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Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Bihar Integrated Social Protection
Strengthening Project
Environmental Assessment
and
Environment
Management Framework
October 5, 2013
(Draft)
Government of Bihar
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Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Table of Contents
Acronyms ........................................................................................ 4
Section 1: Project Background and Description .................................. 6
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................... 6
1.2 Social Protection Programs in Bihar ...................................................... 6
1.3 Challenges to Social Protection Program Delivery in Bihar ..................... 8
1.4 Project Rationale ..................................................................................... 9
1.5 Project Development Objective ............................................................. 10
1.6 Project Components ............................................................................. 10
1.7 Project Cost and Financing ................................................................... 13
1.8 Proposed Project Duration .................................................................... 13
Section 2 : Over-view of Environmental Conditions .......................... 14
2.1 Environmental Profile ............................................................................ 14
2.1.1 Climate ................................................................................................ 14
2.1.2 Agro-Climatic Conditions ................................................................... 15
2.1.3 Soil Types .......................................................................................... 16
2.1.4 Water Resources ................................................................................ 17
2.1.5 Land use ............................................................................................ 19
2.1.6 Floral and Faunal Diversity ................................................................. 23
2.1.7 Protected Areas ................................................................................... 23
2.1.8 Forests ................................................................................................ 24
2.1.9 State’s Disaster Risk Profile ................................................................ 24
2.2 Socio-economic Profile .......................................................................... 26
2.2.1 Demographic ....................................................................................... 26
2.2.2 Households .......................................................................................... 27
2.2.3 Population by Religion ........................................................................ 27
2.2.4 Birth and Death Rates ......................................................................... 28
2.2.5 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes ............................................. 28
2.2.6 Literacy ............................................................................................... 29
2.2.7 Economy .............................................................................................. 29
2.2.8 Total Workers ...................................................................................... 29
2.2.9 Agricultural/Non-agricultural Distribution of Workers ........................ 30
2.2.10 Income .............................................................................................. 30
2.2.11 Vulnerable Population ....................................................................... 30
2.3 Administrative Set-up ........................................................................... 31
Section 3 : Overview of Policy and Regulatory Requirements ............ 34
3.1 National Laws and Regulations ............................................................. 34
3.2 World Bank Operational Policies ........................................................... 37
Section 4 : Potential Environmental Impacts ................................... 41
4.1 Positive Benefits of the Project ............................................................. 43
4.2 Potential Adverse Impacts on Environment .......................................... 44
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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4.2.1 Environmental Impacts associated with Buniyad Centers ................... 44
4.2.2 Environmental Impacts associated with MGNREGS ............................ 47
4.2.3 Environmental Impact/Issues Associated with IAY ............................ 52
4.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................. 54
Section 5: Environment Management Process and Guidelines ............ 55
5.1 Environment Management Process ........................................................ 56
5.1.1 Need for Environmental Management Framework ............................... 56
5.1.2 Purpose and Objectives of EMF .......................................................... 57
5.2 Managing Impacts of Directly Supported Project Activities .............................. 58
5.3 Managing Impacts of In-directly Supported Project Activities .......................... 62
Section 6: Stakeholder Consultation................................................ 64
6.1 Stakeholder Consultation ............................................................................ 64
6.2 Types/ Categories of Stakeholders ............................................................... 64
6.3 Process of Stakeholder Consultation ........................................................... 65
6.4 Stakeholder Consultation in BISPSP ............................................................. 65
6.5 Type of Consultations ................................................................................ 65
6.6 Key Findings from the District Level Consultations ........................................ 67
6.7 Follow-up District Level Consultations ......................................................... 70
Section 7: Institution Arrangements ............................................... 71
7.1 Project Implementation Arrangements ........................................................ 71
7.1.1 State Level Entities ................................................................................ 71
7.1.2 District Level Entities ............................................................................. 73
7.1.3 Block Level Entities ................................................................................. 74
7.2 Institutional Arrangements for Environment Management .............................. 74
7.3 Monitoring and Reporting .......................................................................... 75
7.4 Training and Capacity Building for Environmental Management ....................... 76
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Acronyms
BPL Below Poverty Line
BPRS Bihar Panchayati Raj Society
BPSM Bihar Prashasnik Sudhar Mission
BRDS Bihar Rural Development Society
BSIOPS Bihar State Integrated Older Persons Scheme
BSRR Bihar State Resident Registry
BSWAN Bihar State Wide Area Network
CBO Community Based Organization
CBR Community-Based Rehabilitation
CDMA Central Database Management Agency
CEO Chief Executive Officer
CHC Community Health Center
COO Chief Operations Officer
CSC Community Service Center
DDRC District Disability Rehabilitation Centers
DMT District Management Team
DoSW Department of Social Welfare
DPMU District Project Management Unit
EA Environmental Assessment
EMF Environment Management Framework
FM Financial Management
FY Financial Year
GoB Government of Bihar
GoI Government of India
GSDP Gross State Domestic Product
IAY Indira Awaas Yojana
IIMDSS Integrated Information Management and Decision Support System
IT Information Technology
KBKBS Kabhi Bhi Kahin Bhi Sewayen
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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MGNREGS Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
MIS Management Information System
NeGP National e-Governance Plan
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NRHM National Rural Health Mission
NSS National Sample Survey
PDS Public Distribution System
PHC Primary Health Center
PRI Panchayati Raj Institution
PWD Person With Disability
RDD Rural Development Department
RSBY Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana
RTI Right to Information
RTPS Right to Public Service
SDC State Data Center
SECC Socio-economic and Caste Census
SGSY Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna
SMF Social Management Framework
SIL Specific Investment Lending
SP Social Protection
SSUPSW State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare
WB The World Bank
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Section 1: Project Background and Description
1.1 Introduction
Bihar is India’s third largest state with a population of 104 million and approximately 54
million people currently living below the poverty line. The state’s over-all economy has
grown rapidly at 11 percent per annum between 2004-05 and 2010-11 with agriculture
and related activities growing at 4 percent per annum during this period.
In the last decade, Bihar has also made impressive improvements in human
development outcomes in terms of access to schooling and health. However, illiteracy,
under-nutrition, infant and child mortality continue to be issues of concern. Bihar is
primarily rural and agrarian, with high levels of landlessness, land fragmentation,
dependency on agriculture and high levels of seasonal migration. The state is also
vulnerable to natural disasters, with nearly three-fourths of the state prone to seasonal
flooding.1
Despite the impressive growth, the share of the rural population living below the poverty
line witnessed little change from 55.7 percent in 2004-05 to 55.3 percent in 2009-10.
However, certain groups including persons with disabilities, older persons and widows,
are especially vulnerable to economic shocks and rising living costs. The census of 2001
estimated that there are about 5.5 million people aged 60 and above; 2 million widowed,
separated or divorced women and; about 1.9 million persons with disabilities (PWDs) in
Bihar, constituting about 6.6 percent, 2.4 percent and 2.3 percent of the population
respectively.2
1.2 Social Protection Programs in Bihar
Social care service provision is largely absent for older persons, persons with disabilities
and widows, and policies to cover these groups are still under development. These
groups are also underserved by existing programs - other than social pensions and some
limited provision of institutional care, existing mechanisms for care and support for older
persons and persons with disabilities are very limited. Provision of non-institutional care
is largely restricted to sporadic NGO-led interventions.
Bihar is yet to formulate a state policy for Older Persons, has only recently adopted the
National Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007) and the
State Disability Policy is still in draft stage. The draft Bihar State Integrated Older
Persons Scheme (BSIOPS) is currently under discussion, and if introduced by Govt. of
Bihar, would include a provision for social care services and facilitator-led home and
community-based care for older persons.
1 Flood Management Information System (FMIS), Water Resources Department, Govt. of Bihar.
2 However, there is growing evidence that people with disabilities comprise between 4 and 8% of the
Indian population (World Bank 2009). Using this prevalence rate yields about 3.3 to 6.6 million PWDs
in Bihar.
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Social protection spending is fairly high in Bihar (refer Table 1.1) and there are several
programs in place to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable.3 These include social
assistance programs with in-kind or cash transfers such as:
(i) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) - a
rights-based, demand-driven public works program that guarantees all rural
households up to 100 days annually of unskilled public works employment on
demand;
(ii) Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) - cash transfers to poor rural households for building
houses and;
(iii) Social pensions - cash transfers for older persons, widows and persons with
disabilities.
Expenditure on these three categories of programs in Financial Year (FY) 2010-11 was
Rs. 64,730 million and accounted for 74 percent of the total social protection spending in
the state or about 3.04 percent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). However,
expenditures on social care services are minimal.
Table 1.1: Expenditure on Social Protection spending in Bihar (2010-11)
Social Protection Scheme Allocation
(Rs. mn)
Expenditure
(Rs. mn)
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme 31,938 26,320
Indira Awaas Yojana 34,151 30,226
Social Pensions 8,285 8,095
Total (3 main programs) 74,463 64,730
Other SP Programs * 29,863 22,355
Total SP expenditure (all) 104,325 87,085
Expenditure on 3 main programs as % of total SP expenditure 71% 74%
Expenditure on 3 main programs as % of GSDP 3.49% 3.04%
Sources: Administrative Data, Govt. of Bihar.
* Other social protection programs include the Public Distribution System (PDS) among others.
While significant resources are provided for the three major programs, the performance
of these programs falls short of their poverty reduction potential due to low awareness
and inadequate capacity to implement. For instance, one study estimates that, if
MGNREGS was implemented as intended, the extra labor earnings from MGNREGS could
potentially bring down the poverty rate in Bihar by about 10 percent points rather than
its actual impact of closer to 1 percent point.4
3 Central spending on social protection was 2.2 percent in 2008-09 (World Bank - 2011), though this does not
take into account the expansion of central MGNREGS and social pensions spending in recent years.
4 Estimates from an impact evaluation of MGNREGS conducted in 2009 and 2010 in rural Bihar by the World
Bank at the request of the Rural Development Department.
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The potential to increase program coverage and thereby to address deprivation and
poverty in Bihar is high. For instance, in 2009-10, only 18 percent of rural households
got work on MGNREGS worksites, 14 percent of rural households received IAY benefits
and 8 percent of rural households reported getting at least one type of social pension
(old age, widowed or disability). MGNREGS is designed as a demand-driven scheme, and
only about one third of households that wanted to work on the scheme actually got
work, though the number of days was short of the 100 day guarantee. Similarly, only 12
percent of the eligible disabled persons are provided disability pensions.5 The evidence
on other aspects of performance is somewhat mixed.6
1.3 Challenges to Social Protection Program Delivery in Bihar
Challenges in implementing SP programs have been identified collaboratively by GoB and
the World Bank (WB) under the Bihar Capacity Building Technical Assistance program
(BCBTA). These assessments were instrumental in examining current systems for Social
Protection delivery, identifying critical challenges and developing consensus for reform.
Key findings of the assessments are described below:
(i) Constraints related to awareness generation, enrollment, beneficiary management
and benefit payments impede effective delivery
Awareness of rights and information about the processes to access these rights remains
low, especially among women, due to inadequate communication and outreach coupled
with social stratification and illiteracy. Standardization of processes for beneficiary
enrolment would reduce ambiguity and make the process of enrolment more inclusive
and transparent. Additionally, the poor and vulnerable are likely to be excluded where
there is discriminatory access to information and benefits, where application procedures
are too complex or impose high transaction costs. Finally, benefit payments are
hampered because the banking network has low penetration in many blocks of the state
and the postal system has weak capacity. In addition, without real time financial
management and monitoring systems, implementing agencies are unable to ensure
sufficient funds are available in a timely fashion. As a result, there are significant delays
in benefit payments that likely have serious implications for the very poorest and most
vulnerable.7
(ii) Human resource gaps constrain the ability to deliver SP programs
At the state level, specific technical skills are required, including policy and program
development for vulnerable groups, managing e-governance initiatives, financial and
contract management, monitoring and performance management, among others. At the
5 Based on administrative data and census data on population and share of elderly.
6 For MGNREGS, the evidence suggests that poor and Scheduled Caste/Tribe households are more
likely to get work, though women were substantially less likely to get work than men. In the case of
IAY and social pensions, the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Census is used to identify the poor. However,
there have been reports of inclusion and exclusion errors, as evidenced by the over 60 lakh appeals
made in 2008 following an update of BPL status.
7 For instance, field work during project preparation indicated that social pension beneficiaries typically
received benefits once in six months, instead of Rs. 200 (approximately $4) every month.
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district-level and below, the current delivery structure is inadequate to meet the
increasing needs of the target groups. For instance, there is a single district officer
responsible for overseeing all social welfare policies, legislation and programs in the
district. Most Social Protection programs – IAY, social pensions, social care services - do
not have dedicated and qualified staff at the district-level and below, and rely on the
Block Development Officer, who is responsible for overseeing all rural development and
social protection schemes in addition to performing all other administrative, revenue and
law and order functions at the block level. MGNREGS is the sole exception, with
dedicated contractual staff at the district, block and panchayat level, although training
remains an issue. Panchayati Raj Institutions (elected local governments) play a central
role, but have limited capacity for implementation and oversight of social protection
programs.
(iii) Challenges relating to performance monitoring and accountability also impede
service delivery.
Existing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems do not provide adequate support for
planning and decision making. At present, implementing agencies lack the requisite
Information Technology systems to track beneficiaries and benefits in a timely fashion.
Field level validation of program performance and social audits are in their infancy. There
is limited ability to systematically monitor performance, address bottlenecks at different
stages of delivery, and provide timely feedback to program administrators.
(iv) Institutional arrangements and coordination issues.
Like most states in India, the state system for social protection program delivery in Bihar
is spread across various Departments and therefore often lacks coordination and
convergence across programs or the implementing departments. In Bihar, in addition to
MGNREGS and IAY, Rural Development also implements the Below Poverty Line (BPL)
list which is used across several social protection programs to identify poor households in
rural areas. The Department of Social Welfare is responsible for social pensions and
social care services.8 At present, beneficiary records are stored in multiple formats
across various government agencies, resulting in fragmented information of variable
quality. The lack of an authoritative and unified registry transfers the burden of proof of
identity and eligibility to beneficiaries, who often face problems and incur costs in the
process. This can lead to the exclusion of eligible beneficiaries (due to lack of required
documents on age and identity), inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries (due to fake identity
and lack of cross-checking between program databases) and high transaction costs for
both beneficiaries and program administrators.
1.4 Project Rationale
For such reasons explained above, the Government of Bihar (GoB) intends to strengthen
social protection (SP) administration in the state through improvements in the
institutions and systems for program delivery. Towards this, the GoB is preparing the
8 The two other major SP programs – Public Distribution System (PDS, subsidized food) and Rashtriya
Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY, subsidized health insurance) - are administered by the Department of
Food and Civil Supplies and the Department of Labor respectively.
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Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) project with support from the
World Bank. The proposed interventions are designed to strengthen systems for delivery
across selected social protection programs: the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS), Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) and social
pensions, as well as services for older persons and persons with disabilities. The project
aims to strengthen institutional capacity to deliver social protection programs and
services and expand outreach of social care services for poor & vulnerable, persons with
disabilities, older persons and widows in Bihar.
1.5 Project Development Objective
The Project Development Objective is to strengthen institutional capacity to deliver social
protection programs and services and expand outreach of social care services for poor
and vulnerable households, persons with disabilities, older persons and widows in Bihar.
The ultimate goal of the Project is to improve the effectiveness with which resources are
managed and deployed to provide quality services to programs beneficiaries.
1.6 Project Components
The project would focus on programs administered by the Department of Social Welfare
(DoSW) including social pensions (cash transfers) and social care services for older
persons, widows, and persons with disabilities, and by the Rural Development
Department (RDD) which oversees the provision of MGNREGS and IAY. Specifically, the
project would provide support for: (1) strengthening capacity to implement and monitor
these programs at the state, district and block levels; and (2) strengthening outreach
and social protection service delivery. On these lines, the proposed project includes two
specific components:
Component 1: Strengthening Social Protection Systems and Capacity
This component will strengthen core systems and capacity of the two implementing
agencies – the Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS) and the State Society for Ultra-
Poor and Social Welfare (SSUPSW) at the state, district and block levels. This component
has two sub-components, reflecting support to each of the two state implementing
agencies, as follows:
Sub-Component 1.1: Strengthening systems and capacity for safety net delivery
Support will be provided to BRDS to strengthen the delivery of MGNREGS and IAY
programs, focusing on:
(i) Streamlining program delivery mechanisms by developing standardized procedures
and tools for effective management of the benefits process, for outreach and
communications to citizens, and for disbursement of benefits and grievance
redressal. The creation of a Bihar State Resident Registry (BSRR) to track
beneficiaries of selected social protection schemes will be supported, as will
strengthening financial management systems and capacity at the state, district and
block levels for all central and state schemes and scaling up e-payments to
beneficiaries;
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(ii) Strengthening staff capacity and performance incentives by developing a HR policy,
performance management system, and training system for building staff capacity
and for monitoring the quality of training delivered; and
(iii) Putting in place monitoring and accountability mechanisms to enable program and
project implementation, monitoring and evaluation. A comprehensive M&E strategy
will be developed and capacity built to operate management information systems
(MIS) as well as to undertake field assessments and social audits. Procedures for
dealing with appeals/grievances related to selected social protection schemes,
especially MGNREGS and IAY, will also be developed.
Consulting and non-consulting services, additional technical staff, required training and
capacity building, goods, and incremental operating costs will be provided.
Sub-Component 1.2: Strengthening systems and capacity for social pension and
social care service delivery
Support will be provided to SSUPSW to strengthen the delivery of social pensions and
social care services for PWDs and older persons, focusing on:
(i) promoting an enabling policy environment by developing policies, programs and
operational guidelines for institutional and non-institutional care targeted to
persons with disabilities, older persons and widows;
(ii) Streamlining program delivery mechanisms by developing standardized procedures
and tools for effective management of the identification, disability certification and
enrolment of intended beneficiaries, for outreach and communications to citizens,
for disbursement of benefit payments, and for grievance redressal.
Procedures for public-private-community partnerships would be developed and
capacity would be built for contract and performance management of private sector
service providers and other partners to support SSUPSW put in place a mechanism
for partnership management. IT applications for social pensions and social care
services will be developed to enable case management and tracking of all stages of
service delivery;
(iii) Strengthening staff capacity and performance incentives by developing a new HR
policy, a new performance management system, and a training system for building
staff capacity and for monitoring the quality of training delivered; and
(iv) Setting up monitoring and accountability mechanisms to enable the monitoring of
social pensions and social care services. A comprehensive M&E strategy will be
developed and capacity built to operate the management information system (MIS)
that will be developed as well as to undertake field assessments and social audits.
Support for improving funds management by designing and piloting e-payments for
social protection schemes will be provided.
Consulting and non-consulting services, technical staff, required training and capacity
building, goods, and incremental operating costs will be provided.
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Component 2: Strengthening Outreach and Social Protection Service Delivery
Under this component, the Project would support state-wide coverage of social care
services by establishing 101 Social Care Service Centers. Pilots to support improving
outreach through mobile outreach and therapy services, testing models of community
based rehabilitation, and an “Innovation Window,” which would test innovative proposals
to further improve social services, would also be supported.
Sub-component 2.1: Establish and Strengthen Social Care Services
This sub-component would support establishing social care services across the state
through Social Care Service Centers (referred to as Buniyad Centers) that would
provide high quality care, support and rehabilitation services for older persons, widows
and persons with disabilities. A Buniyad Center would be set up in each of the 101 sub-
divisions across the state. From among the 101 centers, 38 centers would be further
strengthened as district level centers with additional human resource and infrastructure
to undertake monitoring and supervision of social care services in each district.
The services offered at the Buniyad Centers would include basic care and support, legal
aid, therapy, counseling and rehabilitation, emergency outreach, assessment and
disability determination, provision of assistive devices, and would be provided either in-
house or through a referral network. This sub-component would finance the
construction, maintenance and operation of these Centers. It would also finance
renovations of select government buildings, which will house temporary centers where
service provision will be initiated during the first year of the project.
Sub-component 2.2: Pilot Models in Social Protection Delivery
Under this sub-component, the Project would support strengthening access and outreach
of select social protection services in the state through:
Establishing mobile outreach and therapy services to improve coverage and outreach
of social care services and other social protection services for the target beneficiary
groups. The project would support one mobile therapy service van in each district,
fully equipped with diagnostic, therapeutic equipment and audio-visual systems.
Developing and piloting workable models for Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
of older persons, widows and persons with disabilities. This would involve provision of
care and rehabilitation services in family and community settings for the poorest and
most vulnerable individuals. Local community facilitators (identified through
partnerships with community based organizations (CBOs) and NGOs) would be
trained to serve as focal service providers for these groups.
Sub-Component 2.3: Innovation Window
This sub-component would finance small-scale pilots that contribute toward the project
objectives by testing innovative mechanisms for increasing community level outreach for
effective delivery of social protection programs and services at the local level; enhancing
promotion and participation of stakeholders and project beneficiaries; and providing
social protection for the poor and vulnerable during emergencies and disasters. This sub-
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component would be initiated in the third year of the project and would finance eligible
expenditures (including goods, services and operating costs) for the pilots.
Project
1.7 Project Cost and Financing
The Project would be financed by an IDA Credit of US$84 million with an estimated
Government of Bihar contribution of US$36 million. IDA would retroactively finance
eligible expenditures incurred by the Government during the one year period prior to
Credit signing (expected in January 2014). These expenditures will include those
incurred in conducting the necessary environmental and social safeguard assessments,
advance procurement action taken for large contracts, and recruitment of contractual
staff for both implementing agencies, among others. Estimates by sub-components are
shown in the Table 1.2 given below.
Table 1.2 : Project Cost – Component-wise Break-up
Components
IDA
Financing
(US$ million)
GOB
Financing
(US$ million)
Total
(US$ million)
Component 1 23.0 9.9 32.9
1.1 Strengthening Systems and Capacity for Safety
Net Delivery 17.1 7.3 24.4
1.2 Strengthening Systems and Capacity for Social
Pension and Social Care Service Delivery 5.9 2.5 8.5
Component 2 61.0 26.1 87.1
2.1 Establish and Strengthen Social Care Services 48.6 20.8 69.5
2.2 Pilot Modes in SP Delivery 8.9 3.8 12.7
2.3 Innovation Window 3.4 1.5 4.9
T o t a l 84.0 36.0 120.0
1.8 Proposed Project Duration
The project duration is estimated to be six years to allow adequate time to design,
construct, equip, staff, operate and evaluate the proposed service centers, which
account for the majority of the total project cost. It is estimated that two to three years
would be required to fully set up these centers, leaving another three to four years to
engage in service provision.
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Section 2 : Over-view of Environmental Conditions
Bihar is located between 24°20'10" and 27°31'15"N latitude and 82°19'50" and
88°17'40"E longitude in the eastern part of the India and situated at about 52.73 m
height above sea level . It is an entirely land locked state and is surrounded by
West Bengal in the east, Uttar Pradesh in the West and the State of Jharkhand in
the South. In the North, Bihar shares its boundary with Nepal.
The project will be implemented across the administrative divisions in the state of Bihar.
A Buniyad Center would be set-up in each of the 101 sub-divisions across the state
under Component 2 of the project would to support establishment of social care services
across the state. From among the 101 centers, 38 centers would be further strengthened
as district level centers with additional human resource and infrastructure to undertake
monitoring and supervision of social care services in each district. Further, the project
seeks to strengthen delivery systems of MGNREGS and IAY programs, which also have a
state wide implementation characteristic. It is therefore imperative to appreciate the
environmental profile in which the project will be implemented. This section provides
the geographic, physiographic and socio-economic profile of Bihar along with
environmental baseline.
2.1 Environmental Profile
Bihar state is 12th largest in terms of geographical size (94,163 sq. km) and 3 rd
largest by population (10.38 crores) as per Census 2011, in the country. It is also
known for its abundant natural resources, perennial rivers, fertile lands and a long
glorious history. In spite of all these conditions, the state remained one of the
poorest states in the country since independence. The humid West Bengal in the
east and the sub humid Uttar Pradesh in the West provides it with a transitional
position in respect of climate, economy and culture.
The poverty condition further deteriorated after the state’s division in 2000 (when
Jharkhand was separated from Bihar as a new state). After the division, Bihar
retained almost 75 percent of the population, while it is left with only 54 percent of
the land, thus inducing a lot of strain on the available resources.
2.1.1 Climate
Being located between 25 to 27 degree north latitude, the climate of Bihar is of mostly
sub-tropical. Nevertheless region close to Tropic of Cancer experiences tropical climate
during summer. Like all the Indian states, Bihar also reels under hot summer season
during months of March to May. Average temperature is 35-40 degree Celsius
throughout the summer months. April and June are the hottest months of the year.
December to January is the winter season in Bihar. The winter in Bihar is mild with
average temperature being 5 to 10 degree Celsius.
Bihar gets its maximum rainfall during South-West monsoon season which prevails from
June to September. The natural precipitation varies from 990 to 1700 mm and most of
the precipitation is received during the month of July to September. The average annual
rainfall of Bihar is 1271.9 mm and the average number of rainy days is 52.5.
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Monthly Average Rainfall and Potential Evapotranspiration
The monthly average rainfall and potential evapotranspiration in Bihar is presented in
graph.
The Zone-II North East Alluvial Plains has the highest rainfall ranging between 1200-
1700 mm, the Zone-I North West Alluvial Plains has rainfall between 1040-1450 mm,
and the Zone-III, South Bihar Alluvial Plains has the lowest rainfall ranging between
990-1240 mm. The districts of Kishanganj, Araria, West Champaran and Purnia receive
over 1400 mm rainfall while Patna and Nalanda receive less than 1000 mm of rainfall
annually.
