Government of Nepal Ministry of Physical Planning and Works Department of ... - World Bankdocuments.worldbank.org/curated/pt/839401468324847316/... · 2016-07-17 · Department of

Government of Nepal Ministry of Physical Planning and Works

Department of Roads

ROAD SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (New Project Preparation and Supervision Services)

(IDA GRANT NO: H339 – NEP)

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION STUDY REPORT FOR UPGRADING OF

CHHINCHU (POKHARE)-DEVISTHAL-JAJARKOT (Chainage: km 26+000– km 107+200)

MMM Group Ltd. (Canada)

in JV with SAI Consulting Engineers (P) Ltd. (India)

in association with ITECO Nepal (P) Ltd. (Nepal) &

Total Management Services (Nepal)

August 2010

DRAFT

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Initial Environmental Examination Study Report August 2010 Chhinchu (Pokhare)-Devisthal To Jajarkot Section

Road Sector Development Project, (IDA Grant No: H339-NEP) New Project Preparation & Supervision Page ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INSTITUTION PREPARING THE REPORT 1-1

1.1 Proponent and Address .................................................................................... 1-1

1.1.1 Name of Proposal ................................................................................................ 1-1 1.1.2 Proponent and Address ....................................................................................... 1-1 1.1.3 Consultant ............................................................................................................ 1-1

2. SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL ................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Objective of the Proposal .................................................................................. 2-1

2.2 Relevancy of the Proposal ................................................................................ 2-1

2.3 Anticipated Impacts by the Proposed Project .................................................... 2-1

2.3.1 Impact on Land Use ............................................................................................. 2-1 2.3.2 Impact on the Environment, Impact on Human Life, and Population Pressure .. 2-1

2.4 IEE Study Methodology .................................................................................... 2-2

2.4.1 Desk Review ........................................................................................................ 2-3 2.4.2 Collection and review of secondary sources of information from various sources2-3 2.4.3 Initial interaction and consultation with the local community and district level

stakeholders ..................................................................................................... 2-3 2.4.4 Preparation of project specific checklist .............................................................. 2-3 2.4.5 Field Survey ......................................................................................................... 2-3 2.4.6 Compilation of existing information, impact identification and prediction ............ 2-3 2.4.7 Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Plan ........................................................... 2-4 2.4.8 Public consultation and disclosure ...................................................................... 2-4 2.4.9 The Final Report .................................................................................................. 2-4

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL ............................................................. 3-1

3.1 Type of Proposal .............................................................................................. 3-1

3.1.1 Salient Features ................................................................................................... 3-1 3.1.2 Type of Goods to be Delivered ............................................................................ 3-2 3.1.3 Proposal’s Capacity ............................................................................................. 3-2 3.1.4 Materials To be Used ........................................................................................... 3-2 3.1.5 Potential Emission Resulting from Implementation of the Proposal .................... 3-3 3.1.6 Energy to be Used ............................................................................................... 3-3 3.1.7 Detail on the Technology ..................................................................................... 3-3 3.1.8 Manpower Requirement ...................................................................................... 3-3 3.1.9 Resources Requiremention of the proposal ........................................................ 3-3

4. DETAILED PARTICULARS OF THE AREA WHERE THE PROJECT IS TO BE

IMPLEMENTED ...................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1 Physical and Cultural Environment ................................................................... 4-1

4.1.1 Road Environment ............................................................................................... 4-1 4.1.2 Topography .......................................................................................................... 4-1 4.1.3 Geology and Soils ................................................................................................ 4-2 4.1.4 Landslide and Slope Stability ............................................................................... 4-3 4.1.5 Source of Construction Materials......................................................................... 4-3 4.1.6 Land Use .............................................................................................................. 4-5 4.1.7 Climate ................................................................................................................. 4-5 4.1.8 Hydrology ............................................................................................................. 4-5 4.1.9 Air, Noise and Water Quality ............................................................................... 4-6 4.1.10 Religious Activities ............................................................................................... 4-6

4.2 Biological Environment ..................................................................................... 4-6

4.2.1 Conservation Status ............................................................................................ 4-6


Road Sector Development Project, (IDA Grant No: H339-NEP) New Project Preparation & Supervision Page iii

4.2.2 Vegetation ............................................................................................................ 4-6 4.2.3 Community Forests .............................................................................................. 4-6 4.2.4 NTFP .................................................................................................................... 4-7 4.2.5 Useful Plants ........................................................................................................ 4-7 4.2.6 Terrestrial Wildlife ................................................................................................ 4-7 4.2.7 Protected and Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna .................................... 4-8

4.3 Socio-Economic Environment ........................................................................... 4-8

4.3.1 Population and Demography ............................................................................... 4-8 4.3.2 Ethnic Group ........................................................................................................ 4-9 4.3.3 Migration .............................................................................................................. 4-9 4.3.4 Settlement and Housing Patterns ...................................................................... 4-10 4.3.5 Occupation and Livelihoods ............................................................................... 4-10 4.3.6 Agriculture and Food security ............................................................................ 4-10 4.3.7 Human Resources ............................................................................................. 4-11 4.3.8 Literacy and Education ...................................................................................... 4-11 4.3.9 Health Status ..................................................................................................... 4-12 4.3.10 Water Supply and Sanitation ............................................................................. 4-12 4.3.11 Energy and Electricity ........................................................................................ 4-13 4.3.12 Markets .............................................................................................................. 4-14 4.3.13 Income and Expenditure .................................................................................... 4-14 4.3.14 Status of Women & Disadvantaged Group ........................................................ 4-14

5. REVIEW OF ACTS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES ............................... 5-1

5.1 INTERIM CONSTITUTION OF NEPAL (latest amendments) ............................ 5-1

5.2 PLANS AND POLICIES .................................................................................... 5-1

5.3 Acts and Rules ................................................................................................. 5-1

5.3.1 Local Self-Governance Act, 1999 ........................................................................ 5-1 5.3.2 Labor Act, 1992 (first amendment 1998) and Rule, 1994 ................................... 5-1 5.3.3 Environmental Protection Act 1996 and Environmental Protection Rules 1997

(latest amendments) ........................................................................................ 5-2 5.3.4 Public Road Act, 1974 ......................................................................................... 5-2 5.3.5 Forest Act, 1993 and the Forest Rules, 1995 ...................................................... 5-2 5.3.6 National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 and the Soil and Watershed

Conservation Act, 1982 .................................................................................... 5-2 5.3.7 Soil and Watershed Conservation Act, 1982 ....................................................... 5-2 5.3.8 Explosive Material Act, 1961 ............................................................................... 5-3 5.3.9 Land Acquisition Act, 2034 (1977) (latest amendments) ..................................... 5-3 5.3.10 Water Resources Act 1992 .................................................................................. 5-3 5.3.11 Nepal Drinking Water Corporation Act 1989 ....................................................... 5-3 5.3.12 Aquatic Animal Protection Act 1961 (latest amendments) .................................. 5-3

5.4 Environmental Guidelines ................................................................................. 5-3

5.4.1 Reference Manual for Environmental and Social Aspects of Integrated Road Development, MPPW/DoR, 2003 .................................................................... 5-3

5.4.2 Environmental Management Guidelines, GESU/DoR, July, 1999 ....................... 5-4 5.4.3 Guideline for road Corridor and Alignment Selection .......................................... 5-4 5.4.4 Other Guidelines and Manuals ............................................................................ 5-4

6. IMPACT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSAL ON THE

ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................... 6-1

6.1 Socio-economic Impact .................................................................................... 6-1

6.1.1 Beneficial ............................................................................................................. 6-1 6.1.2 Operation Stage ................................................................................................... 6-2

6.2 Adverse Impact ................................................................................................. 6-4

6.2.1 Construction Stage .............................................................................................. 6-4

ii. Physical and Cultural Impact ................................................................................... 6-4


Road Sector Development Project, (IDA Grant No: H339-NEP) New Project Preparation & Supervision Page iv

6.2.2 Operation Phase .................................................................................................. 6-7

7. ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS ............................................................................. 7-1

7.1 Design and Construction Approach .................................................................. 7-1

7.2 Project Site ( Route) ......................................................................................... 7-1

7.3 Time Schedule .................................................................................................. 7-1

7.4 Raw Materials (Resource) to be Used .............................................................. 7-1

7.5 No Action Option .............................................................................................. 7-1

7.6 Proposal alternatives ........................................................................................ 7-1

8. MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................................... 8-3

8.1 Mitigation Measures During Design Phase ....................................................... 8-3

8.2 Route Selection ................................................................................................ 8-3

8.3 Detailed Survey and Design ............................................................................. 8-3

8.4 Land and Property Acquisition and Compensation............................................ 8-3

8.5 Benefit Augmentation Measures ....................................................................... 8-4

8.5.1 Construction Stage .............................................................................................. 8-4 8.5.2 Operation Stage ................................................................................................... 8-4

8.6 Adverse Impact Mitigation Measures ................................................................ 8-5

8.6.1 Construction Phase ............................................................................................. 8-5 8.6.2 Operation Phase .................................................................................................. 8-6 8.6.3 Construction Phase ............................................................................................. 8-7

8.7 Biological Environment ................................................................................... 8-11

8.7.1 Construction Phase ........................................................................................... 8-11 8.7.2 Operation Phase ................................................................................................ 8-12

8.8 Chemical Environment .................................................................................... 8-13

8.8.1 Construction Phase ........................................................................................... 8-13

9. ENVIRONNEMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN (EMAP) ................... 9-1

9.1 Environmental Management Roles and Responsibility ..................................... 9-1

9.2 Site Supervision, Monitoring and reporting ....................................................... 9-2

9.2.1 Pre-Construction Phase Monitoring ..................................................................... 9-3 9.2.2 Construction Phase Monitoring............................................................................ 9-3 9.2.3 Post-Construction Phase ..................................................................................... 9-4 9.2.4 Operation Phase .................................................................................................. 9-4

9.3 Project Level Monitoring ................................................................................... 9-4

9.4 DoR Level Monitoring ....................................................................................... 9-5

9.5 Monitoring and Evaluation ................................................................................ 9-5

9.6. Responsible Monitoring Agencies ................................................................... 9-10

9.7. Environmental Management Plan ................................................................... 9-10

Beneficial Measures ................................................................................................. 9-13

9.8. Cost for Executing the Environmental Management Act Plan ......................... 9-25

9.8.1. Specific Cost Details .......................................................................................... 9-25 9.8.2. Summary Costs for Environmental and Social Safeguard Measures ............... 9-26

10. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................ 10-1


Road Sector Development Project, (IDA Grant No: H339-NEP) New Project Preparation & Supervision Page v

FIGURES Fig. 9.6.1: Environmental Management Organizational Structure ............................................ 9-10

TABLES Table 3.1: Salient Feature of the Project ...................................................................................... 3-1 Table 3.2: Summary of Quantities of Materials Estimated to carry out the Project ..................... 3-2 Table 4.1: Abundance and Suitability of Materials ....................................................................... 4-4 Table 4.2: Details of water bodies along the road alignment ....................................................... 4-6 Table 4.3.1.1: Population Composition of the Affected Districts .................................................. 4-8 Table 4.3.1.2: Population Composition of the Affected VDCs ...................................................... 4-8 Table 4.3.2.1: Ethnic Composition (%) ......................................................................................... 4-9 Table 4.3.5.1: Occupational Status (%) ...................................................................................... 4-10 Table 4.3.6.1: Food Security Status of Project VDCs (%) .......................................................... 4-10 Table 4.3.7.1: Available Manpower in the Project VDCs............................................................ 4-11 Table 4.3.9.1: Health Institution in the Project VDCs ................................................................. 4-12 Table 4.3.10.1: Drinking Water and Sanitation Services the Project VDCs (%) ........................ 4-13 Table 4.3.11.1: Energy Sources in the Project VDCs (%) .......................................................... 4-13 Table 6.2.1.1.: Beneficial and Adverse environmental impact ..................................................... 6-9 Table 9.1.1 : Role and Responsibility for implementing the EMAP .............................................. 9-1 Table 9.2.1: Monitoring Indicators Selected for this IEE .............................................................. 9-2 Table 9.5.1: Compliance Monitoring for the Chinchu_Jajarkot Road Upgrading Works ............ 9-5 Table 9.5.2: Impact / Effect Monitoring for the Chinchu_Jajarkot Road Upgrading Works ......... 9-8 Table 9.7.1 Framework for implementing environmental management plan ............................. 9-12 Table 9.8.1.1: Costs for Plantation ............................................................................................. 9-25 Table 9.8.1.2: Costs for Environmental Monitoring .................................................................. 9-26 Table 9.8.2.1: Summary costs for Environmental and social Safegurad ................................... 9-26

APPENDIX:

Appendix-I: Location Map and geological map Appendix II: Site Photographs Appendix III: Approved TOR Appendix IV:Public Notice And Muchulka Appendix V: Recommendation Letter Appendix VI: List of person Consulted Appendix VII: List of flora and fauna Appendix VIII: Details on community forest Appendix IX: List of community structure within corridor of impact Appendix X: Questionnaire Used Appendix XI: Landslide Details Appendix XII: Environmental Management Plan format


Road Sector Development Project, (IDA Grant No: H339-NEP) New Project Preparation & Supervision Page vi

ABBREVIATION/ACRONYMS USED

ADB Asian Development Bank AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome APs Affected Peoples B/C Benefit/Cost BOQ Bill of Quantities CBO Community Based Organization CBS Central Bureau of Statistics CDO Chief District Officer CFC Compensation Fixation Committee CFUG Community Forest User Group CGI Corrugated Iron CH Chainage (km) CMS Consolidated Management Service Nepal (P) Ltd. DADO District Agriculture Dev Office dB (A) Decibel (A) DDC District Development Committee DFO District Forest Office DHV DHV Consultants, the Netherlands DoR Department of Roads DWSC Department of Watershed and Soil Conservation EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EPA Environmental Protection Act EPR Environmental Protection Regulation FGD Focus Group Discussion FRCU Foreign Cooperation Unit-, DoR FS Feasibility Study FY Fiscal Year GDP Gross Domestic Product GESU Geo-Environmental and Social Unit GI Galvanized Iron GIS Geographical Information System GNP Gross National Product GoN Government of Nepal GRC Grievance Redress Committee HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus I/NGO International/Non-Governmental Organization IEE Initial Environmental Examination LFB Local Forum of Beneficiaries MOEST Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology MoPPW Ministry of Physical Planning and Works Msl Mean Sea Level mt Metric Ton NPC National Planning Commission NTFP Non Timber Forest Product PAF Project Affected Family PAP Project Affected People RAP Resettlement Action Plan RCC Reinforced Cement Concrete RM Running Meter RMDP Road Maintenance and Development Project RoW Right of Way RRA Rapid Rural Appraisal SIA Social Impact Assessment SILT SILT Consultants (P) Ltd.


Road Sector Development Project, (IDA Grant No: H339-NEP) New Project Preparation & Supervision Page vii

SLC School Leaving Certificate (Class 10) SRN Strategic Road Network STD Sexually Transmitted Disease SWRP & PIP Sector Wide Road Programme and Priority Investment Plan Study ToR Terms of Reference VDC Village Development Committee TSP Total Suspended Particulates vpd Vehicles per day WB The World Bank


Road Sector Development Project, (IDA Grant No: H339-NEP) New Project Preparation & Supervision Page 1-1

1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INSTITUTION PREPARING THE REPORT

1.1 Proponent and Address

1.1.1 Name of Proposal

The name of the Proposal is ‘Initial Environmental Examination of Chinchu-Pokhare-Jajarkot Road Section under Upgrading Works in Salyan,Surkhet and Jajarkot District , ‘MWDR’

1.1.2 Proponent and Address

The Proponent is the Planning and Design Branch, Geo Environment and Social Unit, Department of Roads. The Department of Roads (DoR) is the leading agency for road development under Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MoPPW) and is responsible for translating government policies for the road sub-sector into the provision of services. The services it provides include planning, design, construction and maintenance of the Strategic Road Network, and provisions to ensure a reasonable level of safety for all road users.

The address of Proponent is: Planning and Design Branch,

Geo-Environment and Social Unit,

Department of Roads,

Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal

Telephone Number: 4262693 #104, and #139;

Fax Number: 4262993.

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

1.1.3 Consultant

The consultants of the Road Sector Development Project (New Project Preparation and Supervision) are MM Group Limited Canada in JV with SAI Consulting Engineers (P) Ltd India in association ITECO Nepal (P) Ltd and Total Management Services Nepal

mailto:[email protected]



2. SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL

2.1 Objective of the Proposal

The objective of the proposal is to upgrade the existing Chinchu- jajarkot Road Section following the design standards developed for feeder roads by the Department of Roads (DoR). The upgrading works will include widening of the road to a formation of up to 4.5 m, geometric and grade improvements, improvements in slope stability through application of bio-engineering and upgrading the surface to sealed gravel standard.

2.2 Relevancy of the Proposal

The proposed Chinchu_ Jajarkot Road is one of the six roads to be upgraded under the Road Sector Development Project additional financing. The proposed upgrading works to provide seal gravel standards which will further provide smoother, faster and comfortable access eliminating awesome travel journey over the fair weather road surface with an improved reliability road serviceability. An IEE of the proposed road is necessary in order to assess the environmental consequences of the proposed rural road rehabilitation and construction activities and suggest appropriate, practical and site specific mitigation and enhancement measures. It is a legal requirement by the Government of Nepal (GoN) according to article 3 of Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1997 and rule 3 of Environment Protection Rules (EPR) 1997 (amended in 2007) as mentioned in schedule 1. The approval of the IEE Report by the authorised agency, MoPPW is required.

2.3 Anticipated Impacts by the Proposed Project

2.3.1 Impact on Land Use

During the implementation of project, no land within corridor of impact will be acquired.

2.3.2 Impact on the Environment, Impact on Human Life, and Population Pressure

The predicted environmental and social impacts will be both beneficial and adverse. The impacts are described as below: a. Beneficial Impacts

During the construction stage, the project activities will create employment opportunities to the poor, vulnerable and socially excluded people of the zone of impact of the Proposal (a total of 1,50,00md skilled and 4,50,000 md unskilled manpower for total project period of 24 months).It supports for the transfer of construction work skills and technical know-how to the local workers. During operation stage, an improved road access will bring an improvement of food security situation and overall economic and social stability. The road will also provide cheap, safe and fast transport of goods and services from rural areas to urban centres and vice versa. The farmers will be more interested to increase agricultural production due to market accessibility. This will contribute significantly to increase the productivity in rural areas and eventually improve the overall socio-economic condition of the people. Once this road is on operation, trade and business activities will be further promoted. There is a possibility of increased economic opportunities and significant growth and extension of



the local markets along the road alignment. In addition, construction of road will lead to appreciation of land values particularly near the market and settlement areas.

b. Adverse Impacts

During Construction Stage

Physical and Cultural Impacts: During construction, there is likely of change in land use, slope instability, quarry sites and spoil disposal. As the road is already exist and wide sufficient to open the track, there will be not much impact on physical and cultural impact. However, in some places where the road width insufficient, the religious structures two temple will seem to fall within corridor of impact, however, it can be placed safe by widening the road on either side. Other adverse impacts due to Proposal implementation are triggering of landslide and erosion due to fresh cuts and dumping of spoil.

Biological Impacts: As this is upgrading project, there are limited risks for significant impacts on forests, terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora. A total of 4 numbers of trees are found to fall within corridor of impact. Dabdabe, Lampate are the trees species need to be cleared all of which are common species. There is also chance of disturbance to wildlife due to construction activities, hunting and harassment by labors.

Socio-economic Impacts: Water pipe at water pipe at eight places and tap water at two place are found within corridor of impact. No houses fall in formation width. For the project affected persons compensation will be distributed according to the legal provisions of the Government of Nepal (GoN).

Other impacts during construction activities are occupational health/safety risks to labors and the public in general. Dust, pollution of water, poor sanitation, road and work site accidents, sexually transmittable diseases, social conflicts and other pressures on the local communities. Some infrastructure facilities including water pipes and chautaras will damages and need rehabilitation during construction works.

Availability of hard cash to local labor, and influx of labor from outside the area can lead to conflict situations such as increase in alcohol consumption, gambling, prostitution and girl trafficking. Such problems persist or even increase during the operation phase and need special address.

During Operation Stage

During operation phase, slopes along the road alignment and nearby areas may be destabilized due to rain, de-vegetation of the area, soil extraction and quarry operation on unstable slopes. Roadside drains will cause erosion of downhill agriculture fields. Side-tipped spoils will cause damage to adjacent agriculture fields and settlement.

2.4 IEE Study Methodology

In order to meet the above objectives, primary and secondary information were generated through field studies, and literature review. The primary datas were collected employing the following techniques: PRA, focus group discussions, interactions with users' groups (e.g. Forest Users' Group, Water Users' Groups and others), field observation, and walkover along the proposed alignment.

