Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (EIA of NBT-Zab Wind... · Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Proposed 100 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project 1 Environmental Management

Final ReportJanuary 2012

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS503, Anum Estate, Opp. Duty Free Shop, Main Shahrae Faisal, Karachi.

Phones: 9221-4311466, 4311467, Fax: 9221-4311467.

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Website: www.emc.com.pk

Envi ronmenta l Impact Assessment (E IA )

100 MW Wind Power Project at Dhabeji

NBT Wind Power Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd

D i s c l a i me r :

This report has Attorney – Client Privilege. Environmental Management Consultants Pakistan & URS

Pakistan has prepared this report in accordance with the instructions of NBT-Zab Wind Power Pakistan

(Pvt.) Ltd. for their sole and specific use. Any other persons who use any information contained herein do

so at their own risk. This report cannot be used in the court of law for any negotiation or standardization.

© Environmental Management Consultants 2012

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Proposed 100 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project

1 Environmental Management Consultants

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Name Of The Project ................................................................................................... 1

1.1.2 Location ....................................................................................................................... 1

1.1.3 Name of Project Proponent .......................................................................................... 1

1.1.4 Name of Environmental Consultant ............................................................................. 1

1.2 Brief Description of Project ....................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Proponent ................................................................................................................................... 2

1.3.1 The Mission ................................................................................................................. 2

1.3.2 Norwegian Energy Building Technology .................................................................... 3

1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment............................................................................................ 3

1.5 Objectives Of The Project ......................................................................................................... 3

1.6 Need for the Project ................................................................................................................... 3

1.6.1 Energy Overview ......................................................................................................... 3

1.6.2 Global Energy Supply Scenario/Global Demand Forecast .......................................... 7

1.6.3 Potential of Alternative Energy.................................................................................... 9

1.7 Benefits Of Wind Farm Development ..................................................................................... 11

1.7.1 Carbon Dioxide & GHG Emissions and Pollution .................................................... 11

1.7.2 Net Energy Gain ........................................................................................................ 12

1.7.3 Benefits of Establishment of the wind power generation system .............................. 12

1.8 Scope of EIA Study ................................................................................................................. 13

1.9 Basis of Project Categorization for Environmental Assessment ............................................. 14

1.9.1 Methodology for Environmental Assessment Study .................................................. 14

1.9.2 Methodology Adopted for Social Aspects ................................................................. 14

1.9.3 Project Specific Data Collection ................................................................................ 15

1.9.4 Preparation of Report ................................................................................................. 16

1.10 Structure of EIA Report ........................................................................................................... 17

1.11 EIA Study Team ...................................................................................................................... 17

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ............................................................................................................. 18

2.1 The Project............................................................................................................................... 18

2.2 Project Components ................................................................................................................. 18

2.3 Work Schedule ........................................................................................................................ 19

2.4 Macro-Site Selection ............................................................................................................... 20

2.5 Determination of Wind Energy Potential For Micro-siting ..................................................... 20

2.5.1 Wind Speed Monitoring ............................................................................................. 20

2.5.2 Wind Characteristics .................................................................................................. 21

2.6 Siting NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm In Dhabeji ........................................................................ 23

2.6.1 Wind power density ................................................................................................... 23

2.6.2 Wind Turbines ........................................................................................................... 23

2.6.3 Performance of Wind Turbines .................................................................................. 25

2.7 NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Generation Complex ................................................................ 26

2.7.1 Logistics ..................................................................................................................... 27

2.7.2 Access Road ............................................................................................................... 27

2.7.3 Vehicles and Traffic ................................................................................................... 27

2.8 Major Construction Activities ................................................................................................. 28

2.8.1 Siting The Wind Turbines .......................................................................................... 28

2.8.2 Electrical Collection System ...................................................................................... 29

2.8.3 Substations ................................................................................................................. 29

2.8.4 Operations & Maintenance Center ............................................................................. 29

2.8.5 Civil Construction ...................................................................................................... 29

2.8.6 Staff Requirement during Construction Phase ........................................................... 35

2.8.7 Supplies during Construction Phase .......................................................................... 35

2.8.8 Electricity ................................................................................................................... 35

2.8.9 Emissions and Discharges during Construction Phase .............................................. 35

2.8.10 Waste Management .................................................................................................... 36



2.8.11 Conservation of Water ............................................................................................... 36

2.8.12 Health, Safety & Environment ................................................................................... 36

2.8.13 Fire-Protection System ............................................................................................... 37

2.8.14 Fire Safety and Security ............................................................................................. 37

2.8.15 Employment ............................................................................................................... 37

2.8.16 Operational Activities ................................................................................................ 37

2.8.17 Staff ............................................................................................................................ 37

2.8.18 Supplies ...................................................................................................................... 37

2.8.19 Water .......................................................................................................................... 38

2.8.20 Waste Management .................................................................................................... 38

2.8.21 Noise .......................................................................................................................... 38

2.8.22 Operation & Maintenance .......................................................................................... 38

2.8.23 Decommissioning Activities ...................................................................................... 38

3.0 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 40

3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 40

3.2 National Environmental Policy, Legislation & Guidelines ..................................................... 40

3.2.1 National Conservation Strategy ................................................................................. 40

3.2.2 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 ........................................................... 41

3.2.3 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA) Regulations

2000 ........................................................................................................................... 41

3.2.4 The National Environmental Quality Standards ........................................................ 42

3.2.5 Policy for Development of Renewable Energy for Power Generation, GOP 2006 ... 42

3.2.6 Land Acquisition Act, 1894 ....................................................................................... 44

3.2.7 Pakistan Penal Code (1860) ....................................................................................... 44

3.2.8 Antiquities Act, 1975 ................................................................................................. 44

3.2.9 Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972 and Amendments 2001 ......................... 44

3.2.10 The IUCN Red List .................................................................................................... 45

3.2.11 The Forest Act, 1927.................................................................................................. 45

3.2.12 Civil Aviation Rules (1994) ....................................................................................... 46

3.2.13 The Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997 ...................................... 46

3.2.14 Sectoral guidelines for Environmental Reports – Wind Power Projects .................... 47

3.2.15 World bank Guidelines on Environment.................................................................... 47

3.2.16 Equator Principles ...................................................................................................... 48

3.2.17 IFC Performance Standards on Social and Environmental Sustainability ................. 49

3.2.18 IFC- Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines ................................................. 52

3.3 Approval and Leases Requirements ........................................................................................ 54

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL BASELINE .................................................................................... 55

4.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 55

4.2 Physical Environment .............................................................................................................. 55

4.2.1 Location ..................................................................................................................... 55

4.3 The Macro environment .......................................................................................................... 55

4.3.1 Physiography and Geology of Macro environment ................................................... 55

4.3.2 Physiography and Geology of Microenvironment ..................................................... 56

4.3.3 Physical Features ....................................................................................................... 56

4.3.4 Topography ................................................................................................................ 56

1. Plains and Plateau of Ghaggar Rann Pethani Interflows............................................ 56

2. Plains and Hills of the Coastal Belt ........................................................................... 57

4.3.5 Soil ............................................................................................................................. 57

4.3.6 Land Use .................................................................................................................... 57

4.3.7 Land Use in Microenvironment ................................................................................. 58

4.3.8 Seismicity ................................................................................................................... 58

1. Surjan Fault ................................................................................................................ 59

2. Jhimpir Fault .............................................................................................................. 60

3. Pab Fault .................................................................................................................... 60

4. Hab Fault.................................................................................................................... 60

5. Rann of Kutch Fault ................................................................................................... 60



4.3.9 Tsunamis .................................................................................................................... 62

4.3.10 Storms ........................................................................................................................ 63

4.3.11 Climate ....................................................................................................................... 64

4.3.12 Average Wind Speed ................................................................................................. 64

4.3.13 Temperature ............................................................................................................... 65

4.3.14 Precipitation ............................................................................................................... 66

4.3.15 Ambient Air Quality .................................................................................................. 68

4.3.16 Noise .......................................................................................................................... 69

4.3.17 Hydrology .................................................................................................................. 69

4.4 Biological Environment ........................................................................................................... 72

4.4.1 Site Selection ............................................................................................................. 72

4.4.2 Fauna .......................................................................................................................... 73

4.4.3 Flora ........................................................................................................................... 81

4.4.4 Wildlife Reserves & Endangered Species.................................................................. 82

4.4.5 Mangrove Ecosystem ................................................................................................. 83

4.4.6 Sensitive Areas of Archaeological and Historical significance ................................. 84

4.5 Socioeconomic Profile ............................................................................................................. 84

4.5.1 The Macroenvironment .............................................................................................. 84

4.5.2 Urbanization ............................................................................................................... 85

4.5.3 Migratory Trends ....................................................................................................... 87

4.5.4 Sources of Income and Livelihoods ........................................................................... 87

4.5.5 Employment and Incomes .......................................................................................... 89

4.5.6 Indebtedness ............................................................................................................... 89

4.5.7 Enterprise and Industrial Sector ................................................................................. 89

4.5.8 Physical Infrastructure ............................................................................................... 90

4.5.9 Human Settlements in & around Project Area ........................................................... 94

4.5.10 Land Degradation, Desertification & Poverty Nexus ................................................ 96

4.5.11 Poverty ....................................................................................................................... 96

4.5.12 Community Expectations from NBT-Zab Wind Power Pvt. Ltd. .............................. 97

4.5.13 Employment Opportunities in Macro environment & NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm .. 97

5.0 SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & PROPOSED MITIGATION

MEASURES ....................................................................................................................................................... 99

5.1 Screening of Alternatives ........................................................................................................ 99

5.1.1 Selection of Preferred Alternative Site: ..................................................................... 99

5.1.2 Alternative # 1: No Action Alternative ...................................................................... 99

5.1.3 Alternative # 2: No New Renewable Energy Alternative ........................................ 100

5.1.4 Alternative # 3: Harnessing Wind Energy Potential of Gharo Corridor .................. 100

5.2 Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts at different stages of project development .. 100

5.2.1 Planning Stage / Siting of Wind farm ...................................................................... 100

5.2.2 Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts at Construction Stage..................... 105

5.2.3 Screening of potential environmental impacts at operation stage ............................ 111

5.3 Economic Assessment Of Environmental Impacts ................................................................ 114

5.3.1 Environmental Benefits Of Wind Farm Development ............................................. 114

5.3.2 Saving on Emissions ................................................................................................ 114

6.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION & INFORMATION DISCLOSURE .................................................... 121

6.1 Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 121

6.2 Consultation Framework ....................................................................................................... 121

6.3 Consultation Process ............................................................................................................. 122

6.4 Formal Consultation Meetings with Institutional Stakeholders............................................. 123

6.5 Consultation Meetings with Communities ............................................................................ 124

6.6 Proceedings of Consultation Meetings .................................................................................. 125

6.7 Expectations of Stakeholders in Consultation Meetings ....................................................... 125

7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................. 129

7.1 Objectives of Environmental Management Plan ................................................................... 129

7.2 Scope of EMP ........................................................................................................................ 129

7.3 Components of EMP ............................................................................................................. 129



7.4 Legislation and Guidelines .................................................................................................... 130

7.5 Organizational Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................ 130

7.6 Environmentally Sound & Safe Working Procedures ........................................................... 131

7.7 Identification of Environmentally Safe Aspects .................................................................... 131

7.8 Environmental Assessment of Safe Procedures..................................................................... 131

7.9 Impact rating .......................................................................................................................... 132

7.9.1 Pre-Construction Phase ............................................................................................ 132

7.9.2 Environmental Aspects of Construction Activity .................................................... 132

7.9.3 Potential Impact of Construction Activity & Mitigation Measures ......................... 133

7.9.4 Potential Impacts at Operation Stage & Mitigation Measures ................................. 134

7.10 Environmental Management Programme .............................................................................. 135

7.11 Emergency Response Plan ..................................................................................................... 141

7.12 Training and Exercises .......................................................................................................... 142

7.13 Environmental Monitoring Program...................................................................................... 142

8.0 FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSION ................................................................. 144

8.1 Summary of Findings ............................................................................................................ 144

8.2 Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 145

8.3 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................... 145



Executive Summary

NBT-Zab Wind Power Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd, the proponent intends to establish a 100 MW wind farm

in the Gharo-Keti Bunder Wind Corridor. It has about 1500 acres of NBT-SZABIST land in

Dhabeji on the outskirts of Karachi, where it is carrying out its feasibility studies after getting LOI

from the Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB). The Project includes designing, testing,

manufacturing, and operation as well as maintenance of wind turbines. The proponent will have

choice on turbine design including generator type, gearbox vs. gear-less, materials, besides control

on maintaining inventory. The proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind Power project includes installation

and operation of 33 wind turbines in Phase I for the production of 50 MW. Project Phase II

comprises installation of another 33 wind turbines and generation of 50 MW. The total capacity

generation will then be raised to 100 MW.

The Project Area is approximately 65 km from Karachi, the Capital of Sind Province. The subject

site is near the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) Pumping Station on undulating arid

land, with elevation ranging from 40 to 110 meter above mean sea level. Total project area of the

wind farm occupies an area of approximately 800 hectares.

Figure 1: The Project Area

Wind potential of different areas is usually characterized by assigning one of the seven wind classes,

each corresponding to range of wind speed and power density at specific height above the ground.

Standard wind class definitions are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Standard Wind Class Definition

Class 30 m Height 50 m Height

Speed m/s Power W/m2 Speed m/s Power W/m

2

1 0- 5.1 0 -160 0 – 5.6 0 – 200

2 5.1 – 5.9 160 - 240 5.6 – 6.4 200 – 300

3 5.9 –6.5 240 - 320 6.4 –7.0 300 – 400



4 6.5 – 7.0 320 - 400 7.0 – 7.5 400 – 500

5 7.0 – 7.4 400 – 480 7.5 - 8.0 500 – 600

6 7.4 – 8.2 480 – 640 8.0 – 8.8 600 – 800

7 8.2 – 11.0 640 - 1600 8.8 – 11.9 800 – 2000

The following figures show that by international wind classification, power density places the

Jamshoro, Nooriabad, Talhar and Keti Bandar sites in the excellent category, while Thatta, Thana

Bola Khan, Hyderabad and Gharo are placed in the category of good sites for generation of wind

power.

Figure 2: Wind Power Classification

Figure 3: Annual Average Wind Speed at 50 m Height in Pakistan



Site specific wind speed comparison is being initiated at the NBT-SZABIST site in UC Dhabeji, to

finally select the wind corridor of GDRP ecosystem as the preferred site.

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluates the potential environmental, social,

economic, cultural, and natural impacts of the proposed 50×2 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power

Project. Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Pakistan & URS Pakistan have been

contracted as a third party consultant by NBT-Zab Wind Power Pakistan Limited (hereinafter

referred as proponent) to conduct a detailed assessment (EIA) of the proposed Wind Farm Project.

The main objectives of the 50×2 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project is to:

Respond to the national need to produce power from Alternative or Renewable Energy sources

that are alternative to thermal and hydro power production systems;

Establish a wind power generation facility in accordance with GOP’s policy and guidelines on

development and generation of Alternative or Renewable Energy, being implemented through

the AEDB;

Utilize the potential of wind capacity identified by the AEDB at the Gharo-Keti Bunder Wind

Corridor and absorb the transferred technology of wind power generation to reduce the

emission of Greenhouse gases including CO2 in Pakistan through net energy gain, and

Utilize the hitherto unexploited wind energy potential which is the resource that will help

bridging the gap in supply and demand of energy being faced in Pakistan.

The Ghaggar Nala-Dhabeji Nala-Rann Pethani (GDRP) can be considered a distinct ecosystem on

the north of the railway line. It is more or less level and was found fairly covered with grass and/or

brushwood. The physical landscape has evolved under sub-tropical and arid conditions. The effects

of aridity are visible in the erosional work of the Ghaghar, Dhabeji and Rann Pethani River and their

tributaries that cross the railway line. The entire area is otherwise barren land with scanty

vegetation.

The land area of the ecosystem is the drainage basin of the Ghaggar and Dhabeji nalas and also of

the Rann Pethani River both systems discharge into the Gharo Creek. The Gharo filtration plant is

located about two km from National Highway. The Gharo Creek also receives some spill over from

the filtration plant. The land area between the Railway line and the Super Highway is under

subsistence farming and grows maize for fodder.

The area to the south of the Ghaggar – Dhabeji – Rann Pethani (GDRP) ecosystem slopes towards

the Gharo-Phitti salt water creek and has the open sea about 10 km down south. The area from the

Railway line to the creek is gravelly, and is scene for extensive excavation of gravel, sand and silt

for the construction industry in Bin Qasim and Gadap towns. The presence of concealed structures

under the hills, plains and rivers can fairly be deduced. Rock aggregates, sand, glass sand, lime-

stone and clay are some of the potentials for gainful utilization. Members of the Gaj Formation offer

ground water potential for limited use.

Trees found in the Project macroenvironment include Acacia nilotica (babul) (spotted during survey,

low frequency), Acacia Senegal (khor) (spotted during survey, low frequency), Calotropis procera

(spotted, low frequency), Salvadora oleoides (khabar) (dominant) and Prosopsis senegal (kandi)

(dominant but with low frequency), Acacia arabica (kikar) (dominant but with low frequency),

Capparis aphylla (reported but not spotted),Commiphora wrighti (spotted during survey, low

frequency), Commiphora stocksiana (spotted during survey, low frequency), Prosopis cenraria

(spotted during survey, low frequency), Tamarix gallica (lai) (dominant), tamarix aphylla(low



frequency), Euphorbia cauducifolia, Lasiurus sindicus ; willo or bahan (populus euphratica),

Rhazya stricta (spotted during survey, low frequency), karil (capparis aphyila), and siris (acacia

lebbek) (not found during survey), Prosopis cineraria, Eleusine flagelliforia, Salsola foetidia; Baleria

acanthoides(spotted during survey, low frequency), Lasiurus sindicus, Aristida sp. Ziziphus

nummularia (spotted, low frequency), Cordia gharaf (spotted during survey, low frequency),

Grewiavillosa, Leptodenia pyrotecneca, Lyssium depressum (spotted during survey, getting scarce),

Pterophyllum oliveri (spotted during survey, low frequency), Tecoma undulate (spotted during

survey, (spotted during survey, low frequency).

Houbara bustard, although a migratory bird, is one of the endangered species found in the macro

environment but not in the microenvironment of the Project site. Falcons are rarely spotted by the

locals in the area and were also not spotted during surveys.

The most common birds found in the macro environment are sparrows, robins and doves.

Characteristic bird species that have adapted to the environment and are still to be found in the area,

include the Indian grey partridge (francolinus pondicertanis), chest-nut-bellied sand grouse

(pterocles exustus), rock dove (Columbia livia), Indian little button quail (turnix sylvatica) and

Eurasian roller (coracias garrulous). Kites and vultures, the high flying birds were spotted but the

falcons were conspicuous by their absence during the survey and the several visits to the area. The

falcons were reported by the locals to be only occasional visitors.

Overall assessment of the environmental aspects and screening of potential impacts of the proposed

activities pertaining to establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project in Taluka Dhabeji

finds that:

NBT-SZABIST Wind Power project site in the Gharo Wind Corridor is the preferred alternative

and ideally suited for establishment of the Wind Farm for wind classes 4-5.

An appropriate number of wind turbine generators (WTGs) will be sited on the 600 hectare

land area, with each WTG spaced at optimum distances apart following the annual maximum

wind direction.

There are no issues on land acquisition, loss of land, or loss of business; no involuntary

resettlement will be required.

Noise emissions from the wind turbines at NBT-SZABIST Wind Power project site may have a

high level at the top but the same will attenuate with distance. The noise level at the living areas

at more than 1.5 km or in excess of one rotor diameter equivalents will be within acceptable

limits of the World Bank Guidelines and the limits recently proposed by Federal EPA.

Visual effect, Noise effect, EMI effect, Flicker effect induced by operation of the wind turbines

will have no significant impact on the living area, located 1.5 km from the NBT-SZABIST

wind farm.

Detailed design will give due consideration to location of the WTG close to the living area at

Filter Plant Colony and Khaskheli goth and site them to maintain a distance of over 1.6 km. At

this distance, the noise from the wind turbine attenuates to acceptable levels, while the

visibility, shadow flicker and shadow effects are not an annoyance but curiosity.

The induced impact on operation of the wind turbines on the microenvironment will be

monitored through environmental management plan, environmental monitoring plan and the

IFC’s HSE Guidelines, and mitigated, if necessary by adoption of suitable measures at the site.

Piles for the foundations of WTG towers would be laid at depth of bedrock, which are hard and

pose minimum risk to the liquefaction threat during major (> 7 on Richter Scale) earthquake.



Precious ecology of the microenvironment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power project site will be

protected. The land being stony wasteland has no worthwhile vegetation. A few patches of dead

wood and dried up shrubs may have to be removed towards land clearance but the same will

have only minor impact on the environment.

There are no cultural heritage, recognized archaeological sites, endangered species of flora,

wildlife reserve, or potential tourism sites that may need protection and hence no mitigation

measures need to be taken. Mitigation measures have been proposed for the protection of the

spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha and the straying high flying birds including

the black kites, a few eagles and very few falcons. The NBT-SZABIST land is not a habitat for

the Houbara bustard, nor is it a site for trophy hunting by the sheikhs of the Emirates. High

flying black kites do abound near the poultry farms outside the NBT-SZABIST land.

The number of the few Houbara bustard and high flying eagles and falcons still around will be

recorded during the pre-construction, construction and operation phases. Mitigation measures

such as hiring the services of sharp shooters will be in place to stupefy the high-flying stray

birds and later on release them to safe environment. This is already one of the conservation

practices to safe the wildlife in India. In order to implement the proposed mechanism Sindh

Wildlife Department will be taken onboard so that appropriate steps are taken to save the

wildlife from extinction.

Due vigilance will be kept for protecting the wildlife that may still be there.

Adoption of mitigation measures identified for different stages of the project will be keenly

monitored to further enhance the environmental performance of the NBT-SZABIST Wind

Farm.

Assessment of impact of activities during construction processes and operation stages at the NBT-

SZABIST Wind Farm site in taluka Dhabeji shows that the impacts will be of temporary nature and

small order. They are not expected to have any significant adverse impacts on the microenvironment

and macroenvironment of the Project. The minor impacts resulting from said activities or operation

of facilities would be mitigated.

EIA of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm has identified the key environmental aspects that need to be

attended to. Mitigation measures for the likely impact have been suggested. General specification/

details have been worked out in respect of type of structures, grade of concrete, and all other

materials of construction for the Construction Phase of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm.

It is recommended that:

The structures and materials conform to recommended standards and follow standard practice

of civil works.

Environmentally sound materials and goods are selected, with priority being accorded to

products meeting national and international standards.

Traditionally well-tried materials are chosen for provision of utilities services in the Project.

Temporary inconveniences due to construction works are minimized through planning and

coordination with local population and organizations in the neighborhood.

The foundations of the wind turbine towers are of concrete on bearing soil. Bearing capacity,

settlement, static and dynamic loading conditions are determined while seismic conditions

pertain to placement of the site in zone 2A (Moderate to High hazards) and taken into account

in the working designs that will submitted for approval.

The stability of soil is verified before laying the foundations of the wind turbines.



No resettlement of population or relocation of structures will be involved since the wind farm

has been so designed as to have living area of the Filter Plant Colony and other villages clearly

outside the corridor of impact of the row of wind turbines on the 600 hectare NBT-SZABIST

land. The stakeholders have been consulted in this connection and the village representatives

have assured of unhindered completion of the Project.

Environmental Performance Monitoring will be an integral part of the Project to ensure

environmental safeguards.

Review of Guidelines for classification of polluted and unpolluted sites with respect to their airshed,

watershed, soil, sensitivity of ecosystem including fauna, flora, wildlife, aquatic life, historical and

archaeological sites and their values, along with assessment of impact by using the “Checklist of

actions affecting environment and significance of their impact” has been used in this EIA Study for

assessment of impact of different activities for establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm. The

review process finds that:

The impacts from Wind Farm Project during construction, and installation of machinery and

the resulting emission of noise and gaseous effluent, and wastewater discharges during siting,

construction and operation of the Wind Farm Project would be of small order and would be of

little significance at the site or microenvironment and none in the macroenvironment.

Estimates on net saving in terms of air pollutants clearly suggest that operation of the NBT-

SZABIST Wind Farm would be economically viable and environment friendly.

No untreated wastewater would be discharged from the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm. Initiatives

will be taken to harvest rainwater by channelizing it into dyked ponds for subsequent use in

plantation.

Noise emissions from the wind turbines at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site will have a high

level at the top and will attenuate with distance. The noise level at the living areas at more than

1.5 km or three times the required distance of one rotor diameter equivalents will be within

acceptable limits of the World Bank Guidelines and the limits recently proposed by Federal

EPA.

The level of emissions and discharges suggests that Wind Farm operations will have no

significant impact either on its microenvironment that includes the proposed site for Wind

Farm, or on its macroenvironment that includes the small cluster of settlement.

Screening of potential environmental impacts at the different stages viz. siting, construction,

installation of machinery and equipment and finally operation, leads to the conclusion that:

The wasteland at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm has remained an isolated component of the

ecosystem of Lower Sindh for a long time. Location of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will

comprise value -addition to the wasteland, besides having no significant impact on the micro

and macroenvironment, will not degrade the ecology of the stony wasteland in Dhabeji taluka.

Visual effect, Noise effect, EMI effect, Flicker effect induced by operation of the wind turbines

will have no significant impact on the living area, located 1.5 km or three times the required

distance of seven rotor diameter equivalents outside the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm. The

induced impact on operation of the wind turbines on the microenvironment will be monitored

through environmental management plan, environmental monitoring plan and the IFC’s HSE

Guidelines, and mitigated, if necessary by adoption of suitable measures at the site.


wildlife reserve, or potential tourism sites that may need protection and hence no mitigation



measures need to be taken. Mitigation measures have been proposed for the protection of the

spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha and the straying high flying birds. The

number of the few Houbara bustard and high flying eagles and falcons still around will be

recorded during the pre-construction period. Mitigation measures such as hiring the services of

sharp shooters will be in place to stupefy the high-flying stray birds and later on release them to

safe environment.

Finding of archaeological artifacts during the construction phase will be immediately reported

to the Department of Archaeology, Sindh.

The proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm, when commissioned, would add value to the

otherwise wasteland on the north of National Highway N5 in Taluka Dhabeji and become an

integral part of the macroenvironment of Taluka Dhabeji.

Based on the findings of the environmental assessment, it is reasonable to suggest that the

environmental impacts of establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm are minor and can easily be

mitigated by implementing the Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Environmental

Performance Monitoring Plan and IFC’s HSE Guidelines as well as Equator Principles all of which

form an integral part of the EIA process.

This EIA Study finds that the value-addition characteristics of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm would

respond to the principles of sustainable development that aim at “socially equitable and

economically viable development to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the Earth, without

altering the balance in the ecosystem”.

The Study therefore recommends that the EIA Report should be approved with the provision that

the suggested mitigation measures will be adopted and the Environmental Management Plan will be

followed in letter and spirit.


Page | 1 Environmental Management Consultants

1.0 Introduction

1.1 General

1.1.1 Name Of The Project

Establishment of 100 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project, in Gharo, District Thatta.

1.1.2 Location

Project site is located about 4 km off National Highway on SZABIST land in Union Council

Dhabeji, Taluka Mirpur Sakro, and District Thatta.

1.1.3 Name of Project Proponent

NBT-Zab Wind Power Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd

Mr. Malik Shahid Ahmed

Chief Operating Officer

Address: D-94, B Street, 5th Avenue, Block 5,

Kehkashan Clifton, Karachi-Pakistan

Tel: +92-21-35370353-6

Fax: +92-21-35370357

1.1.4 Name of Environmental Consultant

Environmental Management Consultants (EMC)

Mr. Syed Nadeem Arif

Managing Director

Email: [email protected]

Address: Office # 503, Anum Estate Building

Main Sharae Faisal (Opposite Duty Free Shop)

Karachi, Pakistan.

Tel: +92-21-34311466, 34321532

Fax: +92-21-34311467

1.2 Brief Description of Project

NBT-Zab Wind Power Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd, the proponent intends to establish a 100 MW wind

farm in the Gharo-Keti Bunder Wind Corridor. It has about 1500 acres of NBT-SZABIST land

in Dhabeji on the outskirts of Karachi, where it is carrying out its feasibility studies after

getting LOI from the Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB). The Project includes

designing, testing, manufacturing, and operation as well as maintenance of wind turbines. The

proponent will have choice on turbine design including generator type, gearbox vs. gear-less,

materials, besides control on maintaining inventory. The proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind

Power project includes installation and operation of 33 wind turbines in Phase I for the

production of 50 MW. Project Phase II comprises installation of another 33 wind turbines and

generation of 50 MW. The total capacity generation will then be raised to 100 MW.

The Project Area is approximately 65 km from Karachi, the Capital of Sind Province. The

subject site is near the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) Pumping Station on



undulating arid land, with elevation ranging from 40 to 110 meter above mean sea level. Total

project area of the wind farm occupies an area of approximately 800 hectares.

1.3 Proponent

NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd. has been incorporated as a joint venture company between

Norwegian Energy Building Technology (NBT) Pakistan Limited and SZABIST to establish

wind farms to start with a 50 MW wind farm in the identified wind corridor immediately

outside of Karachi. The Proponents bring in global experience and know how in the field of

renewable energy technology, which they are prepared to transfer. NBT as, the majority

shareholder has its first wind farm come into operation in western China in the year 2011.

NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd. is setting up 500 MW producing wind farms in a phased out

plan in Pakistan. It has opted to buy its own land and become the first wind farm in the country

to do so. The Joint Venture has about 600 hectares of land in Dhabeji on the outskirts of

Karachi, where it is carrying out its feasibility studies after getting the Letter of Intent (LOI)

from the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB).

NBT Wind Power Pakistan Limited has four business areas:

Wind Farm Construction

Wind Turbine Manufacturing

Carbon Emission Trading, and

Biomass Power Projects

Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) as a key member

of the Joint Venture, is a fully Chartered Institute established through a Legislative Act of the

Sindh Assembly (Sindh Act No. XI of 1995) and is approved and recognized by the Higher

Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, as a degree granting institution.

SZABIST has started a new research and development program at Gharo in March 2002 and

has established the “SZABIST Research Station of Renewable Energy”. The Research Station

has been equipped with a Solar (Photovoltaic) unit, which powers the field office. Solar

Cookers and Solar Geysers have also been introduced to make the office functional. Two wind

turbines (windmills) have been installed with the technological help of the National

Commission of Renewable Energy (NCRE). Converters have been installed to document

round the clock data on wind intensity and direction. The turbines have been connected to a

pumping station, which draws underground water for drinking purpose and plantation. The

SZABIST Research Station is located on the 2000 hectares SZABIST land at Gharo.

1.3.1 The Mission

The Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) was

established with the objectives: Producing highly qualified, scientific and technical personnel

to meet the country's requirements of conducting state-of-the-art scientific and technological

research and development in support of the private and public sector; Providing hi-tech

scientific and technological assistance to the Pakistan industry to enable it to compete with the

world industries in global trading; Providing highly trained scientific and technological

personnel to be able to attract the growth of high-tech industries and foreign and Pakistani

investment; and Providing a sound socio-economic and scientific base and infrastructure to

Pakistan to be able to meet the economic and technological challenges of the 21st century.



The SZABIST is thus in the position to absorb the Wind Energy Technology as and when it is

grounded in Pakistan. The NBT Pakistan signed an agreement with SZABIST to bring in

investment and know-how required for the completion of this project within 18 months of all

necessary permits and requirements being in place. The students of SZABIST will get hands on

experience of the latest technology of establishing wind farms and erecting wind turbines on

SZABIST land area in Dhabeji Township.

1.3.2 Norwegian Energy Building Technology

(NBT-AS) owns 27 percent shares of Nordic Wind Power which is one of leading wind turbine

manufacturers in the world. NBT Wind Power Project (Pvt.) Ltd, subsidiary of NBT AS, a

Norwegian based company had expressed its interest to set up 500 MW Wind Power Project in

Pakistan by investing in the alternative energy sector. NBT also intends to set up hydro power

projects in Pakistan. NBT AS has already applied for issuance of Letter of Interest for 500 MW

and expressed that after issuance of LOI, the company will complete 250 MW wind project till

December, 2012.

1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluates the potential environmental, social,

economic, cultural, and natural impacts of the proposed 50×2 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind

Power Project. Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Pakistan and URS Pakistan

have been contracted as a third party consultant by NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd.

(incorporated as a joint venture company in and between NBT Wind Power Pakistan Limited

and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) Pakistan)

(hereinafter referred as proponent) to conduct a detailed assessment (EIA) of the proposed

Wind Farm Project.

1.5 Objectives Of The Project

The main objectives of the 50×2 MW NBT-Zab Wind Power Project is to:

Respond to the national need to produce power from Alternative or Renewable Energy

sources that are alternative to thermal and hydro power production systems;

Establish a wind power generation facility in accordance with GOP’s policy and guidelines

on development and generation of Alternative or Renewable Energy, being implemented

through the AEDB;

Utilize the potential of wind capacity identified by the AEDB at the Gharo-Keti Bunder

Wind Corridor and absorb the transferred technology of wind power generation to reduce

the emission of Greenhouse gases including CO2 in Pakistan through net energy gain, and

Utilize the hitherto unexploited wind energy potential which is the resource that will help

bridging the gap in supply and demand of energy being faced in Pakistan.

1.6 Need for the Project

1.6.1 Energy Overview

Electricity demand in Pakistan had already exceeded supply in the year 2002. Despite the

unsustainable growth in GDP, it was estimated that the generating capacity will have to escalate

by 50 percent by 2010 in order to meet the expected demand. Rising oil consumption and

leveling off in oil production together with inadequate refining capacity has left Pakistan (a)



with shortfall of over 3500 MW in its theoretically maximum capacity of 17,793 MW, and (b)

heavily dependent on petroleum product imports from Middle East.

Natural gas accounts for the largest share of Pakistan’s energy use, amounting to about 50

percent of total energy consumption. With depleting reserves of both oil and gas, Pakistan is set

to import natural gas. Pakistan currently consumes all of its domestic oil and natural gas

production.

A number of technical and non-technical; operational and management constraints e.g. rise in

oil price entailing high cost of power production; technical faults in grids; inadequate water

storage in reservoirs; unforeseen drastic reduction in Chenab river water flow after the

commissioning of Baglihar Dam, have compounded the deficiency into energy crisis and the

capacity is not achieved.

Pakistan has remained an energy deficit country, dependent upon imports, mostly oil and oil

products. Pakistan has had more success in finding natural gas than oil, and as a result, gas over

took oil as the largest source of primary energy supplies, as shown in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1: Energy Mix Plan Projections (source: Vision 2030-PC, GOP)

Pakistan has three sources of energy, namely Hydel, Thermal (gas/ steam/ furnace oil) and

Nuclear.

There are four major power producers in country: WAPDA (Water & Power Development

Authority), KESC (Karachi Electric Supply Company), IPPs (Independent Power Producers)

and PAEC (Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission).

The break-up of the installed capacity of each of these power producers (as of June-2008) is as

follows:

WAPDA Hydel

Tarbela 3478 MW

Mangla 1000 MW

Ghazi – Barotha 1450 MW

Warsak 243 MW

Chashma 184 MW

Dargai 20 MW



Rasul 22 MW

Shadi-Waal 18 MW

Nandi pur 14 MW

Kurram Garhi 4 MW

Renala 1 MW

Chitral 1 MW

Jagran (AK) 30 MW

Total Hydel ==> 6,461 MW

WAPDA Thermal Gas Turbine Power Station, Shahdra 59 MW

Steam Power Station, Faisalabad 132 MW

Gas Turbine Power Station, Faisalabad 244 MW

Gas Power Station, Multan 195 MW

Thermal Power Station, Muzaffargarh 1350 MW

Thermal Power Station, Guddu 1655 MW

Gas Turbine Power Station, Kotri 174 MW

Thermal Power Station, Jamshoro 850 MW

Thermal Power Station, Larkana 150 MW

Thermal Power Station, Quetta 35 MW

Gas Turbine Power Station, Panjgur 39 MW

Thermal Power Station, Pasni 17 MW

Total Thermal ==> 4811 MW

WAPDA’s Total Hydel + Thermal capacity is ==> 11,272 MW

KARACHI ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY (KESC)

Thermal Power Station, Korangi 316 MW

Gas Turbine Power Station, Korangi 80 MW

Gas Turbine Power Station, SITE 100 MW

Thermal Power Station, Bin Qasim 1260 MW

Total (KESC) ==> 1756 MW

INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS (IPPs) Hub Power Project 1292 MW

AES Lalpir Ltd, Mahmood Kot Muzaffargar 362 MW

AES Pak Gen, Mahmood Kot Muzaffargar 365 MW

Altern Energy Ltd, Attock 29 MW

Fauji Kabirwala Power Company, Khanewal 157 MW

Gul Ahmad Energy Ltd, Korangi 136 MW

Habibullah Coastal Power Limited 140 MW

Japan Power Generation, Lahore 120 MW

Kohenoor Energy Limited, Lahore 131 MW

Liberty Power Limited, Ghotki 232 MW

Rousch Power, Khanewal 412 MW

Saba Power Company, Sheikhupura 114 MW

Southern Electric Power Company Limited, Raiwind 135 MW

Tapal Energy Limited, Karachi 126 MW

Uch Power Limited, Dera Murad Jamali, Nasirabad 586 MW

Attock Gen Limited, Morgah Rawalpindi 165 MW

Atlas Power, Sheikhupura 225 MW

Engro Energy Limited, Karachi —– MW

Kot Addu Power Company Limited (Privatized) 1638 MW



Total (IPPs) ===> 6365 MW

PAKISTAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION KANUPP 137 MW

CHASNUPP-1 325 MW

Total (Nuclear) ===> 462 MW

Hydel electricity generated by WAPDA varies between two extremities, i.e., between

minimum of 2,414 MW and maximum of 6,761 MW depending upon the river flow.

Total Power Generation Capacity of Pakistan (including all sources) is 19,855 MW and the

electricity demand (as of April 2010) is 14,500 MW and PEPCO is merely generating 10,000

MW.

The Power generation companies are not buying furnace oil from PSO by saying they don’t

have money to do that but Pakistanis are all paying for electricity that is generated from furnace

oil.

This is the reason that top refineries like PRL are operating at 40% of their capacities.

Figure 1.2: Electrical Power Generation Capacity and Power Demand in Pakistan



Figure1.3: Electrical Power Generation Capacity

Figure 1.4: Electric Power Demand (2005-2025) Pakistan

1.6.2 Global Energy Supply Scenario/Global Demand Forecast

Wind and solar power-generation system combined will, by the year 2025, match conventional

generation systems. Wind power generation capacity will reach 7,500GW by 2025;

Conventional power stations will be phased out completely by 2037; Demand for energy

supply is expected to rise by 50 per cent globally by 2030; Low-carbon energy industry is set to

be worth $3 trillion per year by 2050.



Figure 1.5: Worldwide Energy Supply in Terawatts TW

Figure 1.6: Renewable Energy, End of 2006 (GW)



Figure 1.7: Rate of World Energy Usage in Terawatts (TW), 1965-2005

1.6.3 Potential of Alternative Energy

The following are the alternative renewable energy sources that renew and do not deplete:

Solar Influence Dependent

1. Solar radiation

2. Biomass

3. Wind

4. Ocean wave energy

Earth-related

1. Tidal Energy due to earth’s rotation

2. Geo-thermal energy due to heat of earth’s interior.

For environmental and commercial reasons, the answer lies in harnessing Solar and wind

energy potential both of which have immense in Pakistan. Solar energy is, however, yet to

mature as a viable alternative even in the industrialized countries. On the other hand there has

been a steady rise in the installed capacity of wind power production systems. The global rise

in wind power production is shown in the following figures:



Figure 1.8: Wind Power Installations

Figure 1.9: Global Wind Power Cumulative Capacity.

The total amount of economically extractable wind power is considerably more than present

use from all sources. At the end of 2010, worldwide nameplate capacity of wind-powered

generators was 197 giga watts (GW). Wind power now has the capacity to generate 430 TWh

annually, which is about 2.5% of worldwide electricity usage. Over the past five years the

average annual growth in new installations has been 27.6 percent. Wind power market

Wind Power Installations (1995-2008)

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Year (1995-2008)

An

nu

al In

sta

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d P

ow

er

(Me

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)



penetration is expected to reach 3.35 percent by 2013 and 8 percent by 2018. Several countries

have already achieved relatively high levels of wind power penetration, such as 21% of

stationary electricity production in Denmark, 18% in Portugal, 16% in Spain, 14% in Ireland

and 9% in Germany in 2010. As of 2011, 83 countries around the world are using wind power

on a commercial basis.

