractor via bid documents

NHA, Environmental Consultant

32 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely to

happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Acquisition of sub-base material, procurement of construction materials

Degradation of existing riverbeds, alteration of surface and groundwater regime, land use conflict, soil erosion, change of hydraulic patterns, and landscape degradation by use of quarries and borrow areas

At agricultural sites and at demarcated areas, quarries and borrow areas

Long term effects

Medium • Excavation in farmlands and riverbeds to be prohibited, unless authorized by local irrigation departments responsible for river works

• Maximum use of existing quarries from approved and in-use quarry sites

• Selection through community consultation, which could subsequently be developed into fishponds or other productive purposes.

• River excavation to be executed in close cooperation and upon approval from relevant authority.

• No productive land or land adjacent to agricultural/irrigated land will be used.

• Nonproductive barren lands in broken terrain, nullahs, and publicly recognized wastelands should be given preference as recommended for borrowing materials.

• Procuring aggregate required for road construction from quarries needs approval from NHA.

NHA, in bid documents for contractor

NHA Environmental Consultant

Appendix 1 33

Institutional Responsibility

Project

Activities Type(s) of

Impact Potential

Impacts on Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Borrow pit land lease agreement

Land disputes, soil erosion, lost potential of cropland, loss of vegetation, and landscape degradation

All borrow sites in entire project area

During construction, before starting borrow excavation, upon completion of excavation

Low • Contractor must obtain any necessary No Objection Certificate for borrow pits from the competent authorities, including NHA.

• Contractor must present a copy of agreement made with the landowner to NHA.

• Contractor makes a biophysical inventory of site(s), including complete photographic documentation, and presents it to NHA for verification and to be used as criteria for rehabilitation obligations.

Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Borrow pit excavation activities

Soil erosion, damage to road embankment, public health risk

All borrow sites in entire project area

During borrow, upon completion of excavation

Low • No excavations are allowed within 100 m of the right-of-way

• In borrow pits, depth of pit to be regulated so sides of the excavation will have slopes steeper than 1:4.

• Soil erosion along borrow pits to be regularly checked to prevent or mitigate impacts on adjacent lands.

• In case borrow pits fill with water, measures to be taken to prevent mosquito breeding sites

Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

34 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Provisions for rehabilitation of borrow pit

Soil erosion, derelict land uses, conflicts, aesthetics in landscape, public health risk due to development of mosquito breeding pits

All borrow sites entire project area

Upon completion of excavation

Low • Abandoning borrow areas without proper rehabilitation measures will be disallowed and subject to penalties.

• Contractor’s agreement with landowners must determine options and appropriate measures for rehabilitation of borrow pit as approved by NHA (e.g. reshaping borrow site into a desired land use, such as irrigation, field, fishpond).

• Replanting aimed at doubling numbering of trees removed from site

Contractor via bid documents

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Storage, handling, and transport of hazardous construction materials

Work safely and human health risk

At all construction sites and all along construction sites

Throughout construction period

Low • Provision of protective items for laborers handling hazardous materials (e.g. helmets, adequate footwear for bituminous pavement works, protective goggles, gloves, etc.).

• Strictly enforce use of protective clothing during work activities.

NHA, in bid documents for contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Appendix 1 35

Institutional Responsibility

Project

Activities Type(s) of

Impact Potential

Impacts on Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Creation of construction waste material and spoil management

Contamination of soil and water from waste and/or quarry materials, and impact on landscape value

Air, water, and solid waste generation, filling of river bed

All construction sites and entire project area, at possible sites that will be examined to prevent contamination

During construction

High • All spoils to be disposed of in environmentally-friendly manner and sites to be restored to original conditions.

• Non-bituminous and bituminous waste to be disposed of in an identified dumping site approved by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• If spoil material develops, pits will be used after examination for potential soil and/or water contamination risk. Spoils will then be covered with conglomerates.

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Transporting material to site

Physical environment

Creation of noise, fumes, and dust

Along right-of-way

During construction

Medium • Haul roads to be dust controlled; all vehicles carrying loose friable material to be covered.

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Filling deficit areas

Physical environment

Local flooding problems

For location of cross drainage, see annex.

During initial construction

Medium • Ensure sufficient drainage flow

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Sociocultural Creation of noise

All along right-of-way

During construction

Medium • Vehicles to be well maintained

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Physical environment

Creation of dust

All along right-of-way

During construction

Medium • Watering of fill area during filling

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Ecological Interrupting pathways

At points all along right-of-way

During initial construction

High • Natural pathways to be reinstated.

• Construction of underpasses

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

36 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Crushing rock for pavement

Physical environment

Dust emissions from crusher and screening plant

Crusher will be established at strategic location along route.

During crushing operations

Medium • Crushers to be fitted with dust suppression equipment.

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Constructing pavement, laying base course, cleaning surplus

Physical environment, runoff of hydrocarbons during “curing” period

Noise, dust, and water

All along road surface

During construction

Low, if adequate precautions taken.