The trees along the alignment were measured and their timber volumes were estimated Secondary information were collected from various documents, reports, maps, designs and cost estimates. Socio- economic and cultural information were thoroughly edited, crosschecked and analysed. The likely Impacts (both positive and negative) were identified and/ or predicted by adopting the simple checklists . Based on the likely impacts in terms of its magnitude, duration and extent, the suitable mitigation measures have been designed. Similarly, Environmental Monitoring Plans have been prepared taking into consideration the



types of impacts and suggested mitigation measures. Following approach and methodology were adopted during the IEE report preparation.

2.4.1 Desk Review

The following steps were followed during the desk review:

Collection and review of secondary information from various sources Initial interaction and consultation with the local community and district level

stakeholders Delineation of geographical boundary of the influence area on the topographical map. Preparation of project specific checklist

2.4.2 Collection and review of secondary sources of information from various sources

Secondary information was collected through published and unpublished reports and interpretation of maps and photographs. The sources of information were District Development Committee (DDC), District Forest Office (DFO), other line agencies, related NGOs and other project offices in the district.

2.4.3 Initial interaction and consultation with the local community and district level stakeholders

During the IEE report preparation, Environmentalist, Sociologist, Engineer etc. of RSDP consultant team met, discussed and interacted with concerned staff of the Government of Nepal, DDC, VDCs in the district head quarter and teachers, community based organization member and knowledgeable key persons of surrounding areas.

2.4.4 Preparation of project specific checklist

A checklist was prepared to collect physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment related information in the field.

2.4.5 Field Survey

Field survey comprised of walkthrough survey, consultation with community, site inspection and observation. The road alignment from the starting point at Pokhare(26+000) to end point at Shanti-Chutara(107+200) was visited and and observed. The following tools were used for the collection of primary data:

Focus group discussion (FGD) - To conduct consultation with the local communities at different settlements, FGD was organized with key informants and other knowledgeable persons. It was done to collect biological, socio-economic and cultural environment related information using a checklist

Photographs - Necessary photographs were taken to show different environmental features.

2.4.6 Compilation of existing information, impact identification and prediction

The information collected from different sources were processed and analyzed according to the physical, biological, socioeconomic and cultural environment within the zone of influence. The collected secondary data were the major sources for verification and crosschecking of primary data during the field survey. The generated information from primary source was analyzed, tabulated and prioritized. Based on the identification of the impacts, their prediction was done to forecast the changes in local environment. The methods adopted in impact predictions were done by using various



methods, such as trend analysis, cause and effect relationship, expert judgment etc. The assessment of environmental impact was derived exclusively in terms of magnitude, duration and extent. The significance of positive and negative impacts associated with construction and subsequent operation of the road were identified and predicted .

2.4.7 Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Plan

Based on the identified impacts their nature, extent and magnitude, the mitigation and monitoring prescriptions were developed. A realistic approach was applied for the application of the mitigation measures in the local context. Environmental management plan was developed to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and implementation status.

2.4.8 Public consultation and disclosure

In order to ensure the public involvement, the following procedures were followed during IEE report preparation:

Publication of notice- a 15 days public notice was published on 9 th of Sawan 2067 in the Nagarik Rastrya Dainik newspaper seeking written opinion from concerned VDCs, DDC, schools, health posts and related local organizations. A copy of the public notice was also affixed in the above mentioned organizations and deed of enquiry (muchulka) was collected.

Recommendation letters from all VDCs were also obtained. IEE team also carried out interaction with local communities and related stakeholders

during field survey to collect the public concerns and suggestions. The opinions and suggestions received from concerned people/institutions were included in the IEE report.

Written responses from relevant stakeholders on the public notice were also reviewed and documented in the report.

Published notice, deed of enquiry (muchulka) and recommendation letter from VDCs are given in the Annex IV, V and VI respectively.

2.4.9 The Final Report

The IEE report was prepared by Environmental Specialist then it will be submitted to GESU and MOE for approval.



3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL

This chapter contains a detailed description of the environmental and social setting in the Project Area, forming the basis for the impact analysis and the elaboration of mitigation measures, as well as serving as background information for monitoring and auditing the project’s effects on the bio-physical and social environment after completion of works.

3.1 Type of Proposal

3.1.1 Salient Features

Type of the proposed activities is upgrading 81 km of the existing road section from Chinchu (Pokhare)-Devstal-Jajarkot .The proposed project connects Chinchu with district headquarter of Jajarkot. The road will be improved to all weather standard. So, it provides all year access to the peoples living in this areas.It will reduce total transport cost and help people enhance their social-economic condition. Salient features relating to this road are shown in the following table:

Table 3.1: Salient Feature of the Project

1. Name of the project:- Chinchu(Pokhare)-Devstal-Jajarkot 2. Location

2.1 District: Salyan, Surkhet and Jajarkot 2.2 Start Point:- Pokhare, Sahare VDC 2.3 End Point:- Shanti chautara, Khalanga VDC 3. Geographical Feature

3.1 Terrain : Hilly 3.2 Alignment : Along the river side and Hilly area 3.3 Altitude : 501 m to 1197 m from MSL 3.4. Climate : Sub tropical 3.5. Soil : Colluvial soil, residual soil and alluvial soil 4 Classification of road : Feeder Road 5 Length of road : 81.2 km 6 Design Speed : 20 Km/hr. 7 Traffic Forecast :165 vehicles per day 8. Settlements

8.1 Major settlements : 8.2 VDCs along the road : Majhkada, Devstal Vdc of salyan district, Sahare, Darapani,

Bajedichur, Kaparichaur,Rakam and Ghoreto of Surket district and Bhur, Jagatpur, Karkigaun, Agrigaun and Khalaga Vdc of Jajarkot district.

9. Cross Section

9.1 Carriage Way : 4.5 m 9.2 Shoulder (either side): 0.5 m 10.Structures

10.1. Pipe culvert : 62 no. Iriigation channels: 103 RCC Causeway: 83 no 10.2 Bridges : 10 no. Slab culvert: 8 no 12. Earthwork

13 Project Cost 14 Net Cost (NRs.) :697,001,326.63 (NRs) 15 Cost per KM: 8,604,954.65 (NRs) 16. Employment Generation



16.1 Skilled : 1,50,000 16.2 Unskilled :4,50,000

3.1.2 Type of Goods to be Delivered

Proposed road upgrading work includes cuttings (earth and rock), civil works (retaining walls, breast walls, drains, cross drainages etc), correct excess materials disposal, slope protection and bio-engineering, sub – and base materials production, its overlay etc and ultimately surface sealed to bituminous conditions as its end product.

The final output of the proposed road upgrading is 81.2 km long road surface sealed bituminous conditions.

3.1.3 Proposal’s Capacity

Currently, the motorized vehicles traffic along the Chinchhu (Pokhare) - Jajarkot Road is 117 and 170 vehicles per day at Salli Bazar (KM 44±040) and Rakam (KM 46+700±), respectively, based on the classified traffic count conducted in June 2010. In addition, non-motorised vehicles such as pedestrians, porters and mules totaling 1,269, 772 and 1,142 also travel daily through the above road at Salli Bazar, Rakam and Matella (KM 103+667±) as per the survey in June 2010. More than half of the non-motorised vehicles are expected to divert to motorized vehicles after the proposed improvement to the road.

Following the road improvement proposed, this road is expected to cater to 165 vehicles per day throughout the road by the end of its construction (assumed around 2014). The corresponding future traffic at the end of the road's design life (year 2024) is expected to be 330 vehicles per day along the Pokhare – Rakam section, reducing slightly to 320 vehicles per day at the remaining Rakam- Jajarkot section.

3.1.4 Materials To be Used

Depending on the site condition, road materials will be sourced from various sites so as to reduce haulage costs. The principal materials required for construction of the road works are soil, gravel and crushed rock. Earth is used for embankment construction. Gravel is used for sub-base construction. Crushed stone, requiring blasting, crushing, screening, and at times blending, is used for base-course construction and for bituminous surfacing. Locations of the existing sources of materials are given below. Summary of the Quantities of materials to be used in the planned project works are as presented in following Table.

Table 3.2: Summary of Quantities of Materials Estimated to carry out the

Project

Item Description Unit Quantity

Earthwork Excavation (found and roaday) cu.m. 255149 Boulder for soling, random rubble masonry, dry rubble masonry and gabion boxes.

cu.m. 74158.25

Concrete class M10/40. cu.m. 2689 Concrete class M 20/40. 7973 Concrete class M25/40. cu.m. 90 Gravel as filter material cu.m. 2944 Common back fill material + Embankment cu.m. 69779 Reinforced concrete pipe (NP3, 90 Ø, 60 Ø) RM 1239 Reinforcement Steel MT 61



Item Description Unit Quantity

Formwork Materials sq.m. 2469 Gravel material for Sub base cu.m. 85,162 Bituminous Binder for Otta Seal Ltr. Source: Technical Feasibility Study Report, 2010

3.1.5 Potential Emission Resulting from Implementation of the Proposal

Solids: Being mainly upgrading works, there will be relatively small amounts of material to be excavated and dumped as spoil. The excess spoil to be generated is 185370 cu.m

Noise: The noise level at the project alignment is low (maximum 50 dBA) as the traffic is low during the dry season. During construction, the movement and operation of construction plant and equipments will increase noise level to some extent. However, by applying mitigation measures, the noise level is expected to be within acceptable level.

Dust: The dust level in the air is observed generally to be low, except during passing of occasional vehicles along the road. The upgraded road will have sealed bituminous layer, and hence the dust will be controlled.

3.1.6 Energy to be Used

The energy required for the construction works is mainly diesel and petrol. The labors at the camps will need energy for cooking purpose. For this, kerosene and LPG gas is used. Bitumen will be heated by using kerosene. Illegal extraction of fuel wood for heating/cooking will be strictly prohibited. Vehicles will use diesel or petrol supplied by the contractor from outside the project area so will not create pressure on local fuel demand.

3.1.7 Detail on the Technology

Mechanized method for specialized works will be employed, such as for surface laying, compacting (vibrator), and laying (distributor) and finishing bituminous seal (compactor). Labor will be used for works that can be done manually, including earthwork, constructing side-drains, bioengineering, etc.

3.1.8 Manpower Requirement

For total project period (24 months) work force required for the project works is 1,50,000md skilled and 4,50,000 md unskilled laborers.

3.1.9 Resources Requiremention of the proposal

Total capital cost needed for the project is about Rs 697,001,326.63 million including VAT. The resource persons used for this project include Environmentalist, Sociologist, Bridge Engineers, Inspection of Works (IoW), Lab Technician, and Labors. Reneumration of project personnels is as follows:

Position Man month Position Man month

Environmentalist 4 Sociologist 3 Highway Engineer 15 Geologist 3



4. DETAILED PARTICULARS OF THE AREA WHERE THE PROJECT IS TO BE IMPLEMENTED

This section describes the environmental and socio-cultural setting of the Project Area for the upgrading works of Chinchu-Jajarkot road project. The information presented in this section is based on (i) primary field studies and HH surveys, (ii) stakeholder meetings and Public Consultation, and (iii) secondary data. For more technical details, reference is made to the feasibility Study for the Upgrading Works for Chinchu-Jajarkot Road.

4.1 Physical and Cultural Environment

4.1.1 Road Environment

The proposed road alignment is located in hilly region. The elevation of the road range from 501 to 1197 m from mean sea level (msl).

4.1.2 Topography

The road section follows the east bank of the Bheri River up to Salli Bazaar (45 km), passing through Sahare, Dharapani of Surkhet district and Salli Bazaar villages in Salyan district, before crossing the west bank into Rakam, Surkhet District (a ferry service operates during the winter season until mid June).

After the crossing, the road runs parallel along the west of Bheri River, passing through the villages of Rakam, Jamune Bazaar, Bali, Pusta, Agrigaon, Kakretara, Thanti Bazaar, Lukai, Lirta, Thara, Aligaon, Bhurchaur, Phera, Pushtara, Kudu, Matela, Bohora Gaun and Khalana, Jajarkot District HQ. The majority of the road section runs approximately 50 m above the river level, although a few sections (Dharapani, Lirta and Bhurchaur) are as low as 8 –10 m above the river level.

This road section generally crosses the landforms on gentle gradients.

Road section is continued at the village of Manichaur in Dhaira at km 86 + 000. The alignment in this section mostly passes by the side of barren land except between km 86+500 to km 86+900 where it passed through the cultivated land, with an average road gradient of 4%.

Over the traverse of 90+500 to 92+500 km, road section passed through the cultivated land of Kudu village, with an average gradient of 1%.

After crossing the cultivated land of Kudu village, road section followed the west bank of Bheri River, crosses the Khar khola (a major tributary) at kilometer 95+675. It then continues through the forest and cultivated land, following the Bheri River until it reaches the Ibar gad at kilometer 98+300 some 300m upstream from the existing wooden bridge.

After crossing the Ibar gad, the road ascends gradually until it crosses the Pasa Gad at kilometer 100+300 some 400 m upstream from the existing wooden bridge, and ascends uphill negotiating six hairpin bends in the hill sal forest and reaches Bohora village. In this section, road also crossed the barren land,and cultivated land.

After Bohora village, road continues to negotiate two hairpins bends and reaches the last point, Shanti Chuatara.



The road section from Pokhare to Jajarkot is 81 km starting at km 26+000 and ending at km 107 km at Khalanga, the headquarter of Jajarkot district. The initial section of the road from Pokhare to Bheri bridge at Devsthal passes through Salyan district. The middle road section from Rakam to Chhedegad runs through Surkhet district. The last road section from Chhedegad to Khalanga runs through Jajarkot district. From regional geological perspective, the underlying rock along the alignment is quartzite, gneiss, phyllite and shist of the Lesser Himalaya.

4.1.3 Geology and Soils

The engineering geological assessment is described briefly for each of the subsections: Pokhare to Bheri Bridge, Bheri Bridge to Aulijhyama, Aulijhyama to Minchaur, Minchaur to Laje, Laje to Kudu, Kudu to Matela, Matela to Bohara and Bohara to Khalanga.

Pokhare to Bheri Bridge The road alignment passess along left bank of Bheri river mostly along steep bank slope. The initial section passes along colluvial and rocky terrain while the latter section passes along alluvial slope. The initial stretch has a few slope stability and debris fan deposition problems. The latter section in alluvial slope passes along highly fragile soil slope. A number of gully erosions and landslides are active in the stretch. A few of the problem areas are treated with breast walls, check dams and bioengineering measures while numerous other gullies and slides are active and require extensive and systematic erosion control and slide control measures. Most of the problems are to the hill side which were probably triggered due to steep road cut slope. The problems require extensive attention both in the detailed engineering design as well as conceiving of the appropriate environmental mitigation measures. The last stretch between Salli bazaar and Bheri bridge site is along the alluvial terrace and some conglomerate slope.

Bheri Bridge to Aulijhyama The road section in this stretch passes mostly along the alluvial terraces which are cross cut by a few deep and wide tributaries. The road also passes through a number of steep rocky terrain in quartzite rock and lightly cemented conglomeratic rock. Some hazards are encountered at the conglomerate zone such as Jamune, Kali Khola and Bali Khola etc. The road is under DOR maintenance system with one length person per 3 km. Most length of the road formation is intact and there are no major instabilities to valley side.

Aulijhyama to Minchaur The section is recently completed by Nepal Army. The alignment mostly passes along steep rocky terrain at the right bank of Bheri river. The rock is generally northerly dipping. The road alignment along the east-west direction is parallel to the strike of the bedding plane where some rock instability problems are observed. The rock slope at road section where road runs north-south is generally stable. There are a number of active gullies affecting the road which needs to be properly addressed in the detailed engineering design and conceiving of the environmental mitigation measures. The road alignment along the conglomerate stretch is also hazardous both to hill side and valley side. Proper water management is required in the conglomerate section.

Minchaur to Laje The road alignment passes along the alluvial , colluvial and residual soils. The initial section mostly passes along he alluvium and residual soils. A section of the road passes along conglomerates. No major instabilities are noted along the stretch.

Laje to Kudu The road alignment mostly passes along the alluvium and residual soil. A short section of rock is also encountered. A long strech of residual soil is encountered at Kudu village. A part



of the road between Laze and Kudu passes along the forest. While the cut and fill slopes are stable, the lateritic residual soil is highly erodible and needs particular attention at each of the streams and torrents.

Kudu to Matela A substantial length (about 1.5 km) of rocky slope is encountered after Kudu village. The rock beds strike NW to NE with northerly dipping of 20 to 50. The road alignment then passes along alluvial, residual and conglomerate soils parallel to left bank of Bheri river. Near Matela, the road encounters shist outcrops with NW to NE strike and 40 northerly dipping. No significant instabilities are encountered in this stretch.

Matela to Bohara The road passes along residual soil, colluvium and alluvium. After Passghat Khola, the road alignment passes over colluviaum and highly weathered jointed geniss. The rocks have NW strike with northerly dipping of 70. The road alignment passes at the boundary of thick forest and cultivated land. Some slope failures are noted in the colluvial stretch. Particular attention needs to be taken in the design of mitigation measures in the colluvial stretch and marshy areas.

Bohara to Khalanga The road alignment in the climb section passes along thick colluvial / talus deposit of the disintegrated quartzite. The bed rocks gneiss and quartzites are observed with NW strike and northerly dipping of 70 to 80. The hairpin stack area needs particular attention as it prone to deep gully erosion. A number of retaining and breast walls are already provided in the stretch but are not adequate to stabilize the road slope. A systematic drainage management is essential in the climb section. The last ascent to Khalanga is prone to continual rock fall from the highly weathered and jointed quartzite and needs attention for road safety as well as drainage. The end point of the alignment is at ridge where Jumla road and Rimna rural roads bifurcate.

4.1.4 Landslide and Slope Stability

From the environmental point of view, 22 areas of unstable slope and erosion are of concern as they directly impinge on the road alignment. The factors inducing landslides are weathering, seepage, and weak geology.

4.1.5 Source of Construction Materials

The availability and suitability of the construction material along the road corridor at economical haulage distance (5 km for rock, boulder and gravel and 20 km for sand) were investigated. The sources of boulders, gravel, sand and subbase material were identified during the field investigation.

The soil deposits consisting of colluvium, alluvium and conglomerate which can also be utilized as the source of gravel and subbase material are also noted along the road alignment. For source of rocks and boulders, some quartzite rock outcrops are also observed at some stretches. The material sources observed along the road alignment were noted and are represented in material source maps. The sources identified have low environmental impact and require minimal or no compensation. A brief description of the prospective quarry areas is given in the following paragraphs.

Left Bank of Bheri (km 30 – km 40) The alluvial deposit along the road alignment has large amount of boulders, cobbles and gravel. The main rock types include quartzite, gneiss and schist. The material can be utilized as subbase, base and surfacing material after crushing of the cobbles and boulders.



Right bank of Bheri (km 50 – km 60) The alluvial, colluvial and conglomerate deposit with rock types quartzite, gneiss and schist are available at different stretches. The material can be utilized as subbase, base and surfacing material.

Bheri-Chhedagad Confluence The flood plain alluvial deposit at the confluence area has large amount of boulders, cobbles, gravel and sand. The main rock types include quartzite, gneiss and schist. The material can be utilized as subbase, base and surfacing material. The river bed is easily accessible by the diversion road leading to the temporary cableway over Chhedagad.

Right Bank of Bheri (70 km) The alluvial deposit at the right bank of Bheri can be good source for gravel, cobble and sand. The rock types of the flood plain deposit include quartzite, sandstone, schist, limestone and ambhibolite.

Kastara (91 km) The source of gravel, cobble and sand is located on the right bank of Bheri. The main rock types include quartzite, sandstone and schist.

km 94.5 to km 95.5 The colluvial deposite at roadside can be used as source of subbase material. The source consists of clayey silty sand.

Khar Khola (km 96) The riverbed and flood plain deposit of the Khola can be good source of gravel, boulder and cobble. The rock types of the deposit include quartzite, schist, slate and gneiss.

Pasaghat Khola (km 100) The riverbed and flood plain deposit of the Khola can be good source of boulder, cobble, gravel, sand and subbase material. The main rock types of the deposit include quartzite, gneiss, schist and slate.

Right Bank of Bheri (km 70 – km 100) The upper terrace deposit along the road alignment has large amount of boulders, cobbles and gravel. The main rock types include quartzite, gneiss and schist. The material can be utilized as subbase, base and surfacing material after crushing of the cobbles and boulders.