A large wind farm may consist of several hundred individual wind turbines which are

connected to the electric power transmission network. Offshore wind power can harness the

better wind speeds that are available offshore compared to on land, so contribution of offshore

wind power in terms of electricity supplied is higher. Small onshore wind facilities are used to

provide electricity to isolated locations and utility companies increasingly buy back surplus

electricity produced by small domestic wind turbines. Although a variable source of power, the

intermittency of wind seldom creates problems when using wind power to supply up to 20% of

total electricity demand, but as the proportion rises, increased costs, a need to use storage such

as pumped – storage hydroelectricity, upgrade the grid, or a lowered ability to supplant

conventional production may occur. Power management techniques such as excess capacity,

storage, dispatchable backing supply (usually natural gas), exporting and importing power to

neighboring areas or reducing demand when wind production is low, can mitigate these

problems.

Wind power, as an alternative to fossil fuels, is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean,

produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, and uses little land. In operation, the

overall cost per unit of energy produced is similar to the cost for new coal and natural gas

installations. The construction of wind farms is not universally welcomed, but any effects on

the environment from wind power are generally much less problematic than those of any other

power source.

Germany has taken a lead in this connection and has been supported by Europe and many

states in USA besides Canada in successfully generating clean and cheap wind energy. China

and India have followed suit with considerable success, knowing fully well the growing

demand and increasing limitations of relying on power generation technologies dependent on

petroleum oil and water. Malaysia and Indonesia have also realized this potential, given their

vast coastal areas.

Geographically, Pakistan is ideally placed in the tropics and has a number of wind corridors.

According to estimates based on the survey by the Pakistan Meteorological Department,

tremendous potential of about 43,000 MW exists for generating wind energy in the 9,700 km2

area in (i) Jamshoro, Nooriabad, Talhar and Keti Bandar corridor, and (ii) Thatta, Thana Bola

Khan, Hyderabad and Gharo sites that are placed respectively in the excellent category and

good category for generation of wind power. The SZABIST site, according to data available

with EMC Associates is placed in the Gharo-Keti Bunder corridor and considered suitable for

wind power generation.

1.7 Benefits Of Wind Farm Development

Significant environmental benefits can be gained by installing a wind farm, for example:

1.7.1 Carbon Dioxide & GHG Emissions and Pollution

The most serious threat comes from accelerating climate change, whose effects are already

being seen around the world in rising temperatures, melting ice caps and volatile weather



patterns. Climate change is a direct result of the greenhouse effect – the build-up of greenhouse

gases in the atmosphere above the earth. Carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, industry

and the transport sector are by far the largest contributor. The Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change has predicted that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions will lead to a

substantial increase in global mean temperatures, which will rise between 1.4 and 5.8 degrees

over the course of this century.

Wind power generation does not require fuel for turbine operation, and has no emissions

directly related to electricity production. As such operation of wind turbines does not

produce CO2, SO2, NOx or particulate matter or any other form of air pollutant. The

manufacturing, transportation, construction at site and installation, however, does consume

resources and it is here that energy-intensive processes, generally using fossil fuel are

involved.

The following indicative figures relate to a 100 MW installed capacity and the production

of 1 kg of CO2 for the generation of each 1 kWh of electricity:

CO2 (a major contributor to the “greenhouse effect”) 310,000 tonnes/year.

SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide is a constituent of acid rain) 4,750 tonnes/year.

NOx (Nitrous Oxides are a constituent of acid rain) 2,300 tonnes/year.

Producing energy from the proposed wind farm will prevent these emissions being

produced elsewhere in Pakistan, thus helping the GOP’s environmental initiatives.

Developing a renewable energy resource will lessen the need to use fossil fuels such as

coal. This conforms with the keenness of GOP to increase the share of renewable energy in

electricity production, and its commitments to Kyoto Protocol. Reduction in the gas

emissions from fossil fuel generation will be achieved, although the amount obviously

depends on the wind farm installed capacity.

1.7.2 Net Energy Gain

The energy return on investment (EROI) for wind energy is equal to the cumulative electricity

generated divided by the cumulative primary energy required to build and maintain a turbine.

The EROI for wind ranges from 5 to 35, with an average of around 18. EROI is strongly

proportional to turbine size, and larger late-generation turbines are at the high end of this range,

at or above 35. This suggests that higher capacity wind turbines are likely to bring better EORI

and also better return on investment.

It may be noted that since energy produced by a WTG is several times the energy consumed in

construction, there is a net energy gain. It is estimated that reductions in CO2 emissions range

from 0.33 to 0.59 tonnes of CO2 per MWh. The energy used for construction is produced by

the wind turbine within a few months of operation. Thus the initial carbon dioxide emissions

are paid back within about 9 months of operation.

1.7.3 Benefits of Establishment of the wind power generation system

Benefits of establishment of wind power generation system include:

Reduction in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emission through net energy gain

Benefit to Alternative Energy Development Board in achieving the objectives of the

Government of Pakistan Policy and Guidelines on development and generation of

Alternative or Renewable Energy for Power Generation-2006 to involve the private sector

in generation of power through renewable resources.



Benefit to National electricity production system in making renewable energy available to

the National Grid of the WAPDA, the main stakeholder.

Reduction in vulnerability to volatile utility prices.

Contribution to enhancement in quality of environment of the hinterland of the Wind

Corridor and restoration of the status of the area as the major user of wind power by

producing sustainable form of energy.

Contribution to enhancement in quality of life of the people resident in the area that has

lost its water, surface soil, vegetative cover, besides the fauna as well as flora and is left

with meagre resources of its own, except the wind that has the desired velocity that can be

utilized for power generation.

In view of the limitations on national reserves of oil and gas besides the unpredictable flow of

water to meet the energy demands, and in consideration of the urgent need to normalize the

commercial, industrial and agricultural activities, it is considered essential to broaden the

outlook on the energy mix and besides exploring indigenous sources that are renewable as well

as non-renewable, also increase the share of the renewable sources as alternative to petroleum

oil and gas that is presently the main (83.8%) source of fuel.

In consideration of the shortfall in the conventional energy resources the GOP had taken the

initiative to establish the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) and to establish

Wind Power production systems as one of the alternative renewable sources. The Gharo wind

Corridor was identified to harness the potential of this renewable source and thus to meet the

rapidly growing demand of the industries, commercial organizations and the urban housing

sector.

1.8 Scope of EIA Study

This EIA study of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project is aimed at developing the

environmental profile of the project area so as to evaluate the existing physical, biological and

socioeconomic aspects leading to respective impacts due to construction and operations at the

Wind Farm.

The main purpose of the EIA study is to ensure that:

Any major adverse impact on the environment (physical, ecological and social) during

different phases of projects viz. siting, design, construction and operation are identified.

Adverse impacts are appropriately addressed and adequate mitigation measures are

incorporated in the siting, design, construction and operation phases of project.

Socioeconomic aspects are identified, and mitigated.

Alternatives to achieve the objectives are analyzed.

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for sustainable development and operation of the

project is developed for implementation and monitoring of the project activities.

The present EIA report has identified the significant environmental aspects and screened the

potential aspects to ensure that the likely impacts due to proposed activities during

construction, installation of masts and WTGs and operation of the proposed project, and the

residual impact on adoption of mitigation measures have been critically assessed with respect

to compliance with the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997, World Bank, IFC and

ADB.



1.9 Basis of Project Categorization for Environmental Assessment

Section 12 of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 and other regulatory documents

such as Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA) Regulations 2000

requires that every new development project in Pakistan has to be preceded by an Initial

Environmental Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) depending

upon the magnitude of the project and severity of impacts anticipated at the time of

commissioning of the project.

PEPA (Review of IEE/EIA) Regulations 2000 categorize projects into two separate schedules

depending on whether a project requires an IEE (Schedule-I) or an EIA (Schedule-II). The

Regulations also require that all projects located in environmentally sensitive areas need

submission of an EIA.

Thermal power generation of less than 200MW and hydroelectric generation of less than

50MW falls in Schedule I - lists of projects requiring an IEE while thermal power generation of

more than 200MW and hydroelectric generation of more than 50MW fall in Schedule II - lists

of projects requiring an EIA. Power generation from the wind turbines is not included in the

existing schedules and hence is not covered in the environmental regulations of Pakistan.

The cost of the proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project as well as its sensitivity with

respect to impacts on the physical, biological and social environment suggest that it will be

more prudent to place it in the category of projects requiring EIA under Schedule-II (Clause-

A3: Transmission lines (11 KV and above) and grid stations) of PEPA (Review of IEE/EIA)

Regulations 2000. Accordingly an EIA Study has been conducted, and the same will be

submitted to seek approval prior to project initiation.

1.9.1 Methodology for Environmental Assessment Study

The environmental assessment (examination and evaluation) is primarily based on simple

comparative evaluation approach. Initially the baseline or the profile of the project area is

developed by site surveys, collecting data, records and information on physical, ecological /

biological as well as socioeconomic environment. The data so compiled is then projected or

modeled for different phases of projects, i.e. design, construction, and operations. The likely

changes in the critical environmental aspects or significant changes in the ambient

environmental parameters are identified. Identification, assessment and evaluation of

significant impact either in qualitative or quantitative terms is carried out for which appropriate

mitigation measures are proposed.

1.9.2 Methodology Adopted for Social Aspects

EMC Team of environmentalists and environmental sociologists held consultation based on the

detailed contents of the Project with main stakeholders. Environmental and social

considerations being an essential component of the implementation phase of this project, the

following points were underscored for implementing the EIA recommendations:

Identifying the need, if any, for involuntary resettlement and for land acquisition and to

prepare an appropriate Involuntary Resettlement Program.

Reducing the impact on the living environment during the construction period, selecting

appropriate construction methods and construction schedule.

Accordingly the EIA study has:

Conducted public consultation at the early stage.



Held stakeholders meetings during the study.

Understood in detail the concerns of Persons resident in the villages that are outside the

SZABIST land area.

In consideration of:

Agreement between NBT Wind Power Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. allowing SZABIST land for

installation of Wind Power Generation Complex will require no payment for land

acquisition,

Consultation Meetings with the residents of one village located within the SZABIST

boundary and one on the outside of the land area, have confirmed the issue that

establishment of the Wind Farm on SZABIST land will not require land acquisition or

involuntary resettlement, and

Insignificant impact on the ecology and living environment,

It is implicit that there would be no need for involuntary resettlement or acquisition of

Land.

This EIA report presents the existing environmental scenario and the results from the

assessment and evaluation of the environmental aspects emerging during the installation and

operation phases of wind turbines. Following screening of potential environmental aspects, the

assessed and evaluated impacts requiring necessary mitigation measures are suggested in the

report. The report also includes the Environmental Management and Monitoring Program that

will be implemented during siting, construction and operation phases.

The methodology specifically adopted for conducting the EIA of The Project may be

summarized as follows:

1.9.3 Project Specific Data Collection

The foremost step was to get the maximum information on physical aspects of the project, as

well as construction and operation activities from the proponent.

The next step involved visits by the environmental assessment team comprising group of

experts to the project area and its vicinity to conduct reconnaissance survey and to collect

baseline data in the context to environmental (physical and ecological) and social aspects.

The survey included a focused group discussion with locals as part of information disclosure

and public consultation. Detailed data collection Surveys on physical, biological and social

aspects of the SZABIST area and its surroundings. This included:

Wildlife and Birdlife Survey.

Detailed socioeconomic survey of the project area.

Stakeholders Consultation including primary stakeholders and secondary stakeholders

including NGOs like IUCN and WWF.

Literature Review/Baseline.

All possible archives and published literature was surveyed along with previous IEE/EIA

studies conducted in the region.

Legislative requirements and regulatory requirements pertaining to the project were also

reviewed. These included:

Environmental Regulations, Standards & Guidelines.

Environmental issues concerning protection and control governed by Pakistan

Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997.



Legal Requirements in Pakistan for Environmental Assessment for New Projects under the

Environmental Protection Agency Sindh (SEPA);

National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for gaseous, vehicular exhaust

emissions; noise emissions, and liquid effluents;

Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1972;

Antiquities Act 1975;

Forest Act, 1927;

Civil Aviation Rules (1994)

Biodiversity Action Plan;

PEPA Guidelines for Public Consultation;

PEPA Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas;

Policy for Development of Renewable Energy for Power Generation, 2006, Government

of Pakistan;

World Bank Guidelines on Environmental Assessment;

IFC’s EHS Guidelines for Wind Energy;

IFC’s EHS Guidelines for Electrical Power Transmission and Distribution;

ADB Guidelines for Environmental Assessment;

JICA Guidelines for Environmental Assessment;

Equator Principles;

Low Frequency Noise and Wind Turbine; British Wind Energy Association, February

2005.

Impact Identification and Assessment.

On acquisition of baseline information the environmental aspects were identified

(screened) for different activities at the project siting, design, construction and operation

phases.

Subsequently the quantification of the impacts in terms of magnitude and significance was

evaluated.

In order to reduce the adverse impacts of the project mitigation measures were proposed to

minimize the impacts and to sustain the project in an environment friendly manner.

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan was compiled and included in the

environmental assessment report to make it more comprehensive and self-sustaining with

the specific purpose of providing working guidelines for the project Proponent and

Management personnel who shall be responsible for the construction and operations of the

project, so as to enable them to maintain the environmental and social conditions in

conformity with the PEPA regulations. The management plan outlines the details required

to manage environmental, safety and community risks arising from the project activities as

well as social issues. It also gives the details of monitoring that would be required during

the operation phase of the project in order to comply with the requirements of sustainable

development.

1.9.4 Preparation of Report

This EIA report has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the Pakistan

Environmental Protection Agency (PEPA), World Bank and IFC. All pre-requisites of report

writing in structural format, contents and presentation have been considered and met as per the

standard format of the EIA document.



1.10 Structure of EIA Report

The EIA report has been structured on the standard format, prescribed by the Federal EPA. The

Report has been presented in the following sections:

Section 1 - Introduction

Section 2 - Description of Project

Section 3 - Legal Requirements

Section 4 - Environmental and Social Baseline

Section 5 - Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Section 6 - Public Consultation

Section 7 - Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

Section 8 - Findings and Recommendations

Section 9 - Conclusion

1.11 EIA Study Team

This EIA study has been conducted by a team of EMC environmental experts. Valuable input

was made by each team member who contributed in compilation of this report. Names and

designation / role of the project team members are given as follows:

Table 1.1: EIA Study Team

S. No. Name Position

1 Syed Nadeem Arif Project Manager

2 Mr. Saquib Ejaz Hussain Deputy Project Manager/EIA Specialist

3 Dr. Mirza Arshad Ali Beg Team Leader/Senior Environmentalist

4 Dr. Iqbal H. Hashmi Technical Writer and EIA Specialist

4 Ms. Nida Kanwal Sociologist

5 Dr. Badar Munir Ghauri Air & Noise Quality Expert

6 Dr. Syed Ali Ghalib Expert on Fauna

7 Dr. Syed Asad Ghufran Expert on Flora

8 Ms. Noor Fatima Environmental Scientist

9 Mr. Irfan Hashmi Expert on Carbon Management



2.0 Description of Project

2.1 The Project

NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project will be established on SZABIST land site in Ghaggar –

Dhabeji – Rann Pethani ecosystem in UC Dhabeji, Taluka Mirpur Sakro, District Thatta. The

Project will be in accordance with GoP’s policy and guidelines on development and generation

of Alternative or Renewable Energy, being implemented through the Alternative Energy

Development Board (AEDB). NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd has started installation of

masts for recording the meteorological data.

The Project comprises development, ownership and operation of 2x50 MW Wind Farm in

SZABIST land in Mirpur Sakro Taluka, District Thatta in Sindh, Pakistan by NBT-Zab Wind

Power (Pvt.) Ltd. The National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC), which is

responsible for transmission and distribution of electricity in the country, will purchase the

power generated by NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd.

Figure 2.1: NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project Site

2.2 Project Components

The project components comprise the following:

Wind resource use assessment for macro-siting the Wind Farm in Gharo- Keti Bunder

Wind Corridor and micro-siting the wind farm in Ghaggar – Dhabeji – Rann Pethani

ecosystem in UC Dhabeji

Installation of 80m high meteorological masts for collection of wind data

Geo-technical survey

Appointment of the main contractor for the project and signing of a memorandum of

understanding (MoU) for selection of size of wind turbines on basis of wind



classification arrived at from site specific meteorological data at SZABIST land in UC

Dhabeji.

Finalizing the layout plan for siting the selected wind turbines

Logistics

Construction of Access and Internal road network linking all wind turbines

Procurement and Installation of the finally selected Wind turbines, likely with a

generating capacity of 1.5 to 3.5 MW having rotor diameter of 80 to 90 m and with

each turbine mounted on a prefabricated steel tower such that the hub height is 80 to

100 m.

Installation of corresponding number of step-up transformers mounted at the foot of

each turbine tower

Construction of underground electrical collection system leading to the project sub-

station

Construction of operations and control building; substation and grid connection to

NTDC 132 KV system.

Plant O&M facility

Operation of wind farm,

Maintenance and decommissioning.

2.3 Work Schedule

The project will be executed in phases:

Phase 1: The first phase includes six months for obtaining permits and approval as well as

project financing from Equator Principle Bank including International Finance Corporation

(IFC) for arrangement of debt for which formation of a consortium is in progress to provide the

finance.

Phase 2: Second Phase will involve the entire life cycle of the Project mentioned above.

Construction of the Wind Farm will include the following activities:

Grading of the field and Construction Office area (to serve also as O&M building);

Construction of site roads, turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind turbine

location;

Piling and Construction of turbine tower foundations and transformer pads;

Installation of electrical collection system including underground and overhead lines;

Assembly and erection of wind turbines;

Construction and installation of substation;

Plant commissioning and energizing.

Work on the project is expected to commence during the last quarter of the year 2012, with the

construction of the access road and site preparation (civil works). The construction phase is

expected to take 18 – 20 months. The schedule of activities is expected to be as follows:

Civil construction access roads: February 2013 - May 2013

Site roads: March 2013 – September 2013

WTG foundations: March - November 2013

Electrical construction: March 2013

Turbine delivery: November - December 2014

Installation of Equipment: December 2014 – May 2015

Substation transformer(s) at site: February, 2014



Substation commissioning: May, 2014

Collection system commissioning: June 2015

Turbine commissioning: July – September 2015

2.4 Macro-Site Selection

Wind Power Potential of the Gharo – Keti Bunder Wind Corridor, the macro-site of NBT-Zab

Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd. was established after detailed survey by Pakistan Meteorological

Department in 2007. The AEDB has thereafter proceeded by:

Completion of pre-feasibility study of the Wind Corridor,

Issue of 56 LOIs to national and international companies for generation of 700 MW

power through wind energy by year 2010 and 9700 MW by year 2030.

Submission of applications by seven companies to National Electric Power Regulatory

Authority (NEPRA) for obtaining Generation License.

Grant of Generation License.

Offer of Land by AEDB in the wind corridor, and sub-lease of Land to 13 investors.

Endorsement of Basic Wind Data collected at Gharo-Keti Bundar: 7 m/s annual

average at approximately 65 meters, provided to AEDB by Pakistan Meteorological

Department

Under the Policy Guidelines the Power Purchaser would take the risk associated with

wind availability i.e. underwriting of data provided by Pakistan Meteorological

Department.

2.5 Determination of Wind Energy Potential For Micro-siting

2.5.1 Wind Speed Monitoring

The wind energy potential was determined for wind farm establishment by characterizing and

classifying the wind and estimating the wind power density during the three-year survey

period. Wind data were collected at 20 sites in the coastal belt as well as Dhabeji – Gharo of

Taluka Mirpur Sakro, District Thatta, Sindh. It was found that at 50-metre height, annual

average wind speeds were 8.5, 7.0, 7.0, 6.7 and 6.6 meters per second at Jamshoro, Keti

Bandar, Nooriabad, Thatta and Gharo, respectively.

Tables 2.1 and 2.2 show the benchmark established by the AEDB for the Gharo-Bhambore and

Boharo (Gharo) sites respectively. AEDB had concluded the agreement to sub-lease the land at

both sites for establishment of wind farms. The data recorded for Bohara Monitoring station in

the Keti Bunder-Gharo corridor by Midroc-Tussoni and reported by R&DC in the IEE Report

(IEE for 50MW Wind Power Plant at Lakha Island at Boharo, 2007) is presented in Table 2.2;

it shows the monthly average wind velocity recorded during the windy month of August 2007

at the Boharo site.

The range of variation in wind velocity at 60 m is between a low of 2.1 m/s to a high of 19.9

m/s with an average of 9.12 m/s, while at 30 m it ranges between 1.4 m/s and 19.3 m/s with an

average of 8.55 m/s. Thus there are minor differences in velocity between the 60 m and 30 m

levels. High velocity winds of 6 to 8 m/s are dominant from May to August, which are the

monsoon months.



Table 2.1 Monthly Wind Speed in Khuttikun and Bhambore Sites

Month Mean Monthly Wind Speed (m/s)

Height 30 50 60 67 80

January 4.25 4.70 4.90 5.02 5.24

February 4.50 4.98 5.18 5.32 5.55

March 4.77 5.28 5.50 5.64 5.89

April 6.39 7.03 7.29 7.46 7.75

May 8.29 9.05 9.36 9.56 9.90

June 8.79 9.50 9.78 9.96 10.25

July 8.83 9.59 9.89 10.08 10.40

August 8.20 8.89 9.16 9.34 9.63

September 6.63 7.28 7.54 7.72 8.01

October 4.22 4.68 4.87 5.0 5.22

November 3.59 3.98 4.14 4.24 4.43

December 3.96 4.38 4.56 4.67 4.88

Annual Average 6.0 6.6 6.8 7.0 7.3

Table 2.2 Wind Statistics for Boharo (August 2007)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5

Height above ground level (m) 80.0 80.0 60.0 30.0 10.00

Minimum wind speed (m/s) 2.1 2.1 1.8 1.4 1.1

Average wind speed (m/s) 9.12 9.12 8.96 8.55 7.89

Maximum wind speed (m/s) 20.0 19.9 19.7 19.3 17.8

Wind speed (m/s) 23 23 23 23 23

Average std deviation (m/s) 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7

IEC (15m/s) turbulence intensity 6.8% 6.8% 6.9% 7.5% 8.5%

Average turbulence intensity 7.0% 6.7% 7.2% 8.0% 9.1%

It would be noted from Table 2.1 that the average monthly wind speed during the year is 7.3 at

80m height wile during the April-September period it ranges between a minimum of 7.75m

and 10.40m which is as recorded endorsed by AEDB.

2.5.2 Wind Characteristics

Wind potential of different areas is usually characterized by assigning one of the seven wind

classes, each corresponding to range of wind speed and power density at specific height above

the ground. Standard wind class definitions are shown in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3: Standard Wind Class Definition3.1

Class 30 m Height 50 m Height

Speed m/s Power W/m2 Speed m/s Power W/m

2

1 0- 5.1 0 -160 0 – 5.6 0 – 200

2 5.1 – 5.9 160 - 240 5.6 – 6.4 200 – 300

3 5.9 –6.5 240 - 320 6.4 –7.0 300 – 400

4 6.5 – 7.0 320 - 400 7.0 – 7.5 400 – 500

5 7.0 – 7.4 400 – 480 7.5 - 8.0 500 – 600

6 7.4 – 8.2 480 – 640 8.0 – 8.8 600 – 800

7 8.2 – 11.0 640 - 1600 8.8 – 11.9 800 – 2000

The following figures show that by international wind classification, power density places the

Jamshoro, Nooriabad, Talhar and Keti Bandar sites in the excellent category, while Thatta, Thana

3.1

Wind Power Classification of Pakistan, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Wind Mapping Project



Bola Khan, Hyderabad and Gharo are placed in the category of good sites for generation of wind

power.

Figure 2.2: Wind Power Classification

Figure 2.3: Annual Average Wind Speed at 50 m Height in Pakistan



2.6 Siting NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm In Dhabeji

Site specific wind speed comparison is being initiated at the SZABIST site in UC Dhabeji, to

finally select the wind corridor of GDRP ecosystem as the preferred site.

2.6.1 Wind power density

The amount of electricity produced by wind turbines depends on the amount of energy

contained in the wind that flows through the area swept by the wind turbine blades in one unit

of time. This energy flow is the wind power density (W/m2), which depends on wind density

cubed, which implies that the power contained in the wind increases very rapidly with wind

speed. However, below a certain minimum speed, the turbine does not have enough wind to

operate, whereas above a certain speed its output levels off or begins to decline. In very high

winds the turbine is shut down to prevent damage to it.

Available annual wind power densities (W/m2) at Gharo were recorded at 420 to 510 watts per

square meter at 80m height. This places the NBT-SZABIST WIND FARM site in class 5 at 80

m height and class 3 at 50 m height in the wind resource classification system.

Wind resource classification as well as the height of the site, which has also been taken

advantage of by the KWSB in siting its Filter Plant, and the accessibility of the almost flat

terrain are advantages of offered to the site. Furthermore the SZABIST land is outside the areas

of the five categories of land use: environmental (such as national parks), urban, forest,

cropland and range land.

Two factors considered in the study are the possible conflicts between wind power plants and

bird habitats and migration routes and constraints on the transmission capacity needed to carry

wind power to population centers. The present EIA Study indicates that the SZABIST site is

not located anywhere near existing transmission lines.

2.6.2 Wind Turbines

The SZABIST site will, for using the winds in class 5 at 80m height, set up wind turbines. The

turbines will use the following sub-system to catch the wind Conversion of wind density to

kinetic energy rotational motion drive an electric generator or alternator generate

electricity without creating environmental pollutants.

Turbine subsystems include:

Rotor component which includes the blades that convert the wind's energy into

rotational shaft energy;

Nacelle (enclosure) containing a drive train, usually including a gearbox* and a

generator includes the electrical generator, the control electronics, for converting the

low speed incoming rotation to high speed rotation suitable for generating electricity;

Tower, to support the rotor and drive train; and

Electronic equipment such as controls, electrical cables, ground support equipment,

and interconnection equipment.

*Some turbines do not require a gearbox



Figure 2.4: Wind Turbine Configurations

1981 1985 1990 1996 1999 2000 2008

Rotor (meters) 10 17 27 40 50 71 107

Rating (KW) 25 100 225 550 750 1,650 3600

Annual MWh 45 220 550 1,480 2,200 5,600 13000

Figure 2.5: Historical Variation of Size & Capacity of Wind Turbines

Wind turbines can rotate about either the commonly used horizontal axis or a vertical axis.

Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) have the main rotor shaft and electrical generator at the

top of a tower, and must be pointed into the wind. Small turbines are pointed by a simple wind

vane, while large turbines generally use a wind sensor coupled with a servo motor. Most have a

gearbox, which turns the slow rotation of the blades into a quicker rotation that is more suitable

to drive an electrical generator.

Figure 2.6: Components of a horizontal axis wind turbine (gearbox, rotor shaft and

brake assembly) being lifted into position

Since a tower produces turbulence behind it, the turbine is usually positioned upwind of its

supporting tower. Turbine blades are made stiff to prevent the blades from being pushed into

the tower by high winds. Additionally, the blades are placed a considerable distance in front of

the tower and are sometimes tilted forward into the wind by certain extent.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Scout_moor_gearbox,_rotor_shaft_and_brake_assembly.jpg



Commercial wind farms generally use three-blade turbines that are pointed into the wind by

computer-controlled motors. They have high tip speeds of over 320 km/hour or 88 m/sec, high

efficiency, and low torque ripple, all of which contribute to reliability. The blades are usually

colored light gray to blend in with the clouds and range in length from 20 to 40 meters or more.

The tubular steel towers range from 60 to 90 m in height. The blades rotate at 10-22

revolutions per minute. At 22 rotations per minute the tip speed exceeds 90 m/sec. A gear box

is used for stepping up the speed of the generator, but direct drive of an annular generator is

also common, since more energy can be collected by variable-speed turbines which use a solid-

state power converter to interface with the transmission system. All turbines are equipped with

protective features to avoid damage at high wind speeds, by feathering the blades into the wind

which ceases their rotation, supplemented by brakes.

Wind farms being developed currently use large wind turbines for sites in class 5 and above.

Specifications for 1.5 and 2.5 MW wind turbines are given in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4 Typical Specifications for 1.5 MW & 2.3 MW Wind Turbines

Power 1.5 MW 2.3 MW

Voltage 690V 690V

Frequency 50 Hz 50 Hz

Number of Blades 3 3

Length of Blades 34 m 45 m

Tip Chord 0.80 m 0.8 m

Root Chord 2.40 m 3.5 m

Surface Gloss Semi-matt Semi-matt

Surface Color Light Grey (matching the

background)

Light Grey (matching the

background)

Hub Height 80 m or site specific 80 m or site specific

Rotor Speed 10.6 – 19 rpm 6-16 rpm

Rotor Diameter 70 m 93 m

Rotor Tilt 5 degrees 6 degrees

Swept Area 3000 m2 6800 m

2

Cut-in Speed 3 m/s 4 m/s

Cut Out Wind

Speed 25 m/s 25 m/s

Maximum 2 s

gust 55 m/s 55 m/s

In view of the NBT-SZABIST WIND FARM site being placed in class 4 to 5 at 80m height,

and also in consideration of large swept area required for and available at SZABIST site for

large turbines, the Project can opt for Wind Turbines with generating capacity of 1.5 to 2.5 MW

and over with rotor diameter of 80 to 90 m mounted at the hub height of about 90 to 100 m.

2.6.3 Performance of Wind Turbines

Performance of wind turbines depends on the average wind speed and its variability besides

topography of the site.

1. Variability of winds

Performance of wind turbines is constrained by large variations in the average wind speed at

the site during the calm period when the movement of wind is directionless and in the monsoon

months that are marked by unusually gusty or turbulent winds which can cause extra wear and

tear on wind turbine components and increase in repair and maintenance costs. Variations



occurring over hours to days, being essential for wind resource evaluation, will be recorded

continuously after setting up the monitoring stations at the site.

2. Wind speed dependence on height

Increase in wind speed with height, known as wind shear depends mainly on atmospheric

mixing and roughness of terrain. Atmospheric mixing follows a diurnal cycle often causing

wind speeds to increase in the daytime and decrease at night. At a height of approximately 10

meters, the diurnal variation can be very pronounced; as the height increases to approximately

50 meters, it weakens or even disappears. The terrain at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site slopes

from 80 m amsl to 60 m towards the National Highway N5 and to the sea level southwards at

the coastline. The ascending winds from the sea shore gain momentum under such conditions

and in conjunction with low roughness and the flat open land at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

site will also affect wind shear allowing it to gain speed.

The wind shear will be measured at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site by monitoring wind

speeds at four heights of the tower. Since wind turbines produce much more power in stronger

winds, the most favorable position would be one facing the wind squarely. With current wind

turbine technology, the optimum tower height for the selected WTGs wind machines would be

attained at the height of 80 to 90 meters.

As a general rule of thumb, wind turbines are so installed on towers that the rotor blades are 10

m above any obstacle within 100 m of the tower. This is where the swept area needs to be

considered. The swept area which forms the impacted area of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

wind corridor for any size of turbine would be taken into consideration while micro-siting the

turbines.

2.7 NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Generation Complex

A detailed wind resource and micro-siting study will be conducted by the technical consultants

for establishment of NBT-SZABIST WIND Farm Complex. The wind resource study will be

based on data from the Meteorological Department, and the site specific wind data from a

meteorological mast that is being set up by NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm at the site.

The data will be analyzed as part of the wind resource assessment program and for micro-siting

the wind turbines in addition to firming up the benchmark data provided by AEDB on wind

characteristics, variation of wind speed over time, wind power density and to establish the wind

energy potential in the ZWPL Project area in UC Dhabeji, Taluka Mirpur Sakro.

Aerodynamic modeling will be used to determine the optimum tower height, control systems,

number of blades, and blade shape.The weather station data when processed for wind

classification and wind power density would recommend the appropriate size, design and

positioning of the wind turbine for the wind farm at the Project site.

In the mean time, the geotechnical study, topography study and contour mapping, together with

establishment of baseline in respect of air quality study, Fauna and Flora as well as

socioeconomic studies for environmental assessment has been carried out. The environmental

study has identified the constraints to and minor or insignificant impact of installation of the

wind power generation system and has recommended mitigation measures to minimize the few

impacts.



The wind farm at NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project area in UC Dhabeji will comprise

optimally sized wind turbine generators (WTGs) located suitably within the boundary

demarcated by the following coordinates:

Table 2.5 NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Site Coordinates

Point Coordinates

1 24°46'15.00"N, 67°35'56.82"E

2 24°46'18.30"N, 67°36'19.08"E

3 24°47'39.90"N, 67°35'52.74"E

4 24°47'24.00"N, 67°33'22.14"E

5 24°47'18.06"N, 67°33'18.24"E

6 24°46'44.64"N, 67°34'30.66"E

Micro-siting of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project will examine the location of wind farm

specifically with respect to its being near the resident and migratory bird flyways. NBT-

SZABIST Wind Farm will be tangential to the flyway to Haleji Lake, which is at least 20 km

from the Project site. The resident high flying birds surviving on the poultry farm wastes are to

be found on the outside of the boundary of the SZABIST land area. The wind farm is thus

expected to have the least impact on bird fauna. Aridity and deforestation activities have

reduced the biodiversity of the microenvironment of Project area to that of degraded land. The

residential area of the KWSB’s Filter Plant Colony is at a distance of 2.5 km in the south, and

one unauthorized hamlet that is another 2.5 km in the north; the rural community of Jaffar

Jokhio Goth and the others listed in Table 4.23 are outside the SZABIST land area. As such the

wind farm will not have demonstrable impacts on local populations, and on threatened or

endangered species.

2.7.1 Logistics

Equipment, supplies and personnel will move in and out from the site using the access road and

the Super Highway M-9. Heavy vehicles carrying the wind turbines and necessary equipment

will operate from Port Qasim and take the link road to National Highway N5 for onward

journey to SZABIST site by the dirt road which will be upgraded to take the heavy load of

towers (~162 tons), rotor blades (~60 tons), turbines (Nacelle ~82 tons), machinery and

equipment.

2.7.2 Access Road

NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site is accessed from Karachi through the National

Highway N5. At 55 km on N5 a shingle road takes off to the Filter Plant. A 2.5 km dirt road

from here takes to the Project site. This dirt road has been developed by the villagers resident in

Jaffar Jokhio Goth and beyond.

This track will need construction of a flyover to cross the water supply mainline from Gujju

and considerable up-gradation of the shingle road and dirt road.

2.7.3 Vehicles and Traffic

National Highway N5 and the 06 km of shingle and dirt road will be used by the NBT-

SZABIST Wind Farm Project vehicles. The shingle road will have to be improved by

widening, spreading gravel and compaction of the road from National Highway N5 to the end

of the Filter Plant end, construction of a flyover to cross the water supply mainline from Gujju

and other structures to make the road heavy vehicle worthy, besides construction of lay-byes



for smooth movement of heavy transport vehicles. Additionally another 15 km internal road

network will be constructed to connect the turbines at the wind farm.

Heavy vehicular traffic will operate mainly for delivery of turbines and for transportation of the

batching plant and ancillaries. The latter process will require four flat bed trailers of 40-feet size

with a load carrying capacity of 30 – 35 tons. The movement of the turbines and towers takes

approximately two months and is expected to be from Port Qasim National Highway N5

Project site. Movement of vehicles for transportation of turbines and other needs during

construction typically requires:

Over 225 heavy haul truck / trailers of 60-feet size, with extended length and multiple

axles having a load carrying capacity of 40 -70 tons, in addition to

About 70 trucks /trailers of 20 – 25 ton capacity.

A maximum number of 6 vehicles (4 axles and above) per hour, including the buses and

coasters for movement of site staff during the construction period.

2.8 Major Construction Activities

Contract for construction will be awarded to an Engineering Firm of repute to undertake the

installation of turbines. The turbine supplier will have a supervising engineer onsite during the

installation phase and the commissioning engineer during the start-up phase. Installation of the

sub-station would be done by sub-contractors to the Engineering Firm. All other electrical work

will be done by the contractor.

Work will commence with improvement of the 06 km - access road connecting the site with

National Highway N5. The dirt road will require widening, spreading gravel and compaction to

upgrade/ build to a standard that is suitable for the 60-foot flat bed trucks in good weather

conditions. Lay-bys will be built at suitable points for ease of crossing. Since the entire project

area is flat, road gradient will not be an issue.

The roads within the project area shall be suitably compacted / strengthened to withstand the

onset of torrential surface flow and land submergence/inundation.

2.8.1 Siting The Wind Turbines

Design standards for siting the wind turbines include spatial configuration, lighting, density of

turbines, tower visibility and tower design.

Siting the wind turbines will, in taking account that each turbine unit will slow down the wind

behind it as it pulls energy out of the wind and converts it to electricity, space the turbines as far

apart as possible in the prevailing wind direction. As a rule of thumb, turbines in wind parks are

spaced somewhere between 5 and 9 RD apart in the prevailing wind direction, and between 3

and 5 RD apart in the direction perpendicular to the prevailing winds.

For the proposed NBT-SZABIST 50MW Wind Farm, as an example comprising 1.5 MW each

33 WTG with ~70 m RD would be spaced 5 RD or 350 m apart in the prevailing wind

direction, and 3 RD or 210 m apart in the direction perpendicular to the prevailing winds.

Likewise for 2.5 MW WTGs with 90 m RD, the required 20 sets will be sited 450 m apart in a

direction perpendicular to the coastline.



2.8.2 Electrical Collection System

Power from the wind turbines being negotiated by NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will generate

about 600 volts in each phase. The power will run through a step-up transformer, which steps

up the voltage to 11 kilovolts (kV). The power will then be fed into underground cables that

will provide electrical connection among groups of wind turbines. The underground collection

cables will feed the larger feeder lines that will run to the project substation. In locations where

two or more sets of underground lines converge, pad-mounted junction panels will be utilized

to tie the lines together into one or more sets of larger feeder conductors. At the Project

substation, the electrical power from the entire wind power plant will be converted to 132 kV

and will be delivered to the interconnection substation, for being stepped up to appropriate

voltage level.

2.8.3 Substations

The main function of the substations is to step-up the voltage so that electricity can be reliably

interconnected to the designated power grid. The basic elements of the substations are a control

house, two main transformers, outdoor breakers, relaying equipment, high-voltage bus work,

steel support structures, and overhead lightning suppression conductors. These elements will be

installed on concrete foundations. Each substation will consist of a graveled footprint area of

approximately two to four acres, a chain link perimeter fence, and an outdoor lighting system.

Direct strike lightning protections will be provided by the use of overhead shield wires and

lightning masts connected to the switchyard ground grid. Overhead shield wires will be high

strength steel wires arranged to provide shield zones of protection.

2.8.4 Operations & Maintenance Center

Facility to house the operations and maintenance (O&M) section will be constructed as an

integral part of the Project

2.8.5 Civil Construction

Civil works will include construction of the Sub-station and campsite preparation. The

following steps will be taken in site preparation:

Clearing of vegetation from identified areas

Filling and compaction

Construction of auxiliary facilities such as site camp, equipment and supplies storage

areas, water tank and water pits, fuel storage areas and waste pits.

Construction of turbine foundations and crane pad

The turbine foundation shall, where necessary, be built on pile foundations, with appropriate

number of piles per location, built on detailed design, using standard piling practices. The

construction at site will take into account that rotor assembly (blades and hub) weighing ~22

tons; the nacelle containing the generator component and weighing 52 tons, may need a

concrete base for the tower whose construction may require 26 tons of reinforcing steel and

contain 190 cubic meters of concrete. The base may be 15 m in diameter and 2.4 m thick near

the center.

Campsite facilities will include supply of safe drinking water; drainage, sewerage, and septic

tanks. Standard Operation Procedures will be followed to provide safe working environment



compatible with human hygienic requirements and to maintain conditions necessary for storage

of medicines, materials and equipment:

The construction campsite will cover an area of about 10,000 m2 and will accommodate 4

construction trailers and 4 equipment storage trailers. There will also be vehicle parking

and equipment staging areas.

The water storage tank will be lined with an impervious liner to prevent seepage and loss

of water.

Sewage septic tanks will be lined. These will be periodically emptied into tankers for

transporting the sewage to the nearest treatment facility. Gray water (from kitchen and

washing areas) pits will not be lined, and water will be allowed to soak into the ground.

The wastewater from campsite will be discharged as per standard practice into separate

sewerage lines and from there to septic tanks soak pit system. The quality of effluent

discharged into soak pit system will be monitored for its BOD, and COD level.

Camps for the construction crew will be established at a suitable site identified by Project

Manager. The camps would accommodate around 400 to 500 personnel. The camp will be

complete with living accommodation, mess and kitchen, prayer room, bathrooms and

toilets, recreational facilities, fuel storage, water storage, etc. The camp will have its own

power generation arrangements in the form of diesel generators.

At all locations involving construction activity, appropriate water and sewage treatment

systems will be provided and no liquid or solid effluent or waste will be allowed to leave

the site without treatment to bring the effluents within the acceptable limits. The parking

area and workshop at the campsite will have a slop tank system to minimize the spread of

oily drips.

