Pipal Koti

IEE for Purposed 400 KV GIS Substation Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti) Uttarakhand Power Sector Investment Project (Tranche 4) Implementing Agency - Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd.

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INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT

FOR PROPOSED NEW 400 KV GIS SUB-STATION

At

KUWARIPASS (PIPALKOTI)

(Revised)

POWER TRANSMISSION CORPORATION OF UTTARAKHAND LIMITED




Prepared For

Asian Development Bank

Under

Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd

(ADB FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT, PFR-IV)

Prepared by: Vikas Sharma

Master of Social Work & Master of Engineering

Updated in April 2012


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION 5 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 11 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT 15 3.1 Physical Resources and Environmental Settings 15 3.2 Ecological Resources 16 3.3 Economic Development 20 3.4 Social and Cultural Resources 20 4.0 ALTERNATIVES FOR SUBSTATION LAND 24 5.0 SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES 26

5.1 Environmental problem due to Project location and Design 26 5.2 Environmental problems associated with construction and operation

stage 26 6.0 INSTITUTIONAL REQUIRMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM 33

6.1 Institutional Arrangements 33 6.2 Environmental Monitoring 34 6.3 Critical Environmental Review Criteria 35 6.4 Environmental Management Plan 35 6.5 Economic Assessment 37 6.6 Associated Facilities 38

7.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOUSURE 39 8.0 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 43 9.0 CONCLUSION 44 10.0 ANNEXURES Annexure-1 Letter of Central Electricity Authority 45 Annexure-2 Letter of Ministry of Power, Govt. of India 49 Annexure-3 Approval letter of DPR 50 Annexure-4 Implementation Bar Chart 54


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Annexure-5 SLD (Single Line Diagram) of 400 KV GIS Substation 56 Annexure-6 Schematic Diagram of Alakhnanda basin 57 Annexure-7 Technical Aspects 58 Annexure-8 Environmental Management Plan 62 Annexure-9.1 Advertisement 72 Annexure-9.2 (a) Public Information (in English) 75 Annexure-9.2 (b) Public Information (in Hindi) 76 Annexure-9.3 (a) Public Consultation and Awareness Program (in English) 77 Annexure-9.3 (b) Public Consultation and Awareness Program (in Hindi) 78 Annexure-9.4 Attendance Sheet of Public Consultation 79 Annexure-9.5 Photographs of Public Consultation 81


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List of Abbreviations

ADB Asian Development Bank BOD Board of Directors CEA Central Electricity Authority DC or D/C Double Circuit DPR Detailed Project Report EA Executing Agency EMP Environmental Management Program EHV Extra High Voltage GoI Government of India GIS Gas Insulated Substation HEP Hydro Electric Power IEE Initial Environmental Examination Km Kilo Meter MOEF Ministry of Environment and Forest MW Mega Watt MU Million Units MOP Ministry of Power NIT Notice of Inviting Tender PTCC Power Telecom Co-ordination Committee PTCUL Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited PGCIL Power Grid Corporation of India Limited PLF Plant Load Factor ROW Right of Way UED Uttarakhand state Energy Department


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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1. India has a large projected demand-supply gap and has extensive potential for hydropower development. Hydropower generation capacity has lagged behind particularly during the last two decades. Since 1975, the share of hydropower generation capacity has come down to a level of 25% against a desired level of 40%. Therefore, hydropower development is being given priority to improve hydro/thermal mix for optimizing the efficiency of countrys power system and usage of resources for sustainable power generation in an environment friendly manner. Apart from being an environmentally clean source of power, hydropower would also provide a peaking power option for the country. Government is showing strong commitment towards hydropower projects and has launched a 50,000 MW Hydro Electric Initiative. 2. Uttarakhand state is endowed with tremendous hydro power potential. At present there is an urgent necessity for constructing a power evacuation system of the order of 6000 to 6500 MW of generation project in Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and Sharda Basin. Under the Uttarakhand Power Sector Investment Project, the Government of India (GOI) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) propose development of a robust transmission system to evacuate 5000 MW power from existing and new hydropower plants in the state of Uttarakhand. The project supports sector reforms, commercialization of hydropower resource and strengthening of the in-state grid. Uttarakhand states Energy Department (UED) is the Executing Agency (EA), whereas Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd. (PTCUL) is the Implementing Agency for the transmission component. 3. The first Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared for the whole transmission network component by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) under contract to PTCUL whereas the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) reports have been prepared by the IA directly. The Environmental Categorization for the sub-project substation is Category B. The IEE report conforms to the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) guidelines and regulations and is consistent with ADB Operations Manual F1/BP and F1/OP (2003), Environment Policy, and Environmental Assessment Guidelines (2003). 4. The proposed transmission system has been envisaged in consultation with CEA and other beneficiary constituents for the reliable evacuation of approximately 1500 MW of Hydro Power. 171MW generation of M/s. NTPC at Latatapovan, 300 MW generation of M/s. GMR at Badrinath, 520MW generation of M/s. NTPC at Vishnugad and 444 MW generation of M/s. THDC at Pipalkoti will be evacuated through 400 KV GIS Substation, Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti) for further transmission to 400 KV Substation Srinagar. 5. Background: Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region of northern India. Nature has endowed this land with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that it is also known as Dev Bhoomi, the Land of Gods. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other rivers originate in Uttarakhand. Among them Ganga is the most holy and prominent as she represents the soul of India, her rich culture, history and civilization. In Sanskrit 'Himalaya' means Abode of Snow, truly characterizing the vast permanent snow fields above the snow line. In the heart of these majestic mountains lies the state of Uttarakhand with Kumaon region in its east and Garhwal in the west. Uttarakhand came into existence on 9th November 2000 as the 27th state of the Republic of India. It was carved out of Uttar Pradesh. The State has been granted status of special category state by Union Cabinet on 2nd May, 2001.Uttarakhand is Border State bordering China and Nepal. Geographically Uttarakhand is situated between 770 34' to 810 2


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east longitude and 280 4' to 310 27' North latitude. Uttarakhand is predominantly a hilly state with 88% of hilly area. The climate of the state varies from subtropical in valleys to temperate on higher slopes. Total area of Uttarakhand is 53,483 Sq KM, which is 1.73% of the total area of India. The state is very rich in natural resources specially forest and water, as it has many glaciers, dense forests, mountain peaks and a network of mighty rivers viz., Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Kosi etc. A total of 64.6% of the area is under forest cover. 6. Uttarakhand has inherited its present administrative set-up from its present state Uttar Pradesh. The facts and figure about Uttarakhand are as follows-

Divisions 2 Districts 13 Tehsils 78

Development Blocks 95 Muncipal Areas 71 Nyay Panchayat 670 Gram Panchayat 7,227

Villages 16,826 Source: Based on year 2007 figure


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Demographical Data

Population 84,79,562 Male 43,16,401

Female 41,63,161 Rural 63,09,317

Decadal Increase 19.2(1991-2001) Population Density 159 Per Sq Km

Sex Ratio 964 Per Thousand Per Capita Income Rs 12000 Per Year

Birth Rate 40.6 Infant Mortality Rate 52.4

Literacy Rate 72.28% Male 84.01%

Female 60.26% Decadal Literacy Rate 14.47%

Literacy Rate 72.28%

Male 84.01% Female 60.26%

Decadal Literacy Rate 14.47%


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District Wise Population Distribution (2001 census) S. No District Name Male Female Total

1 Almora 2,93,576 3,36,970 6,30,446 2 Bageshwar 1,18,202 1,31,250 2,49,453 3 Champawat 1,10,916 1,13,545 2,24,461 4 Chamoli 1,83,033 1,86,165 3,69,198 5 Dehradun 6,75,549 6,05,334 12,79,083 6 Haridwar 7,73,173 6,71,040 14,44,213 7 Nanital 4,00,336 3,62,576 7,62,912 8 Pauri 3,31,138 3,65,713 6,96,851 9 Pithoragarh 2,27,592 2,34,557 4,62,149

10 Rudraprayag 1,07,425 1,20,036 2,27,461 11 Tehri 2,94,842 3,09,766 6,05,608 12 Udham Singh Nagar 6,49,020 5,85,528 12,34,548 13 Uttarkashi 1,51599 1,42,580 2,94,179

Total 43,16,401 41,63,161 84,79,562

7. Uttarakhand - Tourism State: Tourism is one of main source of income at Uttarakhand. The northern areas of Uttarakhand are part of the Great Himalayas range, with average heights up to 3,000-5,000 meters. The famous peaks are Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul (7,120m) and Panchchuli (6,910m). Southern Uttarakhand has plains that are part of the Terai foothills, where temperatures are higher and towns more accessible. The state is not industrially developed and tourism is the mainstay of the economy. For the last 7 years, Dehradun, the largest town, has been its provisional capital. It has a well-connected railhead and a small domestic airport. 8. To most travelers, Uttarakhand is associated with its ancient traditions of Hinduism that flourished in its high Himalayan reaches. The source of Indias most revered and important rivers Ganges as well as Yamuna, respectively called Gangotri and Yamunotri, lies here. These two spots, along with the shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath, make the 4 holy sites (Char Dham) that Hindus aspire to visit. Snow-bound for most of the year, these are open from May to October. Lower south, along the Ganges lie the sacred towns of Rishikesh (43 Km from Dehradun) and Haridwar (connected by rail to Delhi).