Table 4.1: Abundance and Suitability of Materials

Location

Estimated Volume (m3) Suitability

Bo

uld

er

Co

bb

le

Gra

vel

Sa

nd

Sa

nd

Su

bb

as

e

Ba

se

Su

rfa

cin

g

Other Uses

Left Bank of Bheri (km 30 – km 40)

50000 40000 40000 - NS G VG G

Gabion, masonry, concrete

Right bank of Bheri (km 50 –

km 60)

60000 50000 30000 5000 NS G VG G Gabion,

masonry, concrete

Bheri-Chhedagad Confluence 5000 6000 8000 4000 E G VG G Gabion,

masonry,



Location

Estimated Volume (m3) Suitability

Bo

uld

er

Co

bb

le

Gra

vel

Sa

nd

Sa

nd

Su

bb

as

e

Ba

se

Su

rfa

cin

g

Other Uses

concrete Right Bank of Bheri (70 km)

30000 40000 30000 5000 G NS VG G


Kastara (91 km) 900 900 800 E G VG G

km 94.5 to km 95.5

NS VG NS NS


Khar Khola (km 96)

4100 2000 4100 3375 E G VG G


Pasaghat Khola (km 100)

14400 21400 14600 20860 E G VG G


Right Bank of Bheri (km 70 –

km 100)

200000 400000 200000 200000 NS NS VG NS Gabion,

masonry, concrete

Note: VG – very good, G – good, E – extra effort is required to make the material suitable for use, NS – not suitable.

4.1.6 Land Use

The current land use along the road are (i) forest (69%); (ii) barren land (1%); (iii) cultivated land (23.5%); (v) grassland (1.5%); and settlement areas (5%). (Field Survey 2009)

4.1.7 Climate

As the road lies in Salyan, Surkhet and jajarkot district, separate climatic details are outlined below.

Salyan: The climate of the district is sub-tropical with maximum temperature of 38 degree Celsius and minimum of 5 degree Celsius. The average annual rain fall of the district is about 1,868.5 mm. The alignment passes through subtropical and temperate climatic zone.

Surkhet: The climate of the district is sub-tropical with maximum temperature of 34 degree Celsius and minimum of 8 degree Celsius. The average annual rain fall of the district is about 1,868.5 mm. The alignment passes through subtropical and temperate climatic zone.

Jajarkot : The climate of the district is sub-tropical with maximum temperature of 34 degree Celsius and minimum of 8 degree Celsius. The average annual rain fall of the district is about 1,868.5 mm. The alignment passes through subtropical and temperate climatic zone.( District Profile, 2010)

4.1.8 Hydrology

Major rivers/streams across the road alignment are Bheri , Bungadh , Goji, Jugai, Fera, Khoda and Pasagar Khola . Other some small streams were also observed along the road alignments. These are,



Table 4.2: Details of water bodies along the road alignment

S.N Stream Chainage

1 Bungadh Khola 44+810 2 Goji Khola/Simta 51+480 3 Jugai Khola 67+055 4. Fera Khola/Burunge Khola 84+820 5 Khoda Khola 86+680 6. Pasaghar Khola 101+860

4.1.9 Air, Noise and Water Quality

Ambient Air Quality: Although, the recorded data is not available, the ambient air quality along the proposed road corridor is good. The good air quality is attributed primarily to the non-existing of industries and less vehicular movement. However, dust emission during vehicle operation has become common phenomena and it is more significant during dry and winter season.

Noise Level: At present there is practically no noise pollution along the road corridor. This also attributed to non-existence of industries and less vehicular movement. Water Quality: Although, the water quality data of water bodies (streams and spring) are not available, the quality of water appears to be within drinking water quality standard. These are being widely utilized for drinking and irrigation purposes. However, during the monsoon season the quality of water may be polluted due the accumulation of silt, landslide, gully erosion etc.

4.1.10 Religious Activities

Shiva Mandir is religiously important places in the project corridor. Shiva Mandir is three hours far from the district headquater, Jajarkot, Khalanga.

4.2 Biological Environment

4.2.1 Conservation Status

Along the road section from Chinchu (Pokhare)-Devsthal- Jajarkot, no protected areas including National Parks, Wildlife Reserve, Game Reserve, Wet Land etc falls through road section and or is within close proximity of road.

4.2.2 Vegetation

The Project area's rich vegetation is characterized by Sal , other species found along the site are Dabdabe, Lampate, Sisso, Katus, Saj,and Khayer Khotesalla, Fhaledo, Dhangero , Bilaune , Bar ,Pipal ,Chiuri, Tooni, Sirish, Simal, Angeri, Kalikath, Bakaino, Simali, Chutro, Kaphal, Khotesalla , Khanayo(Banmara) , ,Aiselu, Teetepate , Nilkanda , Sajiwan ,Areri, Asuro , Rudilo , Jamanemandro , Bhat , Khar , Unyu, Ganja, Aankhle Ghans , Jibre Ghans and Dubo . Plant species such as Phaledo, Sirish, Khanayo, Bakaino, Bainsh, Simali (Vitex negundo), Amliso, Nilkanda, Asuro Sajiwan (Jatropha curcas Linn.), Areri, Jamanemandro, Chutro, Dubo, Khar, Babiyo etc. can be also recommended for bio-engineering purposes. (Field Survey, 2010).

4.2.3 Community Forests

Community forest (CF) is a national forest handed over to a community forest user group (CFUG) for its development, conservation and utilization for the collective interest of the user



group according to the Forest Act, 1993 and the Forest Rules, 1995.In Jajarkot district, there are 181 CFUGs having 13621 ha of community forest benefiting 16532 households. In Salyan district, there are 260 CFUG having 22168 ha of forest benefiting 5921 households and in surkhet district, there are 199 CFUG having 31540 ha of community forest benefitting 31089 households. The details on the community forest are given in appendix VII. (Field survey, 2010)

4.2.4 NTFP

The project area is rich in forest resources, and contains a variety of forest products. According to the local people and based on the information and data collected from field survey and DFO, Jajarkot, Surkhet and Salyan district. Name of some of the plant species found in project area and having different ethno-botanical uses are Padamchal, Kutki, Amla, guchi chau, Kaulo, Ritha, Mahin,Kaulo, Jheu. Bojho, Silpu, Neem, Khoto, Timur, Kurilo,, Allo etc

4.2.5 Useful Plants

Hard wood species like Sal, Saj, and Salla are used for house roofing and fuel wood purpose.

4.2.6 Terrestrial Wildlife

Forests in the project area provide habitat for a number of species of birds and other wildlife, and these vary from one location to another. In general, small forests located near to human settlements have limited types and numbers of birds and wildlife. The information on mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, which are described below, is based on direct observation, call hearing, foot marks and signs observation, interaction and focus group discussion with local people provided more information on wildlife availability. With growing awareness of forest protection among local people, jungle area is expanding and becoming denser. The number and types of wildlife are also increasing day by day. Community forests are also playing vital role in this regard. Many denuded lands and shrub lands have been turned into the green ones due to this endeavour. According to the local people, the most commonly available species are jackal (Canis aureus), monkey (Macaca mulata), langur (Presbytis entellus), Squirrel (Funambulas spp.). Similarly, Barking deer (Muntiacus muntijak), spotted leopard (Panthera pardus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), ghoral, bear have been also observed.

The most commnly available birds in the forest are Jungle fowl (Gallus gallus). Presence of crow (Corvus splendens), Parakeet (Psittacula kramen), Oriental Turtledove (Streptopelia orientalis), Common Maina (Acrodotheres tristis), Cuckoo (Cuculus mocropterus), Lampuchhre, Ranichara, Bhyakkur, Nyauli, Kalij, Dhukur (Streptopalia spp.), Red vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), and Kukhurke (Magalaima spp.) were also noted during the field visit.

Green pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris), Mountain pit viper (T. monticola monticola), Stejneger’s pit viper (T. stejnegeri yunnanensis), House gecko (Hemidactylus frentus), Common frog (Rana tigrina), Garden toad (Bufo bufo) and are the reptiles and amphibians found in the project area.

The locals also reported that wildlife numbers within forests have been increasing for the last 10-15 years, and this generally attributed to the forest handed over to the communities. This regenerating pattern of community forests is therefore very encouraging. Many shrub lands have also reverted into forestland.



Fish species found in Bheri River and other Khola are katle (Catla catla), Buduna (Garra annandalei; Chrossochelus latus), Asla (Schizothroax plagiostomus), Kapra and Tite (Psilorrhynus psedochensis). Limited numbers of local people are engaged in fishing profession in some seasons.

4.2.7 Protected and Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna

GoN has categorized 27 mammals, 9 birds and 3 species of reptiles as protected wildlife. During the last few decades many plant species have become seriously threatened due to habitat destruction and over explotation. Consequently many of the endemic species are now threatened or endangered and are facing extinction. On the basis of their overuse, poor regeneration, habitat destruction and other socio-economic factors, species are considered as endangered, rare or protected species. Among the plant species present in the forest area in the road alignment, only Sal (Shorea robusta) and Khayer (Acacia catechu) and Simal (Bombax Ceiba) are the protected plant species, and is legally protected as per Forest Act 1993 and Forest Rules, 1995. Among the fauna present in the forest area the road alignment, Langur (Presbytis entellus) and Dhwanse Chituwa (Panthera pardus) are listed in CITES Appendix-I.

4.3 Socio-Economic Environment

4.3.1 Population and Demography

According to the population census of 2001, the total population of the Surkhet, Salyan and Jajarkot district is 349,984, 212,401 and 156,912 respectively whereas the projected population of 2010 is 242,239 and 113,078 respectively. The population distribution between male and female of Surkhet district is 49.39 and 50.61 percent respectively whereas the population of male and female of Salyan district is 49.63 and 50.37 percent respectively. Likewise the male and female population of Jajarkot district is almost same as 50 percent.

Table 4.3.1.1: Population Composition of the Affected Districts

District Total HH Male Female Total Ave. HH Size

Surkhet 57,990 172849 177,135 349,984 6.04

Salyan 38,418 105,408 106,993 212,401 5.53

Jajarkot 27,246 79,594 77,318 156,912 5.76

Total 123,654 357,851 361,446 719,297 5.82

Source: District Development Profile of Nepal

Combined population of the affected VDCs is 77,165 with the average household size of 5.9. The population of male and female is 49.46 percent and 50.54 percent respectively. Population composition of affected VDCs is presented below.

Table 4.3.1.2: Population Composition of the Affected VDCs

VDCs Total HH Male Female Total Ave. HH Size

Sahare 1,869 5,856 5,830 11,686 6.25 Dharapani 539 1,779 1,844 3,623 6.72 Majhkanda 902 2,374 2,358 4,732 5.25 Devasthal 690 1,944 2,095 4,039 5.85



VDCs Total HH Male Female Total Ave. HH Size

Rakam 694 2,180 2,229 4,409 6.35 Kaprichaur 148 413 381 794 5.36 Bajerichaur 780 2,193 2,623 4,816 6.17 Agrigaon 443 1,670 1,723 3,393 7.66 Ghoreta 484 1,774 1,744 3,518 7.27

Karkigaon 1,059 3,014 3,003 6,017 5.68 Bhur 1,003 2,984 2,983 5,967 5.95

Jagatipur 1,287 3,708 3,838 7,546 5.86 Khalanga 2,106 5,701 5,722 11,423 5.42 Punma 904 6,638 3,412 3,226 3.56 Total 12,908 42,228 39,785 75,189 5.82

Source: District Development Profile of Nepal

Table 4.3.1 above shows that male population is higher than the female population and the average household size is nearly equal to national average.

4.3.2 Ethnic Group

The project area is multi-ethnic composition. Brahmin, Chhetri, Janajati and Dalit are major groups in the districts. The ethnic composition of the project affected households is presented in Table 12.3 below.

Table 4.3.2.1: Ethnic Composition (%)

VDCs Brahmin Chhetri Janajati Dalit Sanyasi Total

Sahare 1.00 50.00 32.00 17.00 0.00 100.00 Dharapani 0.00 10.00 30.00 60.00 0.00 100.00 Majhkanda 0.00 29.00 46.00 25.00 0.00 100.00 Devasthal 5.00 40.00 30.00 25.00 0.00 100.00

Rakam 5.00 50.00 10.00 35.00 0.00 100.00 Kaprichaur 10.00 15.00 50.00 25.00 0.00 100.00 Bajerichaur 10.00 50.00 30.00 10.00 0.00 100.00 Agrigaon 5.00 30.00 50.00 15.00 0.00 100.00 Ghoreta 8.00 64.00 1.00 26.00 1.00 100.00

Karkigaon 5.00 35.00 25.00 35.00 0.00 100.00 Bhur 20.00 30.00 35.00 15.00 0.00 100.00

Jagatipur 5.00 55.00 8.00 20.00 12.00 100.00 Khalanga 2.00 20.00 60.00 18.00 0.00 100.00

Total 5.85 36.77 31.31 25.08 1.00 100.00

Source: Field Study,2010

4.3.3 Migration

The trend of seasonal out migration is high in the region. At least one member of each household goes to India or Tarai for seasonal employment, which is the main source of cash income to fulfil the household expenditure. Migration from the hill to the Tarai is a common demographic feature in many hill/mountain districts. The case of in-migration is limited in the project area.



4.3.4 Settlement and Housing Patterns

Settlement patterns in the project areas generally reflect the distribution of arable land and the development of market areas along trade routes. Accordingly, most of the areas exhibit a scattered settlement pattern. The settlement pattern in the bazaar area like Khalanga, district headquarters is of cluster type. Besides this, almost all the settlements are scattered type. The area is mostly hill terrain. Most of the houses are of traditional and semi-modern types in the project area.

4.3.5 Occupation and Livelihoods

Most of the population in the district are engaged in agriculture, with a small percentage of the population employed outside the agricultural sector. Occupation status of the economically active population of the affected VDCs is given below.

Table 4.3.5.1: Occupational Status (%)

VDCs Agriculture Service Trade Labor Others Total


Rakam 73.00 5.00 5.00 15.00 2.00 100.00 Kaprichaur 80.00 2.00 3.00 12.00 3.00 100.00 Bajerichaur 70.00 1.00 1.00 25.00 3.00 100.00 Agrigaon 75.00 2.00 2.00 20.00 1.00 100.00 Ghoreta 60.00 5.00 3.00 20.00 12.00 100.00

Karkigaon 55.00 5.00 8.00 20.00 12.00 100.00 Bhur 80.00 3.00 2.00 10.00 5.00 100.00


Total 69.23 4.46 5.23 16.08 5.00 100.00

Source: Field survey

4.3.6 Agriculture and Food security

The cultivated land of Surkhet district is 36,175 hectare whereas the cultivated land of Salyan district is 34,383 hectare. Likewise the cultivated land of Jajarkot district is 25,751 hectare. Wheat, maize, paddy, barley, millet and potato are the major crops in the area. Vegetable and fruit cultivation practice is nominal in the project area. The area is food deficit for major food grains. The study VDCs are also food deficit. About 4 percent household have year round food sufficiency. Likewise about 10 percent household have less than 3 months of food sufficiency. Food security status of the study area is given below.

Table 4.3.6.1: Food Security Status of Project VDCs (%)

VDCs Below 3 3-6 Months 6-9 Months 9-12 Months 12 Months & Above Total


Rakam 30.00 10.00 55.00 5.00 0.00 100.00 Kaprichaur 10.00 10.00 50.00 25.00 5.00 100.00



VDCs Below 3 3-6 Months 6-9 Months 9-12 Months 12 Months & Above Total

Bajerichaur 0.00 10.00 50.00 40.00 0.00 100.00 Agrigaon 10.00 15.00 65.00 10.00 0.00 100.00 Ghoreta 5.00 15.00 65.00 10.00 5.00 100.00

Karkigaon 5.00 15.00 20.00 55.00 5.00 100.00 Bhur 5.00 20.00 60.00 10.00 5.00 100.00


Total 10.38 20.77 43.85 21.15 3.85 100.00

a. Source: Field survey

4.3.7 Human Resources

Most of the people go to India for seasonal working and come back to work on their own field in the farming or harvesting season. Most of the population in the project area depends on agriculture. Unskilled labours will be easily available for the road construction works. Available manpower in the project VDCs is given in Table 12.4 below.

Table 4.3.7.1: Available Manpower in the Project VDCs

VDCs Carpenter Mason Plumber Sub-overseer Unskilled Total

Sahare 10 20 9 0 150 189 Dharapani 3 4 0 0 25 32 Majhkanda 15 8 3 2 22 50 Devasthal 0 0 2 2 50 54

Rakam 10 5 0 0 20 35 Kaprichaur 2 0 0 0 20 22 Bajerichaur 2 3 0 0 30 35 Agrigaon 3 6 0 0 60 69 Ghoreta 0 2 0 0 12 14

Karkigaon 10 12 0 0 50 72 Bhur 15 15 4 0 40 74

Jagatipur 40 42 3 5 300 390 Khalanga 20 30 15 12 160 237

Total 130 147 36 21 939 1,273

Source: Field Study

4.3.8 Literacy and Education

The total number of academic institutions in Surkhet district is 884 including 573 primary, 186 lower secondary, 90 secondary, 30 higher secondary schools and 5 campuses. Likewise there are total 560 academic institutions in Salyan district including 383 primary 102 lower secondary, 53 secondary, 18 higher secondary and 4 campuses, whereas in Jajarkot district the number is 543 including 385 primary schools, 106 lower secondary schools, 42 secondary schools, 9 higher secondary schools and one government campus. The literacy rate of the Surkhet district is 67 percent which is higher than the national average. Likewise the literacy rate of Salyan and Jajarkot districts is 53 percent and 44 percent respectively which is lower than the national level of about 54 percent.



4.3.9 Health Status

People in these areas mainly depend on health posts and sub-health posts for health services. The health services in the project area are not satisfactory. Health services in the project VDCs are presented below.

Table 4.3.9.1: Health Institution in the Project VDCs

VDC Hospital HP/SHP Private Clinic Ayurvedic Total

Sahare - 1 1 - 2 Dharapani - - 1 - 1 Majhkanda - - 3 - 3 Devasthal 2 1 3 - 6

Rakam - 1 3 1 5 Kaprichaur - - 1 - 1 Bajerichaur - 1 - - 1 Agrigaon - - 1 - 1 Ghoreta - - 2 - 2

Karkigaon - - 1 - 1 Bhur - 1 - - 1

Jagatipur - 1 2 - 3 Khalanga 1 - 5 1 7

Total 3 6 23 2 34

4.3.10 Water Supply and Sanitation

Majority of the households in the project area have piped water supply as the main source of drinking water which is 65 percent. Significant numbers of households have reported the use of well/spring as their main drinking water sources which are 27 percent. Remaining 8 percent households use stream for drinking water sources. Sanitation facility in the project area is poor. About 37 percent households have toilet facility in the study area. Remaining 63 percent households use open place for defecation.



Table 4.3.10.1: Drinking Water and Sanitation Services the Project VDCs (%)

VDCs Drinking Water Toilet

Piped Well Stream Total Yes No Total

Sahare 70.00 30.00 0.00 100.00 50.00 50.00 100.00 Dharapani 80.00 20.00 0.00 100.00 20.00 80.00 100.00 Majhkanda 80.00 20.00 0.00 100.00 20.00 80.00 100.00 Devasthal 75.00 0.00 25.00 100.00 80.00 20.00 100.00

Rakam 85.00 10.00 5.00 100.00 30.00 70.00 100.00 Kaprichaur 60.00 40.00 0.00 100.00 5.00 95.00 100.00 Bajerichaur 40.00 50.00 10.00 100.00 25.00 75.00 100.00 Agrigaon 50.00 20.00 30.00 100.00 5.00 95.00 100.00 Ghoreta 60.00 30.00 10.00 100.00 60.00 40.00 100.00

Karkigaon 40.00 60.00 0.00 100.00 80.00 20.00 100.00 Bhur 50.00 50.00 0.00 100.00 5.00 95.00 100.00

Jagatipur 60.00 10.00 30.00 100.00 20.00 80.00 100.00 Khalanga 90.00 10.00 0.00 100.00 75.00 25.00 100.00

Total 64.62 26.92 8.46 100.00 36.54 63.46 100.00

Source: Field survey

4.3.11 Energy and Electricity

Most of the people in the project area use fuel wood for cooking and kerosene for lighting purpose. Fuelwood is the major source of cooking energy for the majority of the households in the area which is about 98 percent. Most of the affected VDCs do not have electricity services. Majority of the households in the area are depended on Solar and Tukimar (solar lamp) for lighting purpose which is about 42 and 43 percent respectively. Energy source in the project area are given below.