Under normal operations there will be no gaseous emissions from the campsite, or

operating areas. A small capacity, 2 MVA diesel generators, shall be installed for

emergency power supply for the essential loads. Only when there is need for the diesel

emergency generators would there be gaseous emissions from the sites, but such emissions

would be well within limits as described in a subsequent section.

Storm water runoff from the campsite will be suitably diverted through a storm water

drainage system into an existing surface flow system.

Storm water runoff from the wind farm will be harvested and ponded at a designated site

for irrigating the surrounding open area.

Onsite storage of fuel will be limited to daily requirements.

The onsite delivery of fuel or lubricant will be at designated site that will have an

impervious base, with a dyke around to contain spills in case an accidental spill occurs.

The excavated earth, obtained during the piling procedure, will be used to construct the

embankment for the road. The remaining material required for the road embankments will

be from the site. The top layer of the road, morum type material or gravel and clay, will be

procured from the site.

Installation of wind turbines, their accessories and equipment will start after completion of

the above activities. Since all components will be prefabricated there would be need for

assembly only. However, some fabrication will also take place at site.

Civil construction at site will involve the following components:

1. Turbine base that will be built on pile foundations, with about 14 piles per location, using

reverse rotary drilling method for pile boring, and bentonite clay mixed with water during

boring;



2. Sub-station and campsite preparation,

3. 11 km approach road, 15 km internal roads; culverts and the bridge, will involve the

following three phases:

a) Designing and Pre-Construction,

b) Construction and

c) Post Construction including Operation.

The pre-construction phase has three components:

Identification of land area and site;

Topographic survey, and

Design.

Construction activity as a major component of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project is currently

at the Pre-Feasibility Stage. It will be followed by the pre-construction stage when:

The road and bridge construction design will be prepared

Land acquisition from private parties has been found to be a non-issue, since the NBT-

SZABIST Wind Farm will be sited on ZABIST land, has only two human settlements both

located about 2.5 km on the south and north of the Project site respectively: 1) Gharo

Pumping Station and its residential Colony, and 2) an unsurveyed hamlet, Yousuf

Khaskheli by name. There was another hamlet near the Yousuf Khaskheli Goth but the

same has been abandoned only recently. There is no un-surveyed land within the area

enclosed by coordinates given in Table 3.7. As such the living area is outside the corridor

of impact of the wind farm. To further lessen the impact, the WTGs will be so sited as to

have the residential area at least 1.6 km from the nearest wind turbine. It has been

ascertained that the access road excludes private land and will not require land acquisition

along the approach and internal roads.

No trees will be felled, except removal of dead wood of shrubs as part of land clearance

Suitability of the site with respect to stability and seismicity has been determined through

soil surveys by geo-technical investigations. The allowable bearing capacity of the soil will

be adopted as 1.70 tsf, but this value will be verified before the start of construction.

Topographic survey for the following will be undertaken and in the mean time NBT will

provide the detailed design for:

Construction of site roads, turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind turbine

location;

Construction of the turbine tower foundations and transformer pads;

Installation of the electrical collection system – underground and some overhead lines;

Assembly and erection of the wind turbines;

Construction and installation of the substation.

There may be need for construction of a flyover to cross over the KWSB’s Water Supply

mainline. As such the following tasks have been included with the condition that they will be

subject to its requirement at the detailed design stage:

Structural Excavation in Un-Classified Material, including Disposal

Structural Backfill using Granular Material

RCC in roof slab, beam, column & other structural members, in situ or pre-cast. Type B

(1:1.5:3)



RCC in roof slab, beam, column & other structural members, in situ or precast. Type A

(1:1:2)

Plain Cement Concrete Including Placing, compacting, Finishing, and Curing (Ratio:

1:4:8)

Reinforcement as per AASHTO M31: Grade 60 (TOR Steel Deformed Bars)

Providing and launching pre-stressed post tensioned girders with concrete cylinder strength

of 5000 psi at 28 days including reinforcement and pre-stressing steel, grouting of tenders,

complete all as per drawings.

Up to 21m long girders

Up to 17m long girders.

Bridge Expansion Joint

Expansion Joint for the movement range of +/- 60mm (Freyssinet joint N-65 or equivalent)

Elastomeric Bearing Pad 500mm x 300mm x 50mm

Cast in place Concrete Pile diameter 760mm

Test Pile- 760mm Diameter.

Pile Load Testing: Max Load 240 – 360 tons

Galvanized Mild steel Bar (diameter 25mm )

Perforated Concrete Pipe

Pile Integrity Testing

Confirmatory Boring including SPT’s.

Samples lab test bore-hole logs

Provide Geotechnical Report

Riprap, class A

Grouted Riprap, class B

Filter Layer of Granular Material

For this purpose the general specification/details will be worked out in respect of type of

structures, grade of concrete, and all other materials required for the Construction Phase of the

Road and Bridge component (subject to final design) of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project:

Structures and materials will conform to standards recommended above and follow

standard practice of civil works.

Environmentally sound materials and goods will be selected, with priority being accorded

to products meeting national and international standards.

Traditionally well-tried materials will be chosen for provision of services for construction

at the bridges.

Construction site will be adequately isolated to prevent entry of public and general safety

measures will be effectively imposed throughout the construction period.

Temporary inconveniences due to construction works will be minimized through planning

and coordination with local population and organizations in the neighbourhood.

The foundations of bridge structures will be concrete on bearing soil. Bearing capacity,

settlement, static and dynamic loading conditions have been determined while seismic

conditions pertaining to placement of the site in zone 2A (Medium Intensity hazards) will

be taken into account in the working designs that will be submitted for approval.

The hydrology, geology and stability of soil will be verified again before laying the

foundations.



Environmental Performance Monitoring will be an essential component of the Project and

will be governed through Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which will include

Environmental Monitoring Plan.

The post-construction phase at the site will start after completion of the construction phase and

will include:

Provision of safe drinking water, and solid waste disposal system at campsites for the

operation area

Commissioning of the link roads and flyover (subject to final design) into the road

network.

Installation phase will start with the arrival and movement of machinery and equipment to site,

and will involve the following activities:

Figure 2.7: Transportation of Tower

Figure 2.8: Installation of Towers



Figure 2.9: Assembly of Rotor Blades

Figure 2.10: Installation of Nacelle and Blades

Figure 2.11 showing 11 x 7,5 MW E126 Estinnes Windfarm, Belgium, July 2010, one

month before completion, with unique 2 part blades.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Windpark_Estinnes_20juli2010_kort_voor_voltooiing.jpg



2.8.6 Staff Requirement during Construction Phase

It is estimated that direct manpower required during the construction phase will be about 200,

which might increase to 600 during the construction period. About 100 support staff will be

present in addition to the above. Expatriate workers are not expected to be on site. Unskilled

jobs will be offered mainly to the local people particularly during the construction phase.

2.8.7 Supplies during Construction Phase

All supplies, both for construction and for the camp, will be transported by trucks from

Karachi. This will include all fuels and oils, drilling requirements, spare parts for construction

machinery and food and supplies for construction camp. Fuels and oils will be unloaded in

designated areas.

Aggregate / sand will be procured from the Hub crusher area. A catering company will be

contracted to supply the requirements to the campsite.

Fuel requirement during construction may be approximately 2 million liters which shall be met

by transportation by tanker trucks from Gujju Headwork. An onsite storage tank of 20,000

liters on storage wheels will be provided under due safety and security conditions for the daily

ongoing activities.

2.8.8 Electricity

The expected maximum requirement of electricity for construction and the campsite is

estimated at 1500 KVA. Diesel generators will be used for power generation to operate the

construction equipment and for the campsite.

2.8.9 Emissions and Discharges during Construction Phase

The daily estimated fuel requirement will be about 5,500 to 7,500 liters. This quantity of

fuel will be responsible for daily emission of approximately 260 kg CO, 14 kg SO2, 65 kg

NOx, and 14 kg Particulate matter, besides 16 tons CO2. These emissions will be dispersed

into the airshed of SZABIST area, which is thus far in the category of unpolluted sites. The

small quantity of emissions will not raise their level by sub-microgram units and would not

degrade the environment.

Emissions from the generators will be controlled by ensuring that the engines are always

properly tuned and maintained, and the generators are so located that emissions are

dispersed away from the camp and work areas.

Noise emission from the vehicles and equipments will exceed 85dB(A) but the same

would be reduced to less than 85dB(A) at 7.5 m from the source. Workers will be provided

PPE including ear plugs and other safety equipment as safeguard against occupational

hazards.

The liquid effluents generated during the construction phase will include domestic sewage

and grey water from camp operation.

The sewage will be treated in septic tanks and soaking pits.

The grey water from kitchens and washing areas will be directed to separate soaking pits.

The storm water will be collected in ponds and either disposed of after appropriate

treatment, or diverted to fields for vegetation/rejuvenation of local flora.

The operation phase may generate a small quantity of oil/oily water during the

maintenance of pumping stations. This will be treated in oil/water separators.



2.8.10 Waste Management

The solid waste generated by the project will consist of campsite waste, garage waste, metal

scrap, and excess construction materials.

All efforts will be made to minimize waste generated during the construction period. The

main types of waste that will be generated are:

Fuels and oils

Garage waste

Sewage

Campsite waste

The piling operation is not likely to generate any waste as only water based bentonite clay

may be used during piling. As bulk concreting will be done using concrete, pump wastage

of concrete will be minimal.

Fuels and oils will, if stored at site, despite security reasons, be stored in containers in areas

with impervious floors and surrounded by dyke walls.

Recyclable materials will be periodically transported out of the site and sold / given to

contractors. Non-recyclable material will be collected and disposed of by the contractor at

designated landfill sites.

Most garage waste, such as used spare parts, is recycled in Pakistan. All such waste will be

collected and sold / given to contractors for disposal off-site.

As part of the site preparation stage, a drainage and sewerage system will be constructed

for the camp. The sewerage system will consist of soak pits for the collection of waste

water from the camp kitchen and washing / ablution areas. Sewage from the toilets will go

into lined septic tanks. Sewage and solid waste disposal trucks will be used to periodically

remove the sludge, sewage and solid waste from the site.

All combustible domestic waste will be collected and burned in a garbage pit, suitably

fenced to prevent from being blown away. Non-combustible and non-biodegradable waste,

such as glass, metal and plastic, will be separated and transported for being sold or given to

a contractor for suitable disposal.

2.8.11 Conservation of Water

The Wind Farm facility as well as campsite will keep the scarcity of water in the region in

view, and adopt recommended methods to reduce the usage of water, and use recycled water as

much as possible. The wind farm on the 600 hectare area slopes towards the Gharo Creek and

thus forms the drainage area of the Gharo Wind Corridor. Detailed design of the Project may

consider diversion of the surface flow through the natural drainage system into the field for

vegetation of the otherwise barren land.

2.8.12 Health, Safety & Environment

Several cases have been reported to occur where the nacelle that houses the wind turbine

caught fire. As it is normally out of the range of standard fire extinction equipment, it is nearly

impossible to extinguish such fires. In several cases one or more blades were damaged or torn

away. In 2010, a 70 MPH storm winds damaged some blades, prompting blade removal and

inspection of all 25 wind turbines in Campo Indian Reservation in California, USA. Also

several wind turbines collapsed catastrophically.



Accordingly all the policy, procedures, and SOPs specific to HSE will be applicable to the

contractors to be engaged for construction work. The contractors will be mandated to follow:

HSE Policy of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm and the HSE Guidelines of the IMF

Emergency rescue plan pertaining to safety and accidents including fall, will be established

before start of construction activity according to the safety and protection rules of Pakistan.

Trained persons will be appointed on the posts relating to implementation of emergency

and rescue plan.

Trained technicians and safety equipments will be installed for technical measures during

construction and production.

2.8.13 Fire-Protection System

Appropriate fire detection and fire fighting system and equipment shall be designed and

provided throughout the wind farm.

2.8.14 Fire Safety and Security

According to the regulations of the authorities in charge of public security and fire fighting and

the rescue procedure of emergency treatment, the facilities of an independent rescue brigade at

Dhabeji Industrial Area will be availed. A dedicated ambulance shall be stationed at site for

emergency needs.

2.8.15 Employment

This project will bring in employment opportunities for the local inhabitants. Approximately

600 people will be working during the construction phase while approximately 40 technical

persons on shift basis shall be hired for operations at the wind farm and power plant during

operational phase. This number will be in addition to those engaged at site for security and

administrative duties.

2.8.16 Operational Activities

In-house as well as outsourced O&M activities will be carried out by trained staff for

maintaining the availability of wind power and high performance.

2.8.17 Staff

Reasonable accommodation shall be maintained at Dhabeji or Gharo for shift staff.

Wind farm would need a maximum of 10 persons per shift in addition to the security staff.

Security issues shall be outsourced and the level will be as per requirement at the site.

An average of 2 staff vans and an ambulance will be kept at the site to meet the

transportation and emergency needs.

2.8.18 Supplies

All supplies, both for operations and for the site staff, will be transported by trucks from

Karachi or the adjacent areas. This will include all fuels and oils, spare parts required for

maintenance and food and supplies for the site staff. Fuels and oils will be unloaded in

designated areas, which will have above ground storage of adequate capacity to store fuel.



2.8.19 Water

850 liters per day of potable water will be required. This will be obtained from Gharo Filter

Plant and stored in a tank of 12,000 liter capacity. The storage tank will be fitted with treatment

units to obtain decontaminated water. This treated water will be shared with the local

population in the surrounding.

2.8.20 Waste Management

Fuels and oils will be stored in containers in areas with impervious floors and surrounded

by dyke walls.

Recyclable materials, including garage waste, will periodically be transported out of the

site and sold/given to contractors. Non-recyclable material will be collected and disposed

of at designated landfill sites.

The drainage and sewerage system constructed during the construction phase will be used

during the operations phase of the project i.e. soak pits for the collection of waste water

from kitchen and washing / ablution areas and septic tanks for sewage from the toilets.

Sewage and solid waste disposal trucks will be used to remove the sludge, sewage and

solid waste from the site.

Storm water drainage will be managed by controlled flow into the fields.

2.8.21 Noise

The desired noise level of 55 dB(A) would be achievable 1000 m from a turbine at 80 m hub

height generating 100 – 105 dB(A).

2.8.22 Operation & Maintenance

O&M presents different challenges for utilities, including decisions on conducting activities

with existing utility staff or outsourcing these activities or a blend of the two scenarios.

Operating costs are dependent upon many factors, but data

indicate that operating costs for modern (<5-year old) wind

projects run between $7 and $15/MWh of electricity produced.

Wind turbines can provide large amounts of electricity, cleanly

and reliably, at prices competitive with any other new electricity

source, provided they are properly operated and maintained.

2.8.23 Decommissioning Activities

The wind farm site, after having remained in operation for the lifecycle, estimated at 25 years

will not lose its value as a wind power generation system. Its performance would on the other

hand enhance the value of the site as a wind farm. This would demand up-gradation rather than

scrapping the plant and equipment or abandoning the site. What is anticipated is scrapping the

existing steel structure and replacing it with a better system that may have developed in the

mean time. Scrapping the site is therefore not envisaged. The towers and turbines may need

replacement while the old ones will be sold as scrap to be appropriately disposed of.

However, if the site is to be abandoned much before the designed plant life of 25 years,

decommissioning will be initiated by dismantling of the turbines, supporting towers O&M

building / sub-station, and transporting them out of the project area. It is expected that this

activity will take approximately 6 months and will require about 300 heavy haul trucks (60-feet

size) for the turbine components in addition to 600 truckloads of other materials. The turbine



components will be sold as scrap. All scrap will, as per practice in Pakistan, be recycled to be

refurbished.

The concrete will be broken up and removed to a landfill site. The stored fuel and oil, together

with the containers, will be transported out of the site for sale / disposal at suitable landfill sites.

The site road embankments, if any, will be leveled and the material spread evenly over the

whole site. Chances are that the embankments may have become regularized and may have

come into regular use. The site will, otherwise be restored as far as possible to its original

condition. The access roads may be left intact, since local communities may have started to use

them. If not, they too will be dismantled and the land returned to its original condition.



3.0 Legislative Requirements

3.1 Introduction

The principles of sustainable development are in the process of being incorporated into national

policies and legislation in Pakistan through various statutory instruments. This section

describes the current legal responsibilities of the proponent in the context of the environment

and sustainable development, and the institutions that exist in the country that may influence

the environmental management of the proposed project. NBT-Zab Wind Power Pvt. Ltd, the

proponent of this project will comprehensively follow the relevant requirements of the policy

documents and legislative framework as well as recommendations as described in the national

and international guidelines in relevance to the proposed project. Provisions of many of these

guidelines have been incorporated in the mitigation measures and the Environmental

Management & Monitoring Plan (EMMP) which have been formulated for the better

management of environmental and social impacts.

3.2 National Environmental Policy, Legislation & Guidelines

3.2.1 National Conservation Strategy

The National Conservation Strategy (NCS) is the primary policy document of the Government

of Pakistan (GOP) on national environmental issues. The Strategy approved by the Federal

Cabinet in March 1992 was also recognized by International Financial Institutions, principally

the World Bank. The NCS had identified 14 core areas including conservation of biodiversity,

pollution prevention and abatement, soil and water conservation and preservation of cultural

heritage. It had also recommended immediate attention to the stated core areas in order to

preserve the environment of Pakistan.

A mid-term review of the NCS in 2000 concluded that achievements under the NCS were

primarily awareness raising and institutional building rather than meaningful improvement of

the environment and natural resources and that the NCS was neither designed nor adequately

focused as a national sustainable development strategy (GoP, November 2002). Thus the need

for a more focused National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) was formulated and approved

by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council in 2001 to practically improve the national

environment with emphasis on poverty reduction, and economic as well as sustainable

development.

NEAP now constitutes the national environmental agenda and its core objective is to initiate

actions that would safeguard public health, promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance the

quality of life of the people of Pakistan.

The GOP and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have jointly initiated an

umbrella support programme called the NEAP-Support Programme that was signed in October

2001 and implemented in 2002. The development objective supported by NEAP-Support

Programme is environmental sustainability and poverty reduction in the context of economic

growth. The objectives of new policy has total 171 guidelines on sectoral and cross sectoral

issues. The objectives of new policy include assurance of sustainable development and

safeguard of natural wealth of country. The following are the approved Sectoral Guidelines:

Water Supply and Management



Air Quality and Noise

Waste Management

Forestry

Biodiversity and Protected Areas

Climate Change and Ozone Depletion

Energy Efficiency and Renewable

Agriculture and Livestock

Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Biodiversity Action Plan

The key to protection of the biological heritage of Pakistan lies in the involvement of local

people and in the support provided by competent institutions for conservation and sustainable

use. The Government of Pakistan has recognized the importance of these measures in the

preparation of National Conservation Strategy and in becoming a signatory to, and ratifying,

the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1994. Developing the Biodiversity Action

Plan for Pakistan, 2000 has been the most significant direct steps towards addressing the

biodiversity loss.

3.2.2 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 is the basic legislative tool empowering the

government to frame regulations for the protection of environment.

The Act is broadly applicable to air, water, soil and noise pollution, as well as to handling of

hazardous wastes. Penalties have been prescribed for those who contravene the provisions of

the Act. The powers of the Federal and Provincial Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs)

were also considerably enhanced under this legislation and they have been given the power to

conduct inquiries into possible breaches of environmental laws either of their own accord, or

upon the registration of a complaint.

Under section 12 of Act, no project involving construction activities or any change in the

physical environment can be commence unless the fulfillment of prerequisite i.e. to conduct

IEE or EIA and a report submitted to the Federal or Provincial EPA. PEPA Act, 1997 has been

provided in the report as Annexure- I.

3.2.3 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA) Regulations

2000

The PEPA review of IEE and EIA regulations, 2000 (the ‘regulations’), prepared by the PEPA

under the powers conferred upon it by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, provide the

necessary details on the preparation, submission and review of the IEE and the EIA.

These regulations classify projects on the basis of expected degree of severity of environmental

impacts and list them in two separate schedules. Schedule-I lists projects that may not have

significant environmental impacts and require an IEE. Schedule-II lists projects of potentially

significant environmental impacts requiring preparation of an EIA. The Regulations also

require that all projects located in environmentally sensitive areas require preparation of an

EIA. PEPA (Review of IEE /EIA regulations) 2000 has been provided in the report as

Annexure- II.

Thermal power generation of less than 200KW and hydroelectric generation of less than

50MW falls in Schedule I - lists of projects requiring an IEE while thermal power generation of



more than 200MW and hydroelectric generation of more than 50MW falls in Schedule II - lists

of projects require an EIA. Power generation from the wind turbines is not included in the

existing schedules and hence the environmental regulations of Pakistan.

The cost of the proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project as well as its sensitivity with

respect to impacts on the physical, biological and social environment suggest that it will be

more prudent to place it in the category of projects requiring EIA under Schedule-II (Clause-

A3: Transmission lines (11 KV and above) and grid stations) of PEPA (Review of IEE/EIA)

Regulations 2000. Accordingly an EIA study has been conducted, and the same will be

submitted to seek approval prior to project initiation.

3.2.4 The National Environmental Quality Standards

The NEQS were first promulgated in 1993 and were last revised in 2000. They comprise the

basic guidelines for liquid effluent and gaseous emissions of municipal and industrial origin to

comply with. These standards present the maximum allowable concentration for liquid effluent

before its discharge into sea, inland water & sewage (total 32 parameters to comply with) and

gaseous emissions in the ambient air from industrial sources (total 16 parameters to comply

with).

During the construction and operation phase of the project NEQS will apply to all effluents and

emissions. NEQS for municipal and industrial effluents, selected gaseous pollutants from

industrial sources, motor vehicle exhaust and noise, ambient air quality & ambient noise and

drinking water quality have been provided in the report as Annexure-III.

3.2.5 Policy for Development of Renewable Energy for Power Generation, GOP 2006

In December 2006 the Government of Pakistan published the first national package of

measures aimed at promoting renewable sources of energy. The provisions apply to

hydropower plants with a capacity of up to 50MW, solar thermal, photovoltaic’s and wind

energy. Over the short term, i.e. to mid-2008, technologies that are already in commercial use

internationally are to be trialed through the mechanism of attractive power purchase contracts

and partial risk coverage. In the medium term, i.e. to 2030, it is hoped to have installed at least

9700 MW of capacity for renewable electricity in this way.

Salient Features of Policy

The Policy invites investment from the private sector for following categories of projects:

1a. Independent power projects of IPPs (for sale of power to the grid only)

1b. Captive cum grid spill over power projects (i.e. for self-use and sale to utility)

1c. Captive power projects (i.e. for self or dedicated use)

1d. Isolated grid power projects (i.e. small, stand-alone)

2. Except for Category (a) above, these projects will not require any LOI, LOS, or IA from

the Government.

3. Electricity purchase by NTDC/CPPA from qualifying renewable resources at one

location and receive an equivalent amount for own use elsewhere on the grid at the

investor’s own cost of generation plus transmission charges (wheeling)



4. Net metering and billing allowed enabling a producer to sell surplus electricity at one

time and receive electricity from the grid at another time and settle accounts on net basis.

This will directly benefit the economics of small scale, dispersed generation and

optimize capacity utilization of installed systems.

5. De-licensing and deregulation of small scale power production through renewable

resources (up to 5 MW for hydro and 1 MW for net metered sales) to reduce the

transaction costs for such investments. This will be particularly beneficial from micro,

mini and small hydro as well as solar-based electricity production.

6. Simplified and transparent principles of tariff determination

7. Insulating the investor from resource variability risk, which is allocated to the power

purchaser

8. Facilitating project proponents in obtaining carbon credits for avoided greenhouse gas

emissions, Helping improve financial returns and reducing per unit costs for the

purchaser

These guidelines are in line with the Government’s open door policy for inviting private

investment into the country.

Policy Goals and Development Strategy

Specific goals of Renewable Energy (RE) Policy are to:

1. Increase the deployment of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in Pakistan so that

RE provides a higher targeted proportion of the national energy supply mix, a minimum

of 9,700 MW by 2030 as per the Medium Term Development Framework (MTDF), and

helps ensure universal access to electricity in all regions of the country.

2. Provide additional power supplies to help meet increasing national demand.

3. Introduce investment-friendly incentives, and facilitate renewable energy markets to

attract private sector interest in RE projects, help nurture the nascent industry, and

gradually lower RE costs and prices through competition in an increasingly deregulated

power sector.

4. Devise measures to support the private sector in mobilizing financing and enabling

public sector investment in promotional, demonstrative, and trend setting RE projects.

5. Optimize impact of RE deployment in underdeveloped areas by integrating energy

solutions with provision of other social infrastructure, e.g., educational and medical

facilities, clean water supply and sanitation, roads and telecommunications, etc., so as to

promote greater social welfare, productivity, trade, and economic well-being amongst

deprived communities.

6. Help in broad institutional, technical, and operational capacity building relevant to the

renewable energy sector.

7. Facilitate the establishment of a domestic RET manufacturing base in the country that

can help lower costs, improve service, create employment, and enhance local technical

skills.



3.2.6 Land Acquisition Act, 1894

The Land Acquisition Act (LAA) of 1894 amended from time to time has been the defector

policy governing land acquisition, resettlement and compensation in the country. The LAA is

the most commonly used law for acquisition of land and other properties for development

projects. It comprises of 55 sections pertaining to area notifications and surveys, acquisition,

compensation and apportionment awards and disputes resolution, penalties and exemptions.

3.2.7 Pakistan Penal Code (1860)

The Pakistan Penal Code (1860) authorizes fines, imprisonment or both for voluntary

corruption or fouling of public springs or reservoirs so as to make them less fit for ordinary use.

3.2.8 Antiquities Act, 1975

The Antiquities Act of 1975 ensures the protection of cultural resources in Pakistan. The act is

designed to protect “antiquities” from destruction, theft, negligence,” unlawful excavation,

trade and export. Antiquities have been defined in the Act as ancient products of human

activity, historical sites, or sites of anthropological or cultural interest, national monuments etc.

The law prohibits new construction in the proximity of a protected antiquity and empowers the

GOP to prohibit excavation in any area, which may contain articles of archaeological

significance. There are no gazette archaeological sites located within 5 km of proposed site

area.

3.2.9 Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972 and Amendments 2001

This ordinance provides for the preservation, protection, and conservation of wildlife by the

formation and management of protected areas and prohibition of hunting of wildlife species

declared protected under the ordinance.

The ordinance also specifies three broad classifications of the protected areas: national parks,

wildlife sanctuaries and game reserves. Activities such as hunting and breaking of land for

mining are prohibited in national parks, as are removing vegetation or polluting water flowing

through the park. Wildlife sanctuaries are areas that have been set aside as undisturbed

breeding grounds and cultivation and grazing is prohibited in the demarcated areas. Nobody is

allowed to reside in a wildlife sanctuary and entrance for the general public is by special

dispensation. However, these restrictions may be relaxed for scientific purpose or betterment of

the respective area on the discretion of the governing authority in exceptional circumstances.

Game reserves are designated as areas where hunting or shooting is not allowed except under

special permits.

Two amendments to the Ordinance were issued in January and June 2001 respectively

pertaining to oil and gas exploration activities within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

The first amendment allowed the Government to authorize the laying of an underground

pipeline through protected areas. The second amendment allowed exploration and production

activities within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. This amendment is not applicable to

other development projects including power generation using wind energy for example.

The Ghaggar – Dhabeji – Gharo ecosystem which includes the Project site does not fall in a

protected area or wildlife sanctuary.



Legalization of hunting on disappearing creatures in Pakistan and specifically the hunting of

houbara bustard has been allowed as the preservation method for local wild animal habitat.

However, because of the lukewarm attitude of the authorities that be, this method of

conservation has failed in its mission. The wildlife department is hardly able to monitor the

actual number of animal or bird killed as against the legally allowed numbers, and that makes it

hard to control the trophy hunters.

Big-game hunting is banned in Pakistan vide the above regulations, except in community-

controlled areas with an existing limitation on exact kinds and numbers of species as well as

countries they can be exported in. There is decline in such species as cranes, geese, storks,

pelicans, and houbara bustards, which are migratory birds. The illegal hunting has led to

continuous loss, fragmentation and degradation of natural habitats that include forests,

rangelands, and freshwater and marine ecosystem.

3.2.10 The IUCN Red List

Some animal species are already extinct in Pakistan, and many are internationally threatened.

The 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals classifies 37 species and 14 sub-species of

mammals that occur in Pakistan as internationally threatened or near-threatened.

The Red List is based on field data that is more than 10 to 15 years old and needs to be re-

assessed. The country also provides critical habitat to 25 internationally threatened bird species

and 10 internationally threatened reptiles.

According to the National Avian Research Centre in Abu Dhabi, with houbara's birth rate of 5

per cent a year and if number of houbara keeps decreasing at the same rate with more than

6,000 being bagged by hunting parties and more than 4000 smuggled out of country, the worst

scenario is that the houbara bustard would disappear as the species by 2015.

There are a number of organizations that were formed to protest the illegal hunting and

preserve the wildlife. This includes National Council for Conservation of Wildlife (NCCW),

established in 1974 and supported by the UN, which breaks into three groups: Convention on

International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on

Wetland of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (RAMSAR) and

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

3.2.11 The Forest Act, 1927

The act empowers the provincial forest departments to declare any forest area as reserved or

protected. The act also empowers the provincial forest departments to prohibit the clearing of

forest for cultivation, grazing, hunting, removing forest produce; quarrying and felling, lopping

and topping of trees, branches in reserved and protected forests.

No protected forest is situated in the proposed wind farm area. However, it is not just the

protected forests that the Forest department needs to attend to; it is equally responsible to

protect the forest cover, protected or unprotected, to abate rampant desertification. The process

of desertification is linked to availability of firewood, which is now in greater demand than

ever because of the exhaustion of all fuel resources in the country. This has led to not just

felling, lopping and topping of trees, branches anywhere but to extracting the tree by the roots.



3.2.12 Civil Aviation Rules (1994)

These rules apply to flight operations within Pakistan by aircrafts other than military aircrafts

and, except where otherwise prescribed, to flight operations by aircrafts registered, acquired or

operating under these rules, wherever they may be. The rules with relevant significance to the

activities taking place in Gharo Wind Corridor are the following:

No person shall erect any temporary or permanent structure, nor position a vehicle or

other mobile object on or in the vicinity of an aerodrome (airport), that will be within

the clearance area, or will protrude through an obstacle limitation surface, at that

aerodrome.

No person shall operate a light in the vicinity of an aerodrome which because of its

glare is liable to dazzle pilots of aircraft taking off from or landing at that aerodrome;

or which can be mistaken for an aeronautical ground light. If such a light is operated it

shall be extinguished or satisfactorily screened immediately upon notice being given

to the person or persons operating the light, by the Director General or by the Manager

or by a person authorized by him.

No person or persons shall operate a radio station or electrical equipment in the

vicinity of an aerodrome or of a radio aid to navigation serving an airway or an air

route in Pakistan which is liable to cause interference with radio communications

between aircraft and an Air Traffic Services Unit, or which is liable to disturb the

signal from a navigational radio aid.

A captive balloon or a kite shall not be flown at a height above 200ft within 6km of an

aerodrome, and a free balloon shall not be flown at any place, except with the express

permission of the Director General and in compliance with the conditions attached to

such permission

An aircraft shall not be flown over congested areas of cities, towns, or settlements or

over an open air assembly of persons, except by permission of the Director-General,

unless it is at such height as will permit, in the event of an emergency, a landing to be

made without undue hazard to persons on the ground, and except when it is taking off

or landing, shall not be flown closer than 500ft to any person, vessel, vehicle or

structure.

The proposed Wind farm site is neither used by the domestic air traffic, nor does it fall under

the flyway of the air traffic. It is therefore unlikely that wind farm construction and operation

activities would contravene any of the aforementioned rules. The Proponent will nevertheless

submit a promissory note to the Director General Civil Aviation informing the Authority of the

construction and operation schedule.

3.2.13 The Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency prepared the Pakistan Environmental

Assessment Procedures in 1997. They are based on much of the existing work done by

international donor agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The package of

regulations prepared by PEPA includes:

Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval of Environmental

Assessments;

Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Environmental Reports;

Guidelines for Public Consultation;



Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas; and

Sectoral guidelines for Environmental Reports – Wind Power Projects

3.2.14 Sectoral guidelines for Environmental Reports – Wind Power Projects

These Wind Power sectoral guidelines are part of a package of regulations and guidelines.

They should be read in the context of the overall EIA Guideline Package. This “Package” has

been prepared by the Federal EPA in collaboration with other key stakeholders, including

Provincial EPA’s and Planning and Development Division from both the Federal Government

and the provinces, other Agencies, NGO’s representatives of Chambers of Commerce and

Industry, and academics and consultants. The Package consists of comprehensive procedures

and guidelines for environmental assessment in Pakistan. It is emphasized that the various

guidelines should be read as a package; reliance on the sectoral guidelines alone will be

inadequate.

3.2.15 World bank Guidelines on Environment

The principal World Bank publications that contain environmental guidelines are listed below.

Environmental Assessment Operational Policy 4.01.Washington, DC, USA. World

Bank 1999.Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume I: Policies, Procedures,

and Cross-Sectoral Issues. World Bank Technical Paper Number 139, Environment

Department, the World Bank, 1991,Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook:

Towards Cleaner Production, Environment Department, the World Bank, United

Nations Industrial Development Organization and the United Nations Environment

Program, 1998.Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) guidelines, International

Finance Corporation (IFC) World Bank Group, 2007.

The first two publications listed here provide general guidelines for the conduct of an

IEE, and address the IEE practitioners themselves as well as project designers. While

the Sourcebook in particular has been designed with Bank projects in mind, and is

especially relevant for the impact assessment of large-scale infrastructure projects, it

contains a wealth of information which is useful to environmentalists and project

proponents.

The Sourcebook identifies a number of areas of concern, which should be addressed

during impact assessment. It sets out guidelines for the determination of impacts,

provides a checklist of tools to identify possible biodiversity issues and suggests

possible mitigation measures. Possible development project impacts on wild lands,

wetlands, forests etc. are also identified and mitigation measures suggested. The

Sourcebook also highlights concerns in social impact assessment, and emphasizes the

need to incorporate socio-economic issues in EIA exercises.

The EHS guidelines published by IFC are technical reference documents that address IFC’s

expectations regarding the industrial pollution management performance of its projects. They

are designed to assist managers and decision makers with relevant industry background d and

technical information. This information supports actions aimed at avoiding, minimizing, and

controlling EHS impacts during construction, operation, and decommissioning phase of a

project or facility.

The World Bank Guidelines for noise are provided in Table 3.1

Table 3.1: World bank Guidelines for Noise levels a



No. Receptor Day (07:00-22:00) Night (22:00-07:00)

1. Residential, institutional educational 55 45

2. Industrial, commercial 70 70

Source: Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook World Bank Group (1998)

Notes: a Maximum allowable log equivalent (hourly measurements) in dB(A)

3.2.16 Equator Principles

The Equator Principles are a set of guidelines, promoted by the International Finance

Corporation (IFC) that address the environmental and social issues associated with major

development projects worldwide. They provide a common baseline and framework for the

implementation of internal environmental and social procedures and standards for project

financing activities across all industries.

Principle 1: Review and Categorization (of projects)

Principle 2: Social and Environmental Assessment

Principle 3: Applicable Social and Environmental Standards

Principle 4: Action Plan and Management System

Principle 5: Consultation and Disclosure

Principle 6: Grievance Mechanism

Principle 7: Independent Review

Principle 8: Covenants

Principle 9: Independent Monitoring and Reporting

Principle 10: EPFI Reporting

Review and categorization

An EPFI will categorize a project, based on the magnitude of the potential social or

environmental impacts and risks of that project, in accordance with IFC classification criteria.

These categories are:

Category A: Projects with potential significant adverse social or environmental impacts that is

diverse, irreversible or unprecedented.

Category B: Projects with limited adverse social or environmental impacts that is few in

number, generally site specific, largely reversible and readily addressed through mitigation

measures.

Category C: Projects with minimal or no social or environmental impacts.

Wind Energy projects, by their nature; tend to fall into Categories B or C, being medium or low

risk. Certain EPFIs as a matter of policy for example treat every wind turbine project as

Category B.

The Equator Principles apply to projects over 10 million US dollars. The Principles state that

adopting financial institutions will provide loans directly to projects only under the following

circumstances:



This EIA study has adequately addressed the Equator Principles applicable to risky projects as

stated hereunder:

Principle 1 (Review and Categorization): The study has reviewed the National and

International Laws and Guidelines on different environmental aspects and has categorized the

NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project in Category B (Medium Hazard).

Principle 2 (Social and Environmental Assessment): The Study has been prepared to

respond to the National and International requirements and to satisfactorily address the key

environmental and social issues.

Principle 3 (Applicable Social and Environmental Standards): For the purpose of this EIA

Study, primary data on the baseline environmental and social conditions have been generated

wherever necessary to address the requirements of National laws and regulations; applicable

International Treaties and Agreements; sustainable development and use of renewable natural

resources; protection of human health, cultural properties, and biodiversity and other physical,

ecological and socioeconomic issues required to be addressed under this Principle.

Principle 4 (Action Plan and Management System): Chapter 5 of this study screens the

potential environmental impacts and proposes/provides Mitigation Measures to reduce the

severity of impact. The study also includes the Environmental Monitoring and Management

Plan.

Principle 5 (Consultation and Disclosure): Being a project of Category B, the public

consultation is limited to the scoping sessions with stakeholders and an extensive

socioeconomic survey of the villages/hamlets that are all outside the boundary of the Project

area. The surveys and consultation meetings have established that no resettlement or temporary

relocation or acquisition of land is involved.

Principle 6 (Grievance Mechanism): This Principle will not apply since ‘no’ resettlement or

temporary relocation or acquisition of land is involved.

Principle 7 (Independent Review): Being placed in Category B, an independent review may

be needed.

Principle 8 (Covenants): The EIA study has incorporated Covenants linked to compliance.

Moreover, No Objection Certificates are issued to Proponents of Project under conditions of

compliance with the Mitigation and Performance Monitoring Plan. Needless to say that if the

proponent does not comply with the agreed terms, Sindh EPA is authorized to take corrective

and even coercive action.

Principle 9 (Independent Monitoring and Reporting): This Principle will be applicable to

the NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project since it falls in category of projects requiring an EIA.

The proponent shall hire an Independent Monitoring Consultant to monitor the implementation

of EMP and make reports for submission to regulatory agency.

Principle 10 (EPFI Reporting): The concerned EPFI may safely commit to report publicly at

least annually about its Equator Principles implementation processes and experience.

3.2.17 IFC Performance Standards on Social and Environmental Sustainability

International Finance Corporation (IFC) applies the Performance Standards to manage social

and environmental risks and impacts and to enhance development opportunities in its private

sector financing in its member countries eligible for financing. The Performance Standards



may also be applied by other financial institutions electing to apply them to projects in

emerging markets. Together, the eight Performance Standards establish standards that the

Proponent is to meet throughout the life of an investment by IFC or other relevant financial

institution.

The objectives of Performance standards are given below:

To identify and assess social and environment impacts, both adverse and beneficial, in the

project's area of influence

To avoid, or where avoidance is not possible, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for

adverse impacts on workers, affected communities , and the environment

To ensure that affected communities are appropriately engaged on issues that could

potentially affect them

To promote improved social and environment performance of companies through the

effective use of management systems.

Performance Standard-1: Social & Environmental Assessment and Management System

This Performance Standard seeks to:

Identify and assess social and environment impacts in the project’s area of influence;

Avoid, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts on workers, affected

communities, and the environment;

Ensure that affected communities are appropriately engaged on issues that could

potentially affect them; and

Promote improved social and environment performance of the project through the

effective use of management systems.

Under this Standard, the project is required to establish and maintain a social and

environmental management system appropriate to the nature and scale of the project and in

accordance with the level of social and environmental risks and impacts. The management

system is required to incorporate the following elements:

Social and Environmental Assessment;

Management program;

Organizational capacity;

Training;

Community engagement;

Monitoring; and

Reporting

This EIA study has been conducted to respond to requirements of national legislation and

international Guidelines and just as well fulfills the above requirements of the IFC Performance

Standards PS1.

Performance Standard-2: Labor and Working Conditions

This PS seeks to establish, maintain and improve the worker-management relationship;

promote fair treatment, non-discrimination and equal opportunity for workers, and compliance

with national labor and employment laws; protect the workforce by addressing child labor and

forced labor issues; and promote safe and healthy working conditions, and to protect and

promote the health of workers.



The Sponsors of proposed project and their contractors will be required to adhere to this PS, in

particular with regard to compliance with national labor and employment laws; employment of

child labor, and promoting safe and healthy working conditions, besides protecting and

promoting the health of workers.

Performance Standard-3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement

The PS 3 seeks to avoid or minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment by

avoiding or minimizing pollution from project activities, and to promote the reduction of

emissions that contribute to climate change. The Standard requires the project to consider

during its entire lifecycle ambient conditions and apply pollution prevention and control

technologies and practices that are best suited to avoid or, where avoidance is not feasible,

minimize or reduce adverse impacts on human health and the environment while remaining

technically and financially feasible and cost-effective.