9. Uttarakhand popular hill stations include Mussourie (2,000 m; 35 km from Dehradun) and Nainital (2,000 m; 35km from railhead Kathgodam). Corbett National Park is its noted wildlife sanctuary. The combination of mountains and rivers yields opportunities for trekking, river rafting, hiking, which the state is promoting now. Rishikesh is a hub of water adventure sports. There is also a ski destination in Auli.


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Infrastructure S. No. Items Year/ Period Number

1. Important Tourist Places 2006-2007 214 2. Developed Tourist Places 2006-2007 124 3. Tourist Rest Houses 2006-2007 174 4. No. of Beds in Tourist Rest.Houses 2006-2007 6764 5. Rain Baseras 2006-2007 32 6. No. of Beds in Raien Basera 2006-2007 1610 7. No. of Hotels and Paying Guest Houses 2006-2007 2312 8. No. of Dharamshala 2006-2007 802

Tourist Statistics

S. No. Items Year/ Period Number 1. In Tourist Places (including Pilgrims) 2007 2,26,00,000 (i) Indian Tourist 2007 2,21,00,000 (ii) Foreign Tourist 2007 1,06,000

2. In Important National Parks 2007 1,99,043 (i) Indian Tourist 2007 18,3481 (ii) Foreign Tourist 2007 15,562

10. Uttarakhand is a predominantly agricultural state with 75% of the people deployed in this sector. Uttarakhand has a tremendous potential and advantage in the herbal area and has been declared as an Herbal State and a maximum number of Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medicines depend on plant sources and its biodiversity. It also has the distinction to become the first state in the nation to declare its Health & Population Policy in December 2002 through which it hopes to integrate the services of different systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani to achieve synergy. The National Rural Health Mission (2005-12) seeks to revitalize local health traditions and mainstream AYUSH into the public health system. 11. The state is well linked by state highways, national highways and district roads. The state has broad gauge railway lines but only in the plain areas. Airports at Dehradun (Jollygrant) and Pantnagar are civil airports in the state. 12. Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL): PTCUL was established to facilitate transfer of power and to improve the Transmission of electricity system within the state, thus leading to the formation of the State Power Grid. India has a large projected demand-supply gap and has extensive potential for hydropower development. Hydropower generation capacity has lagged behind particularly during the last two decades. Since 1975, the share of hydropower generation capacity has come down to a level of 25% against a desired level of 40%. Therefore, hydropower development is being given priority to improve hydro/thermal mix for optimizing the efficiency of countrys power system and usage of resources for sustainable power generation in an environment friendly manner. Apart from being an environmentally clean source of power, hydropower would also provide a peaking power option for the country. Government is showing strong commitment towards hydropower projects and has launched a 50,000 MW Hydro Electric Initiative.


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13. Uttarakhand state is endowed with tremendous hydro power potential. At present there is an urgent necessity for constructing a power evacuation system of the order of 6,000 to 6,500 MW of generation project in Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and Sharda Basin. 14. Scope of Work & Methodology Adopted: A team of PTCUL officials, headed by qualified and experienced engineer specially assigned this work has carried out the IEE of this sub-project under project PFR-IV. The team conducted reconnaissance survey to identify the major environmental issues. Accordingly, field surveys were also undertaken to assess physical and biological environment. An area within 12.0 Km radius around the proposed sub-station has been defined as the study area for the collection of data. The field studies were supported by data collected from secondary sources such as Internet, Forest Atlas of India, and Statistical Handbook for Uttarakhand District Maps, National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization, Geological Survey of India, Physical map of Uttarakhand etc. 15. The broad scope of the study is: i) To conduct field visits to collect data relevant to the study area and also collect secondary

data so as to establish the baseline environmental status of the study area; ii) To assess the impacts on environmental attributes due to the location, design, construction

and operation of the proposed project; iii) To prepare a mitigation plan outlining the measures for protecting the environment including

institutional arrangement and environmental monitoring; iv) To identify critical environmental attributes required to be monitored subsequent to the

implementation of the proposed project; and v) To carry out consultation with local people so as to identify the public perception of the

project. vi) Borrower (i.e. PTCUL) will submit environmental monitoring reports to ADB once in a year.


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2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

16. The Project. The project involves construction of new 400 KV GIS Substation at village Naurakh near Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti), Dist. Chamoli as discussed below. The location map of this substation is shown in Figure 2.1, Figure 2.2 and Figure 2.3. For the 400 KV GIS Pipalkoti Sub-station, this IEE document is based on the data contained in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report submitted by PTCUL on Feb 01, 2005 and this revised report has been prepared by the IA directly. The Environmental Categorization for the sub-project substation is Category B.

Figure 2.1: Location map of the proposed sub-station


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Figure 2.2: Location map of the proposed sub-station 17. Need for the Project: The proposed transmission system has been envisaged in consultation with Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the GOI nodal agency for Energy planning and other beneficiary constituents for the reliable evacuation of approximately 1,000 MW of Power at 400 KV GIS Substation Pipalkoti for further distribution among beneficiary states. Some units of these projects are scheduled to be commissioned within 11th plan followed by subsequent units at some intervals. For this project the proposed hydro power capacities in Alaknanda basin are (Annexure-6).

S. No. Project Capacity 1 Lata Tapovan NTPC 171 MW 2 Badrinath GMR Energy 300 MW 3 Vishnugad NTPC 520 MW

18. Distribution among beneficiary states shall be decided by the CEA. Some units of these projects are scheduled to be commissioned within 11th plan followed by subsequent units at some intervals. A unified Transmission system having regional/ state level collaboration for power evacuation from these projects would be shared by Uttarakhand and other Northern region states such as Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. These will be connected through the proposed Intra-State transmission system and through


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existing lines/interconnection to other regions. Techno-Economic clearance of the proposed project has been obtained from Central Electricity Authority (CEA) vide letter no. 12A/G/2006-SP&PA/39 dated 09/01/2007(enclosed) and proposal has been examined by Ministry of Power, GoI and found in order vide letter no. 11/5/2004-IC dated 4th May, 2007 (Annexure-1, Annexure-2). This project has been approved by the BOD of PTCUL on 29.09.05 and Detailed Project Report of this project has been approved by the CEA vide letter number 12A/G/SP&PA-08/572 dated 24/06/09 (Annexure-3). 19. Project Location. The project falls under the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. The most optimal project route alignment is shown in the Figure 2.3.