Table 4.3.11.1: Energy Sources in the Project VDCs (%)

VDCs Cooking Lighting

Fuelwood LP-Gas Total Electricity Solar Tukimara Jharro Total

Sahare 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 5.00 95.00 0.00 100.00 Dharapani 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 40.00 60.00 0.00 100.00 Majhkanda 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 20.00 80.00 0.00 100.00 Devasthal 80.00 20.00 100.00 0.00 65.00 35.00 0.00 100.00

Rakam 98.00 2.00 100.00 0.00 10.00 90.00 0.00 100.00

Kaprichaur 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 5.00 30.00 65.00 100.00 Bajerichaur 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 80.00 20.00 0.00 100.00 Agrigaon 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 90.00 10.00 0.00 100.00 Ghoreta 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 80.00 20.00 0.00 100.00

Karkigaon 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 40.00 50.00 10.00 100.00 Bhur 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 60.00 40.00 0.00 100.00

Jagatipur 100.00 0.00 100.00 55.00 25.00 20.00 0.00 100.00 Khalanga 95.00 5.00 100.00 75.00 20.00 5.00 0.00 100.00

Total 97.92 2.08 100.00 10.00 41.54 42.69 5.77 100.00



Source: Field Study

4.3.12 Markets

Market centres along the project route are Srijana Bazar, Jamune Bazar, Khlanga, These markets are the supply centers of all daily consumer goods, construction materials, and agricultural inputs to other small bazaar, shops and households of project area. Few small grocery shops are found in the villages along the road, where all the consumer goods such as, pulses, salt, edible oil, kerosene, biscuits, noodles, candles, shoes and other consumer goods are sold.

4.3.13 Income and Expenditure

The annual average income of the area varies from Rs 100,000 to 350,000. The sources of income are agriculture; animal husbandry, poultry, services, remittance and business. People of the area spend high amounts of money for purchasing food, agro-chemicals, education and clothes (37 %, 10.8% and 11% respectively). Fuel wood is mainly collected individually from the forest (Field Survey, 2009).

4.3.14 Status of Women & Disadvantaged Group

It is widely reported that women are the subordinate parts of men head of the family. Due to seasonal absence of males who out-migrate temporarily to other parts of the county or India in search of job, women are responsible to undertake household and farm related works. As a traditional society the family property ownership goes to the male head and it seems that women have no property rights. The educational status of female is lower in comparison to male. Women literacy rate in Darchula district is 32.5 percent where the male literacy rate is 67.4 percent. The society also imposes restrictions on the mobility of women and their participation in the public sphere. The participation of women is higher in domestic works such as fetching water, collection of fodder, cooking food and childcare. The role of women in decision making is non-significant in comparison to men. The major decisions related to house economy, education of the children and other social issues are taken by male heads. The lower caste group (Dalit) is the most disadvantaged group in the study area. Dalit are highly marginalised group because of lack of education, job opportunity, and economic condition, since generations because the daltis were considered as service delivery caste grups in the traditional society, thus the groups were not allowed getting educated and standing equal to upper caste groups. This tradition is still prevails in the project area though the minor effort is made by the government and other social workers. The minor change was observed as few numbers of dalit girls are enrolled in primary education. Dalit are marginal landholders or landless people who mostly depend on their traditional occupation and agriculture. Among them, Dalit women become double victims, one by patriarchy and another by untouchabilitySocial Activities 137 people of the area are the members of different users' committees and groups. The female are also involved in different users committees.



5. REVIEW OF ACTS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES

5.1 INTERIM CONSTITUTION OF NEPAL (latest amendments)

Article 35 (5) of Interim Constitution of Nepal, (Second Amendment, 2007 states: “The State shall make necessary arrangements to maintain clean environment with priority to its protection". Article 19 (2) states that the State shall not, except in the public interest, requisition, acquire, or create any encumbrance on the property of any person, without compensation provided for any property requisitioned, acquired or encumbered by the State.

5.2 PLANS AND POLICIES

Three Years Interim Plan (2007 – 2010)

Three Years Interim Plan (2007 – 2010) has adopted a strategy of constructing and expanding roads linking: district headquarters, and northern and southern parts of the country. GoN's plan to 'link all district headquarters by the end of Fiscal year 2063/2064 BS' is still behind the targeted schedule, requiring Jajarkot district headquarters yet to be connected. It has also prioritized to link major commercial centres, and avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts (NPC, 2007). Tenth Plan (2002 – 007) The Tenth Plan (2002 – 007) has recognized mandatory requirement of EIA or IEE on a priority basis. Earlier during the period of over two decades, GoN has endorsed and implemented several sectoral policies and conservation – friendly strategy which focus on conducting environmental assessment. These include: National Transport Policy, 2001 (2058 B.S.) The National Transport Policy, 2001 (2058 B.S.) emphasizes to construct and improve the roads that provides beneficial environmental impacts (MPPW, 2001). Environmental Policy on the Environmental Assessment of the Road Sector, 2000 The Environmental Policy on the Environmental Assessment of the Road Sector, 2000 provides additional opportunities to make the road project environment – friendly and sustainable (DOR, 2000). Forest Policy, 2000 The Forest Policy, 2000 also emphasizes the conservation of forests, species and soil, and their sustainable use.

5.3 Acts and Rules

5.3.1 Local Self-Governance Act, 1999

Local Self-Governance Act, 1999 empowers the local bodies for the Conservation of soil, forest and other natural resources and implements environmental conservation activities. Sections 28, 43, 189 and 201 of the Act are of relevance and are attracted while undertaking EIA or IEE study and implementing its EMAP.

5.3.2 Labor Act, 1992 (first amendment 1998) and Rule, 1994

Labor Act, 1992 (first amendment 1998) and Rule, 1994 deals with the human labor. Clause 46 under Section 7 of this Act recognize any construction activity e.g. roads, as an industry. Clause 27 to 32 under Section 5 of this Act details for occupational health and safety



requirement to be respected for labors. Child labor (below 14 years) is prohibited, and between 14 to 16 years of age should be given proper training before putting them in work. It calls for insurance and safety management of labors. It also directs to establish camp near temporary working sites with drinking water, food, sanitation and residential facilities if numbers of labors are fifty or more in construction projects. The Labor Rule, 1994 guarantees equal wage for male and female.

5.3.3 Environmental Protection Act 1996 and Environmental Protection Rules 1997 (latest amendments)

The Environment Protection Act (EPA), and the Environment Protection Rules (EPR), 1997 (Amendment 1999) requires the Proponent to prepare and receive approval for the IEE or EIA Reports of all projects/ proposals as included in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of EPR, 1997. Section 3 to 6 of the EPA, 1996 and Rules 3 to 11 of the EPR,1997 contain provisions on the approval process of the IEE report. Rule 12 of the EPR oblige the Proponent to comply with matters mentioned in the report and other conditions, if any, prescribed by the approving agency, i.e. the concerned agency (Ministry of Physical Planning and Works in case of IEE for SRN, and MOEST for EIA). The Rule 13 also requires the concerned body. i.e. MPPW for this proposal, to conduct environmental monitoring. As per the environmental law, the Proponent should implement the environmental enhancement and mitigation measures as per Environmental Management Plan prepared in IEE or EIA. These legal regimes on the environment provide opportunities to integrate it in any development projects.

5.3.4 Public Road Act, 1974

Public Road Act, 1974 has been attracted by the proposed road upgrading. Section 3 of the Act empowers GON to prohibit construction of permanent structures (buildings) in the prescribed distance from the road. The DOR may acquire permanently or temporarily the land and other property adopting compensatory measures during the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of the public road (section 14 & 15). The Act requires DOR to plant trees on both sides of the road and handover it to the local bodies (VDC or municipality) for their management (section 16). The act also empowers the DOR to operate quarries and borrow pits and other facilities during the road construction (Section 17).

5.3.5 Forest Act, 1993 and the Forest Rules, 1995

Forest Act, 1993 and the Forest Rules, 1995 are also attracted in a situation as and if the road – proposed for new construction and or upgrading - passes through the forest areas. Section 68 of the Forest Act, 1993 empowers GoN - in case of no alternative - to undertake proposed road works if it does not adversely affect the environment significantly. Forest Act however requires the Proponent to conserve the legally protected species (plants and wild animals including Champ (Michelia champacta), Khayer (Acacia catechu) and Sal (Shorea robusta)).

5.3.6 National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 and the Soil and Watershed Conservation Act, 1982

National Park, Wildlife Reserve, Conservation Area, Hunting Reserve, Wetland Area) and also declared Watershed Area, the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 attracts as and when As the proposed road pass through any declared protected areas.

5.3.7 Soil and Watershed Conservation Act, 1982

Soil and Watershed Conservation Act, 1982 and their Rules attract as and when slide or flood within road is surfaced up significantly.



5.3.8 Explosive Material Act, 1961

If construction activities require the use of explosive, in accordance with the Explosive Material Act, 1961, prior approval of the Chief District Officer (CDO) is needed to purchase explosives. Article 4 of the Act is relevant.

5.3.9 Land Acquisition Act, 2034 (1977) (latest amendments)

Land Acquisition Act, 2034 (1977) (latest amendments) empowers GoN for the acquisition of any land in the country. Land Acquisition Act 2034 (1977) and the Land Acquisition Rules 2026 (1969) are the two main legal instruments that specify procedural matters of land acquisition and compensation. Government can acquire land at any place in any quantity by giving compensation pursuant to the Act for the land acquired for any public purposes or for operation of any development project initiated by government institutions (Section 3 and 4). The powers given under these sections are very broad as government is empowered to acquire any land in the name of public works.

5.3.10 Water Resources Act 1992

Water Resources Act 1992 empowers GoN for the rational use of surface and underwater. This Act also empowers to save environment especially water, from the hazardous effects to cause by chemicals, industrial waste etc. water can only used be in such way that it does not induce soil erosion, landslide, flood etc.

5.3.11 Nepal Drinking Water Corporation Act 1989

Nepal Drinking Water Corporation Act 1989 prohibits any activities that prohibit drinking water. This Act is attracted while labor force is camp sited near the water hole, which supplies the drinking water needs of the downstream settlers.

5.3.12 Aquatic Animal Protection Act 1961 (latest amendments)

Aquatic Animal Protection Act 1961 (latest amendments) opens eye on their need to appreciate the value of wetlands and aquatic animals. Section 3 of this Act provisions punishment to any one or party introducing poisonous, noxious, or explosive materials into water source and or destroying, damaging dam, bridge, or water system with the intent of watching or killing aquatic life. Under Section of the Act, GoN is empowered to prohibit catching, killing, and harming certain kinds of aquatic animals by notification in Nepali Gazette.

5.4 Environmental Guidelines

5.4.1 Reference Manual for Environmental and Social Aspects of Integrated Road Development, MPPW/DoR, 2003

Reference Manual for Environmental and Social Aspects of Integrated Road Development, MPPW/DoR, 2003 has been prepared - by DOR under RMDP - to help integrate social and environmental considerations, including public involvement into road construction practices. It suggests stepwise process of addressing E&S issues alongside the technical, financial and others. The Manual is based on the experiences of Nepal, as well as incorporates the national (EPA, 1996; EPR, 1997/1999) and international ‘best practices’. It suggests process of environmental and social assessment process, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders at various stages of the project, advice on impact mitigation action plans, and process for involving the public.



5.4.2 Environmental Management Guidelines, GESU/DoR, July, 1999

Environmental Management Guidelines, GESU/DoR, July, 1999 has been prepared - as part of the program undertaken jointly by GON and the World Bank under the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Project and approved on Kartik 22, 2053 BS (1997) – to help in operational practices for all road maintenance, rehabilitation and construction activities under DOR. The Guideline outlines environmental mitigation measures to be incorporated into DOR projects, procedure for public participation, and socio-economic considerations. These measures are broken down into twelve issues including (i) Quarries; (ii) Borrow Pits; (iii) Spoil and Construction Waste Disposal; (iv) Work Camp Location and Operation; (v) Labour Camp Location and Operation; (vi) Earthwork/Slope Stabilization; (vii) Use of Bitumen; (viii) Stockpiling of Materials; (ix) Explosive, Combustible and Toxic Materials Management; (x) Setting Up and Operation of Stone Crushing Plants; (xi) Water Management; (xii) Air & Noise Pollution. this guidelines also outlines implementation methods for undertaking mitigation measures for activities related to these issues. The Guideline suggests methods for determining how and when the public should be included in the environmental analysis.

5.4.3 Guideline for road Corridor and Alignment Selection

This guideline, which provides the process and methods for environmentally sound road corridor, also articulately provide basis for environmental considerations in alignment selection.

5.4.4 Other Guidelines and Manuals

The following guidelines were also reviewed and used as appropriate during the preparation of this report.

Environmental and Social Framework (ESMF) 2007 Environmental Management Guidelines for Roads and Bridges, GEU/DoR 1997 Public Works Directives HMGN 2002 Guide to Road Slope Protection Works DoR 2003 Nepal Road Statistics 2006 Policy Document of DoR on Environmental Assessment in the Strategic Road Network

2000



6. IMPACT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSAL ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The identification and assessment of impacts has been carried out by considering the proposed proposal activities in terms of construction and operation stage. The impact of the activities will be on physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural resources. The impacts generated are both beneficial as well as adverse. The environmental impacts have been identified for a number of issues based on the analysis of the environmental baseline information and activities that are to be undertaken (during construction, rehabilitation and subsequent operation phase). Most of the identified impacts have been quantified to the extent possible. The impacts have been predicted in terms of their magnitude if significance (minor, moderate and high), extent (site specific, local and regional) and duration (short, medium and long term) as illustrated in table 6.1. The possible impacts from the proposal during the construction and operation stages are presented as following:

6.1 Socio-economic Impact

6.1.1 Beneficial

As the upgrading work will be carried out in already existed road, there will be no new route selection despite little minimum deviation as necessitated by the Road design standards. (Reviewed and Updated) (i) Construction Stage

The proposed road passes though various settlements in the district. The construction works will attract many people of the nearby areas for different opportunities ranging from labor works to spin-offs leading to improved farm and off-farm activities, which may ultimately benefit the local economy.

a. rese in Income and employment generation The construction works for upgrading offers a wide range of works for 4,50,000 unskilled and 1,50,000 skilled laborers. The amount of money that is injected in the rural economy in the form of wage earnings will directly enhance the initiation of various ancillary economic activities and enterprise development. The impact is thus direct, high significant, local but short term in nature. If the earned wage income is saved and utilized for micro-enterprises, benefit can be of long duration. b. Employment of Women and Disadvantageous Groups

Priority will be given to women and disadvantageous peoples for both skilled and unskilled work. This will increase employment of these peoples and contribute to enhance life quality. This is direct impact of short term, local in scale and low significant.

c. Rent from Land Acquired Temporarily During Construction

Land will be needed for establishment of campsite, stockpiling of construction material etc. during construction. The land used for such purpose also acts as a means to income. This is in direct impact of short term, local in scale and low significant

d. Enterprise Development and Commercialization

During construction period, different types of commercial activities will come into operation in During construction period, different types of commercial activities will come into operation in order to meet the demand of workers. Since they will have good purchasing power, they will regularly demand for different types of food, beverage and other daily necessary items. To



meet these demands, many local and outside people may operate a number of small shops and restaurants around the vicinity of the construction sites. Various farm based enterprises including wide range of agricultural and livestock products will also gain momentum as a result of increased demand by labors during construction period. This will increase local trade and business in the area. This impact will be direct, high significance, local and short-term to medium-term in nature.

e. Skill Enhancement

The construction of the road will not only provide employment opportunities but also supports for the transfer of skills and technical know-how to the local labourers. Labour will be given on the job training during road construction which will enhance their skills and capability in works like masonry, gabion wires, construction of dry and foundation walls as well as bioengineering works. These skills will not only benefit the local workers by providing employment opportunity but also contribute to local human resource development.The impact is indirect, medium significance, local and long-term in nature. f. Awareness on Resource Management The project will adopt bioengineering treatments. This activity will enhance the local understanding on the importance of vegetation, particularly the trees and shrubs, including grasses for road slope stabilization. It is also likely that local people will have the opportunity to be aware about the importance of plants and its contribution to the stability of the road. The impact is indirect, medium significance, local and long-term in nature.

6.1.2 Operation Stage

A number of beneficial impacts of the Proposal are anticipated during the operational stage, some of them are as indicated below. a. Employment of Local People Following the increased access and transport, other socio-economic developments like education, health, irrigation, water supply, electricity, communication, market, and banking will follow. The operation of road will also contribute to raise quality services as more competent agencies and people will enter into the area to provide the services. Qualified doctors and other service providers will be encouraged to stay in the area. New market will need peoples with different qualifications. Hence this will increase employment at local level. This impact will be indirect, high significance, regional and long-term.

b. Improved Access and Reduced Travel Costs The project will adopt bioengineering treatments. This activity will enhance the local understanding on the importance of vegetation, particularly the trees and shrubs, including grasses for road slope stabilization. It is also likely that local people will have the opportunity to be aware about the importance of plants and its contribution to the stability of the road. This will be direct, medium Significancy, regional and long-term impact. c. Increased Crop Productivity and Sale of Farm Products The operation of road will benefit to the local communities in terms of increased productivity and diversification of crops including cereals as well as cash crops. Due to easy and cheaper availability of agricultural inputs and technologies, productivity will be increased along the road. Such impacts are indirect, high significant, regional in extent and long term in nature.



d. Increase in Land Values The construction of road leads to appreciation of land values particularly near the market and settlement areas. The land price would increase due to the availability of reliable transportation facilities. There will be rapid increase in the commercial production of agricultural crops due to road accessibility which is also a major factor to raise the land value. This activity would likely uplift the economic condition of the local people. This impact will be an indirect, high significanct, local and long term in nature. e. Women Empowerment All the people will be benefited from the road construction. However, women in particular may be benefited more from improved access to the market centers and various service providing agencies like health centers, banks, training institutions, women development office etc. Frequency of visit to such agencies will increase awareness level and empower the women. Girl students will be encouraged to go to school due to road accessibility. The impacts are seen indirect, medium significance, local to regional and long-term.

f. Tourism Jajarkot is potential for rural tourism development. Jajarkot also perfect for Himalayan sightseeing, comprising Mt. Sisne and Jaljala. Jajarkot is spotted with sanctuaries Tourists can visit this area to see the scenic beauty of Himalayan range but the one that gets the most consideration is the Shiva temple which is the religious sites for the Hindus , situated in a cave 3 hrs walk from Jajarkot Market . A group of bats abide devotees in the ‘bat cave’. Jajarkot also par-takes the abundant mid-western heritage of Deuda and Tappa dances. Flow of tourists due to road construction will contribute in the enhancement of economic activities of the area which will increase the living condition of the local people. The impacts are seen indirect, high significance, regional and long-term.

g. Enhancement of community development services Due to increase in employment opportunities, trade, business and agricultural income, considerable amount of money may be channeled in to the local economy in the area. This will increase the income level of the individual household and the local community of the area. It is possible that some money may be spent by the individual for the community development activities such as education, school, health and sanitation services. The impact is indirect, medium significance, local and long-term in nature. h. Trade and Business When completed, the road connectivity will bring about opportunities for the promotion of trade and business. The proposed road will ensure transportation facility from the district headquarter of Jajarkot district to other rural of the district. This will ensure continuous flow of products and commodities to Jajarkot Khalanga, Salle Bazar and other market centers along the road alignment. Once this road is operational, trade and business activities will be further promoted.The impacts are seen indirect, medium significant, local and long-term. i. New Settlement and Market Center Development The existing trend is to settle along the roadside for the economic activities. This is primarily attributed to increased opportunities for trade and commerce through the



establishment of shops, restaurants, stalls and hotels. Therefore, there is expansion of settlement area and development of market center

6.2 Adverse Impact

6.2.1 Construction Stage

(i) Socio Economic

a. Impacts on community Infrastructure

All the compensation for the land acquisition has been paid for the house and land in RMDP project. So all house and land that found within the Corridor of Impact (10m) are just encroachment. However, chautara, and two temple and loss of water pipes etc falls along the road. The details are presented in table given in appendix VII. The impacts (immediate loss of assets) will be direct, medium significance on community level, site-specific and long-term in nature.

b. Pressure on Existing Facilities

Influx of labour will exert pressure on existing local social service facilities such as telephone, water supply, health and medicine, transportation etc. This impact will be indirect, low significance, short-term and local in nature.

c. Occupation health and sanitation During construction, labors groups will be exposed to various risks and hazards. Many of the health hazards will be caused during rock cutting slope cutting etc. Other potential impacts to health are respiration and eye diseases due to exposure to dust, risk of accident during work, stomach problems due to drinking water.