2.1.2 Agro-Climatic Conditions
Bihar with a geographical area of about 94,200 sq. km. is divided by river Ganges into
two parts, the north Bihar with an area of 53,300 sq. km. and the south Bihar having an
area of 40,900 sq. km. Based on soil characterization, rainfall, temperature and terrain,
four main agro-climatic zones in Bihar have been identified each with its own unique
prospects. The districts falling within these agro-climatic zones have been listed out on
Table 2.1.
Agro climatic zone I and II are located north of the river Ganges whereas the Zone III is
located south of the river Ganges. Zone I is situated in the north western part of the
state whereas zone II is located in the north eastern part. Zones I and II are flood prone
whereas zone III is drought prone.
Table 2.1 : Agro-Climatic Zones
Agro-climatic Zone Districts
Agro- climatic zone I
(Northern West)
West Champaran, East Champaran, Siwan, Saran,
Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Madhubani,
Darbhanga, Samastipur, Gopalganj and Begusarai
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Agro-climatic Zone Districts
Agro-climatic Zone II
(Northern East)
Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Khagaria,
Araria and Kishanganj.
Agro-climatic zone IIIA
(Southern East)
Sheikhpura, Munger, Jamui, Lakhisarai, Bhagalpur and
Banka.
Agro-climatic zone IIIB
(Southern West)
Rohtas, Bhojpur, Buxar, Bhabhua, Arwal, Patna, Nalanda,
Nawada, Jehanabad, Aurangabad and Gaya.
Potential-wise all three agro climatic zones have vast untapped potential for increasing
the productivity of food grain crops. There are three crop seasons, Kharif, Rabi and Zaid.
Rice, wheat and pulses are grown in all the districts – however, the choice of the crop
and crop rotation varies across the agro climatic zone.
2.1.3 Soil Types
As far as soil resources are concerned, Bihar has three types of soil: montane, alluvium
and marshy/swampy soil of Terai. Across the state, soil texture varies from sandy loam
Soil Types
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to heavy clay. However, the majority type belongs to loam category which is good for
crop cultivation. Soil pH varies from 6.5 to 8.4.
2.1.4 Water Resources
The Bihar plain is divided into two unequal halves by the River Ganga which flows
through the middle from West to East. Close to 88 percent of the population lives in
villages Bihar is richly endowed with water resources, both the ground water resource
and the surface water resources, which is in use for drinking purposes, irrigation and
industries.
Not only by rainfall but it also has considerable water supply from the rivers which flow
within the territory of the State. Ganga is the main river which is joined by tributaries
with their sources in the Himalayas. Some of them are Saryu (Ghaghra), Gandak, Burhi
Gandak, Bagmati, Kamla-Balan and Mahananda. There are some other rivers that start
from the plateau region and meet in Ganges or its associate rivers after flowing towards
north. Some of these are Sone, Uttari Koyal, Punpun, Panchane and Karmnasha. These
rivers make the water available for irrigation and also help in generating the hydro
energy for the state. Apart from this, they provide a medium for water transport and
support the fishery industry in the state. The details of the main rivers are given in
Table 2.2:
River Basins
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Table 2.2 : River Systems in Bihar
Name of the
Basin
Catchment
Area
Length of
River in Bihar
Embankment
Constructed
Flood
Prone Area
Protected
Area
(Sq.Km) (Km) (Km) (Sq.Km) (Sq.Km)
Ganga 19322 445 596.92 12920 4300
Burhi Gandak 9601 320 704.26 8210 4010
Kiul Harohar 17225 - 14 6340 Nil
Kosi 11410 260 387.51 10150 9300
Punpun 9026 235 37.62 6130 260
Mahananda 6150 376 225.33 5150 1210
Sone 15820 202 59.54 3700 210
Bagmati 6500 394 400.79 4440 3170
Kamla Balan 4488 120 184.9 3700 2810
Gandak 4188 260 511.66 3350 3350
Ghaghra 2995 83 132.9 2530 790
Chandan 4093 118 83.18 1130 80
Badua 2215 130 Nil 1050 Nil
Lalbakeya - - 54.35 - -
Adhwara - - 181.5 - -
Bhuthi - - 54.7 - -
Surface water: The surface water resource in the state includes 69,000 hectares of
ponds and tanks, 9000 hectares of oxbow lakes, 7200 hectares of reservoirs, 3200 km of
rivers and 1 lakh hectares of riverine and other flood plains.
Groundwater: The annual replenishable ground water resource in the state is estimated
to be 29.19 BCM. The net annual ground water availability is 27.42 BCM. The annual
ground water draft is estimated to be 10.77 BCM. None of the administrative divisions
(called blocks) in the state are classified as Over Exploited, Critical or Semi-critical with
respect to the groundwater status. The stage of groundwater development exceeds 50
percent in Nalanda, Jehanabad, Begusarai, Siwan, Saran and Patna.
Water quality: Groundwater quality in parts of the state is affected by high Fluoride
(4157 habitations), Iron (18673 habitations) and Arsenic (1590 habitations). The details
of groundwater contamination have been presented in Table 2.3:
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Land Use Classification in Bihar(Area in Lakh Hectares)
Table 2.3: Ground Water Contamination Status
Contaminant Districts Affected
Fluoride (>1.5 mg/l) Aurangabad, Banka, Buxar, Bhabua(Kaimur), Jamui, Munger,
Nawada, Rohtas, Supaul
Iron (>1.0 mg/l)
Aurangabad, Begusarai, Bhojpur, Buxar, Bhabua (Kaimur), East
Champaran, Gopalganj, Katihar, Khagaria, Kishanganj,
Lakhiserai, Madhepura, Muzafferpur, Nawada, Rohtas, Saharsa,
Samastipur, Siwan, Supaul, West Champaran
Nitrate (>45 mg/l) Aurangabad, Banka, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Bhabua, Patna,
Rohtas, Saran, Siwan
Arsenic (>0.05 mg/l)
Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Darbhanga, Katihar,
Khagaria, Kishanganj, Lakhiserai, Munger, Patna, Purnea,
Samastipur, Saran, Vaishali
2.1.5 Land use
Bihar has a geographical area of about 94,200 sq. km. The state is divided by river
Ganges into two parts, the North Bihar with an area of 53,300 sq. km, and the South
Bihar with an area of 40,900 sq. km. Of the total geographic area of 94.16 lakh
hectares, about 60 percent is cropped once and only about 22 percent of the area is
cropped twice. The gross and net sown area in the State is estimated at 77.18 lakh ha
and 56.65 lakh ha respectively. The cropping intensity is 1.36. Forest area is limited (6.6
percent) and the area under pastures and grazing lands is extremely scarce (0.18
percent).
The districts of East and West Champaran, Rohtas, Madhubani and Purnea have the
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largest net sown area. However, in terms of the net sown area as a percentage of the
district area Buxar, Bhojpur and Nalanda top the list with more than 75 percent while
Jamui and Monghyr are at the bottom of the list with less than 40 percent of their area
as net sown. Over-all cropping intensity is highest in Saharsa (1.76), Sivhar and Supaul
and lowest in Banka (1.07), Darbhanga and Patna.
The extent of fallow lands is the maximum in the districts of Gaya, Jamui, Purnea while
as percentage of the district area Sheikhpura, Jamui and Gaya have more than 20
percent area under fallow land category.
The districts with more than 50,000 hectares under forests are Bhabua, Jamui, West
Champaran, Gaya, Rohtas and Nawadha. Only 9 districts have more than 500 hectares
under pastures and grazing lands with Gaya having the maximum area at 2192 hectares
(0.44 percent).
Wastelands are spread over an area of 6,841 sq. km in Bihar accounting for 7.26 percent
of the state's geographic area. Of the total wasteland in the state, land with scrub
(dense and open) accounts for 3715 sq. km (about 4 percent), waterlogged area
(permanent and seasonal) accounts for 1564 sq. km (1.66 percent) and degraded
forest land with scrub accounts for about 1200 sq. km (1.27 percent). The districts of
Jamui and Banka have more than 20 percent of their area under wasteland. Nalanda,
Bhojpur, Buxar and Khagaria have the least extent of wastelands in the state. Jamui,
Banka, West Champaran and Katihar have the maximum area under degraded scrub
land.
The districts most affected by permanent water logging are Saran, Siwan, Vaishali and
Muzaffarpur and those affected by seasonal water logging are Purnia, Madhepura and
Saharsa. The land-use details of Bihar and its comparison to national average is given in
Table 2.4.
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Table 2.4 : Land Use Details – Bihar and India (in ‘000 hectares)
Item/Land Use
1986-87 1991-92 1996-97 2001-02 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07
India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar
1 Forest 67416 609 68024 616 68750 616 69487 622 - 622 - 622 - 622
2 Area not available
for cultivation 39729 1849 41013 1892 41543 2032 42136 2077 - 2082 - 2083 - 2083
(A) Area under non-
agricul. uses NA 1407 NA 1450 41543 1595 41780 1641 - 1646 - 1647 - 1647
(a) Land Area NA 1177 NA 1173 NA 1259 NA 1279 - 1285 - 1286 - 1286
(b) Water Area NA 230 NA 277 NA 336 NA 362 - 361 - 361 - 361
(i) Perennial NA 144 NA 182 NA 207 NA 207 - 207 - 207 - 207
(ii) Temporary NA 86 NA 95 NA 129 NA 155 - 154 - 154 - 154
(B) Barren and
Uncultivable land NA 442 NA 442 NA 437 NA 436 - 436 - 436 - 436
3
Other uncultivable
Land excluding
Fallow Land
NA 292 NA 299 - 296 - 299 - 302 - 303 - 304
(i)
Permanent
pasture and other
grazing land
12050 34 11676 28 11040 19 10581 18 - 17 - 17 - 17
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Item/Land Use
1986-87 1991-92 1996-97 2001-02 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07
India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar
(ii)
Land under Misc.
trees, crops and
groves
3623 190 3643 202 3567 226 3335 235 - 239
240
241
(iii) Cultivable Waste
Land 16410 68 15072 69 13947 51 13352 46 - 46
46
46
4 Fallow Land 23049 1032 24222 823 23218 872 24927 698 - 781
795
686
(i)
Fallow Land other
than Current
Fallow
9563 207 9848 184 9892 157 10254 135 - 133
129
120
(ii) Current Fallow 13486 825 14374 639 13326 715 14673 563
648
666
566
5 Net Area Sown 142003 5577 141408 5731 142813 5542 141383 5664
5572
5556
5665
6 Total Cropped
Area 177042 8133 182728 8052 189592 8064 190488 7897
7399
7396
7719
7 Area Sown more
than once 35039 2556 41320 2322 46779 2522 49105 2233
1827
1840
2054
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Bihar Patna.
Statistical Abstract (C.S.O.) 1982, 1984, 1989, 1992, 2000 to 2006.
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2.1.6 Floral and Faunal Diversity
Erstwhile Bihar, lying close to the foot hills of Nepal and covering an area of 1,73,877 sq.
km, harbours a very rich and diverse flora. Its unique phyto-geographical position,
topography and good precipitation are some of the important factors which are mainly
responsible for the high degree of plant diversity. The occurrence of different types of
forests, ranging from sub-tropical to tropical and consequently the establishment of
three National Parks and twenty Wildlife sanctuaries in the state, which constitute an
important source of germplasm, are of considerable interest. Although the state has
been botanically surveyed since 1848, the floral information was published during 1921-
1925 which included Bihar, Orissa and parts of West Bengal. However, the complete
flora related information of Bihar itself is not available.
Simultaneously, the natural vegetation since Haines’ publication has been continuously
and increasingly under pressure owing to developmental projects and non-judicious
exploitation of plant resources. These reasons coupled with the publication of a number
of new plant records for the state warrant the need of fresh estimation of current status
of floristic account of the state.
The jungles of Bihar abound in wildlife, though some of the notable game animals and
birds like tiger, deer, buffalo, duck etc., are fast disappearing. In order to prevent the
extinction of any species and to preserve them and maintain their balance with nature,
wildlife sanctuaries have been set up. Three sanctuaries are located in northern fringe of
West Champaran district. As a result of strict management and proper protection given
to wildlife, the present form has become much richer than the past and the difficult task
of wildlife resuscitation and conservation has been greatly achieved, so that some of the
rare animals on the verge of extinction, such as elephant and gaur have considerably
multiplied.
2.1.7 Protected Areas
Bihar has 1 national park and 11 sanctuaries comprising a protected area of 3208.47 sq
km and a protected non-forest area of 76.30 sq. km. The details of the protected area
are given below:
Table 2.5 : Protected Areas in Bihar
S.No. Name of Park/Sanctuary District Type
1 Barela Sazs Sanctuary Vaishali Sanctuary
2 Bhimbandh Sanctuary Monghyr Sanctuary
3 Gogabil Pakshi Vihar Katihar Closed Area
4 Gautambuddha Sanctuary Gaya Sanctuary
5 Kaimur Sanctuary Rohtas Sanctuary
6 Kanwar Jheel Bird Sanctuary Begusarai Sanctuary
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S.No. Name of Park/Sanctuary District Type
7 Kusheshwarsthan Darbhanga Closed Area
8 Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary Jamui Sanctuary
9 Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary Jamui Sanctuary
10 Rajgir Sanctuary Nalanda Sanctuary
11 Udaypur Sanctuary West Champaran Sanctuary
12 Valmiki National Park West Champaran National Park
13 Valmiki Sanctuary West Champaran Sanctuary
14 Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Bhagalpur Sanctuary
2.1.8 Forests
Only about 6.87% of the geographical area (6473 sq. km) of the state of Bihar is
classified as forests. This consists of 76 sq. km of very dense forests, 2951 sq. km of
dense forests and 2531 sq. km of open forest. The forests of Bihar are of three types:
Dry deciduous forest, Wet deciduous forest and Sub Himalayan and Terai forest. The first
type is found in and around Kishanganj district, the second type is found in the Kaimur
district and along the northern slope of Chottanagpur plateau and the third type is found
around the Someshwar hills in West Champaran district. The districts with more than
50,000 hectares under forests are Bhabua, Jamui, West Champaran, Gaya, Rohtas and
Nawadha.
The sub-Himalayan foothills of Someshwar and Dun ranges in Champaran constitute a
belt of moist deciduous forests. These also consist of scrub, grass and reeds. Rainfall
here is the most significant factor in determining the nature of vegetation. In areas with
rainfall of above 1,600 mm, the conditions promote growth of luxuriant Sal forests. The
most important trees are Shorea Robusta (Sal), Shisham, Cedrela Toona, Khair, and
Semal.
2.1.9 State’s Disaster Risk Profile
The plains of Bihar bordering Nepal are drained by a number of rivers with catchments in
the steep and geologically nascent Himalayas. Kosi, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati,
Kamla Balan, Mahananda and Adhwara Group of rivers originate in Nepal, carry high
discharge and very high sediment load and drop it down in the plains of Bihar. About 65
percent of the catchment area of these rivers falls in Nepal and Tibet and only 35
percent in Bihar. However, as the gradient flattens out in India, the susceptibility to
floods is far more on the Indian side.
The plains of north Bihar have recorded the highest number of floods during the last 30
years. In recent times, Bihar witnessed high magnitudes of floods in 1978, 1987, 1998,
1999, 2004, 2007 and 2008. The total area affected by floods has also increased during
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Major River Systems
these years. In 2004, an area of 23,490 sq. km was devastated by the floods of
Bagmati, Kamla and Adhwara groups of rivers and left 800 dead, even when Ganga, the
master drain, was flowing low. In 2007 and 2008, the floods were marked by
unprecedented severity.
A brief timeline of floods in Bihar is presented below:
In 1998, maximum discharge in July in most rivers in North Bihar damaged the
embankment along Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, Adhwara and Kosi rivers. Total deaths
were 381 and damage to property was estimated at Rs 1 billion while crops worth Rs
3.67 billion were destroyed.
In 1999, exceptional precipitation in October in the Nepal catchments caused flooding
of Kamla Balan and Kosi rivers. Crop damage was estimated at Rs 2.5 billion and
property damage was reported for another Rs 0.5 billion.
In 2000, heavy rainfall in Kamla Balan and Bhutahi Balan catchments in July caused
the Eastern Kosi Afflux Bund to give way, inundating 12,351 villages and destroying
crops worth Rs 0.8 billion.
In 2001, heavy rain in Nepal catchments of rivers caused the Western Kosi
embankment, Bhutahi Balan right embankment, Bagmati left embankment and Burhi
Gandak left embankment to breach. Crop worth Rs 2.6 billion and property worth Rs
1.8 billion were destroyed.
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In 2002, north Bihar experienced serious flooding due to overtopping in Kamla Balan
left embankment and Khiroi right embankment. There were 489 deaths. Crops worth
Rs 5.1 billion and property worth Rs 4 billion were destroyed.
In 2003, the Ganga surpassed the earlier 1978 HFL of 34.18 m at Bhagalpur and at
Gandhighat, Patna the 1994 HFL of 50.27 m at Patna.
In 2004, the catchment area of north Bihar Rivers received heavy rainfall in July and
surpassed the 1987 flood levels. Bagmati and Burhi Gandak surpassed all time high
flood levels. There were as many as 53 embankment breaches in Bagmati, Burhi
Gandak, Kamla Balan, Bhutahi Balan and Adhwara group of rivers, causing severe
flooding and loss of life and property. Crop damage was assessed at Rs 5.2 billion
and property dmage at Rs 10 billion. There were 885 deaths.
In 2007, heavy rainfall in the catchment of all rivers caused serious flooding due to
28 breaches in Burhi Gandak and Bagmati river basins, causing extensive damage to
life and property.
The 2008 Kosi flood, the most disastrous floods in the history of India, occurred due
to a breach in the Kosi embankment near Indo-Nepal border (at Kushaha in Nepal)
on August 18, 2008. The river changed its course and inundated areas which had not
experienced floods in last many decades. The flood affected over 2.3 million people in
the northern part of Bihar.
In addition to flooding, north Bihar is also vulnerable to the other hydro-meteorological
disaster risk of windstorms. The flood affected districts are also exposed to geo-
morphological disaster risks from earthquakes. Araria and Supaul lie in seismic hazard
Zone V while Madhepura, Saharsa and Purnea lie in Zone IV.
2.2 Socio-economic Profile
Bihar is India’s third largest state with a population of 104 million, with approximately 54
million people currently living below the poverty line. Bihar is primarily rural and
agrarian and characterized by high levels of landlessness, land fragmentation and high
levels of seasonal migration. In particular, poverty incidence has remained high
throughout the 2000s – the share of the rural population living below the poverty line
witnessed practically no change from 55.7% in 2004-05 to 55.3% in 2009-10. This
suggests that there is a large population that needs to be reached out through welfare
programs and also that some groups are more vulnerable than others like the elderly,
persons with disabilities, among others. This sub-section presents the over-all socio-
economic profile in the state of Bihar, which is important to understand in the context of
this project.
2.2.1 Demographic
According to the 2011 census, the population of the state of Bihar is 103,804,637
persons, consisting of 52.2% males and 47.8% females. The population of the state
is predominantly rural, with 89% of the population residing in rural areas. Patna
(57,72,804) and Sheikpura (6,34,927) are the most populated and least populated
districts respectively of the state.
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According to Census 2011, Bihar has recorded 25.07% decadal population growth.
The district with highest decadal growth is Madhepura (30.65%) and the district
with lowest decadal growth is Gopalganj (18.83%). The urban decadal growth rate
(35.11%) is higher when compared to rural growth rate (23.9%). While the decadal
growth rate of urban females (37.07%) is more than urban males (33.4%), the
rural females (23.43%) growth rate is lower than that of rural males (24.33%). This
could be a pointer towards increased acceptance of girl child (reduced female
foeticide/infanticide) and women empowerment in urban areas.
2.2.2 Households
The household size in the state of Bihar roughly stands at six members per household.
The number of members per household in rural areas is 5.99, whereas that in urban
areas is about 6.04.
Table 2.6 : Household Details
2.2.3 Population by Religion
The population of Hindus in Bihar is about 83%, whereas the Muslim population is
about 17%.
Table 2.7 : Percentage Population by Religion
S.No. Community
Bihar India
Population
( '000) Percentage
Population
( '000) Percentage
1 Hindus 69077 83.23 827579 80.46
2 Muslims 13722 16.53 138188 13.43
3 Christians 53 0.06 24080 2.34
4 Sikhs 21 0.02 19216 1.87
5 Budhists 19 0.02 7955 0.77
6 Jains 16 0.02 4225 0.41
7 Other Religious persons 53 0.06 6640 0.65
8 Religion not stated 38 0.05 728 0.07
Total 82999 100 1028611 100
Source: Bihar at Glance, 2009
S.No Particular Number
Urban Rural
1 No. of households 1,37,44,000 -
2 Total population 8,29,99,000 7,43,17,000
3 No. of persons per household 6.04 5.99
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The rest comprise 0.06% Christians, 0.02% Sikhs, 0.02% Buddhists, 0.02% Jains,
while 0.05% belong to other religions. About 0.06% did not state their religion.
2.2.4 Birth and Death Rates
The crude birth rate per 1000 population for Bihar is 26.7, whereas the same is
21.2 for urban areas and 27.5 for rural areas. The crude death rate per 1000
population is 7.2, whereas the same is 5.7 for urban areas and 7.4 for rural areas.
Table 2.8: Birth and Death Rates
S.
No. Particulars Rural Urban Combined
1 Crude Birth Rate per 1000 population 27.5 21.2 26.7
2 Crude Dearth Rate per 1000 population 7.4 5.7 7.2
3 Infant mortality Rate per 1,000 Live births 53 56 55
Source: Data on Sample Registration System, Registrar General of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of
India, New Delhi and Annual Health Survey, 2010-11
The infant mortality rate per 1000 live births is 55, whereas the same is 56 for
urban and 53 for rural areas. This data shows that there is significant difference in
among rural and urban areas in terms of birth and death rates, as the urban data is
more promising.
2.2.5 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
The Scheduled Caste population of Bihar was 15.7% in 2001, as compared to
16.2% for India. The corresponding figures for 1991 were 15.5% and 16.5%.
Table 2.9 : Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Population in Bihar
SC/ST
Total Population Rural Urban
Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Scheduled
Castes 13048608 6784676 6263932 12178555 6321221 5857334 870053 463455 406598
Percent 15.7% 52% 48% 16.4% 51.9% 48.1% 10.0% 53.3% 46.7%
Scheduled
Tribes 758351 393114 365237 717702 371009 346693 40649 22105 18544
Percent 0.9% 51.8% 48.2% 1.0% 51.7% 48.3% 0.5% 54.4% 45.6%
Source: Census, 2001
The Scheduled Tribe population was 0.9% in 2001, as compared to 8.2% for India
in the same year. The state ranked 16th in the Scheduled Caste population and 27th
in the Scheduled Tribe population in 2001.
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2.2.6 Literacy
As per 2011 Census, the number of literates in Bihar is 54,390,254 - taking the state’s
literacy rate to 63.82%. Out of these male literates are 73.4% and female literates are
53.3%. The urban literacy rate stands at 78.75% (male literacy at 84.42% and female
literacy at 72.36%) compared to rural literacy rate of 61.83% (male literacy at 71.9%
and female literacy at 50.82%).
2.2.7 Economy
Bihar, once restricted to the lowest levels of development in the country, has not only
grown consistently but also out-performed even the most developed states. Between
1999 and 2008, GDP grew by 5.1% a year, which was below the Indian average of
7.3%. More recently, Bihar's state GDP recorded a growth of 18% in 2006–2007. In the
five-year period of 2004–2009, Bihar's GDP grew at a stunning rate of 11.03%. This
makes Bihar the fastest growing major state. It has clocked an annual growth rate of
14.15 per cent for the fiscal 2010-11, surpassing the GDP figures of some of the most
developed states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab.
The state has witnessed a GDP growth rate of over 14 per cent thrice in the past five
years. It has also made global headlines by getting into the World Bank Development
Report, 2009 as the fastest growing Indian state, followed by Chhattisgarh which saw its
GDP grow at 11.57 per cent. Closely following the two are Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra
with growth rates at 11.74 per cent and 10.47 per cent respectively. In actual terms,
Bihar state GDP was ranked second out of 28 states, next only to Gujarat. Despite this,
Bihar has the lowest GDP per capita in India, although there are pockets of higher than
average per capita income.
The economy of Bihar is largely service oriented, but it has a significant agricultural
base. The topography of Bihar can be easily described as a fertile alluvial plain
occupying the Gangetic Valley. The plain extends from the foothills of the Himalayas
in the north to a few miles south of the river Ganges as it flows through the State
from the west to the east. Rich farmland and lush orchards extend throughout the
state. The major crops are paddy, wheat, lentils, sugarcane, jute (hemp, related to
the marijuana plant, but a source of tough fibers for gunny bags). Also, cane grows
wild in the marshes of West Champaran. The principal fruits are mangoes, banana,
jack fruit and litchis. This is one of the very few areas outside China which produces
litchi.
The state also has a small industrial sector. As of 2008, agriculture accounted for 35%,
industry 9% and service 55% of the economy of the state. Among all the sectors, the
manufacturing sector performed very poorly in the state in the period 2002–2006, when
the state recorded an average growth rate of 0.38%, compared to India's 7.8%.