• Supervision of construction to ensure proper techniques

• Lay asphalt only during dry period

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Laying of asphalt

Physical environment

Emission of dust and fumes from asphalt plant

In asphalt batching plant area

In latter stages of construction

Low • Ensure workers use appropriate clothing

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Physical environment

Runoff of hydrocarbons during “curing” period

On length of road where surface laying is taking place

Within 48 hours of laying asphalt

Low, if laying of asphalt does not occur in rain.

• Lay asphalt during dry periods

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Construction of structures, bridges, and underpasses

Sociocultural Severance of local population

At points where road crosses established tracks

During construction

Low, if crossings are provided.

• Ensure provision of adequate crossing points

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Fencing / animal crossing

Ecological Accidents involving animals

On established animal crossing points

After completion of road

Low, if crossings are provided.

• Ensure provision of adequate crossing points

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Rehabilitating site, restoring topsoil

Ecological Soil erosion, if site not revegetated.

At all sites where afforestation is required

During heavy rains

Low • Revegetate, where necessary.

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Planting trees Ecological Introduction of appropriate species

Alongside new road

After construction

Medium • Use forest department to select appropriate plants. Require approved plan to be prepared and used

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Sociocultural Trees create safety hazard

Where trees are planted

Once trees have matured

Medium • Planting scheme to include shrubs close to road barrier

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Removal of construction camp

Sociocultural Adverse effect on residents

At camps After completion of construction

Low, if proper closure plan implemented

• Supervise and enforce closure plan.

• Monitor.

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Appendix 1 37

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Closure Plan Clearing site Damage not

restored on departure

• Planting scheme to include shrubs close to road barrier

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Utilities Disruption Disruption in public utilities

Affected utilities create disruption of public services and economics

To be checked all along the project corridor

Construction period

None, if organized in a timely manner and implemented; otherwise intermediate.

• Timely notifications and consultations with respective agencies

• All public utilities (e.g. water pipes, power and telephone lines) likely to impacted by the expressway construction need to be relocated well ahead of works commencement

NHA to notify all concerned line agencies

Respective departments of NHA

Water Issues Use of water for construction and consumption for human use

Conflict with local water demand under very limited supply

Throughout project areas

During construction

• Contractor will arrange for water required for construction in such a way that water availability and supply nearby to communities remain unaffected.

• For construction purposes, water shall be drawn from groundwater bodies on priority and as available.

• Contractors will dig 4-5 deep bore wells to be used for their requirements and later on hand over to the community.

NHA, in bid documents for Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

38 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Spillage of liquid waste

Risk of polluting surface and groundwater from spillage, drainage, and runoff from construction sites

7-22 km, throughout area with surface waters, throughout project area

During construction

Low • Regular water quantity monitoring according to determined sampling schedule

• Contractor shall ensure that construction debris does not find its way into the drainage or river.

• To maintain surface water flow and/or drainage, proper mitigation measures will be taken along the road, like drainage structures in urban areas.

• Prohibit washing of machinery and vehicles in surface waters; provide sealed washing basins and collect wastewater in sedimentation and/or retention ponds

NHA, through independent monitoring agency Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Earthwork, stonework, and, other construction activities

Contamination of water due to construction waste

Throughout project road, approved dumpsite

During construction

Low • Construction work close to river or other water bodies to be avoided, especially during monsoon period.

• Take precautions by constructing temporary and permanent devices to prevent water pollution due to increased situations with erosion potential.

• Waste must be collected, stored, and taken to approved disposal site.

Contractor Environmental Consultant

NHA

Appendix 1 39

Institutional Responsibility

Project

Activities Type(s) of

Impact Potential

Impacts on Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Air Pollution Control Vehicular movement and operation of machinery

Emission from construction vehicles and machinery, causing public health risk, nuisance, and other impacts on biophysical environment

Dust and other emissions

Workshops of contractor camp site

Throughout construction period

Low • All temporary service and access roads to be regularly water-sprayed to minimize the dust generation. Haul roads to be dust controlled, and all vehicles carrying loose friable material to be covered.

• All machinery and plants will be placed at least 5 km downwind from human settlement.

• All vehicles, equipment and machinery used for construction to be regularly maintained to ensure that pollution emission levels conform to National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS)

• Air quality parameters to be monitored, as determined.

• Sites and schedule determined by NHA.

• Incorporate design features to enable continuous traffic flow and avoid traffic jams.

Contractor, Approved labs

NHA, Environmental Consultant, EPA

40 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Operation of asphalt, mix plants, crushers, etc

Dust generation from construction machines causing health risk to operating workers and impact on biophysical environment

Dust emissions from crusher and screening plant, emissions of dust and fumes from asphalt plant

At sites of plants, crushers

Throughout construction period

High • Ensure precautions to reduce dust emissions from mixers, plants, crushers, and batching plants (e.g., providing with dust extraction units). Crushers to be fitted with dust suspension equipment.

• Water will be sprayed in lime, cement, and earth mixing sites.

• Work safety measures, such as dust masks and appropriate clothing, to be used to ensure no health risk for operators

• Equipment to be well maintained.

• Asphalt plants to be located a few km away from populated areas (downwind) and many have wet scrubber.