PS 3 will be applicable to all stages of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project. Various

aspects of pollution prevention and abatement of the proposed project are discussed separately

in this report.

Performance Standard-4: Community Health, Safety and Security

The PS 4 seeks to avoid or minimize risks to and impacts on the health and safety of local

community during the project lifecycle from both routine and non-routine circumstances, and

to ensure that the safeguarding of personnel and property is carried out in a legitimate manner

that avoids or minimizes risks to the community’s safety and security. The PS requires the

project to evaluate the risks and impacts to the health and safety of the affected community

during the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of the project and establish

preventive measures to address them in a manner commensurate with the identified risks and

impacts.

The present assessment addresses the requirement of PS 4 for the proposed project, and has

evaluated the impacts of siting the Terminal on health, safety and security of the community in

the microenvironment as well as the macroenvironment. The Environmental Management Plan

also addresses company community aspects.

Performance Standard-5: Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement

This PS aims to address the adverse impacts associated with land acquisition and involuntary

resettlement caused by the project. The PS seeks to:

avoid or at least minimize involuntary resettlement wherever feasible by exploring

alternative project designs

mitigate adverse social and economic impacts from land acquisition or restrictions on

affected persons’ use of land by: (i) providing compensation for loss of assets at

replacement cost; and (ii) ensuring that resettlement activities are implemented with

appropriate disclosure of information, consultation, and the informed participation of those

affected

improve or at least restore the livelihoods and standards of living of displaced persons

improve living conditions among displaced persons through provision of adequate housing

with security of tenure at resettlement sites.



The project site is the property of SZABIST. Moreover there is no settlement or hamlet within

the designated area. Land acquisition by the Project will therefore not cause any involuntary

resettlement.

Performance Standard-6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource

Management

The PS 6 seeks to protect and conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable management and

use of natural resources through adoption of practices that integrate conservation needs and

development priorities.

The present environmental assessment addresses the potential impacts of the proposed project

on the biodiversity. This EIA has recommended measures for the conservation of flora, fauna

and other natural resources.

Performance Standard-7: Indigenous Peoples

The PS 7 seeks to address the impacts of the project on the indigenous people. Specifically, the

objectives of the PS are to:

ensure that the development process fosters full respect for the dignity, human rights,

aspirations, cultures and natural resource-based livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples

avoid adverse impacts of projects on communities of Indigenous Peoples, or when

avoidance is not feasible, to minimize, mitigate, or compensate for such impacts, and to

provide opportunities for development benefits, in a culturally appropriate manner

establish and maintain an ongoing relationship with the Indigenous Peoples affected by a

project throughout the life of the project

foster good faith negotiation with and informed participation of Indigenous Peoples when

projects are to be located on traditional or customary lands under use by the Indigenous

Peoples

respect and preserve the culture, knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples

No indigenous people - with a social and cultural identity distinct from the existing dominant

society that makes them vulnerable to being disadvantaged in the development process of the

proposed project are known to exist in and around the proposed site. No such people were

found in the area during the present study either. Therefore, this PS is not applicable for the

proposed project.

Performance Standard-8: Cultural Heritage objectives have been set in the IFC

performance standards to achieve sustainable development.

The objectives of this PS are to protect cultural heritage from the adverse impacts of project

activities and support its preservation, and to promote the equitable sharing of benefits from the

use of cultural heritage in project activities.

No sites of cultural heritage are known to exist at or in the immediate vicinity of the project

location. There are also no indications of any old settlement in the area, nor is there any site

covered under the listing of cultural heritage sites. This PS will therefore not be applicable to

the Project.

3.2.18 IFC- Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines

The Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines are technical reference documents

with general and industry specific examples of Good International Industry Practice (GIIP).



For Wind Energy the EHS Guidelines for wind energy include information relevant to

environmental, health, and safety aspects of onshore and offshore wind energy facilities.

Construction activities for wind energy projects typically include land clearing for site

preparation and access routes; excavation, blasting, and filling; transportation of supply

materials and fuels; construction of foundations involving excavations and placement of

concrete; operating cranes for unloading and installation of equipment; and commissioning of

new equipment. Decommissioning activities may include removal of project infrastructure and

site rehabilitation.

Environmental issues associated with the construction and decommissioning activities may

include, among others, noise and vibration, soil erosion, and threats to biodiversity, including

habitat alteration and impacts to wildlife. Due to the typically remote location of wind energy

conversion facilities, the transport of equipment and materials during construction and

decommissioning may present logistical challenges.

Environmental issues specific to the operation of wind energy projects and facilities include the

following:

Visual impacts

Noise

Species mortality or injury and disturbance

Light and illumination issues

Habitat alteration

Water quality

Electric Power Transmission and Distribution

The EHS Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution include information

relevant to power transmission between a generation facility and a substation located within an

electricity grid, in addition to power distribution from a substation to consumers located in

residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

Examples of the impacts addressed in the General EHS Guidelines include:

Construction site waste generation;

Soil erosion and sediment control from materials sourcing areas and site preparation

activities;

Fugitive dust and other emissions (e.g. from vehicle traffic, land clearing activities,

and materials stockpiles);

Noise from heavy equipment and truck traffic;

Potential for hazardous materials and oil spills associated with heavy equipment

operation and fuelling activities.

Environmental issues during the construction phase of power transmission and distribution

projects specific to this industry sector include the following:

Terrestrial habitat alteration.

Aquatic habitat alteration.

Electric and magnetic fields.

Hazardous materials.



3.3 Approval and Leases Requirements

All development activities are now required by law to obtain an Approval/No

Objection Certificate (NOC) from the provincial EPA or Federal EPA, as the case may

be.

Power Production Units based on Renewable Energy sources are required to obtain a

No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Alternative Energy Development Board.

However, in order to encourage generation through renewable resources, small

projects for self-use will not require any permission from the government, and will

also be able to sell surplus power to Distribution Companies under the Renewable

Energy Policy - 2006.

The small renewable energy projects also do not require tariff determination from

NEPRA. It has been allowed that wind and solar projects, irrespective of size of the

plant (even more than 50 MW) will be handled by Alternative Energy Development

Board. The power purchaser will bear the wind risk as well.

Approvals/leases are required from Local Government, Highway Department, and

Irrigation Departments for installation of transmission lines and their crossing of

highways, roads, canals and public property. Approvals will also be needed from Civil

Aviation Authority as well as Telecommunication Authority in case the project is sited

near or under the aircraft flyway zone. Each of these departments has individual

requirements for grant of approvals.

The following departments are to be taken on-board before commencement of work at the

Project site:

Sindh Wildlife Department.

National Highway Authority.

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).

Civil Aviation Authority

Telecommunication Authority.



4.0 Environmental & Social Baseline

4.1 General

This section presents an overview of the physical environment of Gharo-Keti Bandar Wind

Corridor component of Thatta District that forms the macro environment of the Project and the

microenvironment that comprises the Wind Farm site located in Union Council Dhabeji,

Taluka Mirpur Sakro, 2.4 kms off the National Highway: N5. The physical features such as

Physiography, geology, soil classification, land capability, land use, water resources, natural

hazards, climate, hydrology, sea conditions, ambient air quality and noise emission issues in the

Gharo-Keti Bandar wind corridor and wind farm sites are covered in this section. Secondary

data and maps prepared by the Geological survey of Pakistan and Soil survey of Pakistan,

published literature; District Census Reports (DCRs) etc. have been used in the compilation of

this section. Various figures and tables supporting the literature are provided at the end of the

section.

4.2 Physical Environment

4.2.1 Location

The proposed project will be located in Union Council Dhabeji in Mirpur Sakro Taluka,

District Thatta and Sindh Province, Pakistan. The project area is approximately 65 km from

Karachi and 2.4kms from N5 National Highway. Project area coordinates are presented in

Table 4.1:

Table 4.1: Location coordinates of proposed wind farm

Point Coordinates

1 24°46'15.00"N, 67°35'56.82"E

2 24°46'18.30"N, 67°36'19.08"E

3 24°47'39.90"N, 67°35'52.74"E

4 24°47'24.00"N, 67°33'22.14"E

5 24°47'18.06"N, 67°33'18.24"E

6 24°46'44.64"N, 67°34'30.66"E

4.3 The Macro environment

4.3.1 Physiography and Geology of Macro environment

The Gharo-Keti Bandar wind corridor lies in the south western part of the Sindh province and

is mostly covered by the Indus Delta of the ancient past. In its physical aspects the District has

features varying from coastal swamps to fresh water marshes, lakes and from river islands to

coastal deltas. However, this wide variation has diminished as a result of the lack of fresh water

flow in the Indus River. The current terrain of the district consists of the Makli Hills close to the

Thatta Town. These hills are 32 kilometers in length and are home to the ancient tombs dating

back to the 15th century.

The western and north-western part of the district consists of hilly tracts known as Kohistan.

The hills are bare and mostly composed of limestone while the valleys are covered with grass

or brushwood. Southwards, the area degenerates into sandy wastes, uncultivated and almost

devoid of vegetation. There are short ranges of low stones, hills and intersected by nais or

torrent beds which carry the drainage of the Kohistan to the Indus. To the west, wind has blown



sand over large tracts of land. In the south eastern quarter of the delta, there is a wide expanse

of salt waste, embracing a large part of the Shah Bander and Jatti Talukas. Between Sir and

Khori Creeks lie the great Sirganda salt deposits which consist of many square kilometers of

solid salt.

4.3.2 Physiography and Geology of Microenvironment

The microenvironment of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project forms the eastern part of a

major synclinorium that stretches from Rann Pethani River to Cape Monze in the extreme west

and Mehar and Mol Jabals (mountains) in the north to the swampy area of the Gharo Creek.

4.3.3 Physical Features

The Ghaggar Nala-Dhabeji Nala-Rann Pethani (GDRP) can be considered a distinct ecosystem

on the north of the railway line. It is more or less level and was found fairly covered with grass

and/or brushwood. The physical landscape has evolved under sub-tropical and arid conditions.

The effects of aridity are visible in the erosional work of the Ghaghar, Dhabeji and Rann

Pethani River and their tributaries that cross the railway line. The entire area is otherwise

barren land with scanty vegetation.

The land area of the ecosystem is the drainage basin of the Ghaggar and Dhabeji nalas and also

of the Rann Pethani River both systems discharge into the Gharo Creek. The Gharo filtration

plant is located about two km from National Highway. The Gharo Creek also receives some

spill over from the filtration plant. The land area between the Railway line and the Super

Highway is under subsistence farming and grows maize for fodder.

The area to the south of the Ghaggar – Dhabeji – Rann Pethani (GDRP) ecosystem slopes

towards the Gharo-Phittee salt water creek and has the open sea about 10 km down south. The

area from the Railway line to the creek is gravelly, and is scene for extensive excavation of

gravel, sand and silt for the construction industry in Bin Qasim and Gadap towns. The area

from about one km to the creek is sandy-cum-muddy sub-stratum, with very soft mud and

mangrove vegetation. It has three salt pans along the sandy-muddy terrain of the creek. This

creek also houses the archaeological site of Bhambore.

The presence of concealed structures under the hills, plains and rivers can fairly be deduced.

Rock aggregates, sand, glass sand, lime-stone and clay are some of the potentials for gainful

utilization. Members of the Gaj Formation offer ground water potential for limited use.

4.3.4 Topography

The Project area has variegated topography ranging in height from below the datum level in the

south along the tidal swamps and mud flats of coastal strips to the maximum of 525 meters

above the mean sea level at Mol escarpment in Sindh Kohistan.

The project location is covered with un-differentiated piedmont and sub-piedmont deposits

consisting of loosely packed boulders, cobbles, pebbles and coarse to fine stand. Its

topographical features can be described as follows:

1. Plains and Plateau of Ghaggar Rann Pethani Interflows

The vast tract of land lying between the Ghaggar - Rann Pethani forms the interflows of the

drainage systems of the two streams. This area has very little natural drainage scars, which



indicate its having a rocky base of alternating layers of consolidated sandstone, intervened by

silt and clay beds.

2. Plains and Hills of the Coastal Belt

The southern part of GDRP ecosystem follows the coastal strip of the Gharo and Korangi

creeks, demarcating the western edge of the old Indus delta. The areas, to the south of the east-

west baseline of the triangular outline of the vast synclinorium, subsided and were covered by

the sea making a shallow basin. In the course of time the deltaic deposits of the Indus River

filled this shallow basin and the northern part of the basin, which coincided with a fault line

making the coastal edge. The terrain rises gradually northward from the Arabian Sea,

culminating in low, flat-topped, parallel hills. Sub-parallel ridges interrupted by wide

intervening plains, categorized as marine denudation plains, sand dunes, and marine terraces,

are prominent features of this area.

The site proposed for the Wind Farm is enclosed between the National Highway N5 in the

south and the Pakistan Railway line in the north, and between the Dhabeji nala just ahead of

Dhabeji Railway Station on the west has the Tota Pahari in the west, Gharo Pumping Station

and its residential area in the east, the Gharo Creek in the south and south east. Pipri and Badel

Nala flow northwest of the proposed site. This nala ultimately falls into the Gharo creek located

in the adjacent south of the proposed site. The land use of the rest of the project area is divided

amongst industrial plots; public and civic buildings; roads, railway lines, and drains that are

passing through the industrial area.

The Study Area is approximately 65 km from Karachi, Capital of Sind Province, with elevation

ranging from 70 to 180 feet from sea level. Ground flat terrain in the south eastern part of the

study area is 70-80 feet above sea level while north western hilly part of the project area is 100-

180 feet from sea level.

The proposed wind farm site on SZABIST land is covered under the Miocene Sedimentary

Rocks (Limestone, sandstone and Shale) of Tertiary age and Pliocene and Miocene

Sedimentary Rocks (Shale, Sandstone, Conglomerate and Limestone) of Tertiary ages.

4.3.5 Soil

The texture of soils in the wind corridor ranges from loamy saline, silty and clayey in the

coastal areas to gravely, mainly loamy and clayey soils in the inland areas. The soils of

proposed wind farm site are also classified as mainly loamy saline and part gravely.

Some part of the project area soil is strongly saline and some part is strongly calcareous

(moderately alkaline).

4.3.6 Land Use

The land area covered by the wind farm site consists of complex of agriculturally unproductive

(rock) land and some poor grazing (gravely land) (Class VIII, VII). This area constitutes about

30% of the total wind farm area and is also incapable of agriculture as the soil underneath

mainly consists of rock and gravel. The remaining portion (about 70%) of the land is a

complex of poor torrent-watered crop land and poor (loamy) grazing land. Some part of this

land is capable of agriculture being fed by torrent water whereas the remaining portion

comprises grazing area (capable of growing grass and shrubs).



Figure 4.1: Land of Dhabeji.

4.3.7 Land Use in Microenvironment

Project area is agriculturally unproductive (rock) land and some poor grazing gravely land.

Perennial grazing areas consist of moisture shortage, sandy soils with low to high salinity. This

land area in the form of semi-arid/arid sand desert is also present in the upper half of the wind

corridor in small patches. The outgrowth in these areas mainly consists of short grasses, shrubs

and scrubs along with a few drought resistant trees.

4.3.8 Seismicity

The seismicity map of Pakistan (Figure 4.2) shows that the earthquake zones have been hit by

earthquakes a number of times, but the depth of their epicenter is not usually lower than 33 km.

The map also shows the yellow line, which marks the frequency zones as well as the fault

lines. It also shows that the yellow line on entering the Arabian Sea bifurcates into a line that

travels along the coastline while the other goes southwest. This indicates that there are quite a

few other active faults in Lower Sindh, including a thrust-and-fold belt extending northward

parallel to the transform fault separating India from Asia, and the Rann of Kutch fault system

trending westward towards Jhimpir, Karachi city and Makran Coast bordering the Arabian Sea.

The map does not show the presence of the unique Mud Volcanoes, which are still active on the

Baluchistan coast.

Seismic activity in the macro environment of the Ghaggar-Dhabeji-Rann Pethani ecosystem

that includes the Project site is caused by the dynamics of slow but constant relative motion of

the active Karachi Triple Junction (KTJ) of three major tectonic plates viz. the Indian Plate, the

Arabian Plate, and the Eurasian Plate of the earth's crust. Their corresponding fault systems

comprising a subduction zone, a transform boundary, and the ancient rift system, intersect in

the general vicinity. Each produces a distinct type of ground motion and appears to have been



reactivated, with an associated hazard risk that can be disastrous. Seismic activity in the region

is the result of movement on one or more faults and mainly from intra-plate active faults,

including the Karachi-Jati, Allah Bund-Rann of Kutch, Surjan-Jhimpir, and Pab.

Figure 4.2: Seismicity & Natural Disasters - Pakistan, 1990-2000.

The macro environment of NBT-SZABIST site is about 200 km on the NEE, while Karachi

lies approximately 160 km east of the triple junction. The western and north-trending arms of

the triple junction sustain convergent and trans-current rates of 28-33 mm/yr respectively1.

The presence of a recently discovered active Sonne fault indicates that the Arabian plate has

been fragmented across the southwest corner of the triple junction defining a triangular plate:

the Ormara plate whose velocity relative to the Arabian plate increases the subduction

velocities by a few millimeters per year compared with the rate at the west. In addition to these

clearly defined plate boundaries, other active structural zones have produced damaging

earthquakes that have been felt in the macro environment of NBT-SZABIST site in Deh

Kohistan in the past 200 years. They include the following faults:

1) Karachi-Jati

2) Surjan-Jhimpir,

3) Pab Fault

4) Hab Fault

5) Allah Bund-Rann of Kutch,

1. Surjan Fault

These N-S trending dip-slip or bedding-plane faults are active along the Kirthar Range Front.

This fault cuts across the Quaternary deposits on the north of Karachi and west of Mirpur

1 “Geodetically constrained Indian plate motion and implications for plate boundary deformation”, Apel, E, R., Bürgmann, P.

Bannerjee, and B. Nagarajan, 2006, EOS, Transactions, American Geophysical Union 85,52 T51B-1524 Fall meeting supplement



Sakro. The southern end of this fault is intersected by the northwest trending Jhimpir Fault on

the west of Jhimpir. The interaction of these two faults is characterized by at least four tele-

seismic events of shallow focal depth and magnitude 3-6. The maximum magnitude of the

earthquake associated with the Surjan Fault is of the order of M ≈ 6-1.

2. Jhimpir Fault

A number of epicenters are located on this N-W trending fault. The fault has produced an

earthquake of M ≈ 5.6 on Richter scale.

3. Pab Fault

This NNW-SSE trending is 135 km in length and is located in the eastern part of the Pab Range

and has dislocated vertically the Quaternary alluvial fans. The maximum magnitude of the

earthquake associated with this fault is of the order M ≈ 7.0 on Richter scale.

4. Hab Fault

The Hab valley is traversed by this fault.

5. Rann of Kutch Fault

This E-W trending fault has produced earthquake of the order of M ~ 7.6 on Richter scale. In

1819 and 1956, this fault was responsible for severe earthquakes in Gujarat, Tharparker and

Indus delta. This fault system also known as Allah Bund Fault passes in the proximity of the

Steel Mills and Karachi Nuclear Power plant. It is 225 km in length and is responsible for the

production of earthquake of considerably high magnitude of up to 7.6 M on Richter scale and

of IX to X intensity on the Modified Mercalli, MM scale on June 16, 1819.

Additionally a complex series of faults generally oriented easterly and slightly concave to the

north have been identified through aerial photographs. They are roughly parallel to the inferred

zone of rupture for the 1819 earthquake event.

Over the last sixty years, earthquakes of intensity lower than 5 on Richter scale, including those

in 1945 and 1985, have struck the region comprising the macro environment and thus far they

have been of minor significance. This is mainly because the earthquakes here are not "Inter-

Plate" or "Plate Boundary" earthquakes which occur commonly along narrow zones that follow

the edges of tectonic plates.

The tectonic fault that produced the 2002-Bhuj earthquake, which registered a massive 7.7 on

the Richter scale, was part of a complex system of geologic faults that run northwest in Gujarat

through the marshy Rann of Kutch, where it produced a magnitude 7.6 quake in 1819, and also

ran into Pakistan. While concealed under the loose sand of the Rajasthan and Thar deserts and

sediments of the Indus delta, this system of faults appears to continue to the west, passing

through Karachi and while extending into the Arabian Sea, it intersects another system of faults

associated with a major tectonic boundary that has produced devastating earthquakes as far

north as Quetta in the past. Together these fault systems have produced historically large

earthquakes within Kohistan, notably in the Pab Range, Thatta Taluka, and Jhimpir areas.

It is the Intra-plate type of earthquakes (Mid-Plate Earthquakes) that occur far away from plate

boundaries. The latter type earthquakes are less frequent but are capable of releasing just as

much energy in a single event as one of similar intensity along a plate boundary. These arise

due to localized systems of forces in the crust sometimes associated with ancient geological



structures such as in the Rann of Kutch. Thus while the October 8, 2005 mega thrust

earthquake was the direct result of the interaction between Indian Plate and the Eurasian plate,

the earthquakes of July, August and October 11 in the macro environment are intra-plate or

Mid-Plate events.

It may be noted that no earthquake, including the 1945 Makran and 2001 Bhuj events, as well

as the occasional shaking from M 4-5 earthquakes on faults in Kohistan, has ever produced

documented damage anywhere. Although the 1819 earthquake was apparently similar or larger

in magnitude than the 2001 Bhuj event, little damage occurred in Thatta and Hyderabad in

1819 compared to 2001 even though the former event was closer to these towns/cities.2

The Table 4.2 shows the earthquake occurrences over the last forty years. The Table does not

include the numerous events of magnitude less than 4.0 on Richter scale. Earthquakes of recent

occurrence were recorded on July 16, 2005, followed by one on August 6, another on August

13, yet another on October 9 and then again on October 11, 2005. They were all of magnitude

between 4 and 5.1 on Richter scale. The epicenter of these earthquakes was away from those

listed in table. The epicenter of the most recent tremor of January 2, 2009 was 100

kilometers in the coastal region of Thatta district. It had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers

and magnitude of 2.2 M on Richter scale.

Table 4.2: Epicenter, Depth, Magnitude & Intensity of Earthquakes Near Jhimpir

Year Coordinates Depth

Magnitude

Richter

Scale

Intensity

MM Location

1962 24o70’N66

o00E 0 4.50 - Karachi

1965 25o 03N67

o76’E 40 4.50 - Karachi

1966 25o 0N68

o00’ E - 5.0 VI-VII Jhimpir

1968 24o 61N66

o42’ E 19 4.10 - Karachi

1970 25o 28N66

o65’ E 33 4.90 V Karachi

1971 25o 00N68

o00’ E - 4.50 V Jhimpir

1972 25o 35N66


1973 25o 00N68

o00’ E - 5.00 VI Jhimpir

1973 25o 48N66


1975 25o 50N66

o80’ E - 4.50 V Gadani

1975 25o 22N66


1976 24o 96N70


1984 25o 86N66

o41’ E 33 4.70 VI Karachi

1985 24o 90N67

o39’ E 33 5.00 VI Karachi

1986 25o 34N66


1992 25o 25N67

o76’ E 33 3.60 IV Karachi

1996 25o 06N66

o76’ E 33 - - Karachi

1998 25o 69N66


1998 24o 85N66


2009 24o 31N67

o18’ E 10 2.2 IV Thatta

According to a map created by the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the country is divided

into 4 zones based on expected ground acceleration. The areas surrounding Quetta, those along

the Makran coast and parts of the NWFP, and also along the Afghan border fall in Zone 4. The

rest of the NWFP lies in Zone 3, with the exception of southern parts of this province, which lie

in Zone 2. The remaining parts of the Pakistani coastline also lie in Zone 3. The remaining

2 Seismic Hazard in Karachi, Pakistan: Uncertain Past, Uncertain Future, Roger Bilham, Sarosh Lodi, Susan Hough, Saria Bukhary, Abid

Murtaza Khan, and S. F. A. Rafeeqi, Seismological Research Letters; November 2007; v. 78; no. 6; p. 601-613; DOI: 10.1785/gssrl.78.6.601



parts of the country lie in Zone 2. According to this classification this ecosystem would be

placed in Zone 2.

Figure 4.3: GSHAP hazard map of Pakistan3

Color scale indicates peak ground acceleration (m/s/s) with 10% probability of exceedance in

50 years) compared to (B) a recently revised hazard map following the 2005 earthquake

(working group on Pakistan Hazard 2006; zonation 4 is most hazardous, Zone 1 is least

hazardous).

In view of the not too distant location of the Project site to Allah Bund Fault line, it is suggested

that this ecosystem that includes the NBT-SZABIST project land should be placed in Zone 2A.

Such Seismic Zoning would correspond to Magnitude between 5.0 and 6.5 on Richter Scale

and Intensity between VII and IX on Modified Mercallis Scale and hence Ground Force in

terms of Assumed Approximate Acceleration equivalent of 0.3 g should be adopted for siting

the Wind Farm for constructions and positioning of towers and WTGs, for operational basis

earthquakes (OBE) pertaining to damage due to moderate level earthquakes (MM-VII to IX).

The seismic hazard, in view of the historical data, has been estimated for GDRP ecosystem as

"moderate to major". This suggests the "possibility" of earthquakes of intensity V to VII on

(MM) scale and "probability" of those above VII. The seismic risk factor of g/20 must

therefore be incorporated in the design factor for the construction of Wind Towers and

Turbines. Moreover in view of the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) values being generally

lower than 30% which shows poor Rock Quality and low load bearing capacity of the soil of

the area, the risk of liquefaction during major (> 7 on Richter Scale) earthquakes will have to

be taken into account. The appropriate mitigation measures would be to provide bored

reinforced concrete piles to minimize the risk of liquefaction threat during major (> 7 on

Richter scale) earthquake.

4.3.9 Tsunamis

Major damages done by Tsunamis, the impulsively generated seawater waves that are a result

of underwater earthquakes, have not been recorded for the coastal area south of Karachi. There

are, however, evidences of a 1.2 m tsunami generated by an offshore earthquake of intensity 8

M in 1945, which caused only minor damages in Port Qasim area. This event was followed by

3 Giardini, D., G. Grunthal, K. Shedlock, and P. Zheng (1999). The GSHAP Global Seismic Hazard Map. Annali di Geofisica 42, 1,225 –

1,230[Georef]

http://www.geoscienceworld.org/cgi/georef/2000043702



another Tidal wave that was recorded in 1953. The Tsunami of December 26, 2004 had no

impact on the Project site in the GDRP ecosystem.

Tsunami hazards exist on the contiguous coastline. The > 1-hour delay between the main shock

and the arrival of the damaging tsunami associated with the 1945 earthquake was very

probably caused by submarine slumping offshore rather than direct uplift of the coast. If this

were indeed the case, even a modest earthquake in the Rann of Cutch region would be

sufficient to trigger a submarine slide that would endanger the shoreline of Karachi and Thatta

Districts, which however are less than 10 km from the Project site. There is therefore no

likelihood of Tsunami threat to the site.

4.3.10 Storms

The Table 4.3 shows the movement of cyclones and storms in the Arabian Sea. The movement

is generally in the west-north-westerly direction. The one that moved into the coastal area on

May 12, 1999 changed direction and hit the coastal area of Badin while the coastal area

southeast of Karachi was in the periphery and only rain showers of moderate intensity were

recorded. This coast is otherwise classified outside the zone of cyclone activity for the Arabian

Sea. Thunderstorm frequency is also low and is reported to occur at an average rate of 10

thunderstorms/year.

The pattern seems heading towards a change during the last two years. Coastal area of Pakistan

has experienced an increase in the frequency of storms in the southern part of Pakistan

especially along Baluchistan coast. In the month of June 2007 two tropical cyclonic storms

namely Gonu and Yemyin hit the Baluchistan coast. Under their influence, rain /thunder

showers associated with gusty winds and thunderstorms occurred at isolated places of Makran

Coast, while the sea conditions were very rough along the coast of Sindh. The high heat

content of the Arabian Sea that is adjacent to the heat zone of Pakistan had disturbed the heat

balance and water balance of the region. This induced the windstorm in late May, followed by

the Tropical Cyclone Gonu in the first week of June, then by Tropical Cyclone 03A from the

south of Mumbai, and thereafter by Tropical Cyclone 04B nicknamed Yemyin.

The June 6, 2010 cyclone 03A, nicknamed Phet had landed on the coast of Oman and had lost

its intensity. Moving in clockwise direction it poured heavy rains on Gwadar and Pasni. The

rain bearing winds moved along the coastline towards Karachi. It touched Karachi only

tangentially and brought 100 mm rainfall in Karachi and 50 mm rainfall in Hyderabad two

days before it landed south of Thatta District.

Table 4.3: Cyclones & Storms During Last 17 Years

No. Year Type/ Location of Cyclone Wind Speed

Range (km/h)

1 Nov 1993 Tropical Cyclone/ Northeast Arabian Sea 62 – 88

2. June 1996 Cyclonic Storm /East Central Arabian Sea 62 – 88

3. Oct 1996 Tropical Storm /Southeast Arabian Sea 62 – 88

4. June 1998 Cyclonic Storm /Southeast Arabian Sea 62 – 88

5. Oct 1998 Cyclonic Storm /East Central Arabian Sea 62 – 88

6. May 1999 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm /East Central

Arabian Sea > 118

7. May 2001 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm /East Central

Arabian Sea > 118

8. Sept 2001 Cyclonic Storm /East Central Arabian Sea 62 – 88



9. May 2002 Tropical Cyclone /West Central Arabian Sea 62 – 88

10. May 2004 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm /Southeast

Arabian Sea > 118

11. Oct 2004 Severe Cyclonic Storm /Northeast Arabian

Sea 89 – 117

12. Sept 2006 Tropical Cyclone /East Central Adjoining

Northeast Arabian Sea 62 – 88

13. 02 June 2007 Tropical Cyclone /East Central Arabian Sea 62 – 88

14. 07 June 2007 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm /Northwesterly

of East Central Arabian Sea > 118

15. 21 June 2007 Tropical Cyclone (Deep Depression)

/Northeast Arabian Sea > 50

16 07 June 2010 Tropical Cyclone /Northeast Arabian Sea > 50

4.3.11 Climate

The SZABIST site is located at a higher level than the Karachi coastal belt and has a climate

typical of subtropical coastal zones lying in the monsoon region. The climate of the GDRP

ecosystem can be characterized by dry, hot and semi-humid conditions and is described as

moderate. The seasonal intervention of mild winter is brief; it lasts from mid-December to mid-

February. This is followed by a long hot and humid summer that extends from April to mid-

July. From here onwards up to mid-September the monsoon winds and cloud cover dominate

over the climatic norms: the temperatures are moderate, the humidity is high and one can

expect about 7 to 10 rainy days. This is followed by a brief return of the hot summer that lasts

from September to mid-November. Mild and semi-humid conditions thus characterize the

climate of GDRP ecosystem.

The records of the two observatories of the Pakistan Meteorological Department viz. at Port

Qasim and at Karachi International Airport have been used as the source of data for wind,

temperature and precipitation. These have been supplemented by the meteorological data

obtained during the ambient air quality monitoring study carried out by the Space and Upper

Atmospheric Research Organization, SUPARCO over the years.

4.3.12 Average Wind Speed

Recent data suggest that just before the onset of the monsoon season the wind direction is

mostly westerly averaging at 256o and varying between 3.5

o and 358

o, while the wind velocity

averages at 3.5 m/sec, varying between 0.9 and 5.5 m/sec.

Table 4.4: Meteorological Data (Date 24, 25-05-2011).

Wind Speed Pressure Wind Direction Temperature Humidity

Maximum 5.5 1000.0 358.7 37.4 70.6

Average 3.5 995.5 256.3 33.9 57.7

Minimum 0.9 966.5 3.5 30.9 44.4

In June the monsoon winds start blowing westerly, with velocity varying from 0.3 to 8.9 m/sec

and averaging at 4.0 m/sec.

Table 4.5: Meteorological Data (June 2010).

Wind Speed Pressure Wind Direction Temperature Humidity

Maximum 4.0 1008.8 265.5 33.3 77.9

Average 8.9 1011.6 344.5 35.7 86.9

Minimum 0.3 1006.9 6.4 31.5 64.4



With the onset of winter, the wind direction is mostly unsettled averaging at 144o and varying

between 1o and 359

o, while the wind velocity varies between 0.0 and 2.2 m/sec and averages at

0.5m/sec.

Table 4.6: Meteorological Data (November 2011).

Wind speed

(m/s)

Pressure

(mbar)

Wind Direction

(degree)

Air Temperature

(0C)

Humidity

(% RH)

Maximum 2.2 1018.3 359 35.2 79.4

Average 0.5 1013.5 144 25.5 50.5

Minimum 0.0 1011.3 1 17.2 18.4

Wind Rose indicates that most of the time the wind direction was West-Southwest and

Southwest. The annual average wind speed is 6.56m/s and the percentage time when wind

speed is less than 2m/s is 16.32% only.

4.3.13 Temperature

Air temperature in the coastal area to the east of Karachi is generally temperate throughout the

year. During winter the range of variation of temperature is large for Karachi coast especially

with respect to maximum and minimum temperatures. The mean monthly maximum and

minimum temperatures recorded during the eleven years (2001-2011) at Karachi Airport

Meteorological Station of Pakistan Meteorological Department are given in the following

Tables.

Table 4.7a: Mean Monthly Maximum Temperature in Karachi

Table 4.7b: Mean Monthly Minimum Temperature in Karachi

Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual

2001 27.2 29.6 33.1 34.6 35.1 34.9 32.2 32.3 33.1 36 33.5 30.4 32.7

2002 27 28.2 33.3 35.4 35.6 35.1 32.2 31.6 31.4 36.5 32.7 28.1 32.3

2003 27.6 28.5 32.4 36.6 35.7 34.9 34.1 32.6 32.5 37 32.2 28.3 32.7

2004 26.6 29.9 36.2 35.4 36.8 35.6 33.8 32.7 32.8 33.7 33.1 29.4 33

2005 24.9 26.3 31.5 35.3 35.4 36 33.2 32.2 34.2 35.2 33.1 28.4 32.1

2006 26 31.3 31.8 34 34.6 35.3 33.8 31 34.2 35 33.4 26.3 32.2

2007 26.9 29.4 31.4 37.7 36 36.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 33

2008 24.4 26.9 34.3 34.4 33.9 35.1 33.5 31.9 34.7 35.5 32.5 27.2 32

2009 26.2 29.8 33 36 36.8 35.7 34.5 33 32.8 35.9 33 28.6 32.9

2010 27.5 29.2 34 35.7 36.5 34.7 34.6 33.2 34.5 35.9 32.7 28 33.0

2011 26.9 28.5 33.2 35.8 35.3 35.3 34.2 32.8 32.9

Average 26.5 28.9 33.1 35.5 35.6 35.4 33.6 32.3 33.3 35.6 32.9 28.3 32.6

Max. 27.6 31.3 36.2 37.7 36.8 36.4 34.6 33.2 34.7 37.0 33.5 30.4 33.0

Min. 24.4 26.3 31.4 34.0 33.9 34.7 32.2 31.0 31.4 33.7 32.2 26.3 32.0


2001 11.5 14.9 19.6 23.8 28.1 29 27.1 26.5 25.9 24.4 18.6 15.8 22.1

2002 12.8 13.8 19.5 23.9 27 28.2 29.6 25.6 24.8 22.5 17.7 14.9 21.7

2003 12.7 16.9 19.8 24.2 26.5 28.2 23.6 27 25.3 20.9 15.2 12 21

2004 12.9 14.5 19.1 24.8 27.3 28.8 27.5 26.3 25.3 22.4 18 15.4 21.9

2005 12.3 11.3 20.3 23 26.4 28.3 27.2 26.6 26.6 22.9 18.9 13 21.4

2006 11.7 18.1 19.6 24.5 27.5 28.5 28.3 26.3 26.8 25.7 19.4 14 22.5

2007 13 17.3 19.7 24.7 27.6 28.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 21.8

2008 10.1 11.1 19.6 24 27.3 29.1 27.9 26.8 26.6 23.8 17.6 14.9 21.6

2009 14.7 16.5 20.8 23.8 27.6 28.7 28.1 27.5 26.5 22.6 17 13.9 22.3

2010 12.2 14.7 21.3 25.1 28 28.2 28.3 27.2 25.8 23.9 17.4 11.1 21.9

2011 11 14.5 19.7 23.1 27.1 28.8 27.8 28.6 26.5

Average 12.3 14.9 19.9 24.1 27.3 28.6 27.5 26.8 26.0 23.2 17.8 13.9 21.8

Max. 14.7 18.1 21.3 25.1 28.1 29.1 29.6 28.6 26.8 25.7 19.4 15.8 22.5

Min. 10.1 11.1 19.1 23.0 26.4 28.2 23.6 25.6 24.8 20.9 15.2 11.1 21.0



Figure 4.4: Mean Monthly Maximum & Minimum Temperature in Karachi

The Average Temperature Data of Mirpur Sakro Taluka is presented in Table 4.8.

Table 4.8: Average Temperatures for Mirpur Sakro, Pakistan

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Maximum 26°c 29°c 32°c 35°c 36°c 35°c 34°c 32°c 33°c 35°c 33°c 28°c

Minimum 12°c 15°c 19°c 23°c 27°c 28°c 28°c 27°c 26°c 23°c 17°c 14°c

Source:http://www.worldweatheronline.com/weather-

averages/Pakistan/1736163/MirpurSakro/1784986/info.aspx

4.3.14 Precipitation

The mean relative humidity in summer is 60-70% while the mean relative humidity during

winter is 25-30%. The rain fall in the Karachi coastal zone including the GDRP ecosystem is

extremely low and erratic; accordingly this region falls in the semi-arid climatic zone. Table 4.9

shows the last nine years precipitation data recorded at Karachi Airport station.

Table 4.9: Monthly Precipitation (mm) at Karachi Air Port


2001 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.6 73.6 16.2 N/A 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.4

2002 0.0 2.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 N/A N/A 52.2 N/A 0.0 0.5 0.4 55.5

2003 6.4 21.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 16.3 270.4 9.8 N/A 0.0 0.2 0.0 324.9

2004 13.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 N/A 3.0 5.6 N/A 39.3 0.0 4.3 65.9

2005 6.6 12.8 N/A 0.0 0.0 N/A N/A 0.3 54.9 0.0 0.0 17.1 91.7

2006 N/A 0.0 N/A 0.0 0.0 0.0 66.2 148.6 21.9 0.0 3.1 61.3 301.1

2007 0.0 13.2 33.4 0.0 0.0 110.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 156.8

2008 8.0 Trace 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 54.0 37.5 Trace 0.0 0.0 21.0 121.6

2009 3.0 Trace 0.0 Trace 0.0 2.6 159.9 44.0 68.9 0.0 0.0 1.5 279.9

Source: Pakistan Meteorological Department

The 9-years record for rainfall of PMD at Karachi Airport (2001-2009) suggests that July and

August are the wettest months and that the maximum rainfall recorded in Karachi during 2001-

2009 period was 270.4 mm during the month of July 2003, while the maximum annual rainfall

was 324.9 mm during the year 2003, followed by 301 mm in 2006 and 279.9 mm in 2009. The

wet years followed a 3-year cycle during the first 9 years of the New Millennium. The year

2010 seems to be among the wettest years since Karachi City had witnessed more than 5 spells

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

35.0

40.0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

℃

Mean Monthly Maximum & MinimumTemperature

Mean Monthly MaximumMean Monthly Minimum

http://www.worldweatheronline.com/weather-averages/Pakistan/1736163/MirpurSakro/1784986/info.aspx

http://www.worldweatheronline.com/weather-averages/Pakistan/1736163/MirpurSakro/1784986/info.aspx



of 50 mm each during the month of July, three major spells of 60 to 100 mm in August and two

spells of 25 and 10 mm each in the month of September.

Figure 4.5: Annual Rainfall in Karachi

In July and August 2011 again there was heavy rainfall all over Sindh. Hyderabad received

about 74 to 103 mm rain in 24 hours and the same amount poured in Karachi and the villages

in its outskirts. The torrential rains resulted in flooding of several villages and Dhabeji as well

as Gharo were not spared. The microenvironment of the proposed Wind Farm that has the

KWSB’s Filter Plant in the neighborhood was inundated.

Figure 4.6: National Highway N5 at Gharo on August 11, 2011

Karachi was facing drought conditions in the past and rainfall was erratic at around 50 mm for

three years followed by wet spells every third year. The average of two decades (70s and 80s)

shows that rainfall varies between 150 and 250 mm during the years. For Karachi the average

number of rainy days/year is less than ten. However, most of the precipitation usually takes

place within a short spell of 2 to 7 days. About 50 to 65 percent of the total annual rainfall

occurs during July and August while the southwest monsoon is on, another 15 to 25 percent of

0

100

200

300

400

500

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Rainfall(mm)

Annual Rainfall



the annual rainfall occurs during NE monsoon in winter months (December - February). The

rest of the rainfall occurs in the form of occasional cloud burst.

The Average Rainfall Data of Mirpur Sakro Taluka is presented in Table 4.10.