2.2.8 Total Workers
There were a total of 22.69 lakh workers working in 12.25 lakh establishments of the
State in 2005. The number of total workers grew by 1.62% during the period 1998-
2005. Out of total workers, 14.05 lakh workers (61.90%) were in rural areas while 8.65
lakh workers (38.10%) were in urban areas. The growth of workers in rural area for
whole of the state was 15.06 % as against decline of 17.07% in the urban areas.
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Rural Urban Distribution of Workers
2.2.9 Agricultural/Non-agricultural Distribution of Total Workers
The number of workers in the
agricultural establishments in the
State decreased from 64,010 in 1998
to 63,021 in 2005, a decline of
1.57%. The number of workers in the
non-agricultural establishments
increased from 21,69,322 in 1998 to
22,06,535 in 2005 recording a
growth of 1.72%.
This is shown in the table below:
Table 2.9 : Distribution of Workers (Agriculture and Non-Agricultural)
Agricultural Workers Non-Agricultural Workers Total
1998 2005 1998 2005 1998 2005
64010 63021 (-.57%) 2169322 2206535 (1.72%) 2233332 2269556 (1.62%)
Source: Fifth Economic Census 2005, Govt. of Bihar
2.2.10 Income
There is a substantial gap in the per capita income of India (25661) and Bihar (9586).
During period 2006-07 and 2008-09, the Per Capita Income of Bihar has grown by
17.37%, whereas during the same period that of India has grown by 13.64%.
Table 2.10 : Per Capita Income
Per Capita Income 2006-07 2007-08
(Provisional)
2008-09
(Quick) 2006-07
2007-08
(Provisional)
2008-09
(Quick)
Bihar 8167 8703 9586 9817 11135 12643
India 22580 24295 25661 29524 33283 38084
Source: Bihar at Glance 2009
2.2.11 Vulnerable Population
The rural population below poverty line was surveyed and finalized in 2007. In order to
revise this list, the Socio-economic Caste Census has now been conducted and the data
is undergoing authentication. Based on the 2007 survey, 11.34 million households i.e.,
approximately 45.36 million people (based on an average of 4 persons per household)
were living below the poverty line. This comprises of over half of the population of Bihar.
Five districts namely Kishanganj, Madhubani, Khagaria, Purnea and Supaul recorded
over 70 per cent population below poverty line.
The 2001 census estimated that there are about 5.5 million people aged 60 and above
and about 1.9 million persons with physical challenges in Bihar, constituting about 6.6%
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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and 2.3% of the population respectively. According to census 2011, the population of
people aged 60 and above has gone up to 7.7 million comprising of 7.4% of the total
state population. Data on persons with disabilities of census 2011 is currently not
available.
Both older persons and persons with disabilities are likely to experience multiple
deprivations. About 28 percent of Bihar’s physically challenged population is
economically dependent on others, while the dependency ratio amongst the disabled
elderly and among older women, particularly widows, is even higher. Households with
one or more physically challenged members also tend to be poor. In 2002, 72% of
households with at least one disabled person had a monthly per capita expenditure of
less than Rs. 400 when the poverty line for rural Bihar was Rs. 433 in 2004-05.
Poverty among the elderly is often not significantly different from the general population
although a key source of vulnerability for the elderly is rising health expenditure at a
time of declining income. In 2004, a majority of older persons lived with their families,
but as many as 15% lived either alone or just with their (equally elderly) spouses,
making them particularly vulnerable.
Discrimination based on gender and caste affecting the poor and vulnerable section is
prevalent in the State. Gender, literacy, land ownership (or rather the lack of it), caste
etc. are still visible factors that make specific population groups highly vulnerable and
poor. Socially excluded sections of women especially widowed women suffer from many
forms of discrimination and deprivation. The state on its part has initiated many
programs for development and welfare of these population groups.
Discrimination based on gender and caste affecting the poor and vulnerable section is
prevalent in the State. Gender, literacy, land ownership (or rather the lack of it), caste
etc. are still visible factors that make specific population groups highly vulnerable and
poor. Socially excluded sections of women especially widowed women suffer from many
forms of discrimination and deprivation. The state on its part has initiated many
programs for development and welfare of these population groups.
2.3 Administrative Set-up
The state is divided into nine administrative divisions comprising of 38 districts. The
division-wise break up of districts is listed in Table 2.11.
Table 2.11 : Administrative Divisions
S.No. Division Headquarters No. of
Districts Districts
1. Bhagalpur Bhagalpur 2 Banka, Bhagalpur
2. Darbhanga Darbhanga 3 Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur
3. Kosi Saharsa 3 Madhepura, Saharsa, Supaul
4. Magadh Gaya 5 Arwal, Aurangabad, Gaya, Jehanabad,
Nawada
5. Munger Munger 6 Jamui, Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai,
Sheikhpura, Begusarai
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S.No. Division Headquarters No. of
Districts Districts
6. Patna Patna 6 Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Patna, Rohtas,
Nalanda
7. Purnia Purnia 4 Araria, Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia
8. Saran Chapra 3 Gopalganj, Saran, Siwan
9. Tirhut Muzaffarpur 6 East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Sheohar,
Sitamarhi, Vaishali, West Champaran
These 38 districts are further divided into 101 administrative sub-divisions called Tehsils
and 534 Development Blocks.
Table 2.12 : Administrative Set-up – A Summary
Details 2001 2011
No. of Divisions 9 9
No. of Districts 37 38
No. of Sub-Districts 101 101
No. of Towns 130 199
No. of Villages 45,098 44,875
Bihar – Administrative Divisions (Districts)
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In pursuance of the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution, Bihar has 8463
rural local bodies and 141 urban local bodies towards strengthening grassroots
governance. Districts-wise details of sub-divisions, blocks and urban and rural local
bodies across the State are given at Annexure 1 and a summary is presented in Table
2.12 above.
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Section 3 : Overview of Policy and Regulatory Requirements
This section deals with the laws and regulations of Government of India and Government
of Bihar related to environment as are relevant in the context of the project. This section
also presents the applicable policies of the World Bank.
3.1 National Laws and Regulations
The sub-section needs to be updated as when new policies, laws and are made and
enforced or the existing ones are revised.
Table 3.1 Key Regulations and Their Applicability to the Project
Act Relevance to the Project Applicability
Environment
(Protection) Act
1986
Emission standards are applicable for
construction activities. Emission or
discharge of pollutants beyond the
specified standards is not permissible.
Environmental Clearance has to be
obtained for certain specific type of
activities mentioned in the Act.
Yes. Environmental
Clearance will not be
required but environmental
protection has to be ensured
during building construction.
The Air (Prevention
And Control of
Pollution) Act 1981
Discharge of any air pollutants into the
atmosphere should be within the
prescribed standards.
Yes. Applies to all activities
involving air emissions such
as civil/ construction work.
Water (Prevention
and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974
Any polluting matter must not be
released into stream or well or sewer or
on land.
Yes. Applicable to all
activities involving waste
water discharges such as
building construction work
and specific activities
(drainage and road works)
under MGNREGS.
The Noise Pollution
(Regulation And
Control) Rules, 2000
Compliance with noise limits prescribed
by Central Pollution Control Board for
Diesel Generator Sets (up to 1000 KVA)
must be ensured.
Yes. Applicable to Diesel
Generator Sets (in Buniyad
Centers) and other noise
generating equipment in use
during building construction.
The Forest
Conservation Act,
1980
Forest land should not be used for any
non-forest purposes. In case any
proposed activity involves forest land, it
is necessary that permission is taken
from the Department of Forests.
No. Screening process will
ascertain that sub-projects
requiring forest land
diversion are excluded from
the project.
Bihar Timber & Other
Forest Produce Transit
Rules) Amended
Guidelines, 2002
The permission of the Gram Panchayat
Mukhiya is required for felling and
transport of trees from village premises.
Yes. Applicable to felling of
trees and use of timber in
construction works.
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Act Relevance to the Project Applicability
Indian Forest (Bihar
Amendment) Act,
1989
The following activities are prohibited in
reserved and protected forests: clearing
or damaging trees, quarrying stone,
clearing or breaking land for cultivation,
etc. In case any proposed activity
involves reserved and protected forests,
it is necessary that permission is taken
from the Forest Department.
No. Screening process will
ascertain that sub-projects
requiring forest land
diversion are excluded from
the project.
Wild Life (Protection)
Act, 1972
Destruction, exploitation or removal of
any forest produce from a sanctuary or
the destruction or diversification of
habitat, or the diversion, stoppage or
enhancement of the flow of water into or
outside the sanctuary, etc., is prohibited
without a permit granted by the Chief
Wildlife Warden. No person shall enter a
sanctuary without permission.
No. Screening process will
ascertain that sub-projects
requiring wildlife areas/
clearance are excluded from
the project.
Bio-Medical Waste
(Management and
Handling) Rules,
1998
Bio-medical waste needs to be treated
and disposed of in accordance with the
procedure and in compliance with the
standards prescribed in the Rules. The
institution generating bio-medical waste
is required to set up requisite bio-medical
waste treatment facilities, or, ensure
requisite treatment of waste at a common
waste treatment facility or any other
waste treatment facility.
Yes. Applicable in case any
bio-medical waste
generation takes place at the
Buniyad Centers. However,
the nature and quantum of
wastes generated is likely to
be quite small considering
the nature of services
envisaged under the project.
Supreme Court
Order Writ Petition
(c) No. 36 2009
Bore wells must be secured (barriers,
filling up, etc.) during construction, repair
and in case of abandonment to prevent
accidental falls into bore holes.
Yes. Applicable to bore well
digging undertaken for
construction purposes for
Buniyad Centers in the
project and for irrigation
bore wells under MGNREGS.
Bihar Ground Water
(Regulation &
Control of
Development and
Management) Act,
2006
Rain water harvesting structures are
mandatory for structures in the building
plan in an area of 1000 sq. m. or more.
Existing users of ground water are also
required to register themselves with the
Ground Water Authority.
No. The main construction
activity of Buniyad Centers
under the project is much
smaller than 1000 sq. m.
Bihar Irrigation
Laws, 1922
Sanction of the collector is required to
construct any new irrigation channel
taking off from any river or stream within
the limits specified in the notification by
State Government.
Yes. Applicable to irrigation
works under MGNREGS. The
manuals/process/procedure
strengthening related to
MGNREGS works and staff
training will cover this legal
requirements.
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Act Relevance to the Project Applicability
Bihar Irrigation Act,
1997
Every owner whose tank, well, pond or
any other water body situated above any
irrigation work shall maintain the bunds
and surplus arrangements in safe and
efficient conditions.
Excavation of wells near the irrigation
works for domestic use either on personal
or community basis shall be done with in
the distance specified by the State
Government from time to time.
Yes. Applicable to irrigation
works under MGNREGS. The
manuals/process/procedure
strengthening related to
MGNREGS works and staff
training will cover this legal
requirements.
Bihar Jalkar
Management Act,
2007
Putting any obstruction restricting the
movement of fish shall be prohibited in
rivers and reservoir.
Drawing of water from tanks, reservoirs
and mauns for irrigation shall be
prohibited.
District Fisheries Officer may order for
drawing of water for irrigation when the
water level is minimum average five feet
in these jalkars. Intentional water
pollution, encroachment and disfiguration
of structure of Jalkars is an offence.
Yes. Applicable to irrigation
works under MGNREGS
where the source is Jalkars.
The
manuals/process/procedure
strengthening activities
related to MGNREGS works
and staff training will cover
this legal requirements.
Insecticides Act,
1968
Pesticides banned or restricted for use in
India should not be used. The used
packages shall not be left outside to
prevent their re-use. They should be
broken and buried away from habitation.
Yes. Applicable in case of
pesticide application for
plantation activity under
MNREGS. The manuals/
process/procedure
strengthening activities
related to MGNREGS works
and staff training will cover
this legal requirements.
Ancient Monuments
and Archaeological
Sites and
Remains Act, 1958
and
Bihar Ancient
Monuments and
Archaeological Sites,
Remains And Art
Treasures Act, 1976
Construction activities within 300 m
radius of protected areas and notified
monuments require permission from the
Department of Archaeology and
Museums, Government of
Bihar/Archaeological Survey of India.
Any ‘chance finds’ (objects with
archaeological, paleontological, historical,
architectural, religious, aesthetic, or other
cultural significance) encountered during
digging, will have to be deposited with
the Department of Archaeology and
Museums, Government of Bihar.
Yes. Applicable to all
construction activities
proposed under the project.
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The policy and regulatory analysis suggests that the proposed sub-projects to be taken
does not fall under any of the project categories listed in Schedule-I of the
Environmental Impact Assessment Notification and hence does not require any formal
environmental clearance of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of
India.
The provisions to ensure compliance with the other applicable legal and
regulatory requirements need to be incorporated appropriately into the project
design. Primarily, this will be tackled in the following manner:
1. For the creation/construction of Buniyad Centers, the legal/regulatory requirements
will be integrated into the site selection (through screening), building design and
civil work contracts.
2. For the softer components such as strengthening program delivery of MGNREGS
and IAY supported under the project, the requirements under national laws and
policies apart from regulations/rules of Govt. of Bihar will be highlighted/integrated
clearly in the process, procedures and institutional capacity building activities
(including monitoring and evaluation mechanisms) to be carried out under the
project. Specific ‘guidance’ is needed and will be built into the program delivery
systems to ensure improved understanding and enforcement (and thereby
results/outcomes of the Social Protection programs themselves) of the regulatory
requirements, which currently remains weak/patchy.
3.2 World Bank Operational Policies
The relevant and applicable safeguards policies of the World Bank were also reviewed.
The table here describes the relevant safeguard policies of the World Bank and discusses
their applicability to the project.
Table 3.2 : Applicability of World Bank Operational Policies
Policy Key Features Applicability
OP/BP 4.01
Environmental
Assessment
Potential environmental
consequences of projects
identified early in project cycle.
EA and mitigation plan required
for the project with significant
environmental impacts or
involuntary resettlement.
EA should include analysis of
alternative designs and sites, or
consideration of "no option".
Requires public participation
and information disclosure
before Board approval.
Yes. Applicable due to construction of
‘Buniyad Centres’ and support to
activities in MGNREGA and IAY.
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Policy Key Features Applicability
OP/BP 4.04
Natural
Habitats
Prohibits financing of projects
involving "significant conversion
of natural habitats unless there
are no feasible alternatives".
Requires environmental cost
benefit analysis. Requires EA
with mitigation measures.
Not Applicable.
No physical interventions proposed
under the project are expected to affect
natural habitats. No civil works will be
financed under the project in designated
protected areas/wilderness areas/
critical natural habitats. The
environment screening tool will be used
to ensure compliance in this regard.
OP 4.09
Pest
Management
Supports environmentally sound
pest management, including
integrated pest management,
but does not prohibit the use of
highly hazardous pesticides.
Pest management is the
borrower's responsibility in the
context of a project's EA.
Yes. Applicable in case of
pesticide/fungicide application for
plantation activity under MGNREGA. OP
4.09 is being triggered as
biological/environmental control
methods or reliance on chemical
pesticides for afforestation/tree
plantation activity under MGNREGA is
envisaged and noted during field
assessment.
Even though investment of this nature
(tree plantation or procurement of
pesticides/ fungicides) will not be
directly funded the project, the technical
and funding support to strengthening
delivery of MGNREGS (which supports
such works) requires that mechanisms
are ‘built’ into the program itself to
appropriately manage such issues.
OP/BP 4.36
Forestry
Prohibits financing for
commercial logging operations
or acquisition of equipment for
use in primary moist tropical
forests.
Yes. No civil works will be financed
under the project in forest areas or over
land designated for forests. The
environment screening tool will be used
to ensure compliance in this regard.
However, the project seeks to
strengthen the delivery of MGNREGS,
which involves works being taken up on
forest land as part of “drought proofing
including afforestation” and “tree
plantation - this has a potential to
generate both positive and negative
impacts on forests. It also includes
works related to water conservation and
rural road construction, which again
may have some impact on forests.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Policy Key Features Applicability
OP/BP 4.12
Involuntary
Resettlement
Implemented in projects which
displace people. Requires public
participation in resettlement
planning as part of SA for
project. Intended to restore or
improve income earning
capacity of displaced
populations.
Not Applicable.
Involuntary land acquisition and land
purchase will not be done for any
project activity, and are included in the
project’s negative list. In blocks where
the government land is not available,
the project will not be undertaking
construction of Buniyad Centers.
OP/BP 4.10
Indigenous
Peoples
Purpose is to ensure indigenous
peoples benefit from Bank
financed development and to
avoid or mitigate adverse
impacts on indigenous peoples.
Applies to projects that might
adversely affect indigenous
peoples or when they are
targeted beneficiaries.
Requires participation of
indigenous peoples in creation
of “indigenous people
development plan”.
Yes. Project beneficiaries include tribal
population. Such beneficiaries account
for more than 2% of the total population
in 10 districts of Bihar. As per the
census of India (2011), the population
of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes is 16.56 million and 1.33 million
respectively comprising of 15.91% of
the total population. The policy is
triggered to ensure that any adverse
effects of the project are avoided or
minimized and that the Scheduled
Castes and Tribes receive culturally
appropriate social and economic
benefits.
OP/BP 4.11
Physical
Cultural
Resources
Purpose is to assist in the
preservation of cultural
property, such as sites having
archaeological, paleontological,
historical, religious and unique
cultural values.
Generally seeks to assist in
their preservation and avoid
their elimination. Discourages
financing of projects that will
damage cultural property.
Yes. A few project interventions may be
located close to sites, structures,
natural/man-made features that have
historical, archaeological, religious or
other cultural significance. Chance-finds
are also a possibility in a state with a
rich historical and cultural background.
OP/BP 4.37
Safety of
Dams
Applies to large dams (15
meters or more in height).
Requires review by independent
experts throughout project
cycle. Requires preparation of
EA and detailed plans for
construction and operation, and
periodic inspection by the Bank.
Not Applicable. There is no construction
of new dams or activities that are
concerned with safe functioning of
existing dams.
OP/ BP 17.50
B i h a r In t e gr at ed S o c i al P r o t ec t i o n S t r e n g t h en i n g Pr o j ec t
Policy
Key Features
Applicability
OP/BP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways
Covers riparian waterways that form boundary between two or more states, as well as any bay, gulf, strait or channel bordered by two or more states.
Applies to dams, irrigation, flood control, navigation, water, sewage and industrial projects. Requires notification and agreement between states, detailed maps, and feasibility surveys.
Not Applicable. There are no interventions planned/ proposed over or around an international waterway that could cause a potential conflict. There are also no activities that may affect the use or pollute such a waterway.
OP/BP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas
Applies to projects where there are territorial disputes present. Allows Bank to proceed if governments agree to go forward without prejudice to claims. Requires early identification of territorial disputes and descriptions in all Bank documentation.
Not Applicable. The project is not proposed in any disputed area.
Other World Bank Policy important from an environmental management perspective is the revised World Bank Policy on Access to Information, effective from July 1, 2013. This policy deals with Disclosure of Information. The Bank’s Policy on Disclosure of Information, has been incorporated in the project implementation plan and its compliance will be ensured through various stages of the project cycle.
Page 40 of 132
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Section 4 : Potential Environmental Impacts
There are several social protection (SP) programs in place in Bihar, both centrally
sponsored schemes and state schemes. These programs include social assistance
programs providing in-kind or cash transfers, social insurance programs, and social care
services for vulnerable groups, such as the following:
(i) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) - a
rights-based, demand-driven public works program that guarantees all rural
households up to 100 days annually of unskilled public works employment on
demand;
(ii) Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) - cash transfers to BPL rural households for building
houses;
(iii) Social pensions - cash transfers in the form of social pensions for BPL older
persons, widows and persons with disabilities through the Indira Gandhi National
Old Age, Widow and Disability Pension Schemes (IGNOAPS, IGNWPS and IGNDPS
respectively) as well as state social pension schemes;
(iv) Social Care Services for Persons with Disabilities – rehabilitation services for
persons with disabilities through District Disability Rehabilitation Centers (DDRCs).
Some key details about these programs are given in Table 4.1 below.
Table 4.1 : An Over-view of Social Protection Programs in Bihar
S.No. Program Description Target Group
1 MGNREGS
Each household entitled for a
100 days of guaranteed
employment in a FY
Universal - Open to all rural
households
At least 30% women participation
intended
2 Social Security Pensions (Central and State Schemes)
2a IGNOAPS
(NSAP)
Cash transfer to Older Persons
@Rs.200/- per beneficiary per
month
@Rs. 500/- per beneficiary per
month
60 years and above BPL
BPL with 80 years and above
2b IGNWPS
(NSAP)
Cash transfer to eligible widows
@Rs.300/- per beneficiary per
month
Widow
BPL 40 – 79 years
2c IGNDPS
(NSAP)
Cash transfer to eligible PWDs
@Rs.300/- per beneficiary per
month
Severe or multiple disabilities in
the age of 18 – 79 years
BPL
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S.No. Program Description Target Group
2d
Bihar Social
Security (Old
Age) Pension
Scheme
Cash transfer to eligible
older persons @Rs.200/- per
beneficiary per month
60 – 64 years
Un-irrigated land ownership
less than 1 acre
Annual HH income less than
Rs. 5000 & 5500 in rural and
urban areas
2e
State Widow
Pension
Scheme
(Laxmibai)
Cash transfer to eligible
widows @Rs.300/- per
beneficiary per month
Age: 18-39 yrs (both BPL &
Non-BPL) Age: 40 & above
(non-BPL)
Annual Income less than
60000 for all
2f
State
Disability
Pension
Scheme
Cash transfer to eligible
PWDs @Rs.300/- per
beneficiary per month
At least 40% disabled
No income or age criteria
3
Social Care
Services for
Older Persons
and PWDs
DDRCs to provide basic
therapy and rehabilitation
services to PWDs
Older Persons in need
Persons with Disabilities
The project aims to establish a more effective, transparent and responsive social
protection delivery system through support for: (a) strengthening systems and capacity
for implementing and monitoring selected social protection programs at the state-level
and in selected districts, and (b) piloting innovations for integrated social protection
service provision. The project focuses on the programs administered by the Departments
of Rural Development and Social Welfare. These include MGNREGS (public works), IAY
(cash transfers) and social pensions (cash transfers), and social care services for older
persons and persons with disabilities. The project will include strengthening capacity and
systems for implementing and monitoring these programs at the state-level. It will also
support the implementation of systemic reforms and pilots for integrated social
protection delivery in the state.
From an environmental perspective, the positive and negative impacts due to
project activities on physical, natural and social environment would be
associated with three specific interventions. These are:
(a) Planning, design, construction and operation of Service Centers (Buniyad Centers)
(b) Activities associated with supporting and strengthening delivery of MGNREGS and
(c) Activities associated with supporting and strengthening delivery of IAY.
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The analysis is based on:
1) Secondary information (review of data and documents on MGNREGS and IAY)
2) Field study, based on random sample visit in three districts (Madhubani, Buxar and
Nalanda) covering:
o Existing Social Services Centers (Buniyad Centers)
o A range of MNREGS works – both completed and in-progress
o Existing IAY housing scheme
3) Discussions with State and District level stakeholders (Block Development Officers,
MGNREGS staff – Programme Officers, Engineers and Panchayat Technical
Assistants), representatives of Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Rozgar Sevaks.
4.1 Positive Benefits of the Project
The principal project beneficiaries are the intended target population of the programs
being supported, i.e., vulnerable rural households, widowed women, persons with
disabilities and older persons. Though the proposed systemic reforms in service delivery
are applicable state-wide, the main beneficiaries would be the 92 million rural residents
of Bihar where the project would support the establishment 101 social care Buniyad
Centers in all sub-divisions of the State. In these districts, more than 66% of the rural
population lives in poverty, 7% are elderly and 3% are persons with disabilities. These
groups are characterized by high levels of illiteracy and face barriers of access to
services. The project focuses on building effective mechanisms for reaching these
groups, ensuring their rights and providing them an effective and responsive safety net.
By piloting innovative delivery mechanisms, the project would also benefit government
employees and others engaged in social protection program delivery through simplifying
procedures and clarifying roles, building capacity and incentivizing performance.
The social protection programs targeted under the Project are generally pro-poor and
therefore do not discriminate / exclude any population group on the basis of caste.
The
beneficiaries of these programs generally belong to the most vulnerable sections of the
population, which includes Scheduled Castes (SCs), including Mahadalits and Scheduled
Tribes (STs), women, widowed women, persons with disabilities, older persons etc. From
amongst the schemes that the Project will be working on, IAY is the only scheme that
specifically prioritizes SCs and STs among others. Other schemes are either universal
(MGNREGS) or by design target specific groups such as widowed (IGNWPS & Laxmibai
Social Security Pension), older persons (IGNOAPS & Bihar Social Security Pension),
persons with disabilities (IGNDPS & Bihar Disability Pension Scheme) etc. There is a
separate Department of Welfare in the Government of Bihar that has the responsibility of
undertaking schemes and programs for the welfare of the SCs and STs.
The Project does not intend to influence or work upon any design modifications of the
schemes in terms of its targeting. However, through preparation of the BSRR and other
community-based initiatives, the Project will strengthen mechanisms for beneficiary
identification and enrollment. Such a registry will inform the project of specific groups (if
any) that are excluded.
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The project aims to address the issue of exclusion by increasing awareness of
entitlements, reducing discretionary sanctioning and payment of benefits, increasing
access to schemes, and maximizing coverage of schemes.
4.2 Potential Adverse Impacts on Environment
The project proposes to provide social care services (Buniyad Centres) to older persons,
persons with disabilities and widowed women, strengthen and streamline provision of
social pensions and strengthen the Departments of RDD and Social Welfare towards
better management of social protection programs such as MGNREGS and IAY. This sub-
section describes the key adverse impacts that are likely to be associated with these
activities.