Contractor NHA, Environmental Consultant

Transportation of materials, and other construction activities that create dust and emissions

Dust and emissions from machines causing health risk to operators; Impacts on biophysical environment

Throughout project road, construction sites near major settlements

During construction

Low • Vehicles delivering loose and fine materials, like sand and fine aggregates, shall be covered to reduce spills on existing road.

• Ambient air quality monitoring be carried out in accordance with the EMP.

• If monitored parameters are above prescribed NEQS limits, suitable control measures must be taken.

Contractor, Environmental Consultant, Approved monitoring lab

NHA, Environmental Consultant, EPA

Appendix 1 41

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Noise Pollution Operation of construction machinery, use of explosives for rock cutting and blasting, replanting on right-of-way

Noise from vehicles, asphalt plants, and equipment; explosive usage for rocks cutting

At mix plant, batching plants, and construction sites; built-up areas; schools along the length of project road; monitoring at above sample sites

During construction

Medium • Plants, vehicles, and equipment to strictly conform to NEQS-specified noise standards

• Vehicles and equipment used will be fitted, as applicable, with silencers and properly maintained.

• In urban areas, construction activities will be restricted to daytime.

• Noise barriers in sensitive areas (in front of schools, hospitals, mosques)

• Public consultations to find appropriate solutions and materials to control noise (e.g., mud and brick walls, brushes, etc.).

• Use controlled blasting techniques. Advise timing of blast so as not to alarm locals.

• In accordance with EMP, noise measurements to be carried out at locations and schedules specified to ensure effectiveness of mitigation measures.

• Use Forest Department to select appropriate plants. Require approved plan to be prepared and used.

• Noise protection work for selected critical locations

Contractor, Approved agency

NHA, Environmental Consultant

42 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Fauna and Flora; Wildlife and Adjacent Ecological Sensitive Areas Access to sensitive areas and fragile ecosystem

Poaching of wildlife, collecting wild plants, disturbance of river habitats

Disturbance to ecologically sensitive areas adjacent or near to expressway

Near river banks

Throughout construction period

Low • Use of firewood for cooking and execution of work to be prohibited.

• No open fires allowed. • Restoration of damaged

vegetated areas. • Strict instructions to contractors’

staffs (particularly the cooks) with respect to poaching local wildlife

• Signage for wildlife crossing to raise attention

• Assist in public awareness program.

• Patrolling and enforcement

Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Road Safety and Community Life Vehicular movement at construction sites and access to service roads

Accident risk, particularly affecting local communities, which are not familiar with presence of heavy equipment

Throughout project expressway, particularly near the settlements and sensitive locations (schools, hospitals, mosques, etc.)

Throughout construction period

Low • Timely public notification on planned construction works

• Close consultation with local communities to identify optimal solutions for construction activities to maintain community integrity and social links

• Seek cooperation with local education facilities (teachers) for road safety campaigns.

• Provision of proper safety signage, particularly at urban areas and at sensitive or accident-prone spots.

• Setting up speed limits in close consultation with locals

• Ensure such proper facilities as bus bays, taxi stands, passengers waiting shelters, etc.

• If identified, consider additional guardrails at accident-prone stretches and sensitive locations.

Contractor, Motorway police

NHA, Environmental Consultant

Appendix 1 43

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Risk associated with construction activities

Accident and health risks

At all project work sites

Throughout construction period

Low • Ensure safely code for work staff is observed, including provision and wearing of safety equipment required for specific works (e.g. helmets, dust masks, ear muffs, safety goggles, etc.).

• At every construction site, a readily available and fully equipped first aid unit to be provided, including a staff with basic medical knowledge.

• Elaboration of contingency planning in case of major accidents

• Instruct foremen to strictly enforce the keeping out of worksites non-working persons, particularly children.

• Adequate signage, lighting devices, barriers, persons with flags during construction to manage traffic at construction sites, and on haulage and access roads

• Road safety education be provided to drivers operating construction vehicles.

Contractor

NHA, Environmental Consultant

44 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project

Activities Type(s) of

Impact Potential

Impacts on Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Social Impacts Cultural differences between contractor and locals

Local residents may resist contractors attitudes; cultural clashes, and particularly when nonlocal contractors are engaged.

Entire project area, especially populated areas

Throughout construction period

Medium • Timely and full public consultation and announcement of mobilizing equipment

• Establishment of formal links with affected communities

• Plans for social grievance redress mechanisms, including community leaders

• Seek assistance from and cooperation with local nongovernment organizations.

Contractor, in close consultation with local authorities, notables, and nongovernment organizations

NHA, Social consultants

Conflict arising due to a mix of local and nonlocal job seekers

Social disturbance and dissatisfaction with employing outsiders

Entire project area especially populated blanches

Throughout construction period

Medium • Familiarize outside laborers on local costumes.

• Aim for contractors to employ local (unskilled) labor for construction works.

• An agreed minimum unskilled labor employment rate to be discussed.

Contractor NHA, Social consultants

Appendix 1 45

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely to

happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Use of local resources and product

Competition for natural resources (e.g., with farmers, livestock raisers, and nomads for rangelands and water).