Figure 2.3: Location map of the proposed sub-station 20. There is slight change in the capacity of the substation since 2005 study as now it has a 2x315 MVA transformer based on capacity of generators and load flow study, while earlier proposed transformer capacity was 2x240 MVA. There is no change in the physical condition and location, land acquisition; forest land etc. as mentioned in the report prepared earlier in Feb 2005 as the substation will be constructed on the same land. 21. The work involves construction of a new sub-station of Voltage ratio 400/220 KV and capacity of 2 x 315 MVA at Pipalkoti (Naurakh) 17 Km away from Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The Land is classified as a civil revenue land and land is in lease out process to


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Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd., the cost of which is Rs. 50 lakhs. The estimated cost for this substation is Rs. 261.69 Crores. 22. The GIS 400/200 KV substation sub-project is the part of the Tranche 4 of the ADB Uttarakhand Power Sector Investment Project. This report depicts the details of IEE for proposed 400 KV Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti) Sub-station. The IEE report describes the environment in the State of Uttarakhand, where the proposed transmission project is to be located and various measures that will be taken by PTCUL during design, construction and maintenance stages altogether to avoid and wherever not possible to mitigate the effect on environment of various construction activities. 23. Salient Features of Scheme: 400/220 KV GIS Substation Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti) Substation shall be comprised of: a. 2 No. 315 MVA, 400 / 220 KV Transformers b. For 400 KVFeeder bays 6 nos., Transformer bays 2 nos. and

Bus Coupler 1 no c. For 220 KV Feeder bays 4 nos., Transformer bays 2 nos. and

Bus Coupler 1 no d. Bus configuration for Sub-station will be one main bus scheme with latest Substation

Automation and SCADA The single line diagram (SLD) of Substation is enclosed as Annexure 5.

24. Salient Features of the Construction: The land for the substation has been identified and has been provided by the Govt. of Uttarakhand. a. The control room shall accommodate all the bay modules as per the scope. Earth mat will be designed as per finite element analysis. b. The substation has been designed with SCADA and automation system as per latest

practices and standards. c. Substation switchyard will comprise of terraces to accommodate equipments and bays

which will reduce land development cost. 25. The details of Technology Features of the 400/220 KV substation are given in Annexure-

7. 26. Implementation Schedule. The total project cost is 261.69 Crores for the construction of new 400/200 KV GIS Sub-station. The land has been provided by the State Government hence the land acquisition problem is not there. Tender for procurement of equipments, erection of sub-station equipments, testing and commissioning has already being initiated. The project starting date is 01.01.2014 (date of publication of NIT) and the project is proposed to be completed within 30 months from the date of award of contract. The proposed completion date is June 2016. The Implementation Bar Chart is attached as Annexure 4


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3.0 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT: 27. The description of the surrounding environmental conditions around the proposed substation area is given briefly in following sections. 3.1 Physical Resources and Environmental Settings: 28. Chamoli District: Chamoli lies in the Central Himalaya and constitutes a part of the celebrated 'Kedar Kshetra'.The District Chamoli is surrounded by Uttarkashi in North-West, Pithoragarh in South-West, Almora in South East, Rudraprayag in South-West and Tehri Garhwal in West. The geographical area of the District is around 7520 sq.kms. 29. The project site is forest land, civil forest land and uncultivated barren. The proposed site is 21 Km away from the NH-58 connecting Haridwar to Rudraprayag and Chamoli Districts. All the major utilities like Fire station, Hospital, Police station, Schools, Colleges etc. are available in the Chamoli District. Details of Chamoli District are given below:- District Headquarters: Gopeshwar Formal Re-establishment : 1960 Region/Location : Uttarakhand Central Himalayas, India Area/STD Code : 01372 Zip/Pin Code : 246401/246402 Population : 370,359 (2001census) Literacy : 76.23% Area : 7951 Sq Kilometers Altitude : 800 meters to 8000 meters Weather : Child in Winter and Mild in Summer Temperatures : Maximum Temp. 34o C | Minimum Temp. 0o C

30. The study area is characterized by reserved forest, civil soyam forest and unirrigated crop land. The area comprised mainly forest, soyam forest, non agriculture, agriculture fields and thick vegetation bushes in between. The study area runs into series of ridges and valleys. Each is leads to another coiling up in seemingly unending chains. Most of the terrain is mountainous consisting of high rise ridges, hills and plateaus and flat pieces of land are rare. The soil found is alluvial soil. 31. Study Area - sub-station: The study area comprises of mainly scrub and bushes. The temperature varies maximum of 36oC to minimum of 0oC. The average rainfall in the area is 1547 mm. The soil in the study area is yellowish in color with loamy texture. The geology consists of mixed alluvium and sandstone shale grit and conglomerate. The region consists of entirely medium to high grade metamorphic rocks and is intruded by latter volcanic rocks. The study area is not a flood prone area. The population in the study area consists of mostly farmers and workers. 32. Seismicity: The study area falls under Zone IV and slightly above on modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, where the maximum intensity could reach VIII which is not the most severe seismic zone and is referred as Medium Damage Risk Zone.


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3.2 Ecological Resources Flora 33. Ferns: Over 120 species of fern grow in damp ravines, Covered rocks and tree trunks. Fueli Ferns grow abundantly in the monsoon month of July, August and September. The forest of the district can be divided into the botanical divisions listed below- 34. Himalayan Sub-tropical Pine: These forests are wound between the heights of 910 m. to 1,825 m. throughout the district. The trees which are commonly found in these forests are Anyar, Caryoptexis wallichii, Rubus ellipticus, Rhus semialata and Desmodiumsamuense on the northern aspect of the hills. 35. Moist Temperate Seral Forest: These forests are found between the altitudes of 1,200 m. to 2,150 m along the streams and newly formed beds with undergrowth of Sarococca preuniformus spp. Barberis spp. and Ainslea aptera especially in western part of the Joshimath and the eastern part of Karnprayag tehsils. 36. Banj Oak Forests: These are found between the heights of 1,825m and 2,450 m but at place their limits ascent up to 2,600 m. on the southern aspect and descend to 1,200 m. on the northern aspect of the hills. Trees commonly met with in these forests are Buras, anyar, carpinus, viminea and Ilex odorala. 37. Oak Scrub Forests: These forests are found in the localities of banj oak forests near the habitations. Sometimes due to excessive damage, banj oak is replaced by scattered bushes of Barberis Chitriya, Basiatice and Cretaegus cronulata. 38. Tilonj Forests: These forests are found between the same altitudes as those of the oak and are associated with the lauraceous, ilex, betula alnoides, etc. The shrubby under growth consist of Robus spirea, indigofera and Ainslea aftera. 39. Lower Blue Pine Forest: These forests are found between the heights of 1825 meters and 2600 meters Especially in Tehsils Chamoli and Karnprayag having Euscholtzia polistachya, Vibumun foctens, Rosa microphylla, Vibumun cotonifoliun, Exaecarea acerifolia, etc. as shrubby under growth. 40. Dry Coniferous Forest: On deep soil between the altitude of 1825 mts and 2600 mts over a small area on all aspects except the steep southern slopes with quartzitic sub soil, mainly Deodar is found associated with Kharasu, Akhrot, Kharif, Syan and Maira, The under growth consist of shrubs such as Aveliatryflora, Sumiperous, Macropoda, Prunus jacqumontii, Ribes grosulaia and Rosa scricea, the shrubby under growth consisting of Achyranthes bidentata and Aralia cissifolia. 41. Moist Temperate Deciduous Forest: These forests are found on deep moist soils between the heights of 1,825 meters and 2,750 meters along hill stream. The top canopy consist of pangar, kanchula, maira sour, akhrot, dalla and kabasi, the shrubby under growth consisting of viburum spirea, sorbiflora barberis supp. Strodilanthas wallichii , etc. 42. Cypress Forests : These forests are found between the heights of 2,125 meters and 2,600 meters on rocky slopes and precipitous ground mixed with tilong, kali, Corpinus ninerea, Eunonimus pendulus, Ilex, Machilusdutti, etc.