4.2.1 Environmental Impacts/Issues associated with Buniyad Centers
(i) Profile of the Buniyad Centers
Location and Scale: The Buniyad Centers will be located in all 101 sub-divisions
of the state. A total of about 101 Buniyad Centers are planned. Each Buniyad
Center is expected to be about 4000 to 5000 square feet in area. In all, 38 district
level Buniyad Centres will be of 5000 sq. ft. while the remaining 63 sub-division
level Buniyad Centres will have an area of 4000 sq. ft.
Description of Services: The Buniyad Centers will offer a package of quality care
and rehabilitation services for older persons, widows and persons with disabilities
(PWD). The services offered will include basic care and support, legal aid, therapy,
counseling and rehabilitation, emergency outreach, assessment and disability
determination, provision of assistive devices, etc. Referral services will be provided
for beneficiaries needing more specialized services. Each Buniyad Centers will have
technical personnel comprising of psychologists, therapists, trainers and
technicians.
Infrastructure: The Buniyad Centers will be equipped with specialized diagnostic
and therapeutic equipment as well as mobile outreach infrastructure (one van per
district) to provide outreach and emergency services. In establishing the Buniyad
Centers, guidelines and space standards for barrier free built environment of
disabled and elderly persons needs to be followed. The design should ensure
accessibility for women, widows, SCs including Mahadalits, STs, and follow
guidelines and space standards for barrier free built environment of disabled and
elderly persons.
Land for Construction: The Government of Bihar will provide land for
construction of the Buniyad Centers within the premises of existing Block
Development Office (BDO) or health facility. It is proposed to operate 38 Buniyad
Center from existing buildings until the construction of new buildings is completed.
However, the number of existing buildings is subject to their availability, more
importantly suitability (to be determined by a technical assessment), and possible
modifications to ensure accessibility.
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Design of the Building: The design of the Buniyad Centers will be developed as part of the preparation in the first year of the project. Along with this, a technical assessment of suitability of existing building will also be undertaken. This will be followed by design modification for making the building accessible to persons with disabilities. As far as possible, the new buildings would be constructed following green/-er building norms. Both these functions of planning new facility and retrofitting of existing buildings will be carried out by hiring a design consultant.
Construction: The construction and modification of existing building of the Buniyad Centers would be out-sourced to a private vendor. Engineers from Bihar State Building Construction Corporation Limited will be engaged for technical supervision of the construction. However, considering Buniyad Centers are being proposed at various parts of the State, a Supervision Consultant would be hired for day to day supervision of Buniyad Centers during its construction.
Maintenance: The maintenance of the BCs would be out-sourced to a private vendor.
Service delivery: Services would be delivered at the Buniyad Centers by contract staff hired by SSUPSW.
(ii) Field Observations
The preparatory work on the project included a rapid assessment of the District Disability Rehabilitation Centers (DDRC) (operating on similar lines as Buniyad Centers) in the state – including visits to existing DDRCs in Madhubani and Muzaffarpur.
There are 9 DDRCs in the state – 8 run by the Indian Red Cross Society and 1 run by an NGO. Of the project districts, Madhubani and Katihar have functional DDRCs.
The services to be provided in a DDRC are counseling, physiotherapy, audio and speech therapy, mobility instruction, fabrication of prosthetic and orthotic devices and referral services. However, existing DDRCs do not provide the full range of services (the Madhubani DDRC provides only counseling and mobility instruction services).
The DDRCs are located in small rented premises (the Madhubani DDRC operates from a 100 square feet room) – these do not have provision to facilitate easy access by the physically disabled persons.
No bio-medical waste is generated – as the services currently provided do not generate such waste.
Facilities for water and sanitation are either inadequate or are absent.
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Field Observations of Existing DDRCs
The existing DDRC in Madhubani is located in a small room with no easy access to PWDs. The only
services provided are counseling and mobility instruction.
(iii) Environmental Issues/Impact Associated with Buniyad Centers
The impact would be limited as the Buniyad Centres have a relatively small demand
for land (5000 sq. ft. for district centers and about 4000 sq. ft. for sub–divisional
centers) and will not involve any change in land use as these Centers will be
located on existing premises of the Block Development Office or with in the campus
of an existing health facility. Therefore, the Project does not envisage any major
adverse impact from the construction of the Buniyad Centers per se.
However, based on the field observations as well as on a review of available
documents, the following specific environmental impacts have been identified:
Issues related to planning and design of Buniyad Centers
o Improper access and water logging conditions could affect functionality of
these centers in some locations
o Inappropriate design leading to sub-optimal ventilation, drainage, water
supply and sanitation
o Non-provision of barrier free access
Issues related to construction of Buniyad Centers
o Loss of trees
o Abandoned borrow pits
o Improper disposal of construction debris
Issues related to management of Buniyad Centers
o No/poor/inadequate water and sanitation facilities
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o Poor housekeeping and building maintenance (including seepage from
ceiling and walls
o Unhygienic conditions
o Poor bio-medical waste management
4.2.2 Environmental Impacts/issues associated with MGNREGS
By strengthening delivery mechanisms for the MNREGS, the project may contribute to an
increased uptake of these programs – and hence to their environmental impact – both
positive and negative. As part of the environmental assessment study, site visits were
made to Madhubani, Nalanda, Bauxar and Katihar to understand the activities being
taken up under MNREGS and their associated environmental impacts. The selection of
these districts is based on the geographical locations, topographical set-up,
environmental conditions/attributes and vulnerability to flood.
(i) Profile of the MGNREGS Works Assessed
Volume of works: The volume of the work undertaken under MNREGS ranges
from less than 3000 individual works in Madhubani to over 7500 works in Nalanda.
This includes both completed as well as ongoing works. Works that are incomplete
and abandoned are also counted under ongoing works – thus a large number of
ongoing works is cause for concern. While Buxar has the highest proportion of
completed works, Katihar has the highest proportion of ongoing works
Nature of works: Rural connectivity is the most popular category of works
accounting for 85% of the works in Katihar to 28% in Buxar. Water conservation
and water harvesting account for 70% of the works in Buxar. Drought proofing
works form 30% of MNREGS works in Nalanda. Flood control and protection works
account for 10% of works in Nalanda and 5% of works in Madhubani.
(ii) Field Observations
Some key observations from the field have been presented in the photo plate attached
here.
Field Observations - MGNREGS Works
Positive Environmental Impacts
Revival of traditional water harvesting structures, renovation of irrigation canals and
increase in green cover are some of the positive environmental impacts of MNREGS works
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in Bihar.
Negative Environmental Impacts/Issues of Road Works under MGNREGS
Borrow pits for road construction, are often located in agricultural land. Pits more than 1.5
metre deep are not uncommon. Rehabilitation of the borrow pits is not taken up as part of
the MGNREGS work.
Brick-soling for all-weather roads is a popular work under MNREGS. Bricks are often made
on leased agricultural land – impacting soil productivity. Road construction may involve
felling of trees – however, there is no plan for compensatory plantation.
Provision for drainage and cross-drainage are sometimes not made – resulting in water
logging and/or damage to the road during the rains.
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Environmental Issues in Canal Works under MGNREGS
Incomplete canal renovation that reduces water conveyance efficiency, non-
compacted/non-turfed bunds that deposit silt back into the canal, lack of maintenance of
renovated canals are issues associated with canal works.
Environmental Issues in Renovation of Water Bodies under MGNREGS
Improper location of water bodies sometimes leads to non-retention of water. Non-
compaction of bunds and non-turfing on bund slopes leads to erosion and siltation.
Environmental Issues in Plantations under MGNREGS
While there are good practices such as provision of water facility and use of organic
manure, there are issues of concern with respect to use of hazardous pesticides (unsafe
use and disposal).
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Environmental Issues Concerning Cultural Heritage Sites and MGNREGS
Of the 70 protected monuments in Bihar, 10 are located in the project districts. MNREGS
works in the vicinity (300 metre radius) of these monuments (such as this platform in
Madhubani) requires permission from the Archeological Survey of India.
(iii) Environmental Issues/Impact Associated with MGNREGS
The environmental assessment took into account both completed works as well as on-
going under MGNREGS. Based on the field study as well as on a review of available
documents, the following typical environmental impacts that are associated with various
types of activities under MGNREGS have been identified:
Table 4.2: Typical Environmental Impacts/Issues
Activity/
work
Positive
Impact/s Negative Impact/s
Roads –
construction,
repair
Improved
connectivity,
accessibility
to market,
social
infrastructure
s etc.
Impact on land productivity (construction of road on
agriculture land, borrow pits on agricultural land,
bricks for paving sourced from agricultural land)
Impact on natural habitats in cases where roads
encroach on water bodies or are in close proximity to
waterfowl nesting areas
Impacts on 'borrow areas' from where soil for filling
is taken – loss of productive top soil, impact on
drainage
Inadequate drainage provision leading to water
logging and/or damage to road
Felling of trees at the construction site
Temporary impacts and waste disposal related to
construction (noise, dust, etc.)
Possibility of pilferage of any chance finds of
archaeological importance.
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Activity/
work
Positive
Impact/s Negative Impact/s
Ponds –
construction,
excavation,
de-silting,
cleaning,
etc.
Improved
water
harvesting/
storage
Water
conservation
Construction of pond on fertile agriculture land
Felling of trees at the excavation site
Possibility of pilferage of any chance finds of
archaeological importance
Uneven deposition of silt/soil on banks may lead to
weakening of banks, uneven deposition on farm
lands may lead to problems with irrigation and
drainage
Erosion from unstable earthen bunds
Water
harvesting
structures –
Check
Dams, Ahar-
Pyne
Improved
water
harvesting/
storage
Water
conservation
Impacts on downstream water users due to possible
reduction in water availability
Risk of breaching, water leakages, etc., from poorly
constructed water retention structures
Erosion from bunds that are not properly compacted
Uneven deposition of silt/soil on banks may lead to
weakening of banks, uneven deposition on farm
lands may lead to problems with irrigation and
drainage
Felling of trees at the excavation site
Possibility of pilferage of any chance finds of
archaeological importance
Plantation Improved
green cover
Improved
availability of
biomass for
meeting fuel,
fodder, food
needs
Mono culture plantation of exotic species
Over-use of chemical fertilizers leading to pollution
Impacts on human and environmental health due to
use of hazardous chemical pesticides
Drains Improved
sanitation
due to control
of stagnation
of sullage
water
Improper design may lead to poor performance
Poor maintenance may lead to water stagnation and
associated problems such as increase in breeding
sites for mosquitoes
Disposal of debris/waste material on agricultural
fields
Lack of sullage treatment may lead to cess pools and
pollution of water bodies.
Felling of trees
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Activity/
work
Positive
Impact/s Negative Impact/s
Renovation
of Canals
Improved
efficiency in
water
conveyance,
reduced loss
of water (to
seepage,
weeds, etc.)
Improved
availability of
water at tail-
end
Poor planning/design leading to sub-optimal benefits
from the renovation work (work is undertaken on
only a part of the canal, improper slope leading to
problems at tail-end)
Impacts on 'borrow areas' from where soil for
embankment filling is taken
Uneven deposition of silt/soil on bunds may lead to
weakening of bunds, uneven deposition on farm
lands may lead to problems with irrigation and
drainage
Erosion from unstable earthen bunds
Poor maintenance leading to lack of sustainability of
benefits from the renovation work (clogging of canal
with weeds, damage to bunds)
4.2.3 Environmental Impact/Issues Associated with IAY
By strengthening delivery mechanisms for the IAY, the project may contribute to an
increased uptake of these programs – and hence to their environmental impact – both
positive and negative. As part of the environmental assessment study, site visits were
made to Madhubani and Bauxar Districts to understand the activities being taken up
under IAY and their associated environmental impacts.
(i) Profile of the MGNREGS Works Assessed
Madhubani leads in IAY house construction among the project districts.
IAY Constructions in Districts Assessed (2010-11)
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IAY convergence with programs relevant to environmental improvement – sanitary
latrines, smokeless chulhas, kitchen gardens and bio-gas – is also reported from
Madhubani. However, field study observations do not corroborate this.
(ii) Field Observations
Some key observations from the field have been presented in the photo plate attached
here.
Field Observations - IAY Works
Positive Environmental Impacts of IAY Houses
Provision of adequate ventilation, use of safe construction materials and provision for toilets
are some of the positive elements in certain IAY houses.
Negative Environmental Impacts of IAY Houses
Poor ventilation combined with use of fuelwood or cow dung cakes, use of AC sheets as
roofing material and inadequate provision for sanitation including sullage disposal are
commonly associated with IAY houses.
(iii) Environmental Issues/Impact Associated with IAY
The field study undertaken as part of the Environmental Assessment exercise included
visits to completed IAY houses in sample districts of Madhubani and Buxar. Based on the
field study as well as on a review of available documents, the following specific
environmental impacts have been identified:
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Table 4.3: Typical Environmental Impacts/Issues
Aspect Positive Impact Negative Impact
Design-related
aspects
Well-designed
housing – with
appropriate
ventilation and
sanitation facilities
can enhance well-
being
Poor ventilation due to cultural
practices, safety concerns and cost-
cutting by beneficiaries
Indoor air pollution due to use of
biomass based fuels and poor ventilation
Lack of sanitation facilities
Lack of sullage disposal facilities
Risk from AC roofing sheets – during
cutting/drilling
Construction
related aspects
- Felling of trees at the construction site
Temporary impacts and waste disposal
related to construction (noise, dust,
etc.)
4.3 Conclusion
The direct physical interventions under the project are limited to planning, design,
construction and maintenance of Buniyad Centers, which would require some level of
interventions on environmental management during site selection, building design,
construction and operation.
While there are no direct physical investments being made under MGNREGS and IAY, the
softer components on institutional strengthening and delivery mechanism improvement
support under the project would require some mainstreaming/consideration of
environmental dimensions into policy, operational and monitoring procedures to enhance
the intended benefits accruing from these social protection programs and avoid or
minimize the unwarranted environmental impacts/issues (such as those mentioned in
this section) arising due to the implementation of such schemes.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Section 5: Environment Management Process and Guidelines
The proposed project will support Government of Bihar in developing a more effective,
transparent and responsive social protection delivery system by strengthening systems
and capacity at the state-level and piloting innovations for integrated delivery in selected
districts. The project would strengthen core systems and capacity of the two
implementing agencies – the Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS) and the State
Society for Ultra-Poor and Social Welfare (SSUPSW) at the state-level, support
implementation of systemic reforms in the four districts and also finance the monitoring
and evaluation of the project.
The project supported activities, therefore have been grouped under the broad
categories depicted in the table below.
Table 5.1: Categorization of Activities from Environmental Impact Perspective
Activities with no direct environmental impact Activities with limited direct
environmental impact
Strengthening social protection systems and
capacity through:
a) Developing Operational Manuals for MGNREGS
and IAY
b) Outreach and communication for MGNREGS and
IAY – establishment of communications cell;
developing of communication strategy
c) Strengthening Financial Management Systems
and benefit disbursement
d) Applications for strengthening tracking of selected
social protection schemes
e) Developing HR policy
Strengthening Outreach and Social
Protection Service Delivery through:
(a) Social Care Service Centers
(Buniyad Centers)
(b) Pilot Models in Social Protection
Delivery (Mobile Outreach and
Therapy Services)
As seen in the table, most of the activities supported by the project are unlikely to have
any significant, large-scale or irreversible environmental impacts. The only directly
supported project activity likely to have some limited adverse environmental impact is
the creation of Buniyad Centers (Social Care Service Centers for older persons and for
persons with disabilities).
Among the activities that can generate indirect environmental impacts are strengthening
and capacity building activities for MGNREGS and IAY. By strengthening delivery
mechanisms for MGNREGS and IAY, the project is expected to contribute to an increased
uptake of these programs, and hence to their environmental impact. Considering the
nature of these programs (works on water conservation and harvesting, plantations,
rural housing, etc.) it is expected that there is likely to be an over-all positive
environmental impact. Specifically, the project is likely to contribute to improvements in
water conservation, water efficiency, water harvesting, increase in green cover, better
housing, etc. However, there are environmental risks stemming from poor planning and
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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implementation. With this perspective in mind, the section here provides guidance on
handling the environmental management aspects/dimensions of this project.
5.1 Environment Management Process
In order to address the identified environmental impacts (mitigate negative impacts and
strengthen positive impacts), an Environmental Management Framework (EMF) has been
developed for this project. The EMF involves a two-pronged strategy, depicted in Figure
presented below.
Key elements of the Environmental Management Framework (EMF)
The Environment Management Framework/tool, as designed for this project, aims to
support at the early stages of planning and decision-making and selection of
environmental measures including mitigation options based on the nature and scale of
identified potential impacts encountered for each of the three main types of activities,
namely Buniyad Centers, MGNREGS and IAY, that has are relevant from an
environmental management perspective.
These guidelines have been developed to assist the two Implementing Agencies (BRDS &
SSUPSW) and the Project staff in the management of social impacts and other related
issues for effective planning and execution of BISPS Project.
5.1.1 Need for Environmental Management Framework
The projects, primarily supports refurbishment of existing building and construction of
new building for Buniyad Centers that are spread across different districts in the state
with varying geographical and socio-economic conditions. In addition, the proposed
project also proposes updating of Operational Manuals of MGNREGA and IAY schemes,
Managin
g I
mpacts
of
Dir
ectly
Support
ed P
roje
ct
Activitie
s • Identify and mitigate risks through sub-project specific investigation/assessment
•Integrate environment-friendly elements into planning and design
• Integrate environment-friendly elements into construction
• Manage operation of facility/building with regard to environment, health and safety
Managin
g I
mpacts
of
In-d
irectly
Support
ed P
roje
ct
Activitie
s • Capacity building on environment management
• Integration of environment management aspects in program's process, procedures and manuals, including monitoring and evaluation
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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which provide an opportunity to streamline environmental management measures in
these programs for creation of sustainable assets.
The heterogeneous characteristics in terms of locations and site conditions warrant a
mechanism to bring a homogeneous approach in the planning, design and execution of
environmental management activities for such works. This has necessitated preparation
of a document that will help and guide the Implementing Agency (BRDS and SSUPSW) in
selection of appropriate technique/s to carry out planning, design and implementation of
environmental management activities in line with the type and nature of civil works
proposed under the project. Therefore, although the general thrust and broad project
interventions are well understood, the specific details pertaining to planning and design
of Buniyad Centers that the project envisages to support, will be completely known only
later in the project cycle.
In the given context, through this and the following sections – the Environmental
Management Framework (EMF) serves as an appropriate tool, allowing for flexibility
within the boundaries set forth by the requirements of the Bank’s operation policies and
the country’s regulatory mechanisms. The framework describes the principles, objectives
and approach to be followed in avoiding, minimizing and mitigating the adverse
environmental impacts that are likely to arise as a result of the implementation of the
various construction activities under the Bihar Integrated Social Protection and
Strengthening Project.
The works proposed under the project have a potential to trigger some adverse
environment and social impacts in the process in the local context, if the works are not
properly planned and managed. Also, some opportunities to enhance the positive
benefits of the interventions exist, which can be integrated into the planning and design
process early-on, provided a clear-cut guidance is available. Therefore, an Environmental
Management Framework (EMF) for the project offers the required flexibility in guiding
the process of dealing with the unwarranted impacts and would help in augmenting the
positive benefits for both situations – for existing buildings that will be refurbished and
those where new Buniyad Centers will come-up and engineering designs are yet to be
initiated.
The framework details out the various policies, guidelines and procedures that need to
be integrated during the planning, design and implementation cycle of the Bank-financed
project in the state of Bihar. It also outlines the indicative management measures
required to effectively address or deal with the key issues that have been identified. The
required institutional arrangements for implementing the EMF have also been outlined as
a part of this framework.
5.1.2 Purpose and Objectives of EMF
Good environmental management practices are essential and integral elements of
sound project preparation and implementation. More specifically, the EMF seeks to:
Establish clear procedures and methodologies for environmental planning,
review, approval and implementation of sub-projects to be financed under
the Project.
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To provide practical guidance for planning, designing and implementing the
environmental management measures.
Specify appropriate roles and responsibilities, and outline the necessary
reporting procedures, for managing and monitoring environmental and
related social concerns of the sub-projects and;
Determine the institutional arrangements, including those related to training,
capacity building and technical assistance (if required) needed to successfully
implement the provisions of the EMF.
The application and implementation of the EMF therefore, will:
Support the integration of environmental aspects into the decision making
process of all stages related to planning, design, execution, operation and
maintenance of sub-projects, by identifying, avoiding and/or minimizing
adverse environmental and social impacts early-on in the project cycle.
Enhance the positive/sustainable environmental and social outcomes through
improved/ sensitive planning, design and implementation of sub-activities.
Minimize environmental degradation as a result of either individual sub-
projects or through their indirect, induced and cumulative effects, as much
as possible.
Protect human health and
Minimize impacts on cultural property.
The use / implementation of the EMF will also support the achievement of
compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well as with the requirements of
relevant Bank policies on environmental safeguard aspects.
5.2 Managing Impacts of Directly Supported Project Activities
The project will ensure that the activities directly supported by it are in compliance with
relevant legal and regulatory requirements, do not cause irreversible/significant negative
environmental impacts, and, promote good environmental practices. This will be done in
two ways:
Specific site investigation and assessment of project supported building
construction activities (Buniyad Centers) that have limited environmental impact
Adoption of environment-friendly design elements, construction and management
practices for project supported building construction activities
The activities directly supported by the project and having limited environmental impact
will go through site specific technical and environmental assessment. The assessment
will be done during the planning stage prior to the actual construction by a Design
Consultant. The environmental conditions will be assessed before finalizing the site and
thereafter in parallel to the engineering design preparation. Specifically this will involve
the following steps:
1) Environmental Screening
2) Verification of Environmental Screening Results
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3) Integration of Environmental Requirements into Design
4) Environmental Monitoring and Reporting during Construction
5) Environmental Monitoring During Operation
Step 1 - Environmental Screening
An environment and social screening format would be filled-up after undertaking a field
visit to understand the general site conditions and constraints, if any. Without narrowing
the focus of the detailed field investigation/assessment, having this knowledge provides
an early sense on the spatial and temporal dimension about the likely issues on-hand.
Screening consists of checking and identifying environmental risks, impacts and
opportunities and the requisite measures that are applicable within the local context for
addressing them. The result from this exercise will serve as an important input into the
decision making for site selection. This exercise will be conducted using pre-defined
checklists (one for identification of sites for new buildings and the other for identifying
existing buildings in which the Service Centers can be temporarily run) through the field
officials at the Block level.
The screening details are being vetted by the concerned Block Development Officer
(BDO). The concerned BDO is also specifying in the checklist whether the required space
of 4000 to 5000 sq. ft. (5000 sq. ft. for 38 district level Buniyad Centers and 4000 sq. ft.
for remaining 63 sub-division level Buniyad Centers) is available. Wherever the
Government land for construction of Buniyad Centers is found to be encumbrance free
the concerned BDO will certify the same. In case, the said land is not encumbrance free
the BDO will mention this fact along with nature and extent of the issue/encumbrance.
In cases, where no land is available within the Block premises, the Centers will not be
constructed in those blocks to avoid any change in land use of other land and to avoid
land acquisition.
Step 2 - Verification of Environmental Screening Results
Detailed verification exercise is the second step in the environment management
process. Since the field data collection is the responsibility of the Block level officials,
who may limited perspective on the environmental requirements/issues, it is imperative
that a systematic verification by an Environmental Expert is carried out to cross-check
and validate the results from the said screening exercise.
The purpose of the verification exercise is to get an overview of the nature, scale and
magnitude of the issues in order to determine the sub-project/site feasibility and if
findings permit, it allows for proper scoping of further assessments to be carried out.
After identifying key issues, the applicability of the Government of India’s/State
Government’s regulatory requirements is to be established as part of the verification
exercise.
The key sub-steps involved in the screening process are outlined below:
Ascertain presence of any environmentally sensitive areas/issues through
primary/secondary information.
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Confirm applicability of regulations and policies in context of broad sub-project
interventions.
Conduct ground truthing and incorporate required/ additional information in the
screening format.
Ascertain details about land availability and broad categories of ownership
(forest/govt./private)
Document results in a systematic manner
The outcome of the screening process will help select and/or prioritize the various
investments and where required and start the clearance process (if required) in a timely
manner.
Steps 3 to 5 - Integration of Environment, Health and Safety Requirements into
Design, Construction and Operation of Buildings
The scale of environmental impacts due to construction of Buniyad Centers will be
localized and of low significance. However, if not managed adequately during planning,
design, implementation and operation stages, the impacts might become significant due
to inappropriate site selection, improper plan and design of the building including
inadequate ancillary facilities like drainage and sanitation system.
The construction activities therefore will endeavor to be environment friendly. This will
be done through:
promotion of “environmentally friendly” design and construction through integration
of environment-friendly elements into the design (“Green/-er Design”) of the service
centers,
by ensuring that the building construction contractors follow a code of practice on
environmental safeguards, and,
by continuing good environmental management practices during the operation and
maintenance of the service centers.
The Figure below depicts the strategy to promote environmentally friendly design,
construction and maintenance approach.