Agricultural area with tube well and canal irrigation and limited water availability

Throughout construction period

Low • Water supply and sanitation facilities, so that labor will not exacerbate environmental hazards. Contractors should primarily seek their own sources of water by deep well boring at 4–5 locations in due distance (minimum 1 km.) from local users as wells

• Ensure laborers do not exploit adjacent forest resources (e.g., ban on tree cutting).

Contractor NHA, Social consultants

Archeological Sites Encountering archeological sites during earthworks and construction

Impacts of historically important sites and damage to fossils, artifacts, tombs, structure, and others, as defined in 1975 Antiques Act

If sites of special interest not identified and flagged, contractors may inadvertently cause damage.

Throughout entire project area, including borrow sites

Throughout construction period

Low • Carry out archeological inspection identifying all sensitive areas prior to construction.

• In case of finding any archeological artifact structure, tomb, etc, the contractor must immediately halt all works and contact the Archeological Department.

• In the event of such finding, the contractor has the duty to secure the site against any intrusion until an archeological expert will decide on further action.

Contractor NHA, Social consultants

46 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely to

happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Operations Phase Water and Soil Drainage of runoff from roads into water bodies

Physical congestion of drainage structures in urban areas

Localized flooding

At natural drainage points in built-up areas

When road operates and in rainy season, as required

Medium • Adopt performance specified maintenance contracts

• Ensure proper cleaning scheme for keeping drainage structure clear of debris and blockage.

Local government, NHA

NHA

Road operation –water quality

Physical water pollution from storm waters

Drinking water quality deteriorates

At water abstraction points

When road operates

Medium • Provide check dams and soak pits to filter runoff.

• Water quality monitoring will be carried out during operation phase according to schedule approved by NHA.

• If monitored parameters are above prescribed limits, suitable control measures be adopted.

NHA Approved lab

NHA

Vehicular movement

Contamination from spills due to traffic and accidents

Throughout project area

As incidents occur

Medium • Accidental spillage to be cleared and disposed of immediately and properly

NHA, Local Authorities, EPA

NHA, Environmental consultants, EPA

Appendix 1 47

Institutional Responsibility

Project

Activities Type(s) of

Impact Potential

Impacts on Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Ambient Air Quality Induced vehicular traffic movement

Emissions from vehicular traffic causing public health risk, nuisance, and other impacts on the biophysical environment

Adverse effects on residents from noise and dust

Where applicable, along full length of road; for urban areas and sensitive spots

Scheduled as per NHA roadside plantation scheme; according to schedule defined in the monitoring plan

Low – traffic generation will be minimal

• Roadside tree plantation as applicable and feasible under harsh climatic condition; plants should be selected according to their abilities to absorb emissions.

• Regular road maintenance to ensure good surface condition

• Speed limits at sensitive locations

• Monitoring air quality at defined schedule

• Regular vehicle check to control and ensure compliance with NEQS

• Enforcement and penalties against traffic rules violation

NHA, Environmental Consultant, Motorway Police

NHA, Environmental Consultant, EPA

Increased traffic intensity

Increase of air pollution and associated health risk for roadside residents

air pollution and associated health risk

Built-up areas, school, mosques, hospitals

When road operates, heavy traffic; throughout project life

Low – traffic generation will be minimal

• Incorporate design features for continuous traffic flow and avoiding congestion.

• Include design measures to prevent blockage of bus bays and highways by street vendors, particularly in the vicinity of local markets.

Design Engineer NHA. Environmental Consultant

48 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Noise Level and Vibrations Induced vehicular traffic movement

Traffic-related noise pollution and vibrations from engines, tires, and use of (pressure) horns

At towns and villages, as applicable at sensitive spots

At schedule defined in the monitoring plan

Low – traffic generation will be minimal

• Noise measurements to be carried out at locations and schedule specified by NHA to ensure the effectiveness of mitigation measures, (e.g., speed limits and noise control plantations at sensitive spots).

• According to monitoring results, additional sound barriers in form of trees and hedges be discuss with the affected public and planted agreed

• Signs for sensitive zones (health centers/ educational institutions etc.) will to disallow the use of pressure horns;

• Enforcement and penalties against traffic rules violators

NHA, Environmental Consultant, Motorway Police

NHA, Environmental Consultant, EPA

Increased traffic intensity

Increase of noise pollution and associated health risks for roadside residents

Traffic noise pollution and associated health risks for roadside residents

Built-up areas, school, mosques, hospitals, noise sensitive dwellings. See Road survey forms for full details.

When road operates, heavy traffic; throughout project life

Low – traffic generation will be minimal

• Incorporate design features for continuous traffic flow and avoiding congestion.

• Include design measures to prevent blockage of bus bays and highways by street vendors, particularly in the vicinity of local markets.

• Consider noise barriers in sensitive areas.

Design Engineer NHA, Environmental Consultant

Appendix 1 49

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Fauna and Flora Roadside right-of-way plantation

Maintenance of flora

Soil erosion if site not revegetated. Acts as sound barrier and against adverse effects on residents from noise and dust.

Throughout project road

Operation stage Low • Vegetative barriers to lessen visual and other impacts.

• Monitoring of survival of trees at the specified rate and suitable measures should be taken to protect trees.

• Efforts will be made to properly maintain greenery and aesthetics.