Table 4.10: Average Rainfall for Mirpur Sakro, Pakistan

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Maximum 17mm 3mm 3mm 0mm 3mm 9mm 48mm 43mm 4mm 6mm 1mm 7mm

Minimum 3 2 1 0 0 2 8 8 2 1 1 2

Source:http://www.worldweatheronline.com/weatheraverages/Pakistan/1736163/MirpurSakro/178

4986/info.aspx

4.3.15 Ambient Air Quality

The ambient air quality at the GDRP ecosystem which includes the SZABIST area is fairly

unpolluted since the industrial area of Dhabeji is at a distance of at least 6 km while the

National Highway N5 is at 2.4 km. The impact of exhaust emissions from vehicular traffic

operating on Highway N5 is limited to the microenvironment of the highway.

No sources of anthropogenic sources of air pollution exist in the immediate vicinity of the site;

therefore the ambient air of the area is likely to be free from the key pollutants such as carbon

monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM).

Table 4.11 present the ambient air quality recorded by EMC in the recent past for the outskirts

of Karachi. It may be seen that the average level of each parameter in ambient air is on lower

side in comparison with National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS).

SO2 level ranges between 7.0 ppb and 13.6 ppb which are much lower than 38 ppb

recommended for the 24-hourly average by the NEQS.

NOx level ranges between 8.2 ppb and 16.3 ppb which are much lower than 38 ppb

recommended for the 24-hourly average by the NEQS.

CO level ranges between 0.2 ppm and 1.9 ppm which is well within the NEQS standards.

PM10 concentration was between 114.0 µg/m3 and 163 µg/m

3 with the average at 140.6

µg/m3 which is below the level suggested by NEQS.

Copy of NEQS for Air Quality has been included in this report as Annex.

Table 4.11: Ambient Air Quality at Outskirts of Karachi East.

Level SO2 (ppb) NOX (ppb) CO (ppm) DUST (g /m3) Noise dB(A)

Average 9.7 11.6 1.2 140.6 45.9

Max 13.6 16.3 1.9 163.0 54.0

Min 7.0 8.2 0.2 114.0 41.0

There would be no addition of PM10 or any other pollutant into the air-shed of the wind

corridor. This is because operation of the wind turbines itself will not discharge any pollutant.

The wind turbines will only modify the wind speed and leave the air quality unaltered. The

dispersion of the existing level of PM10 and other pollutants will maintain the status of the air

shed of the corridor in the unpolluted category.

NEQS requires that the 24-hour maximum average and annual mean concentration of SO2

should be less than 80 g/m3. Thus establishment of proposed Wind Farm on SZABIST land in

the so far unpolluted GDRP ecosystem would not alter the air quality and maintain the level of

primary parameters within NEQS limits.

http://www.worldweatheronline.com/weatheraverages/Pakistan/1736163/MirpurSakro/1784986/info.aspx

http://www.worldweatheronline.com/weatheraverages/Pakistan/1736163/MirpurSakro/1784986/info.aspx



4.3.16 Noise

There is no continuous source of noise emission in the proposed SZABIST wind farm site.

Occasionally there is some intermittent noise emission from a passing by motorcycle or a

railway train. This may raise the noise level by ~2 to 4 dB (A). The ambient noise level

remains as recorded in the Table 4.12.

The Noise level recorded at the unpolluted site in GDRP ecosystem ranges between 41 dB (A)

and 54 dB (A) with the average at 45.9 dB (A), which is characteristic of wilderness and well

within 70 dB (A) the level suggested by World Bank Guidelines.

* Facing Wind, **Exposed to Heavy Traffic

Figure 4.7: Noise level monitoring activity at project site

4.3.17 Hydrology

1. Surface Hydrology

The GDRP ecosystem is drained by several streams including the Ghagga nala, Lat nala also

known as Dhabeji nala which has its sources in a spring, and the Rann Pethani Nadi are the

well established surface water sources, only the Dhabeji nala is perennial, while the other two

receive their share of surface water during the rains. The rains adequately charge the aquifers in

such manner as to make good quality groundwater available to the industries throughout the

year. The recipient industries include Pakland Cement and those in the Dhabeji Industrial Area.

The Ghaggar-Dhabeji-Gharo-Rann Pethani ecosystem is governed by the catchment area of

Ghaggar nala, which is a natural non-perennial stream that flows North-South along the

Eastern boundary of Eastern Industrial Zone of Port Qasim. It finally drains into the Choudhry

Creek about 4 km from the Indus Refinery site. The stream discharge depends on the rainfall in

its catchment. The rainfall record for the years 2001 to 2007 at Karachi Airport and

Table 4.12: Noise Level at Different Locations Around Proposed Site

S. No. Site Noise Level dB(A)

1. Wind Mast 47.0

2. Near Tota Pahari 65.0*

3. Near Steel mill Pipeline 51.0

4. Near SZABIST Office 2.5km from Project area 68.0**

5. Near Baba Bukhari Shrine 46.0

6. Near Railway Track at Dirt Road 66*

7. Goth Yusuf Khaskheli 57.0

8. Goth Jaffer Jokhio 55.0

9. Goth Haji Hamza Zangiyani 54.0



Meteorological Department recorded above shows wide range monthly and annual variation.

Monthly precipitation varies from almost nil in the month of March, April and May and

November to maximum in July and August. Similarly year 2002 and 2004 had very little rains

(55.5mm and 65.9mm), while year 2003, 2006, 2010 and 2011 were wet years with over 300

mm rainfall. The quality of Ghaggar water is sweet, however, the physical examination

indicates that municipal as well as industrial wastewater is being discharged into the stream and

is polluting it.

Ghaghar Nala has an extensive catchment area in the macro environment comprising the

Ghaggar Union Council in Bin Qasim Town. The large catchment area is a possible reason for

its flooding with small amount of ~5 mm rainfall as was observed during the September (2005)

rains in the area. Another stream known as the Filter Nala, which flows parallel to Ghaghar

Nala is about three Km to the east of Ghaggar Phatak. The two streams flow to the Gharo

Creek, which is about 6 Km to the south of the site. A perennial stream flows just ahead of

Dhabeji and is a source of irrigation water for a large farm adjacent to the spring that is the

source of the perennial Dhabeji stream. The water from this stream as well as the Ghaggar Nala

is being extensively excavated by water carriers.

The spring related Dhabeji Nala has a large grove of date palm trees and is also site of the

shrine of Baba Jumman Shah Bokhari who is claimed as the companion of six other Bokharis

in the Bhambore area.

Other water courses on the north in Gadap town of Karachi are Sukkhan Nala, and Thaddo

Nala, which are the tributaries of Malir River. They flow away from Ghaghar and hence do not

contribute to the hydrology of the eco-subsystem. Groundwater resource potential low at the

site since water has not been found at a depth of 100 ft.

The GDRP ecosystem is also home to quite a few water ponds formed at natural depressions,

some of them being the result of extensive excavation of sand and gravel. The ponds are

generally used by locals for domestic and livestock purposes, although not all of them are for

drinking water.

2. Water Resources

Indus River via the Keenjhar Lake is the source of freshwater for Karachi. The KWSB Water

supply mainline takes off from Gujju and is brought to the Dhabeji Pumping Station at Tota

Pahari where it is filtered and pumped into the mainline to Karachi, as shown in the following

figure. Pakistan Steel, Port Qasim and the industries in the Eastern Zone of Port Qasim also

source their water from the Indus River system. Pakistan Steel Mills has facilitated the off take

of freshwater from its pipeline to meet the requirements of the Jokhio community in the

villages e.g. Jaffer Jamadar across the SZABIST boundary line.

3. Water supply

The Kalri Baghar Feeder from Kotri Barrage on River Indus feeds the Keenjhar Lake from

where around 90 percent of the water supply is made available to the City of Karachi. This

supply is conveyed through the Keenjhar-Gujju Canal (KG Canal) which has a capacity of 320

MGD and through the K-II scheme commissioned with a capacity of 100 MGD. An additional

80 MGD is made available from a 54 km pipeline from Gujju canal built by ICI for industrial

uses at PQA. Similarly Pakistan Steel Mills has itself a system for the supply of 200 MGD

water for its own use.



Figure 4.8: Water supply map

4. Wetland

There is no water body designated as wetland except Haleji Lake and Mehro Kotri which are

approx. 20 from Project site. These two wetlands are also designated as Important Bird Area

(IBA) by Birdlife International.

Figure 4.9: IBAs identified near Study Area.

Haleji Lake is a perennial freshwater lake with marshes and a brackish seepage lagoon.

Considered a game reserve in 1971, this lake was declared a wildlife sanctuary and in 1976, the

lake was designated as a Ramsar site. Haleji serves as an important source of water for Karachi



besides being a popular recreational destination. The Lake is located in Thatta district on

24°47’N, 067°46’E coordinates.

5. Groundwater Hydrology

Ground water generally becomes saline from Hyderabad down south. This is attributed to the

shift of the Arabian Sea in geological times. There are credible evidences to the effect that the

Kirthar Mountains were witness to the last ice age some 15,000 years from the present and that

the seashore was at the present site of Hyderabad some 12,000 years ago. The areas with saline

groundwater show higher concentration of chlorides compared with carbonates, bicarbonates

and sulphates which suggests that some millennia ago the area was submerged in the sea.

Although melting of the Himalayan glaciers and water flow downstream the Indus and the

ancient Saraswati had diluted the salinity, yet saline water in the deep down strata could not be

displaced by the fresh water flow from the rivers. The sediment transported by the rivers

ultimately trapped the salinity in its fold. Hydro-geological investigations carried out by the

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) on the western side of the Indus River

reveals that fresh water is available at shallow depths in Hyderabad and Thatta districts up to

60m. It becomes saline to highly saline as one move southwards to the coastal areas. Ground

water occurs under water table condition at depths varying from 3m to 10m.Groundwater

depth in the GDRP ecosystem is about 30m. Quality of the ground water is reasonable and is

potable as reported by locals.

4.4 Biological Environment

4.4.1 Site Selection

1. Macro-Site Selection Considerations

For siting of wind farms it is necessary to examine the potential of the impact of operation of

the wind turbines on the bird and bat migration flyways. Wind farms sited outside these

flyways are expected to have the least impact on wildlife. However, even if they are sited

peripheral to major flyways, they could have impacts, which could be verified, on local

populations, and on threatened and endangered species.

2. Micro-Site Evaluation

The SZABIST Project site does not fall within major or minor migration route, and because

sufficient work has been done in this region previously4, EMC did not undertake site

evaluation studies or multiple seasons and multiyear baseline data collection. Site evaluation

studies generally include the following methodologies for measurement of potential wildlife

mortality, displacement and disturbance:

Mobile Radar: This technique uses mobile radar and is perhaps the most powerful tool for

conducting a risk assessment as it provides data on the abundance, spatial distribution and

elevation of birds. This technology is very costly and has not been used in Pakistan.

Sound Recordings: This low cost technology uses microphones in an array that can provide

information on species composition, abundance and altitude.

4 Mohammad Sharif Khan, Annotated Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles of Pakistan, Asiatic Herpetological Research, 2004, Vol. 10, pp. 191-201.



Aerial Surveys: This method is chiefly employed in determining species composition,

abundance, behavior and movement patterns in an offshore environment. Aerial surveys can

be used to supplement visual observations.

Visual Observations: Qualified observers conduct surveys that provide data on abundance and

behavior of birds on and around proposed sites. EMC employed the visual observation

technique for identifying the fauna as well as flora. Local population and SZABIST personnel

assisted EMC experts in a 12-hour watch on the movement and intensity of the wildlife

including quadrupeds, reptiles and high flying as well as nesting birds, in addition to locating

habitats, if any besides identifying the species in and around the areas where NBT-Zab Wind

Power Pvt. Ltd is locating the wind masts.

4.4.2 Fauna

1. Wildlife

Wild hare, fox, jackal and porcupine were sighted during surveys by the observers. Only one

burrow of a honey badger was found but there were no imprints to show that the same was

being actively used by the animal. Only the fox droppings were sighted near a poultry farm,

while a jackal was once sighted during the afternoon and was heard once in the night. The

number and frequency of visits by these animals into the area is reported by the locals to have

substantially reduced now. It is inferred from the frequency of visits that those spotted and

reported by the locals did not seem to have their habitat in the microenvironment. They appear

to have strayed in as casual visitors.

2. Reptiles

Reptiles are also getting rare because of aridity which has in general reduced the biodiversity of

the area. The monitor lizard population in the microenvironment of NBT-SZABIST Wind

Farm Project site is low, while that of spiny-tailed lizard is abundant. Indian Monitor lizard

(Varanus bengalensis) Wadhi Go/Gioh (reported but not spotted), and Monitor lizard (Varanus

griseus) were neither reported nor spotted. The spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii)

Sandho/Sandha was not spotted perhaps because they and the other reptiles were hibernating;

their abundance is nevertheless low as suggested by the locals. All sand mounds in the area

were found to have their burrows. The species are included in Appendix III of the CITES.

Other reptiles reported here include: Yellow-headed Agama (Stellio Agama nupta fusca) Batth

Kirro/Zard Sar Pahari Girgit (spotted during the survey), Indian Garden Lizard (Calotes

versicolor) Wann Kirro/Rang badal Girgit, Long-tailed Desert Lacerta (Eremias guttulata

watsonana) Wadhi Puch Kirri/Taweel dum Sandhi (reported but not spotted), Sindh Sand

Gecko (Crossobamon orientalis) Thari Kirri/Regi Chhupkali (reported but not spotted).

3. Snakes

The Indian sand boa (Eryx johni) Bar Matti/Do Muhi (reported but not spotted); Saw-scaled

Viper (Echis carinatus) Lundhi Bala/Jalebi Samp (reported to be quite frequent but not

spotted), are common in the project area, while the Sindh two-headed snake, Indian common

krait, and oxus cobra are rare. All these snakes are front-fanged. The krait, viper, and cobra are

deadly but incidence of snake bite, as reported by the locals, is getting low, quite likely because

their population has been thinned out.



4. Birds

Consultant conducted a detailed bird life survey in and around the proposed NBT-SZABIST

wind farm site. The objectives of the proposed desktop bird life survey are to collect baseline

information regarding bird habitats and migratory patterns within the Study Area including the

Project Area and an area of 5km from the Project Area boundary. The present Birdlife survey

report has covered specific details on:

Presence or likely presence of state protected species and those that are recognized by the

IUCN as globally threatened species within the Study Area;

Large numbers of any particular bird species utilizing the Study Area;

Preferred habitat on or near the wind farm for the above species;

Species or groups of birds that are potentially affected by the wind farm during its operation

(i.e. prone to collision with turbines or other indirect effects).

Both direct and indirect impacts on birdlife from the operation of wind farms are a major

concern in Pakistan and abroad. Important Bird Areas identified in the macroenvironment of

project area are listed in Table 4.13.

Table 4.13: IBAs identified close to or in the vicinity of Project Area

Nam

e of

the

Bir

d A

rea

Coord

inat

es

Alt

itude

(ft.)

Are

a (h

a)

Clo

sest

dis

tance

from

the

Pro

ject

Are

a (k

m)

Pro

tect

ion L

evel

Hab

itat

Maj

or

spec

ies

of

conce

rn (

IUC

N

import

ance

/cla

ss I

pro

tect

ion)

Haleji

Lake

Wildlife

Sanctuary

24o

48’14.33”N

67°46’ 37.41”

E

13 1704 Approx.

19 km

Wet

Land wetlands

Threatened Species:

Pelecanus

crispus,haliaetus

leucoryphus,Aquila

Calnga,Aquila

heliacal,Rynchop

Albicolliis,columa

eversmanni

Mahro

Kotri

24°38’43.82”N

67°27’07.05”E

162 Approx.

20 km

Wet

Land

Shrub

land,

Wetland

Threatened Species:

Haliaeetus leucoryphus,

Aquila Clanga

Source: http://wwfpak.org/ and http://www.iucn.org/places/pakistan/

The most common birds found in the macro environment and spotted during the field survey of

study area are presented in Table 4.14.



Table 4.14: Most common birds found in the macro-environment

Common Name

Scientific name Protection

Status IUCN

Siting Picture

Indian Robin

Thamnobia cambaiensis

Least Concern

Spotted in Project Area

Indian Grey

Partridge

Francolinus pondicertanis

Least Concern

Characteristic bird species that have adapted to the environment and are still to be found in the area and reported by

locals

Chest-nut-bellied

Sandgrouse

Pterocles exustus

Least Concern

Reported but not spotted

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia Least

Concern Spotted in Project

Area

Indian little

Button Quail

Turnix sylvatica

Least Concern


Eurasian Roller

Coracias garrulus

Least Concern





Common Name


Status IUCN

Siting Picture

Kite Milvus migrans Least

Concern Spotted.

Highflying bird

Houbara Bustard

Chlamydotis undulata

IUCN Red List as low

risk, Vulnerable.

VU

These were not spotted during the survey. They were reported by the locals to be sited 2-3 km away

from study area and only occasional visitors.

Little Bustard Tiloor

Tetrax tetrax

IUCN Red List as low risk, near threatened.

NT

These were not spotted during the survey. They were reported by the locals to be sited 2-3 km away

from study area and only occasional visitors.

Grey Partridge

Francolinus pondicerianus

Least Concern


Painted Sand

Grouse Pterocles indicus

Least Concern





Common Name


Status IUCN

Siting Picture

Saker Falcon

Falco biarmicus cherrug

IUCN Red List as low

risk, Vulnerable.

VU

Extremely rare. Highflying birds were not spotted during the survey and the several

visits to the area. They were

reported by the locals to be only

occasional visitors.

Common Quail

Coturnix coturnix

Least Concern


Indian Griffon Vulture

Gyps fulvus fulvescens

Least Concern

Not spotted. High Flying Bird

Partridge Ammoperdix griseogularis

Least Concern


Eurasian Wryneck

Jynx torquilla Least

Concern Spotted




Common Name


Status IUCN

Siting Picture

Sindh Woodpeck

er

Dendrocopos assimilis

Least Concern


Common Hoopoe

Upupa epops Least

Concern Reported but not

spotted

Asian Koel

Eudynamys scolopacea

Least Concern

Spotted

Rose-ringed

Parakeet

Psittacula krameri

Least Concern

Spotted

Spotted Owlet

Athene brama Least


spotted

Indian Collared

Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Least Concern





Common Name


Status IUCN

Siting Picture

Common Crane Koonj

Grus grus Least

Concern

Reported by the locals but not

spotted this year and also not

spotted during the survey

Tawny Eagle

Gandoori Okab

Aquila rapax Least


spotted

Common Myna

Acridotheres tristis

Least Concern

Spotted

Pale Crag-martin

Ababeel

Hirundo obsolete

Least Concern


House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

Least Concern

Spotted




Common Name


Status IUCN

Siting Picture

Black kite Milvus affinis Least

Concern

Spotted in moderate

population. Their presence is usually

due to poultry farms

Houbara bustard, although a migratory bird, is one of the endangered species found in the

macro environment but not in the microenvironment of the Project site. Falcons are rarely

spotted by the locals in the area and were also not spotted during surveys.

The most common birds found in the macro environment are sparrows, robins and doves.

Characteristic bird species that have adapted to the environment and are still to be found in the

area, include the Indian grey partridge (francolinus pondicertanis), chest-nut-bellied sand

grouse (pterocles exustus), rock dove (Columbia livia), Indian little button quail (turnix

sylvatica) and Eurasian roller (coracias garrulous). Kites and vultures, the high flying birds

were spotted but the falcons were conspicuous by their absence during the survey and the

several visits to the area. The falcons were reported by the locals to be only occasional visitors.

Other birds reported to be straying in occasionally, but not spotted during the surveys, include

the Houbara bustard (Clamydotis undulate), Houbara Bustard (Tetrax tetrax) Tiloor (spotted),

which are in IUCN Red List as low risk, near threatened); Grey Parttridge (Francolinus

pondiceranus); Indian Sand grouse (Pterocles exustes); Painted Sand grouse (Pterocles

indicus); Saker Falcon (Falco biarmicus cherrug) (Extremely rare); Indian Griffon Vulture

(Gyps fulvus fulvescens) (not spotted); Partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis) See See

Teetar/Sissi Tittar; Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) Butair/Bhuntrio; Eurasian Wryneck

(Jynx torquilla) Gandam Muroor/Nando Kath-Kulho (not spotted); Sindh Woodpecker

(Dendrocopos assimilis) Sindhi Khat-Khat/Kath Kutho (reported but not spotted); Common

Hoopoe (Upupa epops) Hud Hud /Hud Hud (spotted); Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)

Neel Kanth/Sat Rango (spotted); Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea) Koel/Koel (spotted);

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) Tota, Gulabi Kanth Tota/Mitthu, Chattu (reported but

not spotted); Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) Chittidar Ullu/Nandho Chibhro (reported but not

spotted); Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Jhungi Kabutar (reported but not spotted); Indian

Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) Bari Fakhta Gero (spotted during survey); Common

Crane (Grus grus) Koonj (reported but not spotted this year by locals and also not during the

survey); Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) Gandoori Okab, Rigger/Par Mar (not spotted), Common

Myna (Acridotheres tristis) Myna Ghursal/Kabbri, Myna (spotted during survey); Pale Crag-

martin (Hirundo obsoleta) Peeli Chatani Ababeel/Jabal wari Ababeel also as pithee (spotted

during survey); House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Gorrea, Gharelu Chiriya/Jhirki (spotted

during survey).

5. Mammals

Indian Pangolin (Scaly Anteater) (Manis crassicaudata) Safna Shikam, (reported but not

spotted by locals and also not during survey) is reported in the IUCN Red List as low risk, near

threatened; Jackal (Canis aureus) /Geedarr (spotted during survey) is reported in IUCN Red



List as low risk; Ratel (Honey Badger) (Mellivora capensis) Gorrpat/Qabar Ka Bijju

(abandoned burrow spotted during survey); Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestes javanicus)

Chhota-Neula (spotted during survey); Black-naped Hare (Lepus nigricollis dayanus)

Saho/Khargosh; Grey Spiny Mouse (Mus saxicola) Kandan Waro Kuo/Kharpusht Chooha

(reported but not spotted).

6. Livestock

Local inhabitants in the microenvironment maintain stocks of cows, goats and sheep that were

found grazing in the area. Livestock and ruminants include: Domestic Goat (Capra hircus)

Bakri/Bakra; Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries) Bhairru/Bhairr; Domestic Cattle (Bos taurus)

Gaon/Dhaggo, Dhaggi (male, female); Domestic Donkey (Equus asinus) Gadduh/Gadah.

4.4.3 Flora

In the case of flora also sufficient work has been reported for the Gharo5 region previously.

EMC did, however carry out its own field observations. According to these observations, the

vegetation and vegetative growth in Project area is constrained by aridity, typography, and

relief. The stony waste or the plains of the GDRP ecosystem are getting depleted of whatever

natural vegetation as a result of extensive deforestation and land clearance for stone and gravel

excavation. The following trees, shrubs and grasses were found during survey of the site.

1. Trees

Trees found in the Project macroenvironment include Acacia nilotica (babul) (spotted during

survey, low frequency), Acacia senegal (khor) (spotted during survey, low frequency),

Calotropis procera (spotted, low frequency), Salvadora oleoides (khabar) (dominant) and

Prosopsis senegal (kandi) (dominant but with low frequency), Acacia arabica (kikar) (dominant

but with low frequency), Capparis aphylla (reported but not spotted),Commiphora wrighti

(spotted during survey, low frequency), Commiphora stocksiana (spotted during survey, low

frequency), Prosopis cenraria (spotted during survey, low frequency), Tamarix gallica (lai)

(dominant), tamarix aphylla(low frequency), Euphorbia cauducifolia, Lasiurus sindicus ; willo

or bahan (populus euphratica), Rhazya stricta (spotted during survey, low frequency), karil

(capparis aphyila), and siris (acacia lebbek) (not found during survey), Prosopis cineraria,

Eleusine flagelliforia, Salsola foetidia; Baleria acanthoides(spotted during survey, low

frequency), Lasiurus sindicus, Aristida sp. Ziziphus nummularia (spotted, low frequency),

Cordia gharaf (spotted during survey, low frequency), Grewiavillosa, Leptodenia pyrotecneca,

Lyssium depressum (spotted during survey, getting scarce), Pterophyllum oliveri (spotted

during survey, low frequency), Tecoma undulate (spotted during survey, (spotted during survey,

low frequency).

2. Grasses

The following grass species have been reported at the site but most of them were found to have

succumbed to aridity compounded by overgrazing: Arisdita adscensionis, A. Mutabilis,

Cenchrus ciliaris, Cenchrus biflorus, Cenchrus, Cenchrus pennisetformis, Cynodon dacdylan,

Cymbopogon jawarancusa, Digitaria sp, Eleucine flagellifera, Lasiarus sindicus, Saccharum

spontaneum, Sporobolus marginantus.

5 Ethnobotanical Studies of Mahal Kohistan, Abdul Qadir Panhwar and Hidaytullah Abro, Pak. J. Bot., 39(7): 2301-2315, 2007



3. Forbs

Aerva tomentosa, Cassia holoserica, Convolvulus glomeratus, Crotolaria bifolia, Fagonia

cratica, Helotropium ophioglossum, Indigofera oblongifloia, Rynccosia minima.

4. Bush

Predominant bush species found in the area include Devi, Chali, Damral and Darathi (local

names). No special medicinal value is associated with these bush species by the locals.

5. Crops

Agricultural activities are constrained by rainfall which has been erratic as well as scant in the

microenvironment. Major crops grown on the few fields outside the villages include Indian

corn. No crop production was possible during the current season because there was cloud burst

which flooded the land area and the soil being largely sandy and gravely could not retain the

moisture.

4.4.4 Wildlife Reserves & Endangered Species

There is no Wildlife Reserve in close vicinity of Project site. Keenjhar Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

is located 100 km outside of the microenvironment. This, the largest freshwater lake in

Pakistan, supports extensive reed beds and rich submerged and floating vegetation. This is also

a breeding, staging area for wintering water birds. It is estimated to support as many as 140,000

birds, including European Wigeon, Black Coot and Common Pochard. The lake is a major

source of drinking water for Karachi and supports an important fishery.

Houbara bustard, although a migratory bird, is one of the endangered species found in the area.

A number of non-technical reasons are responsible for not allowing enforcement of a lot many

wildlife conservation programs in their true spirit, and to the slow disappearance of the houbara

bustard, a migratory bird that flies into Pakistan from former Soviet territory. Adapted to arid

conditions with little vegetation, the houbara bustard is found in sandy and stony semi-desert

regions such as that in Sindh and Punjab. A largely solitary bird, the houbara bustard feeds

alone or in small groups on beetles, ants and plants. Between February and April the female

lays two or three eggs in a small scrape. After hatching, the chicks follow the female for

protection as she feeds, as they are vulnerable to predators, including eagles, falcons, foxes,

wolves, monitor lizards, snakes and kestrels.

The bird had been hunted in the Middle East to the point of near-extinction by the nineteen-

sixties, and by 1975 it was declared an endangered species in Pakistan. In 1983 at an

international wildlife symposium in Peshawar, it was agreed that Pakistan’s migratory houbara

bustard population was numbered somewhere between twenty and twenty five thousand birds

and in 2002 it was estimated at about thirty thousand.

The legalized hunting of houbara bustards implies purchasing a permit license, the amount of

which differs throughout the regions of Pakistan but ranges over millions for each area. Heavy

cost is involved for relaxation of rules and obtaining permits to accommodate Arab dignitaries

for whom hunting camps are set up by the landlords in Sindh and Punjab. The bird is widely

popular among Arab hunters due to traditional beliefs, starting with the old customs and

traditions and ending with houbara’s meat qualities, which Arabs consider to be aphrodisiac

while in reality it is diuretic. To meet the Arabian demand for houbara bustards seven thousand

live birds enter the UAE illegally and because of bad conditions of detention and confinement



many of them die during the journey from Pakistan, Iran and Central Asia. The million dollar

illegal trade prospers nevertheless.

The traditional sports hunting the houbara bustard has significantly reduced the population of

not only these birds but also that of the falcons and the wintering birds such as the cranes from

Kazakhstan and Siberia. This over-hunting has been compounded by habitat loss and

degradation. The subspecies C. u. fuertaventurae has been particularly affected by habitat

degradation as a result of tourist activities and associated development, as well as by military

exercises, over-grazing, sand-extraction, and road-development. Further threats to these birds

include collisions with power lines, and nest-predation by introduced mammals.

High flying birds that may be impacted by the operations at the wind farm include the black

kites, eagles (uqqab), vultures, crows and the pigeons. The black kites and crows outnumber

the vultures while the uqqab seems to be extinct and was also reported as such by the locals.

The black kites were spotted nesting in hundreds on a transmission tower near the poultry

farms in Gharo Township. Only one eagle was spotted during the dawn to dusk survey at and

in the neighborhood of the Project site.

The above list of birds and mammals and findings of the survey give an impression that the

Project area has lost its biodiversity, and is fast losing its wildlife resources.

The spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandho/Sandha is in abundance in the

microenvironment but it is protected by the locals. All sand mounds in the area have the

Sandha burrows. The two species: Uromastix and monitor lizard are included in Appendix III

of the CITES.

4.4.5 Mangrove Ecosystem

The 8 km shoreline on the west and the Gharo creek on the south of the Project site are at least

5km from the mangrove ecosystem. The mangrove ecosystem of Gharo Creek and on the

southeast is known to be inhabited by invertebrate fauna predominantly crustaceans, and by

gastropods, bivalves and polychaetes, while the common fish species include mud skippers,

mullets and sardines. Avecenna marina is the predominant mangrove species colonizing the

mud flats. The density of the forest varies between 1000 and 2000 trees per hectare, while the

average heights of the stands vary from 1 to 3m.

The seawater in the creek is however contaminated with sewage and industrial effluent

discharged from Dhabeji and Gharo Industrial areas. The mudflats of the creeks and the

swamps in the mangrove ecosystem provide sustenance to the fish, crabs and shrimps

community noted during the reconnaissance survey. The fishermen resident in Khaskheli Goth

reported that they catch pomphret, dangra, mangra, crabs and shrimps from the creek adjacent

to the Project site.

The mangrove system contributes to the stability of the shoreline as such it will be helpful if

and when an onshore wind farm is planned in the subsequent phases of the Project. They will

further be useful in prevention of erosion and reduction in siltation. As such the Project

activities will be aimed at conservation of this ecosystem.

The above details of Flora and Fauna might give an impression that the area is rich in

biodiversity. This is not correct. It has been noted that the animals have been reported by the

locals but they were not spotted during the surveys. As such it needs to be stressed that the land

has lost or is fast losing its wildlife resources.



4.4.6 Sensitive Areas of Archaeological and Historical significance

Thatta district as a whole and its surroundings are archaeologically important as it was chosen

by several Emperors and feudal lords as the place of their eternal abode. Consequently, Makli

Hills became the largest cemetery of Pakistan where several marvellous monuments were

constructed depicting outstanding episode of history. Makli Hilll is now an institution for

learning and research. Because of its historical importance and uniqueness in the built heritage

of humanity, this site has been recognized as ‘world heritage’.

Significant Protected Archaeological Sites in GDRP ecosystem include the archaeological site

of the ruins of ancient Port of Debal at Bhambore town about 5km off the National Highway

and 10km from Dhabeji town and 15km from the Project site.

The settlement of ‘Bambore’ is located some 64km east of Karachi on the Gharo Creek which

in fact is the ancient deltaic channel of Indus River. The settlement has been described in

history as the port city Debal where large ships were anchored to trade goods brought from the

hinterland by huge caravans. It was considered a doorway from Middle East to Ceylon in the

east, and Alor to Multan in the North.

The shrine of Baba Jumman Shah Bokhari near the spring which is the source of Dhabeji is

another historical site. The shrine has a large grove of date palm trees in its surrounding. The

date palm grove is stated to have its origin with the caravans that stayed here during their

journey to the trade centre at Debal. Baba Jumman Shah Bokhari is claimed as the companion

of six other Bokharis in the Bhambore area. The presence of these cultural sites and of red

stones scattered at quite a few places suggests that the area may have historical or cultural

significance. This aspect will be specially taken care of during construction at the site, and if

artifacts of significance are found, the finding will be immediately reported to the Department

of Archaeology, Sindh.

4.5 Socioeconomic Profile

4.5.1 The Macroenvironment

Thatta District is spread over 17,355 km2 or 1.735 million hectare and is located between

23°43' to 25°26'N and 67°05' to 68°45'E in Sindh, Pakistan. The district is bounded on the

north by Dadu district, on the east by Hyderabad and Badin districts, on the south by Rann of

Kutch area and the Arabian Sea and on the west by Karachi District. According to the 1998

census of Pakistan, it had a population of 1,113,194 of which 11.21% were urban. The

population of Thatta District was estimated in 2008 at 1.469 million with 778 thousand males

and 691 thousand females.

District administration in Thatta district was till recently governed by the local government

system. The District is subdivided into 7 tehsils (talukas or sub-district): Ghora Bari, Jati,

Mirpur Bathoro, Mirpur Sakro, Shah Bunder, Sujawal, Thatta, Kharo Chan, and Keti Bunder.

These talukas include 55 Union Councils, 7,200 villages and over 190,000 households with an

average size of 6.5 persons per household. The seven talukas are governed by their respective

Taluka Municipal Administration (TMA), while the 55 UCs of 7 talukas are governed by

Union Council Administration (UCA).

The NBT-SZABIST wind farm would be sited in Taluka Mirpur Sakro which has 10 Union

Councils. SZABIST land falls in Union Council Dhabeji of Taluka Mirpur Sakro in District

Thatta.



Table 4.15:Tehsils and Union Councils of District Thatta

Tehsil Union Council Total Ucs

Ghorabari Garho, Khan., Kotri Allah Rakhio, Mahar, Uddasi 5

Jati Begna, Gul Muhammad Baraa, Jati, Karamalik,

Kothi, Murid Khoso 6

Mirpur Bathoro Bachal Gugo, Banno, Darro, Darya Khan Suho,

Jhoke Sharif, Laikpur, M.Bathoro, Mehar Shah 8

Mirpur Sakro

Bohara, Choubandi, Dhabeji, Gharo.,

Ghulamullah, Gujjo, Haji Ghirano, Karampur,

Mirpur Sakro, Sukhpur

10

Sajawal Ali Bahar, Bello, Bijora, Jar, Kinjhar, Sujawal 6

Shah Bander Chuhar Jamali, Doulatpur, Goongani, Jungo

Jalbani, Ladiun 5

Thatta

Chatto Chand, Doomani, Jherruck, Jhimpir,

Jungshahi, Kalakot, Kalri., Makli, Onger, Sonda,

Tando Hafiz Shah, Thatta-I, Thatta-Ii

13

Mirpur Sakro

Bohara, Choubandi, Dhabeji, Gharo.,

Ghulamullah, Gujjo, Haji Ghirano, Karampur,

Mirpur Sakro, Sukhpur

10

Total Number

Of Tehsils=8

Total Number of

Union Councils=63

Figure 4.10: Tehsils and Union Councils of District Thatta

4.5.2 Urbanization

Going by status of urbanization given by urban: rural population ratio, which stands at

11.2:88.8 for District Thatta, this district is among the least-developed areas of Pakistan whose

ratio of rural: urban population according the 1998 census is 35:65. It was stated earlier that



adequacy in providing the benefit of development processes to the grass root level is invariably

reflected in the level of urbanization of the area concerned. Since a share of 30% urban

population in the total suggests a threshold stage of development and of over 45% suggests a

take-off stage, the ratio for District Thatta suggests that it has yet to come out of the stage of

under-development6.

According to the Pakistan National Human Development Report 2003, Thatta stands 64th

among 91 Districts (UNDP 2003) and one of its Taluka Mirpur Sakro was declared the most

poverty ridden Taluka in District Thatta.

The underdeveloped status of the Thatta District is reflected by the land utilization pattern, type

of dwelling units and availability of infrastructure facilities such as water supply and sanitation,

roads, transportation in the four ecosystems just cited. As expected the infrastructure facilities

that upgrade the quality of life of the people of the area concerned are all highly deficient. The

villages, union council, tehsil and district centers as a whole bear a rural character and the

status of degraded land.

The population of all seven Talukas of Thatta District according to the 1998 Census was 1.113

million. Based on an annual growth rate of 2.26 percent the current population of the district is

estimated to be around 1.301 million. There are three Talukas which are coastal and four which

are non-coastal. The population of the non-coastal Talukas is the most dense. Mirpur Bathoro is

the most densely populated Taluka followed by Sujawal and Thatta Talukas. The coastal

Talukas have large geographic areas and much lower population densities.

The rural population of the district was 0.988 million in 1998 constituting 89 percent of the

population. The average annual growth rate in rural population between 1981-1998 was 2.15

percent annual. Males were 113 percent of females. The age structure of the population showed

that those of 18 years and above were 52 percent of the population. The entire district has a

broad based population pyramid indicating a high proportion of population at younger age

groups. With 68 percent of the people currently married and 47 percent of total females in the

reproductive age.

However, the people with the most threatened and vulnerable livelihoods are the people along

the coastal areas. The population along the coast is difficult to estimate as there is no system in

place that tracks the movement of this population.

The coastal talukas in Thatta District have a population of 619,980, which is 48 percent of the

total district population. The average annual population growth in the coastal talukas is

estimated at about 2.2% per annum.

Table 4.16: Estimated Population in the Coastal Talukas of Thatta

Coastal Taluka 1998 2005

Mirpur Sakhro 175,176 203,840

Ghorabari 105,482 120,344

Keti Bunder 23,187 27,000

Shah Bunder 87,174 98,936

Jati 116,175 132,848

Kharochhann 25,666 29,012

Source: 1998 Census Data and projections.

6 Mirza Arshad Ali Beg, Problems due to Urbanization in Pakistan, Chapter VIII in Democracy Displaced in Pakistan, Case

History of Disasters of Social Pollution, Research & Development Publications, Karachi, 1998



The Mirpur Sakro Taluka, where the proposed site is located, covers an area of about 2,982

square kilometers (736,541 acres).The taluka is distributed in 10 unions, 92 revenue villages,

1,526 villages and 32,099 households. The total population according to the 1998 census was

198,852 individuals.

Table 4.17: Mirpur Sakro Population

Taluka Union

Councils

No. Of

Dehs

Revenue

Villages Villages Households

Population(1998

Census)

Mirpur

Sakro 10 95 92 1526 32099 198852

Within the Gaga-Dhabeji-Rann Pathani ecosystem Gharo and Dhabeji are the important towns

on National Highway N5 to Thatta. They are both in taluka Mirpur Sakro. Dhabeji town is

located at 24'47" N 67'31" E, in Union Council Dhabeji of Taluka Mirpur Sakro in District

Thatta. It is just past Ghaggar Phatak on National Highway and is south of the Pakistan

Railway line. It has an industrial zone along the National Highway. Gharo is the UC Head

Quarter and is the terminus of Keti Bunder-Gharo Link road and being at the head of Gharo

Creek it has a unique position as a rural trade centre. It has a slightly larger population than

Dhabeji.

Table 4.18: Average House Hold Size In The Two UCs.

S.No. Name of UC Population (1998

Census)

Estimated Current Population

(2007) % of Taluka

1 Gharo 21,723 28,112 11%

2 Dhabeji 18,908 24,446 10%

Average household size in the two UCs is reported to be 6 to 7 per household.

4.5.3 Migratory Trends

In 1998 the total in-migrants into the district were estimated to be 22,871 or about 2 percent of

the population. Only 26 percent had migrated within the last five years and the remaining had

migrated before this period. Among the reasons for migration was marriage, business and

transfer. The most significant aspect as far as migration trend in this district is concerned is the

out-migration especially from the coastal areas as a result of the impoverishment of resources

which does not offer employment opportunities and adds to the problem of living within

affordable means.

4.5.4 Sources of Income and Livelihoods

1. Agriculture and Livestock

Good breed of buffalo and cow are found in Thatta District. Sheep, goat, camel, horse, ass and

mule are also the main livestock of the district. The numbers of large animals far exceeds the

number of smaller animals showing preferences of people for keeping cattle rather than goats

or sheep. Livestock in the district suffers in particular from shortage of high quality feed and

fodder crops as a result of the overall shortage of water. The livestock numbers have been

particularly affected as a result of the decrease in the flow of the Indus.

Table 4.19 : Livestock Population in Thatta District Type Population Percentage

Cattle 339,105 31

Buffalo 314,253 29

Sheep 170,031 16



Table 4.19 : Livestock Population in Thatta District Type Population Percentage

Goat 240,920 22

Camel 11,081 1

Horse 424 0

Mule 183 0

Ass 23,748 2

Domestic Poultry 510,114 Not

included

Source: Livestock census: 1996

Villages have, since historical times relied on multiple sources of income depending upon the

household resource ownership. In the GDRP ecosystem fishing formed a major part of

livelihoods, while rice crop farming was always a key component as each family had access to

some land to grow red rice on, which they cultivated on a subsistence basis. Scarcity of water

has constrained crop production as a means of livelihood.