Strategy for Promotion of Environment Friendly Construction
Preconstruction
• Green/-er Design • Energy
• Materials
• Water
• Waste
• Landscape
Construction
• Code of Practice for Contractors • Safety aspects
• Legal compliance
Postconstruction
• Environmental Management • Energy
• Water and Sanitation
• Waste management
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A. Green/-er Building Design
The service centers will be designed during the first year of the project implementation
by a private Design Consultant/Agency contracted for the purpose. The terms of
reference for the design agency will specify that environment-friendly elements must be
integrated into the building design. An indicative list of these elements is provided here.
For the Buniyad Centers which are expected to be about 5000 sq.ft (465 sq m) in area,
the option of securing a ‘Green Building Certification’ such as the SVAGRIHA9 guidance-
cum-rating system will be explored.
Environment Friendly Elements for Buildings10
Reduce exposed, hard paved surface on site (open areas surrounding the building)
and maintain native vegetation cover on site
Passive architectural design and systems to reduce energy consumption and maintain
comfort (courtyard, roof insulation, ventilators, etc.)
Good fenestration design (design of openings such as windows, doors, etc.) for
reducing direct heat gain and glare while maximizing daylight penetration
Efficient artificial lighting system (reduce overall lighting power density)
Thermal efficiency of building envelope(design external wall sections and select
construction materials to reduce heat gain)
Use of energy efficient appliances (use of appliances that have BEE star labeling of ‘3
Star’ or more)
Use of renewable energy on site (use of solar water heaters, solar lights)
Reduction in building and landscape water demand(use of low-flow fixtures)
Rainwater harvesting (rooftop rainwater harvesting for direct use through storage
tanks or for recharging ground water through recharge pits) – unless the site has
high groundwater table
Waste management (segregation and treatment/proper disposal of wastes including
any biomedical waste, organic wastes, recyclable wastes)
Reduce embodied energy of building (use of PPC cement that contains fly ash)
Use of low-energy materials in interiors (use of bamboo, low VOC and lead-free
paints, exposed brick-finish, etc.)
B. Code of Practice for Construction
The construction of the service centers would be outsourced to a private agency and will
be done in a phased manner. It will be ensured that the building construction contractors
follow a code of practice on environmental, health and safety requirements. The code of
practice will form part of the contract document/s.
This will include:
9 For details see http://www.grihaindia.org
10 SVAGRIHA Version 1.2, TERI and Adarsh, 2011.
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All building materials – including sand and timber – will be from legal sources.
No tree will be cut unless there is prior written permission from the concerned
department/agency and unless compensatory plantation is undertaken.
All borrow areas from which soil is taken for construction purpose will be suitably
rehabilitated.
The construction site – especially excavations – will be securely fenced to prevent
accidental falls.
All water sources created under the project (e.g., hand pumps/tube wells dug for
drinking water supply at the Service Centers) must meet the stipulated standards for
human consumption.
Any borehole dug at the construction site will be properly secured during
digging/repair and in case of abandonment.
Any chance finds during digging, etc., at the construction site will be immediately
reported to the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Bihar.
All construction workers will be provided protective/safety gear (such as helmets)
and first-aid kit shall be made available at site.
All construction waste (rubble) will be cleared from the site after construction and
disposed appropriately (no dumping in/around water bodies/courses).
C. Environment-friendly Management/Operation of Buildings
Good environmental management practices will continue to be implemented during the
operation and maintenance of the service centers. These practices include:
Use of energy efficient appliances
Use of power backup generators that comply with the noise pollution control norms
prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board
Provision of safe water
Maintenance of sanitation facilities for health and hygiene
Appropriate waste management – including as and when applicable, biomedical
waste management as per the rules prescribed by the Ministry of Environment and
Forests, Government of India
These practices will form part of the operational manuals on the operation and
maintenance of these service centers. They will also form part of the contract documents
where the operation/maintenance is out-sourced to a private agency.
5.3 Managing Impacts of In-directly Supported Project Activities
By strengthening delivery mechanisms for MGNREGS and IAY, the project is expected to
contribute to an increased uptake of these programs, and hence to their environmental
impact – positive and negative. The project will make efforts to promote good
environmental management practices in these activities in two ways:
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1) Streamlining environmental management measures in form of guidance note/s as
part of the Operational Manuals of both MGNREGS and IAY
2) Capacity building on environment management
3) Integration of information on environment management aspects in monitoring and
evaluation
Streamlining Environmental Management Measures in Operational Manual of
MGNREGS and IAY
District-specific technical manuals for use by the field level technical staff of the
MGNREGS (PTA, Junior Engineer, PO) and IAY on environmental management of
MGNREGS works and IAY housing will be developed by a Consultant/Agency with required
experience in these areas. These will be treated as supplementary materials to the
operational manuals on the programs. Guidance to manage/mitigate environmental
issues associated with specific works under MGNREGS has been developed and provided
in Annexure 2. Based on how the specific technical pieces of work shape-up during the
course of project implementation, these principles and guidance will be appropriately
integrated into the outputs.
Capacity Building on Environmental Management
One of the project sub-components focuses on strengthening the BRDS systems and
capacity for the delivery of MGNREGS and IAY being implemented in the state. The
development of standardized procedures and tools on MGNREGA and IAY, and, the
establishment of a training system for enhancing staff capacity are among the key
activities under this sub-component. The project will utilize these same channels to
facilitate better environmental management in MGNREGS and IAY through integration of
environmental management into the operational manuals of the programs, and training
on environmental management to the technical staff associated with MNREGS and IAY.
In addition, the BRDS will be equipped with a technically qualified Advisor/Expert to
provide inputs on environmental management as and when these institutional
strengthening measures are developed and launched.
Integration of information on environment management aspects in
monitoring and evaluation
Under the project sub-component that focuses on strengthening the BRDS systems and
capacity for the delivery of MNREGS and IAY in the state, one of the key activities is
supporting BRDS in building capacity for monitoring performance and in setting-up
appropriate external review mechanisms. An M&E Unit will be set up in BRDS to develop
a comprehensive M&E strategy for MNREGS and IAY and undertake field assessments.
The M&E strategy of the project will include capturing of information on environmental
management aspects of MNREGS works and IAY housing. The information will be
captured both through the MIS as well as through specially commissioned field studies.
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Section 6: Stakeholder Consultation
Stakeholder’s consultations and participation have been viewed as a continuous process,
involving, promoting of public understanding of the processes and mechanisms through
which developmental problems, needs are investigated and resolved. The stakeholder
consultation, as an integral part of environmental impact process throughout the project
preparation stage not only minimizes the risks and unwanted political propaganda
against the project but also abridges the gap between the community and the project
formulators, which leads to timely completion of the project and making the project
people friendly.
6.1 Stakeholder Consultation
Stakeholder consultation is a two way process, which involves the interaction of various
stakeholders and the project proponent. It is highly desirable for all key stakeholders to
arrive at a consensus on sensitive features, impacts and remedial actions.
6.2 Types/ Categories of Stakeholders
Based on their role towards the project, stakeholders have been categorized into
following groups:
(i) Owners or Project Proponent
This is related to the stakeholder who risks their own money in a venture. Whilst they
will get a return on their investment, usually in the form of a dividend they have a
vested interest in seeing the Organization being successful, to not only guarantee their
dividend but also to ensure it grows.
(ii) Government Agencies
Some government departments which will be affected either positively or negatively or in
both ways by the proposed project are required to give their inputs to make project
successful. These government agencies are BRDS, SSUPSW, RDD, DoSW and Bihar State
Building Construction Corporation Limited.
(iii) Communities/Beneficiaries
This is very important stakeholder category that will be benefited directly through
implementation of the project. Their participation provides a significant input in terms of
their opinions/suggestions in terms of expectation from project design and ways to
improve it. These primary stakeholders include the intended target population or
beneficiaries of the social protection programs being supported under the project - the
poor and vulnerable rural households, persons with disabilities, older persons and
widows. There are about 5.5 million people aged 60 and above and about 1.9 million
persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Bihar, and 2.0 million widowed, divorced and
separated women who could benefit from the project. These groups are characterized by
high levels of illiteracy and face barriers of access to services. The project focuses on
building effective mechanisms for reaching out to these groups, ensuring their rights and
providing them an effective and responsive safety net.
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(iv) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
The representatives from the Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs), including the Disabled Persons Organizations
(DPOs) and Senior Citizen Associations, which are working in project influence area (in
this case the state of Bihar) are important stakeholders too.
6.3 Process of Stakeholder Consultation
Public consultation is an important method of involving various stakeholders particularly,
local community with reference to the proposed development initiatives. It provides a
platform to participants to express their views, concerns and apprehensions that might
affect them positively or negatively. Through participation and consultation stakeholders
influence development initiatives and decision making process. The effectiveness of
participation and consultation is directly related to the degree of involvement of the
project affected persons and the beneficiary groups and integration of the outcomes
from the consultations, wherever feasible in the proposed project initiatives. Detailed
planning is required to ensure that local community, interested groups, non-
governmental organizations, civil society organizations; local government, line
departments, etc. are consulted regularly, frequently and purposefully during different
stages of the project including project preparation.
6.4 Stakeholder Consultation in BISPSP
The preparation of BISPSP has ensured involvement of various stakeholders and people
in project planning, implementation and operation. The consultations under the project
were conducted as part of project preparation, so that aspirations of the people can be
assessed for collective and mutually agreed project related decisions. The consultation
mechanism has been designed in such a manner that every stratum of society and
concerned administration at different spatial hierarchy is consulted. Regular/periodic
consultations will continue through the remaining stages of the project delivery cycle.
6.5 Type of Consultations
Various types of Public Consultation have been and are being carried out during the
project preparation stage which includes:
Consultation with stakeholders at the State Level
Consultation with stakeholders at District Level
6.5.1 State Level consultation
State level consultation workshops witnessed active involvement of Principal Secretary,
DoRD; Secretary, DoSW; CEO, Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (BRLPS);
District Development commissioners (DDC); Block Development Officers (BDO); Circle
Officer (CO); Officers from DoRD & DoSW, State Society for Ultra Poor and Social
Welfare (SAKSHAM) team members, representative of NGO’s and representatives of the
World Bank. Two such workshops were held as part of project preparation – one in
August 2012 and the other in September 2013.
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The consultation workshops were conducted with an objective to share the findings of
Environmental and Social Assessments and presenting the Environmental Management
Framework and Social Management Framework prepared/designed for BISPS with a view
to elicit stakeholder’s feedback. Importantly, during consultation the main themes/issues
that were highlighted by the stakeholders were on:
a) Planning, Design and Construction of Buniyad Centers proposed under the project
b) Issues faced by vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities and elderly.
c) Poor survival rate of plantations, after-care of plantation, technical support to water
conservation and harvesting structures related to works under MGNREGS.
d) Inadequacy of amount provided under the Indira Awaas Yojana to build a house -
increased cost of construction material was highlighted.
e) Dealing with issues of protected areas – it was emphasized that any kind of
construction activity under the project should not be allowed in such areas.
f) Need for additional Human Resources for IAY and MNREGA at Block and Panchayat
level for delivering of these programs.
The details of the two State Level Consultation Forums organized as part o project
preparation are attached at Annexure 3 and 4.
6.5.2 District Level Consultations
District level consultations were conducted at four districts of Buxar, Katihar, Madhubani
and Nalanda during August 2012. The concerned District Development Commissioner
(DDC); Circle Officer; Assistant Director, Social Security; Block Development Officers
(BDOs); District Agriculture Officer (Agriculture Department); District Horticulture
Officer; Civil Surgeon; Community Development Officer, NABARD; and representatives
from NGO’s participated in these meetings. More details are in the table below:
Table 6.1 : District Level Consultations
Sl.
No. District
Date of
Meeting Venue Important Participants
1 Buxar 14.08.2012
District
Collectorate,
Buxar
DDC, Buxur; Joint Director (DoRD); DAO,
(Agriculture Dept); ADSS (Social Welfare); Civil
Surgeon (Health Dept); Block Development officers
(BDO); Circle Officers (Revenue); DHO (Dist.
Horticulture); Asst. Engineer (Water Resource Dept
and Minor Irrigation); representatives of NGOs;
consultant of BRDS and SAKSHAM team members
2 Katihar 17-08-2012
Vikas
Bhawan,
Katihar
DDC, Katihar; Undersecretary from DoRD, Patna;
Consultant, World Bank; Block Development
officers (BDO); Circle Officers (CO);
representatives of NGOs; consultant from BRDS
and SAKSHAM team members
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Sl.
No. District
Date of
Meeting Venue Important Participants
3 Madhubani 16-08-2012 DDC Office,
Madhubani
District Development Commissioner (DDC);
Undersecretary DoRD, Patna; Circle Officers (CO);
Asst. Director, Social Security; Block Development
Officers (BDO); DAO (Agriculture Dept.); Dist.
Horticulture Officer; Civil Surgeon; Community
Development Officer, NABARD; DPM, Jeevika
Project and representatives from NGOs; team
members of SAKSHAM and consultant from BRDS
4 Nalanda 13.08.2012
District
Collectorate,
Nalanda
DDC, Nalanda; Joint Director, DoRD, Patna;
Director, Agriculture Dept.; Asst. Director, Social
Security; Director, Welfare Office; Block
Development Officers (BDO); Circle Officers (CO);
representatives of NGOs; District Representative of
Jeevika Project, Officials from DRDA; consultant of
BRDS and SAKSHAM team members
The consultations started with an overview of the BISPS Project wherein the project
objectives and project components were explained. The Social and Environment
Assessment findings and the proposed Management Frameworks were shared with
participants for discussions/suggestions during these meetings. The details of District
Level Consultation Workshops are in Annexure 5.
6.6 Key Findings from the District Level Consultations
Over-all, the district level consultations had good participation from all stakeholders and
the Project has been well received. The key suggestions/feedback from these district
level consultations have been tabulated below.
S.No District Key Suggestions/Feedback
1 Buxar The negative impact of MNREGS works on the local environment is a
matter of concern. Construction of ponds on fertile agriculture land,
loss of productive top soil, felling of trees at construction site, etc.,
are some of the negative impacts as perceived by the participants.
The comments and suggestions shared by the participants for
mitigating the negative impacts are:
o As poor planning of MNREGS works is a key reason behind
negative environmental impacts, the planning process in the
Gram Panchayat must be strengthened.
o The technical staff of MNREGS (PTA, Junior Engineer, Assistant
Engineer, PO, etc) need technical as well as environment
sensitization training to enhance the technical soundness of their
work and orient their motivation to issues of sustainability.
o The BISPS Project should build the capacity of frontline workers
i.e. Rozgar Sevak and Junior Engineers who are involved in
planning, implementation and monitoring of schemes of
MGNREGS in the villages.
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S.No District Key Suggestions/Feedback
There is lot of scope for integration of the total sanitation program
with IAY. Although some efforts have been made in this regard, the
result so far is not very significant. The reasons are many, the most
important of which is lack of awareness among people about the
negative impacts resulting from lack of sanitation.
There is a need for awareness-raising through regular contact and
meetings to explain various negative aspects of open defecation and
the benefits of sanitation.
Capacity building training is required for staff involved in Indira
Awaas Yojana (IAY).
Technical skills should be provided to local masons on design and use
of low cost but environment friendly materials in construction of IAY
housing.
Convergence with relevant schemes of other departments should be
facilitated.
2 Katihar Some of the participants expressed concern about the poor quality of
work carried out in some of the MNREGS works stemming from the
lack/inadequacy of scientific design and technical supervision relating
to works on water harvesting and conservation.
A large number of MNREGS works particularly those related to water
conservation, remain incomplete or have been inefficient, either due
to lack of technical support to GPs or insufficient rainfall.
Concern was also expressed about the need to focus on survival of
the saplings planted under MGNREGS.
Gogabil Pakshi Vihar a protected area in the district once known for
its migratory birds and forest coverage is a thing of the past. The
habitat of birds has been destroyed and since last 5-6 years this
protected areas has not able to attract migratory birds due to
encroachment for agriculture and fishing. This highlights the need for
adoption of environmental protection in development activity.
In the light of the existing rural housing scenario and the importance
of promoting environment friendly housing in IAY (construction of
well ventilated house with toilets and drains, discouraging use of
asbestos-cement sheets, etc.), most of the participants felt that the
idea is useful and innovative but implementation within the available
fund for IAY will be a challenge. The example of Andhra Pradesh was
cited in this context where Rs 65,000 is provided per beneficiary for
IAY. It is necessary to think of alternatives for low-cost, innovative
environment friendly housing for the rural poor people.
Some participants were of the view that it will be useful to
promote/create a model for low cost housing at least in one pocket of
the district so that it’s success can be replicated in rest of the district.
3 Madhubani The design of the Buniyad Centres should integrate environment-
friendly aspects.
The use of Solar Energy to replace/supplement Diesel Generators for
power back-up must be explored.
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S.No District Key Suggestions/Feedback
A model of low cost housing must be created and adopted. This is
already being adopted in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.
However, the cash amount must be enhanced from the existing Rs
45,000. Also, to resolve this issue, low cost material and locally
procured material should be promoted by the Government.
IAY is a cash-transfer scheme. It is not possible to prescribe any
design to the beneficiaries unless there are policy level changes.
However, rather than imposing a top-down scheme, the focus must
be on empowering the beneficiaries to contribute some additional
amount to construct their dream house.
There is a need to create awareness to change the mind set of the
beneficiaries about the design and construction of the housing.
In Madhubani, there are no protected areas such as sanctuaries and
national parks. However, the district has several ponds that come
under the purview of the Fisheries Department. Any of the
development works on these sites are not possible without a healthy
collaboration between these departments at the State level.
It is important to involve trained engineers to design and monitor the
MGNREGS construction works as the local community and staff does
not have expertise in technical design. However, availability of
trained engineers is a constraint.
Forestry (plantation) works should be increased in MGNREGS on
Panchayat and private land. The benefits to the community from
plantations on Panchayat land need to be made clear to the
community.
Infrastructure Development Authority can also be requested to
provide technical support for design of the MGNREGS works.
4 Nalanda The land for Buniyad Centres and Adarsh RTPS centres (now excluded
from the project scope) is not available in the block premises of
Parwalpur and Ekangarsari and hence alternative sites have been
proposed 50 metres away from the Block premises. The land
available in Hilsa is waterlogged and requires treatment.
For effective power management, the use of solar power for Buniyad
and RTPS Adarsh centres must be explored.
The project should boost up the provisions in the guidelines of
MGNREGS for promoting fodder banks and fencing options for
plantations.
To promote an environment friendly work culture, capacity building of
the officials is required.
Fertile soil from agricultural fields/top soil use for works must be
discouraged. This is serious problem but nobody is taking a note of it.
At least through this project, this issue needs to be highlighted to
make the general public and officials engaged in implementing the
program aware about this.
Strong team composition with an understanding of MGNREGS,
environment, insurance coverage; and worksite provisions and
facilities has become pertinent for effective implementation.
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S.No District Key Suggestions/Feedback
Considering the nature and objective of MGNREGS to strengthen the
natural resource base, the indicator related to environment
conservation and maintenance needs to be chalked out to provide
information and clarification to all stakeholders involved in
implementing the same.
6.7 Follow-up District Level Consultations
With a delay in project delivery and subsequent changes to project scope and the
revisions in safeguard instruments, follow-up consultations were organized in October
2013.
Table 6.2 : Follow-up District Level Consultations
Sl. No. Date of Meeting District
1 October 1, 2013 Patna
2 October 4, 2013 Gaya
3 October 5, 2013 Motihari
4 October 7, 2013 Purniya
Four such follow-up consultations were carried out in districts of Patna, Purniya, Motihari
and Gaya. More are planned in the near future. The summary is given in the table above
while the details are attached in Annexure 6.
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Section 7: Institution Arrangements
Both the Rural Development Department (RDD) and Department of Social Welfare
(DoSW) work with specifically mandated entities which will function as the implementing
agencies for the purpose of the BISPS Project. Respectively, the Bihar Rural
Development Society (BRDS) and the State Society for Ultra-Poor and Social Welfare
(SSUPSW) would serve as the focal points for day-to-day management of activities
under the project. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Committee of both
State Societies headed by their respective Secretary (i.e. of RDD and SSUPSW) would
provide guidance during Project implementation.
7.1 Project Implementation Arrangements
The project will be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare (through SSUPSW)
and the Rural Development Department (through BRDS), who will oversee operations
through their existing institutional structures, with the heads of each Society reporting to
the Secretaries of their respective line Departments, i.e. RDD and DoSW. IDA financing
would provide for the costs of the selected staff at SSUPSW and BRDS, as well as for
out-sourced technical agencies for additional support to the implementing agencies.
The diagram below shows the various units of the two implementing agencies with their
reporting channels.
Institution Arrangements for the Project
7.1.1 State Level Entities
The Project would rely on the existing institutional mechanisms for management
oversight and streamlined coordination between the activities of both Societies. The
office of the Development Commissioner (DC) of the Government of Bihar, in his ex-
officio position as the chairperson of the General Body of BRDS and of SSUPSW would
play the coordinating and oversight role. The DC also holds similar office in other
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societies (such as for the Bihar Panchayat Strengthening Project). The DC and the
societies’ General Bodies would provide overall policy advice and oversight and ensure
coordination between the implementing agencies for effective implementation of the
Project.
BRDS and SSUPSW would organize their staff into specialized cells for program
management, monitoring and evaluation, communication, training, e-governance and
partnerships, for implementing their respective mandates and supervising project
operations. The society staff would also include domain specialists for their respective
areas of business, i.e. programs and services targeted to the rural poor and vulnerable,
older persons, widows and persons with disabilities.
SSUPSW would undertake the construction of 101 Buniyad Centers, as well as
architectural design, quality control and supervision with the support of the Bihar State
Building Construction Corporation Limited (BSBCCL). Operations at the service centers
would be facilitated and monitored by the District level Buniyad Centers (referred to as
the District Unit of SSUPSW). These District Units would function in close collaboration
with the Assistant Director – Social Security. Staffing at these Units would consist of
contractual staff appointed by SSUPSW.
BRDS would undertake the implementation and supervision of project activities,
particularly the financial management strengthening and internal pre-audit functions,
through a district level team appointed by BRDS on contractual basis. This district level
team would function in close collaboration with the District Rural Development Agency
(DRDA). At the block level, BRDS will appoint an accountant who would work under the
Block Development Officer (BDO) to facilitate scheme wise and unit wise accounting,
financial reporting, bank and inter unit reconciliations, funds management, etc.
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
BRDS has been set up as an entity registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860,
to help guide RDD in the implementation of rural development schemes, and is primarily
tasked with management of the MGNREGS implementation and monitoring. The Society
is committed to eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable development and productive
employment, as well as fostering social justice for the rural poor population.
Project support to the Society will provide financing for program management, training,
establishment of partnerships, outreach and awareness, development of policy and
guidelines, applications for RDD programs and services, etc. as part of the capacity and
systems strengthening activities for BRDS, under Sub-Component 1.1. In addition, the
Project would finance goods, services and operating costs for small-scale pilots under the
innovation window under Sub-Component 2.3.
The Executive Committee of BRDS has the Secretary, RDD, as the President, providing
an effective link with the Department. BRDS is headed by a Chief Executive Officer
(CEO), a position held by the IAS officer appointed as the state’s MGNREGS
Commissioner who provides management oversight of daily business activities, including
those financed by the Project. The Society is expected to be fully staffed with personnel
responsible for implementing and monitoring MGNREGS, financed by, or represented by,
the Government of Bihar.
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Bank support would finance remaining contract staff involved in the implementation and
monitoring of the Project, thus utilizing mandated positions in BRDS rather than creating
time-bound Project-specific positions. The Society would also hire a number of technical
agencies to support functions such as Financial Management and e-Governance
management, and Bank support would finance such selected contractual service
providers in agreement with BRDS.
State Society for Ultra-Poor and Social Welfare (SSUPSW)
SSUPSW has been established under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, in order to
implement and monitor DoSW programs and services. The Society has been set up with
a view towards creating an enabling policy environment for the welfare of DoSW’s target
beneficiaries, planning and managing policy actions, and supporting DoSW and its three
Directorates in program review and institutional strengthening activities.
Project funding would be primarily for staffing and training costs, but also other technical
assistance (as similarly provided for BRDS) as part of the capacity and systems
strengthening activities under Sub-Component 1.2. The social care service centers to be
operated at the sub-division level by SSUPSW would be overseen by the monitoring units
in the designated district level centers, which would also ensure that service in the
Buniyad centers adheres to defined service standards. SSUPSW would be responsible for
the overall oversight of construction of 101 Buniyad Centers and will hire a civil engineer
for this purpose. The construction of the Buniyad centers, as well as architectural design,
quality control and supervision, will be carried out by the Bihar State Building
Construction Corporation Limited (BSBCCL), which will sign a detailed Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with SSUPSW. As with BRDS, the Bank would also finance goods,
services and operating costs for small-scale pilots under the innovation window (Sub-
Component 2.3).
The Society is headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a position in which an IAS
officer would be appointed as per Government sanction. At present, the position is held
by Director, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Besides, in order to ensure
day to day implementation and supervision of the BISPS Project, the Department of
Social Welfare has designated the Director, Directorate of Social Welfare, an IAS officer
as the Project Director.
In order to strengthen management oversight of daily business activities, including those
financed by the Project, SSUPSW has hired the services of a Deputy CEO (DCEO). The
DCEO would also provide the direct linkage to the district-level monitoring units based in
the district level Buniyad Centers, which in turn would manage the SSUPSW sub-division
level centers.
7.1.2 District Level Entities
In line with the vision of strengthening existing institutions and systems of the
Government, the Project would support BRDS and SSUPWS in setting up and
strengthening their respective District Units to implement and monitor Project activities,
and serve as an interface between the state and block levels. This would ensure that
sustainable and technically equipped units are established for effective implementation
of social protection programs.