In consultation with social and forestry departments, NHA Maintenance

NHA

Road Safety Vehicular movement

Accidental harm to wildlife and trees close to expressway

Trees closed to road create safety hazards

Unpopulated areas

Both at night and during the day

Low • Provision of proper safety signage

• Setting up speed limits • Proper lighting management

at petrol stations, bus and truck stops

• Display of signboards alerting drivers’ attention to wildlife and environmental issues related to safe driving and wildlife encounters

• Special educational signboards at times when migratory birds tend to approach the expressway

• Planting scheme to include shrubs close to road as barriers

NHA

NHA

Fast to access to sensitive areas

Poaching on wildlife; disturbance of fragile ecosystem

Throughout project road

Operation stage Low • Display of signboards explaining wildlife and other ecological values

• Support nongovernment organizations advocating against hunting of endangered species (houbara).

• Patrolling and enforcement

NHA, Forest and Wildlife Department

NHA

50 Appendix 1

Institutional Responsibility

Project Activities

Type(s) of Impact

Potential Impacts on

Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Vehicular movement

Accidents involving hazardous materials

At any location that such accident occurs

Operation stage Low • In case of spillage, report to relevant departments to be made.

• Clearing of spills of oil, toxic chemicals or other materials as early as possible

NHA, Local authorities, Motorway Police

NHA

Vehicular movement

General road safety issues

Throughout project road

Operation stage Low • Traffic management plan to be developed, especially along congested locations.

• Traffic control measures, including speed limits, to be enforced.

NHA, Local authorities, Motorway Police

NHA

Higher speed traffic

Sociocultural More accidents due to increase traffic speeds

Along new divided highway

As soon as road opens

Medium • Provide enhanced signs and markers.

• Effective traffic enforcement

NHA NHA

Social and Economic Development Increase in facilities, mobility, access, and shipment of goods

Impacts related to desired and undesired development following road sector project

Throughout project road

Operation stage Low • Control of encroachment and ribbon development along new expressway

• Control and enforcement against smuggling and other crimes

• Tourism development needs to be supported and linked with ecotourism

NHA, Local authorities, Motorway Police

NHA

Appendix 1 51

Institutional Responsibility

Project

Activities Type(s) of

Impact Potential

Impacts on Environment

Where the impact is likely

to happen

When the impact is likely

to occur

Magnitude of impacts

Mitigation Measures

Implementation Supervision Road transporters increase activities

Sociocultural More problems of drugs, prostitution, and sexually transmitted diseases

Along new divided highway

As soon as road opens

Low – traffic generation likely to be minimal

• Crime control, sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS program undertaken in parallel.

NHA NHA

Maintenance Maintenance activities

Physical; localized flooding due to inadequate maintenance

Blocking of drains with dust; deterioration of shoulders; road blockage

Along new divided highway

As soon as road opens

Medium • Adopt performance specified maintenance contracts.

NHA

NHA

Road surface deterioration

Physical Surface quality declines

Along new divided highway

As soon as road opens

Medium • Incorporate overweight charges in toll regime.

• Install weighbridges.

NHA

NHA

Other Matters Change in alignment after initial environmental examination is completed

Physical, biological, and socioeconomic impacts

Physical, biological and Socioeconomic resources

Along new alignment

Project duration Low to high • Review potential impacts. If significant change in alignment will be undertaken, additional initial environmental examination will need to be conducted.

NHA NHA

EPA = Environmental Protection Agency, EMP = environmental management plan, NEQS = National Environmental Quality Standards, NHA = National Highway Authority. Source: Global Environmental Technologies for Ministry of Communications. 2005. Peshawar Torkham Expressway Section Environmental Impact Assessment. Pakistan.

52 Appendix 2

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR N5 PESHAWAR–TORKHAM EXPRESSWAY

Environmental Component

Project Stages Parameters Locations Frequency Standards Approximate

Cost (Rs) Implementing

Supervision

Construction PM10, SO2, NOx, CO

(1) at 5–10 m distance from all plants, crushers, batching

(2) Peshawar Takhhtabaig, km 0

(3) Ali Masjid, km 22 (4) Landikotal bypass, 37 km (5) Torkham border, km 52

PM10, for continuous 8 hours, on monthly schedule

WHO/USEPA guidelines, NEQS

6*12*20,000 = 1.44 million

Contractor Independent Contract

NHA, Environmental Consultant, EPA

Air quality

Operation SPM, RPM, NOx, SOx CO, HC, Pb

(1) at km 0 (2) at km 22 (3) at km 37 (4) at km 52

For continuous 8 hours, on quarterly bases

WHO/ USEPA Standards, NEQS

4*4*30,000 = 480,000

Independent Contract

NHA, Environmental Consultant, EPA

Construction pH, NaCl, BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, DO, NHx coliforms hardness, nitrate, hydrocarbon, Pb

(1) 5 sites for surface, piped, and spring water sources: Jabba spring, Jabba stream, Ali Masjid stream, Ali Masjid underground well from drinking water pipes, Mata Khel water tank, Michini Check Post piped water supply