Livestock ownership is now the only means to supplement household consumption needs and

as a store of value. Wood cutting enabled households to meet their fuel needs as well as

supplement incomes for the poorer households. As a result of decrease in water availability and

increased salinity there has been a pressure on diverse type of livelihoods. The choice that was

once available to households is gradually diminishing and households are increasingly

becoming dependent upon one or two sources of income. Along the coast, fishing has become

the single source of income for many families. In addition, this source of income has become

more unreliable with much lower returns than were possible a decade or so ago.

In some of the villages in the GDRP ecosystem, land cultivation is seasonal, restricted to the

rainy season, to ensure sufficient water for the crops. The agricultural land is owned by the

villagers. The latest visit to the cultivated lands revealed that the crops of maize had been

harvested; the yield was poor because of untimely cloud burst.

Two-thirds of the village households own land of varying sizes. Most of the cultivable land is

worked upon by the land owners themselves who are inhabitants of this village, but some are

too poor to cultivate it themselves, hence a few households have rented it out to “Haris” who

invest in cultivating their land, preparing it for crops, build canals and bunds to irrigate the land

and then collect the harvest to sell it in the markets in Gharo and Dhabeji. The Hari gives the

land owner two-thirds of the money earned from the crop. This augments the annual income of

the household. The “Hari” i.e. the lessee of that land allows the household to take 1 to 2 kilo of

vegetables that he cultivates.

The crops grown on their lands are: guaar beans, torian, loki, kaddu, teenday, lady finger, and

lentils (moong). In non-edible items they cultivate sesame seed for oil extraction.

2. Occupation

The GDRP area does not offer opportunities for employment and the population is primarily

employed as cheap unskilled labor force either in Dhabeji or Gharo. Cultivation is not possible

here due to scarcity of water. Livestock herding is the only income generating option; the

limited livestock holdings in the settlements is kept primarily for household use of livestock

products. Skilled labor is scarce, and the categories of skilled laborers are mostly chowkidars,

drivers, welders, plumbers and electricians. Government service is relatively rare but residents



of some villages find low level jobs in the KWSB’s Filter Plant, and the industrial units in

Dhabeji and Gharo.

4.5.5 Employment and Incomes

The economically active population is 25 percent of the total population and 37 percent of the

population is aged 10 and above. A high unemployment rate of 18 percent was recorded in

Thatta District in 1998. Of the total employed persons, about two-thirds are engaged in primary

occupations namely agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting.

The villagers in the GDRP area have multiple sources of income which varies from:

Government jobs in the Water Board and the Railway.

Pension of villagers retired from Water Board and Railway jobs

Agriculture income from owner’s cultivable land

Sale of Livestock as and when need arises

Contractual jobs in mills and factories in Gharo.

There is unemployment all over the villages amongst the men who were previously employed.

The focus group revealed that two-thirds of the employable men are unemployed and only one-

third are holding stable jobs. Qualifications are few, almost non-existent in the villagers,

maximum metric or inter passed. Most men have skills (agricultural, masonry) but not

education.

Focus group discussion at Goth Jafar Jamadar and at Goth Nabi Bakhsh revealed that the main

source of income is employment only. At least 30% population is living at subsistence level,

surviving only on pension of an aged family member who retired and now relies on subsistence

farming. 10% population survives on family members who are not in regular employment.

60% of the villagers earn their living from sources such as shop/kiosk in the village or from

collection of stones or wood.

At least 35% of the population of the two villages survives on Rs 5000 and less; another 30%

earns 5000-11000; yet another 30% earns 11000 – 18000, while the remaining 10% in the

villages earns Rs 18000-25000. The two villages: Goth Jaffar Jokhio and Goth Nabi Bakhsh

have 200 and 300 goats respectively and 150 and 250 chickens respectively. Ownership of

cows is limited to the upper class. Jaffar Goth has only 2 cows while there are about 20 cows in

Yusuf Khaskheli village. Almost all households in the villages have goats to fulfill their milk

requirements for tea. Chicken are raised for eggs and are seldom used as a source of meat.

4.5.6 Indebtedness

Most of the families are indebted in the range of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000 yearly. They borrow

money for household consumption from banyas or the landlord on whose land they make a

living, and repay the loan by selling livestock at the time of Eidul Azha.

4.5.7 Enterprise and Industrial Sector

From the industrial point of view Thatta District has progressed considerably. There are about

30 industrial units established in the district. Apart from the sugar mills all the larger industrial

units are located in Dhabeji and Gharo in the GDRP area. Most of the labour in these units is

non-local and commutes from within the two towns or from Karachi. These include textile

mills (9), paper mills (2), flour mill (3) salt works, ice factory (2), etc. Additionally, stone from



the Makli Hills and Kohistan is supplied to the Pakistan Steel Mill and the Thatta Cement

Factory.

Table 4.20: Factories in Dhabeji & Gharo Industrial Area.

S.# Functional Not Functional

01 M/s Tapal wood works Sakreo Road Gharo M/s Allied Paper Mills Gharo

02 M/s Al-Asif Sugar Mills Gharo M/s Al-Noor Textile Mills Dhabeji

03 M/s Al-Abbas Gases Dhabeji M/s Azmat Textile Mills Dhabeji

04 M/s Indus Jute Mills Dhabeji M/s Ahmed Spinning Mills Dhabeji

05 M/s Jeo Links Dhabeji M/s Arafat Rice Mills Dhabeji

06 M/s O.K Oil Mills Dhabeji M/s Abasian International Dhabeji

07 M/s Anwar Textile Mills Dhabeji M/s Abdul Haq Flour Mills Dhabeji

08 M/s Garieb Sons Gharo M/s Central Cotton Ltd Dhabeji

09 M/s Maza International M/s Classic Paper & Board Gharo

10 M/s Peoples Flour Mills Dhabeji M/s Madina Rice Mills Gharo

11 M/s Qureshi Salt Works Dhabeji M/s Pakistan PVC Ltd Gharo

12 M/s Hirjina Salt Works Dhabeji M/s Peoples Flour Mills Dhabeji

13 M/s Dhabeji Salt Works Dhabeji

1. Salt industry

There are numerous sites for salt production in the Bambhore area. Private contractors have

leased these lands from the government and local people are working there since the inception

of the salt works, under primitive conditions for seven days a week, at an average salary of Rs.

250-350 per day.

2. Poultry farming

A large number of poultry farms were observed during the site visit for socioeconomic survey

in the project area. The climatic condition favors this profitable business in terms of quality and

quantity. These farms are major suppliers to urban centers.

3. Handicrafts

Both men and women in the project area supplement their major income source with

handicrafts. Women particularly use their leisure time, albeit minimal, for handmade products

like rali, comforters called sour, sagi, agath and embroidery on shirts, bed sheets, pillows,

handkerchiefs and table covers. Of importance is rali making which is not only an economic

activity but also a tradition for women in the area. Rali is traditional apparel used as a mat or

quilt. The upper part of rali is a combination of bright colored square clothes sown together to

form various floral and geometrical patterns. A simple rali takes about 1.5-2 months to prepare.

Rali is an essential feature of a girl’s dowry, so a girl starts learning the art of rali making from

the age of 6-8 years. Ghagho or Cholo is another piece of art. They may earn from Rs. 400 to

Rs. 600 per month from these sources. Income from these activities usually stays with women

themselves and they can spend this money as they desire.

4.5.8 Physical Infrastructure

1. Water supply

According to the 1998 Housing Census, the facility of piped water inside the house was

available to 14 percent of the housing units in the district. There is a wide divergence in this

facility in urban and rural areas. About one-third of the housing units have this facility in urban

areas compared to around 10 percent in rural areas. Hand pumps inside the house were



available to around 13 percent of the housing units in the district. Hand pumps, wells and

ponds were almost equally being used as a source of drinking water outside the housing units.

About 16 percent used outside ponds for fetching water and 6 percent of housing units used

dug wells. Being at the tail end of the Indus River system, Thatta District was facing the worst

ever fresh water crisis due to non-release of water in the river. In the coastal talukas, only 26

percent of the people had access to water supply from within the village. Gharo Filter Plant

network is the source of water for Jafar Jokhio Goth and ground water or supplies by donkey

cart is the source for Goth Nabi Bakhsh. The water so supplied is not treated.

2. Potable Water

Lack of potable water is one of the primary issues of this region. The Union Councils have

provided water supply lines to most villages, but these schemes are largely non-functional.

Groundwater levels are low and prospecting for water is an expensive proposition.

3. Sanitary waste Disposal

Only about 1/3rd of the residents in the GDRP have a separate sanitation facility. The residents

of units without proper latrine facility use adjacent rural environs. Majority uses the bushes to

answer the call of nature. Only a few households have latrines as part of their bathing area. In

the bushes outdoors the toilet area is demarcated. Although, women’s enclosure is separate but

it is not properly concealed.

Solid waste from homes is thrown in a demarcated garbage dumping area in the bushes. There

are three “bathoris” for the three muhallahs. When the solid waste is in excess it is either lifted

via tractor and taken to the lands and dumped in a big hole for bio-degradation into manure, or

it is burnt. Conversely, this waste might also be sold to contractors from some other villages,

who then have the garbage lifted and removed to cultivable lands where it is used to make

manure.

Animal waste is not collected in special ways. Rather it is thrown in the same garbage area and

allowed to dry after which if the quantity of animal waste is substantial then it is lifted and

taken to the agricultural lands and dumped in a pit to turn it into manure, or else sold to

contractors from other villages who have it lifted via tractor and taken to their own lands.

4. Electricity

Electricity is available to about one-third of the housing units in Thatta District. There is a wide

variation in the availability of electricity in urban and rural areas. It is estimated that about 79

percent in urban areas had access to electricity in contrast to about 21 percent in the entire

District. Kerosene oil is used in over 77 percent of the rural dwellings. More than 80 percent of

the housing units in the district were using wood as cooking fuel. Only 3 percent of the housing

units had access to Sui Gas in the district.

In Goth Jaffa Jokhio the villagers use gas lamps and kerosene oil lamps for lighting. Once a

week the gas tanks are filled from Gharo. Batteries are used for charging mobile phones,

playing a radio or a TV. In certain situations a large truck battery is taken to Gharo for two days

of charging and brought back and it lasts for a week in the village for uses just mentioned.

People also use a battery to illuminate the shop with a small tube light at night.

Fuel for energy comes from burning wood in the stoves, for cooking and burning wood in

winter for heating purposes. Diesel is used for motorcycles and kerosene is used for hand held

lamps. The source of wood is the bushes and woodlands around the village from where



household members cut bundles of wood as per requirement. However, at least 50% of the

sampled households bought their stock of wood from wood cutters who sell bundles of wood

to the villagers. Diesel for personally owned vehicles is acquired from Gharo city. A

motorcycle needs Rs.100 worth of petrol to commute between Jaffer Jokhio Goth and Gharo

city. The villagers average cost of fuel is as follows:

Table 4.21: Villagers average cost of fuel

Type of Fuel Average cost per month

Wood Rs. 533

Petrol/Diesel Rs. 3000

Kerosene oil Rs. 300

Since the villagers net income is limited, such a large cash outflow for fuel leaves them with

little or no possibility of saving any part of their income.

5. Road Transport

The Thatta District is linked by road with other districts. National Highway from Karachi to

Peshawar passes through Thatta for a length of 200 kilometers. All major towns of the district

are connected with metalled roads of 1,585 kilometers length. The district is also connected by

the main railway line from Karachi to Peshawar. The principal railway stations are Jangshahi,

Dhabeji and Jhimpir. The district is also equipped with digital and non-digital

telecommunication system besides postage and telegraph.

Cost of travelling to and from the villages in GDRP area by different means of transport is very

expensive and often causes delays and untimely deaths in medical emergencies. The cost of

transportation to and from Goth Jafar Jokhio creates an impediment in visiting the doctor in

case of illnesses. A family in the Goth owns a Suzuki and charges a rent for taking villagers to

and from Gharo. It is also used for transportation of goods to the village from Gharo.

Cost estimates for transportation from and to the village are as follows:

By motorcycle: Rs.200 to Rs. 300 (both ways inclusive)

Richshaw: Rs.600 (both ways inclusive)

Suzuki: Rs.1000 to Rs.1200 (both ways inclusive)

Lorry: Rs. 900 to 1000 (both ways inclusive)

In the case of a medical emergency, they call their contacts in Gharo who send a vehicle to the

village in which they commute to the hospital in Gharo. People in the village who cannot

afford the transportation and medical fees, in case of emergency borrow money from

somebody in the village.

6. Irrigation and Drainage Systems

The hilly areas of the district are cultivated on monsoon water and wells, while the canals and

channels irrigate the other lands. The areas within the protective banks of the Indus used to

have fertile patches of land which depended upon flood and lift water system from barrage

channels at various places for irrigation purposes. However, the pattern of irrigation has been

transformed in the district due to lack of water availability.

Table 4.22: Different NGOs working in District Thatta

District NGOs

Thatta 1. National Rural Support Program (NRSP),

2. Aga Khan Planning and Building Services



Table 4.22: Different NGOs working in District Thatta

3. IUCN

4. WWF

5. Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO)

6.HANDS

7. Pakistan Fisher folk Forum

8. Adventure Foundation of Pakistan

9. Indus Earth

10. SCOPE

7. Education

Education opportunities in the area are minimal in Mirpur Sakro taluka as a whole. The

disparity seems more pronounced in rural areas than in urban areas, and gender-wise.

The educational facility in the area in the GDRP ecosystem comprising Bhambore, Dhabeji,

and Gharo is adequate to the extent of primary and level and secondary level. The Dhabeji

Pumping Station residential Colony has a high school. Literacy and enrolment level for boys in

particular, is above average in the villages visited. Each of the villages in the area has access to

primary or middle school within a distance of three to four kilometres.

There is one high school each at Ghagar Town, Bhambore, Dhabeji and Gharo that offers

services to nearby Dehs. Female literacy rate is low, with rare cases of literate adult females.

General educational level, according to Nazims of Union Councils, is above average, training

in technical skills is inadequate and the proportion of skilled labour in the workforce is

estimated at less than 10 % of the total labour force. Thus the local residents are ill-equipped

for jobs in industry and manufacturing.

8. Literacy Rate and Education Facilities

There are two primary school buildings for boys in the villages surveyed for this study; both of

them are functional. It is reported that teachers have been appointed for the functional schools.

Male literacy ratio is less than 60% and female literacy is almost 20%. Most persons can speak

Urdu, the National language and most of them can read the Holy Quran. Things have started to

change with the emergence of new leadership which has started setting up mosques and

madressas in the area of influence.

9. Health

Health facilities are inadequate and sub-standard in quality in the GDRP ecosystem and people

have to travel to Thatta District Hospital in severe emergencies or even to Hyderabad and

Karachi. There is a Basic Health Unit (BHU) and a Mother and Child Centre (MCH) in

Ghaggar town, Bhambore, Dhabeji and Gharo but these centres are understaffed and

understocked. Serious ailments have to be treated at Thatta, Quaidabad or Karachi. Many of

the diseases occurring in the area are water borne, and the lack of sanitation facilities and

reliable water supply schemes has contributed to health problems.

Fever, Malaria, Tuberculosis, respiratory tract congestion, asthma, sugar, blood pressure,

diarrhoea, vomiting, Hepatitis B, kidney stone are the common reported diseases especially

amongst women and children. Snake biting is not as common as it used to be a few years

back.28% cases of snake bite were reported from Goth Jaffar Jokhio. After the rainy season,

the entire village falls ill with high grade fever, vomits, flu and cough. Many adults and

children pass away in these times.



Infant deaths have occurred more frequently and mostly in home birth or during the journey to

Gharo. Transportation of an emergency case to Gharo hospital may get delayed due to non-

availability of conveyance or due to the uneven and rough terrain that has to be crossed.

Transportation cost for taking a delivery case to Gharo is Rs.1000 per trip (approximately) and

the Hospital charges Rs.5000 plus medicine.

10. Nutrition & Diet

The people consume a varied diet, consisting largely of vegetables and lentils. They often go to

their lands to get fresh vegetables for self-consumption and cooking. The Hari allows this as

they are the land owners and just take enough for self-consumption of a couple of days.

The villagers have a proper meal twice a day. The men who have to go to work eat a breakfast

mostly of tea and paratha, and a full meal at dinner time and the women and children have a

proper meal at lunch and dinner time. For afternoon meals at work in Gharo, men take 2

chappatis each, from home and buy the “saalan” from Gharo City. As Snacks or fillers the men

consume pan, chai and gutka.

For making tea, goat milk is used. Each household has 1 or more goats to fulfill its milk

requirements. Some also use cow milk depending upon the social strata the house belongs to.In

lunch and dinner they frequently consume vegetables and daal and infrequently they eat

chicken, red meat, and fish. Mostly they eat wheat bread/roti and seldom do they have rice. The

villagers also consume meat once a week and may consume meat more frequently when they

cut one of their livestock animals.

11. Gender Bias

The women are responsible for cutting wood for the stoves, filling water from the pipes,

cooking, cleaning and washing clothes. In each household the women have the duties divided

among themselves. It is observed that the women perform very tedious and strenuous tasks and

thus appear to age faster than men.

Women are the primary bearers of the burden of household chores. But responsibility of

grocery shopping is undertaken by the men since it has to be done from Gharo city. Males also

lend a helping hand in cutting wood for the stove. Children of age also assist the adults in

household chores such as water filling, sweeping and dusting, milking animals and gathering

eggs.

The women are interested in selling their handcrafted quilts on commercial basis and the men

support the idea. The males would like to open a kiosk; farming if they had the means, and in

learning masonry.

Most of the villagers are so frustrated by the restricted employment opportunities in the nearby

urban areas that they are willing to learn new skills to create opportunities for self employment

or even find employment under contractors in the private sector.

4.5.9 Human Settlements in & around Project Area

The wind farm project, proposed to be sited on SZABIST land, has only two human

settlements both located about 2.5 km on the South and North of the project site: 1) Gharo

Pumping Station and its residential Colony, and 2) an unsurveyed hamlet, Yousuf Khaskheli by

name. There was another hamlet near the Yousuf Khaskheli Goth but the same has been

abandoned only recently. Other major villages in the GDRP ecosystem include the following.



Table 4.23: Estimated population found in microenvironment of the project area

Living

Area/Village

Households Estimated

Population

Source of

Income School Hospital Electricity

Total Pukka

Filter Plant

Colony (2.5 km) 60-80 60 500 Employment 2 1 √

Yousuf

Khaskheli

(2.5 km)

15 x 60

Agriculture

Livestock,

Labor*

x x x

Siddique Jokhio

(2.4 km) 13-14 1 100

Agriculture

Livestock,

Labor*

x x x

Jaffar Jokhio

Jamadar

(3.5 km)

40-50 10 280

Agriculture

Livestock,

Labor*

1 x X

Nabi Bakhsh

(16 km) 60-70 15 400

Agriculture

Livestock,

Labor*

1 x X

Hashum Jokhio

(7.4 km) 20-25 2 180

Agriculture

Livestock,

Labor*

x x x

Dost Mohammad

Zangiyani &

Haji Hamza

Zangiyani (9km)

18 1 120 Livestock,

Labor* x x X

Asghar Mirbahr

(10 km) 2 20 Labor* x x X

Sumar Shoro

(12 km) 20-25 2 180

Livestock,

Labor* x x X

*Labor represents: quarrying, wood cutting, stone crushing, sand/gravel

collection/transportation, odd jobs

1. Castes, Lineages and Tribes

The GDRP area has two major groups of people: samat and non-samat. Samats are people

inhibiting the Sindh province. Non-samats are the immigrants from various parts of

subcontinent especially baloch tribes.

In the Gharo area, the major tribes include Baloch (Kalmati; locally pronounced Karmati,

Ahmadani, Baghiar) Khaskheli, Mallah, Mir Bahar, Megwar, Kohli, Sodai, Machhi, Sathia,

Hangoro, Kathiar, Syeds, Qureshi, Samo, Mullepoto, Jat, Multani, Panjabi and Pathan (Niazi,

Khattak, Sulemankhail).

In the SZABIST land area and it’s environment the dominant tribe is Jokhio, followed by a

small group of khaskhelis. The population in the project area is dominantly Muslim. Almost all

Muslim population belongs to the Sunni sect. According to the government figures 96.72% of

the population is Muslim (Thatta DCR, 1998, p. 26). There is a small Hindu minority

comprising 2.7% of the district population. Owing to the strong sufi tradition in Sindh, people

in the project area have strong affiliation to sufism and piri/muridi. Females are more faithful

towards dargahs compared to men. This fact manifests their insecurity in local social setup.

They also have a strong belief on spiritual healing and hence rely on Dum, Darood, and Taveez

for disease cure, black magic, and help in thier family lives.

Men are usually followers of pirs. Prominent pirs followed in the area include Saeen

Amanullah Shah, Saeen Baqir Ali Shah Jeelani, and Saeen Peeran Dinno Shah (lives in Uthal,

Balochistan).



4.5.10 Land Degradation, Desertification & Poverty Nexus

In and around GDRP ecosystem, desertification has caused widespread degradation of the

ecosystem to support the quest for urban development and not so much the growing

population. Aridity in the ecosystem compounded by deflation by wind as a common natural

process in the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project macro environment has deflated the surface

of the soils by several centimeters. The much too common gravel covered surfaces occurring

throughout the stony wastes of the area are evidence of high contemporary rates of wind

erosion. The elevated mounds of fine sand that occur around shrubs on the Plains provide

evidence that it has been deflated by windblown sand during the life of the plants and

aggravated the process of desertification thus contributing to environmental crises, such as loss

of flora, fauna, biodiversity and productivity of the ecosystems. In general, the quest for

enhanced productivity in urban centres has intensified exploitation and has carried disturbance

by man into less productive and more fragile lands.

Over exploitation of the meagre resources has given rise to degradation of soil, water and

vegetation. These three elements of the natural ecosystem serve as the natural foundation for

human existence. In the fragile ecosystem at GDRP, the loss of biological productivity through

impoverishment of plant, animal, soil and water resources has become irreversible, and has

permanently reduced its capacity to support human life.

Impoverishment of resources leading to environmental degradation is both a cause and a

consequence of rural poverty. Therefore, impoverishment of resources leads to desertification

which in turn leads to poverty, and the vicious circle completes when poverty leads to further

desertification.

4.5.11 Poverty

Level of poverty is increasing because of frequent droughts occurring in this arid zone of

Sindh. The trend, of uprooting shrubs, cutting trees for fuel wood, over grazing due to over

stocking, and sand /gravel removal from the river beds, is increasing. If the current trend

continues, the already exhausted rangelands will not be in a position to support the existing

level of livestock population of this arid region. The economic impact of such a situation has

had direct effect on the population here and is likely to increase the level of poverty amongst

the herders of this ecosystem.

Such continuous and uninterrupted degradation of natural resources is pushing the ever

growing population for its livelihood to migration to urban centers, which are not prepared to

absorb it. The migration of the rural population to the urban areas has amassed the urban areas

with social problems by increasing slums around the cities. This situation has created law and

order problem in the cities. Because of increasing poverty and lack of basic amenities the most

vulnerable sections of population like the children and women are being affected and will be

badly affected in the next few years.

Although formal area poverty profile has not been prepared for Lower Sindh including Thatta,

secondary data generated by the project preparatory technical assistance (PPTA) showed that

54% are among the “poorest” category and 79% may be characterized as poor. In a 2004

national survey Pakistan’s poorest district was Thatta.



Family income of Rs 5 to11 thousand, arrived at by this study, already suggests that almost

75% of the families live below the poverty line. All members of the family have to contribute

to sustain their subsistence living. Poverty has mostly been caused by the following factors:

Scarcity of water

Recurring drought

Low return from crop and livestock farming

Low wages from stone/wood cutting

Low literacy rate

Lack of training

High population growth

Lack of access to employment in industrial area

Increasing unemployment

High cost of healthcare

4.5.12 Community Expectations from NBT-Zab Wind Power Pvt. Ltd.

All respondents i.e. males as well as females expect the following from the proposed project:

Safe drinking water**

Job Opportunity*

Healthcare centers particularly for women and children**

Schools*

Vocational training

Black top link roads*

Poverty alleviation schemes*

Land development for suitable crops

Protection from drought

New income generating opportunities like small business, and supply of goods and

services to the company and people working for the wind farm

** Highest Priority *High Priority

The resident population was confident that the proposed wind power project would change

their lifestyle and they will enjoy better quality of life and their young and future generation

will not live in poverty, if the company is committed to develop the villages and provide them

job opportunities.

4.5.13 Employment Opportunities in Macro environment & NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

Macro environment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site has the industrial estates of

Dhabeji and Gharo located within 10 Km from the site. The villages do not have skilled labor

of the sort that is needed for industrial units. However, the skilled laborers of the category

comprising drivers, mechanics, welders, plumbers and electricians, if available will be offered

employment in the forthcoming construction and operation phase of the wind power.

1. Employment Opportunities in Macroenvironment & NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

Macroenvironment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site has the industrial estates of






employment in the forthcoming construction and operation phase of the Wind Power

Production Unit. The construction phase of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Generation Complex

will generate approximately 600 new jobs during construction/erection and installation phase

and about 30 new jobs after coming into operation.

2. Employment Opportunities in Macroenvironment & NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

Macroenvironment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site has the industrial estates of




employment in the forthcoming construction and operation phase of the Wind Power

Production Unit. The construction phase of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Generation Complex

will generate approximately 600 new jobs during construction/erection and installation phase

and about 30 new jobs after coming into operation.



5.0 Screening of potential environmental impacts

& proposed mitigation measures

This Chapter presents the screening of potential environmental and social impacts of different

activities of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project during its different stages of designing,

construction and operation. Using the general guidelines as well as professional judgment it

evaluates the positive and negative impact of emissions and waste discharges on the aesthetics,

airshed, watershed, fauna, flora and the living environment at SZABIST Site Dhabeji. The

screening process, besides identifying significant environmental impacts and the existence of

residual impact suggests mitigation measures that may have to be adopted in order to reduce

minimize or compensate for the impact.

5.1 Screening of Alternatives

The NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project aims at harnessing wind energy the renewable energy

source potential in the Gharo Wind Corridor in NBT-SZABIST Site Dhabeji as an alternative

to the conventional system that depends on fossil fuel, and thus meet the shortfall in the current

energy production system. The alternatives available are:

No Action, continuation with the existing condition.

No renewable energy alternative; No New system alternative that involves renewable

energy but continuation with the use of fossil fuel.

Harnessing Wind Energy Potential of the Gharo Wind Corridor at NBT-SZABIST Site

Dhabeji.

5.1.1 Selection of Preferred Alternative Site:

Selection of the preferred alternative system and site for establishment of wind farm needs to

be based on:

Current status of energy production system,

Strategic needs of energy production, conservation and environmental protection,

Urgent need to provide better level of service in power production to meet the current and

future demand.

5.1.2 Alternative # 1: No Action Alternative

The “No Action Alternative” does not offer the advantages sought by the Alternative Energy

Development Project. It does not respond to:

The urgent and strategic needs of enhanced power production to meet the demand of

industry, agriculture as well as commercial and domestic consumers of the country; nor

does it propose better level of service for improvement of quality of life.

The need to increase the current power production capacity despite the shortfall in energy

availability resulting in load shedding of 6 to 8 hours every day.

The requirement of slowing down on fossil fuel consumption that is adding to global

warming on the one hand and on the other hand depleting its resources.

In view of the above shortcomings the “No Action Alternative” cannot be considered.



5.1.3 Alternative # 2: No New Renewable Energy Alternative

Alternative#2 also does not respond to:

The need to increase the current power production capacity despite the shortfall in energy

availability resulting in load shedding of 6 to 8 hours every day.

The requirement of slowing down on fossil fuel consumption that is adding to global

warming on the one hand and on the other hand depleting the resources.

5.1.4 Alternative # 3: Harnessing Wind Energy Potential of Gharo Corridor

Harnessing Wind Energy Potential of Gharo Wind Corridor responds to the criteria just

mentioned. Moreover it offers the following advantages over the others:

The screening process finds the site of the Project in the Gharo Wind Corridor suitable for

wind classes 4-5.

The proposed site is the property of NBT-Zab Wind Power Pvt. Ltd, the proponent of the

project.

It is the only alternative site for establishment of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project.

It suits to the requirement of accessibility to infrastructure facilities for the establishment of

Wind Farm and for providing energy to WAPDA when it goes into operation.

Alternative 3 has, in view of the above findings, been found to be the preferred alternative.

5.2 Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts at different stages of

project development

Exploitation of wind energy potential at SZABIST Site Dhabeji will require the following

environmental constraints to be addressed:

Land Use.

Visual Effects.

Noise Effect.

EMI Assessment.

Flicker Effects.

Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Issues.

Flora.

Fauna (Wildlife, Birds).

Wind Farm Development Advantages (positive effects).

Recreational and Tourism Issues.

Impact during Construction phase.

Impact during Operational phase.

5.2.1 Planning Stage / Siting of Wind farm

The microenvironment i.e. the 600 hectare land area at the SZABIST Site Dhabeji is

currently stony wasteland being further degraded by indiscriminate removal of sand,

gravel, stone and vegetation. The living area is more than 1.5 km outside the Project site

and being at least 15 km from industrial activity centre at Dhabeji and Gharo and at a

distance of 3.5 km from National Highway N5, does not fall in the corridor of their impact.

Current land-use in the distantly located villages is limited to subsistence farming, and

cashing on the dead wood dried up vegetation and sand/gravel/stone.



The resident population outside SZABIST land area is engaged in low level labor in stone

digging, crushing, wood cutting and sand/gravel/stone collection as well as wood cutting.

The land is the property of SZABIST, and does not entail involuntary resettlement.

The NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm has no protected areas such as wildlife, game reserves or

national park, or any archaeological, historical or cultural heritage in its neighborhood; as

such it would have no visual impact on them.

Removal of vegetation will be needed at 33 locations on the 600 hectare land for piling for

siting the wind turbines.

Mitigation Measures: Contractors will be committed to minimizing the removal of

vegetation, and replanting trees that may have to be removed.

Soil erosion is likely to be caused by the vehicular traffic on unpaved roads and dirt tracks,

land clearing for construction camps and wind turbine towers, construction of roads and

excavation for tower foundations.

Soil may be contaminated as a result of fuel/oils/chemicals spillage and leakage, and

inappropriate waste (solid as well as liquid) disposal.

Mitigation Measures: Contractors will be committed to strictly follow the EMP as well as

IFC’s EHS Guidelines on minimizing the soil erosion and contamination.

NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm would have its share of water from the Gharo Filter Plant

network and would thus have no significant impact on the current beneficial water uses in

the area.

The airshed of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Farm is, according to the assessment of

ambient air quality, unpolluted. The dust fall in the microenvironment as estimated from

the ambient air quality measurements at site is high as a result of high aridity in the airshed

of the macro environment as well as that of the site itself.

Deposition of dust on the rotor blades of the WTG may have significant impact on

operation of the WTGs. The WTG supplier will take this aspect into account, while

Environmental monitoring and management plan as well as maintenance staff will address

this issue in particular.

The wasteland at GDRP area has remained an isolated component of ecosystem of Lower

Sindh for a long time; location of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will comprise value addition

to the wasteland and will have no significant impact on its degraded ecology.

1. Land Use

The wind farm site lies in the Ghaggar-Dhabeji-Rann Pethani (GDRP) ecosystem. The 600-

hectare land comprising the microenvironment is arid stony wasteland with rock, sand and

gravel removal besides tree/dead wood/shrubs removal activities leading to impoverishment of

resources and further degradation. There is one residential Colony and one hamlet (small

village) with 70 to 80 and 10 to 15 households respectively in the surrounding with Goth Jaffar

Jokhio 1.5 km from the boundary of the SZABIST land.

The site is not located under the flyway of commercial aircrafts. The wind turbines would be at

the hub height of 80 m (to be confirmed at design stage), which would necessitate adequate

provision of warning lights and signals necessary for elevated structures. This would require

obtaining clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority and Telecommunication Authority,

which has since been obtained.



Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are needed with respect to existing land use

and land tenure since:

The 600 hectare land has been made available to the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project at

Dhabeji

Unsurveyed land, including the Khaskheli village lies unauthorized inside the boundary

demarcated by the coordinates, will be vacated with no cost to the Proponent.

Likewise there are no issues on loss of land, or loss of business. No involuntary

resettlement is consequently required and no business can be considered lost on the

acquired land.

The detailed design will give due consideration to location of the WTG close to the living

area at SZABIST site at Dhabeji and site the WTGs to maintain a distance of about 1.6 km.

The wind turbines would be suitably landscaped so as to make them visually attractive and

also matt-finished to make the rotors less glossy.

2. Geology and Land Form

From the already available secondary data of project area it is shown that the water table is

deep down and much below 20m. It is assumed that the strata in the vicinity of water table are

dried up. Different strata of the soil comprise an initial 1 to 3 m of mostly soft materials like

fine to coarse silty sand, followed by reddish brown hard clay stone/siltstone fractured to 10 m,

siltstone/clay stone/limestone fractured in the following 15 to 20 m.

The secondary borehole data for the area in conjunction with Rock Quality Designation (RQD)

values indicate that the soil at borehole site has RQD values lower than 30% which shows poor

Rock Quality and low load bearing capacity.

The project/site specific geological study is underway.

Mitigation Measures: This would require appropriate mitigation measures in providing bored

reinforced concrete piles to the depth of hard rock’s with RQD values greater than 50%. It is

therefore suggested that piles of the foundations of the towers should be laid at depth of

sandstone/hard rock which are hard and pose minimum risk to the liquefaction threat during

major (> 7 on Richter Scale) earthquake.

3. Seismic Hazard

The seismic hazard, in view of the historical data as well as proximity to fault has been

estimated for SZABIST Site Dhabeji as "moderate to major". This suggests the "possibility" of

earthquakes of intensity V to VII on (MM) scale and "probability" of those above VII. The

NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site should be placed between Zone 2 and Zone 3 i.e. Zone 2A.

Such Seismic Zoning would correspond to Magnitude between 5.0 and 6.5 on Richter Scale

and Intensity between VII and IX on Modified Mercallis Scale. This suggests that Ground

Force in terms of Assumed Approximate Acceleration equivalent of 0.3 g should be adopted

for the site.

A seismic risk factor of 0.3 g is recommended for the design for constructions and installations

at the site in view of the installations involving large towers with hub heights reaching 80

meters, for operational basis earthquakes (OBE) pertaining to damage due to moderate level

earthquakes (MM scale VII to IX).



Moreover in view of the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) values being lower than 30% and

showing poor Rock Quality and low load bearing capacity, the risk of liquefaction during

major (> 7 on Richter Scale) earthquakes will have to be taken into account.

Mitigation Measures

Seismic risk factor of 0.3 g should be incorporated in the design factor for the construction

of Wind Towers and Turbines.

Bored reinforced concrete piles shall be provided to minimize the risk of liquefaction

threat during major (> 7 on Richter scale) earthquake.

4. Visual Effects

Visual impact depends on the visual contrast between turbine structures and visual character

against the skyline and landscape, both of which result from color, form and scale. Visual

effects are so far a non-issue in the construction of large structures. They have so far not

appeared as a major constraint to development of high-rise apartments, towers, minarets and

chimneys. There are also no regulations for visual effects while siting wind turbines.

The proposed wind farm at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site will have the Filter Plant Colony

on the southwest at distances of 2.5 km from the Project site. The population resident in the

Colony will be the only one to view the wind turbines. Visual impact will not be of concern to

the areas in the north or south. It will also not be of concern to the residences and structures in

Goth Jaffar Jokhio which is 2.5 km outside the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm area. The wind

farm will hardly be visible from National Highway N5 on the south.

Mitigation Measures: The NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will be so designed at the final design

stage that the nearest WTG is sited at a distance of about 2.5 km from the Filter Plant

Residential area.

Reflected light can be distressing to the eye of persons in living environment in close

proximity. The rotor blades will have dull finish so as to retard reflection.

The wind farm being established in SZABIST land area would be viewed as a curiosity as is

being reported by the residents of Filter Plant Colony and Jaffar Goth. The cluster of WTG all

lined up along the 11 km strip of land in the wilderness will create a point of interest in the

distantly located rural landscape. This point of interest could be cashed by suitable landscaping

and creating a public viewing area to demonstrate the performance of this clean, renewable

form of energy generation.

5. Noise Impact

Noise created by the wind turbines would range between 90 and 105 dB(A) at a height of about

70 m. This level would attenuate at the ground level to perceptible range of 55 to 65 dB(A),

which is almost the same as noted when the surface wind is blowing. With the rotation of

blades by class 3-4 winds at 12 to 15 rotations, the noise emission would be at the lower level

of 55 to 60 dB(A). At a distance of over 1.5 km, where the three villages are located, the noise

emission would be just perceptible. The average background noise level recorded at site during

the reconnaissance survey was 38.0 to 46.5 dB(A), while it ranged between 41 and 54 dB(A)

during 24-hour monitoring at the site. The noise level as a result of exposure to wind was 65.0

to 76.0 dB (A).



Performance of WTGs at a recently installed wind farm in the Jhimpir Wind Corridor has been

observed by the residents of Qasim Burfat Goth. The blades were found rotating at 12 to 15

rounds per minute and were not causing sound disturbance or roaring effect. The residents were

of the opinion that the wind was at times noisier than the WTGs all put together.

Mitigation Measures: In case the wind turbines are noisier than just stated, the impact will be

largely on the operators working at the wind farm or the security personnel resident in the

accommodation provided to them. It will be mandatory for the workers and officials to wear

ear mufflers or earplugs while in the operations area and for the management to adopt

mitigation measures during construction to minimize the environmental impact of the wind

farm. Regulations/standards relevant to wind farm have not been framed.

National Environmental Quality Standards have only been stated for transport vehicles which

suggests that the level should not exceed 85 dB(A) when measured at a distance of 7.5 m from

the edge of the road. World Bank Guidelines have set the following standards:

Table5.1: World Bank Guidelines.

Maximum allowable log equivalent (hourly

measurements) in dB(A)

Day Receptor

(07:00–22:00)

Night Receptor

(22:00 - 07:00)

Residential, institutional, educational 55 45

Industrial, commercial 70 70

The standards will be applied if the level exceeds the limits for Industrial and commercial sites

set at 70 dB(A) at the boundary of the wind farm. Simulation studies indicate that this level

would be achieved at the ground level of the wind farm. These studies also show that the noise

level would be reduced at the Filter Plant and its residential area at a distance of over 2.5 km to

acceptable levels of 55 dB(A) during the day and 45 dB(A) during the night, as required by the

World Bank Guidelines.

The detailed design shall nevertheless take the noise aspect into consideration and site the

WTG nearest to the Colony at a distance exceeding 1.5 km.

6. EMI Impact

Electro-magnetic Interference (EMI) caused by the development of wind farm is not expected

to be significant. Electro-magnetic Interference produced from either WTG placement in the

direct line of sight of point-to-point communications, or too close to omni- (all) directional

communications or radar equipment, is the main point of interest for communications and radar

operators.

Mitigation Measures: Contact with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will be made

to establish licensed communications operators in the area. Although no major impact is

anticipated, communications operators may need to be contacted, during the initial stages of

development. In some cases before and after surveys of signal strength and interference may be

required. Typically the following types of owners/operators are contacted.

Television (Some interference to Television signals close to and within the wind farm is

possible, however this would probably be possible by rectification with relatively

inexpensive aerials or repeaters.)

Radar Systems (Considered an issue on Super Highway for security reasons).

Public Communications Systems (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority)



Private Communications Systems: Mobile phone coverage is presently being extended to

Jhimpir near the Project site.

7. Flicker Shadow Effect

Turbines that are east or west of houses can impose fluctuating shadow effects at morning or

evening hours when the sun is behind the rotor blades and the alternating shadow flicker is

cause for annoyance to residents within one km. The 33 WTGs would be located in a row

along the 11 km x 0.2 km strip of land, with the nearest WTG on the southwest at a distance of

2.5 km from the Filter Plant and its residential colony. The Filter Plant and its Colony will thus

be outside the corridor of impact of rotor induced shadow during morning or evening hours.

The setback distance of 750 m to 1000 m will for most areas exclude the possibility of

significant shadow effects at residences beyond 1 km.

Mitigation Measures: This issue will be analyzed in more detail at the designing and siting

stage for the final layout.

5.2.2 Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts at Construction Stage

Construction activities on SZABIST land for the establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

will include the following main elements:

Location of campsite and field construction office

Construction of access road, site roads, turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind

turbine location;

Construction of the turbine tower foundations and transformer pads;

Installation of electrical collection system – underground and some overhead lines;

Assembly and erection of the wind turbines;

Construction and installation of the substation;

Plant commissioning and energizing, and

Decommissioning.

The above activities will entail the following construction related issues that may have impact

on the environment and will require mitigation measures to be adopted during the

implementation phase:

Heavy weight and/or long trucks haulage

Surface sealing (foundations, roads)

Topsoil removal

Compressing of topsoil

Protection of (natural) drainage of agricultural lands

Fuel storage

Concrete production

Ground water levels and watercourses, erosion minimization

Waste disposal



Dust emission and control

Construction related noise

General conditions of construction site (visual)

Disturbance of fauna

Impact on flora

Emergency response

Site rehabilitation.