This impact will be direct, low significance, short-term and local in nature.

d. Social Conflict and Disputes The labors from outside will increase conflict between local people and construction crew. There will also be conflict while hiring local people in the Project. This will delay the Project duration. These impacts will be direct, low significance, local, and short-term in nature. e. Impact due to unawareness on camp sanitation issues by the laour The labours in camp are source of production of huge solid mass. If it is not properly addressed then there is likely of spreading and emergence of disease among the labour in camp. The impact from unawareness on camp sanitation by the labour will be direct, local and short term in nature.

f. Impairment in existing environmental condition due to influx of labour Because of huge dependency on the fossil fuel, vehicles, and other natural resources, the environment could b be impaired. The impact from unawareness on camp sanitation by the labour will be direct, local and short term in nature.

ii. Physical and Cultural Impact

a. Quarrying and Borrow Pit The construction of road requires large quantity of stones and boulders and other type of construction materials. The extraction of materials from inappropriate places or in excessive amount can seriously damage the local environment. The potential adverse impacts of quarry and borrow pit operation are accelerated erosion, landslides, disturbance in natural drainage patterns, water logging and water pollution. Impacts from quarrying and borrowing will be of direct, medium significance, site-specific and long-term in nature.



b. Slope Instability Removal of vegetation and open cuts with exposed soil to rain will cause soil erosion as well as landslide. This can become a major source of silt that the monsoon runoff carries away. During construction, blasting has been proposed for rock cutting. This has further enhanced the slope instability. Moreover, the stability of slopes along the road corridor depends upon slope angle, the material constituting the slope, rock discontinuities and hydrological conditions. There exist 22 landslides. The degree of sliding increases during the road excavation and it may cause regular sliding during operational phase. The impact due to this will be direct, of medium significance, site specific and long -term in nature

c. Stockpiling of Construction Materials Construction material storage site pose adverse impact during construction stage. Erosion from stockpiled material will cause water pollution, land value degradation, loss of agricultural productivity, and nuisance. This impact is short term in duration, local in scale and short in magnitude.

d. Change in water resources due to inadequate drainage

While constructing road and providing the cross drainage structure and roadside drains, the existing natural flow path of water will be altered. Discharge of concentrated flow of water from roadside drain through cross-drainage structure may erode downstream slope and fields. This will be the direct impact. Alteration of drainage can also disrupt local irrigation practices by diverting flowing water into agriculture fields. Water source may dry-up, and water holes of cattle or wildlife may get affected. This will be indirect impact. Impacts from alteration of drainage due to construction of cross drainage structures and roadside drain discharges will be direct, of high significance, site-specific and long-term in nature

e. Impairment in landscape due to access raod opening by the proposed road updraded

stretch

It has seen from the previous road project that once the road construction activities, local stakeholder are seem to open the access track to their villages and sometimes, access road is also constructed by the contractor to open the access to the quarry site. All these exert pressure on contractors to open the unplanned track. These activities could bring several environmental impacts (Impact to forest resources, wildlife, topography etc) to the nearby areas that could be unpredictable and beyond measure at present The impact is direct, high significance, local and short- medium term in nature

f. Risk to human health due to lack of awareness on safety of Labor Forces Involved in Road Works especially in Risk Prone Ones – Quarry, Rock Break Up Works

On construction period, large number of labour is deployed to perform the construction activities. The labour deployed in rock cutting and rock break-up works in quarry site and rock widening site are highly prone to risk if they are not aware on safely issue and do not take safety measures like helmet, glove, boots, goggle, ear guards with sponge muffler etc. It even brings loss of life if this kind of impact is subject to negligent. The impact is direct, high significance, local and short term in nature.

i. Impairment in existing environmental condition by establishment and Operation of Crusher Plants

The establishment, operation and crusher used in meeting the requirement of sub base, base material can be source of air pollution, noise pollution and even water pollution if it is placed near built up area and near the water sources. This issues if properly not addressed it could bring malefic effects to the human health. Likewise, improper safeguard measure taken during such activities could be concern of health of human beings. The impact is direct, low significance, local and short term in nature



j. Impact due to vibration of equipment used in road construction activities like pavement rolling machine

The pavement rolling machine used for compressing the bitumen into the base material can produce vibration thus inducing the noise pollution. The people residing along the road also can get annoyed due to operation of this machine. The impact is direct, low significance, site specific and short term in nature.

k. Impact due to Blasting of rock The blasting used for the purpose of rock cutting have adverse impact on the environment, like the nearby area become prone to landslide due to the huge vibrations set on by the blasting activities. The noise pollution is also severe during blasting time and another impact from blasting is due to fly risks which sometimes count on health of the labors and nearby residents. If not properly done, the impacts from blasting during the upgrading of the proposed road will be direct, of high significance, site-specific and long-term in nature

l. Impact due to Spoil Disposal from Construction and Labor Camp

Spoil is generated whenever there is more cut than fill. Disposal site of 2500 m3 of spoil along hillside will cause problem to agricultural land and forest.

Besides this spoil may also be generated from labor camp. The common problems from inappropriate disposal of spoils are contamination of water bodies, bad odor, forest degradation, damage to property downhill, and degradation of agricultural land especially when combined with unmanaged surface water runoff. The impacts from spoil disposal during the upgrading of the proposed road will be direct, of high significance, site-specific and short-term in nature.

m. Air Dust, Noise and Water Pollution The ambient air quality data of the project area is not available at present. Similarly operation of crusher plant, equipment and vehicles movement can produce air pollution to some extent during construction period however, it will not much significant. However, dust emission can emerge from the rock cutting activities during construction period. The road side dwellers and workers may be affected by emission of dust during road construction. This may affect the health of the labourers and people living nearby areas. The proposed project area does not experience noise pollution. However, the increased construction activities like operation of crusher may cause noise pollution to some extent to the workers and people living in nearby areas. Water quality data of a water source within the project area is not available. However, the water quality of water bodies within the project area appears to be good and without pollution. During the road construction, these water bodies may be affected due to excavated materials. Likewise, because of exerted pressure on water bodies from the huge influx of construction crew, water get polluted. The impact due to this will be direct, of medium significance, local, and long-term in nature.

iii. Chemical Impact

a. Impact due to improper storage/handling and distribution of Bitumen Bitumen which is used to seal the gravel is highly combustible if fire catches it. So accidental spillage or leakage of bitumen and exposure of bitumen to the fire will bring life threatening impact if not properly cared during heating. Moreover, it also bring adverse impact to human health as it can causes skin burning if not properly handled, distributed during construction period etc. It also causes water pollution.. The impact will be indirect, high significance, local and short-term.



b. Impact due to Accidental leakage of Fossil Fuel, Lubricants, Oil, Acids and other Chemicals used in Vehicle, Crusher Plants, Equipment etc. During construction period, large number of vehicles, crusher plants and several other equipment will be operating in the field. Due to significant number of vehicles, there is likely of accidental leakage of fossil fuel, lubricants, oil, acid and other chemical used in vehicles, crusher plants, and equipment if all these are not properly maintained and repaired from time to time. It could bring malefic effects to the environment. If it is exposed to the human being, aquatic animal, it even brings carcinogenic effects (Cancer induced effect) to the human being. The impact will be direct, high significance, local and short-term.

6.2.2 Operation Phase

(i) Socio-economic a. Road Accidents Movement of vehicles in the road will invite accidents. Inadequate provisions of road safety measures like no provisions of signals and lack of enforcement of traffic rules during operation period may invite accidents.This is an impact of local level, medium magnitude and long term in duration b. New Settlement along the Road/ RoW Encroachment The existing trend is to settle along the road side for the economic activities. This is primarily attributed to increased opportunities for trade and commerce through the establishment of shops, restaurants, stalls and hotels. So, there is expansion of settlement area and development of market centres. This may trigger the practice of encroaching right of way. Consequently, this will reduce road capacity and increase road accidents. The increasing trend of roadside settlement is likely to increase household waste as well as wastewater on the road and the population pressure on the roadside settlement may cause road accident. RoW encroachment can cause medium significant local and long-term adverse impacts.

c. Health (HIV/AIDS)

Increased mobilization of people will increase interaction and increase of business in all sectors including involvement of people in sex market. This increases chance of spreading of Sexually Transmitted Diseases including HIV/AIDS. This is an impact of regional scale, medium in magnitude and long term in duration and high significant. d. Change in Social behavior Flow of tourists and other visitors may influence the changes in the social behavior. This may increase economic opportunities along the road corridor. People may leave their family in their villages to dwell near the new spots for economic incentives. This will ultimately affect the traditional bonds, norms and functions of the family. This will also cause impact on social and cultural transition.The likely impacts may therefore be indirect, medium significance, local and long-term in nature.

ii. Biological Impact

a. Loss of Forest Resources

The proposed road passes through 22 community forest. From these forests total 4 numbers of trees will be felled during road construction. These impacts will be of medium significance, locally confined, medium in magnitude and long term in nature.

b. Disturbance to wildlife and bird

The proposed area is the habitat for wildlife and bird species; however, the construction of road could have impact on loss or fragmentation of their habitat. Moreover, bird and wildlife species can be disturbed during construction phase due to increase noise level and frequent travel of workers. These impacts will be of medium significance, locally confined, medium in magnitude and long term in nature.



c. Increase in Illegal trafficking and Poaching

As per the report of local people, wildlife poaching is not uncommon. It can be expected that deployment of labour force used for the construction of road & due to easy access in the forest area in operation stage can impair the habitat of some of the species by the implementation of the proposed project These impacts will be of medium significance, locally confined, medium in magnitude and long term in nature.

iii. Physical Impact

a. Slope Instability The destabilization of slope may also be expedited due to human activities in the road neighborhood such as quarrying stones or soil, animal grazing, irrigated cultivation and mule trek. This may cause damage to road section, disruption to transportation and other social impacts in the nearby areas. The inadequate maintenance of the road due to the blockage of drains damages the road surface that can lead to slides and slope failure. The impact due to this will be direct, local and long term in nature with medium significant. b. Air and Noise pollution The operation of vehicles can disturb silent ambience of the existing area. Similarly, in long-term operation period, air pollution will be increased by the emission from the vehicles as well as dust from the earthen road. The impact due to this will be direct, local and long term in nature with medium significant. c. Impact on Water resources.

Due to transportation facilities & other development hydropower, irrigation, water supply etc. projects will be developed near the project area which changes the use of water resources and imparts positive as well as some negetive impact in local environment d. Effect on water quality

Inappropriate driver practices connected with car/truck washing in streams and rivers can cause local water pollution by leakage of fuel, lubricants and hydrocarbons that affect the aesthetic value of the water body, put hazards on people and animals using these as drinking sources, and affect the aquatic biota. These impacts will be of medium significance, locally confined, medium in magnitude and long term in nature.



Table 6.2.1.1.: Beneficial and Adverse environmental impact

Aspect Impacts Nature Magnitude Extent Duration Rating Construction Stage Socioeconomic

Employment Generation and Increase in Income Direct H 60 L 20 St 05 VS 85 Enterprise Development and Business Promotion Direct M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Skill Enhancement Indirect M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Awareness on Resource Management Indirect M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Employment of Women and Disadvantageous Groups Direct M 20 L 20 St 05 ISG 45 Rent from Land Acquired Temporarily During Construction Indirect M 20 L 05 St 05 ISG 40

Biological Increase in plantation of economically valuable NTFP Direct M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Increase in ecotourism Direct H 60 L 20 Lt 20 VS 100 Increase in environmental and biodiversity conservation awareness Indirect M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60

Operation Phase Socioeconomic Increase in land value Indirect M 20 L 20 Lt 20 VS 80 Promotion of Tourism activity Indirect M 20 R 60 Lt 20 VS 100 New Settlement and Market center development Indirect M 20 R 60 Lt 20 VS 100 Enhancement of Community Development Service Indirect M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Employment of Local People Indirect M 20 R 60 Lt 20 VS 100 Improvement in accessibility, saving of time and transportation cost Direct H 60 R 60 Lt 20 VS 140 Women empowerment Indirect M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Increase in productivity Indirect M 20 R 60 Lt 20 VS 100 Trade and business Indirect L 10 L 20 Lt 20 SG 50 Biological Build up and increase co-ordination among road project Indirect L 10 L 20 Lt 20 SG 50 Increase in forest cover through compensatory plantation, road side plantation

and bioengineering activities Direct L 10 L 20 Lt 20 SG 50

Decrease in dependence in fuel wood and use of kerosene and LPG

Indirect L 10 L 20 Lt 20 SG 50



Table b: Adverse Impact

Aspect Impacts Nature Magnitude Extent Duration Rating Construction stage Operation of Quarry Sites Direct L 10 L 20 St 05 ISG 35

Slope Instability Indirect M 20 Ss 10 Lt 10 SG 50 Air, Dust and Noise and water Pollution Direct M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Changes on Water Resources by Inadequate Drainage Direct H 60 Ss 10 Lt 20 VS 90 Stockpiling of Construction Material L 10 L 20 St 05 ISG 35 Impairment in land scape due to access Road Opening by the Proposed Road Upgraded Stretch Direct H 60 L 20 St 05 VS 85

Risk to human health due to lack of awareness on safety of Labor Forces Involved in Road Works especially in Risk Prone Ones – Quarry, Rock Break Up Works

Direct H 60

L 20

St 05

VS85

Impairment in existing environmental condition by establishment and Operation of Crusher Plants Direct L 10 L 20 St 05 ISG 35

Impact due to vibration of equipment used in road construction activities like pavement rolling machine Direct M 20 Ss 10 St 05 ISG 35

Impact due to blasting of rock Direct H 60 Ss 10 St 05 VS 75 Impact due to spoil disposal Direct M 20 Ss 10 Mt 10 ISG 40

Chemical Impact due to Improper storage/handling and distribution of Bitumen Indirect H 60 L 20 St 05 VS 85 Impact due to Accidental leakage of Fossil Fuel, Lubricants, Oil, Acids and other Chemicals used in Vehicle, Crusher Plants, Equipment etc. Indirect H 60 L 20 St 05 VS 85

Biological Loss of Forest resources Direct M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Disturbance to wildlife and bird Indirect L 10 L 20 St 05 ISG 35 Increase in illegal trafficking and poaching Indirect L 10 L 20 Lt 20 SG 50

Socio-economic, cultural

Impact on Community infrastructures Direct M 20 Ss 10 Lt 20 ISG 50 Occupational Health, Safety and Sanitation Direct L 10 L 20 St 05 ISG 35 Pressure on public utilities by the huge mass of labour Direct L 10 Ss 10 Lt 20 ISG 40 Social Conflict due to influx of labour Direct L 10 Ss 10 Lt 20 ISG 40 Impact due to unawareness on camp sanitation issues by the labors Direct L 10 Ss 10 Lt 20 ISG 40 Impairment in existing environmental condition due to influx of labour Direct L 10 Ss 10 Lt 20 ISG 40

Operation stage Physical Slope Instability Direct M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60

Air and Noise Pollution Direct L 10 L 20 Lt 20 SG 50 Impact on Water resources Indirect M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60

Biological Depletion of Forest Resources Indirect M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Increase in poaching and illegal trafficking Indirect L 10 L 20 Lt 20 SG 50 Disturb in home range of certain wild- fauna

Direct L 10 Ss 10 Lt 20 ISG 40



Aspect Impacts Nature Magnitude Extent Duration Rating Socioeconomic Road Accidents Direct M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60

New Settlement Along the Road Indirect M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Change in Social Behavior Indirect M 20 L 20 Lt 20 SG 60 Health Issues Indirect M 20 R 60 Lt 20 VS 100

Note: Legend: Magnitude- L= Low; M= Medium; H= High; Extent- L= Local; R= Regional, Ss= Site Specific Duration- Lt= Long term; Mt= Medium Term; St= Short Term Type Criteria Impact Symbol Rating

Hard to Mitigate or high positive effect High H 60 Magnitude Mitigate with some precaution or medium positive effect Moderate M 20 Easily mitigate or low positive effect Low L 10 Within NP/VDC Regional R 60 Extent Within Project Ward Local L 20 Within Project Site Site Specific Ss 10 > 5 years Long Term Lt 20 Duration 1 to 5 years Medium Term Mt 10 < 1 years Short Term St 05 Nature of Impact: D = Direct / IN = Indirect Significance of Impact: Total Score Significance Symbol

> 75 High Significant VS 50 – 75 Medium Significant SG

< 50 Lo w significant ISG



7. ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS Alternative analysis has been considered as an integral part of IEE study, which involves an examination of alternative ways of achieving objectives of the proposed project. The aim of alternative analysis is to arrive at a development option, which maximizes the benefits while minimizing the adverse impacts. The various alternatives to achieve the project objectives with minimum environmental degradation are discussed as follows:

7.1 Design and Construction Approach

There are two types of road design and construction approach. These are conventional and labor based approach. In this road, mixed type of construction approach( conventional and labor based approach both) are proposed for construction, In conventional method, heavy machineries and equipment, explosives, heavy concrete structures with the application of bituminous surfacing, side drains, bridges and culverts are used and as a labour based approach, local labour are employed for manual works like bioengineering .

7.2 Project Site ( Route)

As the alignment of the Chinchu (Pokahare)-Devstal-Jajarkot Road was finalized and constructed long time back and exist as earthen road at present, the analysis relating to alternate route with the consideration of environment, construction cost, serviceability etc. is not relevant. However, it is understood that the alignment has been made after thorough investigation in terms of geology, hydrology, socio-economic and topographic aspects. This alternative is therefore not relevant.

7.3 Time Schedule

During the rainy season, the construction work is stopped to allow the natural compaction of the road. Rehabilitation and construction work will be carried out during the remaining months. The construction period is more appropriate from October to June as the local people are more or less free from farming activities

7.4 Raw Materials (Resource) to be Used

The physical resources consumed for the construction of the proposed road will mainly include boulders for gabions and stone for dry masonry wall, gabion wires, aggregates of different sizes for sub-base, base course, surface dressing and concreting. Other local resources will be sand retrieved from local river beds and banks. Moreover, Reinforcement bars and cement will also be used in construction activities. The proposed construction will emphasizes the use of local materials as far as possible. Alternatives to the selected materials will not be considered.

7.5 No Action Option

This alternative does not allow the implementation of the proposal. This alternative has both beneficial and adverse impacts on the environment. If the proposal is not implemented, the present condition of remoteness and isolation exists and it will limit the access of local people to the district headquarter and markets and vice versa resulting into low level of productivity and prevalence of poverty. Since the road does not cause significant negative impact on the environment, no action option is irrelevant.

7.6 Proposal alternatives

The people living within the ZoI require an efficient and safe mode of transportation to have the access to the market and other service centers. At the same time, there is need to



conserve the physical, biological and socio-economic and cultural environment. As the road has not much adverse impact on the environment due to road construction, and DOR has decided to upgrade the existing road, and this could be best option for better access to the Jajarkot district than airways which lies at chaurjahari of Rukum district around 2 hours walk from Jajarkot VDC. Once the upgraded road is in operation, people can get access to the Khalanga (Jajarkot district) easily and in cheap price. Therefore, proposal alternative is irrelevant in this road.



8. MITIGATION MEASURES Impacts from the proposed road projects can be both beneficial as well as adverse. An effective implementation of benefit maximization measures and adverse impacts mitigation measures would optimize the benefits expected from the project and avoid/minimize the adverse impact from the project. Based on the impact assessment and identification, beneficial augmentation and adverse impact mitigation measures are presented below.

8.1 Mitigation Measures During Design Phase

The mitigation measures adopted during design or pre-construction phases are of preventive in nature with two basic objectives: (i) avoiding costly mitigation, and (ii) increasing awareness among the stakeholders for environment protection while constructing and operating infrastructure services.

As the upgrading work will be carried out in already existed road, there will be no new route selection despite little minimum deviation as necessitated by the Road design standards

8.2 Route Selection

The road already exists and is to be upgraded under the Proposal. In fact, there is no new route selection but rather designing geometrical improvements and, as required, widening of the road to the specified width.

Local conditions (structures, community utilities, slopes, sensitive spots etc.) will be taken into due consideration as to which side widening will take place in order to minimize land acquisition from forest, cultivable lands, settlement and cultural properties. The route selection did not imply the dislocation of any residential properties.

8.3 Detailed Survey and Design

The road design will be according to the detail survey and design and will follow the norms of the Feeder Road Standards developed by DoR. However, the road design needs to adopt measures – augment and mitigation – presented below:

ensure alignment away from the sensitive areas - recurrent including live slides, protected areas e.g. national parks, wildlife reserves etc

safe and stable quarries, borrow-pits and stockpiles sites, and being located well away from the settlements, cultivated land and unstable area ,

emissions, dust, noise caused by road works to a minimal. accident risks avoided to the extent possible ensure uncertainties not prevailed among locals on land acquisition in future ensure locals' attempt for fraudulent compensation avoided by careful

assessment of genuine acquisition ensure damage to public utilities to a minimal: drinking water, irrigation canals

etc respect cultural heritage to the fullest extent possible ensure displacement of public buildings to a minimal

8.4 Land and Property Acquisition and Compensation

The compensation process will meticulously follow the procedural steps outlined in Framework of DoR.