Quarterly WHO and NEQS

4*5*30,000 = 600,000

Independent Contract

NHA, Environmental Consultant, EPA

Water Quality

Operation pH, NaCl, BOD, COD, TDS, dissolved O2, NHx, coliforms, hydrocarbon

(1) 5 sites, as above

Quarterly WHO and NEQS

4*5*25,000 = 500,000

Independent Contract

NHA, Environmental Consultant, EPA

Noise Levels Construction

dBA

At construction sites in settlement areas (1) at km 0 (2) at km 7 during explosive

usage (3) at km 22 (4) at km 37 (5) at km 52

Twice in 8 hours at selected sites at 1 m, 7.5 m, 15 m, and 50 m from right-of-way, Quarterly

EPA Ambient Noise standards

4*5*8*2,000 = 320,000

Independent Contract

NHA Environmental Consultant, EPA

Appendix 2 53

Environmental Component

Project Stages Parameters Locations Frequency Standards Approximate

Cost (Rs) Implementing

Supervision

Operation dBA (1) at km 0 (2) at km 7 (3) at km 22 (4) at km 37 (5) at km 52

Twice in 8 hr at selected sites at 1 m, 7.5 m, 15 m, and 50 m from right-of-way, Quarterly

EPA Ambient Noise standards

4*5*8*2,000 = 320,000

Independent Contract

NHA, Environmental Consultant, EPA

Construction (1) Visual inspection for damages on embankment and structures

(2) Heavy metal contaminants

(3) Check inspection

All along road alignment, especially drainage and oil spill prevention measures At reported sites with spillage and contamination All along the alignment

Daily On occurrence, with immediate effect Quarterly

No erosion damage engineering standards NEQS Engineering standards

Contractors cost 12*30,000 = 360,000

Contractor When required NHA

NHA, Environmental and Design Consultants EPA NHA EPA EPA

Soil Erosion and Contamination

Operation (1) Visual inspection for damages

(2) Heavy metal contaminants

All along road alignment, At reported sites with spillage and contamination

According to NHA maintenance schedule on occurrence, with immediate effect

Engineering standards NEQS

NHA Maintenance Budget

NHA Maintenance Budget

EPA EPA

Construction Visual inspection of plant species survival rate and status of maintenance

(1) At sites where plantation was carried out

(2) At site within right-

of-way with experimental plantation of scrubs

(1) One month after plantation

(2) One year after plantation

1 month, 3 months 6 months, 12 months after planting

75 % survival rate

3*30,000 = 90,000 4*2*10,000 =80,000

Independent Contract NHA and contracted firm

NHA, Environmental Consultant, Forest Department, EPA

Roadside Plantation

Operation Visual inspection of plant species survival rate and status of maintenance

At sites where plantation was carried out

(1) 2.5 years after plantation

75% survival rate

1*30,000 = 30,000

Independent Contract

NHA, Environmental Consultant, Forest Department, EPA

54 Appendix 2

Environmental Component

Project Stages Parameters Locations Frequency Standards Approximate

Cost (Rs) Implementing

Supervision

Safety and Traffic Rules Compliance

Operation (1) Faulty, overloaded and speeding vehicles

(2) Inspection of signage

All along the road, with spot check at accident-prone black spots

Quarterly basis, for 3 years

To be determined

Highway Police Budget

Highway Police

Highway Police

dBA = decibels (measured in the audible range), EPA = Environmental Protection Authority, NEQS = National Environmental Quality Standards, NHA = National Highway Authority, PM10 = particulate matter smaller than about 10 micrometers, ROW = right-of-way, SPM = suspended particulate matter, TSS = total suspended solids, USEPA = United States Environmental Protection Agency, WHO = World Health Organization. Source: Global Environmental Technologies for Ministry of Communications. 2005. Peshawar Torkham Expressway Section Environmental Impact Assessment. Pakistan.

Appendix 3 55

PUBLIC CONSULTATION AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS ALONG THE PROJECT CORRIDOR

Public Consultation

Number Date of

Consultation Place where consultation

was undertaken

Participants (number and

description of people)

Issues discussed during consultation

1. 6 August 2005

Ali Mosque Bazar Tehsil Jamrud

30 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Haji Pakistan • Hyder • Rehman • Ayyab • Khasta Jan • Khatab Ali • Naeem Khan • Mudmair Khan • Muhammad

Saddique • Sher Baz Khan

• Avoid relocation of religious structures like mosques and graves as much as possible. If such structures fall along the planned route, then the route should be changed as most of the population will not like to disturb these religious structures.

• Clearance of the route should be done before starting the construction work, especially removal of trees, infrastructure (electricity lines), etc., which may cause accidents during the construction time.

• There must be provision to accommodate our local population for job opportunities during the Project’s execution stage.

• Local population will have to face noise and dust pollution during the construction, which should be minimized to the greatest possible extent.

• Contractor should use the proper tracks and roads when accessing the construction sites instead of damaging adjoining land, crops, etc.

• Contractor should take due care and to respect the women during their daily activities.

• Delay in compensation will cause an adverse affect on the livelihoods of the population, especially the affected persons. Therefore, compensation prior to project execution will be essential.