1. Impact Assessment

Construction at the proposed site of Wind Farm would not involve extensive land

preparation since the stony wasteland at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site is almost

flat. The impact of land preparation on the microenvironment i.e. SZABIST land with no

value addition to its land use, and the living area 1.5 km outside the allotted area, will be

minor and not significant.

Site preparation activities would include clearing, excavation, earth and fill movement and

transportation of wind turbine sets and associated equipment to the site. The said activities

will not lead to extensive soil erosion resulting from removal of topsoil at the site, but to

improvement of its quality.

Mitigation Measures: The fugitive dust emission would be controlled by spraying water to

keep the soil moist. Dust emission due to other materials of construction will be controlled

through appropriate measures to reduce the level of impact to be of minor significance.

Temporary disturbance to the landscape that will occur during construction of site roads,

turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind turbine location; construction of the turbine

tower foundations and transformer pads; installation of the electrical collection system,

including underground and some overhead lines; assembly and erection of the wind

turbines, and construction and installation of the substation, will be limited to the

microenvironment.

Mitigation Measures: Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and IFC’ HSE Guidelines

will be effectively implemented to keep the interventions in the ecosystem well within

prescribed limits and contractors will be mandated to adopt the EMP in letter and spirit.

Vehicles and construction equipment will not be repaired in the field. If unavoidable,

impervious sheathing will be used to avoid soil and water contamination.

For the domestic sewage from the construction camps, appropriate treatment and disposal

system, such as septic tanks and soaking pits, will be constructed having adequate capacity,

and after determining the soil percolation capacity. The contractor(s) will submit to the

proponent the plans for the camp layout and waste disposal system, and obtain approval.

Waste oils will be collected in drums and sold to the recycling contractors.

The inert recyclable waste from the site (such as card board, drums, broken/used parts,

etc.) will be sold to recycling/disposal contractors. The hazardous waste will be kept

separate and handled according to the nature of the waste.



Domestic solid waste from the construction camp will be disposed in a manner that does

not cause soil contamination. The waste disposal plan submitted by the contractor(s) will

also address the solid waste.

The construction camp will not be established close to the storm water channels and the

living areas in particular the villages.

Formation of internal access tracks, foundation excavations, electrical trenching and other

site works will not be visible to the public commuting on National Highway N5 at a

distance of over 5 km, nor will there be a shadow effect on the Filter Plant Colony that is

located on the southwest of the site at a distance of 1.5 km. Estimates available from other

sites in Jhimpir wind corridor show that 7-10% of the project area is temporarily disturbed

for road and crane pad construction. At completion of the project, the turbines, access

tracks and associated equipment occupying about 1% of the site area, will meaningfully

add value to the wasteland at SZABIST land area.

2. Blocked Access

There are no settlements at or in the immediate vicinity of the proposed site. Hence the

construction activities at the site will not cause any inconvenience to the nearby population

by blocking their access routes. The movement of extra heavy plant equipment along the

roads leading to the site may require temporary adjustment and would not block the

insignificant local traffic even for short periods of time.

Mitigation Measures

The IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly followed

Movement of extra heavy loads will be carefully planned, in consultation with the

communities in the surrounding and relevant authorities.

Co-habitation issues with existing wind farm operations will not require negotiations with

the community who are settled in the villages on unsurveyed land outside the sub-leased

area.

Diesel and other petroleum products used for the operation of construction machinery and

transportation equipment would cause air pollution besides causing soil pollution through

oil spills. The impact from such activity would be of minor significance and would be

controlled by good housekeeping practices.

40,000 liters water required daily for numerous construction activities would be

transported in tanker trucks from Gujju and will not have significant impact on other

beneficial water uses or its reduced availability for Karachi Water and Sewerage Board.

Conservation practices would nevertheless be adopted during the entire course of

construction.

Noise and visual impact will be limited to the microenvironment comprising GDRP

ecosystem. No major operational impact is envisaged at the construction stage from the

NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm.

3. Air Quality Deterioration

Construction machinery, diesel generators and project vehicles will release exhaust emissions,

containing carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and

particulate matter (PM), which can deteriorate the ambient air quality in the immediate vicinity



of the project site and along the road leading to it. Furthermore, construction activities such as

excavation, leveling, filling and vehicular movement on unpaved tracks may cause fugitive

dust emissions.

The deteriorated air quality at the project site is unlikely to impact the communities, since the

nearest community/settled area is 1.5 to 2.5 kilometers away. However the construction crew

and other site staff can be impacted by this air quality deterioration. In addition, the exhaust and

dust emissions caused by project related vehicular traffic may impact the communities living

along the dirt track leading to the site.

The daily estimated fuel requirement will be about 5,500 to 7,500 liters. This quantity of fuel

will be responsible for daily emission of approximately 260 kg CO, 14 kg SO2, 65 kg NOx,

and 14 kg Particulate matter, besides 16 tons CO2. These emissions will be dispersed into the

unpolluted environment at SZABIST land area. Their dispersal will not degrade the quality of

airshed of the Project site.

Mitigation Measures

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will be effectively implemented to keep the

interventions in the ecosystem well within prescribed limits while IFC’s HSE Guidelines

will be strictly followed and contractors will be mandated to adopt the EMP in letter and

spirit.

Emissions from the generators will be monitored to ensure that the engines are properly

tuned and maintained, and generators are so located that emissions are dispersed away

from the camp and work areas.

Noise emission from the vehicles and equipments will exceed 85 dB (A) but the same

would be reduced to less than 85 dB (A) at 7.5 m from the source. Workers will be

provided ear plugs and other safety equipment as safeguard against the hazards in the ‘high

noise zones’, which will be clearly defined.

The liquid effluents generated during the construction phase will include domestic sewage

and grey water from the camp operation.

The sewage will be treated in septic tanks and soaking pits.

The grey water from kitchens and washing areas will be directed to separate soaking pits.

The storm water will be collected in ponds and either disposed of after appropriate

treatment, or diverted to fields for vegetation, and rejuvenation of local flora.

4. Gender and Social Issues

The construction site and construction camp will be located well outside the community, thus

eliminating any impact on the women of the area. The vehicular traffic on the local roads can

potentially pose low level of adverse impact on the women of the area.

Mitigation Measures

Construction crew will avoid entering villages and settlements.

Local norms will be respected

Communities will be informed and consulted before commencing the site works.

Strict adherence to EMP and IFC’s EHS Guidelines as well as code of conduct will be

maintained by the construction crew.

Environmental monitoring during the project execution will ensure compliance with the

above mitigation measures and their adequacy, as well as significance of any residual

impacts.



5. Child Labor

Although the use of child labor is not prevalent in the construction works such as those

involved in the proposed project, yet the provisions of the Child Labor Act will be made part of

the construction contracts, in order to ensure that no child labor is employed at the project sites

or campsites.

6. Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Issues

There is no prominent cultural or archaeological feature in or around the NBT-SZABIST Wind

Farm Project site. Bhambore is of archaeological, historical and religious significance but it is

at least 8km from NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site.

Mitigation Measures: The recommended procedure will be followed during site excavation

for construction at the site, which requires that if artifacts of significance are found, the finding

will be immediately reported to the Department of Archaeology, Sindh.

7. Flora

Trees and shrubs (Indigenous Germplasm): One of the main causes of depletion of

rangeland and desertification of the land in the microenvironment is the practice of cutting and

uprooting trees and shrubs for use as fuel by the rural population because wood is the principal

source of available energy, and the dead wood resulting from continuous drought, is also cash

crop. It has been shown in the following Table that the following indigenous tree/shrub species

are still present but would soon be lost since tree cutting and the resulting topsoil removal is

going on unabated.

Table 5.2: Flora present in the microenvironment of the project area

Local

Name English Name Botanical Name Family

Babul Acacia Acacia nilotica Leguminosae/Mimosoideae

Kunbhat Gum Arabic Acacia Senegal Leguminosae/ Mimosaceae

Bavri ---- Acacia Jacquemontii Leguminosae/Mimosoideae

Phulai Amartasar gum Acacia modesta Leguminosae/

Mimosoideae

Nim Neem Azadiradita indica Meliaceae

Gugur Indian Bdellium Commiphora mukul Burseraceae

Phog Calligonum Calligonum

polygonoides Polygonaceae

Lyar Narrow leaf

sepistan Cordia latifolia Ethretiaceae

Kirir Caper berry Capparis deciduas Capparidaceae

Kandi Prosopis Prosopis cineraria Leguminosae/

Mimosoideae

Devi Mesquite Prosopis juliflora Leguminosae/

Mimosoideae

Jaar Tooth brush Tree Salvadora persica Salvadoraceae

Mithi Jaar Tooth brush Tree Salvadora oleoides Salvadoraceae

Rohiro Tecoma Tecoma undulata Bignoniceae

Lai/Lao Tamarix Tamarix aphylla Coniferae

Ber Jujube Ziziphus mauritiana Rahmnaceae

Jaanguri ber Desert Jujube Ziziphus nummularia Rahmnaceae



Mitigation Measures: The trees named hereunder are a valuable resource and are essential for

sustaining the biodiversity of this fast degrading land. The Project will promote the program for

protection of the following indigenous plants and replant them where necessary.

8. Fauna

There is no Wildlife Reserve in close proximity of Project site. Keenjhar Lake Wildlife

Sanctuary is far away of the SZABIST land.

Low frequency of visits of a small number of mammals, birds, and reptiles leads to the

conclusion that biodiversity of the area has been substantially reduced. Indian Monitor lizard

(Varanus bengalensis) Wadhi Go/Gioh (reported but not spotted), and Monitor lizard (Varanus

griseus) were neither reported nor spotted during the surveys for this study. The spiny-tailed

lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha is in abundance. All sand mounds in the area have

burrows of the sandhas. With extensive wood cutting the mounds are also getting flattened and

despite their being protected by the locals they are getting endangered. The species are

included in Appendix III of the CITES.

Mitigation Measures: The NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project will require land clearance for

siting the WTGs. The Project site itself is stony wasteland and has only few mounds along the

11 km strip of the site that hosts the sandhas. Contractors will be required to commit to protect

them and not to disturb the mounds but if necessary, the lizards will not be trapped but scared

away. They usually find an alternative hole in the surrounding when scared. Commitment to

protection of the lizards and other reptiles will be the mitigation measure employed to save the

animals during construction.

The sandhas will soon find other holes and get rehabilitated. These reptile species are scared by

movement of mechanical systems or men and animals. Wind turbines and movement of rotors

will be at hub height of ~80 m, while movement of personnel would be around the WTGs that

would be sited 350 m apart. Thus it is less likely that the sandas will be disturbed if they

continue to remain in the microenvironment of the WTGs.

Birds: Studies undertaken throughout the world have shown that WTGs on land based wind

farms do not pose any substantial threat to birds and other wildlife. Risks of birds colliding

with WTGs are much lower than with communication towers, high tension wires, vehicles, and

are the highest with buildings and windows

The NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site does not have habitat of the concerned high flying

birds including kites, vultures, and falcons or the Houbara bustard (Tiloor), which is in the

IUCN Red List as low risk, near threatened.

Mitigation Measures: NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site is stony wasteland degraded

further by removal of trees, sand, gravel and stone. As such the area offers no attraction to the

falcons or other high flying birds for habitation, nor to the migratory birds which do not find an

aquatic environment to land. The falcon or other high flying birds found in the

microenvironment are those that stray in. The Environmental Management Plan will include

monitoring the number of such birds flying in during the pre-construction period and also their

mortality in case they fly in.

The possibility of the noise-sensitive falcons flying into the wind turbine structures will be

substantially lowered by the siting of seven wind farms in a row at SZABIST land in Dhabeji.

The cumulative effect of such siting would inhibit the high flying birds from flying into or



landing in the Gharo Wind Corridor. The wind corridor is not on the fly way of the wintering

birds and also not a habitat for the falcon or Houbara bustard. NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

Project site will not contribute to birds being inhibited in flying in or landing in the wind

corridor.

The noise level of about 95 to 105 dB(A) is even otherwise sufficient to scare the high flying

birds. The movement of the rotors at 12 to 15 rounds per minute is not so brisk as to entangle a

bird easily. Despite these observations, services of sharp shooters will be acquired to carefully

stupefy the high-flying stray birds before they reach the turbines and subsequently rehabilitate

them in safe environment. The EMP will include monitoring the incidence of such birds

straying in and the number of birds killed or injured.

9. Recreational Value & Tourism

At present the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site does not have any tourism value. However,

establishment of the wind farm and its operation in the stony wasteland only 3.5 km from the

National Highway N5 may induce curiosity and encourage tourism. However, the resident

population is highly traditional and does not encourage visits of non-locals.

5.2.3 Screening of potential environmental impacts at operation stage

Operation of Wind Farm at the proposed site would start as soon as the wind turbines and

switchyard are in place, and the system starts to produce power. Environmental problems

identified at the Operations stage relate to the following aspects:

Air quality and noise level changes due to operation of fleet of trucks, container trucks and

operation of mechanical equipment.

Visual Effects

Noise Effect

EMI Effects

Flicker Effects

Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Issues

Flora

Fauna (Wildlife, Birds)

Recreational and Tourism Issues

Operation of Wind Farm would not release air pollutants into the airshed, and wastewater

will be discharged into soak pits after treatment.

Diesel and other petroleum products used for the operation of mechanical equipment and

transportation vehicles would cause air pollution besides causing soil pollution through oil

spills. The impact from such activity would be of minor significance and would be


Visual effect, Noise effect, EMI effect, Flicker effect induced by operation of the wind

turbines will have no significant impact on the living area, since the detailed design would

locate the nearest turbine beyond 1.5 km on the outside of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

Project site in SZABIST land area.



Mitigation Measures: The induced impact on operation of the appropriately sited wind

turbines on the microenvironment will be monitored through Environmental Management Plan

(EMP) and IFC’s HSE Guidelines on Wind Energy 2007, and mitigated, if necessary by

adoption of suitable measures to minimize the impact of Visual effect, Noise effect and Flicker

effect on the microenvironment as well as macroenvironment.

1. Noise Effect

The rotor blades of the wind turbines are the main source of noise during the operation

phase of the wind power plants.

The study of noise data for a wind power generation plant of similar size and using the

same turbines in the same microenvironment shows that the noise levels generated by the

wind farm drop down to 35-40 dB(A) range within a distance of about one kilometer from

the plant. This noise level is much lower than the background noise that exists in the living

environment i.e. the villages which will be at a distance of over 1.5 km from the nearest

turbine.

The emergency generator, if installed at the site, will also generate some noise. However,

much like the noise generated by the wind farm, its impact on the communities will be

negligible, in view of the large distance.

Advances in turbine technology and design have resulted in reduced noise emissions.

Aerodynamic refinements that have combined to make turbines quieter include the change

from lattice to tubular towers, the use of variable speed operations, and the switch to 3

blade turbine designs. Improvements in gearbox design and the use of anti-vibration

techniques in the past ten years have resulted in significant reductions in mechanical noise.

The most recent direct drive machines have no high-speed mechanical components and

therefore do not produce mechanical noise.

Mitigation Measure

No mitigation measure is necessary. The staff will be provided with the personnel

protective equipment (PPE).

In general, noise is unlikely to be a significant problem where the distance from the nearest

turbine to any noise sensitive property is more than 1000 metres. The proponent may seek

evidence that the type(s) of turbines proposed will use best current engineering practice in

terms of noise creation and suppression.

Noise mapping study is recommended at the detailed design stage.

2. Shadow Flicker and Blade Glint

Shadow flicker occurs when the sun passes behind the wind turbine and casts a shadow on the

immediate neighborhood. As the rotor blades rotate, shadows pass over the same point causing

an effect termed shadow flicker. Shadow flicker may become a problem when residences are

located near, or have a specific orientation to, the wind farm. Similar to shadow flicker, blade

or tower glint occurs when the sun strikes a rotor blade or the tower at a particular orientation.

This can impact a community, as the reflection of sunlight off the rotor blade may be angled

toward nearby residences. Blade glint is not a concern for new turbines as matt finish paint is

now being used which does not produce the glint effect. However, the nearest WTG will be

sited in the detailed design at about 1.5 km away from the living area in the hamlets. Hence the

flicker or glint from the proposed project will not cause any significant adverse impact.



According to the report of Chief Medical Officer of Ontario in May 2010: Shadow flicker

occurs when the blades of a turbine rotate in sunny conditions, casting moving shadows on the

ground that result in alternating changes in light intensity appearing to flick on and off. About 3

per cent of people with epilepsy are photosensitive, generally to flicker frequencies between 5-

30Hz. Most industrial turbines rotate at a speed below these flicker frequencies.

Careful site selection, design and planning, and good use of relevant software, can help avoid

the possibility of shadow flicker in the first instance. It is recommended that shadow flicker at

neighboring offices and dwellings within 500m should not exceed 30 hours per year or 30

minutes per day.7 At distances greater than 10 rotor diameters from a turbine, the potential for

shadow flicker is very low.

Mitigation Measures

Careful site selection, design and planning, and good use of relevant software, can help avoid

the possibility of shadow flicker in the first instance. Proponent will provide calculations

(application of Windpro Software) to quantify the effect and where appropriate take measures

to prevent or ameliorate the potential effect, such as by turning off a particular turbine at certain

times.

3. Wildlife

The project site and its immediate vicinity do not provide habitat to any terrestrial or avian

faunal species, nor is it located along or under the route of migratory birds. The endangered

Houbara bustard found in the macro environment, and the highflying falcons are only few in

number. The number of the few that visit the site and also their mortality will be recorded

during the pre-construction period. High noise levels scare these noise sensitive bird species

and the falcons, eagles and high flying birds would be scared off by the scores of WTGs lined

up at the NBT-SZABIST site in the Gharo Wind Corridor.

Regarding the chances of avian collision with turbines, no such instances have been reported so

far. There is a need to study bird behavior and characteristic in these areas which makes it

necessary to undertake periodic bird counting and maintaining of records.

Mitigation measures

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will be effectively implemented to keep the

interventions in the GDRP ecosystem well within prescribed limits. Contractors will be

mandated to adopt the EMP in letter and spirit and strictly follow IFC’s HSE Guidelines.

The project staff will not be allowed to indulge in any hunting, trapping or harassment

activities.

Configure turbine arrays to avoid potential avian mortality (e.g. group turbines rather than

spread them widely or orient rows of turbines parallel to known bird movements);

Increase the visibility of towers and rotor blades to birds by using uniform colors and

flashing rotor lights especially during migration;

Mitigation measures such as positioning of sharp shooters can be in place not to kill but

stupefy the high-flying stray birds before they reach the turbines. Such birds would be

7 The shadow flicker recommendations are based on research by Predac, a European Union sponsored organization

promoting best practice in energy use and supply which draws on experience from Belgium, Denmark, France, the

Netherlands and Germany.



rehabilitated subsequently into safe environment such as a Biodiversity Park. This is

already one of the conservation practices to safe the wildlife in India. In order to

implement the proposed mechanism Sindh Wildlife Department will be taken onboard so

that appropriate steps are taken to save the wildlife from extinction.

A record of bird casualties will be maintained and reviewed at the end of every month.

The endangered spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha that is abundant in the

microenvironment is included in Appendix III of the CITES. The animal is very shy and

scarred of any movement in the surrounding. The sandhas usually find an alternative hole

in the surrounding when scared. They will get rehabilitated by the time the wind farms go

into production.

The environmental monitoring and strictly following IFC’s EHS Guidelines during the

project execution will further ensure compliance with the above mitigation measures and

their adequacy in dealing with significant residual impacts.

4. Habitat Modification

The establishment and operation of a series of wind power plants will potentially modify the

natural habitat of the ecosystem of NBT-SZABIST Site at Dhabeji. However the

macroenvironment of these wind farms is not located in an area which is known for high bird

concentration/habitat, or bird migration route. Such a route is at least 15 to 20 km from this site.

The aridity of the land and removal of topsoil has rendered the land unproductive and

unattractive for the birds and wildlife to move in. The series of wind turbines would be a

deterrent for the high flying migratory birds to make a landing in this barren land. As a result of

the proponent’s O&M activities on the wind farm in a row, the site will not remain available to

the wild birds as landing area and not the least as feeding ground.

NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site is at low heights compared with other structures in the

microenvironment. It will be less likely to initiate modification of the habitat, if there is any.

Hence the loss of the site as the feeding ground for the birds is unlikely to be significant.

5.3 Economic Assessment Of Environmental Impacts

5.3.1 Environmental Benefits Of Wind Farm Development

Significant environmental benefits will be gained by installing the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm.

Developing the renewable energy resource would, besides proportionately lessening the need

to use fossil fuels such as imported fuel oil, or gas, complement the GoP efforts in increasing

the power production capacity. Substantial reduction in gaseous emissions from fuel-fired

generation will be achieved, although the amount would depend on the wind farm installed

capacity.

5.3.2 Saving on Emissions

Utilizing wind power is among the cheapest methods of reducing CO2 emissions in electricity

production. According to a Danish study, a 100 MW offshore wind farm will reduce CO2

emissions by almost 0.3 million tons per year, when substituting power from conventional coal

fired power plants. The costs will be approximately US$ 5 per ton of CO2 for offshore wind

farms situated near the coast.



CO2 emission is not the only gas of concern in terms of global warming. Others including

NOx, VOCs and humidity also contribute to retaining the thermal component of solar energy.

The following indicative figures are based on the estimates that a 100 MW installed capacity

power plant using fossil fuel produces 1 kg of CO2 for generation of each 1 kWh of electricity.

Accordingly the 50 MW capacity power plant based on fossil fuel would produce:

CO2 (a major contributor to the “greenhouse effect”): 155,000 tonnes/year

SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide a constituent of acid rain): 2,375 tonnes/year

NOx (Nitrous Oxides a constituent of acid rain): 1,150 tonnes/year

Thus NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Generation Complex will

Prevent emission of an amount equivalent to 155,000 tonnes CO2, 2,375 tonnes SO2, and

1150 tonnes NOx annually

Add as much value as the saving on CO2 to the wind whose potential has so far remained

neglected in the country.

Help the government environmental initiatives in:

Augmenting the power production capacity in the country, and

Lowering the emission of greenhouse gases.

Table 5.3: Checklist Of Actions Affecting Environment And Significance Of Their Impact.

Actions Affecting

Environment Resources &

Values

Damage To

Environment

Recommended

Mitigation

Measures

Significance of Impact

A. Environmental Problems due to Siting/ Location of Project None Small Medium Major

1.Changes in hydrology

affecting existing land values

1. Damages to land

by erosion and/or

accretion

1.Careful

design and

planning to

minimize/offset

problem

√

2. Changes in drainage pattern

2. Damages due to

change in flooding,

accretion, erosion

hazards

2.Careful

design to

minimize/offset

problem

√

2a. Obstruction in Water Flow

2a Conflicts with

other beneficial

water uses

2a.Appropriate

sharing of

water with

KWSB Filter

Plant

√

3. Changes in land uses

3. Possible loss in

overall regional

welfare

3. Careful

planning &

Implementation

of IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

4. Encroachment into precious

ecological zones

4. Loss of precious

ecology

4. Careful

planning &

Implementation

of IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

5. Resettlement 5. Displacement of

local population

5. Adequate

attention to

local problems

√



6.

Historical/monuments/cultural

values

6. Loss of precious

values

6. Careful

planning to

minimize/offset

problem

√

7. Environmental aesthetics

7. Loss of

environmental

aesthetics

7. Careful

planning √

B. Environmental Problems due to Inadequate Design None Small Medium Major

1. Unrealistic assumptions on

available O & M skills

1. Unnecessary

damages because

O&M requirements

too high

1. Realistic O&M

assumptions &

Implementation

of IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

2. Pollution Control

Equipment Selection

2. Assumed

pollution removals

not realized

2. Appropriate

equipment

selection

√

3.Environmentalpollution

control operations

3. Possible loss in

overall regional

welfare

3. Careful

planning/

designing /

monitoring and

use of appropriate

standards

√

3a. Surface water

3a. Impairment of

downstream

beneficial water

uses

3a. Careful

Management of

Resources

√

3b. Groundwater.

3b Impairment of

beneficial water

uses

3b. Careful

Management of

Resources

√

3c. Air 3c. .Impairment of

air quality

3c. Careful

Management &

monitoring

√

3d. Noise

3d. Environmental

Degradation &

Health hazard

3d. Careful

planning &

monitoring

√

4. Impacts on adjacent land

economic users including

recreation/tourism

4. Impairment of

land uses

4. Careful

planning/O&M √

5. Occupational health &

Safety hazards

5. Hazards to

workers health &

safety

5. Effective

implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines to

offset problem

√

6. Hazards due to

Spills/fires/explosions

6. Hazards to

workers health &

safety

6. Effective

implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

7. Area sanitation 7.Sanitation/disease

hazards

7. Careful

planning/design √

8. Hauling routes in/out areas

8. Traffic

congestion and

nuisances along

routes

8. Effective

implementation

of EMP

√

C. Environmental Problems During Construction Stage None Small Medium Major

1. Problems due to

uncontrolled construction

1. Problems of

Environmental

1. Careful

Planning and

√



practices Degradation Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

a) runoff erosion

(a) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

a) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP

√

b) worker accidents

b) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

b) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP

√

c) sanitation disease hazards

c) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

c) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP

√

d) insect vector disease

hazards

(d) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

d) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

e) hazardous material

handling

(e) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

e) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP&

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

f) dust/odors/fume

(f) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

f) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

g) explosion/fire

hazards/hazardous materials

spills

(g) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

g) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

h) noise/vibration hazards

(h) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

h) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP&

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

i) traffic congestion

(j) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

j) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

k) water pollution hazards

(k) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

k) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines



l) blockage of wildlife/birds

passageways

(l) Problems of

Environmental

Degradation

l) Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

2. Uncovered cut & fill areas

2. Soil erosion &

consequent damage

to properties &

environment

2. Careful

Planning and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

2. Inadequate construction

monitoring

2. Encourages poor

construction

practices

2. Adequate

monitoring

during

construction

and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

D. Environmental Hazards Relating to Operations (assuming

proper design assumptions on O&M) None Small Medium Major

1. Inadequate O & M

1.Varietyof

environmental

degradation similar

to items B.1 to 8

Adequate

monitoring

during

Operation and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

2. Inadequate operations

phase/environmental

monitoring

2. Opportunity loss

for feedback

connections to

project design and

O&M

Adequate

monitoring

during

Operation and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

3. Occupational Health &

Safety Programmes including

accidents

3. Hazards to

workers health &

safety

Adequate

monitoring

during

Operation and

Implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

4. Nuisance from handling &

Transportation of fuels on

access roads

4. oil drips, spills,

dust & noise

hazards

Adequate

monitoring

during

Operation &

Implementation

of EMP

√

5. Surface run off from plant

yard

5. leakage of fuel

on ground & oil

drips

Adequate

monitoring

during

Operation &

Implementation

√



of EMP

E. Critical Environmental Review Criteria None Small Medium Major

1. Loss of irreplaceable

resources

1. Long-term

national

environmental and

economic losses

1. Planning

should be

consistent with

high-level

government

policies

√

2. Accelerated use of

resources for short term gain

2. Long-term

national

environmental and

economic losses

2. Planning to

be consistent

with polices

√

3. Endangering of species

3.Long-term

environmental

losses

3. Planning to

be consistent

with polices

3a. Effective

implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

4. Promoting undesirable

rural-urban migration

4. Intensification of

urban

socioeconomic

problems

4. Planning to

be consistent

with polices

√

5. Increase in affluence/poor

income gap

5. Intensification of

national

socioeconomic

imbalances

5. Planning to

be consistent

with polices

√

F. Potential Environmental Problems During Operation None Small Medium Major

1. Removal or damage to

vegetative growth

1. Problem at

preparation of site

& during operation

1. Careful

implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

2. Land Use Changes

2. Problem at

preparation of site

& during operation

2. Careful

implementation

of EMP&

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

3. Micro level changes in the

human settlements

3. Problem at siting

& Operation stage

3. Careful

implementation

of EMP &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

4. Industrial & Transportation

Activities

4. Problem at

Operation Stage

4. Not

envisaged

Careful

implementation

of EMP

including

Traffic

Management &

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

5. Emergence of Slums &

Wayside Commercial

Activity

5. Problem at

Construction &

Operation Stage

5. Not

envisaged

Careful

implementation

√



of EMP

G. Impacts from power Transmission facilities None Small Medium Major

1 Environmental health

hazard due to electromagnetic

radiation

1. Unnecessary

exposure of

workers to

environmental

hazards.

Careful

planning,

training of

workers

√

2. Depreciation of

environmental aesthetics 2. Loss of values

2. Careful

planning &

implementation

of EMP&

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

3. Encroachment on

ecosystem

2. Loss of precious

ecology

2. Careful

implementation

of EMP&

IFC’s HSE

Guidelines

√

Overall Significance of Impact: Not Significant



6.0 Public Consultation & Information Disclosure

This Chapter provides the details of the consultation meetings held with the stakeholders as

part of the environmental and social soundness assessment process requiring information

disclosure and sharing. For this purpose consultation meetings were held at the outset for the

scoping process of EIA study, followed by a series of meetings at the grassroots level.

6.1 Objectives

The objectives of these meetings were to:

Share information with the public about the NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project being

established on SZABIST Land area in UC Dhabeji

Inform the stakeholders of the positive and negative aspects identified for the project and

the environmental issues likely to emerge while the Project is in the pre-construction,

construction and operation stages.

Request the stakeholders to share information on significant physical, biological and

socioeconomic environment that must be taken into consideration during the different

stages of the Project, and measures to be adopted to minimize the severity of impact;

Assess the level of awareness on the environment and the proposed project, and

Determine the impact of future development plans in the project area.

6.2 Consultation Framework

The consultation being a continuous process needs to be maintained throughout the project 6.1

.

The consultation framework adopted for the pre-construction, construction and subsequent

phases of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project is elaborated in the Table 6.1:

Table 6.1: Consultation Framework

Project

Phase Proposed Tool

Stakeholders Consulted/to

be Consulted Responsibility

Pre-

Construction

Formal and informal

meetings, focus group

discussions

Institutional stakeholders;

Grass root stakeholders,

including communities in

neighborhood likely to be

involved during the Project

Implementation Stage

Environmental

Management

Consultants, NBT-

Zab Wind Power

Pvt. Ltd

Construction i. Formal and informal

contact and liaison with

the community and

other relevant

stakeholders (e.g. Sindh

EPA)

i. Institutional stakeholders

ii. Grass root stakeholders,

including communities in

neighborhood involved

during Project


NBT-Zab Wind

Power Pvt. Ltd

Official

ii. Grievance Redress

iii. Consultations with

communities during

environmental

compliance & Impacts

monitoring

iv. during external

monitoring

Communities in

neighborhood involved

during Project


6.1

Social Analysis Sourcebook: Incorporating Social Dimensions into Bank-Supported Projects. The World Bank. December 2003



Table 6.1: Consultation Framework

Project

Phase Proposed Tool

Stakeholders Consulted/to

be Consulted Responsibility

v. during site visits by

IFC/ Equator Principles

Financial Institutions

(EPFIs) Monitoring

Mission

Operation Liaison with

communities in

neighborhood

Communities in

neighborhood Involved

during the Project

Operation Stage

NBT-Zab Wind

Power Pvt. Ltd.

6.3 Consultation Process

The stakeholders were briefed during scoping sessions about the objectives of the wind power

project in Gharo Wind Corridor, about the NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project, and the

necessity of introducing the EIA process. Observations of the participants were noted and have

been incorporated into the text of the EIA. At the consultation meeting the stakeholders and

village representatives were informed that:

The proposed site is the property of NBT-Zab Wind Power Pvt. Ltd, the proponent of the

project

The Project will involve the following activities:

Construction of access track and internal road network

Transportation of steel towers for the hub height of ~80 m and turbines, rotor blades

with ~70 m diameter

Piling for foundation of towers

Installation of Wind turbines

Installation of transformers

Construction of electrical collection system

Construction of operations/maintenance and control building; substation and grid

connection to NTDC 132 KV system

Operation of wind farm, and Maintenance

Operation of the wind farm will require the following environmental issues to be

addressed:

Land Use Changes

Visual Effects

Noise Effect

EMI Assessment

Flicker Effects


Flora


Wind Farm Development Advantages (positive effects)


Impact during Construction phase

The stakeholders, in particular the residents in Filter plant colony and Khaskheli Goth were

informed that siting of the wind farm will be so designed that wind turbine generators (WTGs)



and the mast are at a distance exceeding 1.5 km so that the living area is outside the corridor of

impact. The two groups were informed that their residential areas are, as per present estimates,

at more than 2.5 km. Keeping the wind farm at this distance will minimize the negative impact

due to visual effect; flicker and shadow effect; noise and air emissions. The stakeholders were

also briefed on the process of monitoring through the Environmental Management Plan as the

tool to monitor the environmental performance throughout the lifecycle of the Project. The

stakeholders and village representatives consulted in this connection have assured of

unhindered support towards completion of the Project.

Scoping meetings were conducted with Institutional stakeholders and grassroots stakeholders,

including communities in neighborhood while conducting the present EIA. Letters were sent to

the Institutional stakeholders included the following:

Sindh Environmental Protection Agency

SUPARCO

IUCN – Pakistan

WWF – Pakistan

Sindh Wildlife Department

Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development

Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan

Meteorology Department

KWSB Filter Plant

The grassroots stakeholders included the inhabitants of Filter Plant Residential Colony and 4

Goths in the neighborhood of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project site. A list of stakeholders

contacted appears as Table 6.2 and 6.3.

6.4 Formal Consultation Meetings with Institutional Stakeholders

The Institutional stakeholders contacted during the scoping sessions had a positive view on the

project. They were firm in the opinion that there would be very little direct benefit of the

project for the local community, but they thought that siting of development projects in an area

does yield the benefits in the long run in terms of increased business activity, expanded

infrastructure and improved quality of life. The formal consultation meetings with different

officials had the following observations/suggestions:

The environmental issues at the Project site are not acute and should be manageable.

The wind traveling inland from the sea has a tendency to ascend into the open land on the

east of Kirthar Range. The wind here should not be dust raising.

Wildlife to be accounted for include the high flying birds and the reptiles in particular the

spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha. The mitigation measures may include

just protection by scaring; they are so shy that they will immediately find another hole.

They agreed that places near National Highway N5 being away from Keenjhar Lake and

Haleji Lake are not on the flyway of the winter migrating birds.

Officials and public representatives agreed with the need of the wind power project as one

which would make the country less dependent on fossil fuel. They however, desired its

early implementation and completion. According to the officials and energy consumers the

crisis has aggravated due to sidelining the alternative energy sources and not realizing their

full potential.



The majority (70%) of the beneficiary communities were found aware of the Project but

were desperate to know as to when power would be produced and made available to

consumers.

Almost all participants suggested that instead of looking for fossil fuel, the easier options

like the wind energy potential should be exploited as early as possible.

Some of them were of the opinion that small wind mills are working successfully and they

should be encouraged instead of waiting for investment on import of large wind turbines.

They quoted the example of Denmark in this connection.

They believe that setting up wind farms based on indigenous technology would allow our

high level manpower to play their part in the socioeconomic development of the country.

Project impacts and resettlement were not of much concern to the stakeholders both

because the Project site is highly degraded land while the small clusters of settlements

were outside the boundary of the project area sub-leased by AEDB.

Encroachment on precious ecology was not an issue because aridity and scarcity of sweet

water had dried up the vegetation and driven whatever wildlife was native to the area.

Whatever form may still be there would be barely surviving in the extremely impoverished

environment.

The officials of the local administration welcomed the establishment of the proposed wind

power plant on the area bounded by the coordinates mentioned in Table 4.1. They

considered it a positive step towards the development of the area in general. They were of

the view that this project would provide much-needed employment opportunities to the

poor people of area, which would improve the economic condition of the area.

6.5 Consultation Meetings with Communities

At the scoping sessions with communities around the proposed site, groups and individuals

were first provided all relevant information about siting of, construction at and operation of the

Wind Farm and the Consultants’ experience on projects similar to the one that is being

proposed. Some of the resident communities already knew about the project, but did not know

the specific details, particularly about the environmental issues involved. The communities

generally welcomed the plans to establish the proposed power project in the area. Since the

project would not directly affect them, the villagers generally did not have any apprehension or

reservation about the project. They nevertheless viewed the project as one that would create

employment opportunities and small business/trade opportunities for the local population.

Participatory and consultative approach was employed for information dissemination and data

collection. The summary of consultations, major opinions and concerns of the stakeholders

identified during scoping meetings is provided below:

Stakeholders at the Filter Plant Colony were seen taking a sigh of relief since with

availability of a power production system the chronic problem of power shortage / load

shedding will be substantially reduced. They were keen to know if their site would be

impacted in any manner or if they may be resettled. They were informed that Wind farm

will be sited about 2.5 km from their colony and hence will not be impacted directly.

Construction of access road may affect the physical environment to some degree but

careful planning and adoption of appropriate mitigation measures will reduce the impact.

Residents of the other village viz. Khaskheli Goth with only 15 households were not much

concerned about loss of land or loss of business during construction of access road and at

the site, since they knew that their Goths were on unsurveyed land. But they were happy



when informed that due care will be exercised to exclude the Goth from the corridor of

impact.

In separate meetings held by EMC with the stakeholders at the villages outside the

boundary of SZABIST land, the participants agreed that the Project would be first of its

kind to address development of their area. The village representatives gave firm assurance

that there would be no hindrance to completion of the project from any such stakeholder

provided they are treated with respect and given whatever is their due. They would be

happy if employment was offered to their youngsters and petty contract to local potential

resident.

The village representatives were convinced that designing the project will spare them with

all negative aspects of the Project and see to it that their rights and assets are provided due

safeguard.

Most of the communities were found aware that the project would not affect them.

They showed their concern on the local labor force being unable to participate in the

development project.

6.6 Proceedings of Consultation Meetings

Stakeholders at the consultation meetings gave a very positive response on project and did not

show concerns about establishment of the project or about installation of large turbines in an

otherwise quiet neighborhood or about loss of business, community owned assets and trees,

increase in dust and noise emission, congestion in construction areas, disruption of

communication during improvement of roads, loss of land due to road improvement,

inconvenience during construction, and potential increase of hunting wildlife. The stakeholders

were informed that such concerns have been addressed through project design as well as

environmental management and monitoring plan, besides IFC’s HSE Guidelines (2007).

6.7 Expectations of Stakeholders in Consultation Meetings

Stakeholders at the consultation meeting had the following expectations:

Drinking water supply should be made available to the villages in GDRP area on top

priority basis.

Schools should be provided with all the infrastructure and teachers

Native species of bushes/trees should be planted in case there are plans to replace felled

trees;

Contractors must adopt standard procedures in all their works and it should be mandatory

on them to follow the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan as well as IFC’s

HSE Guidelines on employment of local labor and child labor;

Sites used for labor camps and quarrying of construction materials should be rehabilitated

and/or leveled;

Spoiled dumps should be leveled so that adjacent community/farmers may use them for

crops/tree planting;

Dust and noise pollution should be minimized during construction work;

Wind farms and their labor camps must not be established close to villages; and

Left over construction materials must be disposed of before leaving



Table 6.2: Summary of Stakeholder Consultation

Information Disclosure and

Enquiries at NBT-SZABIST Wind

Power Project Site

Observations/Response of the Communities

Participants were informed at the outset

about the objectives of the wind farm

project and about the prevailing

environmental condition at the site.

People were informed that according to

initial observation at the site, the area

was highly underdeveloped.

There was no water, no electricity while

dust and firewood was for free and

felling of trees and their incineration in

charcoal kilns was rampant.

There was room for up gradation of the

general condition. The wind power

project could be one step towards

achieving the up gradation, but like all

other development projects, it has

limitations of its own. Those limitations

are imposed by environmental aspects.

These limits are identified by

environmental impact assessment.

The purpose of our visit, the participants

were explained, was to share

information on the environmental

baseline and impact that the different

activities will have on the physical and

social environment. The impact of

activities involved in bringing the

machinery and equipment to site, their

installation, and operation will be

assessed and finally the environmental

performance will be evaluated.

The participants were informed about

the different environmental aspects and

their impact on the physical and living

environment and how the severity of

impact will be reduced.

They were informed that evaluation of

social soundness of the project was just

as important as physical and biological

soundness. For this purpose it is

important to have information on:

Living conditions at Project site and

in the surrounding villages, name of

villages, number of households,

distance from Project site; distance

from important towns, mode of

Participants were appreciative of:

Initiative taken by NBT-Zab Wind Power

Pvt. Ltd in identifying the potential of wind

energy in Gharo Wind Corridor, which has

remained an underdeveloped area since ages.

Initiative at bringing the environmental

issues to the fore, and also incorporating

mitigation measures and provision of

facilities such as water supply for

construction, and provision of safe drinking

water, besides handing over the water supply

and wastewater disposal system to the

village residents at the end of construction

period.