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In addition, the District Magistrate and the District Development Commissioner
(reporting to RDD) are an integral part of the delivery chain for the programs
implemented by BRDS and SSUPSW and would play a critical role in the implementation
of the systemic reforms and pilots.
BRDS District Units
At the district-level, BRDS has District Program Management Teams (DPMT) which would
support the Society in the implementation of RDD programs and services. These would
also act as the administrative hub for the block-level pilot centers operating in their
respective districts. These units would primarily be Government financed, with staff
directly recruited by BRDS, while incremental staff required for Project implementation
and monitoring would be financed by the Bank. This district level team would function in
close collaboration with the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and the DPMT.
Other personnel may be deputed by the Society or recruited on a contractual basis. The
District Units would be headed by the District Manager who would report to the COO at
BRDS.
SSUPSW District Units
The District level Buniyad Centers will serve as the SSUPSW District Units and would
support the Society in the implementation of DoSW programs, provide services for older
persons, widows and persons-with-disabilities at the district, manage and monitor the
sub-divisional level centers, and coordinate the duties of the mobile outreach and
therapy units. These District Units would function under the overall supervision of the
Assistant Director Social Security (ADSS), DoSW.
Led by a District Coordinator cum Center Manager, the District Units would report to the
ADSS at the district level and the Deputy CEO of SSUPSW at the state level. Other
personnel may be deputed by the Society or recruited on a contractual basis.
7.1.3 Block Level Entities
The Block Development Offices (BDO), of the Government of Bihar, are responsible for
overseeing all rural development and social protection schemes, performing all other
administrative, revenue and law and order functions at the block. The BDO would play a
critical role in the implementation and supervision of activities proposed under this
Project. The financial management staff supported by the project at the block level
would work under the supervision and guidance of the BDO to facilitate scheme wise and
unit wise accounting, financial reporting, bank and inter unit reconciliations, funds
management, among others. The BDO would also coordinate with the relevant Project
personnel at the district level.
7.2 Institutional Arrangements for Environment Management
Specifically for environment management, the responsibility for ensuring the
implementation of the EMF will be anchored with an identified/designated officer in the
State Units of both BRDS and SSUPSW. These officers will over-see, coordinate and
monitor environment management aspects of the project. An expert, whose services will
be hired from the market to support the implementation of EMF will be a part of the
project team at SSUPSW (under DoSW). The roles and responsibilities for ensuring EMF
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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implementation will also be shared by the RDD and DoSW programs at the district and
block levels.
In addition to periodic internal monitoring, an independent external monitoring of the
Buniyad Centers will be undertaken during the project duration to check compliance,
assess impacts and identify ways of strengthening environmental management.
7.3 Monitoring and Reporting
The environmental monitoring programme will be devised to ensure that the envisaged
purpose of the project is achieved and results in benefits for the target population. Broad
objectives of the monitoring programme will be:
To evaluate the performance of measures proposed in the EMF
To suggest improvements in the plans, as and if required (also keeping in mind
the way the project evolves)
To ensure that the statutory and regulatory obligations are met
Regular reviews will be conducted through the project cycle starting from the planning
and design itself and continuing through the implementation and operation stages.
Internal audit will be carried out by the Consultant hired from market, placed at SSUPSW
to support the project. Primarily the review/auditing exercise will determine whether the
sub-projects comply with all required regulatory and operation standards. It entails a
systematic, documented and periodic review of project implementation and could be a
very useful tool to improve the over-all project performance.
Some suggested indicators for monitoring environmental performance include:
Social Care Service Centers (Buniyad Centers)
This will cover monitoring of all Buniyad Centers and will be undertaken prior to, during
and after the completion of the building construction. The key aspects to be monitored
include:
Compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements;
Integrated planning (land use) of Buniyad Centers facilities with existing site
features
Extent of integration of ‘green/-er design’ features and ‘environment friendly’
materials in design, including accessibility for physically challenged persons and
conservation measures for energy and water
Construction stage management, including construction waste management and
workers occupational health and safety
Over-all operation and maintenance of Buniyad Centers, including health/hygiene
and housekeeping
MGNREGS
Survival rate of plantations (percentage of saplings survived in 2nd/3rd year after
plantation)
Additional irrigation potential created/revived (extent of land area)
Extent of sand casted area treated
Extent for water logged area treated
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Extent of erosion prone area treated
Water conservation structure created
IAY
Number of IAY houses with provision of windows and/or ventilators
Number of IAY houses with provision of chimney
Number of IAY houses with improved chulhas or kerosene stoves or LPG stoves
Number of IAY houses with toilet facility
Number of IAY houses with sullage disposal facility
Number of IAY houses with kitchen garden
Number of IAY houses with AC sheet roofing material
7.4 Training and Capacity Building for Environmental Management
The BRDS and SSUPSW are responsible for the implementation of the project. These
agencies are implementing Environmental Management Framework (EMF) for the first
time and based on institutional capacity assessments during project preparation, it was
found that there is extremely limited exposure to environmental issues. More details are
in Annexure 7. As a result, support and handholding during initial stages of the project
becomes important.
A training plan has been out-lined keeping in mind the needs of the various target
groups involved in the project. The training for BRDS and SSUPSW staff will be provided
through a combination of formal in-house/class room based training and practical on-
the-job sessions. The training will be delivered through a combination of any of these
methods:
Class-based sessions/interactions
On-the-job Training
Short Courses and
Workshops/Seminars
Exposure visits
The training plan will cover basic principles and methods for sound environmental
management; screening and its documentation; mitigation measures; implementation
techniques; monitoring and reporting; regulatory requirements and; other relevant
environmental management methods and tools.
Typical modules, to be detailed out further, may include:
Purpose and components of the EMF prepared for BISPSP
Environmental issues in the context of Buniyad Centers, MNREGS and IAY
Environmental appraisal process – screening and site assessment
Environmental management measures for Buniyad Centers, MNREGS and IAY
o Building Planning and design
o Energy conservation and its saving techniques
o Construction management
o Occupational Health and safety during construction
o Handling and management of wastes
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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o Water Conservation and harvesting, irrigation, watershed development,
drought proofing measures, afforestation (activities under MNREGA)
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting on environmental aspects
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Annexures
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Annexure 1
Administrative and Local Governance Units in Bihar
S
No. District Name11 Sub-Division Name
No. of
Blocks12
No. of
Panchayats13
1 Araria Araria, Farbisganj 9 218
2 Arwal Arwal Sadar 5 68
3 Aurangabad Aurangabad, Daud Nagar 11 203
4 Banka Banka 11 185
5 Begusarai Begusarai, Manjhaul, Ballia,
Bakhari, Teghara. 18 257
6 Kaimur (Bhabhua) Bhabhua, Mohania 11 151
7 Bhagalpur Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon,
Naugachhia 16 242
8 Bhojpur Ara Sadar, Jagdishpur, Piro 14 228
9 Buxar Buxar, Dumraon 11 142
10 Darbhanga Darbhanga Sadar, Benipur and
Biraul 18 330
11 East Champaran Motihari Sadar, Areraj, Raxaul,
Sikarahna, Pakridayal 27 410
12 Gaya Gaya Sadar, Neemchak, Bathani,
Sherghati, Tekari 24 332
13 Gopalganj Gopalganj, Hathua 14 234
14 Jamui Jamui 10 153
15 Jehanabad Jehanabad 7 93
16 Katihar Katihar Sadar, Barsoi, Manihari 16 238
17 Khagaria Khagaria, Goghri 7 129
18 Kishanganj Kishanganj 7 126
11
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Planning & Development Department, Government of Bihar, http://dse.bih.nic.in/personnel.htm 12
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Planning & Development Department, Government of Bihar, http://dse.bih.nic.in/personnel.htm 13
Source: Annual Report 2009-10, Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Bihar.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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S
No. District Name11 Sub-Division Name
No. of
Blocks12
No. of
Panchayats13
19 Lakhisarai Lakhisarai 7 80
20 Madhepura Madhepura, Uda Kishanganj 13 170
21 Madhubani Madhubani, Jaynagar, Benipatti,
Jhanjharpur, Phul Paraas 21 399
22 Munger Munger, Haveli Kharagpur,
Tarapur 9 101
23 Muzaffarpur East Muzaffarpur, West
Muzaffarpur 16 387
24 Nalanda Bihar Sharif, Rajgir, Hilsa 20 249
25 Nawada Nawadah, Rajauli 14 187
26 Patna Patna Sadar, Patna City, Barh,
DanaPur, Masaurhi, Paliganj 23 331
27 Purnea Purnea, Banmankhi, Dhamdaha,
Vaishi 14 251
28 Rohtas Sasaram, Bikramganj, Dehri 19 246
29 Saharsa Saharasa Sadar, Simri
Bakhtiyarpur 10 153
30 Samastipur Samastipur Sadar, Dalsinghsarai,
Patori, Rosera, 20 381
31 Saran Chapra, Marhawrah, Sonepur 20 330
32 Sheikhpura Sheikhpura 6 54
33 Sheohar Sheohar 5 53
34 Sitamarhi Sitamarhi Sadar, Belsand, Pupri 17 273
35 Siwan Siwan, Maharajganj 19 293
36 Supaul Supaul, Birpur, Nirmali,
Tribeniganj 11 181
37 Vaishali Hajipur, Mahnar, Mahua 16 290
38 West Champaran Bettiah, Bagaha, Narkatiyaganj 18 315
Total 101 534 8463
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Annexure 2
Part A - Environmental Management Guidelines for MGNREGS Works
Work Category Type of Work Positive
Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Rural
Connectivity
Mitti Murram Road
Gravel Road
WBM Road
CC Road
Inter Locking
Cement Block road
Brick Kharanja
Stone Kharanja
Cross Drainage
Improve
Connectivity
and
accessibility to
market and
social
infrastructures
Impact on land productivity
(construction of road on
agriculture land, borrow pits on
agricultural land, bricks for
paving sourced from
agricultural land)
Select road alignment such that use of
agricultural land is avoided/minimized
Ensure that borrow pits are suitably
rehabilitated by levelling, replacement of
top soil, etc.
Use bricks for paving only when
necessary
Ensure that bricks for paving are sourced
from non-agricultural lands
Impact on natural habitats in
cases where roads encroach on
water bodies or are in close
proximity to waterfowl nesting
areas
Select road alignment such that
encroachment on water bodies and
natural habitats such as waterfowl
nesting areas is avoided
Impacts on 'borrow areas' from
where soil for filling is taken –
loss of productive top soil,
impact on drainage
Ensure that borrow pits are suitably
rehabilitated by levelling, replacement of
top soil, etc.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Work Category Type of Work Positive
Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Inadequate drainage provision
leading to water logging and/or
damage to road
Select road alignment such that
interference with the local drainage
system is avoided/minimized
Make adequate provision for drainage
and cross-drainage structures
Felling of trees at the
construction site
Select road alignment such that
requirement of tree felling is
avoided/minimized
Ensure that permission is taken from
concerned agency for felling of trees
In case of need for tree felling, ensure
compensatory plantation is undertaken
of twice the number of trees felled
Temporary impacts and waste
disposal related to construction
(noise, dust, etc.)
Minimize dust generation during
construction (e.g., sprinkling water)
Ensure that all construction waste is
suitable disposed
Possibility of pilferage of any
chance finds of archaeological
importance
Report any chance finds of historical,
archaeological significance to the
Department of Archaeology and
Museums, Government of Bihar
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Work Category Type of Work Positive
Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Renovation of
Traditional water
bodies including
desilting of tanks
Desilting of tanks,
talab and ponds and
other traditional
water bodies
Repair, renovation
and restoration of
tanks, talab, ponds,
check dams, escape,
weirs and control
structures
Improved
water
harvesting/sto
rage
Water
conservation
Construction of pond on fertile
agriculture land
Select pond location such that use of
agricultural land is avoided/minimized
Poor location and design may
lead to non-retention of water
Ensure pond location and design are
identified on the basis of a hydro-
geological assessment (technical as well
as local knowledge based) to ensure that
there is adequate water retention for the
desired period
Felling of trees at the
excavation site
Select pond location such that
requirement of tree felling is
avoided/minimized
Ensure that permission is taken from
Forest Department/concerned office for
felling of trees
In case of need for tree felling, ensure
compensatory plantation is undertaken
of twice the number of trees felled
Possibility of pilferage of any
chance finds of archaeological
importance
Report any chance finds of historical,
archaeological significance to the
Department of Archaeology and
Museums, Government of Bihar
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Work Category Type of Work Positive
Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Uneven deposition of silt/soil
on banks may lead to
weakening of banks, uneven
deposition on farm lands may
lead to problems with irrigation
and drainage
Ensure that excavated silt is used (bund
strengthening, application to agricultural
fields)
Erosion from unstable earthen
bunds
Ensure that bunds are compacted and
strengthened through riveting, turfing,
etc., to reduce chances of erosion
Poor maintenance leading to
lack of sustainability of benefits
from the work (overgrowth of
weeds, siltation, damage to
bunds)
Ensure appropriate institutional
arrangements for maintenance of the
structure are agreed upon and provided
for
Water
conservation and
water harvesting
Continuous contour
trenches/furrows,
staggered trenches,
box trenches
Sunken ponds
Gully plugs
Improved
water
harvesting/sto
rage
Water
conservation
Impacts on downstream water
users due to possible reduction
in water availability
Ensure that location and design of the
water harvesting structure are identified
on the basis of a hydro-geological
assessment (technical as well as local
knowledge based) to ensure that
downstream flows are not adversely
affected
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Work Category Type of Work Positive
Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Boulder check
Gabions structures
Ponds, Tanks,
Percolation tanks
etc.
Underground dykes
Earthen dam
Springshed
development
- Staggered
trenches
- Plantation
Ckeck dam, anticut,
stop dam
Artificial recharge of
well through sand
filter
Risk of breaching, water
leakages, etc., from poorly
constructed water retention
structures
Ensure that design of the water
harvesting structure is undertaken by a
qualified technical expert and is built
according to the specifications of design
and materials
Erosion from bunds that are
not properly compacted
Ensure that bunds are compacted and
strengthened through riveting, turfing,
etc., as per the specified design to
reduce chances of erosion
Uneven deposition of silt/soil
on banks may lead to
weakening of banks, uneven
deposition on farm lands may
lead to problems with irrigation
and drainage
Ensure that excavated silt is used (bund
strengthening, application to agricultural
fields)
Felling of trees at the
excavation site
Select location/design of the water
harvesting structure such that
requirement of tree felling is
avoided/minimized
Ensure that permission is taken from
concerned agency for felling of trees
In case of need for tree felling, ensure
compensatory plantation is undertaken
of twice the number of trees felled
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Work Category Type of Work Positive
Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Possibility of pilferage of any
chance finds of archaeological
importance
Report any chance finds of historical,
archaeological significance to the
Department of Archaeology and
Museums, Government of Bihar
Poor maintenance leading to
lack of sustainability of benefits
from the work (clogging of
pynes with weeds, siltation,
damage to bunds)
Ensure appropriate institutional
arrangements for maintenance of the
structure are agreed upon and provided
for
Irrigation canals
including micro
and minor
irrigation
Construction of
canal, distributary &
minor lining of
canals
Rehabilitation of
minor, sub-minors
Community well for
irrigation
Lift irrigation
Improved
efficiency in
water
conveyance,
reduced loss
of water (to
seepage,
weeds, etc.)
Improved
availability of
water at tail-
end
Poor planning/design leading to
sub-optimal benefits from the
renovation work (work is
undertaken on only a part of
the canal, improper slope
leading to problems at tail-end)
Ensure that canal renovation work is
undertaken in a comprehensive manner
on the basis of both technical inputs as
well as local knowledge
Impacts on 'borrow areas' from
where soil for embankment
filling is taken
Ensure that borrow pits are suitably
rehabilitated by levelling, replacement of
top soil, etc.
Uneven deposition of silt/soil
on bunds may lead to
weakening of bunds, uneven
deposition on farm lands may
lead to problems with irrigation
and drainage
Ensure that excavated silt is used (bund
strengthening, application to agricultural
fields)
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Work Category Type of Work Positive
Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Erosion from unstable earthen
bunds
Ensure that bunds are compacted and
strengthened through riveting, turfing,
etc., as per the specified design to
reduce chances of erosion
Poor maintenance leading to
lack of sustainability of benefits
from the renovation work
(clogging of canal with weeds,
damage to bunds)
Ensure appropriate institutional
arrangements for maintenance of the
structure are agreed upon and provided
for
Drought Proofing
including
afforestation and
tree plantation
Nursery raising
Eco restoration of
forest
Afforestation – to
cover degraded
forest and barren
land under
afforestation
Grassland
development &
silvipasture
Road/canal side
plantation
Improved
green cover
Improved
availability of
biomass for
meeting fuel,
fodder, food
needs
Mono culture plantation of
exotic species
Ensure selection of mixed species for
plantation based on technical inputs on
suitability to the area as well as local
preference
Overuse of chemical fertilisers
leading to pollution
Ensure use of organic manure (farm yard
manure, vermicompost, etc.)
Impacts on human and
environmental health due to
use of hazardous chemical
pesticides
Avoid use of chemical pesticides
When use is necessary, prefer safer
pesticides (slightly toxic – marked with
the green identification band on label)
Ensure pesticide application is
undertaken with required safety
measures (protective clothing)
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Work Category Type of Work Positive
Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Block plantation Ensure proper disposal of pesticide
containers (destruction to prevent re-
use, sealing, burial)
Poor maintenance leading to
lack of sustainability of benefits
from the plantation
Ensure appropriate institutional
arrangements for maintenance of the
plantation are agreed upon and provided
for.
Flood Control
Diversion channel
Diversion weir
Peripheral/cross
bund
Drainage in water
logged areas
Deepening and
repairs of flood
channels
Chaur renovation
Construction of
storm water drains
for coastal
protection
Improved
sanitation due
to control of
stagnation of
sullage water
Improper design may lead to
poor performance
Ensure that location and design of the
drains are based on technical as well as
local knowledge to ensure that they
function effectively
Poor maintenance may lead to
water stagnation and
associated problems such as
increase in breeding sites for
mosquitoes
Ensure appropriate institutional
arrangements for maintenance of the
drains are agreed upon and provided for
Lack of sullage treatment may
lead to cess pools, pollution of
water bodies, etc.
Ensure that sullage collected through
drains is properly treated and disposed –
treatment through stabilization ponds,
root-zone treatment, etc., and disposal
by channelling into technically designed
soak pits
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Work Category Type of Work Positive
Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Construction of
intermediate and
link drains Felling of trees
Select drain alignment such that
requirement of tree felling is
avoided/minimized
Ensure that permission is taken from
Forest Department/concerned office for
felling of trees
In case of need for tree felling, ensure
compensatory plantation is undertaken
of twice the number of trees felled
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Part B - Environmental Management Guidelines for IAY Works
Activities Positive
Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Design-related
aspects
Well-designed
housing – with
appropriate
ventilation and
sanitation
facilities can
enhance well-
being
Poor ventilation due
to cultural practices,
safety concerns and
cost-cutting by
beneficiaries
Ensure provision of
adequate ventilation in the
house through windows,
ventilators, etc.
Indoor air pollution
due to use of
biomass based fuels
and poor ventilation
Lack of sanitation
facilities
Ensure provision of
technically sound toilet for
each house
Lack of sullage
disposal facilities
Ensure provision of facility
for disposal of sullage –
kitchen garden, soak pit,
etc.
Risk from AC roofing
sheets – during
cutting/drilling
Avoid use of AC roofing
sheets
Construction-
related aspects
Felling of trees at the
construction site
Ensure that permission is
taken from concerned
agency for felling of trees
In case of need for tree
felling, ensure
compensatory plantation is
undertaken of twice the
number of trees felled
Temporary impacts
and waste disposal
related to
construction (noise,
dust, etc.)
Minimize dust generation
during construction (e.g.,
sprinkling water)
Ensure that all construction
waste is suitable disposed
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Annexure 3
State Level Consultation Workshop (No. 1)
on Environment and Social Assessment
for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
6th Aug. 2012, Patna
Organized by
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction
The State Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment was
organized at Conference Hall, SC/ST Welfare Department, Old Secretariat, Patna on 6th
August 2012. The objective of the workshop was to share the findings of the
Environment and Social Assessments of BISPSP and present the Social and Environment
Management Frameworks designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder
feedback.
Participant profile
The participants of the workshop included Principal Secretary, Department of Rural
Development (DoRD); Secretary, Department of Social Welfare (DoSW); CEO, Bihar
Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (BRLPS); District Development Commissioners
(DDC); Block Development officers (BDO); Circle Officers (CO), Officers from DoRD &
DoSW, State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM) team members,
representatives of NGOs and representatives of the World Bank. The workshop was
attended by 54 participants in all.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Overview of proceedings
The workshop started with introductory remarks by the senior Government officials
conveying the objective of the workshop. An overview of the project was then given by
SAKSHAM team members including details on the various components and the planned
activities. This was followed by a detailed presentation and discussion on the findings of
the Environmental Assessment (EA) and on the Environmental Management Framework
(EMF).
Key discussion points and suggestions
Construction activity
The main construction activity under the project is the construction of the Adarsh
and Buniyad Centres. These buildings are about 1000 and 5000 square feet in
area respectively. The existing Government laws and regulations relevant to
construction activities need to be followed to avoid any kind of environmental
impacts.
As both the centres are planned to be constructed within the existing Block
Development Office campuses, there are unlikely to be any issues relating to
change in land use and land acquisition. Block-wise information on land
availability is to be urgently compiled for corroborating this finding in all cases.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Good buildings involve resource-efficient design, material safety, etc., and can
contribute to a healthy and more productive working environment. Integration of
environment-friendly elements such as use of solar power in the buildings needs
to be explored.
Block level offices have frequent power cuts. The design of both centres should be
such that enough sunlight penetrates the building for adequate lighting.
MNREGA Works
The main concern with regard to the social forestry under MGNREGA is the poor
survival rate. After-care of the plantation is weak even though the scheme
provides for a care taker (Van Poshak) for a unit of 200 saplings. The wage of the
Van Poshak is quite low and reducing it further on the basis of the percentage of
saplings that survive is not always feasible. The need to explore alternatives such
as the use of more mature saplings that will be hardy was emphasized. Also, local
species of plants need to be promoted for plantation so that they provide multiple
benefits to communities and sustain interest in after-care.
While water conservation and harvesting structures are required, proper planning
and technical support is critical – especially in the case of marginal land owners
with limited agriculture land.
Works involving water bodies (ponds, lakes) cannot be taken up under MGNREGA
without the permission of the Fisheries Department. Permission is difficult to
secure as these assets are usually auctioned off to fisherperson’s cooperative
societies.
IAY Housing
Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) amount (Rs. 45,000/-) is not sufficient to build a house
as the cost of construction materials has increased. To resolve this issue, the use
of low cost and locally procured material should be promoted.
Protected Areas
Protected areas such as wildlife sanctuaries will not be involved in any kind of
construction activity under the project. The example of the Goga Beel – a wetland
in Katihar district – was shared in this context. The wetland that was once rich in
migratory birds has seen a severe decline in the bird population and diversity in
last 5 years. Disturbance of the habitat due to fishing and agriculture in the area
is probably the cause.
Human Resources
In the case of both IAY and MGNREGA, the human resource requirement is more
than the available staff. So adequate number of people should be engaged at
Block and Panchayat level for delivering these programmes.
A Natural Resource Management specialist will be appointed in BRDS to provide
technical support to MNREGS works.
Social Aspects
ADARSH and BUNIYAD Centres are planned to construct within the premises of
Block offices so that every social group can access the services from these
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centres. There will not be any kind of exclusion of any social group in these
centres.
Mahadalit (SC) and Schedule Tribe (ST) groups are most marginalized than
others and exploited by middlemen. Special arrangements should be made in
such a way that the project could deliver benefits to these groups in a focused
way.
Level of awareness about various Govt. programmes is low in Bihar. Special
awareness drive for the local community should be planned to deliver services to
beneficiaries.
All the 4 plot districts are different from each other in Socio-cultural aspects.
Planning should be made on the basis of existing situations in these districts. For
an example Katihar district has highest population of Schedule Tribes (STs) and
they use their own language “Santhali” instead of Hindi so the local level project
activities should be communicated in Santhali language for better understanding
and people’s participation in project activities.
Low Literacy rate among target groups in the proposed districts is a bottleneck
for delivery of project outputs. The project should take the steps to communicate
objectives and also involve target groups to get benefits for the success of
project.
Reaching of Social Security Pensions (SSP) to beneficiaries in right time is an
issue. Department of Social Welfare has initiated data digitalization work of SSP
beneficiaries’ to address this issue.
Baseline survey should be done to compile the required information for the
project and updated on regular basis.
At the end of the workshop, participants were agreed for the requirement of such Social
Protection project in Bihar.
Mr. Bishnu C. Parida, Dy. CEO, SAKSHAM offered vote of thanks to participants and
informed that such types of consultative workshops will be organized at district level to
get feedback and suggestions on the BISPS project.
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List of Participants
S.