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43. Kharasu Forests: The Kharasu forests are found between the heights of 2450 meters and 3500 meters mixed with kanchula, pangar, Saur and burans. The shrubby undergrowth consists of Rosa scricea, Rosa macrephylla, Viburum foeten, Contoneaster ocuminate, Ribes glaciaia and ringals. 44. Western Oak Forests: These forests are commonly found on the southern aspect of hills between the altitudes of 2,450 meters and 2,900 meters mixed with Kharasu, tilonj, pangar, kanchula, kabasi, etc. the chief undergrowth being Rhamnus purpurrea, Wickstroemia cancacenda, Rosa macrophylla, Skimmia bursola, Rubus niveus. Among creepers which are found here are Vitis semicordata, Schizandras grandiflora and Hedera helix. 45. Dry Temperate Deciduous Forests: These forests consisting of kabasi trees are found between the heights of 2,450 meters and 2,750 meters in the northern part of the district, Lonicara spp. and Rosa serecea, being the shrubby undergrowth. 46. Temperate Hippophae Scrub Forests: These forests consisting of ames scrubs, are found between the heights of 2,275 meters and 3,200 meters n gravel beds along the banks of the streams mixed with gadbhains. 47. Kharak Forests: The forests are found above the altitude of 2,215 meters and have practically no tree growth except the Rumex nepalensis undergrowth. 48. Ringal Forests: These occur above the height of 2,425 meters mixed with high level oak and coniferous trees. 49. Alpine Fir Birch Forests: These grow better between the heights of 2,900 meters and 3,500 meters in all aspects of the hills except in the moist areas. The plants growing in these forests are fir, birch and Rhododendron. The ungrowth consists of Pyrus folilosa, Cotoneaster acuminata, Rosa sericea, Ribes glaciala, Ribes rubrum, Lonicera spp. and Smilex vaginate. 50. Birch - Rhododendrons Forests: These forests are found between the altitudes of 2900 meters and 4,125 meters and in them are found the stunted bhuj and rhododendrons with Pyrus foliolose as 90 percent of the undergrowth. Other plants which grow here are Rubus niveus, Swilax vaginate, Cotoneaster spp. Lonicera spp. and Pologorum vaccinifolium. 51. Alpine Scrub Forests: Between the altitudes of 3,350 meters and 4,275 meters and with a rainfall above 1,016 mm. evergreen scrubs are found consisting of Rhododendron asthopogen, Junipexus recurva, J. communis, Lonicera parviflora, etc. In the dry inner ranges having a rainfall less than 255 mm grow exeophytic dwarf shrubs consisting of Eurotia ceratoides, junipexus pseudosabina, J. communis and Caranga sp. ad Artimisia spp. 52. Alpine Pastures: Between the heights of 2,050 meters and 2,975 mts on the northern aspect of the hills and between the altitudes of 2,500 meters and 4,425 meters on the southern aspect of the hills the land is covered with short grasses and herbs, which are used as pasture where professional graziers bring their cattle. 53. Other Forests: In the warm valleys of the extreme southern part of the district some species of the trees of the plains such as mango, jamun, pipal, banyan and shisham grow here and there up to an altitude of about 915 meters The 'Sal' which is found up to a height of 1,220 meters, is seldom seen north of the river Pindar but it is usually not allowed to stand near cultivated tracts because it is said to attract white ants. The Tun and the Kharik, or Kharak are to be seen growing up to an elevation of about 1,250 meters which is also suitable for the growth of


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haldu and dhauri. Carefully proctected by the cultivator on the pugar (terrace wall of the field), the leaves of the bhyunl tree afford excellent fodder for the cattle. 54. In the Alaknanda valley, the bases, slopes, gorges and tops of the hills up to the height of 1067 meters are well wooded with high trees such as catechu, bahera, har (or harara), amaltas, bel, kachnar and dhak. A large variety of creepers some of which have broad green leaves also thrive I in the vicinity of the trees. 55. From about 1,220 mts to 1,829 mts, Chir abounds and above this level oak and chimul are found, the former being a hard wood, is used for making agricultural implements and the latter for fuel. The Chir wood is commonly used for building purposes in the district, and its logs and sleepers are floated down the Alaknanda to the plains. Chir is also tapped for resin but quantity of turpentine produced in the district is small. 56. Above an elevation of 3,439 meters Moru or Tilonj and Kharasu grow and their timber is also used for manufacturing agricultural implements. The pangar or horse chestnut and the maple are found up to a height of 3,048 meters, especially in the Riniganga valley. The wood of the latter is used for making drinking vessels and bowls known as lahauri-doba. 57. Spruce, silver-fir, kail and kharasu, oak and some trees of small economical value are the principal trees found in the forests of the upper Himalayas (above 3,048 meters). Fine forests of silver-fir, kail and pine occupy the slopes on the left bank of Alaknanda from Pipalkoti to Joshimath. The Surai of Himalaya sypress and the Himalayan cedar forests which lie along the Alaknanda in patti Talla Painkhanda and the Neoza pine forests near Tapovan along the Dhauli, are fairly extensive and have trees of thuner (yew), papari (boxwood), Kharasu and deodar. The birch grows up to an elevation of about 3,658 meters above which lies an expance covered wih bush and grass variegated in summer by Alpine forests of many colours. The places of richest vegetation are between the elevation of 2,134 meters and 3658 meters where the epiphytic form of flora, ferns, mosses, creepers and many varieties of flowers make the region beautiful especially after the rainy season. Colquhounia is abundant on the main Badrinath and Trishul ranges and ringals form the undergrowth of the forests uo to an altitude of 2,286 meters 58. Many medicinal blooms, herbs and plants, greatly valued in Ayurveda grow in the district. Most of the flowers and plants come up during the rains but wither away from October to May, imparting the characteristic brown color to the countryside during the winter. In these parts Senecio rufinervis, a perennial herb forms dense undergrowth to the exclusion of most other plants. Aromatic plants are found in abundance at higher altitudes. The groves in the district covering an area of 430.72 hectares are mostly in the warm deep southern valley and consist of chiefly of mango, guava, banana, papaya and jackfruit trees but apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, cherry, chestnut, mulberry, strawberry, litchi and loquat also flourish. Other cultivated trees of the district include species of citron of which the chief is Malta, lime, and sweet-lime and orange which, though thriving in the warm valleys, can also be grown up to a height of about 1,677 meters The vine is raised in groves where the rains are not too heavy. 59. The chief varieties of timber trees found in the groves of the district are pine, tun, deodar and many varieties of walnut. The timber of the deodar tree is considered to be sacred and is noted for durability and resisting insect, pest and dry rot. It is great demand for making doors and roof f temples. In the past a very fine grove of deodars surrounded the Binsar temple in the south-western extremity of Tehsil Karanprayag. 60. Fauna: The district is rich in fauna and has been the habitat, from time immemorial, of a large variety of mammals, various species of bird, reptiles and fish. In the Mahabharata there is


19

mention of deer hunting in this area by the Pandu, the father of Pandavas, who is said to have taken up his abode in Pandukeshwar. About the middle of the Nineteenth century many villages were deserted because of the dread of wild animals. Tigers are found up to an elevation of about 3,048 meters and in the past haunted the big forests of Chandpur and Dudhatoli, occasionally reaching the thick forests of Vasuki and Tungnath. The number of wild animals has considerably decreased on account of their destruction and thinning of the forests. 61. Among the animals of the district are the tiger, leopard, panther, snow-leopard, himalayan black bear, brown bear, deer, wild dog, Chutraila or pine marten and Himalaya weasel. The first is found throughout the district and is extremely dangerous when it becomes a man-eater. The Snow-leopard which is met at higher altitudes above the tree line, some 3,658 meters to 3,963 meters above sea level, hunts at night, preying on wild sheep and goats, musk deer and marmots. Like other beasts of prey its movements are regulated by those of its prey. It is hunted for its valuable fur. The black Himalayan bear is common in district and is found up to a height of 915 meters It frequently plunders wild beehives, for their honey and is serious menace for the crops and occasionally becomes carnivorous killing goats and sheep and even cattle. The brown bear is rare and is known to live in the bare open peaks high above the tree line in the watershed of the Nandakini and Kailganga. Fearing and avoiding human beings it does not become a man eater but often becomes a terror to live-stock. Wild dogs are generally seen in the forests of Pindar valley and Dudhatoli. The otter (ud) is found in waters of the Pindar. 62. Caps are made of its skin, and its fur, worn round the neck, is considered to be efficacious in curing goitre. Other wild animals seen in the district are Hyaena, jungle cat, wolf, jackal, porcupine and mountain fox. The wild bear is widely distributed in the district and is found up to a height of 2,743 meters, chiefly in oak forests. The goral or Himalayan chamois, serow and thar are widely distributed between the elevation of 2,134 meters and 3,658 meters The flesh of animals which have thorn, especially that of male is valued by the hill people. 63. The bharal which lives on grassy slopes between the heights of 3,048 mts and 4,572 meters is prized for its skin. The Himalayan marmot of the seiuriod family is one of the mammals that lives at the highest altitudes usually favoring an elevation between 3,963 meters and 5,487 meters and is valued for its fur. Among the deer tribe the Sambar or jarao, kakar (barking deer) and kastura (musk deer) are the only members of the cervidae family which are represented in the district. 64. Birds: The district is particularly rich in avifauna and the birds found here are mostly of the same kind as those occurring throughout the Himalayan region. Birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures are very common. Among the game birds, the most common are the ban titar, kala titar and chakor, the last named found right up to the snowline. The junguria or karmonal (snow partridge), which found above the tree line and below the snowline on steep and rocky ground breeds throughout the altitudes it inhabits between 3,048 meters to 4,572 meters above sea level. The horned pheasant, which is really more a partridge than a pheasant, is represented by the lungi or lunji and the jawar. Both the species which breed in May and June at elevations between 2,439 meters and 3,353 meters, have magnificent males with beautiful plumage. Others important birds of this family are the Chir or Chir pheasant, Pukras, Pokras or koklas locally called kaleej or murga. The last, occurring up to an altitude of about 2,439 meters is the commonest of all. 65. Among the protected non-game birds, the chief are the common king-fisher, white breasted king-fisher, pied king-fisher, blue-jay or Indian roller, black-headed oriole, small cuckoo, Indian cuckoo and European cuckoo. The Indian scarlet minivet which is an unprotected non-game bird belonging to the pericrocotidae family looks very beautiful when on the wings. A rare member of the phononodidae family, seen near Amsor in Tehsil Karnprayag in Feb. 1966 was