8.5 Benefit Augmentation Measures

8.5.1 Construction Stage

a. Increase in Income During the road construction and rehabilitation, large number of local people ( unskilled person days and skilled person days) will work as labourer giving more emphasis to women (at least 40%), ethnic minority and dalit (occupational caste). They will get direct employment and it will contribute significantly in their livelihood. This will also increase their economy and keep them occupied in earning and skill learning job during agricultural lean season. In this context, benefit augmentation measures will be implemented as much as possible. They will be given training to do the job. To utilize their money earned from the project works, project will implement income generation activities to improve their livelihood. These programmes will generate multiplier effect in the local economy and support significantly to uplift the socioeconomic condition of the local people particularly poor, dalit, ethnic minority and women. b. Enhancement of technical skill During the road construction and rehabilitation work, labours will be given training in road construction, soft engineering structures and bioengineering works. They will also be given on-the-job training for beneficial augmentation measures. This will help them to find job as skilled worker in other future projects as an alternative occupation in addition to agriculture. C.Women Empowerment As the road construction activities needs an employment of large masses of local people. The employment emphasis is given to the women as a part of benefit augmentation measure imparted by the road project.

8.5.2 Operation Stage

a. Promotion of Small-Scale Industries After the completion of the road, local people will have cheaper and easy access to sell their products to bigger markets at better price. This will encourage local people to establish small scale industries, cultivate coffee and other cash crops, timber and NTFPs. The benefit augmentation measures will be to promote cooperative and provide linkage with bank and other financial institutions for setting up business enterprises.

b. Increase in Land Value The construction of road leads to appreciation of land values particularly near the market and settlement areas. There will be rapid increase in the commercial production of agricultural crops due to road accessibility which is also a major factor to raise the land value. This activity would likely uplift the economic condition of the local people. Benefit enhancement measures will be promotion of land development activities and control of encroachment within RoW. c. Access to inputs and services Once the road is in operation, people would have cheaper and improved access to many inputs such as seeds, chemical fertilizer and technology leading to increased agricultural production and diversification. The transportation cost is expected to come down heavily for many of the inputs that are used by farmers in the farm and other goods. As a part of benefit augmentation measure, agricultural support services will be improved for the increased income from the farm products.

d. Development of market centers



There is a possibility of growth and extension of the minor local markets along the road like in area. As a part of benefit agumentation measure, sewerage and other basic facilities will be supported in the market centers.

e. Enhancement of community development services Due to increase in employment opportunities, trade, business and agricultural income, considerable amount of money may be channelled into the local economy which will increase the income level of the individual household and the local community of the area. Promotion of community development activities such as education, school, health and sanitation services will be supported and linkage with social infrastructure services will be developed.

f. Promotion of tourism activity Flow of tourists due to road construction will contribute in the enhancement of economic activities of the area which will increase the living condition of the local people.As a part of benefit augmentation measure, development of lodges, restaurants and hotels for the tourists will be supported.

8.6 Adverse Impact Mitigation Measures

8.6.1 Construction Phase

(i) Socio-economic Impacts a. Impact on community infrastructure such as water supply pipes and chauatara During road construction activity, the community infrastructure such as water supply pipes and chautara will be affected. It has seen that water pipe structure in ten places and chautara in three places is mostly affected by the road construction activity. Mitigation measures for affected community infrastructures along the road alignments are recommended as given below. Costs for mitigation measures have been included in project cost and relocation cost for community structures has been included in resettlement plan. In order to avoid such impacts, the following mitigation measure is suggested: Restore all disturbed infrastructures to the condition before disturbance or improve

where appropriate in coordination with local people.

b. Impacts on cultural, religious and archeological sites Though there are two temple lies within COI (Corridor of Impact) of the road alignment, they will not be affected due to the construction of the road if the road is widened at the other side of the road as a part of mitigation measures. c. Impact on health and Safety issues During construction, workers will be exposed to various risks and hazards. Potential impacts to health are respiration and eye diseases due to exposure to dust, risk of accident during work. The lack of proper sanitary measures and. To minimise the impact, following mitigation measures have to be applied. The workers will be provided with helmets, masks, muffles depending on the nature of

the construction work. Drinking water facility and temporary pit latrine will be established at construction sites to

control open defecation and pollution of water bodies by the workers. Workers will be provided with first aid and health facilities. There will be provision for

group accidental insurance for the workers.



First aid training will be provided to field staffs like overseer, social mobilizers and supervisors.

The Contractor will be obliged to carry out regular awareness training for the work forces to prevent undesired interactions with the local communities relating to prostitution, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (above all HIV/AIDS), drug abuses and increased alcohol consume leading to social conflicts, clashes and crime.

The content and schedule for such awareness campaigns will be subject to specific clauses in the works contracts.

d. Pressure on public utilities by the huge mass of the labour resulting impairment in existing environmental condition. During construction activites, there will be exerted pressure on public utilities by the huge mass of labour resulting impairement in existing environmental condition. To mitigate this impact, drinking water facility, communication facility, cooking fuel and other daily requirements for the camp must be provided for the labour by the contractor.

e. Social Conflict and Disputes

Contractor will organize orientation/interaction program with CBOs and gang leader to make workers aware of possible conflict with local people and orient them. Contractors will also give priority to the local peoples in project to maintain balance in the project.

f. Impairment in existing environmental condition due to influx of labour

The environmental condition of the project site can be impaired due to influx of labour. Following mitigation measures are applied to minimise these impacts.

Avoid throwing of waste generated by the labour camp near water bodies and settlement area and vegetated land.

Safely bury wastes generated during construction activities in pits, away from water bodies.


a. Road Accidents Movement of vehicles in the road will invite accidents. Inadequate provisions of road safety measures like no provisions of signals and lack of enforcement of traffic rules during operation period may invite accidents. The mitigation measures adopted will be: Applying appropriate road safety measures with the help of 3-Es i.e. Engineering, Enforcement and Education. Appropriate spoil disposal sites should be identified and utilized b. New Settlement and Market Center Development/ Row encroachment The existing trend is to settle along the road side for the economic activities. This is primarily attributed to increased opportunities for trade and commerce through the establishment of shops, restaurants, stalls and hotels. So, there could be expansion of settlement area in Srijana bazaar, Chede Bazar and Khalanga .This may trigger the practice of encroaching right of way (RoW). Consequently, this will reduce road capacity and increase road accidents. The increasing trend of roadside settlement is likely to increase household waste as well as wastewater on the road. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: Awareness raising programme through local organizations to plan proper settlements. Regulate settlement growth with proper planning/zoning along RoW.



Plantation of trees along the road. c.Health (HIV/AIDS) NGOs/CBOs are expected to work with locals in raising awareness about communicable diseases including STDs. d. Social Conflicts The mitigation measures recommended will be facilitating awareness raising programmes to the communities about negative social behavior like gambling, excess use of alcohol.


a. Slope Instability and Soil Erosion Earth excavation, particularly in unstable zones, drainage work, and quarrying and spoil disposal will aggravate slope instability and soil erosion. However, as proposed road alignment mainly follows already existing road which is more than 5 m wide in most of the places, not much earth excavation work is necessary. In some part where rock and soil should be cut out, following mitigation measures can be applied. Ensuring minimum cut slope Selecting cut and fill slope at correct angle depending upon the soil type Re-vegetation of cut and fill slope or exposed areas as soon as possible by using native

plant species Adoption of bio-engineering techniques Ensuring minimum damage of vegetation during construction No construction work during rainy season. Breast wall, toe wall, gabion wall, plantation, drainage management etc. will be done to

stabilize existing landslides.

b. Quarrying Stones and boulders needed for road construction will be extracted from the nearest relatively good quality natural deposits. Following mitigation measures will be adopted against the impacts of quarrying:

Before selecting and operating the quarry site, as a procedural respect, concerned contractor need to fill in standard pro-forma – developed for this issue – and submit it to and secure approval from the Resident Engineer (including from the owner as and if required) and for material testing, contact with material engineer and get approval from the material engineer.

The authority from the local authority office is necessary before opening the new quarry.

Unstable sites, erosion prone area, dense forest area, settlements, fertile farm land will be avoided for quarrying operation.

After the extraction is completed, the quarry site will be rehabilitated to suit the local landscape.

Blasting has to be avoided for quarrying.



c. Disruption of Water Resources Related Infrastructures Local water supply pipes and their sources are likely to be affected during construction work of the road project. In order to avoid/minimize such impacts, the following mitigation measures will be adopted:

Restoration/reinstating of all disturbed infrastructures Coordination with concerned local authorities like District Irrigation Office, District The sources of water should be maintained as in original state if damaged during the

road construction Contamination of water supply system will be avoided.

d. Drainage and Cross Drainage works The concentrated water from the road outlet causes erosion and landslide eventually affecting the stability of the road itself. For this, following mitigation measures will be adopted as appropriate:

Adequate numbers of drainage structures will be provided in order to have minimum interference on natural drainage pattern of the area

Drain water discharge into farmland or risky locations will be avoided. No diversion of water away from natural water course unless it is absolutely

necessary Avoid any blockage or diversion of natural channels due to (intended or incidental)

disposal of spoil.

e. Air Pollution Following mitigation measures should be adopted to minimise air pollution during construction activities. Use of face mask by the workers to minimize air pollution due to dust generation Plantation of local species along the roadside Quarries, crushers and asphalt plants must be located at least 500m away from

residential or other public sensitive areas Spray water before loading and transportation of soil and sand particularly during

windy conditions. Dust causing materials must be covered with during transportation Dust emissions must be minimized at working areas, excavated areas, quarry

sites and crusher sites by spraying of water regularly. Ground surface of sites where the crusher plant located should be covered by tarpaulin

layer to minimize the dust generation due to vehicle moving. Drum of the crusher can be covered by maintaining the appropriate height and conveyer

belts also can be covered without disturbing to the process in order to minimize the dust generation.

Construction materials must be stored in covered places or must be covered with a suitable covering to prevent dust emissions wind.

Protective blasting should be carried out to minimize dust and other gas emissions.

f. Noise Pollution As discussed in previous section noise impacts will be significant during construction periods due to increase of vehicular movements and machinery, blasting and crushing operations, material transport etc. Increased noise will affect the nearby communities and wild animals as well. Minimizing noise levels is highly important especially near residential and other public sensitive areas. .Following measures will help to keep noise and vibration in acceptable level during construction phase To mitigate the impacts due to noise, construction machinery should be operated only

during the day time.



Contractor shall equip properly tuned and well maintained heavy construction equipments and vehicles.

Suitable noise controlling devices such as exhaust silencers can be used to control noise.

All construction vehicles, machinery and equipments must be properly maintained to comply with the National Emission Standards.

If vibration levels exceed the permissible levels, contractor shall modify the method of construction until compliance with the acceptable level.

When constructions are carried out near public sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals or religious places the contractor must schedule the construction activities in consultation with the relevant Authorities to avoid any inconvenience.(New Addition)

Use of ear muffles to lessen noise pollution during rock breaking and quarrying

g. Stockpiling of Constructions materials The construction material storage is main issues for the contractor during the construction period for two purposes; for getting rid of foreign objects that can mix with the construction material and make it unsuitable for construction activities and for addressing the health issues raised by the local stakeholder. So following mitigation measures are applied. The land for storing the construction material should be far from the agriculture land and

water bodies. As a procedural respect, concerned contractor need to fill in standard pro-forma –

developed for this issue – and submit it to and secure approval from the Resident Engineer (including from the owner as and if required).

The permission from the local stakeholder should be taken before commencing the stockpiling of the construction material

Construction material should be covered with tarpaulin during stockpiling to prevent from rain water and dust emission generated from the stockpiling site. it should be encircled with side barriers and covered when incidence of mix up with deleterious materials is imminent.

Stockpiles will be kept wet by sprinkling water or covered so that erosion by wind causing dust will not occur

The costs for stockpiling of construction materials are inclusive in construction contract

h. Establishment, Operation and Closure of Crusher Plant The establishment, operation and closure of crusher plant could be issue for generating the dust and noise pollution during the construction period. So to minimize the effect of this, following mitigation measures are adopted. Sitting of crusher plants should be done as much away from the residential areas. Jaw of the crusher can be installed in a sound proof area without disturbing to the

material feeding. Apply, seek and secure approval from SC prior to establishing and operating plants Identify owner of plants site - local people, Municipality, DDC or VDC as appropriate. Strike an agreement with the local stakeholders - local people, Municipality, DDC or VDC

as appropriate. Fit and operate Stone crushing equipment with dust control devices and operated as per

Manufacturer’s Specification.

i. Impairment in landscape and human health due to blasting activities To minimize these impacts following measures are proposed. Blasting activities should be carried out at regular intervals with at least three times prior

notice to nearby residents by using a siren.



Appropriate methods should be used to mitigate the noise and vibration impacts up to acceptable levels.

Controlled blasting methods & adequate coverings should be adopted to avoid fly rocks. Maximum blasting amount /specifications shall be reduced based on monitoring of the

impacts. Reasonable compensation should be paid to those houses that are damaged by blasting

effects if any. Controlled blasting should be carried out at regular intervals by experienced workers Using adequate blasting strength and people in the vicinity should be informed. Necessary warnings, security measures, safety nets, should be adopted before blasting

operations are conducted. If possible chemical blasting also can be recommended for any critical points.

Ground vibration & air blast over pressure during the blasting activities should be maintained below the levels stipulated by blasting guidelines included in Explosive act, 1998.

Standard & site specific precautionary measures & conditions stipulated by the blasting guidelines should be adhered during blasting operation

j. Impact due to Spoil Disposal Spoils should be safely disposed and managed with minimum environmental damage. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: Wherever possible, surplus spoil will be used to fill eroded gullies, quarries and borrow

pits, depressed areas etc. Contractor must identify and select suitable and safest locations for the dumping or land

fill sites with sufficient capacity and approvals should be obtained from relevant Local Authorities

Excess spoils will be disposed in specified tipping sites in a controlled manner. Spoils should not be disposed on fragile slopes, farmland, marshy land, forest

areas,natural drainage path, canals and other infrastructures. After the disposal, the site will be provided with proper drainage, vegetation and

adequate protection against erosion. Proper engineering design (including drainage and erosion control facilities) should be

prepared by the contractor and written approval should be obtained from the local communities prior to dumping at the each identified site. Provisions of toe walls and retaining walls would protect the disposal of soil.

Adequate protection against erosion will be achieved by active re-vegetation with plants selected from the ‘DoR Roadside Bio-engineering Reference Manual and Site Handbook, 2002’ to ensure that the right plants are being used.

As a procedural respect, concerned contractor need to fill in standard pro-forma – developed for this issue and submit it to and secure approval from the Resident Engineer (including from the owner as and if required).The costs for excess materials disposal are inclusive in construction contract.

k. Cut and Fill activities

Following mitigation measures are applied.

Ensuring minimum cut slope Selecting cut and fill slope at correct angle depending upon the soil type Re-vegetation of cut and fill slope or exposed areas as soon as possible by using native

plant species



Adoption of bio-engineering techniques Ensuring minimum damage of vegetation during construction No construction work during rainy season l. Impairment in landscape due to acess road opening by the contractor

It has seen that along the road construction, other side road also open due to unnecessary demand of stakeholder and exerted pressure on the contractor and also opening raod for location of quarry site. Due to the reason, impairment in landscape occur, Following mitigation measures are applied for this.

The unnecessary demand from local stakeholder for opening of access road must be avoided.

If such road is important to open, then the IEE study should be carried out.

m. Work on Quarry, rock break up etc(Gravity of Risk).

During road construction activities, several works such as work on quarry and rock break up etc has to be done which if not properly handled, it can be life threatening to the labour working on that activities. For this, following mitigation measures have to be applied.

The safety gadgets should be provided for the labour during construction work The labour should pay fine from his payment if they are not wearing the safety gadget

during work Awareness training must be provided them for awareness on safety measures. Vibration Impact from Equipment like pavement rolling machine

Several impact has been from vibration effect induced by the equipment like crack developed on the either side of the equipment, noise disturbance annoying the local people etc. It can be reason of social disputes sometimes which can hamper the construction activities too. To mitigate all these impacts, following mitigation measures are applied.

The safety gadgets should be provided for the labour during construction work The labour should pay fine from his payment if they are not wearing the safety gadget

during work Awareness training must be provided them for awareness on safety measures.

8.7 Biological Environment


a. Loss of Vegetation and Use of Forest Product The direct loss of forest due to road alignment can be further degraded due to the

number of construction related activities including spoil disposal, firewood collection by workers, etc. The mitigation measures to be considered are:

When alignment passes through forest area, site clearance for construction shall be limited to the minimum width. No tree or vegetation shall be cut unless absolutely necessary

Workers shall be actively discouraged from collecting fuel wood from forest or hunting of birds or animals

Workers’ awareness will be raised about cooking and other kind of fire works in the forest as there may be fire in the forest which can burn the forest trees destroying the

valuable forest resource



The eroded/abandoned land is invaded by local plant species so such area shall be vegetated by fodder, fruit trees, forage grasses, etc in private land and forestlands.

Awareness programmes shall be organized to educate local people on the importance of rare and endangered plant species and conservation practices.

Workers shall be briefed regularly about the importance and rules and regulation of DFO and in order to make them comply with.

Proponent shall provide counseling services for the promotion of agro-forestry, non timber forest products, and horticulture in private land providing seeds, seedlings, slips, training and other incentives to the farmers residing in adjoining the road corridor in coordination with District Forest Office (DFO). Promotion of NTFP in community forest would be beneficial to uplift the economic condition of local people.

Trees shall be cleared after the permission of competent forest authority.

b. Disturbance to wildlife and illegal hunting Road construction may cause the loss of habitat and interruption in wildlife movement path. There may occur illegal hunting during construction period by building group members and project staff. The following mitigation measures will be adopted: The construction activities near forest area will be appropriately managed so that there

will be least disturbance to the wildlife and birds. Restriction to work during night time Restriction to wildlife harassment by the workers Coordination with DFO and CFUGs to control the activities like illegal hunting and

poaching of wild fauna, especially listed in CITES and IUCN red data book by enforcing acts and regulations strictly.

The project will launch wildlife conservation awareness program for the construction workers.

c. Trees Trees lost will be compensated by plantation at the ratio of 1:25.

d. Source of Energy/Fuel There will be involvement of local people as well as construction crews of contractors during construction works. Local labor groups will go back to their home after work everyday. For the construction crews stationed at the camp, contractor will provide legal source of energy for cooking and heating. Respective provisions will be included in the contract agreement document.


a. Wildlife Disturbance and Poaching Wildlife and birds will be disturbed due to the vehicle movement. Appropriate sign boards will be erected informing drivers about: Prohibition of blowing horns in the dense forest areas Potential areas for wildlife crossing

b. Impacts on Forest Resources The pressure on forest resources during road operation is likely to occur. The mitigation measures recommended are: Promote the installation of improved stoves (provide awareness training to encourage

them to use it), microhydro, solar and biogas to minimize the consumption of firewood Encourage and support local communities and authorities in controlling illegal harvesting

of forest resources.



CFUGs/LHFGs will be supported to conserve and manage their CFs/LHFGs according to operational plans

Encourage and support local community for controlling illegal harvesting of forest resources. awareness programmes

8.8 Chemical Environment


a. Impact on environmental factor due to storage, handing and distribution of bitumen. To mitigate these impacts the contractors shall be informed to; Avoid heating of bitumen near water sources, Avoid disposal of bitumen in water bodies, Secure safe site for bitumen storage The permission from the land owner must be obtained before commencing the storage

activities. The bitumen storage must not be on fertile land and nearby water bodies. If bitumen has spread over the land accidently and in improper place then it should be

cleared immediately. The bitumen should not be discharged into the drain structure while overlaying on the

sub-base material. The bitumen handler must be careful while handling the bitumen. Bitumen related work should not be carried out during the rainy condition.

b. Impact on environmental factor due to use and Storage of Chemicals Chemicals such as oils, chemicals, paints, acids etc will be stored in leak proof container and disposed in pit safely after use. The vehicles should not be washed directly into the water bodies. The vehicles and equipment should be maintenance time to time to ensure any leakage from them.



9. ENVIRONNEMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN (EMAP)

9.1 Environmental Management Roles and Responsibility

Responsibility for environmental management associated with the proposed road upgrading involves a number of roads building parties, each with specific responsibilities for particular activities. Main parties responsible for the implementation of environmental safeguards measures prior to -, during - and following - proposed road upgrading are:

MPPW DoR (including GESU) World Bank Project Design and Supervision Consultant Contractor – construction / bio-engineering works The summary of the role and responsibility for implementing the EMP is as follows.

Table 9.1.1 : Role and Responsibility for implementing the EMAP

Institution Role Responsibility in the Project Remark Ministry of Environment

Mandated to formulate and implement environmental policies, plans and programs at national level

Facilitate when needed on environmental safeguards , Review IEE and Approve IEE -

Ministry of physical planning work (MPPW)

It is concerned line ministry, executive agency for managing the construction and maintenance of the proposed road.