No. Name Designation
Department /
Organization Location
1 A. Santosh Mathew Principal Secretary Rural
Development Patna
2 Sandeep Poundrik Secretary Social Welfare Patna
3 Arvind Kumar
Choudhary CEO, JEEViKA BRLPS Patna
4 Vinod Singh DM Buxar Govt. of Bihar Buxar
5 Srinivas Varadan Consultant, So. Care The World Bank New Delhi
6 R.S. Trida Officer Govt. of Bihar Katihar
7 Sangeeta Kumari Social Dev. Specialist The World Bank Patna
8 Pravesh Kumar Consultant, So. Care The World Bank New Delhi
9 Ashing Aziz Operations Analyst The World Bank Delhi
10 Yashwant Kr.Azad Monitoring &
Evaluation BPSP, DOPR, GoB Patna
11 Upendra Kumar Sr. A.O SSUPSW, DoSW Patna
12 Animesh Pandey Project Officer RDD Patna
13 Mahnaz Fatma PM -Nutrition SSUPSW Patna
14 Abhishak Singh Programme Manager NGO - AKF Patna
15 R.Rjha CPO Social welfare Buxar
16 Kalyani Kandule Consultant World Bank New Delhi
17 Indu Bala Sinha ADSS DoSW Patna
18 Alok Patnaik Operations Specialist World Bank Patna
19 Nitya Nand Pandey BDO RDD Madhubani
20 Moti Kr.Dinkar BDO RDD Buxar
(Rajlons)
21 B.K. Prabhakar BDO RDD Buxar
(Brahmpur)
22 Md.Sajjad Zehil PO RDD Buxar
(Chause)
23 Jivan Chandra Programme Officer RDD Madhubani
24 Md. Shamsuzzaha PO RDD Madhubani
25 Sanjit Kumar PM- Prog. Mgmt BTAST Patna
26 Saurabha Trividi PM- C & R SSUPSW Patna
27 Narendra Kumar BDO RDD Katihar
(Hasanganj)
28 Ruhal Fatma ADSS DoSW Nalanda
29 Soumya Project Manager WDC, Bihar Patna
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S.
No. Name Designation
Department /
Organization Location
30 Irina Sinha project dissector WDC, Bihar Patna
31 Dr. Sushma Kapoor Nutrition BTAST BTAST Patna
32 Puja V Dutta Sr. Economist World Bank New Delhi
33 Neha Vyas Environmental
Specialist World Bank New Delhi
34 Kumar Subhash Programme officer RDD Rajpur Buxar
35 Arvind Kumar
Srivastava Block welfare officer SC & ST Welfare
Manihari
Katihar
36 Neeha Sharma Nutrition Expert B-TAST SWASTH Patna
37 Dheeraj Kumar Programme Officer RDD Katihar
38 Sanjay Prakash
Singh Programme officer RDD Katihar
39 Ajit Kumar Sinha DWO SC & ST welfare Katihar
40 Ashwini Kumar
Choudhary BWO SC & ST welfare Katihar
41 O.P. Rai DDC Madhubani RDD Madhabani
42 Kishan Kumar
Singh DDC Katihar RDD Katihar
43 Kaushlendra Pathak DDC Buxar RDD Buxar
44 Fazle Rabbani PM - PwD SSUPSW Patna
45 Bishnu C Parida Deputy CEO SSUPSW Patna
46 Hasnain A.Warshi PM - OP SSUPSW Patna
47 T.P. Singh APM- BP SSUPSW Patna
48 Vishal Singh SPM – C & R SSUPSW Patna
49 Avinash Kumar PM- BP SSUPSW Patna
50 Naresh Kr.
Srivastara Programme Officer RDD Nalanda
51 Savita Kumari PO RDD Nalanda
52 Vivek Anand M & E Officer
NGO - AKRSP Muzaffarpur
53 Archana Gupta Block Dev. officer RDD Patna
54 Satish Ranjan
Sinha Planning officer RDD Patna
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Annexure 4
State Level Consultation Workshop (No. 2)
on Environment and Social Assessment
for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
October 1, 2013, Patna
Organized by:
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction
The Department of Social Welfare and the Department of Rural Development jointly
organized a State level Consultation Workshop on Environmental and Social Assessment
of Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project on 1st October 2013 at Hotel
Patliputra Ashok, Patna.
The objectives of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and Environment
Assessment of BISPS and present the Social and Environment Management Frameworks
designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Participant Profile
The participants of the workshop were Secretary ICDS; DDCs and other officials from
Districts; ADSS; Consultants from World Bank; representatives from NGOs and CSOs;
SAKSHAM team members. In all, there were 57 participants
Overview of proceedings
The program was led by Senior Administrative Officer, SSUPSW Sri K K Sinha who
marked the beginning of the event by welcoming Secretary, Social Welfare Department
Sri Rajit Punhani. He emphasized on the project objectives and its scope and coverage.
The project would support state wide coverage of social care services and improvement
of departments’ capacity to deliver the social protection programs through: 101 social
care service centres, one in each sub division; 38 mobile outreach and therapy vans, one
in each district; Financial management strengthening support to RDD in all 534 blocks
and strengthening capacity to implement and monitor social protection programs and
social care services. The project would be implemented over six years, with a total cost
of Rs 600 crore, including 420 crore loan from World Bank.
There was a presentation on BISPS project proposal by Dy CEO, SSUPSW Mrs Mahua
Roy Chowdhary. She elaborated the objective of the project and how to go about the
objective; the target group and the expected project outcomes. She also shared the
project cost and the sustenance. She requested participants from various streams for
their inputs as the project is in an initial stage and the inputs could be valuable.
In subsequent presentations, the findings of the draft documents including Social and
Environment Assessment and Social and Environment Management Frameworks were
shared with the participants and suggestions were sought.
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To mark ‘World Old Persons Day’ a play was performed by participants from
CHAMAN, an NGO working for mentally challenged.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Key Discussion Points and Suggestions
Each of the presentation was followed by discussions and suggestions from the
participants. The following are the key highlights:
Social Issues
Honourable Secretary elaborated the significance of Buniyad Centers saying that
it will cater to need of destitute at local level through well paid specialists or
referred to empanelled centers which need not necessarily be government
hospitals. This will disperse the enormous load on state hospitals. In the long run
Government also aims at creating a panel of private doctors who will be entitled
to certify for disability. Thus the involvement of Health Department in this project
is quite high.
Director Pensioners’ Society pointed out that while every medical college in Bihar
has Pediatricians, none of them has Geriatrician. In India, there are 30 lakhs
pensioners as against 50 lakhs people working in government. Yet in Bihar, these
are neglected lot as unlike other states it doesn’t provide medical security to
retired people. This needs to be looked into.
Some disabled people are completely bed ridden. They might be deprived of
services provided at Block level centers. There should be a toll free number for
each Buniyad center so that totally disabled or helpless people can at least call
and seek help.
Social Management Framework:
Buniyad centers to be constructed within the premises of Block offices so that
every social group can access the services from these centers. There will not be
any kind of exclusion of any social group in these centers.
While identifying the centers no one should be disturbed or displaced
Tribal Inclusion
The participation of tribal is poor because they don’t buy the theory of outside
agencies approaching them as they might influence their existing social structure.
So the approach should be very sensitive. Someone from among them on whom
they can confide, like the ward member in the Panchayati Raj elected by the
tribes themselves, can be involved in the committee to approach them.
Community Facilitators engaged in tribal villages or tribal majority Gram
Panchayats should be from amongst the tribal communities. Particularly for the
tribal pockets communication should be customized to cater to their needs and in
their language.
As strategies for social inclusion of tribal population, there should be focus on the
blocks with tribal population with respect to awareness generation and improved
monitoring and accountability, capacity building of project staff and improved
beneficiary participation.
The location of Buniyad center should be selected in such a way that it is easily
accessible to Tribal and Mahadalits.
Structural and Locational Issues
The center should preferably be at ground floor to avoid inconvenience for old
and disabled people in climbing up.
District officials suggested that there should be a prior lease agreement with the
concerned department before investing further. This suggestion was appreciated
by World bank representative
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Honourable Secretary suggested preference should be given to an already
existing building ( preferably from Health department as compared to other
department) so that the project can be kick started immediately
But if the space selected is a land, preference should then be given to Sub
division or block office campus
Space from irrigation department, any other department and court premises can
be acquired only if DM/court approves that in writing
Also as a pilot, the building of Buniyad Center could be utilized in some other
productive ways also based on ideas and suggestions from participants. One such
suggestion was to start organic farming as mostly the premise was big and there
was plenty of land.
Good buildings involve resource-efficient design, material safety, etc., and can
contribute to a healthy and more productive working environment. Integration of
environment-friendly elements such as use of solar power in the buildings needs
to be explored.
Block level offices have frequent power cuts. The design of both centers should
be such that enough sunlight penetrates the building for adequate lighting.
Environmental Issues
The ecosystem thriving in the premises should not be disturbed by cutting of
trees or filling up of pond or drainage system.
In context of MNREGA, key environmental issues while constructing roads and
canals should be kept in mind. The impact on land productivity, plantation and
natural habitat has to be taken care of.
Human Resource
JEEVIKA is working in all 38 districts of Bihar and will be present in every block by
2014. Jeevika has already done capacity Building of village women as community
resource person. We can utilize the same human resource. Coordination between
departments is required so that there is no duplicity of work and the progress is
at faster pace.
There are about 12-15 recruitments to be done at every Buniyad center. In
addition, 4 technical people will be present in each 38 vans. This totals to more
than 1500 people. We can involve people from community level. Local care-givers
can be trained and provided recognized certificates at the Buniyad Centers.
Most of the persons with disabilities are uneducated or less educated. Providing
employment to them is also a challenge and we might take support from MNREGA
in this regards.
Honourable Secretary Mr Rajit Punhani offered vote of thanks to participants and
informed that such types of consultative workshops will be organized again after Oct 31,
2013 at district and subdivision level to get feedback and suggestions on the BISPS
project.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Program
Time Session Key Person
09.30 to 10.00 am Registration SSUPSW
10.00 to 10.30 am
Welcome and Introductions:
Introduction to the Workshop
Introduction of Participants
SSUPSW
10.30 to 10.45 am Introduction to the BISPS Project: Objective, Components
SSUPSW, BRDS
10.45 to 11.00 am
Introduction to the Environmental and Social
Assessment Studies:
Overview of the World Bank’s Safeguard Policies; Study
Methodology
World Bank Team
11.00 to 11.15 am
Presentation of findings of Environmental Assessment, followed by discussion and
feedback from participants
Consultant, SSUPSW
11.15 to 11.45 am
Presentation of Social Assessment followed by discussion and feedback from
participants
SSUPSW
11.45 to 12.15 pm Presentation of Environmental and Social Management
Framework
World Bank Team & SSUPSW
12.15 to 1.15 pm
Discussion:
Inputs from RDD, DoSW, BRDS, SSUPSW
SSUPSW, BRDS
1.15 to 1.30 pm Closing remarks SSUPSW, BRDS
1.30 to 2.30 pm Lunch
2.30pm to 3.30 pm Role of Society, Government and NGOs for the Welfare of Older Persons in Bihar
Mr. KK Verma, Director, DoSW
Dr. I C Kumar,
President, Bihar Pensioner Samaj
Prof Dr. D. M Diwakar, Director, A
N Sinha Institute of Social Studies,
Patna
3.30 -3.45pm Stage Play Students from
CHAMAN
3.45 - 4.00pm Vote of thanks
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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List of Participants
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Annexure 5
District Level Consultation Workshop (Nalanda)
on Environment and Social Assessment
for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
Organized by:
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction
The first District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment
was organized at District Collectorate, Nalanda on 13-08-2012 in which a total of 33
stakeholders participated.
The objectives of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and Environment
Assessment of BISPS and present the Social and Environment Management Frameworks
designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Participant Profile
The participants of the workshop were DDC, Nalanda; Joint Director, DoRD, Patna;
Director, Agriculture Dept.; Asst. Director, Social Security; Director, Welfare Office;
Block Development Officers (BDO); Circle Officers (CO); representatives of NGOs;
District Representative of Jeevika Project, Officials from DRDA; consultant of BRDS and
SAKSHAM team members.
Overview of the Sessions
The workshop was initiated with the introduction of the participants followed by a
presentation giving an overview of the BISPS Project wherein the project objectives and
project components were explained. The Social and Environment Assessment and the
proposed Management Frameworks were shared with participants and suggestions were
sought.
Key discussion points and suggestions
The land for Buniyad Centre and Adarsh RTPS centre is not available in the block
premises of Parwalpur and Ekangarsari and hence alternative sites have been
proposed 50 metres away from the Block premises. The land available in Hilsa is
waterlogged and requires treatment.
For effective power management, the use of solar power for Buniyaad and RTPS
Adarsh centres must be explored.
The project should boost up the provisions in the guidelines of MGNREGS for
promoting fodder banks and fencing options on plantations.
To promote an environment friendly work culture, capacity building of the officials
is required.
Agriculture top fertile soil use for works must be discouraged. This is serious
problem but nobody taking note of it. At least through this project this issue need
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
Page 105 of 132
to be highlighted to aware the general public and official engage in implementing
the program.
Strong team composition with an understanding of NREGS, environment,
insurance coverage; and worksite provisions and facilities has become pertinent
for effective implementation
Considering the nature and objective of NREGS to strengthen the natural
resource base, the indicator related to environment conservation and
maintenance need to be chalk out to provide information and clarification to all
stakeholders involve in implementing the same.
Program Schedule
District Level Consultation Workshop on Environment and Social Assessment of BISPS
Project
Date: 13-08-2012
Venue: District Collectorate, Nalanda
Time Session
Key Person Responsible
for Presentation /
Anchoring Discussion
10.30 am to 11.00 am Registration SSUPSW
11.00 am to 11.30 am
Welcome and Introductions:
Introduction to the Workshop
Introduction of Participants
DDC, Madhubani, Bihar
SSUPSW and BRDS
11.30 am to 12.15 pm
Introduction to the BISPS
Project: Objectives,
Components
Ms. Mahua
Mr. Hasnain Ansari
12.15 pm to 01.15 pm
Introduction to the
Environment and Social
Assessment and Management
Framework
Mr. Abdul Qayum
Consultant
01.15 pm to 02.30 pm Open House Discussion and
Feedback from participants SSUPSW and BRDS
02.30 pm Lunch
Participant List
S.No. Name Designation Department/
Organization
1 B. Kartkey DDC Nalanda -
2 Arshad Ali Director N.E.P DRDA
3 Sudama Mahto Director Ag. offices Agriculture
4 Rahat Fatima Asst. Director Social
Security Social Security
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S.No. Name Designation Department/
Organization
5 Surendra Ram Director Welfare office Social Welfare
6 Dr. Satish Pd. Joint Director Rural Development Dept.
7 Rajesh Kumar Gupta B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
6 Ashok Kumar B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
7 Suresh Kumar C.O Revenue Department
8 Rajiv Kumar Mehta B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
9 Chit Ranjan Pd. Singh B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
10 Ramesh Kumar B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
11 Sanjay Kumar B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
12 Nirmal Kumar B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
13 Vijay Kumar Singh B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
14 Dhirendra Kumar
Singh
B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
15 Shambha Kumari B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
16 Nand priharde B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
17 Binod Kumar Rajak B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
18 Ved Kumar Singh B.D.O, Tharthari Rural Development Dept.
19 Shri Kant Singh B.D.O, Parwalpur Rural Development Dept.
20 Amresh Kumar Project, DRDA Nalanda
21 Samir Kumar District Manager Jeevika Nalada
22 Sarita Dungdung Young Processional -
23 Chandani Prakash YP (MGNREGS) Nalanda
24 Punam Kumari Block Project Manager Jeevika Nalada
25 Sujeet Kumar Assistant DRDA, Nalanda
26 Abhishek Kumar Clerk, DRDA Nalanda
27 Anoop Kumar Clerk, DRDA -
28 Bhupendra Bihari Clerk, DRDA Nalada
29 Abdul Bahab DRDA Nalanda
30 Ashok Kumar DRDA Nalanda
31 Satish Chand Prasad DRDA Nalanda
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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S.No. Name Designation Department/
Organization
32 S.M. Alam Rojnama Rashtriya Sahar Media
33 Binod Kumar Sinha A.E. DRDA Nalanda
34 Parwez Alam B.D.O Rural Development Dept.
Photographs
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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District Level Consultation Workshop (Buxar)
on Environment and Social Assessment
for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
Organized by:
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction
The second District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment
was organized at Collectorate Office, Buxur on 14th August 2012 in which a total of 46
key stakeholders participated.
The objective of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and Environment
Assessment of BISPS and present the Social and Environment Management Frameworks
designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Participant Profile
The participants of the workshop were DDC, Buxur; Joint Director (DoRD); DAO,
(Agriculture Dept); ADSS (Social Welfare); Civil Surgeon (Health Dept); Block
Development officers (BDO); Circle Officers (Revenue); DHO (Dist. Horticulture); Asst.
Engineer (Water Resource Dept and Minor Irrigation); representatives of NGOs;
consultant of BRDS and SAKSHAM team members
Overview of the Session
The workshop began at 11:15 am with the welcome address by a SAKSHAM team
member followed by introductory remarks by the DDC.
In the first session, a SAKSHAM team member briefly presented the overview of the
BISPS Project including the project background, objectives, strategic context, project
components, details of the KBKBS model and Buniyad Centres, etc.
In the second session, the findings of the draft documents including Social and
Environment Assessment and Social and Environment Management Frameworks were
shared with the participants and suggestions were sought.
Key discussion points and suggestions
Issues on Environment Impacts of MNREGS works
The negative impact of MNREGS works on the local environment is a matter of
concern. Construction of ponds on fertile agriculture land, loss of productive top
soil, felling of trees at construction site, etc., are some of the negative impacts
perceived by the participants.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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The comments and suggestions shared by the participants for mitigating the
negative impacts are:
As poor planning of MNREGS works is a key reason behind negative
environmental impacts, the planning process in the Gram Panchayat must be
strengthened.
The technical staff of MNREGS (PTA, Junior Engineer, Assistant Engineer, PO, etc)
need technical as well as environment sensitization training to enhance the
technical soundness of their work and their motivation.
The BISPS Project should build the capacity of frontline workers i.e. Rozgar
Sevak, Junior engineer who are involved in planning, implementation and
monitoring of schemes of MGNREGS in the villages.
Issues on Environment Impacts of IAY
There is lot of scope for integration of the total sanitation program with IAY.
Although some efforts have been made in this regard, the result so far is not very
significant. The reasons are many, the most important of which is lack of
awareness among people of the negative impact of lack of sanitation.
There is a need for awareness-raising through regular contact and meetings to
explain various negative aspects of open defecation and the benefits of sanitation.
Capacity building training is required for staff involved in Indira Awas Yojana
(IAY).
Technical skills should be provided to local masons on design and use of low cost
but environment friendly materials in construction of IAY housing.
Convergence with relevant schemes of other departments may be facilitated.
Program Schedule
Time Session
Key Person Responsible
for Presentation /
Anchoring Discussion
10.30 am to 11.00 am Registration SSUPSW
11.00 am to 11.30 am
Welcome and Introductions:
Introduction to the Workshop
Introduction of Participants
DDC, Buxar
Mr. Bishnu C Parida
Dr. Satish Prasad, BRDS
11.30 am to 12.15 pm
Introduction to the BISPS
Project: Objectives,
Components
Mr. Bishnu C Parida
Mr. Fazle Rabbani Siddiqui
12.15 pm to 01.15 pm
Introduction to the
Environment& Social
Assessment and Management
Framework
Mr. Abdul Qayum
Consultant
01.15 pm to 02.30 pm Open House Discussion &
Feedback from participants SSUPSW and BRDS
02.30 pm Lunch
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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1. List of Participants
SN Name Designation Department/ Organization 1 K. Pathak DDC RDD
2 Dr. S. Prasad Jt. Direcctor RDD
3 Shankes Pd. singh BDO RDD
4 SharafatHusan BDO RDD
5 Ajay Kumar Singh BDO Hawanagar RDD
6 Moti Kumar Dinkar BDO Rajpur RDD
7 A.S. Misra BDO Buxar RDD
8 RajendaraKuamr BDO Simari RDD
9 SumantNath CO, Semari Revenue
10 Shahid Jamal BDO, Chaugai RDD
11 Dr. B.K. Prabhkar BDO Brahndser RDD
12 SiddhNath CO Chaugain Revenue
13 Vinod Kumar Sinha BDO Chausa RDD
14 Sanjay Kumar PO Buxar RDD
15 KrishnaKanhaiya Prasad BDO, Ftorhi RDD
16 K.K. Singh CO Dumraon Revenue
17 Umesh Kumar CO Nawanagar Revenue
18 Jitendra Kumar PO, Itharhi RDD
19 TusharkantChanda PO Simri RDD
20 Ram Bhajan Ram CO Rajpur Revenue
21 BhararBhuSharTiway CO Itharhi Revenue
22 Satish Chandra Anand PO Brahmpur Revenue
23 Rajesh Kumar PO Chakki Revenue
24 KhaedAkhter PO Bumraon Revenue
25 Md. SajjadZahil PO Chause Buxar RDD
26 Jitendra Kumar PO Nawanagar RDD
27 Kr. Subhash PO Rajpur RDD
28 Dr. Harish Chandra Hari Civil Sergeon Heath Dept.
29 Dr.K.K. Misha - -
30 Prem Shankar Ram DAO Buxar Agriculture
31 Deepak Kr. Sinha DHO Buxar Agriculture
32 S.N. Singh EO (Assistant Engr) Water Resource Dept.
33 B.N.Pathak CO Chausa Revenue
34 Anil Benet cruz Asst. Director NGO- BWDS
35 Ajay Kumar Supervisor NGO- Chirag
36 Poonamej Secretary NGO- Chirag
37 RiyaChaurasia Co-ordinator NGO- Monalisa
38 Binad Kumar Singh Secretary NGO- Monalisa
39 S.Shankar Member NGO- Sahara
40 Abdul Qayam Consultant BRDS
41 Fazle Rabbani PM (Disability) SSUPSW
42 Bishnu C Parida Dy. CEO SSUPSW
43 Vijay Kumar Singh CO Buxar Revenue
44 Ram vinodkumarsha Assistant Engineer Minor Irrigation
45 Sumankumari PO Chaugain RDD
46 Alok Kumar ADSS Social Welfare
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Photographs
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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District Level Consultation Workshop (Madhubani)
on Environment and Social Assessment
for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
Organized by:
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction
The third District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment
was organized at DDC office premise, Madhubani on 16-08-2012 in which a total of 39
key stakeholders of the project participated.
The objective of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and Environment
Assessment of BISPS and present the Social and Environment Management Frameworks
designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Participant Profile
The participants of the workshop were the District Development Commissioner (DDC);
Undersecretary DoRD, Patna; Circle Officers (CO); Asst. Director, Social Security; Block
Development Officers (BDO); DAO (Agriculture Dept.); Dist. Horticulture Officer; Civil
Surgeon; Community Development Officer, NABARD; DPM, Jeevika Project and
representatives from NGOs; team members of SAKSHAM and consultant from BRDS.
Overview of the Session
The workshop began at 11 am with the welcome address and introduction of participants
followed with inaugural address by DDC, Madhubani. This was followed by a presentation
on an overview of the BISPS Project wherein the project objectives and project
components were explained. The Social and Environment Assessment and the proposed
Management Frameworks were shared with participants and suggestions sought.
Key Discussions and Suggestions
BUNIYAD and ADARSH Centers
The design of the ADARSH (now dropped from project scope) and BUNIYAD Centers
should integrate environment-friendly aspects.
The use of Solar Energy to replace/supplement Diesel Generators for power back-up
must be explored.
Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY)
A model of low cost housing must be created and adopted. This is already being
adopted in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. However, the cash amount must
be enhanced from the existing Rs 45,000. Also, to resolve this issue, low cost
material and locally procured material should be promoted by the Government.
IAY is a cash-transfer scheme. It is not possible to prescribe any design to the
beneficiaries unless there are policy level changes.
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However, rather than imposing a top-down scheme, the focus must be on
empowering the beneficiaries to contribute some additional amount to construct their
dream house.
There is a need to create awareness to change the mindset of the beneficiaries about
the design and construction of the housing.
MGNREGA Works
In Madhubani, there are no protected areas such as sanctuaries and national parks.
However, the district has several ponds that come under the purview of the Fisheries
Department. Any of the development works on these sites are not possible without a
healthy collaboration between these departments at the State level.
It is important to involve trained engineers to design and monitor the MGNREGA
construction works as the local community and staff does not have expertise in
technical design. However, availability of trainer engineers is a constraint.
Forestry (plantation) works should be increased in MGNREGS on Panchayat and
Private land. The benefits to the community from plantations on Panchayat land need
to be made clear to the community.
Infrastructure Development Authority can also be requested to provide technical
support for design of the MGNREGS works.