20

perhaps a white bulbul, the most attractive mong the bulbul species, and, perhaps a migratory bird. Others birds which are commonly found in the district are common swallow, pied wagtail, ashy wren-warbler, Indian wren-warbler, Alpine swift, house swift, parakeet, rock-pigeon and Himalayan woodpecker. 66. Reptiles: Snakes somewhat rare in the district but the cobra and the Russels viper or necklace snake are common and they may be found up to a height of 1,829 meters the latter being viviparous and nocturnal in its habits. The only hill snake found above 2,439 meters is Ancistrodon Himalayans which attains a length of about 62 cm. and is venomous though its bite is not fatal. Among the non-venomous snakes the charao (rock snake) which may grow to a length to about 9 meters, although specimens over 6 meters, in length are rare, is occasionally seen on the rocky slopes of the lower hills. The python, a protected species, has been found as far up as the slopes below the Tungnath range in Ukhimath. The rat-snake, which attains a length of about 3 meters, is common; it does not bite but strike its victim with its tail, the flesh of the part so struck decaying. Non- poisonous snakes also sometimes occur in the tanks near the temple of Trijugi Narain and to be touched by them is considered auspicious by the Hindu pilgrims who bath in these tanks. About ten species of lizards inhabit this region and can been seen basking in the sun on rock. Of these the blood-sucker is harmless in spite of its name. The bull-frog and common toad, both amphibians, are met with throughout the district. 67. Large and varied groups of insects are found in the district and some, such as snow-fly, thrive in the glaciers. The leech, which is particularly active during the rains, is of common occurrence in the oak forests. In May and June swarms of flies are to be seen all along the route up to Gulabkoti, the mora, a small stinging fly, is also found in the district and causes small painful sores. 68. Fish: Fish abound in almost all streams of the district and riparian villages find in it an important supplement to their ordinary food. The common species found here are asela or saul, mahasher, kalabans or karaunch and fucta or phar kata. Other species found in the district include Gadara, gadiyal or guluwa, tarra, symplu and nama, nawoo or japa. 3.3 Economic development: 69. This section discusses the baseline scenario of the socio-economic environment in the study area. The issues discussed are population, education, employment, community services and transportation. For assessing the baseline socio-economic data, information from secondary data sources i.e. the 2001 Census data has been considered. 70. Economy: Economic profile in the study area is given as Table 3.3.1. 3.4 Social and Cultural Resources: 71. Population, Literacy and Employment: The population density of Chamoli is 159/sqr Km. For Chamoli Dist. the details for the socio-economic statistics like total population, density, sex ratio, literacy rate, workers & non-workers, schedule caste and schedule tribe is given in Table-3.4.1 72. Health and Education: Chamoli has the good educational and medical facilities. The details on the health and educational facilities are given in Table 3.4.2 & Table 3.4.3. 73. Drinking Water, Electricity, road and Fire fighting: The main source of drinking water is natural source and tap water. The details on drinking water electricity, fire-fighting facilities are given in Table 3.4.4.


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74. Sanitary Facilities: The normal mode of disposal of sewage is through open drains and pit system. The details on sanitary facilities are given as Table 3.4.5 75. Health environment: The project site is situated on hills in very good climatic condition; there is no air, noise, water and industrial pollution. Health environment is very good. 76. Historical, cultural and archaeological sites/places: There are no historical/archeological sites in the study area around the proposed substation.


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Table 3.3.1: Economic Structure of the project Areas Name of Town Annual income of the

town 2007-2008 Annual expenditure of the town 2007-2008

Most important commodities imported

Most important commodities exported

Most important commodities manufactured

Chamoli DNA DNA Food Grains None None Note: (i) NA for Not Available, (ii) DNA for Data Not Available, (iii) for Available

Table 3.4.1: Demographic Structure of the Substation Area Chamoli

Table 3.4.2: Health Facilities of the Project Area Chamoli

Health Centers Name of Dist.

Allopathic Ayurvedic Homeopathic Primary Health Center Family & Child

welfare Sub center T.B. Hospital

Chamoli 29 51 5 12 91 1

Table 3.4.3: Education Facilities of the Project Area Chamoli

Name of Dist. Junior Basic Schools Senior Basic Schools Senior Secondary Schools Deg./ Post graduate college ITI polytechnic

Chamoli 979 223 126 7 5 1

Population (in Thousands)

Name of Town Area (sq. Km.) Population Male Female Total Rural Urban SC ST

Chamoli 7,520 3,69,198 183.75 186.61 370.36 319.66 50.70 67.54 10.48


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Table 3.4.4: Drinking Water Facilities, Electricity, Fire fighting, Roads at the project Location

Important Drinking water sources Drinking water source

capacity in liters Electricity (number of connections) Road length (in km.)

Name of

Town Tap

water Well

water Tank water

Tube well/ hand- pump

Overhead

tank

Service

reservoir

River infiltration galler

y

Pressure tank

Domestic

Industrial

Commerci

al

Road lighting (points)

Others

Surfaced road

Un surfaced road

Total road lengt

h

Fire fighting services - Name

of nearest place where

available

Distance (in

km)

Pipalkoti NA NA DNA DNA DNA DNA DNA DNA DNA DNA Chamoli 2 Note: (i) NA for Not Available, (ii) DNA for Data Not Available, (iii) for Available Table 3.4.5: Sanitary Facilities at the Project Location

Two most prevalent systems of sewerage Number of latrines Two most prevalent methods of disposal of night soil

Name of Town

Sewer

Open surface drains

Box surface drains

Sky drains

Cess pool method

Pit System

Others

Water borne

Service

Others

Head load

Basket

Wheel barrows

Septic tank

Sewer age

pit system

Others

Pipalkoti NA NA NA NA DNA DNA DNA DNA No No No DNA


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4.0 ALTERNATIVES FOR SUBSTATION LAND:

77. The feasibility of land is determined on the following parameters: i. Ease of access for transmission lines into the substation ii. Feasibility of approach roads and least requirement for benching and terracing.

iii. Connectivity to small town/hamlet for staff residences and office facilities. iv. No water-logging and no low lying area.

The following lands were studied in detail to arrive at the best alternative:

TABLE 4.1 Alternatives for 400 KV SUB-STATION (PIPALKOTI) Sl. No.