56 Appendix 3

Public Consultation

Number Date of

Consultation Place where consultation

was undertaken

Participants (number and

description of people)

Issues discussed during consultation

2. 7 August 2005

Under Shede Tree Shrines Tehsil Jamrud

20 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Abdul Jalal • Khan Sharif • Shah Mahmood • Zawar Khan • Manugay Khan

• This Project will be very useful for enhancing the income generation and ultimately reducing poverty, due to increased off-farm employment activities, and daily commuters will help to supplement incomes. In addition, the local population, and especially the affected persons, must be deployed to various skilled and unskilled activities, such as drivers and laborers.

• Compensation for loss of houses, tube wells, motor pump wells, etc, should be on the basis of local market rates to install these infrastructures and should be made prior to executing the project activities.

• Avoid the relocation of religious structures, like mosques and graves, as much as possible.

• Proper attention must be given to facilitating pedestrian and animal crossing during the project execution.

• Tree plantation along the route will be necessary to reduce air pollution.

3. 7 August 2005

Khasadar Check Post Tehsil Jamrud

10 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Muhammad

Saddique • Sher Baz Khan • Masood Khan

• The project staff, contractors and other people who will work on the Project should not disturb their females working in the fields and should not interrupt their mobility in their routine activities.

• The contractors should advise their staff not to hinder the women’s activities while walking from distant places for fetching drinking water, and they must take heed of all the customs and norms of the tribal system.

• Under the Project, the contractor should employ the local unskilled labor, especially those who will be directly affected by implementation of the Project.

Appendix 3 57

Public Consultation

Number Date of

Consultation Place where consultation

was undertaken

Participants (number and

description of people)

Issues discussed during consultation

• The compensation for loss of houses, tube wells, wells, water pumps, etc, should be on the basis of replacement value and should be made before starting the construction works.

• Compensation for loss of tress (shade trees, fruit trees, and trees for firewood) should be made through negotiation rather than using the predetermined government rates

4. 7 August 2005

Khasadar Check Post Near Mosque, Tehsil Jamrud

10 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Haji Merab Gull • Janaid Shah • Nasir Ahmad

• During construction, activities of the camps will pollute the perennial nullah (Khaur), which is the only source of water in the whole area. To avoid contamination, the contractor should arrange its own source of water to be used during the construction activities.

• As the availability of groundwater and wells along the project corridor is scarce, the contractor should hand over their installed water pumps to the community after completing road works. This will be an added benefit to the community’s water resources.

• There would be continuous dust pollution for a couple of years and other interruptions during the construction stage. Therefore, the contractor should use the best engineering practices to minimize the adverse effects and impacts.

• Contractor should use the proper tracks and roads as well as alternate routes during the road construction stage.

• Contractor should employ the local population during implementation of the Project, while not interrupting the privacy of the local women during their daily activities, which include to fetch drinking water, collect firewood, tend to the livestock grazing, etc.

58 Appendix 3

Public Consultation

Number Date of

Consultation Place where consultation

was undertaken

Participants (number and

description of people)

Issues discussed during consultation

5. 8 August 2005

Site of graveyard outside of Khwar Small portion, Tehsil Jamrud.

25 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Sardar Saraj • Zaher Shah • Nazir • Bahdar Khan • Muhammad

Baz • Ismail Khan • Haji Merab Gull • Junaid Shah

• The Project should provide special benefits to the local community, which would be the people potentially affected by the Project. Benefits would include proper and timely compensation for their damaged assets and structures, proper assistance in reconstructing similar structures, and to provide employment opportunities under the Project.

• Avoid shifting of graveyards to the greatest possible extent.

• There must be some alternate arrangements for traffic during the road construction, particularly at places where the proposed alignment will pass through the existing road.

• Control of speeding, overloading, traffic disorders, and construct speed breakers were requested, especially near the settlements along the project route.

• Tree plantation should be increased along the road to reduce air pollution and make a good environment along the road.

• Employ local labor (skilled as well as unskilled) during the project implementation.

• Birds hunting should be prohibited during the project implementation as well as the operational stage.

6. 8 August 2005

Government Primary School Khwar, Lala Chena, Tehsil Jamrud

30 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Abdul Ali • Hassan Ahmad

• The Project will provide a way to increase development and alleviate poverty in the area, and particularly in the backward areas and settlements along the perennial nullah (Khaur).

• Contractor should employ the local unskilled labor, especially those who are directly affected due to implementation of the Project.

• Reduce dust emissions from road shoulders by providing an asphalt surface.

Appendix 3 59

Public Consultation

Number Date of

Consultation Place where consultation

was undertaken

Participants (number and

description of people)

Issues discussed during consultation

• Said Zamir • Habibullah • Haji Khail

Masat

• Erect pedestrian overhead bridges, particularly near schools and settlements, along with a fence or partition wall between the highways.

• Build bus bays, passenger shelters, and parking areas, particularly for taxi stands.

• The price of land and compensation in accordance with it should be consulted with the community, the community elders, and the tribal elders (maliks).

• Compensation, resettlement, and relocation to the project affected persons should be made prior to execution of the Project.

• In addition to compensation for the structures removed, additional financial assistance will be required to erect structures at new locations.