There were observations on impoverishment of

the environment resulting from inattention to

improve the general condition of the area and

maintaining it.

Poverty was the main issue confronting the

stakeholders in particular the residents of villages

at great distances from the site. There were

observations that ecological resources, including

the land and vegetation were being depleted at a

rapid rate while subsistence farming was unable

to meet the day-to-day needs of the local

population.

Others observed that poverty level in Taluka

Dhabeji and Gharo was slightly higher than other

Talukas in District Thatta. Livestock farming

was the mainstay of almost all the villages in the

two Talukas; there were also residents with fixed

income from pensions. The household income of

at least 50% population was less than Rs 5000

per month/household.

Employment opportunities were low and the

younger generation was not prepared to remain

in poverty; and that may be the reason that every

other person had a cell phone. They tend to move

to the industrial area in Dhabeji and Gharo but

not to Karachi.

Poverty has mostly been caused by the following

factors:

Scarcity of water, and untimely rainfall






Power Project Site


transport; Availability of water and

safe drinking water; Pattern of

disease and common ailments in

the area;

Availability of healthcare facilities,

and their performance, schools and

their performance; General living

conditions, occupation, professional

affiliation, type of family, Size of

family, Indigenous communities in

the area, ethnicity, Treatment of

disadvantaged communities.

Recurring drought

Low return from crop and livestock farming

Low wages from sand/gravel excavation

Low literacy rate

Lack of training

High population growth

Lack of access to employment in industrial

area

Increasing unemployment

High cost of healthcare

In individual interview and focus group

discussions, women identified the following

issues:

Need for a dispensary and Mother and Child

Healthcare Centre for the villages

Awareness on education

Access to vocational training centre for

women to earn through working at home

Establishment of industrial home type of

institution for production of hand made

goods

Gender discrimination

Compulsion to engagement in gravel

excavation to supplement their family

income

Fetching water from long distances, some

times more than once

Malnourishment.

Community Expectations from NBT-Zab Wind

Power (Pvt.) Ltd:

All respondents i.e. males as well as females

expect the following from the proposed project:

Safe drinking water**

Job Opportunity*

Healthcare centers particularly for

women and children**

Schools*

Vocational training

Black top link roads*

Poverty alleviation schemes*

Land development for suitable crops

Protection from drought

New income generating opportunities

like small business, and supply of goods

and services to the company and people






Power Project Site


working for the wind farm

** Highest Priority *High Priority

The resident population was confident that the

proposed wind power project would change their

lifestyle and they will enjoy better quality of life

and their young and future generation will not

live in poverty.

Table 6.3: List of Officials of Institutional Stakeholders

S. # Name Designation

1 Mr. Waqar H. Phulpoto Director Sindh EPA

2 Mr. S.M. Yahya Director General Sindh EPA

3 Local Representative Sindh Wildlife Department

4 Mr. Umeed Khalid World Wide Fund (WWF) Pakistan

5 Mr. Tahir Qureshi International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

6 Mr. Zia Uddin Director, Pakistan Meteorology Department (PMD)

Table 6.4: List of People Interviewed

S. # Names Information

1 Ali Baloch SZABIST Coordinator

2 Khamiso SZABIST Coordinator

3 Mola Bakhsh – wood cutter Jaffer Jokhio

4 Haji Abdul Karim (S/o Jaffer Jokhio) Jaffer Jokhio

5 Juma Jaffer Jokhio

6 Angara Jaffer Jokhio

7 Mehar Ali Jaffer Jokhio

8 Saleh Mohammad Jaffer Jokhio

9 Haider Jaffer Jokhio

10 Waqar Ahmed Jaffer Jokhio

11 Muhammad Hashim Jokhio Jaffer Jokhio

12 Bhai Khan Khaskheli Yusuf Khaskheli

13 Jamal Khaskheli Yusuf Khaskheli

14 Ms. Sahiba Yusuf Khaskheli



7.0 Environmental Management Plan

This Chapter presents an environmental management plan (EMP) as the implementation

mechanism to manage environmental and social issues and mitigation measures identified in

Chapter 5 on screening potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures.

7.1 Objectives of Environmental Management Plan

The EMP will help NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd, the Proponent in addressing the adverse

environmental impact of the project, enhance project benefits, and introduce standards of good

environmental practice. The primary objectives of the EMP are to:

Facilitate Owner/project sponsors corporate policy on environment

Define the responsibilities of project coordinators, contractors and other role players and

effectively communicate environmental issues among them.

Facilitate the implementation of mitigation measures identified in the EIA by providing the

technical details of each project impact, and providing an implementation schedule.

Define a monitoring mechanism and identify monitoring parameters to ensure that all

mitigation measures are completely and effectively implemented.

Ensure that after completion of Project, restoration of site and rehabilitation work will be

carried out

Required equipment and human resources for environmental monitoring and meeting

contingency plan objectives are in place and personnel are trained to meet accidents and

emergencies

7.2 Scope of EMP

This Environmental Management Plan has provided detailed strategy to be implemented for

achieving improved environmental performance in the following areas:

1. Environmental Management

2. Water Usages and Disposal

3. Recycling and Waste Management

4. Storm Water Management

5. Pollution Prevention/Environmental Risk Assessment

6. Bio-Diversity

7. Energy Management

8. Transport

9. Community Awareness

7.3 Components of EMP

The EMP consists of the following components:

1. Legislation and Guidelines

2. Organizational Structure and Responsibilities

3. Mitigation Plan

4. Environmental Monitoring Plan

5. Emergency Response and Contingency Plan

6. Communication and Documentation



7. Change Management

7.4 Legislation and Guidelines

The EIA for Wind Power Generation has discussed national and international legislation and

guidelines that are relevant to the project. NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd will ensure that the

key project management officials and staff and all its assigned and associated consultants and

contractors are aware of these legislations and guidelines prior to the start of the project

activities.

EIA Regulation: The project will be conducted in conformance with EIA regulation and

relevant international conventions and that guidance is sought from national and

international guidelines. An independent monitoring consultant will be appointed for the

project.

NEQS Requirements: The NEQS for industrial gaseous emissions, Motor Vehicle

Emissions and Noise levels, and Industrial and Municipal effluents will be followed

throughout the project activities and operation.

World Bank Guidelines: The World Bank guidelines will be followed in all such cases

where National guidelines have not been proposed. The project designers need to know

applicable bank requirements and the environmental implications of their design choices.

Protection of Wildlife & Endangered Species: The Wind Corridor in Dhabeji taluka is

wasteland having few trees on its area and hence offers no attraction for habitation to the

falcons or other highflying birds of concern to the project. As such they are only occasional

visitors to Gharo Wind Corridor. It will be necessary to monitor the number and type of

visiting bird species including the falcons, eagles and black kites during the pre-

construction and subsequent stages of the project. Mitigation measures for protection of the

spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha have been proposed and the same will

be adopted.

7.5 Organizational Roles and Responsibilities

NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd shall have its own Environmental Management System EMS

to ensure the implementation of EMP and Health and Safety Issues during construction and

maintenance.

The environmental management responsibilities will be assumed by its Project Manager and

his team members during construction and operations phase to:

Coordinate with relevant government departments

Identify and report changes in activities and services that may create new environmental

aspects

Collect and coordinate information regarding environmental aspects, and maintain records

related to environmental aspects and their impacts

Ensure construction work is carried out in an environmentally sound manner by the

Contractor by incorporating environmental compliance by appropriate provision in the

construction contract

Contractor will ensure compliance with the environmental management plan by way of

training of construction crews in all aspects of implementation of EMP.



7.6 Environmentally Sound & Safe Working Procedures

Contractors, sub-contractors and contract workers will be made aware of environmental

aspects and Emergency Response Plan prior to commencing the work. Prior to leaving the site

contractors, sub-contractors and contract workers will ensure that their work area is in safe

position. On emergency call they will report in assembly area. Written procedures or standards

will be prepared for all activities, where the absence of such procedures and standards could

result in not following HSE policy, the law or the contract.

Safe Working Procedures will be based on the following four aspects of job safety:

Safe Place: Work site will be designed and controls set up to ensure that working

environment provides no significant risk to personnel, property and the environment.

Safe Equipment: All equipment for any job, including tools, machinery and protective

equipment will be specified and/or designed to ensure that it poses no significant risk to

personnel, property or the environment. All equipment will comply with legislative

standards for conformity and test.

Safe Procedure: Procedures will be designed for all aspects of the job to facilitate safe use

of equipment at the work site to complete tasks with no significant risk to personnel,

property or the environment. Design of procedure will be based on step-by-step analysis of

the tasks involved (Job Safety Analysis), identification of associated hazards and

elimination of control of those hazards. Procedures should allow for work in ideal

conditions as well as under aggravating conditions e.g. adverse weather.

Trained Personnel: Suitable job-specific, safety skills and supervision training will be

provided to personnel involved in construction and operation activities so that they are able

to use the procedure and equipment at the worksite with no significant risk to personnel,

property and environment.

Safe Working Procedures will be available to contractors and sub-contractors, who will adopt

the relevant labor laws of the country.

7.7 Identification of Environmentally Safe Aspects

EMS will identify Environmental aspects at the initiation of activities at the site with regard to:

Emissions of fugitive dust and gaseous pollutants from vehicles and equipment,

Discharges of liquid effluent including oily waste and seepage to land, and water

Disposal of excavated material and solid waste to land, water and air

Noise

Consumption of natural resources and energy

Emergency releases

Fauna including high flying/straying birds, and Flora.

7.8 Environmental Assessment of Safe Procedures

After identifying the environmental aspects, the related impacts will be assessed and the

significance of each issue will be evaluated. Following aspects will be identified for evaluating

the impacts:

Parts of microenvironment impacted

Parts of macroenvironment impacted



Whether the impact is beneficial or damaging

Severity of impact

Frequency or likelihood of impact

Existing mitigation measures

Adequacy of mitigation measures

Concerns of stakeholders/interested parties

Regulatory requirements and their compliance

7.9 Impact rating

Impact rating will be assessed for each identified aspect to determine the significance as small,

medium and high intensity or non-significant.

7.9.1 Pre-Construction Phase

Following are likely to be the main activities at pre-construction phase:

Photographs of the project area will be taken for recording current status of environment to

compare with alterations introduced by the Project

Monitoring disturbance or alterations in the natural drainage of NBT-SZABIST Wind

Farm land, and soil erosion, if any

Number of approach routes to different facilities over the Wind farm and the powerhouse

will be minimized

Use of horns will be avoided

Soaking pits for waste water from campsites will be constructed and hazardous waste from

these pits will be treated during rehabilitation and restoration phase

Leakages and drips from operating vehicles and equipment will be attended to

immediately; vehicles with leaks will be restrained from operation at the site. All vehicles

will carry fire extinguishers

7.9.2 Environmental Aspects of Construction Activity

Construction activities at SZABIST land area for establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

would likely include the following main elements:

Location of campsite and field construction office

Land clearance,

Construction of site roads, turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind turbine location;

Construction of turbine tower foundations and transformer pads;

Installation of electrical collection system – underground and some overhead lines;

Assembly and erection of wind turbines;

Construction and installation of substation;

Plant commissioning and energizing.

The above activities would likely entail the following issues that may have impact on the

environment and require adoption of mitigation measures during the implementation phase:

Heavy weight and/or long trucks haulage

Surface sealing (WTG foundations)

Topsoil removal

Compressing of topsoil

Fuel storage



Concrete production

Waste disposal

Dust emission

Construction related noise

General conditions of construction site (visual)

Disturbance of fauna, including reptiles and resident birds

Impact on flora

Emergency response

Site rehabilitation.

7.9.3 Potential Impact of Construction Activity & Mitigation Measures

Construction at the proposed site of Wind Farm would not involve extensive land preparation

and the likely impact will be minor and not significant on the microenvironment i.e. SZABIST

land in taluka Dhabeji that has currently insignificant land use, while villages such as Jaffar

Jokhio goth and Nabi Bakhsh goth are outside the Project site.

Site preparation activities would include clearing, excavation, earth and fill movement;

transportation of towers, rotors, wind turbine sets and associated equipment to the site. The

said activities will lead to soil erosion resulting from removal of topsoil at the site, but to

improvement of its quality. The fugitive dust emission would be extensive because of

aridity of the soil. Dust emission due to other materials of construction will be controlled

through appropriate measures to reduce the level of impact to minor significance.

Temporary disturbance to the landscape will be limited to the microenvironment during

construction at site, turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind turbine location;

construction of turbine tower foundations and transformer pads; installation of electrical

collection system, including underground and overhead lines; assembly and erection of

wind turbines, and construction and installation of substations.

Formation of internal access tracks, foundation excavations, electrical trenching and other

site works will hardly be perceptible to the residents of villages in the neighborhood at

distances of over 1.5 km from the site. Estimates available from other sites show that 7 -

10% of the project area is temporarily disturbed for road and crane pad construction. At

completion of the project, the turbines, access tracks and associated equipment occupying

about 1% of the site area, will meaningfully add value to the wasteland at SZABIST in

taluka Dhabeji.

Co-habitation issues with existing wind farm operations will not require assessment and

negotiation with landowners.

Diesel and other petroleum products used for the operation of construction machinery and

transportation equipment would cause air pollution besides causing soil pollution through

oil spills. The impact from such activity would be of minor significance and would be


Water required for numerous construction activities would not be of such order as to result

in any significant impact on other beneficial water uses or its reduced availability for

functions of villages outside SZABIST land in taluka Dhabeji. Conservation practices

would nevertheless be adopted during the entire course of construction.

Noise, visual impact, flicker shadow and shadow impact will be limited to the

microenvironment comprising the allotted land.



No major operational impact is envisaged at the construction stage from the NBT-

SZABIST wind farm.

7.9.4 Potential Impacts at Operation Stage & Mitigation Measures

Environmental problems identified at the Operations stage of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

relate to:

Air quality and noise level changes due to operation of fleet of long vehicles, container

trucks and operation of mechanical equipment.

Visual Effects

Noise Effect

EMI Assessment

Flicker Effects


Flora



Operation of Wind Farm would not release air pollutants into the airshed, and wastewater

will be discharged into the soak pits after treatment.

Diesel and other petroleum products used for operation of mechanical equipment and

transportation vehicles may cause air pollution and also soil pollution through oil spills.

The impact from such activity would be of minor significance and would be controlled by

good housekeeping practices.

Noise emissions from the wind turbines at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site will have a

high level at the top but the same would attenuate with distance. The noise level at the

living areas at more than 1.5 km or 20 times the hub height will be within acceptable limits

of the World Bank Guidelines and the limits recently proposed by Federal EPA.


turbines will have no significant impact on the living area, located 1.5 km or 20 times the

hub height outside the Project area in Dhabeji.

Daily water requirement at the site during operation and wastewater discharges would not

be of such magnitude as to result in any significant impact on other beneficial water uses

or its reduced availability for the functions in the villages that are even otherwise outside

the operations area of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site. Conservation practices would

nevertheless be adopted during the entire course of construction.

Generation of solid and hazardous waste will be of small order and good housekeeping

practices will be adopted to reduce their impact.


wildlife reserve, or potential tourism sites that may need protection and hence no

mitigation measures need to be taken. Mitigation measures have been proposed for the

protection of the spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha and the straying high

flying birds. The number of the few Houbara bustard and high flying eagles and falcons

still around will be recorded during the pre-construction period. Mitigation measures such

as hiring the services of sharp shooters will be in place to stupefy the high-flying stray

birds and later on release them to safe environment.



Mitigation Plan: Mitigation plan as a key component of EMS lists all the potential impacts of

project activities and associated mitigation measures identified in the EIA. Mitigation measures

for different activities during different phases of the Project are as follows:

7.10 Environmental Management Programme

The following environmental aspects would require planned intervention by EMS for the Wind

Farm on NBT-SZABIST land in Dhabeji:

7.1 Design Phase: Location/Siting of Wind Farm on SZABIST land in Dhabeji

Project

Activity

Potential Hazards &

Environmental

Impacts

Proposed Mitigation Measures and Residual

impact

Institutional

Responsibilities

& Actions Taken

Site

Selection

Land Lease in

Gharo Wind

Corridor

Land use,

Resettlement of

Population

Relocation of assets

600 ha land at SZABIST in Dhabeji is part of

the Project. There are no issues relating to

existing land use and land tenure or on loss of

land, or loss of business. No involuntary

resettlement is consequently required and no

business is to be considered lost on the land.

There is no vegetation on wasteland of

SZABIST area in Dhabeji.

There are no sensitive assets of concern on the

SZABIST area in Dhabeji.

Design

Consultant

Accounted for in

the Land Lease

Seismic Activity

Changes in sub-soil

structure resulting

from Location of

campsite and field

construction office

Construction of

internal roads at site,

turn-around areas

and crane pads at

each wind turbine

location;

Construction of

turbine tower

foundations and

transformer pads;

Installation of

electrical collection

system –

underground and

some overhead

lines;

Assembly and

erection of wind

turbines;

Construction and

installation of

substation

IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly followed

Allowable bearing capacity to be adopted for

Seismic Zone 2A.

Temporary disturbance to the landscape

that will occur during construction of site

roads, turn-around areas and crane pads at

each wind turbine location; construction

of the turbine tower foundations and

transformer pads; installation of the

electrical collection system, including

underground and some overhead lines;

assembly and erection of the wind

turbines, and construction and installation

of the substation, will be limited to the

microenvironment.

Formation of internal access tracks,

foundation excavations, electrical

trenching and other site works will not be

visible to the residents of villages in the

neighborhood at a distance of over 1.5 km

or 20 time hub height from site. Estimates

from other sites show temporarily

disturbance over 7 - 10% of project area

for road and crane pad construction. On

completion of project, the turbines, access

tracks and associated equipment

occupying about 1% of the site area, will

meaningfully add value to the wasteland

at SZABIST area in Dhabeji.

Co-habitation issues with existing wind

farm operations will not require

assessment and negotiation with

landowners.

Diesel and other petroleum products used

for operation of construction machinery

and transportation equipment would cause

air pollution besides causing soil pollution

Design

Consultant

Will be

accounted for in

the Detailed

Design



through oil spills. The impact from such

activity would be of minor significance

and would be controlled by good

housekeeping practices.

Water required for numerous construction

activities would not result in any

significant impact on other beneficial

water uses or reduce its availability for

functions of villages outside Project area.

Conservation practices would nevertheless

be adopted during the entire course of

construction.

Noise, visual impact, flicker shadow and

shadow impact will be limited to the

microenvironment comprising the allotted

land.

No major operational impact is envisaged

at the construction stage from the NBT-

SZABIST wind farm.

Construction activity

induced Changes in

Ecology

Land use changes in ecology and Loss of

vegetation will be non-issue on the wasteland

of proposed NBT-SZABIST wind farm.

IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly followed

to minimize changes if any

Environmental

Consultant

Construction

Activity induced

Land Use Changes

Restoration of land after use Environmental

Consultant

7.2 Design Phase: Location of Utilities at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

Project

Activity

Potential Hazards

& Environmental

Impacts

Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional

Responsibilities & Actions

Taken

Safety on Access

Road, Construction

of site roads, turn-

around areas and

crane pads at each

wind turbine

location;

Construction of the

turbine tower

foundations and

transformer pads;

Installation of the

electrical collection

system –

underground and

some overhead

lines;

Assembly and

erection of the wind

turbines;

Construction and

installation of the

substation

IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly

followed

Incorporation of Safety provisions

The impacts from Wind Farm Project

during construction, and installation

of machinery and the resulting

emission of noise and gaseous

effluent, and wastewater discharges

during siting, construction and

operation of the Wind Farm Project

would be of small order and would be

of little significance at Project site or

its microenvironment and none in its

macroenvironment.

Environment

Specialist/Design Consultant

Design to include the on-site

facility in NBT-SZABIST

wind farm



Water Supply &

Drinking Water


followed

NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm would

have its share of water from the Gujju

Headwork that will have no

significant impact on the current

beneficial water uses in the area.

Environment


Detailed Designs to include

water supply and sewerage

system and standard septic

tanks at construction sites.

Slope Protection IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly

followed

Intersecting natural flow will be

diverted to protect foundations/piles

towards bandats for use in vegetation

Environment


Designs will provide for

directing surface flow away

from WTG foundation and

into bandats/temporary

reservoirs for subsequent use

in plantation.

Wastewater IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly

followed

Sewerage system for conveyance of

wastewater from construction sites to

septic tanks and separate arrangement

for sludge disposal to be provided at

campsite and residential area of

workers and officials at NBT-

SZABIST Wind Farm.

Provision of Gravel/Sand Bed for

passing Workshop/Yard wastes

containing oil & grease

Environment


Septic tanks will clarify the

wastewater by sludge

settlements and reduce BOD

with increased residence

time. Overflow from the

septic tank will flow into

standard soak pits.

Solid waste

Construction Waste


followed

Solid waste at camp & construction

sites will not be mixed with

hazardous waste and will not be

disposed of into open land or into the

dry wadis in the area.

Segregation at source and provision

of containers for conveyance to burn-

pit at construction sites.

Construction waste will be disposed

of in designated areas at borrow pits.

Environment Specialist/

Design Consultant

Positioning of containers and

burn pits will be provided for

in the furnishings.

Air Quality IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly

followed

The airshed of the NBT-SZABIST

Wind Farm is unpolluted. The dust

fall in the microenvironment is high

as a result of high aridity in the

airshed of the macroenvironment as

well as that of the site itself.

Design Consultant

Detailed Designs to account

for impact of high dust fall

Air Pollution IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly

followed

Air and noise pollution and other

forms of nuisance in the

microenvironment and

macroenvironment of site will be

mitigated by monitoring the level of

particulate matter and noise.

Air pollution due to fugitive dust

emission and operation of equipment

during construction will be controlled

by good housekeeping practices e.g.

sprinkling water.

Environment

Specialist/Supervision

Consultant

Implementation of EMP and

Monitoring Plan will ensure

mitigation of impact of air

pollution.



Noise Pollution IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly

followed

Noise from Wind turbines does not

generally exceed background noise

levels at a distance 7 rotor blade

diameter from the turbines (5 - 7 rotor

diameters is the conventional

separation from older versions of

turbines; noise footprint of newer

turbines is smaller).

No mitigation measures would be

necessary on siting the 2x50 MW

NBT-SZABIST wind farm at 1.5 Km

from any living/activity area.

Provision of ear plugs to personnel

working in areas with noise level

above 85 dB(A).

Environment


Implementation of EMP and

Monitoring Plan will ensure

mitigation of impact of noise

pollution.

7.3 Location & Management of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Facilities

Environmental

Issue

Requirement Mitigation Measures Institutional

Responsibilities & Actions Taken

Topsoil

Conservation

Management of

Project

facilities and

Conservation of

soil

IFC’s EHS Guidelines will

be strictly followed

Identification & inclusion

of siting in the overall

design of different activity

centers such as camp site,

borrow pits, WTG

foundation sites.

Environment Specialist/Design

Consultant

Design to include the on-site

facilities at NBT-SZABIST wind

farm.

Location &

Management of

Project Facilities

Management of

Project

facilities

IFC’s EHS Guidelines will

be strictly followed

The Design would ensure

that

Campsite is at 500 m

distance from living

area/village

Campsite does not hinder

movement of villagers

Construction wastes are

removed & disposed of in

designated burrow pits in

environmentally

sustainable manner

Excavation of 50 cm soil

for borrow area

Fugitive dust emission is

kept to the minimum

Site for storage of

construction waste is duly

restored after use

Borrow pits for waste

disposal at natural

depressions are provided

with impervious layer

Hazardous waste

including concrete waste,

if any is segregated &

disposed of into borrow

pits with impervious layer

and liner

Oil containers are in place

Environment Specialist/Design

Consultant/Contractor

Design to include the on-site facility

at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

and Contractor to implement the

mitigation measures duly

supervised by Supervision

Consultant and Environment

Specialist by implementation of

the EMP and Monitoring Plan.



for temporary storage of

lubricants

Soil contamination is

avoided

Walls are constructed and

suitably landscaped near

sensitive locations such as

schools, mosques and

graveyards for providing

sanctity to the structure

and protection against

noise pollution.

7.4 Pre-Construction Phase: Management of Land Use

Project Activity Potential Hazards &

Environmental Impacts

Proposed Mitigation

Measures

Institutional

Responsibilities

Mobilization of

contractor(s) and

pertinent

equipment and

machinery

Awareness on

Environmental Aspects

related to use of

equipment and

associated

environmental and

occupational health

hazards

IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be

strictly followed

Creation of awareness on

procedures of

o safety

o health

o environment

Provision of protective devices

for safety

Provision of protective

measures for workers

Contractor

Mobilization of

project

equipment and

materials

Awareness on Aspects

related to use of

equipment and

associated

environmental and

occupational health

hazards


strictly followed


for safety



Contractor

Establishment

and operation of

construction

camps

Awareness on Aspects

of environmental,

occupational health &

safety


strictly followed

Provision of jobs for locals


for safety



Contractor

1.1 Pre-Construction Phase: Land Preparation

Initiation of

activities at site

Stony Wasteland,

scanty vegetation


strictly followed

Take cognizance of stony

wasteland.

Contractor/supervised

by HSE Manager

Construction

activities at site

Operation of heavy

equipment, Noise,

Fugitive dust emission

Gaseous emission from

construction equipment

Accidents


strictly followed

Safe Working Procedures;

Environmentally Sound

Standard Operating

Procedures

Emergency Response Plan


by HSE Manager

Topsoil

Conservation

Stony wasteland

Topsoil sandy


strictly followed

Implement good housekeeping

and environmentally sound

standard management

practices


by HSE Manager



Environmental

Enhancement Re-

vegetation and

Plantation

Damages done to arid

ecosystem by natural and

man-made activities

including sand/ & gravel

excavation/ stone

crushing /wood cutting

& transportation


strictly followed

Rainwater harvesting and

using the water accumulation

for re-vegetation and

Establishment of Biodiversity

Park specific to arid zone

environment.


by HSE Manager

Management of

Drainage System

Damages done by

construction activity to

drainage system, and

structures, and likely

impact during

construction


strictly followed

Take cognizance of arid/stony

wasteland that is sandy

Avoid location of Camps and

access tracks/internal roads on

land sloping towards the wadis

Campsite will not be

established in the vicinity of

water supply sources to village

in the surrounding.

Maintenance of vehicles and

other equipment will be

allowed only in designated

areas underlain with concrete

slabs and a system to catch

runoff.

Washing of vehicles will be

restricted.


by HSE Manager

Protection of

Cultural &

Community

Owned assets

Adverse impact of

siting campsites


strictly followed

Camps, access tracks, and

other project sites will avoid

cultural and community

owned assets.

No campsite will be

established in the vicinity of

cultural sites and community

owned assets.

Land development will not

require resettlement of

population or relocation of

structures.


by HSE Manager

7.5 NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Environmental Management Programme

Project Activity Potential Hazards

& Environmental

Impacts

Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional

Responsibilities

Emergency

Medical Aid

Services

Emergency

Management


strictly followed

Establishment of emergency First

Aid system

Provision of speedy transportation

system staffed by trained Medical

Technicians

Adoption and implementation of

fire/emergency/contingency plans

Ambulance to be

provided at the

Construction site

HSE Manager to

implement Emergency

Management Plan and

Disaster Management

Plan

Environmental

Awareness

Creation of

awareness on

procedures of

safety

health

environment


strictly followed


for safety

Provision of protective measures

for workers

HSE Manager



Environmental

Management

Services

Availability of

campsite

environmental

management

services


strictly followed


environmental services plans,

including:

Best Management of Road

construction Environment

Best Ground & Housekeeping

Management Practices

Professional on-site management

and support resources

Assurance of access to

emergency services at NBT-

SZABIST WTG Units

HSE Manager

Emergency

Management

Availability of

emergency services


strictly followed

Establishment of emergency

systems



HSE Manager

Disaster

Management

Keeping prepared

for disaster


strictly followed

Establishment of Contingency

Plan for WTG units

Preparedness for Disaster &

Implementation of


HSE Manager

7.11 Emergency Response Plan

NBT-SZABIST-EMS would implement its own Emergency Response Plan during the pre-

construction and construction stages. The Emergency Response Plan during the construction

period will be managed and monitored by the NBT-SZABIST -EMS Emergency Response

Team. The Response team will ensure that the operations are carried out in minimal time

avoiding any fire, safety and security hazard and affecting the environment. The team will be in

readiness to adopt the following procedure:

Evaluation of the situation to identify the most important steps, which must be taken first

and can have an important bearing on the overall action to be taken.

Deployment of required manpower and equipment.

Organizing required logistical support so that there are no bottlenecks hampering the

operation.

See to it that injured persons are cared for.

Respond to calls for ambulances for shifting the injured persons to neighborhood

hospitals/healthcare units and if necessary to DHQ Hospital Thatta.

Isolate all sources of ignition and environmental hazard.

Evacuation of people who are in immediate or imminent danger. Response Team and/or

in-charge of the Campsite will exert positive leadership and give instructions calmly,

firmly, explicitly, and courteously and obtain help of law enforcement agencies, if

necessary.

Block approach roads if necessary for safety of operations.

Arrange for emergency notifications of water shed areas, public utilities, and the like to

safeguard the public and property.



Surveillance and monitoring operations.

Retrieval and disposal of earth/debris and resources affected by the hazard at appropriate

site.

Termination of clean-up operation.

7.12 Training and Exercises

To ensure effective implementation of the Emergency Response plan, training programs for

Disaster response personnel will be organized regularly in collaboration with wind farms in the

neighborhood. The training program will aim at:

Maintaining the plan and working document to be fully operational.

Inform the Response Team members and other relevant personnel of their respective duties

and procedures to be followed.

Familiarize all relevant personnel with the use of equipments.

The training program will be structured according to the level of responsibility of the

participants:

Classroom instructions as well as field demonstration will be conducted.

Regular operational exercise/drills will be conducted to ensure that the response

organization and other components detailed in the plan function effectively and

Response Team members and other relevant personnel assigned specific responsibilities

become fully familiar.

7.13 Environmental Monitoring Program

Monitoring of different activities will be required to assess the impacts of activities during

construction and operation on the environment. For this purpose NBT-SZABIST-EMS will

establish its own unit to:

Coordinate with other units

Follow the monitoring frequency of selected parameters as per the monitoring plan given

in the following Table.

Record all non-conformities observed and report them along with actions to Project

Manager for further action.

Report any impact anticipated along with recommendations for further action.

Contractor shall take note of the recommendations relating to issues arising during monitoring

of construction activities. The following Tables show the checklist of actions for monitoring

different environmental Aspect during the Construction and Operations Phases of the Project:

7.6: Monitoring Plan

Stage Monitoring

areas

Location of

monitoring Parameters to monitor

Documentation &

Monitoring

Frequency

Const

ruct

ion &

Oper

atio

n

Ecological

Conditions

Access Road to

Wind Mast, and

Access Rd from

Wind Farm to

Powerhouse

Visual analysis and

observations on flora and fauna

for loss of biodiversity,

recording number of trees lost,

animals hunted/killed and

number of visiting birds,

hunted, killed, stupefied &

saved

Quarterly



7.6: Monitoring Plan

Stage Monitoring

areas

Location of

monitoring Parameters to monitor

Documentation &

Monitoring

Frequency

Const

ruct

ion

Water Sampling points at

campsite,

powerhouse;

Water analysis for following

parameters:

pH

Dissolved Oxygen

Total suspended solids

Common ions

Oil & grease

Coliform count

Quarterly

Const

ruct

ion

Wastewater Outlet of the

wastewater

treatment system

Wastewater analysis for the

following parameters:

pH

Total suspended solids

DO

BOD

Oil & grease

Quarterly

Const

ruct

ion Solid Waste

(Kitchen)

Collection,

handling and

disposal to

designated

areas/borrow pits

Observations on solid waste

type, quantity and disposal

arrangement

Quarterly

Solid Waste

Quarterly

Const

ruct

ion Air quality 15 meters distance

from activity area

Parameters to monitor include:

CO

SPM

SO2

NOx

i. Before beginning

of construction

ii. Monthly during

construction

iii. Quarterly during

operations

End o

f

Const

ruct

ion

Restoration of

sites

All excavation sites

& Borrow pits Visual Observations

Status Report for

Completion of

Construction

Oper

atio

ns

Accidental

risk at site

NBT-SZABIST area

in UC Dhabeji

Visual Observations

Recording accidents during

operation of WTG &

equipment

Quarterly

Oper

atio

ns

Noise

Activity areas

Wind Farm

Powerhouse

Filter Plant

Access Road

Noise intensity measurement

Quarterly

Const

ruct

ion

& O

per

atio

ns

Occupational

Safety

Installation of

Machinery and

equipment

Operations areas

Visual observations and

Recording hazard/accident

Quarterly



8.0 Findings, Recommendations & Conclusion

8.1 Summary of Findings

Overall assessment of the environmental aspects and screening of potential impacts of the

proposed activities pertaining to establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm in Taluka

Dhabeji finds that:

NBT-SZABIST site in the Gharo Wind Corridor is the preferred alternative and ideally

suited for establishment of the Wind Farm for wind classes 4-5.

An appropriate number of wind turbine generators (WTGs) will be sited on the 600

hectare land area, with each WTG spaced at optimum distances apart following the annual

maximum wind direction.

There are no issues on land acquisition, loss of land, or loss of business; no involuntary

resettlement will be required.

Noise emissions from the wind turbines at NBT-SZABIST site may have a high level at

the top but the same will attenuate with distance. The noise level at the living areas at more

than 1.5 km or in excess of one rotor diameter equivalents will be within acceptable limits

of the World Bank Guidelines and the limits recently proposed by Federal EPA.


turbines will have no significant impact on the living area, located 1.5 km from the NBT-

SZABIST wind farm.

Detailed design will give due consideration to location of the WTG close to the living area

at Filter Plant Colony and Khaskheli goth and site them to maintain a distance of over 1.6

km. At this distance, the noise from the wind turbine attenuates to acceptable levels, while

the visibility, shadow flicker and shadow effects are not an annoyance but curiosity.

The induced impact on operation of the wind turbines on the microenvironment will be

monitored through environmental management plan, environmental monitoring plan and

the IFC’s HSE Guidelines, and mitigated, if necessary by adoption of suitable measures at

the site.

Piles for the foundations of WTG towers would be laid at depth of bedrock, which are hard

and pose minimum risk to the liquefaction threat during major (> 7 on Richter Scale)

earthquake.

Precious ecology of the microenvironment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will be

protected. The land being stony wasteland has no worthwhile vegetation. A few patches of

dead wood and dried up shrubs may have to be removed towards land clearance but the

same will have only minor impact on the environment.





flying birds including the black kites, a few eagles and very few falcons. The NBT-

SZABIST land is not a habitat for the Houbara bustard, nor is it a site for trophy hunting

by the sheikhs of the Emirates. High flying black kites do abound near the poultry farms

outside the NBT-SZABIST land.

The number of the few Houbara bustard and high flying eagles and falcons still around

will be recorded during the pre-construction, construction and operation phases. Mitigation



measures such as hiring the services of sharp shooters will be in place to stupefy the high-

flying stray birds and later on release them to safe environment.

Due vigilance will be kept for protecting the wildlife that may still be there.

Adoption of mitigation measures identified for different stages of the project will be keenly

monitored to further enhance the environmental performance of the ZWPL-SZABIST

Wind Farm.

Assessment of impact of activities during construction processes and operation stages at the

NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site in Taluka Dhabeji shows that the impacts will be of temporary

nature and small order. They are not expected to have any significant adverse impacts on the

microenvironment and macroenvironment of the Project. The minor impacts resulting from

said activities or operation of facilities would be mitigated.

8.2 Recommendations

EIA of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm has identified the key environmental aspects that need

to be attended to. Mitigation measures for the likely impact have been suggested. General

specification/details have been worked out in respect of type of structures, grade of concrete,

and all other materials of construction for the Construction Phase of NBT-SZABIST Wind

Farm.

It is recommended that:

The structures and materials conform to recommended standards and follow standard

practice of civil works.

Environmentally sound materials and goods are selected, with priority being accorded to

products meeting national and international standards.

Traditionally well-tried materials are chosen for provision of utilities services in the

Project.

Temporary inconveniences due to construction works are minimized through planning and

coordination with local population and organizations in the neighborhood.

The foundations of the wind turbine towers are of concrete on bearing soil. Bearing

capacity, settlement, static and dynamic loading conditions are determined while seismic

conditions pertain to placement of the site in zone 2A (Moderate to High hazards) and

taken into account in the working designs that will submitted for approval.

The stability of soil is verified before laying the foundations of the wind turbines.

No resettlement of population or relocation of structures will be involved since the wind

farm has been so designed as to have living area of the Filter Plant Colony and other

villages clearly outside the corridor of impact of the row of wind turbines on the 600

hectare SZABIST land. The stakeholders have been consulted in this connection and the

village representatives have assured of unhindered completion of the Project.

Environmental Performance Monitoring will be an integral part of the Project to ensure

environmental safeguards.

8.3 Conclusions

Review of Guidelines for classification of polluted and unpolluted sites with respect to their

airshed, watershed, soil, sensitivity of ecosystem including fauna, flora, wildlife, aquatic life,

historical and archaeological sites and their values, along with assessment of impact by using

the “Checklist of actions affecting environment and significance of their impact” has been used



in this EIA Study for assessment of impact of different activities for establishment of NBT-

SZABIST Wind Farm. The review process finds that:

The impacts from Wind Farm Project during construction, and installation of machinery

and the resulting emission of noise and gaseous effluent, and wastewater discharges during

siting, construction and operation of the Wind Farm Project would be of small order and

would be of little significance at the site or microenvironment and none in the

macroenvironment.

Estimates on net saving in terms of air pollutants clearly suggest that operation of the NBT-

SZABIST Wind Farm would be economically viable and environment friendly.

No untreated wastewater would be discharged from the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm.

Initiatives will be taken to harvest rainwater by channelizing it into dyked ponds for

subsequent use in plantation.

Noise emissions from the wind turbines at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site will have a

high level at the top and will attenuate with distance. The noise level at the living areas at

more than 1.5 km or three times the required distance of one rotor diameter equivalents

will be within acceptable limits of the World Bank Guidelines and the limits recently

proposed by Federal EPA.

The level of emissions and discharges suggests that Wind Farm operations will have no

significant impact either on its microenvironment that includes the proposed site for Wind

Farm, or on its macroenvironment that includes the small cluster of settlement.

Screening of potential environmental impacts at the different stages viz. siting, construction,

installation of machinery and equipment and finally operation, leads to the conclusion that:

The wasteland at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm has remained an isolated component of the

ecosystem of Lower Sindh for a long time. Location of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will

comprise value -addition to the wasteland, besides having no significant impact on the

micro and macroenvironment, will not degrade the ecology of the stony wasteland in

Dhabeji taluka.


turbines will have no significant impact on the living area, located 1.5 km or three times

the required distance of seven rotor diameter equivalents outside the NBT-SZABIST Wind

Farm. The induced impact on operation of the wind turbines on the microenvironment will

be monitored through environmental management plan, environmental monitoring plan

and the IFC’s HSE Guidelines, and mitigated, if necessary by adoption of suitable

measures at the site.





flying birds. The number of the few Houbara bustard and high flying eagles and falcons

still around will be recorded during the pre-construction period. Mitigation measures such

as hiring the services of sharp shooters will be in place to stupefy the high-flying stray

birds and later on release them to safe environment. This is already one of the conservation

practices to safe the wildlife in India. In order to implement the proposed mechanism

Sindh Wildlife Department will be taken onboard so that appropriate steps are taken to

save the wildlife from extinction.



Finding of archaeological artifacts during the construction phase will be immediately

reported to the Department of Archaeology, Sindh.

The proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm, when commissioned, would add value to the

otherwise wasteland on the north of National Highway N5 in Taluka Dhabeji and become

an integral part of the macroenvironment of Taluka Dhabeji.

This EIA Study finds that the value-addition characteristics of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm

would respond to the principles of sustainable development that aim at “socially equitable and

economically viable development to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the Earth,

without altering the balance in the ecosystem”.

The Study therefore recommends that the EIA Report should be approved with the provision

that the suggested mitigation measures will be adopted and the Environmental Management

Plan will be followed in letter and spirit.



Exhibit: Photographs of the Survey

EIA Team during survey Site View

Flora at the Site Flora at the Site

Hazrat Ismail Shah Ghous Qutubuddin Baba Sewing/Cutting Training Center

Gharo Filter Plant Wind mast




Topography of the area Goth Deen Muhammad Marri

Local people involved in cutting trees Mouse Hole

Primary School Eid Gah

Mosque Live stock




Approach to site Noise monitoring near railway line

Consultation with proponent Consultation with Yousuf Khaskheli Villagers

Consultation with Goth Jaffer Jokhio Villagers Consultation with Goth Jaffer Jokhio Villagers

Consultation with locals Consultation with locals

Documents

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (EIA of NBT-Zab Wind... · Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Proposed 100 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project 1 Environmental Management