Study Point Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III

1 Location Kuwaripass Joshimath Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti) 2 Village Name Chumargaur Joshimath Naurakh 3 Size of Land 2.81 Hectare 2.62 Hectare 3.095 Hectare 4 Type of Land Private/Govt. Private Govt. 5 General Geography of Area Hilly Hilly Hilly 6 Agriculture/Cropping Pattern One crop per year One crop per year Govt. land i) Main Types of Crops Rice Rice - ii) Irrigation Facility BY Canal BY Canal - 7 Socio-economic condition

area:

i) Profession of existing population Agricultural (self employment, Merchants, Manufacturer, Transporters & Handicrafts etc.

Agriculture & Labourers



ii) Wages Earner (skilled/Unskilled labour)

Unskilled labour Unskilled labour Unskilled labour

iii) Others if any - - -

iv) Natural resources base Service/Agriculture Service/Agriculture Service/Agriculture v) Political influence Moderate Moderate Moderate 8 No./Name of village effected i) Party NIL NIL NIL ii) Fully NIL NIL NIL 9 Total No. of families likely to

be effected 100 Nos. 25 Nos. None

10 No. of families whose part holding likely to be acquired

1 No. - -

11 No. of families whose total holding likely to be acquired

a) Land + Home - - - b) Land only 100 Nos. 25 Nos. None c) Home only 12 Cast of PAPs/PAFs a) GC 100 Nos. 25 Nos. - b) OBC - - - c) SC/ST - - -


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13 General Pattern of Cultivation i.e. by owner on lease (Registered/Un-registered)

By owner By owner Govt. land

14 Loss of structure House/shop along with the status of occupants (Owner/Tenant/Lease Holder/quarter)

NIL NIL NIL

15 others - - -

a) Common property resources like school, Ponds Grazing Ground, Religious Places

- - -

b) Drainage facility Yes Yes Yes 16 Tree/Plantation/Orchards

(Approx.) - - -

17 Cost of land/lease cost Rs. 20 Crores Rs. 1.5 Crores Rs. 0.5 Crores 18 Reasons for selection - - Best suitable being

least loss to general public

Alternate-III is the best option and selected site for sub-station. 78. Land Selection Committee Recommendation: Committee visited locations and considered various parameters for finalizing their recommendations that Alternative III as best suitable land due to following reasons

1- No tree cutting is involved. 2- Land is almost flat. 3- Land is adjacent to the highway road hence construction of approach road required is

Minimum. 4- No common properties resources like school, ponds grazing, grounds and religious place

etc are encountered within the selected site land. The land is Hilly. 5- Enough corridors are available for incoming and outgoing lines.

The location is near to District Chamoli (Gopeshwar). All amenities like hospitals, post, telegraph, schools for children education etc are available since the Chamoli (Gopeshwar) is located near to this site.


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5.0 SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES:

5.1 Environmental problems due to project location and design: 79. Potential adverse environmental impacts associated with location of proposed new station has already been avoided or minimized through proper site selection. The site selection has been done in such a way that human resettlements are away, does not affect monuments of cultural or historical importance, does not create a threat to the survival of any community with special reference to tribal communities, does not affect any public utility services like playgrounds or schools, does not affect any sanctuaries, national park and reserve forest areas. No tree cutting is required for the proposed substation land. 5.2 Environmental problems associated with Construction and Operation Stage: 80. The project activities would involve transportation of material and equipment, erection of sub-station steel structures, construction of foundation material for structures, etc. and cable trench, grounding of switch yard equipment, installation of the equipments (such as transformers, circuit breaker, lightning arrester, power and control cables, bus bars), testing and commissioning of these equipments. During the operation phase most of the construction phase impacts will get stabilized and the impacts will be restricted only to the operation and maintenance of the substation. 81. The impacts on the environment from various activities of the project can be categorized as follows: Impact on Physical Resources

Impact on Topography Impact on Climate

Impact on Environmental Resources Impact on Air Quality Impact on Noise Levels Impact on surface Water Quality Impact on ground Water Quality Impact on Soils and Geology

Impact on Ecological Resources Terrestrial Ecology Wild Life Aquatic Ecology

Human Environment Health and Safety Agriculture Socio-economics Resettlement and Rehabilitation Cultural sites Traffic and Transport

Waste Disposal Solid waste disposal Liquid waste disposal


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82. The impacts of the project activities on various environmental attributes are discussed in subsequent sections. Impact on Physical Resources 83. Impact on Topography: During the construction of the proposed project, the topography will change due to leveling of the proposed uneven site. 84. Impact on Climate: The project involves negligible deforestation and/or vegetation. Hence impact on climate is not anticipated. Impact on Environmental Resources: 85. Impact on Air quality: During the construction phase, the activities would involve excavation, movement of transporting vehicles along the haul road (through pucca roads, but are not maintained). All these activities would give rise to emission of dust particles thereby affecting air quality marginally at the site which although will be transitory in nature. Sprinkling of water during excavation will reduce the dust emission to the greater extent. The project will not have any negative impact on the air quality of the region during the operation phase. 86. Impact on Noise Levels: During the construction, the major sources of noise pollution are movement of vehicles transporting the construction material and equipment to the site. The major work of the construction is expected to be carried out during the day time. The noise produced during the construction will have negligible impact on the Villagers as they are too far more over the exposure for very short period. 87. During the operation phase of the project there will noise from the substation due to transformers operation which will be felt only up to 15 to 50 m from the substation area. However there are no settlements within the distance of 50 m of the proposed sub-station. It is proposed that the substation area should be surrounded by wall, which will have sound attenuation effect and proper maintenance of the equipments/machineries inside the sub-stations so that the ambient noise level meets the CPCB standard for residential areas (55 dB(A) during daytime and 45 dB(A) during night time ) at the boundary of sub-station. 88. Impact on Surface Water Quality: The construction and operation of the proposed project will not have any major impact on the surface and ground water quality in the area. Contamination to water bodies may result due to spilling of construction materials and surface runoff from the construction site joining the water body. There may be increase in the turbidity levels in Alaknanda River at Pipalkoti substation if the surface runoff from the substation meets the river. This can be avoided by construction of sedimentation pond at the construction site. 89. It is proposed to employ workers for the construction purpose. Adequate drinking water facilities, sanitary facilities and drainage in the temporary colonies of the construction workers should be provided to avoid the surface water pollution. Provision of adequate washing and toilet facilities with septic tanks and appropriate refuse collection and disposal system should be made obligatory. This should form an integral component in the planning stage before commencement of construction activity. 90. Sedimentation ponds should be provided at the substation site during the construction phase. The sludge generated at the trap should be kept in specified place inside the premise of


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sub-stations and sold to authorized contractors/third parties. No sludge disposal on land should be done. 91. Impact on Ground Water Quality: Ground water pollution can take place, if chemical substances and oily waste get leached by precipitation of water and percolate to the ground water table. Avoiding spilling at the construction site will minimize the chances of leaching construction chemicals to the ground water. Adequate treatment facilities at the substation areas should be provided as stated above to avoid ground water pollution. 92. Impact on Soil and Geology: The impact on soils will be due to the soil erosion at the construction site and along the access routes due to excavation activity and land clearance, leveling and stabilization of sub-station construction sites will be done after completion of construction activity. Construction chemicals will be handled properly to avoid any soil contamination. Geological impacts are related to damage due to seismic conditions. The study falls under marcalli intensity scale zone IV where the max. Intensity could reach VIII which is not severe seismic zone. However foundation design needs to be done considering the probability of occurrence of earthquake at the design stage itself. Impact on Ecological Resources: 93. Terrestrial Ecology: There is no tree in this land and belongs to revenue department and lease out to PTCUL for 30 years. There is no wildlife sanctuary, wetland or reserve forest in the close vicinity of the proposed substations. The proposed project area of Pipalkoti hosts small patches of vegetation which mainly consists of few scrubs.. Plantation around the substation area will improve the ecology and aesthetics in the surrounding. 94. Wild Life: The faunal species in the study area is mainly of those associated with manmade habitat. No wild life occurrence is there around the substation areas. There may be possibility of bird hits to the conductors, which should be avoided by installing the deflectors. 95. Aquatic Ecology: Impact on aquatic ecology is not anticipated, as the site is located approximately 500 mts away from the water bodies. There are changes of surface runoff during construction activity meeting the Alaknanda river at Pipalkoti site which is located on the upland hill adjacent to the river. The surface runoff should be routed to the sedimentation pond to avoid the river water pollution. Impact on Human Environment: 96. Health and Safety: Health and safety impacts will be in terms of risk of accidents and exposure to electromagnetic fields at the substation. The accidents may due to electro-cutting, lightening, fires and explosions. The lightening arresters should be provided at strategic locations in the substation. Sufficient number of fire protection equipments like buckets, fire extinguishers, fire water tank should be provided for emergency needs. At the substation level, the safety and emergency procedures manual should be kept. Necessary training regarding safety aspects to the personnel working at the substation and line inspectors should be provided. Personal protective equipments like safety gloves, helmet, mufflers etc will be provided during construction period and during the maintenance work. The importance should be given to maintain hygienic conditions and good aesthetics at the substation.