Program Schedule
Date: 16-08-2012
Venue: DDC office premise, Madhubani
Time Session
Key Person Responsible
for Presentation /
Anchoring Discussion
10.30 to 11.00 am Registration SSUPSW
11.00 to 11.30 am Welcome and Introductions:
Introduction to the Workshop
Introduction of Participants
DDC, Madhubani, Bihar
SSUPSW and BRDS
11.30 to 12.15 pm Introduction to the BISPS Project:
Objectives, Components
Mr. Avinash Kumar
Mr. Saurabh Trivedi
12.15 to 01.15 pm Introduction to the Environment
and Social Assessment and
Management Framework
Mr. Abdul Qayum
Consultant
01.15 to 02.30 pm Open House Discussion and
Feedback from participants
SSUPSW and BRDS
02.30 pm Lunch
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List of Participants
S.No. Name Designation Department/
Organization
1 O.P. Rai DDC RD Bihar
2. Jagdish Choudhary Undersecretary DoRD, Patna
3 Raj Kumar Vishwatarma Community Develop. WECP, Priyadars NABARD
4 Barun Kumar DPM BRLPS/ Jeevika project
5 Rajesh Gupta TM BRLPS/ Jeevika project
6 Praveen Kumar Singh DPO Office of DEO MDD
7 Ravi Shankar Pandey CO CO, Madhubani
8 Krishna Kant Jha DAO Agriculture Department
9 Sunil Kumar BDO BDO, Jhanjharpur
10 Lakshmi Kant Jha DHO Dist. Horticulture Officer
11 Amrendra Narayan Executive Marinate -
12 Hari Prasad BDO BDO, Rajnagar
13 Kusum Lal Paswan Circle Officer C.O. Jay nager
14 Kusum Lal Paswan CO C.O Kaluahi
15 Kushi N. Singh BDO BDO. Phulpraj
16 Aswani Kumar CO CO, Phulpraj
17 Ashok Kumar BDO BDO, Pandoll
18 Shallder Kumar Jha CO Pandoll
19 Avdhesh Kumar Srivastava CO CO, Rajnagar
20 Ashok Kumar CO CO, Madhubani
21 Sunil Kumar CO CO, Khajanahi
22 Ashwani Kumar Sinha CO CO, Basopatti
23 Baidyanath BDO Block, Basopatti
24 Nitya Nand Pandey BDO Block
25 Bijay Kumar BDO Block, Karernari
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S.No. Name Designation Department/
Organization
26 Mandau Mishra BDO Block, Basopatti
27 Raman Kumar Jha BDO Block, Lakhriturt
28 Upendra Prasad BDO Block, Raheka
29 Raj Bahuahier Gupta BDO Block, Jainagar
30 S.P. Verma BDO Block, Bahuarhi
31 Ashuik Singh - SWD
32 Abdul Qayum Consultant -
33 Dr. Sudhir Kumar Sinha Civil Surgeon Dist. Hospital, Madhubani
34 Rajeev Rajan Sinha - Revenue
35 Babu Yadav Sr. Dy, Collector -
36 Mukesh Kumar Jha DIA, NIC NIC
37 Sunil Kumar Mihra Press -
38 Raman Kumar Mishra Press Prabhat Khabar
39 Shyam Sunder Jha Press Dainik Jagran
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Photographs
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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District Level Consultation Workshop (Katihar)
on Environment and Social Assessment
for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
Organized by:
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction
The fourth District Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment was
organized at Vikas Bhawan, Katihar on 17th August 2012 in which a total of 45 key
stakeholders participated.
The objective of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and Environment
Assessment of BISPS and present the Social and Environment Management Frameworks
designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Participant Profile
The participants of the workshop were DDC, Katihar; Undersecretary from DoRD, Patna;
Consultant, World Bank; Block Development officers (BDO); Circle Officers (CO);
representatives of NGOs; consultant from BRDS and SAKSHAM team members.
Overview of the Session
The workshop began at 11 am with the welcome address by a SAKSHAM team member
followed by introductory remarks by the DDC, Katihar.
In the first session, a SAKSHAM team member briefly presented the overview of the
BISPS Project including the project background, objectives and source of finance,
strategic context, project components, and gave details of the KBKBS model and the
Buniyad Centres.
In the second session, the findings of the draft documents including Social and
Environment Assessment and Social and Environment Management Frameworks were
shared with the participants and suggestions were sought.
Key discussion points and suggestions
● Some of the participants expressed concern about the poor quality of work
carried out in some of the MNREGS works stemming from the lack/inadequacy of
scientific design and technical supervision relating to works on water harvesting
and conservation.
● A large number of MNREGS works particularly those related to water
conservation, remain incomplete or have been inefficient, either due to lack of
technical support to GPs or insufficient rainfall.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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● Concern was also expressed about the need to focus on survival of the saplings
planted under MNREGS.
Protected Areas
● Gogabil Pakshi Vihar a protected area in the district once known for its migratory
birds and forest coverage is a thing of the past. The habitat of birds has been
destroyed and since last 5-6 years this protected areas has not able to attract
migratory birds due to encroachment for agricultural land and fishing. This
highlights the need for adoption of environmental safeguards in development
activity.
IAY Housing
● In the light of the existing rural housing scenario and the importance of
promoting environment friendly housing in IAY (construction of well ventilated
house with toilets and drains, discouraging use of asbestos-cement sheets, etc.),
most of the participants felt that the idea is useful and innovative but
implementation within the available fund for IAY will be a challenge. The example
of Andhra Pradesh was cited in this context where Rs 65,000 is provided per
beneficiary for IAY. It is necessary to think of alternatives for low-cost, innovative
environment friendly housing for the rural poor people.
● Some participants were of the view that it will be useful to promote/create a
model for low cost housing at least in one pocket of the district so that it success
can be replicated in rest of the district.
Program Schedule
Date: 17-08-2012
Venue: Vikas Bhawan, Katihar
Time Session
Key Person Responsible for
Presentation / Anchoring
Discussion
10.30 to 11.00 am Registration SSUPSW
11.00 to 11.30 am
Welcome and Introductions:
Introduction to the Workshop
Introduction of Participants
DDC, Katihar
Representative from SSUPSW
and BRDS
11.30 to 12.15 pm Introduction to the BISPS Project:
Objectives, Components
Mr. Vishal Singh
Mr. Tribhuwan Singh
12.15 to 01.15 pm
Introduction to the Environment
and Social Assessment and
Management Framework
Mr. Abdul Qayum
Consultant
01.15 to 02.30 pm Open House Discussion &
Feedback from participants SSUPSW and BRDS
02.30 pm Lunch
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List of Participants
S.No. Name Designation Department/
Organization
1 Keshav Kumar Singh DDC, Katihar RDD
2 Muni Lal Jamadar Director, NEP DRDA, RRD
3 Jitendra Kumar Singh BDO, Kadwa RDD
4 Dr. Rakesh Kumar BAHO Animal Husbandry Dept.
5 Ratan Lal BDO, Azamnagar RDD
6 Shiv Shankar Ramani Secretary NGO - KKVVBKS
7 Madan Kumar Accountant NGO - KKVVBKS
8 Satish Prasad CO, Pranpur Revenue
9 Rudrakant Dube Secretary NGO – MPEW Society
10 Rakesh Kr. Srivastav Secretary NGO - MJSS
11 Shakun Verma CO, Hasnganj Revenue
12 Srinivas Varadan Consultant The World Bank
13 Abdul Qayam Consultant BRDS
14 Ravindra Kumar BDO, Pranpur RDD
15 Arvind Mishra CO, Barsoi Revenue
16 Indrajeet Singh DHO Horticulture
17 Dr. Jagdish
Chowdhury Under Secretary RDD
18 Dr. Om Prakash ACMO Health
19 Narendra Kumar BDO, Hasanganj RDD
20 Rajesh Kumar Singh Secretary NGO - APSS
21 Randhir Singh BDO, Balrampur RDD
22 P.C. Das Assistant DRDA (RDD)
23 A.K. Jha Assistant DRDA (RDD)
24 A. Ram DOP, Katihar Education
25 Archana Gupta BDO Dandkhora RDD
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S.No. Name Designation Department/
Organization
26 S. K. Jha DAO, Katihar Agriculture
27 R. N. Pandey CO, Sameli Revenue
28 Parshu Ram BDO, Falka RDD
29 S. K. Sahay CO, Kursela CO
30 Madhu Kumari BDO, Katihar RDD
31 Jaishankar Kumaar DO DRDA (RDD
32 Nuzhat Manzur
BDO & designated for SC
& ST Welfare, Block
Manihari
RDD
33 Bibha Kumar BDO, Amdabad RDD
34 Ashutosh Jha CO Falka Revenue
35 S. Singh CO, Amdabad Revenue
36 Arun Kumar Choubey BDO, Barari RDD
37 S. Kumar CO, Barari Revenue
38 Mahesh P Singh CO, Manihari Revenue
39 Kishor K Mandal Secretary NGO - SGV
40 H. K. Das Assistant DRDA (RDD)
41 Sandeep Kumar Assistant DRDA (RDD)
42 S. Singh Assistant DRDA (RDD)
43 Amit Chubey Secretary NGO - MPES
44 Usha Devi Assistant NGO - MPES
45 Pradeep Kumar Assistant NGO - MPES
Photographs
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Annexure 6
District Level Consultation Workshop (Gaya)
(Second Round/Follow-up)
on Environment and Social Assessment
for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
Organized by:
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction
The District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment was
conducted at Collectoriate Auditorium, Gaya 7th October 2013 in which a total of key
stakeholders including government’s district and block level officials; representatives of
NGOs participated.
The objectives of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and Environment
Assessment of BISPS project and present the Social and Environment Management
Frameworks designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Participant Profile
The participants of the workshop were DM, Gaya; DDC, SDO, ADSS (Social Welfare);
Block Development Officers (BDOs); representatives from NGOs; consultants World Bank
and SSUPSW and SAKSHAM team members.
Overview of Session
The workshop began at 03:00 PM with the welcome address by ADSS (Social Welfare)
followed with self introduction by the participants.
In the first session, SAKSHAM team present the overview of the BISPS Project that
includes the project background; objectives; strategic context; project components with
special emphasis on social care centre- Buniyad Centre.
In the second session, overview of the World Bank’s Safeguard Policies was shared by
the WB team. This has followed with presentation of the findings of the draft documents
including Social and Environment Assessment and Social and Environment Management
Frameworks were shared with the participants and suggestions were sought.
Key discussion points and suggestions
While reflecting on the presentation, DM emphasized that stakeholder consultation
at the beginning of the project is important in analyzing and understanding
resource available that can be contributed to the project by the various
stakeholders.
He reiterated that that since the project intends to provide services to older
persons, widows and persons with disabilities needs serious reflections around the
identified issues by the key stakeholders of the project. He was in the view that
today’s consultations would holds more meaning when it is supported with
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intensive sharing and deliberations in the near future. He announced 22nd
November 13, for the follow-up consultation meetings with the key stakeholders in
Gaya.
On issue of identifying existing structure/ building for the social care service centre/
Buniyad Centre, DDC appreciated the idea. He gave his consent to find out one or
two existing building from where the service centre can be started after necessary
renovation.
On the issues of environment impact of Bunirad centres, the officials were in view
that such impacts are negligible and if there is any problem of water logging,
wetland or ditches found near the proposed sites/ lands that can be managed.
On the issues of social concern of the beneficiaries of the Buniyad Centres is
concerned, the officials feel that since all the service centres are coming up in
campus of the block the environment is conducive for the people to visit the centre.
They reiterated that public feel more comfortable to visit the block for various
services and they would not hesitate to visit the service centres either.
One of the most important health problems of the elderly is the cataract and the
problem gets compounded in case of disadvantaged, vulnerable or destitute elderly.
Therefore, project aim at providing services through Buniyad Centres can also be
included under the intervention.
There was yet another view to improve preparedness and resilience among the
older people, widows and persons with disabilities at risks through formation and
strengthening of Community Based Organizations is need to be integrated with the
services for beneficiaries of the project. This would provide them aspirations to
fight for being powerlessness by realizing own potentials and less dependent on
others or family members.
There was another view also shared by one participate that this centre should also
provide services to the leper. On this it was replied that since such persons need
different types of care and rehabilitation and for this several government’s schemes
are there and hence they cannot be included under the services of Buniyad Centre.
Program Schedule
Time Session
Key Person Responsible
for Presentation /
Anchoring Discussion
2.30 to 3.00 pm
Welcome, Inauguration and
Introduction:
Introduction to the Workshop
Introduction of Participants
Mr. Avinash Kumar ,
SSUPSW
3.00 to 3.15pm Introduction to the BISPS Project:
Objective, Components
Mr. Avinash Kumar,
SSUPSW
3.15 to 3.30 pm
Introduction to the Environmental
and Social Assessment Studies:
Overview of the World Bank’s
Safeguard Policies; Study
Methodology
Mr. Abdul Qayum,
Consultant, SSUPSW
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Time Session
Key Person Responsible
for Presentation /
Anchoring Discussion
3.00 to 3.45 pm
Presentation of findings of
Environmental Assessment, followed
by discussion and feedback from
participants
Mr. Abdul Qayum,
Consultant, SSUPSW
3.45 to 4.00pm
Presentation of Social Assessment
followed by discussion and feedback
from participants
Mr. Avinash Kumar,
SSUPSW
4.00 to 4.15 pm Presentation of Environmental and
Social Management Framework
World Bank Team &
SSUPSW
4.15 to 4.30 pm Discussion SSUPSW
4.30 to 4.35pm Closing remarks SSUPSW
4.35 to 4.40 pm Vote of thanks ADSS , Gaya
List of Participants
Photographs
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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Annexure 7
Review of Existing Capacity for Environment Management
1. Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA)
Staff profile
Designation/
Post Qualifications
No. of
posts Key role
Capacity building
needs for
environmental
management
Director (Project
Implementation)
Graduate Degree
in Engineering 1
Over all in-
charge of
program
implementation
All regular staff of
IDA has received
training on the
‘Green Building’
concept. However,
there is a
perceived need for
further training
and skill up
gradation in
environment
management.
Chief Consultant
(PDA/Tecnical/
BoT)
Graduate Degree
in Engineering 5
Project
supervision
Consultant
(Design)
Graduate Degree
in Engineering 1
In-house
checking
Consultant
Planning
Graduate Degree
in Engineering 1
In-house
checking
Consultant
(Technical)
Graduate Degree
in Engineering 21
Supervision
Executive Diploma in Civil
Engineering 33
Supervision
Note: IDA has a panel of experts in different technical areas including Green Buildings,
and it seeks their services as per the requirement of the projects. IDA’s regular staff
(listed in table above) is mainly involved in supervision and monitoring of construction
work.
Existing experience on environmental management
IDA has so far undertaken two projects that involved integration of environment-friendly
elements into construction. These are the Gaya Academic Block and the Forest Bhawan.
IDA has a well-equipped laboratory for monitoring quality of construction materials. It
has also on-site lab facilities for testing and monitoring construction. IDA employs third-
party evaluation support to ensure quality construction.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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2. SSUPSW
Staff Profile
Designation/Post Qualifications
and Experience
Number
of posts Key role
Capacity
building needs
for
environmental management
CEO
Indian Revenue
Service
One
Overall
coordination of
SSUPSW SSUPSW team in
the present
designated role
does not require
capacity building
in environment
management.
However, SPM
(M&E) and DPM
who are
responsible for
coordinating with
the technical
support agency
for construction
of environment
friendly buildings
and for ensuring
compliance of
construction
contractors with
code of practice
need training on
relevant aspects
of environmental
management.
CEO/ Deputy CEO M.Phil (NRM) One
Almost all the
team
members have
joined SSUPW
in January 12.
All the team
members have
been
functioning in
accordance
with their
designated
role.
State Program
Manager (SPM)-
Ultra poor
Post Graduate
Diploma in Rural
Development
(PGDRD)/ PG in
Public Health/
social science
One
SPM and PM (CB) PGDRD/ PGPRM One +
One
SPM and PM
(Communication &
Research)
MA (Mass
Communication)/
M.Phil
One +
One
PM-Nutrition Degree/ PhD in
Nutrition One
Project Coordinator
(PC)
Asst. PC
MBA One +
One
PM-Disability LSW/ B. Ed (Spl.
Education) One
PM-Service for
Older Person PGDRD One
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3. Profile of existing capacity of BRDS
3.1 Staff Profile
Designation/ Post
Qualifications Experience No. of posts
Key role
Capacity building needs
for environmental
management
Chief Operating Officer/
Managing Director
Two years full time Post Graduate Degree in any discipline OR Two years full
time PG Degree or Diploma in Management OR Four years Graduate Degree in Engineering, Agriculture & Allied Sciences.
14 years of handling state or national level
responsibility at
significant scale in any sector.
One Provide direction and leadership to achieve the vision, mission, and objectives of BRDS.
Be the guardian of the core principles of BRDS.
Provide direction and support at the regional, district and local level Programme collaboration and partnership with stakeholders including NGOs, private sector, financial institutions, and line departments.
Ensure that BRDS has both local and state level
impact of a demonstrably high quality.
Responsible for effective management of programmes and human resources of BRDS.
-
State Programme Director-
MNREGA
Two years full time Post Graduate Degree in any discipline OR Two years full
time PG Degree/Diploma in Management OR Two years full time MSW OR Four years Graduate Degree in
Engineering, Agriculture & Allied Sciences.
12 years’ experience in relevant domain such
as similar rural
development programmes at scale
One Overall responsibility for implementation of MNREGS according to the Act at state, district, block and panchayat levels.
Ensure that the programme meets its objectives and impacts the lives of the targeted beneficiaries.
Provide overall leadership and guidance to teams at the State, District, Block and Panchayat level.
Forge partnerships with other stakeholders
including line departments, private sectors and civil society organizations.
Overall coordination and supervision of programme implementation.
-
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Designation/ Post
Qualifications Experience No. of posts
Key role
Capacity building needs
for
environmental management
Director– Social Audit
Same as above. 8 years of work experience with demonstrated
commitment towards issues of transparency,
accountability in Governance
One Provide Policy guidance to BRDS on Social Audit Processes and ensure calendar based social audit.
Ensure the autonomy and purity of the social audit process and implementation.
Ensure that all policy level decisions related to the Social Audit are implemented.
Provide guidance and manage the Social Audit Directorate of BRDS.
Sensitize all stakeholders on social audit
process
Work towards brining full transparency in all BRDS programs.
-
Head - Capacity
Building, HR
and Facility Management
Two years full time Post Graduate Degree/Diploma in Management OR Two year
full time PG Degree/Diploma in Human Resource Management OR Two years
full time MSW.
Minimum 10 years of experience in HR/Facility
Management and Capacity Building
domain preferably of
handling operations at state/ national level
One Assess relevant training needs for staff
individuals and organization, in consultation with unit heads.
Develop Capacity Building Strategy, training modules and programmes to meet training and
development needs of all BRDS Staff.
Ensure quality of delivery of Capacity Building activities.
Ensure that Capacity Building efforts result in greater programme effectiveness in the field.
Orientation training in
environment
management to enable
coordination of
capacity building
programmes on
environmental management to
BRDS and MNREGS staff.
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Designation/ Post
Qualifications Experience No. of posts
Key role
Capacity building needs
for
environmental management
Team Leader – Monitoring,
Evaluation
and Learning
Two years full time PG Degree/Diploma in Management OR Two year
full time MSW OR Four years Graduate Degree in Engineering, Agriculture & Allied Sciences.
Minimum 10 years of experience in thematic domain preferably of
handling operations at state/national level
One Ensure the development of appropriate monitoring and learning environment and systems across BRDS.
Ensure successful roll out of the Monitoring and Evaluation systems across BRDS and will contribute towards capacity building of the staff.
Build a streamlined reporting system across all levels.
Conduct Review and monitoring of all
programmes.
Ensure that programme data is collected in a timely manner, analyzed to an appropriate
recognized standard, evaluated accurately, clearly and presented to BRDS management and to the people of Bihar.
Maintain and manage institutional memory of
BRDS.
Orientation training in
environment
management to enable
monitoring of environmental management
aspects of MNREGS and
IAY.
State Level Advisors
Engineering Four years Graduate Degree in Engineering or higher
Minimum 10 years of experience in thematic
domain preferably of
handling operations at state/national level
One Provide strategic guidance to BRDS in their respective thematic area, including formulating
policies, designing implementing guidelines and
ensuring quality implementation.
Partnership management with service providers both public and private, coordinating relationship with project stakeholders as well as external resource agencies
Convergence with Government department,
linkages with financial institutions, building capacity of NGOs and civil society organizations
Training on environment
management of
MNREGS works and IAY housing.
Natural
Resource Management
Four years Graduate Degree
in Engineering OR Two years full time PG Diploma in Management OR Two years full time Graduate Degree in Agriculture & Allied Sciences.
One
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Designation/ Post
Qualifications Experience No. of posts
Key role
Capacity building needs
for
environmental management
Institution & Capacity Building
Two years full time PG Diploma in Management OR Two years full time MSW OR
Two year fill time Post Graduate Degree/Diploma in Human Resource Management.
Minimum 10 years of experience in thematic domain preferably of
handling operations at state/ national level.
Undertake reviews, evaluations and research
(including field research) to further enhance quality of the programmes.
Provide trainings to Project staff, including handholding support wherever required
Orientation to enable
coordination of
capacity building
activities on environmental management in MNREGS and
IAY.
Convergence Coordinator
Two years full time PG Degree/Diploma in Management OR Four year
Graduate Degree in Engineering, Agriculture & Allied Sciences.
Minimum 8 years of experience particularly
in rural housing
preferably of handling operations at state/
national level
Build Partnerships and Linkages – with other government departments and programmes particularly IAY, private sector and civil society
organizations – for social inclusion, for economic inclusion & linkages - Training institutions, etc
Develop guidelines for building partnerships particularly for IAY.
Periodic review of partnerships
Training in environment management
aspects of IAY housing.
Monitoring, Evaluation
and Learning Team (2)
A full time Post Graduate Degree/Diploma in
Management OR full time MSW OR Four year Graduate
degree in Engineering, Agriculture & Allied Sciences.
At least 2 year experience in relevant
domain
09 Ensure successful roll out of the Monitoring & Learning Strategy
Guiding & Undertaking periodic evaluations including evaluation studies and other need
based documentation.
Thematic reviews of the programmes at the State Level
Undertaking Data analysis, trend analysis for strategic as well as operational decision
making.
Train other staff to carryout participatory and conventional monitoring and evaluation
Orientation/ training in to
enable monitoring of
environmental management
aspects of MNREGS and
IAY.
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Designation/ Post
Qualifications Experience No. of posts
Key role
Capacity building needs
for
environmental management
Programme Executives
(10)
Two years full time PG Degree/ Diploma in Management OR Two years
full time MSW OR a Four years Graduate Degree in Engineering, Agriculture or Allied Sciences
NIL 10 Managerial assistance to Directors, Team Leaders and State Level Advisors
Support rolling out of strategies at the district
and block levels
Documentation and Reporting
Liaise/ follow up with Districts/ stakeholders
Orientation on environment management
aspects of MNREGS and
IAY.
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3.2 Existing Experience on Environmental Management
3.2.1 Integration of environmental considerations into the planning process of
MGNREGS works: The works permitted under the MGNREGS are those which adhere to
good Natural Resource Management. These include works on water conservation;
drought proofing; plantation; soil and moisture conservation; land development; up
gradation of wastelands; recovery of wetlands and marshy lands, etc.
To facilitate this, the following have initiatives have been taken:
Decentralize planning up to ward level (sub-Gram Panchayat)
Provision for technical staff for a cluster of Gram Panchayats to provide technical
support to the ward Sabha to formulate plans for MNREGS works.
Provision for hiring of technical experts at district level.
3.2.2 Monitoring of quality of MNREGS works: The existing technical staff of the
Department of Rural Development catering to MGNREGS are as follows:
There is one Panchayat Technical Assistant per Gram Panchayat who takes
measurement of every work and is also responsible for ensuring quality check as
per the estimate.
There is one Junior Engineer for every 10 Gram Panchayats who is responsible for
quality check for 100 percent of the schemes under his charge.
There are Assistant Engineers and Executive Engineers at the district level who
are responsible for conducting quality checks on 10 percent of the schemes under
their charge.
In addition to this, teams of technical persons headed by senior Deputy Collectors
and other district level officials visit randomly selected Blocks/Panchayats on
every Wednesday and conduct a 100 percent verification of the MNREGS works
done.
Follow-up of the monitoring is carried out through: block level weekly review by
Program Officers on every Tuesday of all Panchayar Rozgar Sevaks (PRS);
monthly review by DM, DPC/DDC, ADPC; monthly review at the state level of
DDCs, weekly video conferencing with 10 poor-performing blocks every week by
the state monitoring team.
3.2.3 Good environmental management practices taken up in MGNREGS works
in Bihar: The provision for taking up plantation works under MNREGS by appointing one
Van Poskak (care-taker) for every unit of 200 plants has been instituted (by developing
detailed guidelines and schedule of rates) to ensure the survival and growth of the
saplings. This has resulted in the creation of large scale work in Tirhut, Gaya, Patna,
Munger, etc., and has also led to the creation of green cover. The scheme has also
emphasized on promotion of organic manures. Detailed guidelines (and schedule of
rates) of organic manures have been issued. Training workshops by resource persons in
organic farming such as Subhas Palekar have been organized both at the state level and
in the districts of Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, etc.
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
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3.2.4 Integration of environmental management in IAY housing:
IAY guidelines provide for construction of earthquake resistant houses with
provisions for smokeless cookstoves, toilet and plantation of trees. The guidelines
also provide a framework for convergence with total sanitation campaign. The
construction of IAY houses is done by the beneficiaries themselves. While there is
emphasis on providing design and technical support for the construction, no fund
is allocated for the same from the Central Government.
The quality monitoring of the houses is in the hands of beneficiaries themselves.
In cases where the state has made a specific intervention like in Kosi region,
flood resistant houses are being built with the technical support of the state, by
providing an additional state support of Rs 20,000 per housing unit.
Monitoring of the construction up to plinth and lintel level, and, construction of
toilets is monitored by the Panchayat Sachiv (Secretary). Weekly monitoring and
follow up/review are done by the Block Development Officers (BDOs). Monthly
review meeting is being carried out by DM/DDC.
Examples of integration of good environment management practices in IAY in
Bihar include the construction of flood resistant houses in the Kosi region,
convergence with smokeless chulhas in Madhubani and Nalanda districts, and,
convergence of the IAY program with the total sanitation campaign.
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