Coordinate with project on safeguard issues Conduct environmental monitoring from central level. -

Division of Roads DOR

Department under MPPW responsible to execute RSDP projects

Ultimate responsibility for the supervision of proposed road upgrading including environmental safeguards fully respected.

-

GESU(Geo- Environment and Social Unit)

Unit under division of road responsible for reviewing IEE

Review, comment, and forward IEE ToR and Report for review for approval to Ministry of environment -

World Bank Role in decision making for the execution of work

Responsible for overseeing DoR's project design, implementation management in accordance with their grant / loan conditions including environmental safeguards adequately addressed, and respected it during proposed road upgrading works.

-

Design consultant

All environmental work related to feasibility and design period

Get approval from Ministry of environment. Conduct IEE Study, Public Consultation, and prepare IEE Report , Receive comments and modify accordingly. Conduct environmental safeguard monitoring and Reporting

-



Supervision consultant

Role in checking compliance of environmental measures in road construction work as per EMAP

oversee the overall implementation of the EMP (for overall pakage), provide expertise knowledge, suggestions and recommendations when and where necessary to minimize/avoid/prevent any adverse environmental impacts

-

Construction contactor

Role of complying environmental measures into the Road construction work

The contractor/s must implement all the mitigation measures described in the EMP during the construction period to mitigate all environmental impacts associated with the construction activities

9.2 Site Supervision, Monitoring and reporting

Site supervision, monitoring and reporting are an integral part of the EMAP. All these activities should be stringently carried out to ensure effective implementation of mitigation measures into the field level. It should be carried out prior to and during road upgrading to answer the following question. a. Is all work being done according to approved design? b. Are all mitigation measures applied into the field? c. Are all environmental issues complied by the contractor? d. Are all the implemented issues sufficient to address the environmental issues?

Site inspection and monitoring will be carried out in a transparent and credible manner by using established indicators. Standard checklists and formats to be used by the monitoring staff both for site surveys and in the subsequent reports. Monitoring activity involves quantifying the observed impacts, and to verify the nature and extent of impacts, taking photographs, parameter-tests, interaction with local, and geo-referencing the observed site/area with GPS. Table 9.2.1 specifies the set of verifiable indicators that will be used for monitoring in this EMAP.

Table 9.2.1: Monitoring Indicators Selected for this IEE

Monitored Sector Parameters Selected for Monitoring

Soils, Landslides, Erosion Waste management Sites

Number, location and extent of slope failures Cause analysis for slope failure Natural/man-made Area (ha) of land, forest and properties affected Nos and extent of gully erosions and pavement failures Nos and extent of road subsiding effects Suitability of corrective/bio-engineering measures Nos of days and nature of traffic delays due to slides Sites and suitability for safe disposal of wastes and garbage

Bio-engineering Nos and plant species selected for bio-engineering, disaggregated by protective function Magnitude of local seismic activities and respective damage to structures, including road

Seismicity Nos and magnitude of local seismic activities and respective damage to structures, including road

Water Pollution, Water Resources and their uses: Surface/ ground water

Nos and extent of water-logging at operative and/or decommissioned construction sites Incidents & trends in development of waterborne diseases Nos of days and nature of traffic delays due to water logging and inundation



Irrigation waters Drinking water Public taps

Blockage of waterways - extent and secondary impacts Water pollution incidents due to unsafe disposal of waste and spoil, analysing effects on local fisheries Observations on car washing practices in rivers, and analysis of potential environmental effects Damage to farm lands due to water shortage or pollution Catch particulars and economics of local fisher folk Trend analysis for local fisheries Records of seasonal groundwater fluctuations Laboratory tests for drinking water quality, determining pH, particulars, turbidity, BOD, fecal bacteria, NHx, NOx SOx, PO4, hydrocarbons, selected heavy metals.

Air and Noise Level In relation to traffic volume

Point measurements of noise at settlement sites/sensitive spots and at 2, 5 and 15 m from road shoulder Qualitative analysis of dust development at selected sites/sensitive spots Traffic volume measurements

Monitored

Sector Parameters Selected for Monitoring

Road Safety Speed measurements at selected spots Nos and type of road accidents recorded in the Traffic Police

Office and in local health service centers Suitability of local road signs Records on public road safety awareness campaigns

Wildlife % Habitat Disturbance Impacts on Forest Resources Plantations

Nos and extent of road accidents inflicting wildlife DFO records of illegal timber extraction and wildlife trade Nos, extents and causes for forest fires Observations and handling of invasive species Success/failure of roadside/compensatory planting & nurseries

Socio-economic Development near road alignment

Demographic, economic and education data Nos and extent of new settlements /types and ethnic groups Nos and extent of new businesses /types and ethnic groups Nos and extent of new services and utilities

The monitoring task and reporting work are undertaken by the concerned road builders – supervising consultants and contractors - prior to and during road upgrading as outlined in EMAP framework given below.

9.2.1 Pre-Construction Phase Monitoring

In this phase, mainly the environmental baseline data and socioeconomic aspect are collected. Walkover survey has to be done to locate the environmental issues along the road side. Other work during this, is to identify the camp site and specify the chainage wise location, identify potential source of construction material, identify the proper place for spoil disposal, identify the infrastructure that exist within corridor of Impact(COI). All these issues should be noted with chainage. For locating these factors, GPS can be used.

9.2.2 Construction Phase Monitoring

In this phase the monitoring focuses on checking compliance with the practices, norms, standards and technical solutions prescribed in the Design and in the EMAP. In construction



phase monitorig, daily, weekly and montly visit have been done on contruction site to inspect related activities. If any activities have shown non compliance with EMAP then supervising consulatant shall issue letter to instructing him to correct defective within specified time, and will document and present it in Monthly Progress Report.

a. Daily Supervison

In daily supervision, works like excavation activities, fill embankment and excess cut/ fill material disposal carried out in construction field are observed and see whether all activiitis are complied with the EMAP specification.

Weekly Inspections – In Weekly insepection, the Supervising Consultant shall visit the site in week, together with the Contractor, to inspect all the works like retaining and breast wall construction, drain constructon, restoration of public utilities and services, quarry/ borrow pits, excess material disposal, stock piled materials under construction:

If any activities have shown non compliance with EMAP then supervising consulatant shall document defective works and suggest corrective measures in the Weekly Report. The Supervising Consultant shall provide a copy of the Weekly Report to the Contractor within 2 days of the Inspection for action. All drainage works and drain outlet areas will be inspected after each major storm event.

Monthly Inspections – the Supervising Consultant shall undertake a monthly inspection of all sites in use over the preceding month, as well as site activities currently in progress, at the end of each month together with the Contractor. If any activities are not undertaken in accordance with the contract or EMAP conditions, the Supervising Consultant shall document defective works and suggest corrective measures in the Monthly Report. The Supervising Consultant shall provide a copy of the Monthly Report to the Contractor within 2 days of the Inspection for action.

9.2.3 Post-Construction Phase

Supervising consultant shall undertake a post-construction certification inspection of each completed section of road including its rehabilitated ancillary sites. Qualified certification shall need to respect full to contract conditions including EMAP conditions. The cost for post – construction certification is included in project document of implementation phase.


Environmental monitoring of upgraded road during the operation phase shall concentrate on the impact of key environmental issues identified during project design including slide and its conditions, drainage, road side structures etc. DoR's GESU also shall undertake at most two inspections in a year. These inspections will include a visual assessment of:

Road surface condition Slope conditions (cut / fill) Road side structures Drains and drain line including its state Damage from excess materials disposal

9.3 Project Level Monitoring

Supervising Consultant shall, on behalf of project, undertake its level of monitoring of road upgrading leading to sealed bituminous surface. This monitoring is on type of work activities.



Daily Supervision - Excavation activities, Fill embankment construction and Excess cut / fill materials disposal

Weekly Inspections - Retaining and breast wall construction, Drains construction, Reinstatement of public utilities and services and Quarry / burrow pits

Monthly Inspections - Inspection of all sites in use over the preceding month, as well as site activities currently in progress, at the end of each month in conjunction with the Contractor.

9.4 DoR Level Monitoring

DoR shall undertake bi-annual monitoring of upgrading works with specific focus on issues associated with road upgrading, level of contractor's respect to EMAP, site constraints etc. Reporting As part of EMP, reports should be produced at regular time intervals depending upon type and size of project by the EMP team or unit. Monthly reports will be prepared and submitted to DOR and World Bank. The Contract will need to state that the DOR must approve the contractor's arrangements for environmental protection, health and safety, waste management and other environmentally related actions identified during the detailed design phase and these must be written into the Contract Document. The environmental consultant will inform the DOR in case of non-compliance and of any other environmental issues that require immediate attention. The contract will detail theremedies for non-compliance by the Contractor. The monthly reports will be based on recurrent site inspections and will report on the effectiveness of the mitigation measures; the Contractor's compliance with the environmentalspecifications; measures recommended in the events of non-compliance and recommendations for any other remedial actions, etc.

9.5 Monitoring and Evaluation

Ministry of Physical Planning and Works shall undertake monitoring and evaluation of ongoing works of proposed road upgrading with a focus on project implementation on the environment. As and if state of any impact is found higher than its anticipated during environmental study, MPPW shall issue necessary directives to the proponent practice and place a better safeguards so that the impact is reduced remarkably. Monitoring will focus on recording environmental state and proposing a suitable remedial action. The following table 9.5.1 identifies the specific compliance monitoring activities foreseen in this Project. Phase-wise details are provided for the methods, schedules, responsible implementing agency and the responsible monitoring/overseeing agency. The compliance monitoring refers primarily to the pre-construction and construction stage of the Project. Table 9.5.2.details the impact and effect monitoring activities envisaged for this Project, as relevant for different phases. As in the previous table, details are provided for the applied methods, schedules, location, responsible implementing agency and the responsible monitoring/overseeing agency.

Table 9.5.1: Compliance Monitoring for the Chinchu_Jajarkot Road Upgrading

Works

Parameters/Issues Responsible Implementing

Agency Verifiable Indicators

Verification Methods

Schedule Responsible

Monitoring Agency







Monitoring Agency

Socio-economic Environment

Involvement of local labors in construction

activities

Contractor Number of local

labors employed in project

Inspection at construction

site, interaction with local people

Periodically during

construction stage

Proponent/ Consultant

Occupational health and Hazard Contractor

Incidence of communicable/non-

communicable diseases in labor

camp, safety gears usage by labor,

medical checkup camps, shelter,

drinking water and toilet facility

Site inspection, interaction with labors

Periodically during

construction stage

Proponent/Consultant

Pressure on social facilities Contractor

Number of labors depending on local

social infrastructures like forest, water supply lines, health posts,

etc

Site observation,

interview with local peoples

Periodically during

construction period


Social Conflict Contractor

Number of days lost due to conflict,

bands at project level etc.

Interview with

contractor, site

consultant, locals

Periodically during

construction period


Employment to Project affected

people Contractor

Number of project affected people

employed

Interaction with project

affected people,

recording

Periodically during

construction period


Restoration, rehabilitation,

reconstruction of infrastructure

damaged by the proposal activities

Contractor Continued services by the facilities and functional public life

Site observation; VDC/DDC records; Public

Consultation Meetings;

Photos

Once in a month during

construction


Physical and Cultural Environment

Slope protection Contractor Bioengineering

methods used at recommended sites

Walk through

Before award of

construction completion certificate


Extraction of material from recommended

quarry sites and borrow pits

Contractor

No cases of material extraction

reported from unauthorized sites

Walkthrough, interaction with local peoples

During construction

stage Proponent/Consultant

Control of dust Contractor Dust level at

construction site, water sprinkling

Use of sprinkler

tank,

During construction








Monitoring Agency

practice observed interview local about

dust problem

Spoil dumped in safe tipping site Contractor

Spoil dumped in sites recommended by project manager

Interaction with project manager, and local people,

walkthrough survey along

road alignment

During construction


Erosion protection measures used in

material stockpiling area

Contractor

Erosion protection measures used

(grassing), bunds constructed,

adequate drainage provided

Visit to material

stockpiling area,

observation

During construction


Road Safety Contractor

Use of signal boards (speed limit,

men at work, danger etc) during construction, safety passage provided

to vehicles

Walkthrough observation, interaction with locals

During construction

stage

Proponent/ consultant

Measures to protect

environment from air & noise pollution

Contractor

Dust level and noise level at work

sites, major settlements and

sensitive spots like health centers and

schools

Testing, Observation

of good construction

practices and

discussion with

residents and workers


construction


Biological Environment

Spoil disposal in forest and water

bodies Contractor

Spoil dumped in forest, and

sensitive areas

Walkthrough observation

During construction

period Proponent/consultant

Compensatory plantation done Contractor Number of trees

planted

Visit to re-plantation

area

Before award of

construction completion certificate

Proponent/consultant

Use of firewood Contractor Use of firewood by labor, and bitumen

heating

Inspection, interaction with local, community forestry and

labors

During construction

stage Proponent/consultant

Disturbing, illegal killing, poaching of

wildlife Contractor

Cases of disturbances,

illegal and hunting and poaching

Interaction with CFUG,

locals, inspection of labor camp

area

During construction

stage Proponent/consultant







Monitoring Agency

Measures to avoid pressure on forest

and wildlife Contractor

Use of firewood or fossil fuel by

construction crew, events of hunting

and killing of wildlife/fishes

Inspection and interview

with local people and

CFUGs


construction

Project/ Proponent/ Consultant

Final alignment selection as per

IEE / EMP recommendation

Consultant

Incorporation of IEE/EMP

recommendations into Site and

alignment selection process and design

document

Walkthrough along final

road alignment, verifying sensitive

areas

Initial stage of surveying Project/DoR

Chemical Environment

Measure to protect water bodies from

pollution

Contractor

Visual observation of open defection

and waste disposal around water sources near

construction sites; Parameters like

pH, hardness, DO etc.

Site inspection, test of site-

selected samples of

water at laboratory

Once in a six months

during construction;

Upon demand for testing with

field kit


Table 9.5.2: Impact / Effect Monitoring for the Chinchu_Jajarkot Road

Upgrading Works

Parameter

Verifiable Indicators Verification Methods

Location

Schedule

Responsible Implementing

Agency

Responsible Monitoring Agency

Landslide and Erosion

Inclination, slope failures, causes; Drainage facilities such as catch drain, side drains and functionality of DC structures; Fresh gullies and erosion Success/failure of bio-engineering solutions

Site observation, photos Discussion with people and technicians

Near steep slopes and at slide areas and sites where bio-engineering activities are failed.

Continuously during construction and operation

Technical Consultant Maintenance Division DoR


Bio-engineering of Disturbed Slopes

Re-vegetation through bio-engineering application on disturbed slope Establishment of nursery

Site observation Inspection of nursery and its production rate; Photos, measurements

Cut slope area, where vegetation is cleared; Nursery

During and at end of project construction

Contractor NGOs/CBOs


Disposal of Spoils and Construction Wastes

Initiated erosion, affected aesthetic value, affected forest and agriculture, initiated land erosion by local blocked drainage, hazard to downhill slope residents and agricultural lands

Site observation and interviews, photos, geo-referencing sites

At specific locations where such sites occur

During construction

Contractor Proponent/Consultant

Quarrying of Initiated erosion, Site Quarry site During Contractor Proponent/Consultant



Parameter

Verifiable Indicators Verification

Methods

Location

Schedule

Responsible Implementing

Agency

Responsible Monitoring Agency

Construction Materials

changes in river regime, erosion by river systems, landslide due to quarrying, degradation of vegetation, water logging, waterborne diseases

observation, photos Records from local health centers

areas construction

Disruption of Drainage System

Status of rehabilitation Service status of irrigation and water supply system, Operation and maintenance requirement

Observation and interviews, photos, fisheries data, wildlife records

Disrupted aquatic system, irrigation schemes

During construction


Water Quality

Turbidity, Oil and Grease, Dissolved Oxygen

Water quality tests of source of drinking and irrigation water

Water bodies of importance

During construction and operation


Air Quality Total Suspended Solid, Particulates, SOx, NOx

Visual inspection, measurement, and comparison with baseline data, tests

At construction sites and at sensitive spots (schools, hospitals)



Forest and Vegetation

Numbers of trees, presence of ground vegetation, signs of illicit logging and extraction of NTFPs

Observations, DFO records, photos, stakeholder interviews

In and around the construction sites, markets,


Contractor CFUG, DFO


Wild life Wildlife hunting trapping and poaching by work force, Trade of wildlife, Biological survey on selected biota

Interview with local people / DFO, photos Observations

Forest areas at roadside

Throughout project

Contractor, DFO


Health Types of diseases in the labor camp

Discussion with labors, health workers,

Project Area

Monthly during construction


Trade and Commerce

Numbers of shops increased or decreased, rental of houses and land spaces

Records, interviews, observations, photos

Project Area

Throughout project

Consultant Proponent/Consultant

Occupational Safety and Health

Type and number of accident occurred during construction, Adequacy of occupational safety measured provided Compensation provided in case of fatal accidents or invalidity

Observations, photos, spot checks, Contractors’ and health centre records interview with laborers

Project Area

During construction


Ribbon Settlement

Congestions to road users Nos. of accidents, RoW encroachment

Records, observations

Project Area

During operation

Div. Road Office




9.6. Responsible Monitoring Agencies

Tables 9.6.1. indicate a fair number of governmental and non-governmental agencies who become involved at some stage in the monitoring process. The Project Proponent, being the Department of Roads under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MoPPW), is the main responsible agency for managing the construction and maintenance of the proposed road.

In most cases where monitoring refer to the Proponent as the principal responsible agency, the specific tasks refer to the direct involvement of the Geo-Environment and Social Unit (GESU) of the Department

Other institutions directly involved are the forestry at their district level. The CFUGs play an important role in the protection of flora and fauna. DDC and VDCs will be more involved as local level authorities. Road security and enforcement of traffic regulations comes under the mandate of the Traffic Police under the Ministry of Home Affair.

NGOs/CBOs are indirectly involved in carrying out awareness generation and social development programs. These agencies are also involved in mobilizing and arranging for local laborers to be contracted by the Contractors. The general and site-specific supervision and monitoring will be entrusted to a Supervision Consultant assisting the Proponent to ensure proper construction practices and implementation of the management options and mitigation measures proposed in the Environmental Action plan. The organizational chart for implementing the EMAP is illustrated in the following diagram:

Fig. 9.6.1: Environmental Management Organizational Structure

9.7. Environmental Management Plan

The EMP is prepared to guide implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring requirements. It includes institution and their roles, environmental management activities, environmental management organizational structure and budget for mitigation measures. Prior to undertaking activities of proposed road upgrading, contractor need to fill in as 'kick off'



environmental management plan pro-forma on work / activity basis to begin with, submit it to Resident Engineer and secure his approval. Environmental management plan format is given in appendix XII.



Table 9.7.1 Framework for implementing environmental management plan

(Enhancement measures)

Beneficial Environmental Impact

Affected Location

Beneficial Augmentation Measure

Enhancement Cost Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency Supervising Agency

Employment Generation and Increase in Income

Entire project area

Involvement of women, dalit and ethnic minority poor people and providing life skill training for income generation activities

Construction Contract Contractor Consultant and Dor

Skill Enhancement

On need base location

Organize skill training programs and income generation training

Construction Contract Contractor/Consultant Consultant/DOR

Women Empowerment Entire project are

Employ women in construction activities.

Construction Contract Contractor/Consultant Consultant and DOR

Increase in land value Entire Project area

Promotion of land development activities and control of encroachment within RoW.

- VDC/DDC/NGO VDC/DDC

Improvement in accessibility, saving of time and transportation cost

Entire project area

Proper maintenance of the road - Contractor during DLP period and Road division office after DLP period

Road Division Office

Increase in productivity Entire project area

Provide market link, training on high yield agricultural production

- NGO/DDCVDC/ VDC/DDC

Promotion of small scale industries

Entire project area

Support to local entrepreneurs - Ministry of Cottage and Industries

VDC/DDC

Development of market center

In settlement areas

Sewerage and other basic facilities will be supported in the market centers.

- VDC/DDC VDC/DDC

Enhancement of community development services

Entire project area

Promotion of community development activities such as education, school, health and sanitation services will be supported and linkage with social infrastructure services will be developed.

- NGO/VDC/DDC VDC/DDC

Promotion of tourism activity

Entire project area

Development of lodges, restaurants and hotels for the tourists will be supported.

- VDC/DDC/Local People VDC/DDC



Beneficial Measures

Aspect Activity Adverse

Environmental Impact

Affected Location

Mitigation Measures Mitigation cost

Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

Construction Period

Physical Fresh cut and Earthwork Excavation

Slope failure, disruption of road, water pollution nearby water bodies, dust pollution

Along the road side where earth excavation work is necessary.