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97. Agriculture: Proposed Pipalkoti sub-station is located at Naurakh Village, civil revenue land and under process for lease out to PTCUL through state government. Acquisition of agriculture land has been avoided as far possible for the substation. Hence no major impact on the agriculture is envisaged. No surrounding agriculture land will be affected due to construction activity, as the access to the site will be through the existing roads. 98. Socio-economics: Beneficial impacts are envisaged on socio-economic conditions, as there will rural and urban electrification. There will also be job opportunities during the construction period for the local population. At the state level, the industrial development may take place, which will trigger the economic growth on the regional scale. 99. Resettlement and Rehabilitation: The land acquisition does not involve the displacement of any houses at the new substations as the land belongs to forest department and lease out to PTCUL for 30 years. 100. Cultural sites: There are no archaeological, historical or cultural important sites around the substations; hence the impacts on these sites are not envisaged. 101. Traffic & Transport: During the construction phase, traffic disturbance needs to be minimized by avoiding high-density areas, proper traffic signs, ensuring proper access roads and avoiding road blockage. Waste Disposal: 102. Solid waste disposal: The solid waste generation at the substations will include metal scraps, wooden packing material etc. Solid waste/scrap will be collected and disposed of in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules. 103. Liquid waste disposal: Main liquid waste is the oil waste etc. PTCUL has discontinued procurement of poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) transformer oil. Pure hydrocarbon mineral oil will be used for transformers, current transformers, potential transformers and capacitors under the project which will not have any adverse environmental impacts. Separated oily waste will be collected and disposed of in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules. 104. The Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Requirements Matrix is given in Table- 5.1 below.


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Table 5.1: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Requirements Matrix

S. No. Environmental attribute

Potential impacts Nature of impact

Magnitude of impacts Mitigation measures Implementation & Monitoring

A. Physical Resources

1. Topography Change in the surface features

Direct/Local/ irreversible

X Plantation around the substation area to improve the aesthetics

During construction and operation phase

2. Climate No impacts on the climatic conditions

Direct/Local/ irreversible

X No mitigation required --

B. Environmental Resources

1. Air Quality Due to increase of dust project will have marginal impact on air quality.

Direct/Local/ reversible

X Water Spraying at construction site, limited bare soils, maintenance of vehicles

During construction activity

2. Noise Noise due to general construction activities on the nearby settlements


X No nearby settlement, however restriction of noise generating activities at night and use of personal protective equipment like ear plugs, mufflers etc. enclosure around the construction site and use of low noise generating activities.

During construction activity

Noise arising from substation operation and corona noise from conductors


X There is no nearby populated area. Monitoring of possible corona noise to identify and correct problems. Proper maintenance of equipments/ machineries so the ambient noise standard is met

During operational phase

3. Surface and Ground Water quality

Runoff from the construction site


X Sedimentation ponds at the substations for waste water.

Before construction activity

Domestic wastewater from construction sites and during substation operation


X Domestic waste treatment by providing septic tank soak pit.

During construction and operation

Oil spillage indirect/Local/ reversible

X Containment structures, oil water separation, adopting good practices for oil handling and maintenance works

During construction and operation

Oil contamination during maintenance

indirect/Local/ reversible

X Oil trap installation for separation of oil from water

During operation

4. Soils and Geology

Soil erosion due to construction activities.


X Stabilization of disturbed land. Proper handling of construction chemicals to avoid spillage.

During and after the construction activity


31

Damage due to seismic activity

Direct/regional/ reversible

X Site already selected and proper foundation design considering the geological conditions and seismicity of the area

Before the construction activity.

C. Ecological Resources

1. Terrestrial Ecology

Loss of vegetation Direct/Local/ irreversible

X Plantation around the substation area will improve the ecology and aesthetics in the surrounding

After the construction phase

2. Terrestrial Fauna Disturbance to the local fauna during construction


X No wildlife around the substation area. Most are associated with man. Hence no mitigation is required.

After the construction activity

Disturbance to the local fauna during operation


X Monitoring for bird strikes during the operation and use of deflectors if required.

During the operational stage.

3. Aquatic Ecology No significant impacts envisaged


X No mitigations required During and after the construction activity.

D. Human Environment

1. Health and Safety

Exposure to electromagnetic fields

Direct/Local/ continuous

X Substation site is away from the settlement. No houses in the immediate vicinity. No mitigations required.

--

Fires, explosion and other accidents at the substations

Direct/Local X Use of personal protective equipments during construction and maintenance. Prepare and implement safety and emergency manual. Regular inspection of lines for faults prone to accidents. Provision of Fire protection equipments. Provision of Lightening arrestors

During operation phase

2. Agriculture Permanent and temporary loss of agriculture


X No mitigations required as there is no acquisition of agriculture land.

--

3. Socio-economics Beneficial impacts from rural and urban electrification. Job opportunities during construction phase

Direct/regional

X Unskilled job opportunities during the construction period. Indirect benefits such as petty purchases of domestic items and logistic local support ( tractor trolley, donkeys etc during construction period. Overall economic growth of the region.

During construction phase

4. Resettlement Resettlement of the house in substation areas


X No displacement of houses hence no mitigation required

--

5. Cultural sites No archaeological, historical or cultural important sites are affected by the construction of the substations


X No mitigation required --


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6. Traffic and Transportation

Traffic congestion due to movement of construction vehicles


X Avoid high density areas, proper traffic signs at the construction site, ensuring proper access roads

During construction phase

E Solid Waste Disposal

Probability of Surface and ground pollution


X The wooden and metallic scrap will be collected and disposed off in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules.

During construction and maintenance

F Liquid (Oil) waste Disposal

Probability of Surface and ground pollution


X The oil sludge should be separately stored in the containers and disposed off in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules.

During construction and maintenance.


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6.0 INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM:

6.1 Institutional arrangements: 105. The mitigation measures suggested requires monitoring of environmental attributes both during construction and operational phase of the project. PTCUL have a separate environmental cell for dealing with the various environmental issues at the corporate level. In the PTCUL there is environmental cell both at the corporate and regional levels to monitor and implement environmental good practices. 106. The environment management cell at both the levels is headed by qualified and experienced engineer who is well aware of the project activities and its impacts on the environment. The engineer should be able to give guidance to the personnel to adopt the environmental good practice. 107. The duties of the environmental cell at the corporate level: Monitoring and implementation of mitigation measures during construction and operation

phases of the project. Prepare environmental management cell at both the levels is headed by qualified and

experienced engineer who is aware of the project activities and its impacts on the environment. The engineer should be able to give guidance to the personnel to adopt the environmental good practice.

Advising and coordinating regional environmental management cells activity towards effective environment management.

Prepare environment and safety manual for the operation of sub-station. Liaise with the Ministry of Environment Forest (MoEF), New Delhi and State Department of

environment and sought their help to solve the environment related issues of the project implementation.

Advice to project planning cell on environmental and social issues while route selection of the alignment at the planning stage to avoid negative environmental impact.

Provide Training and awareness on environmental and social issues related to power transmission projects to the project staff.

108. The duties of the environmental cell at the regional level: Implement the environment policy guidelines and environmental good practices at the sites. Advising and coordinating the field offices activity towards effective environment

management. Implement environment and safety manual. Liaise with the State pollution control board and sought their help to solve the environment

monitoring related issues. Carry out environmental and social survey in conjunction with project planning cell while

route selection of the alignment at the planning stage to avoid negative environmental impact.

Provide Training and awareness to the field offices on environmental and social issues related to power transmission projects.