• Compensation should be paid directly to the project affected persons.

• The acquisition of land can be made after consulting the elder of the tribe.

• Consultation with the community and tribal leader should be an integral part of the land acquisition process.

7. 9 August 2005

Bridge after Ali Mosque Tehsil Jamrud.

15 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Zaheer Shah • Nazir

• The installation of temporary arrangements, camps and other operational activities will disturb the existing resources, and especially the water resources, along the route as well as adjoining settlements. To avoid contamination, the contractor should install some additional sources of water to be utilized during the road construction activities.

60 Appendix 3

Public Consultation

Number Date of

Consultation Place where consultation

was undertaken

Participants (number and

description of people)

Issues discussed during consultation

• Lal Khan • Khalil

• During the road construction activities, the routine activities of the women will be affected. In other words, their privacy will be effected, which is very a very critical matter for tribal life.

• Contractor should employ the local unskilled laborers, and especially those who will be directly affected by the Project.

• Public facilities, including bus bays with passenger waiting shelters and latrines, service lanes, footpaths, pedestrian-crossing facilities, and fences.

• A tree plantation program to compensate for the anticipated loss of vegetation during construction activities, and to help abate pollution caused by emissions, dust, and noise during highway operation.

8. 10 August 2005

Tamir-e-Sirat Model School, Lala Chena, Tehsil Jamrud.

10 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Shahzehan

Khan • Habib Khan • Shahani Gul • Pehlwan Khan

• The compensation for loss of houses, tube wells, wells, hand pumps, etc, should be on the basis of replacement value and should be made prior to the start of construction activities.

• Loss of crops should be compensated as per market rates prevalent in the area.

• Compensation for loss of trees should be made on a negotiated basis, as government rates are significantly less than the market rates.

• The route alignment should be carried out in a way that it would minimally disrupt the community, community structures, and infrastructure.

• The Project should disrupt the minimum number of trees, as the areas already have too few trees along the route.

Appendix 3 61

Public Consultation

Number Date of

Consultation Place where consultation

was undertaken

Participants (number and

description of people)

Issues discussed during consultation

• In case of removing trees, proper compensation must be made to the affected persons, keeping in view the importance of shade trees, fruit trees, and trees for obtaining firewood. Furthermore, the same number of trees must be planted in the area.

• The route alignment should avoid the schools and settlements, as well as some sensitive locations (i.e., shrine, mosques, graveyards, etc.), where there is a frequent mobility of the local people.

9. 10 August 2005

Site Fish Hotel Tehsil Jamrud

20 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Hassan Gull • Malik Abdullah

Khan • Duran Khan • Daud Ahmad • Haji Ajab Khan

• Avoid shifting of mosques to the greatest possible extent, and avoid relocating/dismantling of mosques as well as other permanent structures.

• The affected persons should be compensated as per the prevailing rates in the market not as per the revenue record, which is generally less.

• Contractor should make the compensation prior to utilizing the land, as delayed compensation processes in some previous projects adversely affected our livelihood.

• In case of demolishing structures, proper compensation should be provided prior to the project implementation.

10. 11 August 2005

Ghar Uba Peshwar Torkham Road at 24 Km. (Village Khata Khushta)

10 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Fateh Shah • Sikandar Khan

• Contractor should use the proper means and ways along the route to access the construction site.

• There would be an adverse impact on the birds, so the contactor should not allow its staff to hunt birds and other animals in the vicinity of the project alignment.

• Project facilities will be located at a minimum distance of 500 m from existing settlements and built-up areas to avoid restricting the mobility of the local community (women, children, etc.).

62 Appendix 3

Public Consultation

Number Date of

Consultation Place where consultation

was undertaken

Participants (number and

description of people)

Issues discussed during consultation

• Rais Khan • Rab Nawaz • Naimat Khan • Anayatulla

• Sensitivity towards local customs and traditions will be encouraged to minimize social friction. Good relations with local communities will be promoted by encouraging contractors to provide opportunities for skilled and unskilled employment to locals, as well as on-the-job training in construction for young people.

• The entitlement policy framework for the Project incorporates stakeholder consultation as part of the resettlement plan.

• The loss of privately owned land or built-up property will be compensated on a replacement-cost basis.

11. 12 August 2005

Malaysia Check post at section-II.

12 persons (residents of locality) attended the meeting. Names of some prominent persons are given below: • Malik Jan Doud • Malik Ahmad • Rajwali Khan • Mirza Khan

• The Project route (alignment) should be demarcated in such a way that it would disrupt the minimum number of persons and families, structures, infrastructures, etc.

• The Project should disrupt the minimal number of trees, as the areas already have too few trees.

• The road construction should avoid the schools and settlements, as well as some sensitive location (i.e. shrine, mosques, graveyard. etc.). In certain cases, if removal or dismantling is necessary, reconstruction of a similar structure should be made in view of the local community’s needs.

• Contractor will be required to ensure that construction work does not hinder local people’s access to the local route and their ability to cross it safely. Constructing temporary ramps and diversion routes will facilitate pedestrians and livestock while crossing the highway.

Source: National Highway Authority, Pakistan.