Cover fresh cuts, take precaution on water pollution, construction of dyke around stockpiled material, spoil, fresh cuts, employ bio-engineering

Included in Contract Document

Contractor Consultant and Dor

Spoil Disposal

Disruption of road, damage to farmland, water pollution etc

All disposal Sites - Wherever possible, surplus spoil will be used to fill eroded gullies, quarries and borrow pits, depressed areas etc.

- Contractor must identify and select suitable and safest locations for the dumping or land fill sites with sufficient capacity and approvals should be obtained from relevant Local Authorities

- Excess spoils will be disposed in specified tipping sites in a controlled manner.

- Spoils should not be disposed on fragile slopes, farmland, marshy land, forest areas, natural drainage path, canals and other infrastructures.

- After the disposal, the site will be provided with proper drainage, vegetation and adequate protection against erosion.

- Proper engineering design (including drainage and erosion control facilities) should be prepared by the contractor and written approval should be obtained from the local communities prior to dumping at the each identified site. Provisions of toe walls and retaining walls would protect the disposal of soil.

- Adequate protection against erosion will be achieved by active re-vegetation with plants selected from the ‘DoR Roadside Bio-engineering Reference Manual and Site Handbook, 2002’ to ensure that the right

Included in Contract document

Contractor Consultant/Dor





Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

plants are being used. (Reviewed and Updated)

Operation of Quarry Sites

Damage to farmland, property, etc

All quarry site where material is to be extracted

- The authority from the local authority office is necessary before opening the new quarry.

- Unstable sites, erosion prone area, dense forest area, settlements, fertile farm land will be avoided for quarrying operation.

- After the extraction is completed, the quarry site will be rehabilitated to suit the local landscape.

- Blasting has to be avoided for quarrying.

Included in Contract Document

Contractor Consultant/DOR

Cut and fill activities

Slope Instability and Soil Erosion

All area where cut and fill is necessary

- Ensuring minimum cut slope - Selecting cut and fill slope at correct angle

depending upon the soil type Undertake and effect fill in layers no deeper than 150mm and compact before applying next layer.

- Re-vegetation of cut and fill slope or exposed areas as soon as possible by using native plant species

- Adoption of civil engineering work in conjunction with bio-engineering techniques

- Ensuring minimum damage of vegetation during construction

- No construction work during rainy season


Contractor/Consultant

Consultant/DOR

Construction activity

Air Pollution All along the road - Use of face mask by the workers to minimize air pollution due to dust generation

- Plantation of local species along the roadside

- Quarries, crushers and asphalt plants must be located at least 500m away from residential or other public sensitive areas

- Spray water before loading and transportation of soil and sand particularly


Contractor/Consultant

Consultant and DOR





Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

during windy conditions. - Dust causing materials must be covered with

during transportation - Dust emissions must be minimized at

working areas, excavated areas, quarry - Sites and crusher sites by spraying of water

regularly. - Ground surface of sites where the crusher

plant located should be covered by tarpaulin layer to minimize the dust generation due to vehicle moving.

- Drum of the crusher can be covered by maintaining the appropriate height and conveyer belts also can be covered without disturbing to the process in order to minimize the dust generation.

- Construction materials must be stored in covered places or must be covered with a suitable covering to prevent dust emissions wind.

- Protective blasting should be carried out to minimize dust and other gas emissions.

Disruption in natural water flow due to construction of water related structure

Causes a number of risks , impairment in water bodies Risk to downstream people

All area where such structures are proposed for made.

- Adequate numbers of drainage structures will be provided in order to have minimum interference on natural drainage pattern of the area

- Drain water discharge into farmland or risky locations will be avoided.

- No diversion of water away from natural water course unless it is absolutely necessary

- Avoid any blockage or diversion of natural channels due to (intended or incidental) disposal of spoil.

- Install cascades, steps, energy dissipaters, and check dams including bio-engineering measures as per design for gully protection to avoid depth and side erosion of natural course including river beds.

Included in contract document





Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

- Restrict and avoid water extracts for construction works from the standpipes and public water supplies, without prior permission of VDC.


Disruption of Water Resources Related Infrastructures

All area where such structure is hampered. Mainly on chainage 106+300 100+ 400 etcand other given in appendices

- Restoration / reinstating of all disturbed infrastructures

- Coordination with concerned local authorities like District Irrigation Office, District

- The sources of water should be maintained as in original state if damaged during the road construction

Contamination of water supply system will be avoided.



Noise pollution Crusher plant side - To mitigate the impacts due to noise, construction machinery should be operated only during the day time.

- Contractor shall equip properly tuned and well maintained heavy construction equipments and vehicles.

- Suitable noise controlling devices such as exhaust silencers can be used to control noise.

- All construction vehicles, machinery and equipments must be properly maintained to comply with the National Emission Standards.

- If vibration levels exceed the permissible levels, contractor shall modify the method of construction until compliance with the acceptable level.

- When constructions are carried out near public sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals or religious places the contractor must schedule the construction activities in consultation with the relevant Authorities to avoid any inconvenience.(New Addition)

- Use of ear muffles to lessen noise pollution during rock breaking and quarrying


Contractor Consultant and DOR





Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

Stockpiling of Constructions materials

Blockage of drain, damage to forest or agricultural land, dust generation

Place where construction material is piled.

- The land for storing the construction material should be far from the agriculture land and water bodies.

- As a procedural respect, concerned contractor need to fill in standard pro-forma – developed for this issue – and submit it to and secure approval from the Resident Engineer (including from the owner as and if required).

- The permission from the local stakeholder should be taken before commencing the stockpiling of the construction material

- Construction material should be covered with tarpaulin during stockpiling to prevent from rain water and dust emission generated from the stockpiling site. it should be encircled with side barriers and covered when incidence of mix up with deleterious materials is imminent.

- Seed topsoil stockpiles with a cover crop where they are to be retained for more than one month.



Establishment, Operation and Closure of Crusher Plant

Local people, labor force prone to air noise and water pollution

Crusher plant location.

- Sitting of crusher plants should be done as much away from the residential areas.

- Jaw of the crusher can be installed in a sound proof area without disturbing to the material feeding.

- Apply, seek and secure approval from SC prior to establishing and operating plants

- Identify owner of plants site - local people, Municipality, DDC or VDC as appropriate.

- Strike an agreement with the local stakeholders - local people, Municipality, DDC or VDC as appropriate.

- Fit and operate Stone crushing equipment with dust control devices and operated as per Manufacturer’s Specification.







Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

Blasting activity

Impairment in landscape and human health

The area where blasting has been proposed

- Blasting activities should be carried out at regular intervals with at least three times prior notice to nearby residents by using a siren.

- Appropriate methods should be used to mitigate the noise and vibration impacts up to acceptable levels.

- Controlled blasting methods & adequate coverings should be adopted to avoid fly rocks.

- Maximum blasting amount /specifications shall be reduced based on monitoring of the impacts.

- Reasonable compensation should be paid to those houses that are damaged by blasting effects if any.

- Controlled blasting should be carried out at regular intervals by experienced workers using adequate blasting strength and people in the vicinity should be informed.

- Necessary warnings, security measures, safety nets, should be adopted before blasting operations are conducted. If possible chemical blasting also can be recommended for any critical points.

- Ground vibration & air blast over pressure during the blasting activities should be maintained below the levels stipulated by blasting complying rules under explosive act.

- Standard & site specific precautionary measures & conditions stipulated by the blasting guidelines should be adhered during blasting operation

- Condition surveys / crack surveys on all structures close to blasting / compaction sites should be conducted before commencement of activities







Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

Access Road Opening by the Proposed Road Upgraded Stretch

Landslide Area where such road has opened

- The unnecessary demand from local stakeholder for opening of access road must be avoided.

- If such road is important to open, then the IEE study should be carried out.

-


Work on Quarry, rock break up etc.

Risk to human health

Work where such work has to be done.

- The safety gadgets should be provided for the labour during construction work

- The labour should pay fine from his payment if they are not wearing the safety gadget during work

- Awareness training must be provided them for awareness on safety measures.


Contractor , Consultant

Consultant and DOR

Use of pavement rolling machine

Road cracks develop, disturbance to the local nearby

Work where such equipment has to be lauched

- Restrict and limit working hours to day hours especially at urban and sensitive location.

- Alternative pavement compression method needs to practice.

- Monitor cracks caused by vibration due to construction activities

- Seek and practice alternative to minimize crack caused by vibrations.


Contractor, Consultant

Consultant and DOR

Chemical

storage/handling and distribution of Bitumen

Risk to human health, water pollution, soil pollution

Area where storage and spreading bitumen has to be carried out.

- Secure safe site for bitumen storage - The permission from the land owner must

be obtained before commencing the storage activities.

- The bitumen storage must not be on fertile land and nearby water bodies.

- If bitumen has spread over the land accidently and in improper place then it should be cleared immediately.

- The bitumen should not be discharged into the drain structure while overlaying on the sub-base material.

- The bitumen handler must be careful while handling the bitumen.

- Bitumen related work should not be carried out during the rainy condition.







Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

Storage/ handling of chemicals toxic and non-toxic

Impact on human health, flora and fauna living nearby

Areas where work should be done related to chemicals

- No hazardous materials allowed to store near surface waters.

- Collect and re-cycle used lubricants and oils or dispose it off safely.

- Overlay plastic sheeting under hazardous material storage area

- Collect and retain hazardous material leaks and spills laid over the plastic sheet.

- Capture contaminated runoff from storage areas in ditches or ponds with an oil trap at the outlet.

- Pack contaminated and worn plastic sheeting into drums and disposed it off site.

- The vehicles should not be washed directly into the water bodies.

- The vehicles and equipment should be maintenance time to time to ensure any leakage from them.

- The storage of chemical should be in proper place .


Contractor, consultant

Consultant and DOR

Biological

Vegetation removal

Loss of Vegetation and Use of Forest Product

At the area where trees has to be cut.

- Trees shall be cleared after the permission of competent forest authority.

- The loss cannot be minimized, but it can be compensated by planting trees. Compensatory plantation will be in the ratio of 1:25


DFO/Consultant/NGO

Consultant and DOR/DFO

Influx of labor into the construction site

Disturbance to Wildlife

Entire road section

- Workers should be educated through an awareness program about the importance of wildlife for maintaining the ecosystem.

- It is recommended to work during day time to minimize the disturbances to the wildlife.

- Speed breakers have to be incorporated in design

- Posting of environmental signboards (illustrated and in local language) have to be displayed in more wildlife occurrence zone

- The Contractor will be obliged to instruct the work personnel and enforce action for preventing access of labourers to nearby







Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

sensitive areas, as identified by the Consultant.

- Harassment to wildlife by the workforce will be strictly restricted.

Influx of construction crew into the construction field

Illegal Hunting and Wildlife Trade

Entire road section

- Illegal hunting and fishing during construction period by the involved construction workforce and project staff will be strictly controlled.

- Depending on the local conditions and logistic constraints, meat and fish for contractor’s workforce should be supplied by the contractor by purchasing them from larger markets in the region.

- Trading of animal skin, horn, bones, feathers etc. will be fully controlled and supervised, and will be forwarded to enforce legal actions against offenders

- Contractor Consultant and DOR

Labor camp need of fuels for bitumen heating, operation of crusher plant

Exerted pressure on fossil fuel impacting as loss of forest

Entire Road - For construction crews stationed at the camp, contractor will provide kerosene or gas for cooking and heating.

- If heating of bitumen is needed for sealing gravel, kerosene will be utilized

- Use of forest wood will be restricted for meeting the fuel needs.



Influx of labour, Heavy machinery work, risk due to gravity of work such as Rock break up.

Impact on health and Safety issues

Entire road - The workers will be provided with helmets, masks, muffles depending on the nature of the construction work.

- Drinking water facility and temporary pit latrine will be established at construction sites to control open defecation and pollution of water bodies by the workers.

- Workers will be provided with first aid and health facilities. There will be provision for group accidental insurance for the workers.

- First aid training will be provided to field staffs like overseer, social mobilizers and supervisors.

- The Contractor will be obliged to carry out regular awareness training for the work


Contractor and consultant

Consultant and DOR





Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

forces to prevent undesired interactions with the local communities relating to prostitution, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (above all HIV/AIDS), drug abuses and increased alcohol consume leading to social conflicts, clashes and crime.

- The content and schedule for such awareness campaigns will be subject to specific clauses in the works contracts.

Socioeconomic

Construction camp establishment

Pressure on public utilities by the huge mass of the labour resulting impairment in existing environmental condition.

Camp area - The resource need by the labour should be provided by contractor not disturbing the public utilities.

.

- Contractor Consultant


Social Conflict due to influx of labour

Camp area and market area

- The labour should comply with the code of conduct set by the contractor

- Contractor DPO


Impairment in existing environmental condition due to influx of labour

Entire road section

- The labour should respect the environment of the working area

- They should discharge the waste into proper place

- The labour should be strictly prohibited for noise disturbance

- Clear and restore contractor’s work force camps to natural or stable conditions with vegetative cover


Road construction

Impact on community infrastructure

Chautara at 106+180 km, 94+210 and 52+900 km

- Restore all disturbed infrastructures to the condition before disturbance or improve where appropriate in coordination with local people.

Included in contract document

Contractor Consultant

Road construction

Impact on religious places

At chainage 103+86, 55+840 km

- The impact can be minimized by widening the road on other side of the road






Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

Road construction

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

On need basis location

- Form, activate and maintain GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM for each site of road constructions

- Activate and maintain GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM in concerned project manager’s office, Resident Engineers office, contractor’s office for each site of road constructions

- Inform local stakeholders of Grievance Redressal Mechanism’s existence

- Inform local stakeholders about how they can lodge grievance against contractor’s fault work for his rectification Undertake and correct fault works by contractor to grievance lodger’s satisfaction

Operation Stage

Physical

Operation of road

Slope Instability and Erosion

More susceptible location

- Correction of maintenance of the slope protection measures and drainage works

- Minor landslide and mass wasting will be immediately cleared and slope restored with appropriate technology (bioengineering)

- Soil conservation will be promoted in the right of way and vulnerable areas beyond the road alignment

- CFUG will be promoted to conserve and manage their CFs properly

Included in Contract documents

Road division office after DLP period and Contractor during DLP period

Road Division Office

Operation of road

Air, Noise and Water Pollution

Entire Road section

- Vehicle emission standard will be maintained - Speed limit of the vehicles will be maintained - Plantation will be done

- DPO and DDC/VDC/DFO

DDC/VDC

Biological

Operation of road

Depletion of Forest Resources

Along the forest ed area

- CFUGs will be supported to conserve and manage their CFs according to operational plans

- Promote the installation of improved stoves to minimize the consumption of fire wood

- DFO/VDC/DDC

DFO/VDC/DDC

Operation of Road

Disturbance to wildlife and birds

- Prohibition of blowing horns in the dense forest areas

- Potential areas for wildlife crossing

- DPO DPO





Affected Location


Responsible Agency

Implementing Agency

Supervising Agency

Socioeconomic

Operation of Road

Road Accident Entire Road - Required delineators, safety signs, road bumps etc. will be used as appropriate along the road.

- Road safety awareness programs will be conducted, including the propagation of educative hand-out material in local language(s).

- The material shall be propagated in schools and be available at all VDCs.

- It is also recommended to place illustrated sign boards at accident-prone spots and bus bays

Included in contract documents

DPO DPO

Operation of Road

New Settlement Along the Road

Along the road , probably more near the market area

- Discouraging ribbon settlements along the road awareness raising programme through local organizations to plan proper settlements

- Regulate settlement growth with proper panning along RoW

- Plantation of trees along the road.

- Road Division Office, Ministry of Physical Planning

Road Division Office/VDC/DDC

Operation of Road

Change in Social Behavior

Entire Road area dn adjoining village

- Facilitating awareness raising programmes to the communities about negative social behavior like gambling, excess use of alcohol.

- VDC/DDC/NGO

VDC/DDC



9.8. Cost for Executing the Environmental Management Act Plan

9.8.1. Specific Cost Details

a. Land Acquisition Costs

The costs for land and crops that will be lost due to the acquisition of land will be included under the environmental and social costs for this Project Budget. The actual payments to the PAPs loosing such properties will be established by the Compensation Fixation Committee.

b. Tree Compensatory Plantation

The compensatory plantation, as envisaged by the Department of Forest, MoFSC is in the ratio of 1:251 for well-grown trees. Shrubs and bamboo are compensated differently. The planting takes a 30% mortality of the saplings into account. Source for the saplings are newly established nurseries, operated through a local NGO. The planted tree saplings will be tended for 3 years. The costs for tree felling and clearance of the site from vegetation are included in the overall engineering costs of the Project.

Table 9.8.1.1: Costs for Plantation

Measures/Activities Costs in Rs

Remarks

Planting of 100 saplings, incl. site preparation, pitting, mulching

4,000 4 trees to be cleared, replacement ratio 1 : 25 @ Rs 40/sapling

Replacement of 30 dead saplings @ Rs 40 1200 assuming 30% mortality Tools 6,000 LS Tending and maintenance for 5 years

17,000 Lump Sum

SUB-TOTAL 28200

c. Awareness and Training Activities

Awareness program will be organized for construction labors. The investment required for this will be borne by contractor. Separate awareness and training program is beyong the scope of the project.

d. Environmental Monitoring Activities

The overall responsibility for environmental monitoring is transferred to Supervision Consultant. Given the above assumptions, the following monitoring costs are to be incurred by the Project:

1 As per the provision of DoR.



Table 9.8.1.2: Costs for Environmental Monitoring

9.8.2. Summary Costs for Environmental and Social Safeguard Measures

The total environmental and social mitigation costs, including the costs for land acquisition are summarized in Table 9.8.2.1.

Table 9.8.2.1: Summary costs for Environmental and social Safegurad

SN Measures/Activities Costs Rs

Remarks

1 Land Acquisition, Property Acquisition and Resettlement

-

see above

2 Tree compensatory Plantation 28200 2 Awareness & Training Activities - see above 3 Environmental & Social Monitoring 810,000 4

Restoration / enhancement of local community infrastructures

2030000 estimated at nominal Rs 25,000 per constructed km LS as per practice

TOTAL (round figure) 2868200

Specifications MM Rate Amount

Expert Team Monitoring Cost Environmental Management Specialist

2.5 100,000 250,000

Sociologist / Resettlement Expert 2 80,000 160,000 Biologist / Bio-Engineering Specialist 1 80,000 80,000 Stationary and Computer LS 30,000 Printing and Photocopies LS 30,000 Transportation LS 60,000 Cost for Monitoring by GESU LS 125,000 Cost for Monitoring by MoPPW LS 75,000 SUB-TOTAL 810,000



10. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The upgrading works for the Chinchu-Jajarkot road is expected to result in a substantial set of beneficial impacts, serving a much remote and disadvantaged region in central Nepal. The Project foresees a number of measures and activities to enhance the expected benefits associated with the rehabilitated road. Above all, local communities and especially disadvantaged groups (including the poor and women) are targeted for livelihood development and training programs that will enable them to embark on a more prosperous future with the aid of this Project.

On the other hand, the proposed Project will invariably result in a number of adverse impacts. It is found that eight water pipe structure, two tap water, two temple and six chautara falls within corridor of impact (10m) and 4 trees are found with the corridor of impact (10m).

Most of the identified environmental adverse impacts are locally confined, and limited mainly to the period of construction. These impacts are typically associated with the nature of construction works. It is concluded that with the set of proposed mitigation measures much but not most of the identified impacts can be minimized or even set off. Once the stringent measures outlined in the Environmental and Social Management and Action Plan are in place and observed by the Contractors and all supervision and monitoring mechanisms are carried out, there is no risk for residual impacts that may affect the bio-physical, social and cultural environment. With the exception of the transformation of land into the proposed width for road formation and construction width there is no irreversible adverse impact assumed.

However, certain induced/cumulative impacts such as undesired ribbon settlement development, encroachment or accelerated/illegal logging cannot be tackled by mitigation measures that could be planned under such a road development program. Similarly, there will remain serious problems in the sector of spreading of sexually transmitted diseases, and people trafficking. To address these issues which are unfortunately often associated with improved road access, it needs concerted actions of various governmental and non-governmental agencies, and the communities themselves. The key to possible solution lies in good governance, corruption combat and general reduction of poverty. This road aims to contribute to this goal.

Given the above conclusion, this IEE Report recommends to implement the Proposal under the condition that the safeguard measures described in the Environmental Management Action Plan (EMAP) are equally implemented and followed and monitored accordingly. Further environmental assessment study at EIA level for implementation of the Chinchu-Jajarkot road development

Documents

Government of Nepal Ministry of Physical Planning and Works Department of ... - World Bankdocuments.worldbank.org/curated/pt/839401468324847316/... · 2016-07-17 · Department of