109. Institutional Structures and Responsibility for Environmental Management Plan at Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL) is given in Table 6.1 below:


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Table 6.1 Institutional Structures and Responsibility for Environmental Management Plan at Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL)

Environmental

Degradation, Pollution, social

issues and community

development, Resettlement,

Poverty Alleviation

Coordinate with MoEF, GoUK, GOI, ADB and

other regulatory authorities

during construction

and operation stages of project

EMSD

(Project in- charge)

Environmental Issues Supervision of Environment

related activities

Social Issues Social Issues, Community

Development, R&R, EMST

Superintending Engineer, Ex. Engineer Responsible for supervising contractors and overseeing the implementation of EMP

PIU Environmental professionals, (Engineers, field supervisors) Responsible monitoring and reporting progress on the EMP

Executive Engineer

Responsible for

addressing social issues of the community

Executive Engineer

Responsible for addressing community concerns and overseeing resettlement issues

EMSD = Environmental Management and Social Department, EMP = environmental management plan, EMST = Environmental management and Social Team, MOEF = Ministry of Environment and Forests, PIU = Project Implementation Unit 6.2 Environmental monitoring: 110. During the construction and operation phase of this project, the monitoring of the environmental aspects shall be done at the substation level by a competent officer under guidance of the regional and corporate level offices. During the construction phase, the prospective contractor should ensure that activities like handling of earth work; clearing work, access road construction, putting proper traffic signals is done properly to have minimum impact. This in turn should be monitored by the Engineer-in-Charge of the individual substation. Preventive maintenance should be carried out to identify and resolve problems related cooling oil,


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gaskets, circuit breakers, vibration measurements, and other monitoring activities at regular intervals. 111. Monitoring of oil water separation and sanitary waste treatment should be done periodically to avoid water pollution. Other environmental good practices include noise abatement, maintaining hygienic conditions, maintenance of fire and safety equipment etc. clearing of grass should be done periodically and medium height tree plantation around the substation wall should be done at the substation areas. Monitoring report should be prepared once in six months with the corrective action plan for the problem areas. 112. Overall the environmental good practices should be followed as per environmental policy guidelines of the State Government. 6.3 Critical Environmental Review Criteria: 113. Loss of irreplaceable resources: The EMP includes compensation for the loss by minimizing the impact of loss of vegetation as per existing norms under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

114. Accelerated use of resources for short-term gains: The project will not use of any

natural resources occurring in the area during construction as well as its operation cum maintenance phases. The construction material such as tower members, cement etc. shall come from factories while the excavated soil shall be used for backfilling and revetment to restore the surface. Thus the project shall not cause any accelerated use of resources for short term gains.

115. Endangering of species: No endangered species of flora and fauna exist in the project

area as well as in the affected forest thus there seems to be no possibility of endangering/causing extinction of any species.

116. Promoting undesirable rural-to urban migration: The project will not cause any

submergence or loss of land holdings that normally trigger migration. It also does not involve acquisition of any private land holdings. Hence, there is no possibility of any migration.

117. Increase in affluent/poor income gap: The project will increase availability and reliability

of power in Uttarakhand State. It is well known that power is a key input to the economic development of any area. Past experience indicates that economic development leads to generation of more jobs which in turn should raise the living standards of poor. Thus the project is expected to contribute in reduction of affluent/poor income gap by providing opportunities for employment and rural based economic activities.

6.4 Environmental Management Plan: 118. The main benefits of the environmental mitigation plan are (i) ensuring that environmental

standards are met during design, construction, and operation of the project; (ii) providing offsets to negate project impacts especially ecological impacts, e.g., in the form of compensatory afforestation, greenbelt development and landscaping. Without such expenditures, the project might generate large environmental impacts, causing the


36

biophysical environment in the area to deteriorate and indirectly depressing the economies of local communities. No tree cutting is involved for the construction of the substation at Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti).

119. Table 5.1 defines the Environmental Monitoring Requirements whereas the Summary

EMP for the project components is provided in Table as Annexure- 8. The compliance with the EMP has been prepared based upon optimum and reasonable costs that are derived upon minimization of mitigation measures on a least-cost basis.

120. The 400/200 kV substation project cost is 218.82 lacks which includes the land cost of 50

lacks. The EMP costs for the substation are given below in Table 6.4.1 below:

Table 6.4.1: EMP Cost during Construction Stage S. No.

Activity Unit Rate (INR)

Quantity Amount (INR) Lacs

1 Safety awareness program among the villagers and workmen. The contractor will conduct Information Education and Consultation Communication (IEC) campaigns at least every other month, addressed to all site staff and labour to the immediate local community and project affected people about the project related environment management and social issues.

No. - at least every other month

Contractor shall implement the same as per clause 22.1 of Section 8 Special Condition of Contract

2 Water sprinkling at haul road for suppression of dust due to vehicle movement near construction site for minimum 2-3 times. Per day minimum 1 hour sprinkling with water tankers/manually shall be done during construction days.

- - - Contractor shall implement the same as per clause 22.1 of Section 8 Special Condition of Contract

3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as Safety Helmets, gumboots, safety Jackets, Ear plugs & Nose masks to workers working at construction site. The minimum no of PPE shall be 75 each of define item at one time.

No. - 75 The contractor will maintain a stock of at least 75 PPEs in his stores for uses as per clause no 22.2 of Section 8 -


37

S. No.



Special Condition of Contract.

4 Provision of sanitation facility around the camp site.

- - - Contractor shall implement the same as per clause 22.2 of Section 8 Special Condition of Contract

5 Construction stage monitoring of Ambient Air and Ambient Noise due to construction activity by approved monitoring agency -Once in 3 months interval near habitation close to construction site. Payment will be made after the verification from the site engineer. A) Ambient Air monitoring B) Ambient Noise monitoring C) Drinking water monitoring at

camp site

No. No. No.

8500 4000 7500

12 12 12

1.02 0.48 0.90

6 Green belt development inside the campus of sub-station

Lump sum

5.0

7 Environmental enhancement such as repairing, whitewashing of worship places and schools, provision of drinking water facilities, sitting benches etc. and development of green belt along the worship place and schools, repairing of approach road and provision of bathing ghats close to project site. Detail plan with costing will be prepared by Implementing Agency and upon approval by Engineer/PTCUL, it will be executed. Upon verification of

Lump sum

13.10


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S. No.



concerned Engineer, the payment shall be done.

8 Medical camps for workmen and society including checkup of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) including HIV/AIDS and health awareness program on monthly basis shall be done by the Contractor. Payment to the contractor for preparation and implementation this program shall not exceed the provisional sum dedicated for this purpose (Clause 22.2.7 of Section 8 of Special Condition of Contract)

No. 15000 30 4.50

Total EMP cost during construction stage 25.00 121. The land has been provided by the State Government. There is no permanent or temporary structure on the land, hence there is no resettlement. There is no tree on this land hence no forest compensation is required. 6.5 Economic Assessment: 122. Energy demand has been growing at about 13% faster than gross domestic product during the last five years, and continued expansion of the energy and electricity supply and delivery infrastructure will enable rapid growth in the agriculture and industry sectors. To meet economic growth targets in the Uttarakhand state, electricity supplies will need to grow at substantial rates. The development of natural resources based generating capacity (hydro) in the state will introduce a greater diversity in sources of electricity supply and with that enhanced security of supply. Uttarakhand has only hydropower as one of its resources. Hydropower development is being given priority to improve hydro/thermal mix for optimizing the efficiency of countrys power system and usage of resources for sustainable power generation in an environment friendly manner. 123. The Uttarakhand Power Sector Investment Project will generate significant benefits it will (i) serve as a catalyst for Uttarakhand Energy development and provide a suitable power trading capacity to the state; (ii) reduce dependence on energy from the National grid as Uttarakhand does not have its own coal/fossil fuel powered power plant, thereby enhancing the state balance of payments account; and (iii) enhance the flow of capital into the Uttarakhand State, thereby leaving scarce national resources for other projects, while at the same time generating tax revenues for the State Government. The proposed project will minimize the environmental costs of providing the required increase in power evacuating capacity of the state. Apart from being an environmentally clean source of power, hydropower also provides a peaking

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